tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13359249223581013302024-03-18T05:47:53.441-04:00RuthinianLifestyle, Travels, DIY, Party Planning, Food, Fashion, Crafts, Ruthilicious Designs, Hobbies, Hindsight, Photography, Health and FitnessUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger555125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-5293437111631566822021-10-31T18:36:00.003-04:002021-11-01T05:04:45.177-04:00#ruthiliciousHindsight: And Just Like That... He Travels Again<div><blockquote>Life's a journey. Like a journey, it has a destination. But the arrival is unknown. So I will just live the experience before I reach my port of call. - #ruthiliciousHindsight</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Writing this kind of post is never in my hindsight. This is difficult on all accounts but I had to do it.</div><div><br /></div><div>On July 26th of this year, I lost one of the most important men in my life - my brother Japol. It was unexpected. It was shocking. It was debilitating.</div><div><br /></div><div>For 3 days straight I wasn't able to think right. I wasn't sleeping, eating, and taking a shower for 3 days in a row. It was exhausting. The fact that my hands were tied due to the global pandemic situation made it worse. My brother passed on <i><b>alone</b></i>. I didn't even have the chance to talk to him before he passed on and that left a wound in my heart that will probably not heal. It made me feel so guilty for not being there when he needed me the most. I wasn't there for him and that caused me all these odd feelings that will never go away.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-uWv1twZqLGUy6T5kj2AHugwBLL1WeYPeNhf2J47RWpNfFJ8ol2oVCtdxtCMlIGw6DX0m2A8ydy7gQ8phXFIgmrgVd_lYmF6pWTLUicPn1lx3epVvtZNGxwMm3vrahIMjXFTpSKAPhqB/s2048/19601574_10155462205087065_8270742210189041259_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1660" height="777" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-uWv1twZqLGUy6T5kj2AHugwBLL1WeYPeNhf2J47RWpNfFJ8ol2oVCtdxtCMlIGw6DX0m2A8ydy7gQ8phXFIgmrgVd_lYmF6pWTLUicPn1lx3epVvtZNGxwMm3vrahIMjXFTpSKAPhqB/s320/19601574_10155462205087065_8270742210189041259_n.jpg" width="666" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>But my thought process told me otherwise. That I have no control over his fate. That it was by design. That it was how it should be. And that made everything feel even worse. My human brain and heart feel the physical pain that I can't explain.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been blogging for over a decade now. I talk about almost everything under the sun, but this one hits me hard to the core. Japol had a knack for the written words himself. He has his own blog for a reason. And he wrote a lot about me in his blog. But I must probably have written only one about him, I can't remember and I don't know why. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincESAz-qKfvzpJeAWKV9AkgKuns5UqS9TenUs5fHHKBFrYcYBiA6tmGtXZn_cvAizfs9_AC8AadFt0iGAyKHAkXq5TVZtVaB_bSHqlZ7HetEQnso8Go0dsr_6UMeHLOCEBxh7oYr_HKV4/s800/1653879_10152253092432065_1796938027_n-SNOW.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="666" height="777" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincESAz-qKfvzpJeAWKV9AkgKuns5UqS9TenUs5fHHKBFrYcYBiA6tmGtXZn_cvAizfs9_AC8AadFt0iGAyKHAkXq5TVZtVaB_bSHqlZ7HetEQnso8Go0dsr_6UMeHLOCEBxh7oYr_HKV4/s320/1653879_10152253092432065_1796938027_n-SNOW.gif" width="870" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>And this one... I can barely breathe just thinking I have to do this. I had to stop several times to get my bearing back. I broke down too many times as well. I'm a total mess.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish I was given a chance to write something funny and happy and awesome about him because he was all that and more. But this blog is none of the above. I am writing this because maybe I need closure or something. I had to write about this because my heart yearns for words that I should have said to him while he has the capacity to hear it and the faculty to feel the words that I meant will all my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it didn't happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it was so sad that it had to be a Eulogy.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">----------------------- ooo0ooo -----------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE EULOGY</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Hello everyone. I would like to thank all of you for coming today to celebrate the Man of the Year, my brother Japol.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I am Ruthi, Japol’s “favorite sister”. That’s what he calls me. To those who do not know, he has no other sister but me. I am his only sister. That is just one of his funny and special ways of making people feel extra special. To those who know him well… you know what I mean.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Japol is my baby brother who always gets mistaken as the Panganay (oldest of the brood). But he never takes things to heart. His confidence is through the roof and his positive attitude is of epic proportions, making people feel at home and comfortable around him. He is smart and loving to a fault.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Japol is the funny guy in the family. He is not just a doting Uncle to the Mini #OronaSquad, he is the favorite Uncle who always has their backs. He always makes us laugh even without trying. And for me his ways of making me realize how stupid some of my life’s choices, are nothing but subtle but he did make me hate myself less. He could be brutal in his criticism but in the end, he gives the most soothing yet <i>slap-in-the-face</i> advice (mostly unsolicited) that will impact your life. Japol is articulate. He knows the right words to say to people in different situations. He always picks the right words that will kick you back to your senses when need be or the sweetest compliments to boost your morale and make you feel like a rockstar.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Japol is my biggest fan. He is my big-time supporter. And he is not just my brother but my best friend. Notice that I am speaking in the present tense here because I believe in my heart that he never left. Japol will always be present in spirit stalking me, checking on me if I am smiling, and making sure that I am alright, happy, and always the Queen that I am. Because that’s what he does not only to me but to the rest of the #OronaSquad as well as each member of the Gavar-Orona clans.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Japol is one of the most selfless and compassionate people in my life. And I know he is too to those whose lives were touched by him. Japol is a world traveler. He travels extensively and in style both locally and internationally. His passion for traveling, seeing the world, meeting new people, exploring other countries’ cultures is insatiable. And he never fails to surprise me up to this fateful day. His luggage is always packed and ready to go without notice. I said this because one time he said he was craving Thai food, the following day he posted his photo eating Pad Thai - where else, but in Thailand, of course. The perks of having your travel agent as a friend - getting first-hand info on ticket sales and travel advisories.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Japol comes and leaves as he pleases. He is always seeking adventures and always enthusiastic to share his travel stories and experiences with family and friends across his social media accounts and on the #OronaSquad’s video chat. He is unpredictable when it comes to his travel plans. And like that, he leaves again… but this time he left his luggage… and tons of sweet memories of a life well-lived. Sadly, coming back to share his adventures on social media or in our video chat is not on his agenda.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Japol… there are still a lot of places we plan to see and take millions of selfies together but I guess it will be just Me and Gary (and maybe the kids will be able to join us at some point). We will miss you, our self-proclaimed Professional Photographer who takes each photo worth millions of comments on social media posts.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Japol, it hurts so bad that till the end you left without notice. You never say goodbye to us since you started traveling, it's always <i><b>“see you again next time”</b></i>. I get it, maybe it’s intentional. You don’t have a plan of leaving us, you want to stick around to make sure that we are always okay. It’s not goodbye, is it? It’s <b><i>“see-you-around-in-spirit”</i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Well then, with a heavy heart we are letting you go. Travel well Bunso (baby brother) and do stick-around-in-spirit because you know we need you to cheer us up every now and then. Say Hi for us to Mom and Dad, I’m 100% sure they are happily waiting for you there in heaven so they can hear all your travel stories.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I love you very much, Japol. It was indeed a great blessing to have you as a brother. I’m grateful for having you in my life. I wouldn’t ask for anyone else for a baby brother because you are the best and my favorite.</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">----------------------- ooo0ooo -----------------------</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="666" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bFSI55qA81w" width="777" youtube-src-id="bFSI55qA81w"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Believe me, I didn't know how I was able to write Japol's Eulogy. I wasn't prepared to do something like this and wasn't thrilled at all. But doing it gave me some kind of peace that I needed to keep living his legacy. It still hurts when I see stuff around that reminds me of him and I still cry every time. There are moments that I found myself crying while I'm driving and whispering his name out of the blue.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am guessing this will never go away any time soon. And I need to live with that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Right now the #OronaSquad is on a healing journey. We all are struggling but somehow we are all taking things one step at a time. Japol's absence created a huge hole in our hearts that filling the gap will take a lot of effort in the healing department. It will take time, I know. And we are all doing our very best to come to terms with it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNp4sQFuqizqjlj8OJRvgxoDEpBlEjsH1MhE5ebp__3BraGwivk3-7yw5UR62N0Oji4lgLit6d-Cv4tI9V8Zm3S4lKEfnA4cGWeBO-Qjr0ctjX9lTT4wggZ3p2GzkJBJoooyn1No0U8hYv/s960/1.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNp4sQFuqizqjlj8OJRvgxoDEpBlEjsH1MhE5ebp__3BraGwivk3-7yw5UR62N0Oji4lgLit6d-Cv4tI9V8Zm3S4lKEfnA4cGWeBO-Qjr0ctjX9lTT4wggZ3p2GzkJBJoooyn1No0U8hYv/s320/1.PNG" width="777" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I know he is watching over us and my only consolation is that he is now my <i><b>Guardian Angel</b></i> who I can always call for guidance and maybe a one-way pep talk just to tell how my day was. I don't know. Everything is so new to me and I am not one hundred percent okay but I will be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like everything else in this world, it takes time. And I hope when it's time for me to go to my final destination, someone will miss me the same way I do with Japol because deep in my heart I know that I truly made a great impact in other people's lives if they will miss me the same way I do with Japol.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JFaBugG6P_qXp03t1EIJl90vzUnE59vUF0JMQxGT_0T4KNOkIDiq0zo3ZEH5sSPvrZNZJSfr9v70WkH8RCY4X5vdqrrsCccuvBJYLdZ5f8nrliAmgJdApE6Pk2iB9uHhcY_rxdm4h36H/s2048/17c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JFaBugG6P_qXp03t1EIJl90vzUnE59vUF0JMQxGT_0T4KNOkIDiq0zo3ZEH5sSPvrZNZJSfr9v70WkH8RCY4X5vdqrrsCccuvBJYLdZ5f8nrliAmgJdApE6Pk2iB9uHhcY_rxdm4h36H/s320/17c.jpg" width="777" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>"Japol, I miss you so much! I love you. Travel well, my favorite Baby Brother!"</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-37651983777984707562021-05-31T17:53:00.019-04:002021-06-14T19:26:52.701-04:00#ruthiliciousHindsight: On giving the Happily-Ever-After a Second Chance<blockquote>Don't assume that the heart can always feel love.<div>It is not on auto-pilot when it comes to love.</div><div>Specially when it was wounded and scarred.<div>#ruthiliciousHindsight</div></div></blockquote><div><div><br /></div><div>If you are a girl and grew up believing that you are a Princess, <strike>you're fucked</strike> blame your parents. And if you still believe in Fairy Tale, you're cute but you need your brain checked.</div><div><br /></div><div>I get it, every girl grew up thinking she is some kind of a princess. I did. And sad to say I thought fairy tale is also synonymous with romantic relationships and happily-every-after. Oh well, it took me half a century to realize that it is a hoax.</div><div><br /></div><div>Children's books authors lied. They gave girls like me false hope and altered reality. But I learned and now I'm teaching myself some common sense. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">I still believe in LOVE and ROMANCE.</span></b> </div><div><br /></div><div>I just want to make it clear, because even after the divorce and when my <a href="http://www.ruthinian.com/2020/02/ruthilicioushindsight-when-happily-ever.html" target="_blank"><b><i>happily-ever-after ended</i></b></a>, I realized, heck yeah... I deserve a second chance. I just need time and perhaps reinvent and recalibrate myself to have a fresh start.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, one day after meditation, my intuition told me that <b><i>Ruthilicious 1.0 Operating System</i></b> is outdated. It needs to be upgraded to a newer version so that its innate software can support basic functions such as scheduling dating tasks, executing seduction applications, and controlling flirtation peripherals. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_lA6PuMrz7_R7MGzDHs9wa3Rwxg9EODcbkOlGZAvYcoW6SMa9ao4fD4azQiCwpRzA0gl8c_fC5RwEcjHlVT4zhmnOG385kZ_bAU5id9PRPoytENcPpcAM61-jG9qS1Uz15QVh8lEDC1Q/s2048/IMG_2914.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_lA6PuMrz7_R7MGzDHs9wa3Rwxg9EODcbkOlGZAvYcoW6SMa9ao4fD4azQiCwpRzA0gl8c_fC5RwEcjHlVT4zhmnOG385kZ_bAU5id9PRPoytENcPpcAM61-jG9qS1Uz15QVh8lEDC1Q/w640-h480/IMG_2914.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick meditation at the summit of Bald Meadow Mountain.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div>In other words, I need to reinvent myself and recreate my life story so that my future romantic relationship will have a 99.9% chance of the happily-ever-after.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Break-ups are hard and traumatic.