On Christmas.

Let's be honest, I've yet to have one of those emotional revelations of the holidays this year. The typical one that I seem to rush the words out to make me feel connected to the rest of the world. Most holidays don't seem like holidays right now. A lot of it is environment and different perspectives and I'm in a completely different country all together that doesn't have snow a only couple hours away. Fireplaces and hot cocoa filled with marshmallows aren't even close to being mumbled on someone's lips. If fact, the only reason I know it's cold other places is the amount of pictures of snow and the hundreds of snow day facebook status' running wild. 

The truth is, I went swimming yesterday and basked in the sun. Because it is summer. My mom sent me a picture of a christmas tree and maybe that helped a bit knowing she was getting in the spirit... Still, I'm far removed from most things that I associate with the holidays. It's weird. 

I didn't have thanksgiving and the now traditional tree decorating the day after christmas with the Duke/Hypes family. I didn't have my first Starbucks Peppermint Mocha commemorating the holiday season. I didn't have the typical conversation with Jessi's grandma and family trying to find the closest starbucks that is always at least 10 minutes away...but I prevail anyways. 

It's strange how we associate those things. And without those associations those feelings don't seem to surface quite like they are supposed to. I've never been a fan of Christmas. 

Let's rephrase that. I've never been a fan of what Christmas' baggage brings. I hate that I never felt up to par with other children, but now I hate the fact that I felt like that. Because I was missing the mark. But I love Christmas. I love the unity of what it is meant to represent. I love how half of the traditions really do have a deeper meaning associated with or how even in, if not in original origin, new traditions symbolically symbolize a meaning bringing rebirth or all new purpose to something that adds into the christmas story. 

It's really is beautiful. 

I've never been a tacky, cheesy person though. I find myself to like classy things. (Maybe it's my opinion.) (people that have seen otherwise, wash it from your minds. yes, even that one, funny time.) (yes, I'm talking to you)

Christmas Music. 

I don't enjoy it. 

Minus Hanson's Christmas or N'SYNC's christmas albums. You know what I'm talking about. 

But in the last couple of years I have found a few albums that I think are beautiful and not-really cheesy in the slightest and I'd love to share. 

1. A Christmas Together 

A compilation of 4 volumes of music by talented artist of all different variety bringing meaningful and some fun songs to the masses. Tyrone Wells, Tim Timmons, Evan Wickham, Pawnshop Kings, etc...

Every Christmas season they do a tour that feels like family living room sessions and after these sessions, whether you were in the spirit or not, you feel grateful for the season and the compilation brings new light on life. 

2. Sleeping at Last- Christmas Compilation 2013 

It's free and beautiful. 

"Each year I record a Christmas cover song and give it away for free. It’s my version of a Christmas card. This has been tradition for many years now… for so many years in fact that it has accumulated (like snow) into this13-song Christmas album, I call my "Christmas Collection."

This year I chose the John Lennon and Yoko Ono classic, “Happy Xmas (War is Over.)” I had so much fun working on this one! I hope you enjoy my take on it and consider it a worthy addition to my ever-growing Christmas Collection. Thanks for listening!! - Ryan (Sleeping At Last)" 

3. The Civil Wars- Oh Come, oh come Emmanuel 

ALWAYS worth a listen. 

4. A Very She + Him Christmas 

Who doesn't love the adorable Zooey Deschanel + M. Ward duo. 

5. The Branches- Songs for Christmas  

Great harmonies and good causes. 

The album is a pay what you like kind of deal. Either for free or whatever is donated goes in support of Invisible Children.

"All tips received during this Christmas season will go to support the programs of Invisible Children directed at the reconciliation of children displaced from their homes by the LRA. No child should be away from their families, especially during the holidays. Help us give to this organization working towards bringing these families back together."

The Branches are for fans who enjoy Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers and The Head and the Heart. 



With that, I hope you all have a fantastic holiday.  Drink some hot cocoa for me, tell me a fun story and take a moment to value the importance of what this season means. 

Diy: Christmas Cards

///wrote this last christmas and completely slacked on it... what perfect time then now?

Every year it is the same drill. Christmas cards. I always decide I have to make them. While, every year it's the same thing. I procrastinate and everyone receives their christmas card a month late. (or not at all) It's the thought that counts, right ?

Also, I've been making it a point to stop hoarding as much.  As well as using what I have. A couple years ago, I was given some christmas paper. Let's face it. I would never use it for anything else. Also, I had some buttons that I knew I would never use and I didn't want to throw them away. So after some collaboration with crafting supplies sprawled out on Jessi's living room floor. I came up with some simple card ideas that repurposed elements I wasn't 100% thrilled with but now LOVE them.

