Sunshine and Smiles

Sunshine and Smiles

Friday, May 25, 2012

1,2,3,4 What Are We Fighting For?

My dad sent me an interesting article by James Franco the other day and it has really resonated with me. In the comments section people shared their stories of  when they thought the 60's died. My dear friends and family know that I have quite an obsession with the 60's, particularly in SF. I have read countless books on this era, and am fascinated with the scene in the Haight/Ashbury at that time. The bands to come out of this city are incredible, Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane to name a few.

 In Franco's article he mentions what he thought was the end of the "Flower Power" era. This peaked my interest so much, because yes, a lot of events took place that one might consider the end- Martin Luther King Jr. assasinated, The Altamont Free Concert stabbing, The Manson murders, and of course the horrifying  Kent State shootings in 1970. All of these things were tragic and terrible, and really created a dark shadow over the free and peaceful days the hippies knew and loved. To be honest though, what I see is still a powerful movement amongst us! Why do we feel such an urge to put the hippie movement to death? The spirit of the sixties is so very alive in human rights issues, environmental issues, and any and everywhere that people fight for their rights! The quest for freedom from hypocrisy and war are what set off the debates in the 60's and brought such an awareness to the world. This is still so present in a lot of our lives.

I feel as though I am someone who shares the same ideals that were a part of the blossoming bohemian movemnt. These ideals are still around and always will be as long as we continue to raise awareness, fight for what we believe in, and practice acceptance and love. Power to the People and those who will always have a hippie heart.


Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Travel To Your Heart's Desire...


We are home from our magical trip to Belize! It is no surprise to friends and family how much I love travel. I have always identified with the bohemian spirit. It speaks to my heart loud and clear and I understand the need to be a vagabond of sorts. I have always envied transient souls. It seems that a life of simplicity and the braveness you would need to pack up and just go would just fill my heart with adventure, excitement and a never ending want and need to roam. I love being a free spirit, but reality sets in eventually and I know I can't just wander through life. Needless to say, D, who knows my sweet soul so well, let me plan our whole trip. His only necessities- beach and sun. Easy peasy! I feel so lucky that I have such an easy going dude who lets me take charge once and a while.

How lovely it was to wake up each day solely by the sun without any sign of alarm clock sounds. I love getting up early but it was the greatest feeling to rest my body knowing I could just dream away for as long as I wanted.  The colors in Caye Caulker entranced me, greens, blues, purples, I couldn't get enough. Between the water and the little buildings this island was made for me. Bright, vivid, and delightful. Taking walks with D around town were some of the biggest things we did each day. Relaxation and rest were on our minds. I loved showering and letting my hair air dry, not wearing an ounce of makeup and tossing on my brightest clothing I owned.

I am madly in love with Central America. There is just something about being there, whether Costa Rica, Belize, etc. that brings so much joy and comfort to my heart. I feel at home. I feel beautiful.


Caye Caulker, Belize

Kiddos climbing in trees

Pure bliss.


Beautiful colors on the island

The Lazy Lizard at the Split


Sunsets like this each night

Ras Creeks' reggae boat


Tiny little town of Caye Caulker




Our hotel






Happy girl





Locals


About to jump in with the sharks and stingrays!

New friends



Words fail to describe the exquisiteness, the exotic marine life, crystal clear water, and the breathtaking coral reef. We had a guide that swam us through the barrier reef where we saw fish colors I couldn't believe, and eels that swam right next to us along the way. Swimming with sharks and stingrays as they swam through us and played with eachother was one of the most intense, amazing feelings I have ever had. We ate delicious seafood each day and night, and shared so much love and laughter. What a beautiful trip together.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

LAX -->BZE

On my way to Belize in search of sunshine and the ultimate romantic vacation with D. Can't wait to be in a bikini, drink Belikin's (Belize's local beer) ,kayak at the Split, and swim with the stingrays and sharks! (Really!) I know my mom and dad are reading this scared to death. I will be fine. They are toothless sharks guys! Can't wait to keep everyone updated on our adventure. Have a great week friends! :)