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>It is something I will never wish for any of my worse enemies. But if there is one thing positive I take away from the break-up, it would be the "Divorce Diet". I lost a lot of weight but it's not sustainable. So I don't recommend it.</div><div><br /></div><div>And just to set the record straight... I did not leave my ex-husband because I found a replacement. He was the only man in my life for 11 years. I left because I found myself in an empty marriage.</div><div><br /></div><div>I took a long break from romantic relationships after the breakup and basically worked on building a strong relationship with myself, something I didn't have until now. I didn't jump into another relationship right away because I don't know how and I somehow lost faith in men. I was suspicious of them in general given what I went through. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I just decided to live a single and <b>yes</b>, celibate life as of this writing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh what an amazing journey it has been. Three years of figuring out how to live my life alone and doing things independently were easy because that was my normal even when I was still married. I was doing fun things on my own for the most part. And this taught me how to be resilient, stronger, and smarter.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXLMuA3-FsmkeGf_zW1uxIVXZbkLOf0E9YfEfdG70x18WSUtLvg6oynwZOtPLMgJ3Es4M0S9hIMwF0XQp4f_rcBDXW52x3XR8l4UyrJlJlhU80qyBG6KWjzKAEQGX15iHNVppqXXBrIg8/s2048/IMG_5356.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXLMuA3-FsmkeGf_zW1uxIVXZbkLOf0E9YfEfdG70x18WSUtLvg6oynwZOtPLMgJ3Es4M0S9hIMwF0XQp4f_rcBDXW52x3XR8l4UyrJlJlhU80qyBG6KWjzKAEQGX15iHNVppqXXBrIg8/w640-h480/IMG_5356.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely NOT ME (credit to them whoever they are) Taken at the summit of Bradbury Mountain.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div><br /></div><div>If there's anything important I learned from my past experience, that would be life is a constant change. And I think that I have so much love to give so, why should I keep it to myself. I love myself enough... it's time to share.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, after I gathered all my strength and the courage to claim my dignity, I started doing the shadow work and have been on it 24/7. Unknown to many or perhaps even to myself, I have been updating myself so I can be ready to be in the market again.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">The question is... do I want to be in a relationship again?</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>To be honest, I don't know.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or maybe I am - if I find the real love of my life.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know how women over 50 years old can find their soulmates at this time and age. I need to find out how do women my age find men to date. And I want to know what is the probability of me finding true love.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now considering all the options I had on hand right now, I guess online dating is the only option on the table. Other options I was thinking of were, but not limited to - bar-hopping, blind dates referrals from friends and family, beach-bumming-slash-men-hunting, meet-up-eat-out with strangers, and the list can go on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Though I am not new to online dating and can consider myself a veteran, I'm still kinda skeptical. I met my ex-husband online. It was the dawn of the online-dating when it was still free and no promotional bio needed. Online dating at that time was like a remote classroom where you are dating your potential husband on zoom. Anyway, I realized during that time that I was for the international market and my beauty was "on-demand" internationally. I had boyfriends in every continent with the exception of Antarctica. I get a minimum of 3 marriage proposals a day and 7 on a good day. I said yes to each one of them but only my then future husband (now ex) was the one who came to the Philippines to meet me and my family. And the rest is history.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kidding aside, I still can't see myself risking my bruised heart again taking chances that perhaps Guy #1 is the right one or Guy #2 and so forth. I'm too old to play games and expose my vulnerable heart to yet another possible heartbreak. I don't want to end up as a Serial Dating Diva who just wanted to get free dinners and booty calls. Though it's tempting. LOL</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, the thought of opening my heart again has an intense energy pull in me. I don't know if my phone senses my subconscious needs and urges. But I found it strange why all the "ads" popping up in every technology I touch are about online dating. Please don't talk to me about algorithms. Let me just blame technology for spying on me or putting me on a watch list.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then one day, while browsing on my phone, I accidentally found myself in FB online dating app. I didn't even know there was such a thing. And I swear, it was accidental and unintentional.</div><div><br /></div><div>But next thing I know, someone said hello. I said hello back.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7aOC9vv6WOXncTZQZBzI8xzjlazfk_SAvZQHQtWhvSkh9xggylLeb_sK480ltaSS5LouR5LyPjnn5eMthku2-K8v8GfxIhtFnywiz9YYkY6DMGnDzKBnQ1opH7LPYMuJnL6PaJmJxO1Y/s2048/IMG_4237.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7aOC9vv6WOXncTZQZBzI8xzjlazfk_SAvZQHQtWhvSkh9xggylLeb_sK480ltaSS5LouR5LyPjnn5eMthku2-K8v8GfxIhtFnywiz9YYkY6DMGnDzKBnQ1opH7LPYMuJnL6PaJmJxO1Y/w480-h640/IMG_4237.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><div>The memory of over a decade ago came flashing back before my eyes. And I was... Dang! I was an expert on this. I'm a Pro. So, let's do it.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">But not so fast.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>If you know me, I am strategic and need to be prepared.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I did a little research and survey. I asked for advice from my former high school student who found her husband online a few years ago for recommendations of legit and safe online dating websites. I did some homework so I can ensure my marketability and digital footprints so that the possibility of getting at least a 90% positive result is viable. Or maybe just to get my money back by getting free dinners since I need to pay for it. I'm kidding!</div><div><br /></div><div>I was thinking, if I'm doing this, I might as well do it right and put my heart on it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I signed up for 2 websites (not at the same time). Played out my cards well. Created remarkable BIO and picked out the IG-perfect photos to boost my market value and promote myself like a pro. And like a Pro, I need to do it with the right mindset and purpose. If I need to catch the biggest fish in the ocean, I need to be equipped with the right and proper tools for success. And at that moment, I realized I was no longer a Princess... I was a badass Warrior ready to take the world of online dating down, AF! LOL</div><div><br /></div><div>This is what I wrote on my Match.com Bio.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>--------------------------------------------- ooo000ooo ---------------------------------------------</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Born & raised in the Philippines, I left behind my family, my friends, & the classrooms where I taught our future leaders the history of the world for 11 long years. I also left behind the culture I was born with & brought only my faith & belief that love is the only thing I need to live my Fairy Tale. I was wrong. Trust, respect, honesty, loyalty, integrity, equality, selflessness, & self-worth make any relationship worth fighting for. But the disillusionment did not discourage me to find true faith hiding within me.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span><span> </span>Now that I found the courage to face the future with the right mindset, I am hoping that maybe there is someone out there who is on the same journey. Someone who is ready to give life and love a second chance and take the leap of faith the second time around. Who knows?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span><span> </span>People who know me said I’m very active & too independent for a woman of my age maybe because I do a lot of outdoor activities - SOLO. I run, race, hike, bike, swim, snowshoe, xc ski (not a pro though), camp, glam camp & do road trips & vacations all by myself. My car is always packed & ready for anything. I even have first aid & sewing kits in my glove box just in case I get a booboo or lose a button or two. If you forget to ask pepper and salt for your takeouts, I got some. Sugar for your coffee or tea? I got your back. But more importantly, I am always ready for the great adventure of the mind. I love intellectual conversations & things that make sense & make me laugh. Sense of humor can set the tone right for this Chick who can also make you laugh & cry all at the same time. A good kind of cry though, just to make it clear. But if you do make me cry (for real) - you will not know that I’m long gone even if you still see my presence. So let that sink in.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span><span> </span>I am an independent woman, I do practically everything all by myself now. I buy my own flowers on Valentine’s day. I celebrate my birthday all by myself in a fancy hotel. I book a table for one for Thanksgiving dinner. But my greatest achievements so far are - bringing my own trash to the town’s dump & my car to the auto shop when I hear my car making weird noises. But despite all these independence brags, I also want to make it clear that this Chick still longs to be treated like a Princess where she is served breakfast in bed on the weekends. Or a foot massage after her luxurious & relaxing bubble bath. Though she loves being independent and loves doing a lot of things solo, she still prefers to have someone to dance with, in her stilettos and sexy dress to play the Princess part once in a while because she cannot run & hike in those fancy high heels & little black dress.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span><span> </span>My passion is Yoga. I do yoga at the summit, on the beach, in the garden, in bed too. Yoga helped me a lot during my challenging times. It helped me reconnect with my inner self & find the light within. And now I am helping a lot of people to find theirs. I am a 200Hr RCYT. I teach Chair & Restorative Yoga. I am also an RCYT with Trauma-Informed Focus. I teach yoga to the little ones to help them with self-regulation and behavior management.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span><span> </span>My artistic side? I can create anything out of anything. I can cook gourmet dinner from whatever I find in the fridge or make a new dish from Chinese leftovers. I’m a recipe rule breaker. I have a hard time following directions because I always add something into the mix to make a new dish. I can draw & paint when I’m in the mood or bored. I can write stories or makeup one. But don’t let me sing. I can dance all night to compensate though.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span><span> </span>Anyway, there are lots of things about this Chick that she herself is yet to discover. Patience & perseverance can get anyone far & wide. Maybe passion & commitment are the missing puzzle pieces to the Happily-Ever-After. So while I'm doing the shadow work on myself, I'm also here waiting for my knight-in-shining-armor or man-in plaid & khakis.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> And oh, I'm tamed for the most part and fierce when threatened. I may be short (4'10) but most people call me FUN SIZE!</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">--------------------------------------------- ooo000ooo ---------------------------------------------</div><div><br /></div><div>As of this writing, the updated and newer version, <b><i>Ruthilicious 2.0 Operating System</i></b> is 90% complete. It will be ready to launch soon. It only needed a couple of applications to make it up and running. Right now, these 2 applications are being tested for their maximum efficiency. </div><div><br /></div><div>On a serious note, I already <i><b>unsubscribed</b></i> and <i><b>deactivated</b></i> the Online Dating Websites I joined. I was only active for 3 weeks and changed my mind. I guess It's too much to handle.</div><div><br /></div><div>I never realized how demanding online dating is now. Unlike back in the day, where you can just chill and have fun meeting people and get over it when prospects are low.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Today's online dating is intense.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I feel that I need to be on top of my game if I wanted to get the most out of my subscription fee. You need to work hard to get more LIKES, MESSAGES, and if you are lucky, you get the jackpot... PHONE NUMBERS followed by a date. It's a competition and it took the fun out of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>At some point, I realized that my narcissistic side was triggered. I was constantly on my phone to check "likes, messages, and phone numbers". I found myself always checking photos of shirtless men posing with dead fish. Sometimes, I just saw pictures of their dogs or cats making me confused if they wanted me to date their pet or what? But not all are like that. There were some decent and nice men there. Those are the ones I <b><i>clicked</i></b> for either "likes or messages" or both.</div><div><br /></div><div>But at some point, I was overwhelmed with how many men seeking women my age to date. It must be really lonely out there.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, I found it exhausting. It was not worth my sanity. So I gave up.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBYbDUy0304WWSL_OhsOHLcjbxHCM-q5xfcLQvT0RVIxtTwu4u_yFr1PtPwQ_E7PXcLiJvNz8Lvoo1NOrLO5lUusDk5BjV5V2OqMw-DXKy8hBmsLiKygg6D1hDJ13NWOZ0CTVlVc2ftaA/s1124/184636075_10221833002149111_3048458562865246454_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1124" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBYbDUy0304WWSL_OhsOHLcjbxHCM-q5xfcLQvT0RVIxtTwu4u_yFr1PtPwQ_E7PXcLiJvNz8Lvoo1NOrLO5lUusDk5BjV5V2OqMw-DXKy8hBmsLiKygg6D1hDJ13NWOZ0CTVlVc2ftaA/w400-h323/184636075_10221833002149111_3048458562865246454_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you reached this far, you must be wondering if I found someone special from the websites.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, yes I did!</div><div><br /></div><div>I found 4 nice gentlemen with shirts on and no dead fish in tow.</div><div><br /></div><div>I met the first 2 guys for dinner (minus the booty call and not at the same time).</div><div><br /></div><div>I was ghosted by the 3rd guy.