Peaches by Plums

Around the world in 30 minutes.

In any given day I could imagine myself living in five different countries. One day I want to live abroad. It’s been a dream of mine for quite some time. Me and my husband have talked about it and it seems like every other month we are moving to a new country but can’t pull the trigger. We have a comfortable life in the Boston suburbs but as soon as we settle down we get the urge to start on a new adventure. It’s a constant up and down in our life.

The other day my husband suggested that maybe he would like to do his Ph.D in Europe in a few years. That was all it took for my head to spin out of control with visions of my life abroad. Here’s a little insight of how my mind works when “on wanderlust.”

Wednesday I’m in Amsterdam

After watching Passport to Europe in Amsterdam and House Hunters International in the Netherlands I start to think about what it would be like to live in this city. It takes me back to when we were visiting during our honeymoon. I loved the beautiful buildings, the creative influence on the city and the tranquil canal lined streets. I began my research to see what it really would be like for an American to live here. The concept of work-life balance is prevalent in this city, I really like that. Let’s talk out about transportation. Like most cities it would be hard to have a car but most people bike here which makes for a fun way to get around that most US cities don’t have. What about the weather? Hmm, it seems to get a lot of rain. Would I miss the hot summer months? Perhaps. The great thing is that it’s so close to other countries and makes for easy travel where we could find some place warm to be! But there is the issue of learning the language. Okay, so Amsterdam is on the list.

Thursday I’m in France

After spending the entire day (and yes I mean the entire day) of reading the wonderful Lindsey’s blog, Lost in Cheeseland, I got the bug for France. Paris was another city we visited during our Honeymoon. I loved the wandering streets, cozy cafes and spirit of life in Paris. After reading Lindsey’s posts about her life in Paris I got a good sense of the city. But would I really like it? Perhaps it’s a bit too much. Maybe living a little further out would be better. Our time spent in Giverny (Monet’s Garden) was beautiful. Ironically House Hunters International focused their search on France today. I was glued to the tv for three hours as they went from Paris to Normandy to Provence and then to the Languedoc-Roussillon region. I tried to envision my life in each place. I have to admit, I was transfixed by the beautiful historic home that was once a convent in Normandy. The cozy secret corners and gorgeous kitchen was everything I wanted. I felt myself leaning towards this life but I’m not totally sold. Do I really fit in in France? It may be a little too much change for me. Maybe I need to try somewhere a little more recognizable for my first step outside of the states.

Friday I’m in England

Well it’s abroad, English speaking and you gotta love those stone cottages. I spent some time living in London back in College. I fell in love with the city. I think I would’ve enjoyed my time more if I was a little older and had someone to enjoy it with. Of course my mind starts in London. I love the parks and the ethnic diversity and neighborhoods. Again, with having a dog I think I should focus on the suburbs where you get the real England. So I pack my bags once again and take the train to Windsor. I love the community feel with lovely shops and pubs. Before settling down I take a trip to Somerset where big homes line the fields and quintessential England is before my eyes. Yes, I like the sound of this. Maybe England is the place for me.

After all of this “moving” I’m exhausted! Mentally I’ve lived in three plus countries (I didn’t mention my time in Belgium, Ireland or Sweden.) Usually once I am done on my trip around the world I get a little homesick and go back to Boston where I’m most comfortable. I think to myself, will I ever get the guts to move abroad and leave everything behind or will it always just be a dream where the thrill of the chase will be enough to satisfy my wanderlust.

Has anyone else made the leap abroad and had a good (or bad) experience? Any advice?

*all images via my personal collection

hellanne:

(by wooden rings)

A love letter from Winston Churchill to his beloved Clementine Hozier:

London, January 1935

My darling Clemmie,

… you wrote some words very dear to me, about my having enriched your life. I cannot tell you what pleasure this gave me, because I always feel so overwhelmingly in your debt, if there can be accounts in love… What it has been to me to live all these years in your heart and companionship no phrases can convey.

Time passes swiftly, but is it not joyous to see how great and growing is the treasure we have gathered together, amid the storms and stresses of so many eventful and, to millions, tragic and terrible years?…

With tender love from your devoted,

W.

via library online

(via helllanne)

Make- #reverb10

via FFFFOUND!

December 6 – Make.

What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?

This is a hard one for me. I “make” a lot of things but how do I pick just one to talk about today?

My latest creative project has been painting. I am no where near an artist and can barely consider myself an amateur painter but in terms of it being a hobby, I really enjoy it.

When I was in London I was really lonely and took up painting as a way to keep busy and feel a little more at home. It was incredibly therapeutic. It wasn’t until recently that I started up again. I gathered all of my supplies, created my work space and put up my twinkly lights (of course.)

For the past month I have been working on one art piece. To be honest, I haven’t been “working” on it, I’ve just been thinking about working on it. It has sat in my studio for a long time and I can’t quite get the motivation to do it. I’m not sure why. I guess if I feel forced to be creative then it’s not fun anymore. It doesn’t feel natural. I’m also scared that it’s not going to turn out well. I don’t want to feel ashamed of it….or maybe I don’t want to feel ashamed of myself. For art is really just an expression of oneself.

Oh boy, I think I just opened up a can of worms. Thanks Reverb 10.

love their style

via Black*Eiffel

As George Downes would say, “Love the bag, love the shoes, love everything.” 

get on your high horse and let’s ride.

via [simplesong]

I love the design and simplicity of these paper goods.  It’s a bit London-like yet western all in one.  It’s all very confusing and intriguing at the same time!