Enjoy. 

Breakfast Diaries: 10:15

It's 10:15.

I've woken up.

I did not make my bed.

But I've made scrambled eggs and pancakes from scratch for more than just myself.

I've had two cups of coffee.

Done two loads of laundry.

Started dinner. 

Washed dishes.

And am perfecting the art of the Pinwheel.

I'd say not too shabby for an average tuesday morning. 

the rest of the day shall be spent walking the dog, finishing laundry, folding laundry if I don't decide to find something more important to do and maybe finish a book. 

happy tuesday folks. 

The Sam May Welcome Back Tour 2013.

I'm not really sure if you can have a welcome back tour after only being gone for 6 months but who writes the rules here?  From Mid-September to Mid-October I embarked on freaking long road trip with countless hours to myself and many more miles under my belt. I drove about 6100 miles and one day drove 20 hours straight from California to Oklahoma.  In total it was about 91 hours of drive. Crazy right? 

It was fun, I saw so much of the United States that I had never seen before. At moments I felt like I was in a National Geographic magazine. I was constantly on my toes. I think I hit every type of weather situation including a strange snowstorm. I found myself excited to be drive the flat plain lands after all my mountain driving, especially at night.  I plan on explaining more and giving some of the major spots a spotlight blog post.  A lot of this depends on what pictures I have. My memory card crashed the other day and I'm still trying to sort through the salvageable photographs over the last two months. Story of my life.

With that, I'm going to leave you with some of the songs that kept me awake. Don't worry, there is very little 90s music in this one. That might be on the next roadtrip mix. 

Wake Up: Roadtrip Mix from beautyinherveins on 8tracks Radio.

Be back soon.

Boston: The Magical City

Okay, okay.

Boston, magical? 

Yes, Boston is a historically enriched city. It is also a beautiful beautiful city and the surrounding suburbs lead you to enchanted woods and hidden railroad tracks. 

I've had the best time with my friend Ashley. 

I landed back in the United States on Wed., September 11. Ash sent me on a wild goose chase with all my luggage taking the bus and walking blocks with a huge suitcase and backpacker's backpack. The chase left me at the Thinking Cup for hours. But it was great to finally be able to sit and kind of just turn my brain off. I had kind of an overwhelming emotional almost meltdown  once I landed and the first thing I saw was the American flag and the questioning,  What the hell am I doing here? 

But once I saw Ashley I knew we were going to have a great time. But had no idea how amazing of a time we could have in just 2 days. We've had no agenda that's taken us to the most amazing places. 

I remember on Thursday at the end of the day, I was laying on the floor saying this was the best day ever. This was the most perfect 24 hours. But in return, it became the best 48 hours. 

Day 1: Amazing Omelets, Walden Pond, Swimming, Traintracks, Flower fields, Peach Berry Ice-cream

Day 2: Cambridge, SOFRA Bakery, Sesame  Latte, Harvard Bookstore, The Garment District, Beautiful Vintage Skirts, Flour Bakery and Cafe, Rain,  Indian Food 

Now, I'm going to overwhelm you with photos. Enjoy.

\

A seasoned traveler

who manages to always, ALWAYS have a mishap. 

Smooth Sailing- i breeze through the ticket counter thanks to my muscleman. That's boyfriend in case you didn't catch on. Grabbed a cup of coffee, said the suppressed tearful goodbye, breezed though airport security (although, this is Africa. I'm not sure if that really is a good thing.. what else is new) saw my terminal was A1. I went and sat and waited- then waited. Boarding time was 7:30.

I glance at my phone, it's 7:28...hmmm not too much going on down here, looked at my gate. A1. Seemed to be in the right place, then i start seeing attendants and not in the correct airline colors. 7:35, I get up and decided to ask an attendant once i hear jabbering from other people sitting next to me about Munich. I looked confused, the attendant looked confused. Finally I was told I needed to be at A11 which is all the way down on the opposite side of the airport. Well shit. 

I call the boyfriend running down and around screaming I've been at the wrong gate for the last 40 minutes. As if i'm already drawing enough attention to myself, i realize my boots give the appearance that there is a galloping horse in the airport.  I hang up the phone and arrive at A11. It's desolate, NOONE is there. No signs saying anything. Nothing. Zilch. Nada. 

I run and ask someone. they have no clue. Run into a lounge where a woman tells me my gate is A30. Just go back the way you came, take a right at the escalator and down there ramp. Say what, I have no idea waht you're talking about. 

"Well you better run, because boarding started 20 minutes ago..." 

Frantically running and finally finding an escalator hidden in a secret corner. Sweating. Out of Breath. I made my flight and 30 minutes later another group of people rush onto the plane. 

I ran for this ?