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 4th and the last gentleman, well, it's highly classified. I had to kill all of you if I had to tell you.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, my two cents on online dating is that - it has evolved and is evolving. It's not for everybody but it is a great platform to find your soulmate. And perhaps, there is a possibility that the Universe or your Spirit Guide will use it to help you manifest your heart's desire.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who are on the same journey as mine, I don't have any advice for you because I am still on this journey. Life works in mysterious ways. It is by design. The only thing I can say is that - love is real. If you have it in you, you will draw the right person to you. It's the law. You attract what you put out there because the energy will pull you towards that person who is waiting and ready to walk the path of the happily-ever-after with you.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are like me looking for that Prince Charming, the only advice I can give you is - be proactive. You can't sit around waiting for it to happen. Fairy Godmothers don't exist, Honey. Get over it and out there. You find what you seek. You get what you are prepared to handle. You decide how you want your happily-ever-after to manifest. And be prepared to be either sweep-off-your-feet or get ghosted or both. Those are the same advice I give myself. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">A work in progress.</span></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Ruthilicious 2.0 OS</i></b> is not designed to catch the elusive Knight-in-shining armor. It is not upgraded and updated for the sole purpose of finding a future partner. It may not even run as intended and may give some glitches here and there.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Ruthilicious 2.0 OS</b></i> is designed so this Chick will be able to handle the next chapter of her life with a good heart and intention. It is intended for her to learn compassion, respect for all living beings, confidence in herself and the rest of humanity. It is made to equip her with the tools she needed to live a fruitful and meaningful life with the man of her dream.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is intended to <i><b>love herself more</b></i> and get her ready to <b><i>glow up</i></b>... and to have the ability to share the love in her heart without reservation to whoever she is destined to spend the rest of her life with.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, <b><i>Ruthilicious 2.0 OS</i></b> is not for public distribution. It is only compatible with one unique and one-of-a-kind device that the Highest Source chose for her.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-50977857525112942032021-04-24T20:03:00.700-04:002021-05-30T12:15:13.748-04:00#ruthiliciousHindsight: I finally named my Angel<blockquote><span style="font-size: x-large;">Life is an open book.</span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">In order to make sense of life,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">it's either you read it or write it.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">- #ruthiliciousHindsight</span></div></blockquote><div><div><br /></div><div>Life is beautiful. I believe that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Life can be dark. And I believe that too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Life can be both beautiful and dark and everybody knows that.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's April again and for the last 12 years, this particular month gets the worse out of me. I dread this month. I always feel emotional when this month comes. And I always wish that it will go fast if not skip it altogether.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zpgwfr_6hhLXuoX7k3gKE2viyy3uHnFGgrK2WKSzmxDTyyIn_aWIv04jDmxw3x_x-Oat66Ik2rHf_HQ4ZjsW9-DHxo4Yu76MtjQmhGh-v8YqRGUJ2oCGz_NU6NfTbGcaBuTASSbRVFve/s1080/53786431_10215644004668042_2653514122129309696_n+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zpgwfr_6hhLXuoX7k3gKE2viyy3uHnFGgrK2WKSzmxDTyyIn_aWIv04jDmxw3x_x-Oat66Ik2rHf_HQ4ZjsW9-DHxo4Yu76MtjQmhGh-v8YqRGUJ2oCGz_NU6NfTbGcaBuTASSbRVFve/w640-h640/53786431_10215644004668042_2653514122129309696_n+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>For the last 12 years, April is a very painful month for me. I don't even know how to handle it or describe how I feel about it. Because I don't have words for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the last 12 years, no one knows I was struggling and suffering in silence every start of Spring. I hate spring. It's like a dagger piercing through my heart opening a 12-year-old wound all over again.</div><div><br /></div><div>And for the last 12 years, in the deepest part of my soul, I keep hidden a secret that only a few know (until now). But even those few have no clue how I truly feel about April because I have not talked about it.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Revisiting the past.</span></b></div><br /><div>It was early Spring of 2008. I never realized that I was even capable of carrying a child. I was a-okay to live a life childless since I was already 42 years old. I was considered "high risk" given my age at that time. And the thought of raising a child scared the wits out of me. But I was just happy that I was blessed and surprised that my loved ones back home were thrilled and happy for me as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I was prepared to have a child. Though I was a little scared, I was excited to be a Mom. And started planning for my child's future. I was happy and delighted. And I thought that everyone was happy for me.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">I was wrong.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Things did not turn out well when we announced our pregnancy to my in-laws. I won't go into great detail about it simply because I can't relive that night all over again. However, I will just describe how it felt because that feeling... that emotion... will never go away.</div><div><br /></div><div>For one second my body turned numb and my brain went spinning like 100 miles per hour. I tried to shake off the words that I heard that came out of my MIL's mouth. But I knew exactly what I heard. It was clear as daylight. She was not joking. She was serious. And she meant every single word she uttered.</div><div><br /></div><div>I scanned the room as if to check if I was indeed at the same dining table where we eat our meals a hundred times. And I was facing the same people I eat meals with since I came here to the US. I was sitting at the table right across from my MIL just like every single day we eat dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div>I looked at my (then) husband for validation to know if what I was feeling at that moment was right and I saw sadness in his eyes. He too was confused and was trying to avoid my eyes and holding back the tears. I looked to my left and saw my FIL seemed to be biting his tongue while my MIL kept saying something that seemed to me as if she was trying to justify the reasons why I should not be pregnant and being pregnant was a<b><i> big mistake</i></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I opened my mouth but no words came out, not even a weak sound, and neither did my husband. Everyone but her seemed to be shocked at our announcement and everyone was silent except my MIL. I took one more look at her face and what I saw gave me the validation I will never forget. She was not happy about the "good news". She was furious as if I committed the biggest crime in history.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, someone had the guts to interrupt my MIL. My FIL finally had it and opened his mouth to ask my MIL to stop talking. He had enough of what she was saying. I can see in his face the disappointment. He looked disgusted at MIL and sorry at the same time for what had transpired.</div><div><br /></div><div>I stood up and carried my plate with the untouched dinner and threw it in the trash. My husband did the same so I started washing the dishes with tears rolling down my cheeks blurring my eyes. When I finished washing the dishes I went straight to bed.</div><div><br /></div><div>An hour later... I was rushed to the hospital.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">I lost my baby!</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div>Yes, it's over a decade now since I lost my precious child through miscarriage and I didn't even know if it was a girl or a boy. Despite the fact that I accepted my fate that I will never have a child of my own anymore, I thought I was able to move on and shake off the pain that I felt that fateful night of April 24th, 2008.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the hospital, I can't remember if I was crying because I was in pain or because I lost not only my baby but also myself. But I remembered that I was crying and so was the father of my child while he was talking to my brother on the phone.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">My body was numbed... my brain was confused... my heart was broken.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>When the doctor said that I had a miscarriage, my emotion was already raw. I didn't even care. I only wanted to get over it and go home and maybe sleep.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was tired.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was defeated.</div><div><br /></div><div>I already stopped crying by then and my brain was still. I guess I chose my brain to be still because I felt that my brain hurts to think of what just happened. The bleeding stopped but my heart started to feel some kind of pain I wasn't familiar with. It wasn't a physical kind of pain but it was a kind of pain that you feel when something precious was lost.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was the very first time I felt it. It felt that my heart froze and it hardened and it was heavy. And my eyes went dry. My brain went blank. My gut. Oh, my gut. It felt like I was a new person. And I was a new person since then.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">After that fateful night.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdswiAvwVXMaaKwozzCLaLji4zsTOwp52wbWdG-A178fSpR8tHKnSIzSsKoHb5pYci0HHTeKBi-LD6zH91lU4ch1qWfc23q0dLmJxjUQMgiSbDEarpBQbmqb-rT3gTyRWZo5Xv8pvkKQO/s1080/56716253_10215828128671027_7175426897344462848_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdswiAvwVXMaaKwozzCLaLji4zsTOwp52wbWdG-A178fSpR8tHKnSIzSsKoHb5pYci0HHTeKBi-LD6zH91lU4ch1qWfc23q0dLmJxjUQMgiSbDEarpBQbmqb-rT3gTyRWZo5Xv8pvkKQO/w640-h640/56716253_10215828128671027_7175426897344462848_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>A lot of things happened after that night. Things that totally altered my perspective and the way I see life and my faith in some people including myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've changed a lot. Change that I am not proud of. But nobody says that all changes are good anyway. So for the longest time, I thought I was doing okay. After that one fateful night, I hardly recognized myself. I became bitter and miserable and sad and frustrated with everything in my life. I hated my life and I didn't know what to do with it. And it affected my marriage, my relationship with people close to me, my mindset, and my sense of value.</div><div><br /></div><div>I lived the last decade blaming MIL for my misery. I became distant and totally didn't want to have anything to do with her even if we lived together under one roof. The night was never mentioned ever again as if it didn't happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>My relationship with my in-laws did change and the incident did leave a lasting mark on both of us. We became civil with each other but my trust was betrayed so I learned to shield myself to protect myself from getting hurt again.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were times that MIL tried to be nice to me, showering me with gifts and stuff that she thought would make me feel happy or whatnots. Perhaps, it was her way of saying sorry for what she did but being the Matriarch of the family, she had kept her authoritative status and never really talked to me about that incident or even apologized for what she did. I wasn't surprised anyway because she didn't even talk to me or go to my room and check on me when I came home from the hospital. My FIL, on the other hand, did apologize. He apologized to me for both of them.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">When the relationship took a 180 degrees turn, you conform to a new normal.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I was heartbroken. MIL was guilty (I presumed). But life has to go on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Life wasn't easy since then but I managed to find a way to live it the way I should. I used my heartbrokenness as my excuse not to care about her the way I did before. And I did well in keeping my cool. We avoided each other as much as possible but living in the same household made it really challenging for the most part. We stopped having dinners together after that. Diner together was strictly on an occasional basis, mainly on Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners only. Other than that, my Ex and I ate our meals in our bedroom. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our domestic situation was totally weird but I just sucked it up. I don't have any choice anyway. But we carried on. We managed for years. Though we didn't see eye to eye since then, we managed to stay civil and kept our respect for each other. Or maybe for the most part. I can't remember anymore.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I remember though was, we never fight again. Because we never spoke to each other unless it is necessary and unavoidable.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">It was our domestic situation until she passed away.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div>I will not pretend that I did not play the victim part in this story. I did. I used it too many times to ease my pain that never goes away. I used it to soothe my longing for belongingness because at some point I felt that I belong nowhere.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was lost.</div><div><br /></div><div>Many things happened after that. Many more misunderstandings happened between me and other members of the family. And I got so lost that I turned to self-sabotage. I held grudges without knowing that every time my Ex and I would have a misunderstanding the "fateful night" would bring itself to the surface to make me feel alone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then over time, I started to build an invisible wall around me to protect myself from the pain. I thought it was the best way I did for myself. But I was wrong. <i><a href="http://www.ruthinian.com/2020/02/ruthilicioushindsight-when-happily-ever.html" target="_blank"><b>It ruined my marriage</b></a>.</i> It ruined my self-esteem. It ruined my relationship with other people who don't even have anything to do with that "fateful night".</div><div><br /></div><div>I was a total wreck.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">But somehow light found its way to shine.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZvfJxdI5DZnmetCydcYBEWHdC2TqlF00RMQdy4UsNIx_3QI8CMMTI94JLbTojPF5drv7RrFlerL5LtABq22bnSZ1wMkGExZtrneVvad2qM2N6iTKPEWwFhbI1iSJhqZpjEIfsrcMLRnO/s2048/IMG_4519.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZvfJxdI5DZnmetCydcYBEWHdC2TqlF00RMQdy4UsNIx_3QI8CMMTI94JLbTojPF5drv7RrFlerL5LtABq22bnSZ1wMkGExZtrneVvad2qM2N6iTKPEWwFhbI1iSJhqZpjEIfsrcMLRnO/w480-h640/IMG_4519.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>Life is a never-ending transition. It may be tiring but it is what it is. On that note, we ourselves have to choose the outcome. We can play the victim or the hero part. We always have a choice of how to live our life according to what makes us feel whole and victorious.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for me, after the divorce, a lot of shifting happened in almost all parts of my existence. And that pretty much prepared me for this moment. It equipped me with the tools I need to let go, to move on and move forward.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's about time.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have already made peace with almost all of the things that kept me from obtaining my self-worth. And I am doing shadow work on myself that somehow gave me some sort of enlightenment to my dark side.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is not easy. A lot of times, I would find myself giving up but for some reason, a stronger force would lift me up and find myself starting over again. And it's constant. I'm not complaining though because a lot of times I get a good grasp of the reality that I never know possible. And I began to like it.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">And letting go (I think) is the final phase.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>As I drove my way to Sebago Lake State Park last week for my usual hike, I suddenly felt my heart beating so fast and instantaneously, as if on command. I felt tears came running down my cheeks for no reason. Then I found myself sobbing, crying like a baby. My whole body was shaking but I know I was driving better than any other day. I'm pretty sure I was doing the "suggested" miles per hour on the backroad which was not really my normal driving behavior when I know there are no cops on stakeouts.</div><div><br /></div><div>And all of a sudden, I heard myself burst out saying between sobs - "<b><i>I'm sorry, and I forgive you</i></b>."</div><div><br /></div><div>I was shookt to the core!</div><div><br /></div><div>Memories of April 24th, 2008 came flashing back in front of me. Tears were running down like Niagara Falls and I had no control over what words came out of my mouth.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I let that sensation took over me!</div><div><br /></div><div>After a good ten minutes, as I was turning left to Route 114, I felt that my whole body was already calmed as if the thunderstorm was over. And I felt peace.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Forgiveness is a tricky business.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span>It was the final call.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>It was the last resort for my transformation and healing.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>And it was the only way for me to be able to realize that I need to make "that" crucial choice if I want to be healed.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div>I am not really a bad person. I may have issues unique to myself but I know that forgiveness and asking for one are totally in two different spectra.</div><div><br /></div><div>My non-spiritual side tells me that - "<i>forgiveness is given only when asked.</i>" And for so long, I really did want to forgive but how can I forgive if the person who hurt you did not even say sorry or ask for forgiveness. </div><div><span><br /></span></div><div>My spiritual side says otherwise - "<i>forgiveness is given until the heart heals and even when not asked.</i>" So whether the person who hurt you asks for forgiveness or not, forgive because it is an act of charity from the heart. And I thought, that was hardcore! And I am not hardcore.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the midst of my brain-heart debate happening in my already confused psyche, I found myself asking my MIL in the deepest of my heart - forgiveness for closing off my heart on her and letting go of the wound that caused the pain I had for years.</div><div><br /></div><div>And after a few seconds, the storm had passed. And everything was calm. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">And I finally named my baby.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQqlfAJDHCCa3i31F7McWiiWra8AcUGK3AGhX3vuwS-MQRsEkIhynjk8pKhLfmybe3f_FknexacHAMnWxGtq_tLy36ybCz3421t8ZfGFhSDpfcoA7u7kCyf4RgJLQGxvKrrRYjN9WgxcX/s2048/IMG_9067.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQqlfAJDHCCa3i31F7McWiiWra8AcUGK3AGhX3vuwS-MQRsEkIhynjk8pKhLfmybe3f_FknexacHAMnWxGtq_tLy36ybCz3421t8ZfGFhSDpfcoA7u7kCyf4RgJLQGxvKrrRYjN9WgxcX/w640-h480/IMG_9067.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A lot of things happened for a reason. It wasn't my MIL's fault that I lost my child neither was it my punishment for all the mean things I did to a lot of people or was it my karma for the pain I caused some people in the past.</div><div><br /></div><div>Things happen for a reason to lead us to our true path. It could be a way of helping us pick up the lessons we need to reach our higher self. Or simply how our lives are designed.</div><div><br /></div><div>The pain that night caused me to block all opportunities I had to be a better person. It blinded me to see the goodness in people and most importantly the goodness within. I was so hung up on my pain that beautiful things around me became insignificant and trust issues became a major issue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forgiveness made me forget one big thing. The most important thing in my life story. The reason why I changed. My baby - the most beautiful gift I had in my life who represents my whole being.</div><div><br /></div><div>So today, I choose to be free of pain.</div><div><br /></div><div>I choose to heal.</div><div><br /></div><div>I choose to forgive.</div><div><br /></div><div>I choose to love again.</div><div><br /></div><div>AND TODAY, I CHOSE TO NAME MY BABY!</div><div><br /></div><div>I forgot all about him and never acknowledged that he has been a part of me because I was so consumed by my hatred.</div><div><br /></div><div>So today, I choose to acknowledge him and place him in my heart where he belongs.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am taking his spirit to be part of my Spiritual Cohort who watches over me in this lifetime.</div><div><br /></div><div>AND now, my baby is my Angel who watches over this Mama until they meet again.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">I love you.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">I'm sorry.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Please forgive me.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, my Guardian Angel...</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">my Baby...</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">My MIKAEL!</span></b></div></blockquote><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">------------------------------ ooo0ooo ------------------------------</p><p>AUTHOR'S NOTE:</p><p>This blog is a TRIBUTE to the Child I lost and the Angel I found. </p><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-34385448588291699482020-11-29T14:46:00.000-05:002020-11-29T14:46:49.632-05:00#ruthiliciousTravels || The Excitement of GlampingThere is camping and there is glamping.<div><br /></div><div>What's the difference? The spelling. LOL</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't choose between the two because they are practically the same to me with only a couple of minor differences.</div><div><br /></div><div>My <a href="https://www.ruthinian.com/2020/11/ruthilicioustravels-went-solo-camping.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">first solo camping</span></b></a> was my introduction to the glamour of camping. It was the next level up to my outdoor games. As soon as I settled in, I told myself, <i>"I will do more of this. I promise!"</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Don't get me wrong. I still love the traditional way of camping where I pitch my own tent, inflate my own mattress with my air pump, and setting up all my cooking stuff and paraphernalia. I feel so grown-up by doing so.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7h14tL6D3fs" width="320" youtube-src-id="7h14tL6D3fs"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>However, glamping is just like ordinary camping but with a twist.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's like an ordinary artwork with glitters. Well, what can go wrong with glitters? Well, anything can go wrong with glitters especially the clean-up but glitters make things pretty and shiny. (I can't believe I'm using glitters as my metaphor for this, I hate glitters!) LOL</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmMKFGj94b6SAQFWJyB00eA9yA38gSUIs-h9eAm4N3DmGMP3SzGYbXtuU_cbKy3kN0iafdTZ4AYFgbFYVAU1XDEozdrL90yb1uVdBcQN7eH7w8cofCAjVPzuzae54vL8v9Mqu9u4wyjwD/s2048/IMG_4859.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmMKFGj94b6SAQFWJyB00eA9yA38gSUIs-h9eAm4N3DmGMP3SzGYbXtuU_cbKy3kN0iafdTZ4AYFgbFYVAU1XDEozdrL90yb1uVdBcQN7eH7w8cofCAjVPzuzae54vL8v9Mqu9u4wyjwD/w480-h640/IMG_4859.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, what I really want to say is, who doesn't like convenience? And when you are on vacation, convenience is what you are looking for aside from adventures. Vacation suppose to be worry-free and relaxing and enjoyable. It can't be enjoyable if your tent is leaking when it rains or there are bugs crawling in your mattress (that's the reason why I have a cot tent). And it can't be enjoyable if you have to elaborately and tediously set up and unset-up your tent and other things that I hate about camping back in the day.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr21-NiCft41ncPWZypmC5lSx4o52AkxcePprxaGSHexUfSW175lhE0Iq69vy26A_Y-gqZsyw7N06Vp9VqPps54ua_vIyDC5n_3E9Psnj40krpVzEIBvshS6lH4Mk9VwCq6SQsWoQZ0A76/s2048/IMG_4842.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr21-NiCft41ncPWZypmC5lSx4o52AkxcePprxaGSHexUfSW175lhE0Iq69vy26A_Y-gqZsyw7N06Vp9VqPps54ua_vIyDC5n_3E9Psnj40krpVzEIBvshS6lH4Mk9VwCq6SQsWoQZ0A76/w480-h640/IMG_4842.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now that I discovered glamping here in Maine, my eyes opened up to a whole new way of staycation.</div><div>It was really relaxing like a hotel status kind of camping.</div><div><br /></div><div>Glamping is so convenient. It's like you check-in in the hotel but you don't get a key. But you get some kind of hotel amenities like towels, toiletries, bed linens, soft and cushiony pillows, a refrigerator, heater or AC, stove/grill, and a nice warm bug-free bed. You don't have to worry about the trash too because there is someone who collects them and who makes your bed. In some places and if you book a bigger tent, there is a chance that you get a bathroom with a real toilet with running water and a hot shower.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5N0HrMR4yhKcEMX10JXLS-tID8GoSK9vgcNmkcJVdUauxvBHUTORvsY2lZu63wZSJ3r79PfJcMqsNlrogj4eF-kizKw9LjPOqwIQWPYQHqjyLNWRGWaIH259KT7SbDFry_5gzc1Sz1ZJQ/s2048/IMG_4842.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5N0HrMR4yhKcEMX10JXLS-tID8GoSK9vgcNmkcJVdUauxvBHUTORvsY2lZu63wZSJ3r79PfJcMqsNlrogj4eF-kizKw9LjPOqwIQWPYQHqjyLNWRGWaIH259KT7SbDFry_5gzc1Sz1ZJQ/w480-h640/IMG_4842.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpxKq-b4zbE2lxVNAmaDmVuA8-sUlC58gzaZpAcBbUfeYwfLf5R_eL4pRL-dpv-t8Z-U_N9QpAYI4CPtH9s6E2H_bz4LknmzWhHfdwZ-MN3bqgK1nBpYndF06G_FC4zdSVfgB2wJxx_Yq/s2048/IMG_4845.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpxKq-b4zbE2lxVNAmaDmVuA8-sUlC58gzaZpAcBbUfeYwfLf5R_eL4pRL-dpv-t8Z-U_N9QpAYI4CPtH9s6E2H_bz4LknmzWhHfdwZ-MN3bqgK1nBpYndF06G_FC4zdSVfgB2wJxx_Yq/w480-h640/IMG_4845.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I understand the joy of being able to commune with nature thingy. And glamping offers that too because the glamping campgrounds are indeed in the midst of nature with lush and rich wooded areas and mostly near the bodies of water where they offer tons of water activities. Who doesn't want to wake up to the sight of a beautiful lake right in front of you? Or the sound of the birds chirping why you sip your morning mimosa?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj3S4A2w-B8BZfNNAi57uwrpQ14blD4QHQoF8o3mmjHhboX7RWB9jGS-LRkq0gMQrVFwhtIecA4zDxLgD1kXVUu8ZkJGhnIxKX7_LtQ5HhctDcjNHsB6st-T_UGgbS6WhRG55xYBD3Ocq/s2048/IMG_4951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj3S4A2w-B8BZfNNAi57uwrpQ14blD4QHQoF8o3mmjHhboX7RWB9jGS-LRkq0gMQrVFwhtIecA4zDxLgD1kXVUu8ZkJGhnIxKX7_LtQ5HhctDcjNHsB6st-T_UGgbS6WhRG55xYBD3Ocq/w480-h640/IMG_4951.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Unlike hotel camping (which was my kind of camping in the old day) glamping offers a lot of great outdoor activities like ordinary camping. Depending on the amenities and activities offered by the campground, you can do hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and some campground runs fun activities for the campers. They also have clubhouses and stores for those shopping therapies we need and maybe a spa and gym too.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUW9nbaN9gv1VA5Co-XqQE-ZZwpJHTRno9o0E0NeIzP1OjxF046wD5ttd9WJ30RBVThq6r2cKahvgvEQwwcfQAmvwLcUaE_yJpruoG3_T2kzYe5mLJ2P4dE-bqRjrsSCbRwrUWftDUlzb/s2048/IMG_4543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1786" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUW9nbaN9gv1VA5Co-XqQE-ZZwpJHTRno9o0E0NeIzP1OjxF046wD5ttd9WJ30RBVThq6r2cKahvgvEQwwcfQAmvwLcUaE_yJpruoG3_T2kzYe5mLJ2P4dE-bqRjrsSCbRwrUWftDUlzb/w558-h640/IMG_4543.jpg" width="558" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You see, spending a 3 days staycation glamping can give you a boost on your energy. It can pump up your zest for life and live life with meaning. Well, that's how I feel anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, it was a little pricey as opposed to regular camping but if you are solo camping like me, there are lots of things that you don't worry about like the setup and the cleanup.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zN974tHmqAGGAYEQRqC_iYzgneS94m8kAIMQ_bu6GKYtYUoJ4Fle7-AmRXBMz78ODfzgLFqk1GYK0nAywHdbxn2cJ02zWgoQDA7FLaLnOYQg6NlaN-R8W4eXyeZYAfTPiMfGRGf3_oQL/s1080/%2523ruthiliciousTravels+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zN974tHmqAGGAYEQRqC_iYzgneS94m8kAIMQ_bu6GKYtYUoJ4Fle7-AmRXBMz78ODfzgLFqk1GYK0nAywHdbxn2cJ02zWgoQDA7FLaLnOYQg6NlaN-R8W4eXyeZYAfTPiMfGRGf3_oQL/w320-h320/%2523ruthiliciousTravels+copy.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-83964189578371856552020-11-17T15:38:00.000-05:002020-11-17T15:38:29.900-05:00#ruthiliciousTravels went Solo Camping for the First TimeSo it happened. I went camping - SOLO!<div><br /></div><div>I'm not gonna lie, I don't like camping. Maybe I even hated it because I only remember all the <i>not-so-good</i> experiences I had camping in the past.</div><div><br /></div><div>For me, camping is uncomfortable.</div><div>It's complicated.</div><div>It's a lot of work.</div><div>And clean up time is traumatic because I was the only one cleaning up all the time and putting everything back to where they belong. </div><div><br /></div><div>But those are just my opinion about camping in general. So don't hate me for what I said at the beginning.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1CJNlTeZV5Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="1CJNlTeZV5Q"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, solo camping is different.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think solo camping is cool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think it's a little badass.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think it's phenomenal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I think it's <i>sick</i>... in a good way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whoever invented solo camping is a genius!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although the process is the same because I'm still the one cleaning-up and putting everything back where they belong but at least this time, I know that I'm the only one responsible. I don't expect other people to help me because I made all the mess myself. It's different when there are other people who went camping with you and you are the only one doing the hard work while half of the mess was made by them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's not fair!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpNul8JEtMVKFRDov4R62K-lYtLSHwuReSi0zH4FitIIv0veqsQb1ddV_YxmBeIjZpjImVJktzU_FZi7d2imVjXjYfF7omTOH9ocO0SgQuXG3OIYKwcEIxyD85CmlURi2-QqM_bsrTBPJ/s1820/89FED17B-B6F4-4A95-BD02-A585D6FCE77B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1820" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpNul8JEtMVKFRDov4R62K-lYtLSHwuReSi0zH4FitIIv0veqsQb1ddV_YxmBeIjZpjImVJktzU_FZi7d2imVjXjYfF7omTOH9ocO0SgQuXG3OIYKwcEIxyD85CmlURi2-QqM_bsrTBPJ/w360-h640/89FED17B-B6F4-4A95-BD02-A585D6FCE77B.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cute tent.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Solo camping is a new pill for stress relief.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It helps me relax.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It helps me rewind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It helps me recharge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And it helps me to enjoy nature at it's best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Solo camping taught me some life skills that I should have learned when I was growing up. And most importantly, it helps me get out of my comfort zone.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hG19E5jnN2s91sbh3QtGeYU-s7e4lYCv83aeMdzQt1zAIjkdvoaa5-G1ryIbX3Sr17pFE6sMP5EXqFfh_QIv5MRawAblmiw02Fa9VtWEhNVgKMndrFSxUsftRt6Ft0o6pE3Zh27rYD2S/s2048/IMG_9916.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hG19E5jnN2s91sbh3QtGeYU-s7e4lYCv83aeMdzQt1zAIjkdvoaa5-G1ryIbX3Sr17pFE6sMP5EXqFfh_QIv5MRawAblmiw02Fa9VtWEhNVgKMndrFSxUsftRt6Ft0o6pE3Zh27rYD2S/w480-h640/IMG_9916.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My excuse to indulge in my favorite pastime... eating.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jcbwkba-PVMPgf3l88hx8CkEybFWJF24STIV3c7YqjfOzgGR37vmqpqUeyU4jpS4c-WiTdPlueZvCsG130tC7k5y3vchr1488pm1VDSufbEj4nX4Mtx1o2xiFmyASC8stpS93t39Kok4/s2048/IMG_9962.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jcbwkba-PVMPgf3l88hx8CkEybFWJF24STIV3c7YqjfOzgGR37vmqpqUeyU4jpS4c-WiTdPlueZvCsG130tC7k5y3vchr1488pm1VDSufbEj4nX4Mtx1o2xiFmyASC8stpS93t39Kok4/w480-h640/IMG_9962.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a nap after waking up is always an option when camping solo.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It may not be for everyone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But it could be for anyone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyone who wants a ME-Time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And everyone who needs some alone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So how about you? Are you brave enough to go camping solo?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s1080/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/w400-h400/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-52359245286810445972020-11-14T10:55:00.005-05:002020-11-15T09:48:38.621-05:00#ruthiliciousYoga || The Reluctant Yoga TeacherI am assuming you already know that I am a Yoga Teacher.<div><br /></div><div>For those who have no clue... now you know or maybe surprised. Don't worry it's okay. I am surprised by myself too.</div><div><br /></div><div>My journey was unexpected and unplanned just like all of my hikes, travels, and adventures. I'm a notorious <i>unplanner </i>and I'm kinda proud of it. What's not to like about being spontaneous, anyway? </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zefT-j_PDpA1FeP4epRqBSEmp5X_XTPmejTescK-Wom-jnni_Gcq-3MNRPbZT_EBPTN7KAniBYP1bGgl61hskI_78rGYXj2OPWpDD3TN_Z3cWu5x6bzO2h6hkiywFIpl2M-Gz2ZlCEg0/s1668/B160A138-CD38-4654-83EE-2CCAD8F24446+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1668" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zefT-j_PDpA1FeP4epRqBSEmp5X_XTPmejTescK-Wom-jnni_Gcq-3MNRPbZT_EBPTN7KAniBYP1bGgl61hskI_78rGYXj2OPWpDD3TN_Z3cWu5x6bzO2h6hkiywFIpl2M-Gz2ZlCEg0/w552-h640/B160A138-CD38-4654-83EE-2CCAD8F24446+2.JPG" width="552" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, I'm still pinching myself to check reality every now and then. Why? Because if you told my 30-year old self that I will be <b><i>an amazing Yoga Teacher</i></b> (those are not my words, they're my students' and I have proofs LOL) - I will surely laugh my b*tt off and ask you, "what are you on?"</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGc9RRaf0qIpxvNOAH5VoLntT4eCHNRlCQ9dTVY1-1UVrukIzLSmvDtcaCtoZeyAZ8YRSqGeKJA7eZctDXGHxOyyPi1K6dKoRYVWtrdoeyFOSQH0hzecpTlj10tmperDM9VxC7FFl-vXuO/s2436/IMG_6506.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGc9RRaf0qIpxvNOAH5VoLntT4eCHNRlCQ9dTVY1-1UVrukIzLSmvDtcaCtoZeyAZ8YRSqGeKJA7eZctDXGHxOyyPi1K6dKoRYVWtrdoeyFOSQH0hzecpTlj10tmperDM9VxC7FFl-vXuO/w296-h640/IMG_6506.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The email that I received from one of my happy students.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Yes, it's been over a year now since I got certified as 200 Hours Yoga Teacher. And I have been teaching yoga since I graduated from the <a href="https://crystalgray.me/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Yoga Goddess Academy</span></b></a>. I started teaching yoga to my co-teachers at the school where I work to provide some self-care activity after a long busy day in the classroom. It was my way of giving back to the community. I also taught some teachers in another elementary school in our district for the same reason.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi6jukzn-DDIRcRg2gs7VfrvWqZg5nbag95VZiOZxB4LZj63CkOYn_4SIEdNNyFPL6-N3EBjxU21S30fsTqTjrQcLMp2fEwtC1QOlMPOrvYcs9hE7WsIhixE6kpRuGTeDBm7P3iAY1A8h/s1125/IMG_6559.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="1125" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi6jukzn-DDIRcRg2gs7VfrvWqZg5nbag95VZiOZxB4LZj63CkOYn_4SIEdNNyFPL6-N3EBjxU21S30fsTqTjrQcLMp2fEwtC1QOlMPOrvYcs9hE7WsIhixE6kpRuGTeDBm7P3iAY1A8h/w640-h344/IMG_6559.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoga for Self-Care for my colleagues<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUZ7TnfQBkiGOm9PV0zaPZqt8N-P4A1B1LG6Hh6N56DlIgxT9T4hwqKak1zTArUvfk51L6jxBjCKw8F5PSLbMNlxMnUt8OxiD2eCc7pL4Zg3E8o5qy1F4iaxVWgTgIkjIuZLuQU64tDNR/s1125/IMG_6563.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1125" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUZ7TnfQBkiGOm9PV0zaPZqt8N-P4A1B1LG6Hh6N56DlIgxT9T4hwqKak1zTArUvfk51L6jxBjCKw8F5PSLbMNlxMnUt8OxiD2eCc7pL4Zg3E8o5qy1F4iaxVWgTgIkjIuZLuQU64tDNR/w640-h448/IMG_6563.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teachers Self-care Yoga on our school playground during the last few days of school.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Then, I bravely asked the YMCA in our county if I can teach yoga there, and guess what? I was asked to teach Restorative Yoga to our senior members. It was amazing. I was teaching 3 yoga classes every week. In two of those classes, I get paid and that was even awesome.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j-TLtmoz4cTiD0GID8Qs5xTnY0ro9q0U4OZhJwtWKj5IuY2z-yl0uYoJt3xCT3RISTaSzFMPQNHD-LC3z-Fykvtm5pn0WhbREOhbfsrd1HrBWC3XtSq-RMToW88HUORCwjRLWPM19zA_/s1125/IMG_6560.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1125" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j-TLtmoz4cTiD0GID8Qs5xTnY0ro9q0U4OZhJwtWKj5IuY2z-yl0uYoJt3xCT3RISTaSzFMPQNHD-LC3z-Fykvtm5pn0WhbREOhbfsrd1HrBWC3XtSq-RMToW88HUORCwjRLWPM19zA_/w640-h444/IMG_6560.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restorative Yoga for Seniors<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Soon enough, I gained popularity (<i>ahem, clearing my throat here</i>) and I was asked by the Director of the After-School Program in our school to teach Kids Yoga. Yes, you read that right. I wasn't looking for this job. The job was offered to me. Ain't the sick? That was totally hysterical and I was nervous and excited at the same time.</div><div><br /></div><div>So yes, I grabbed the opportunity. Why not? Though I wasn't so sure how to teach Kids Yoga, I gladly agreed. So I added the Kids Yoga to my statistics. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCPHLuoQ6gx3fDS_OR-CkEdRnm6J9dZ9q3-GQCVQghbbAAIPt9UeeaQBX7eLN5vcL0U4qcpQTatCpvafM5fyvf1PODEV6ty-PnzxCeco9q-6CwWyuQ0lXSZL_EmvR4E9ZbDSsN3GavYX_/s1125/IMG_6557.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1125" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCPHLuoQ6gx3fDS_OR-CkEdRnm6J9dZ9q3-GQCVQghbbAAIPt9UeeaQBX7eLN5vcL0U4qcpQTatCpvafM5fyvf1PODEV6ty-PnzxCeco9q-6CwWyuQ0lXSZL_EmvR4E9ZbDSsN3GavYX_/w640-h486/IMG_6557.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Cutest Little Yogis<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Next thing I know, I was sponsored by LearningWorks - the After School Program in our school to take Trauma-Informed Yoga for Youth, so I can support our kiddos better through Yoga. The opportunity kinda fell effortlessly and unexpectedly on my lap. I am now a Certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher for Youth and working on 2 more classes to complete my certification and I'll be a Registered Children Yoga Teacher in no time. That was crazy. Totally!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then came pandemic and remote learning.</div><div><br /></div><div>My thought was, what will happen now with my yoga classes? Well, I guess the Universe has a bigger plan for me so I just trusted and let it go.</div><div><br /></div><div>My yoga classes did not stop when our school went remotely. I still teach yoga remotely to our students and teachers and yes... our kids' parents who are also as stressed (maybe more) as the teachers. I was also recently asked by the After-School program director to also teach online yoga to the staff for self-care. And at this point, I can totally ease out on pinching myself because I know that these things are really happening.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVnuBeEX3zThuklobqWBwzR2QJVoJICxymaoQ9ZjLH3qSzkWvMrY6pN1ZXXX1DUpxn1C83TDD9DknKfCLPMixzc76J6InCUBbbl_DZbRcuqgd51rTYp7gdFwXdAEf7hEBECCDxh7KF8Mj/s1125/IMG_6562.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1125" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVnuBeEX3zThuklobqWBwzR2QJVoJICxymaoQ9ZjLH3qSzkWvMrY6pN1ZXXX1DUpxn1C83TDD9DknKfCLPMixzc76J6InCUBbbl_DZbRcuqgd51rTYp7gdFwXdAEf7hEBECCDxh7KF8Mj/w640-h454/IMG_6562.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids Yoga Online</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />You see, I am not really that busy (pun intended). I thought the pandemic will slow me down but I was wrong. I have been busier than ever. I was also asked by LearningWorks to do Kids Yoga Videos so the kids will be able to practice yoga on their own, in their own space and time. So yeah, I'm a Vlogger now too and have my own YouTube channel for Kids Yoga (as well as Yoga in Taglish and a bunch of other stuff).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R3JEo280sXE" width="320" youtube-src-id="R3JEo280sXE"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a sample of the Kids Yoga Video</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, the pandemic took its toll on everyone alive. So when we were able to get modified restrictions on outdoor activities, I was able to take yoga outside. Of course, I have to connect with my roots but my family is all over the world and there is no way I can travel, I have to do the best I could. I connected with my Filipino friends here in Maine and we did Yoga at the Park so we can at least reconnected and stay healthy at the same time.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUkfg9XmTmWXOO2ypoUfHLtwgNedXMeYhGM_gPAcCMpjq9NRT5jH3I2mnpAW2vVs-APK8gvygpZWQazhAjdjH_rqTLHvUN72rZyg_inmgkWULj_WG5owqo77l3Lgo0o0CvCoGl8OiHZkV/s1125/IMG_6564.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1125" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUkfg9XmTmWXOO2ypoUfHLtwgNedXMeYhGM_gPAcCMpjq9NRT5jH3I2mnpAW2vVs-APK8gvygpZWQazhAjdjH_rqTLHvUN72rZyg_inmgkWULj_WG5owqo77l3Lgo0o0CvCoGl8OiHZkV/w640-h376/IMG_6564.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoga at the Park with my Filipina Friends.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Now that I'm a year old Yoga Teacher, I kinda love the feeling. Although I had to admit, I'm still a work in progress. That being said... I can't wait for other opportunities coming my way where I can share my passion for yoga.</div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, I am confident enough to say that when new opportunities come - I will no longer be reluctant to embrace my new role.</div><div><br /></div><div>Namaste!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ExQCGJKF3GZHmgNQnmExF6rA3eqFB7YmikWtKZ1nWXSFMA6dXK6JDtbSoI3jSdleKN2JcrvOxOdVA3tuDB1wATl9PmW24x2Yd3_8BYFeYbJhusWwtbfAj6sijuEZxxtVrPNL8E2giKMc/s1200/Hurry+In+Flash+Sale.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ExQCGJKF3GZHmgNQnmExF6rA3eqFB7YmikWtKZ1nWXSFMA6dXK6JDtbSoI3jSdleKN2JcrvOxOdVA3tuDB1wATl9PmW24x2Yd3_8BYFeYbJhusWwtbfAj6sijuEZxxtVrPNL8E2giKMc/w400-h210/Hurry+In+Flash+Sale.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-86583108159385029152020-11-03T14:36:00.004-05:002020-11-03T17:04:12.821-05:00#ruthiliciousYoga || The WHYs of YogaI am a Yogi!<br />
<br />Alright, just hold your yoga pants up, my lovelies. It's no big deal.<br />
<br />
Up to now, I am still trying to think if I am trying to convince myself or I already believe that I am a Yogi "yogi".<br />
<br />
It felt surreal if you ask me.<div><br /></div><div>But believe it or not, it took me a while to get used to that <i>word</i> referring to myself even though I love yoga and practice yoga on a daily basis. And even if I eat, drink, breathe, and sleep yoga on a daily basis, calling myself a <i>yogi</i> is like taking a bitter pill that is hard to swallow. I don't know why but maybe I feel that the word <i>confidence</i> is not in my book just yet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkG0for8P00Bfj_8zFN-LZfYtUEP7idA3X0-lOnoWHXewWmEE4toNP4gnc4hO3Xor3NOpHi5yC7wUsemy5yKCUm0tFIIAeNuxHDuEF8gMM6RIOvU_Mt5l_6ToMedV9mEhFeMig9VjBFZr/s1124/7AA6D35B-8CAC-4BD9-95F5-550D2AFD9C8F.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1124" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkG0for8P00Bfj_8zFN-LZfYtUEP7idA3X0-lOnoWHXewWmEE4toNP4gnc4hO3Xor3NOpHi5yC7wUsemy5yKCUm0tFIIAeNuxHDuEF8gMM6RIOvU_Mt5l_6ToMedV9mEhFeMig9VjBFZr/w640-h640/7AA6D35B-8CAC-4BD9-95F5-550D2AFD9C8F.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I have been practicing yoga for over 7 years now and believe it or not [again], I am already a Registered Yoga Teacher. Yes, I'm a Registered Yoga Teacher or RYT as we proudly abbreviate it in the yoga world.<br /><br />I know it's crazy, isn't it?<br /><br />Me... a Registered Yoga Teacher? Who would have known?<br /><br />But yeah, I AM AND... I AM LEGIT!!!<br /><br />I teach Yoga to real humans like a normal Yoga Teacher with a real lesson plan. I am also checking and teaching proper alignment and all the crazy stuff like a real Yoga teacher does. And applying everything I learned from my amazing <span style="color: #2b00fe; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.ruthinian.com/2019/09/the-goddess-on-spot-woman-who-saw.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Yoga Teacher - Crystal Gray</span></a> </span><span>of the Goddess Yoga Academy.</span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>And you know what is even crazier? I got insurance as well so that makes me legit. It cannot be any more legit than that. LOL</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGQGUsVhnwxqKdIE36ZITTq2SZpFDUFB7NZ1G9fguUhRo6jty6AoZfIobfc7lIuOFDo_kPM1reZ3EvbkITreaSSdSwpjKBha99NZRhJK1Vn5qXrEu2xdvj13JVNUFuTiCJ5Ua0M_9vwKH/s1620/9AFF9609-AED1-4664-885F-108456C5E43A.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1620" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGQGUsVhnwxqKdIE36ZITTq2SZpFDUFB7NZ1G9fguUhRo6jty6AoZfIobfc7lIuOFDo_kPM1reZ3EvbkITreaSSdSwpjKBha99NZRhJK1Vn5qXrEu2xdvj13JVNUFuTiCJ5Ua0M_9vwKH/w640-h444/9AFF9609-AED1-4664-885F-108456C5E43A.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So now I guess, I believe that the word <i>confidence</i> finally found its way in my book a little. And I am warming up with the word YOGI because my yoga students believe I am. So I need to play the part.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that being said, and after some personal assessment, it's time to share with you the WHYs of Yoga that I found helpful in my fitness journey.</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe this will resonate with a lot of people who are on the same journey or looking for something along that path.<br /><br />So WHY yoga?</div><div><br /></div><div>I could come up with a lot of reasons but I have only 5 real personal experiences that made me embrace the practice with all my heart.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1iOYKTN9dbhAAtyD68HGilo6fG0NVPuXOjzEN2V9pRKAHP8iJ5dbrTfPcu_M-HQnbo4xR3lF6v0LufDPmJctpjhYMMNlgLLArbOmogyHOvhLJIy67xrOmw0MbMv2munKbe6S7B9rUcro/s827/A616FB54-5015-48EE-A7BF-358543BF0BC8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="827" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1iOYKTN9dbhAAtyD68HGilo6fG0NVPuXOjzEN2V9pRKAHP8iJ5dbrTfPcu_M-HQnbo4xR3lF6v0LufDPmJctpjhYMMNlgLLArbOmogyHOvhLJIy67xrOmw0MbMv2munKbe6S7B9rUcro/w640-h640/A616FB54-5015-48EE-A7BF-358543BF0BC8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So here we go.</div><span style="font-size: large;"><div><br /></div>1. It feels good.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.ruthinian.com/2019/09/ruthiliciousfitnessjourney-beggining-of.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">My journey as a Yogi</span></b></a> is not that hard mainly because the first time I went down on my mat, I already felt good about it. However, lacking self-confidence is probably the reason why it took me a long time to really toy on the idea of me being a Yogi. For me, I was just looking for a safe place to be after a long day at work or to avoid a toxic situation in the homefront.<br /><br />So regardless of how my day went, once I roll my mat out and get into a downward dog, I'm in my happy place. Little did I know, I made that decision for myself. That I am there to do something for myself. And that I know I will feel better after.</div><div><br /></div><div>All the stretches and the twists and the forward folds my yoga teacher cued during the practice gave me the sensation my body needs after a hard day at work and the relief my soul needed to calm my mind and misery.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3KzlvTMHSFUVVOtjQT_4VLPLJFX-xEMeNxPSCV0OfE1dUW3FngdTeg3Z4Xt1_AE3SW9FkJZDDylO0e16rRZBcicCkrXNBFdwaaZv1z4SihyGQT8rt_EgV0jv_eXTwnwy9CBvs19eH0bZ/s1440/B3594BB5-206C-4D2B-97BB-56C7AD28F305.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3KzlvTMHSFUVVOtjQT_4VLPLJFX-xEMeNxPSCV0OfE1dUW3FngdTeg3Z4Xt1_AE3SW9FkJZDDylO0e16rRZBcicCkrXNBFdwaaZv1z4SihyGQT8rt_EgV0jv_eXTwnwy9CBvs19eH0bZ/w640-h640/B3594BB5-206C-4D2B-97BB-56C7AD28F305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">2. It keeps me out of trouble.</span><br /><br />Having a relationship with myself is the best thing that yoga taught me. Yoga did not only help me but saved a lot of people in my life from my <i>inner bitch</i>. LOL </div><div><br /></div><div>Kidding aside, yoga saved me from my own demons. I didn't realize I was suffering from emotional depression for a long time. I thought I was happy and doing okay but I felt empty inside for the longest time. It was hard to believe that I was in denial for so long until I tried yoga.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yoga did not cure my depression. I want to make it clear. Yoga is not a cure for depression. It is a tool that helped me deal with depression. It helped me manage it and saved me from hurting myself or worse others.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN10q2ed8aTtQWVro3NCZfOgVBNt9nrLHSOUHb-relzpY0WzCklqYbVhreVH3Kc5nHMeglAIEQ58lLCAI8Z1lr1GtnNtvZ1_DdWymIpTbJ_BZ97-KO8OVfQ0rdRduSmAYQe93PLtA-1PxK/s1449/D8B7854B-E690-4B7D-8CFA-333B82BE32C6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1449" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN10q2ed8aTtQWVro3NCZfOgVBNt9nrLHSOUHb-relzpY0WzCklqYbVhreVH3Kc5nHMeglAIEQ58lLCAI8Z1lr1GtnNtvZ1_DdWymIpTbJ_BZ97-KO8OVfQ0rdRduSmAYQe93PLtA-1PxK/w640-h496/D8B7854B-E690-4B7D-8CFA-333B82BE32C6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. It makes me happy.</span><br /><br />Happiness has different meanings for different people. For me, happiness is to be able to calm my body down and my mind of the anxieties I was dealing with. Yoga opened up or unblocked a space in me that I didn't know a had. When I am doing yoga, I am in that space. I am in a good place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Suffice it to say, my regular ugly conversations with my <i>inner bitch</i> led me to self-sabotage. For so long I believed every single negative word I told myself. I never thought I was so mean to myself as to others. I was so negative with everything and I was manifesting all those negative energies in my small world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I started doing yoga, things started to change. I never know how important breathwork is. Breathworks helped me to be in control of my mind and action. Being mindful of my actions help me navigate my depression. Eventually, I was able to tame my inner bitch and became happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQZSqZ_rfGoOB2-4ipn7LL6vHBQYGQZRdDiAD-xoea_xUoAZqf0GNpYdWUfIqvnIF3Q3iT2C-ItO2EOzeBEqIdw2aCVbvQqZbypsbCQO1ijVVoQctPlhWtaWXeh98R0jnv21swaobtxEj/s1440/BC4C106C-53AE-4F88-BD9B-50E86247FAB2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQZSqZ_rfGoOB2-4ipn7LL6vHBQYGQZRdDiAD-xoea_xUoAZqf0GNpYdWUfIqvnIF3Q3iT2C-ItO2EOzeBEqIdw2aCVbvQqZbypsbCQO1ijVVoQctPlhWtaWXeh98R0jnv21swaobtxEj/w640-h640/BC4C106C-53AE-4F88-BD9B-50E86247FAB2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">4. It helps me accept who I am.</span><br /><br />I'm not gonna lie, I was my own bully.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wasn't aware that I bully myself for a long time. I didn't know that the reason for my low self-esteem is the way I talked to myself. Eventually, I believe all the negative words I said to myself and manifesting them in my body and people see me as such.</div><div><br /></div><div>How is it so? Blame it to the fact that I don't have a Yogi body that people usually associate yogi with. And maybe my lack of confidence made it even worse. Add that to the fact that I constantly told myself that I am ugly, fat, stupid, worthless, and a lot of negative words that I thought were true.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><div>Then came yoga. Through yoga, I was able to accept my limitations and weaknesses and turned them into possibilities and strengths. Acceptance came a long way but it did come and stay. Through acceptance of all my flaws, people started seeing the real me and they saw beyond the physical me. It was my first breakthrough and one of the many.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcREkRxAM83gDL3VLrgxVjvBY4xLV_pNIrRPCthI0zS-nWsIbOD0PYQihpJvTc0a_NVYAL0met9G85zOgEwY-IYenk2wzD7z2XOydxfJlvOOziYSk1RntkJ_PbzXBuNiG3A9Doo41XCq-Y/s1772/FullSizeRender+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcREkRxAM83gDL3VLrgxVjvBY4xLV_pNIrRPCthI0zS-nWsIbOD0PYQihpJvTc0a_NVYAL0met9G85zOgEwY-IYenk2wzD7z2XOydxfJlvOOziYSk1RntkJ_PbzXBuNiG3A9Doo41XCq-Y/w406-h640/FullSizeRender+2.JPG" width="406" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">5. It makes me shine.</span><br /><br />As a beginner in yoga practice, it was intimidating just to roll the mat out, to be honest with you. My brain for some reason would question my intention of going down the mat every time I practice yoga even if I know that I will feel better after.</div><div><br /></div><div>Standard dictates that the skinny body that looks great in yoga pants and sports bra and that same body that can do a headstand is the real Yogi in the Yoga World. And since there is no way I am skinny or can do a headstand (just yet) I feel that I can't call myself a yogi. I just called myself a <i>yoga wanna-be</i> which I realize doesn't actually matter.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, despite my odd relationship with my <i>inner bitch</i> I thrived and continued to practice yoga because what I felt after proved to be real and not a made-up story that I believe to be true. I found the courage to shoo my <i>built-in bully</i> away. I found my voice and was able to shut up all the negative talks I had with myself... FOR GOOD!</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, <a href="http://www.ruthinian.com/2019/06/lighting-my-spark-within-in-amorgos.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I found the light and I let it shine</span></b></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirOp6prjHN_Hy3ZlF6mJI0V2z8xPK1jgV3lYpUS04uGYQntPTI_3_ULEgX4lPHz195BRtWG5o6HH5PGHyKgxiV0KQDamyvDtfVw6Y3Hcuhq98m4Mu-JJLuBa87eTHyFy29TCXrbDQpD0s/s1387/FullSizeRender.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1387" data-original-width="865" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirOp6prjHN_Hy3ZlF6mJI0V2z8xPK1jgV3lYpUS04uGYQntPTI_3_ULEgX4lPHz195BRtWG5o6HH5PGHyKgxiV0KQDamyvDtfVw6Y3Hcuhq98m4Mu-JJLuBa87eTHyFy29TCXrbDQpD0s/w400-h640/FullSizeRender.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I learned that - Yoga is the act of surrendering myself to my weaknesses and a safe place where I don't feel being judged or persecuted. For these reasons, I created a community of yogis who are on the same path. A <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/177449637035807" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Yoga Community for the non-yogi bodies and closet yogis</span></b></a> who are in a love-hate relationship with their own inner bitches.<br /><br />Fast Forward to the present. I have been teaching yoga classes since September of 2019, all those beliefs I had in mind totally proved to have no value in the Yoga World.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It may be a cliche but life is so short to live it in misery or blame others for that misery. Half the time we ourselves are the co-creators of our misery by allowing it to happen to us. Letting go of the negative energies takes a lot of courage and effort but it's all worth it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am a work in progress.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Being an RYT and soon to be RCYT (Registered Children Yoga Teacher) doesn't make me a perfect yogi. It's far from that. I am still in transition and evolving. I need more breakthroughs to be able to break away from the deep-seated trauma I unconsciously set down on me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And more importantly, I am still in the process of forgiveness. I need to learn how to forgive myself wholeheartedly for allowing myself to be a victim of my own wrongdoings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And lastly, I want someday to be able to say with pride that - I am a Yogi!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2I9J3wsu9L2izmXqbyEhicuN1Dj8kHfppxwmcMIypPDDAC2iEzajCYa6Ofe368tJRXD1BMVBzP2vfOssQGrK8lP2J8SRNhm10s_OPMWEJxSHBzB855ga6cr8Zm_rK0RYwifxHHkzwHpim/s1573/C223D696-D6C3-45CA-A93E-80C42AEAC55A+copy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1573" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2I9J3wsu9L2izmXqbyEhicuN1Dj8kHfppxwmcMIypPDDAC2iEzajCYa6Ofe368tJRXD1BMVBzP2vfOssQGrK8lP2J8SRNhm10s_OPMWEJxSHBzB855ga6cr8Zm_rK0RYwifxHHkzwHpim/w400-h286/C223D696-D6C3-45CA-A93E-80C42AEAC55A+copy.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-66680005363599552732020-11-01T13:42:00.008-05:002020-11-01T13:54:06.286-05:00#ruthiliciousTravels to Laurel Hill Cemetery for a Peaceful WalkDo you like going for a walk?<div><br /><div>Do you like to go for a walk to clear your mind or just simply to have a me-time?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you like to go for a walk to take in beautiful places to give you inspiration or just to relax?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you like to go for a walk in the cemetery to relax and find peace of mind?</div><div><br /></div><div>WAIT!</div><div><br /></div><div>WHAT?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAvgAlg2uOs" width="320" youtube-src-id="XAvgAlg2uOs"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><div>You didn't see that coming, did you?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, one of my colleagues and friends asked me to do a Fall Family photoshoot and I was stoked with the offer because it's been a while since I last had a photoshoot.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love photography and I would do a photoshoot on my own just for the heck of it. I would go to different places taking photos of the sceneries and different faces of life. And to do a photoshoot to get paid for doing it - is just a bonus.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQRS6skmnA7NrmxKTPLSkBpJYCuD1rRD-2tQGny7I0DuRgloG9kZKV4E10yujlmZhVm-I8G7AH3bUymN_m3VBJhORtzLhwOXGI5VNyCdN4sGXmXjhbp_dJscYWz0zi0iGluljSEIEyYxo/s2048/IMG_5710.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQRS6skmnA7NrmxKTPLSkBpJYCuD1rRD-2tQGny7I0DuRgloG9kZKV4E10yujlmZhVm-I8G7AH3bUymN_m3VBJhORtzLhwOXGI5VNyCdN4sGXmXjhbp_dJscYWz0zi0iGluljSEIEyYxo/w640-h480/IMG_5710.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>So my friend texted me if I can do a photoshoot for her family. I didn't have a second thought and said YES right away. I was thinking that it will be a great opportunity to go for a day trip and hike afterward and put my photography skill work to my advantage.</div><div><br /></div><div>So we texted back and forth and agreed on a day and time and place to do it. But before I was able to text back after she sent me the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Laurel%20Hill%20Cemetery%20Assoc/121270014554095/" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">FB Page</span></i></b></a> of the location and the direction where she wanted to have the photoshoot, I was like... <i>did she really sent me the FB page of a cemetery</i>?</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, the location she picked is in the cemetery.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it has its own FB page! </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpva9w2mpJ8jT0xO9WSOX6q-9TZzfNfj0vpyB4dj1fpgcT3Kp27T2JJI3N1QvKTF-rZp-ukWd64-rfEnzdZvfBK7Gq-_cixQ0BtikiTzxPprWtrZY5x67h6oH5SEpaJBJC0WkDdLcK_Vg/s2048/IMG_5711.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpva9w2mpJ8jT0xO9WSOX6q-9TZzfNfj0vpyB4dj1fpgcT3Kp27T2JJI3N1QvKTF-rZp-ukWd64-rfEnzdZvfBK7Gq-_cixQ0BtikiTzxPprWtrZY5x67h6oH5SEpaJBJC0WkDdLcK_Vg/w640-h480/IMG_5711.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>I had to admit I didn't see that coming. I was taken aback and thinking maybe it was an autocorrect mistake and didn't really mean to type in the word "cemetery".</div><div><br /></div><div>But she really did!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>She must have felt my doubts and feelings about her last text messages because she quickly added the next message - <i>"There is a great spot down in the back that overlooks the river." </i>while I was disorientedly typing in a response to that message.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I was like... WHEW!</div><div><br /></div><div>So yes, she did say the photoshoot will be at the Laurel Hill Cemetary in Saco, Maine.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I have no choice but to trust her words.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcERs_6vFIy9AmMIV3mY5fyCQXxLVTeVtBR1xXMgRn1P-HjC157VTpGf3Ttg1loXRcpI3ednhZO4Jo59Y0LVusraWIjfrxy1i-zvkvv1ZBIMVzqp78vbvgobR8xo3AEa8yfaaBftyxDSk/s2048/IMG_5712.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcERs_6vFIy9AmMIV3mY5fyCQXxLVTeVtBR1xXMgRn1P-HjC157VTpGf3Ttg1loXRcpI3ednhZO4Jo59Y0LVusraWIjfrxy1i-zvkvv1ZBIMVzqp78vbvgobR8xo3AEa8yfaaBftyxDSk/w640-h480/IMG_5712.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>For some reason, I felt that her assurance will give me a whole new perspective about life and the after-life. I was convinced too that she knew there will be no Zombie Apocalypse scheduled at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco on that day. So we're good.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I was right.</div></div><div><br /></div>I heard about the place before and passed the area once with my friend when we went to meet some friends at Old Orchard beach. I even asked what it was because it didn't appear to me like a cemetery and there were people there that time who looked happy and not mourning. She said it was a cemetery. And I thought that was a nice cemetery.</div><div><br /></div><div>She did say too that people go there for a walk.</div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't believe her.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmtR4dcSSn6hStbzf59kvXspxj5m3pair7aqtI7CLJxwe4BUCtELPo7uAxYDyo80EcJkGJ6fX_aCUB_Fq2nzunH61fJDlKFAqDkS-VgMkdLsagE32nKs0BplY84HYynOdvCbHOA2kC5Vn/s3088/IMG_5714.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmtR4dcSSn6hStbzf59kvXspxj5m3pair7aqtI7CLJxwe4BUCtELPo7uAxYDyo80EcJkGJ6fX_aCUB_Fq2nzunH61fJDlKFAqDkS-VgMkdLsagE32nKs0BplY84HYynOdvCbHOA2kC5Vn/w640-h480/IMG_5714.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So, we did the Family photoshoot on the scheduled date.</div><div><br /></div><div>I arrived early to check the place where she wanted to do the photoshoot and boy, I was in awe. Considering that it is Fall and the foliage is at its peak in that place, I can't believe I was inside a historic cemetery which is one of the very <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurel_Hill_Cemetery_(Saco,_Maine)" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">first garden cemeteries in America established in 1844</span></i></b><i style="font-weight: bold;">.</i></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It is where some notable people in American history were buried and laid to rest.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>We started working on our poses. I worked hard in my focus to cut and eliminate any evidence of the place and it wasn't that hard. The arrangement and layout of the tombs are well-planned and well-thought-of. It was flawless and strategic. It is a park, a garden, and a haven.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had fun doing the photo shoot.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0qfwfztE2mM4rf8u3OEkshTFn6CkVQjLmBqLetbhyiX4stS7nAyj5ZqhhD1WCyi69FgYcz_sg_YUWaNtzMwvP-xznWPs8h4p7Czp5YPWnFyFHDOfbIxSHHk2Xzr0g7EXnvsA0hrrw14H/s2048/IMG_5716.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0qfwfztE2mM4rf8u3OEkshTFn6CkVQjLmBqLetbhyiX4stS7nAyj5ZqhhD1WCyi69FgYcz_sg_YUWaNtzMwvP-xznWPs8h4p7Czp5YPWnFyFHDOfbIxSHHk2Xzr0g7EXnvsA0hrrw14H/w640-h480/IMG_5716.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Her kids are adorable. The father is a little shy. My friend was relaxed and just wanted the shoot to be done as quickly as possible before the little one changed his mood. But the little one has a blast and cooperative the whole time. I was able to get his best shots without issues.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was fun to do the photoshoot with this family. And yes, I am thankful for my friend to give me the chance to discover this amazing place.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>After the photoshoot, I stayed for a solid hour to really experience this amazing place. It was time for a walk.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were lots of people in the cemetery. I even saw a couple of guys doing photography there too. Their cameras are fancier than mine and they look legit and professional. But I didn't get intimidated. I feel professional myself earlier anyway. LOL</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_b09UYB_B5lxcrupVIpELrQRA_hsPaMCar8ak3116xgs_CjnyWqhJ5d7KIOMoA75NudTUpkMBnFca79MioZT9CdLZkhGGtLaiq0ojaNvoTLgKCjiEk7sgWzQl4nlU24EH0Ia9UPDPtMjk/s2048/IMG_5768.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_b09UYB_B5lxcrupVIpELrQRA_hsPaMCar8ak3116xgs_CjnyWqhJ5d7KIOMoA75NudTUpkMBnFca79MioZT9CdLZkhGGtLaiq0ojaNvoTLgKCjiEk7sgWzQl4nlU24EH0Ia9UPDPtMjk/w640-h480/IMG_5768.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I saw a short walking trail so I checked it out.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is a bench overlooking the river and the trail is well-managed and groomed in my opinion. It was short but nice.</div><div><br /></div><div>The view of the Saco River with the foliage backdrop was amazing. The whole area is none the less a great hiking/walking place.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8QXjQbbajuCLZuMiK0WtCyh6Oy9ptOjMDgft73l7w8q1LKQ9sQgD8vjLiP1eLRQN725KHh3DeZVn7FUAZentbOWOyRPuj_8r785QJzDtsmTuPywyqTLhh3mBd5edpZWNNkLYmF7quqEv/s2048/IMG_5836.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8QXjQbbajuCLZuMiK0WtCyh6Oy9ptOjMDgft73l7w8q1LKQ9sQgD8vjLiP1eLRQN725KHh3DeZVn7FUAZentbOWOyRPuj_8r785QJzDtsmTuPywyqTLhh3mBd5edpZWNNkLYmF7quqEv/w640-h480/IMG_5836.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Contrary to what we believe what cemeteries are, this place is not spooky at all. I believe the dead ones here are literally resting in peace and happy to be in their final resting place.</div><div> </div>It was a great experience for me. But don't take my words for it. The photos don't even give justice to what I personally see with my own eyes. But what I can assure you is that this place is not a spooky place at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I believe Zombies are off-limits here so they can't scare the living human walkers and hikers and photographers enjoying this amazingly peaceful and boo-tiful place. Pun intended!</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s1080/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s320/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-38105093263969308572020-10-31T14:40:00.000-04:002020-10-31T14:40:19.543-04:00#ruthiliciousTravels to Witches' Town in Salem, MassachusettsHappy Halloween, Everyone! <div><br /></div><div>Some of you might be shocked to know that I don't really celebrate Halloween. And that this "holiday" is not really that important to me. I don't even care about the candies and the costumes are too much for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>But what I really like and interested in are the witches and the witching stuff. LOL</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vovCrv9Bo80" width="320" youtube-src-id="vovCrv9Bo80"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>So when I found out that Massabesic Adult Education was offering a Day Trip to Salem, Massachusetts last year, I signed up and I went on a Day Trip... all by myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>The VIP Bus picked the Day Trippers up in Biddeford Park and Ride at around 8am. We picked up a few more people in Wells and off to the Turnpike. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwA1JdqHuXtGMEpp0V3vR17Coap_htOsHpy9z9yZW3C9Xy-l9szs_KuSQkQBMbUg5NkVrZaRlTZHO_Vl314ERpkMZVJV2CDG3aw1fwof5alWItg2cKBhvrG-aorWDG5IA3FTfJ7uQ9wUw5/s2048/11+x+8.5+in.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwA1JdqHuXtGMEpp0V3vR17Coap_htOsHpy9z9yZW3C9Xy-l9szs_KuSQkQBMbUg5NkVrZaRlTZHO_Vl314ERpkMZVJV2CDG3aw1fwof5alWItg2cKBhvrG-aorWDG5IA3FTfJ7uQ9wUw5/w640-h494/11+x+8.5+in.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The VIP Bus was decked in spooky decor. Our driver and his assistant (his Wife) were wearing costumes too to complete the vibes. Our Driver was a skeleton and his wife was a Hipie.<div><br /></div><div>Most of the passengers were wearing costumes too. I wasn't wearing costumes because I don't have one. Or maybe I was. I was wearing my yoga outfit which is my regular outfit whether I'm teaching yoga or not so yes, I went as a Yoga Teacher. LOL</div><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6nLNgdZQQ3lXurOBjdxkudBCyFHrCf_jnlwS_7taA7pJpjp3tOTR3zbLy3_VJq2RNeHIGh7KRVBoJ_FLpIOx_MDqTOyLVUHFF1pbywoke_EFS7C5PhGOuKwByponuGxzu-6ltu0k871X/s2048/11+x+8.5+in.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6nLNgdZQQ3lXurOBjdxkudBCyFHrCf_jnlwS_7taA7pJpjp3tOTR3zbLy3_VJq2RNeHIGh7KRVBoJ_FLpIOx_MDqTOyLVUHFF1pbywoke_EFS7C5PhGOuKwByponuGxzu-6ltu0k871X/w640-h494/11+x+8.5+in.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We reached Salem at quarter past ten. The town was already busy busting with festivities. People traffic was so intense. I can count in my hands how many people were not in costumes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, there were a lot of witches roaming around freely and without being judged or burned. It's their day to shine. While a lot of princesses and superheroes are also in tow and in strollers. Baby human animals of all species were out of the woods in their parents arms.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6d7KmEKtdXf56431Jgj4AhSQB-QQ782UVeHyO8hjNMb4NiZeQ3Kz1HuB4s_7IYHtKobi_Kodgg1Mg9zjstnaamEOwgp6_Leyf-6DwvjRWK98sxrDNYPO67m4mmZK03rxKPFwerV19bh0z/s2048/11+x+8.5+in+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6d7KmEKtdXf56431Jgj4AhSQB-QQ782UVeHyO8hjNMb4NiZeQ3Kz1HuB4s_7IYHtKobi_Kodgg1Mg9zjstnaamEOwgp6_Leyf-6DwvjRWK98sxrDNYPO67m4mmZK03rxKPFwerV19bh0z/w640-h494/11+x+8.5+in+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I went to the local shopping area for witches, of course and I was amazed at the stuff they are selling here. I was in my happy place. Anything that calls for shopping is a happy place for me, anyways.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I browsed everything from crystals, talisman, potions, tarot and oracle cards, brooms (of course there are brooms there, it's the witches means of transportation), and a lot more that I don't actually know and I don't realize are part of culture of tribe.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1kUvn_Lzcwomifyxc6H_fHJZ3DfY4gjb6MB56rainY6p_AC0ZbgioMqpSYMIPP5mPrbpEghUf6EpaP2XW-Hklka4f7IzCtlDR_jow696hsb29tj9tYhdUoKr0C-ZC5SFqao8YcGVIn8m/s2048/11+x+8.5+in+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1kUvn_Lzcwomifyxc6H_fHJZ3DfY4gjb6MB56rainY6p_AC0ZbgioMqpSYMIPP5mPrbpEghUf6EpaP2XW-Hklka4f7IzCtlDR_jow696hsb29tj9tYhdUoKr0C-ZC5SFqao8YcGVIn8m/w640-h494/11+x+8.5+in+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>I left early and had no time to eat breakfast so I had a fancy buffet brunch in Nathaniel's Restaurant at the <a href="https://www.hawthornehotel.com/history/">Hawthorne Hotel</a> which is a historic place established in 1925 in the heart of Salem, and is a proud member of the Historic Hotels of America.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I had a great time having an expensive brunch all by myself and enjoyed the feeling of being in a historic place dining like a queen. I realized that eating breakfast in porcelain dishes and sitting on a fancy chair with big windows behind me made me feel like a millionaire.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would love to do it again.</div><div><br /></div><div>And by the way, while I was eating I was asked if I am coming for the Halloween Ball that night. Whoa, so apparently that Hotel is a yearly venue for the Halloween Ball. Maybe someday I would love to do it. I just don't know how I'll get myself to attend it. I'm guessing, by invitation or buying an expensive ticket or getting bitten by a vampire? Who knows?</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMMZ4pRo69_AeXawo_pO4XZbcTSIiC-RzLWJxDU2J9tK4qwyf6aZ_pAgFDyT9DYe-nQ6wOMaDXxlIUwiEa6fLKmjyVjff2VTJHj4DKrZktFYT_TSNnHUNqjPQxsVYCUTrlBuEE2o7Hwub/s2048/11+x+8.5+in+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMMZ4pRo69_AeXawo_pO4XZbcTSIiC-RzLWJxDU2J9tK4qwyf6aZ_pAgFDyT9DYe-nQ6wOMaDXxlIUwiEa6fLKmjyVjff2VTJHj4DKrZktFYT_TSNnHUNqjPQxsVYCUTrlBuEE2o7Hwub/w640-h494/11+x+8.5+in+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After my yummy buffet brunch, I went to the Information Center where I purchased a ticket for a 70 minutes Walking Tour. It was a great experience as well. I learned a lot about the town and the historical part of it. Some of the perceived ideas and whatever impressions people had of this town was clarified.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our Tour Guide was wearing a century outfit of a Gentleman of that era and carrying around a CVS paper bag that holds his water bottle and other stuff. That part got me confused. But he has a good sense of humor and was able to keep my attention intact all throughout the tour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQ_RHBe2TCVOLMNRY-tF0xxQ7cGjAKt7UAEoURIrsJCygXr9a7_KL1VDGpUGlFDIeuczlE2LBqEAvrMXTSmry9XmBy3H_yeCrKR4NcYe3YoWfpIIPRztFKoHhHOSBuYP9PAd2CJCyR_WB/s2048/11+x+8.5+in+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQ_RHBe2TCVOLMNRY-tF0xxQ7cGjAKt7UAEoURIrsJCygXr9a7_KL1VDGpUGlFDIeuczlE2LBqEAvrMXTSmry9XmBy3H_yeCrKR4NcYe3YoWfpIIPRztFKoHhHOSBuYP9PAd2CJCyR_WB/w640-h494/11+x+8.5+in+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the tour, I went to see two of the famous historical landmarks in Salem, <a href="https://7gables.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlvT8BRDeARIsAACRFiUSZEuZ1fyKMgUhwpY7YBbgwGkhRINmnCTGdkAsL5l7nOca7RLPGM8aAhtpEALw_wcB" target="_blank">the House of the Seven Gables</a> which is Nathaniel Hawthorne's birthplace house and <a href="https://www.oldepeppercandy.com/">Ye Olde Pepper Companie</a> which is dubbed as America's oldest candy company which is ironically not selling pepper but candies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't get the chance to see the House of the Seven Gables because the ticket line was so long I was afraid I'd miss my ride home. But I was able to go to the candy store and bought myself the "Black Jack" which you can only buy at that store (I'm guessing) and is basically a candy made of molasses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I spent the last half hour of the day at the marina where I started my Solo Day Trip waiting for the rest of our crew to take the bus home. I spent it browsing more stuff at the stores around the area and spying on people some more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was indeed an exciting experience and I will surely be back... this time with my family or friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">HAPPY HALLOWEEN!</div></div><div><br /><div> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s1080/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s320/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-52639637154190184712020-10-29T15:17:00.005-04:002020-10-29T15:17:47.660-04:00#ruthiliciousTravels || Fall is for Apple Picking<div>One of the perks of living in a state with 4 seasons is apple picking.</div><div><br /></div><div>Apple trees grow best in the temperate zone where the temperature is moderate in the summer and cold in the winter, and where humidity is from medium to high. This is the condition where these <i><b>forbidden trees</b></i> are thriving to bear these ridiculously yummy <i><b>forbidden fruits</b> </i>that got Eve in big trouble in Eden and kicked out from paradise. Adam wasn't very impressed, I bet.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0iQ8ybKjMI" width="320" youtube-src-id="_0iQ8ybKjMI"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, here in Maine, apples are not forbidden. We have an abundance of apple orchards here where we can pick apples to our heart's desire. One of the 6 million reasons why I love Fall. </div><div><br /></div><div>Apple picking in Maine is the main event of the Fall season as far as I'm concern. Mainers and out-of-state visitors flock to the apple orchards to get their hands on every variety there is. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for me, this is my great opportunity to be out there to just relax, enjoy the scenery, and experience Fall - the Ruthilicious Way.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenMrfg5FKcONmRlVdl19vYitSjrOIjwfs26ieAt11q58PyyOMHwrSgev7E9uaxkUasUaYfvuBbP1BxPLHNVzz3PV3e3flW2B3t6Ccty8pOrR3Jwhb64PkiiTG6QcrGknLExdi9t4yw__m/s2048/IMG_5660.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenMrfg5FKcONmRlVdl19vYitSjrOIjwfs26ieAt11q58PyyOMHwrSgev7E9uaxkUasUaYfvuBbP1BxPLHNVzz3PV3e3flW2B3t6Ccty8pOrR3Jwhb64PkiiTG6QcrGknLExdi9t4yw__m/w640-h480/IMG_5660.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7nVRTXI7cythq6aa_1ogZ2lUF4rEKiH7Vm9PRIQw2mLHvFPaPS1yWNfNcz_ogQA-kYxmkJChmnVGACGFSA8bjRWVmdksKbRFYqWtQIS0N6Rm3D9sDy1oOLgGxWrJSA2rNKZwSvdBQ4Gx/s4032/IMG_5665.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7nVRTXI7cythq6aa_1ogZ2lUF4rEKiH7Vm9PRIQw2mLHvFPaPS1yWNfNcz_ogQA-kYxmkJChmnVGACGFSA8bjRWVmdksKbRFYqWtQIS0N6Rm3D9sDy1oOLgGxWrJSA2rNKZwSvdBQ4Gx/w640-h480/IMG_5665.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0KmOKrd-v16i4Rt6GgWUVML-bMRUhl-SWuAywysR0geMul6unLe4BqGwxFLHi8ZkrHz9cmdIPv0DQG-f5KWX8fdjQx1hmjRISA4Ga6pkp7AYk7rEjDkOA5ejIPfUCN3WeAhlP7d2Aj0u/s2048/IMG_5686.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0KmOKrd-v16i4Rt6GgWUVML-bMRUhl-SWuAywysR0geMul6unLe4BqGwxFLHi8ZkrHz9cmdIPv0DQG-f5KWX8fdjQx1hmjRISA4Ga6pkp7AYk7rEjDkOA5ejIPfUCN3WeAhlP7d2Aj0u/w640-h480/IMG_5686.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br />Okay, I'm not gonna lie. I don't really like apples.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can live without apples. It's just not my favorite fruit. Just sayin''!</div><div><br /></div><div>But what I do like though is <i>picking</i> apples and going to the orchards. For me, it's like a pilgrimage.</div><div><br /></div><div>It may be just me, but I love going to the orchard because I like the food there. The homemade apple cider donuts are the best. The hot mulled cider, the popcorn, the barbecue, the band playing music, the beer, everything but the apples.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, I'm weird that way.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIWohbG9aP3BVhjE1JVnYioTvEJT5jojNdbKJ8UWe7c-4_4r8Ri0GQ4IM2HIyC2ziPPIq_SANEWCXBzKE3Cru0yQn9D7A5kUnEbrLpE2FGd1w7V9zRtDMLOzla3LwO4D_HnUAVWb7c-u8/s2048/IMG_5641.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIWohbG9aP3BVhjE1JVnYioTvEJT5jojNdbKJ8UWe7c-4_4r8Ri0GQ4IM2HIyC2ziPPIq_SANEWCXBzKE3Cru0yQn9D7A5kUnEbrLpE2FGd1w7V9zRtDMLOzla3LwO4D_HnUAVWb7c-u8/w640-h480/IMG_5641.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH304dE5KRilsF_sCDUcN8PXuxfr_o6BGMnVr1I-vewaiVbl4SHMN_g_xHr33M_XSnA4FEa701pO207k7QYUCD1pN_2Grba4giqfuUGCHko8mhVaKNpsdlCPIZG5YhOfapQovN0tzHU2_J/s4032/IMG_5650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH304dE5KRilsF_sCDUcN8PXuxfr_o6BGMnVr1I-vewaiVbl4SHMN_g_xHr33M_XSnA4FEa701pO207k7QYUCD1pN_2Grba4giqfuUGCHko8mhVaKNpsdlCPIZG5YhOfapQovN0tzHU2_J/w640-h480/IMG_5650.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18m1Etn4dA1CV_maQLSjePpA7KuKLgbUToBg248zK8Ow-rYelTDQeo68qt-nH5CMHZBfbm-0jg4wuB8H-vWOugZbkaQy6CDLIugmsyhMLSK0d71XSXzfINwqgbBGXTmfIrC7tcIgu0Or4/s2048/IMG_5666.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18m1Etn4dA1CV_maQLSjePpA7KuKLgbUToBg248zK8Ow-rYelTDQeo68qt-nH5CMHZBfbm-0jg4wuB8H-vWOugZbkaQy6CDLIugmsyhMLSK0d71XSXzfINwqgbBGXTmfIrC7tcIgu0Or4/w640-h480/IMG_5666.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And with all the things I mentioned above, another reason why I go to the orchard is - I just love watching people pick apples.</div><div><br /></div><div>People watching is my pastime. It's fun watching people and reading their minds, predicting what they are thinking just by looking at their faces and reading their body language... and sometimes, judging them (?)</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry, I'm not gonna lie, I can't help it! Yeah, but let this be just between you and me, okay? I need to keep my title - Ms. Congeniality forever.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioogC6JX3dWc7Y78m4r0Jq5lF02CHkWx3pgxneeA4raSdHw4Bumu1CMHqXvw5clbLNk95AHyaRib3QdO_JZ6IlpSH34bV1NGIB2v4hTYDl2LPcpzx9Z2485yKC138FpYxSY178ZlFaX6WY/s2048/IMG_5664.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioogC6JX3dWc7Y78m4r0Jq5lF02CHkWx3pgxneeA4raSdHw4Bumu1CMHqXvw5clbLNk95AHyaRib3QdO_JZ6IlpSH34bV1NGIB2v4hTYDl2LPcpzx9Z2485yKC138FpYxSY178ZlFaX6WY/w640-h480/IMG_5664.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cFvTgUdCzz-en4Hjgn4cVSJSdJkEe4iArerrUqIjD-wAMLzWmwlfetPNxra6WngOVPCHxQEoT0dN2ttAd0Tz7-R2egY6p6-OvwR1wqIh4lpKgTG-nsczhZgZTK3UyYgbYMhR1ghlgFrL/s3088/IMG_5668.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cFvTgUdCzz-en4Hjgn4cVSJSdJkEe4iArerrUqIjD-wAMLzWmwlfetPNxra6WngOVPCHxQEoT0dN2ttAd0Tz7-R2egY6p6-OvwR1wqIh4lpKgTG-nsczhZgZTK3UyYgbYMhR1ghlgFrL/w640-h480/IMG_5668.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>My yearly Apple Orchard tradition is something I really look forward to every Fall season even if I don't really like apples. It just becomes a habit because I've been living here in Maine for 12 years now. But I do pick apples too just for the heck of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what do I do with the apples I picked?</div><div><br /></div><div>I give them away. I may eat just a couple of apples from the peck I got to pick and I'm all set.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what about you? Do you like apples?</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s1080/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s320/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-88484340271270847952020-10-29T09:27:00.063-04:002020-11-11T18:31:57.722-05:00#ruthiliciousTravels || Leaf-Peeping in Maine<div>If you live in a place where there are 4 seasons, you probably know what leaf-peeping means... or maybe not.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6czAN-eRY78CKYNVYuOjCUT-RxohDvZk81_o5ggezezB2MKT9ZW3eeeSg3ktjTwODrjI7NflMdZa8jI4njWsM8jkYCEmYrn-qFX2b6TmMgXkxQ3aF1t34K7IKsKByYR8SPnKs9lK4F3y/s2048/IMG_6108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6czAN-eRY78CKYNVYuOjCUT-RxohDvZk81_o5ggezezB2MKT9ZW3eeeSg3ktjTwODrjI7NflMdZa8jI4njWsM8jkYCEmYrn-qFX2b6TmMgXkxQ3aF1t34K7IKsKByYR8SPnKs9lK4F3y/w640-h480/IMG_6108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For those who have no clue what I am talking about, I will give you a brief lesson on leaf-peeping because I love to play genius (pun intended).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDa8_AKzjC4nDYdrrUSr0uKx_wv7SGBlob4JF29_GKjMcBkc_MMFZnaPkBLJktAuyXleTdy8NDEedP3mrkfmPMBpsHIKZFY9DO4E7BnYybDrP3BP_G9N6hp5n49zA5SK6mC8TcxlE7_IW/s2048/IMG_6124.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDa8_AKzjC4nDYdrrUSr0uKx_wv7SGBlob4JF29_GKjMcBkc_MMFZnaPkBLJktAuyXleTdy8NDEedP3mrkfmPMBpsHIKZFY9DO4E7BnYybDrP3BP_G9N6hp5n49zA5SK6mC8TcxlE7_IW/w640-h480/IMG_6124.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vKzRZ9vYSx-YVwOxuLnZOrm1POGF7Oe4eG0xngUTqbOIKAzN3jpYe0Bmg8N88pItLH-eCQaYo_Dp3PQh2QstGRdd0nNxxb50tDsPrPtJu_cLs2UvDhDrXQp7ozW2-Voglb8PdiX3vS3k/s2048/IMG_6126.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vKzRZ9vYSx-YVwOxuLnZOrm1POGF7Oe4eG0xngUTqbOIKAzN3jpYe0Bmg8N88pItLH-eCQaYo_Dp3PQh2QstGRdd0nNxxb50tDsPrPtJu_cLs2UvDhDrXQp7ozW2-Voglb8PdiX3vS3k/w640-h480/IMG_6126.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So <a href="http://www.ruthinian.com/2013/09/changing-season.html" target="_blank"><b>Fall in the northern hemisphere</b></a>, according to the Almanac is the beginning of the autumnal equinox. And since Maine is 3,127.71 miles (5,033.59 km) north of the equator, it is in the northern hemisphere. During Fall, in the Northern Hemisphere, the trees change its color because when summer ends the days become shorter which means there is less sunlight. This tells the leaves to get ready to "fall" for winter and to stop making chlorophyll which gives the leaf its green pigment (that's a fancy word for color, by the way, LOL)<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjok8vCDNR3GpjqWMil3SGSP4GAKsRJCEc2ZJJ4O-z9fZC2ARvnH4taVbf_d8lwgm-bYBwmv8pVHZJHB17YNed2zjYWjME34m6rABfTCS_QPjUnfmmz_ykV7vAyxfYxAy9048FsVw-BsLJU/s2048/IMG_5996.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjok8vCDNR3GpjqWMil3SGSP4GAKsRJCEc2ZJJ4O-z9fZC2ARvnH4taVbf_d8lwgm-bYBwmv8pVHZJHB17YNed2zjYWjME34m6rABfTCS_QPjUnfmmz_ykV7vAyxfYxAy9048FsVw-BsLJU/w640-h480/IMG_5996.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHbYlGSpc1fWqZzoRzTpH9k8tyG8Ru0iFf9JyhhMeJtlZdKsV_C0329hdQ7DpTTPPv5wxr7AmBMOdHlFc4_W4If3QCNQfr7dF8ywvuEwu8fx9CTsPjjK5MH76VIE4SgFw-oCwHYNDvk3f/s2048/IMG_5960.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHbYlGSpc1fWqZzoRzTpH9k8tyG8Ru0iFf9JyhhMeJtlZdKsV_C0329hdQ7DpTTPPv5wxr7AmBMOdHlFc4_W4If3QCNQfr7dF8ywvuEwu8fx9CTsPjjK5MH76VIE4SgFw-oCwHYNDvk3f/w640-h480/IMG_5960.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yWhA792By_Bab_AqfTn0XSw0cWoo2uVKiWc7USFHdILjBif9FbUg7GMdS0oM6eErutK77pQ1FFOffsMZCUhCnyVCgPLW6GnQJ4NJpYUT6tBPkeuFBFhdlOXcCFpXr9x6p_scsbWEgPGz/s2048/IMG_5974.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yWhA792By_Bab_AqfTn0XSw0cWoo2uVKiWc7USFHdILjBif9FbUg7GMdS0oM6eErutK77pQ1FFOffsMZCUhCnyVCgPLW6GnQJ4NJpYUT6tBPkeuFBFhdlOXcCFpXr9x6p_scsbWEgPGz/w640-h480/IMG_5974.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So once that happens the green leaves turn into a burst of happy colors of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. So, when it is Fall or Autumn season, leaf-peeping is a common activity here in Maine. Leaf-peeping is an informal word that means traveling to a place to see foliage which is a fancy word for leaves changing colors.
Well, what do you think? Am I a genius, fancy, or what?
Whew!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYlpJ_9-xe6yOIQJ7A_3FcPC2kjyG8Xsf1_gXhBS1N9tVxdlnGCqN6PeIe8ai9Yj5nqVWMB1cQ3IEPGiEf6paTSN9zH3GNNA2wLyh5BrW4lcaxAO_5m4SGBgommIE8q3JeZN6B48s_4Y3/s3088/IMG_5999.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYlpJ_9-xe6yOIQJ7A_3FcPC2kjyG8Xsf1_gXhBS1N9tVxdlnGCqN6PeIe8ai9Yj5nqVWMB1cQ3IEPGiEf6paTSN9zH3GNNA2wLyh5BrW4lcaxAO_5m4SGBgommIE8q3JeZN6B48s_4Y3/w640-h480/IMG_5999.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhF1lVIOChjt1uFPeS5WZqUkNYzBg9WVL2gibqkJ5j6IdYBtCrgLNcNHO1H0WVOExyxLABvJByVuScljzEc6UVXuHTnhUOAhHMrgpDaCgBFzmj5DjqfZ2Rekekm_PAtPmpBaOAoyqcQ8ir/s4032/IMG_6035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhF1lVIOChjt1uFPeS5WZqUkNYzBg9WVL2gibqkJ5j6IdYBtCrgLNcNHO1H0WVOExyxLABvJByVuScljzEc6UVXuHTnhUOAhHMrgpDaCgBFzmj5DjqfZ2Rekekm_PAtPmpBaOAoyqcQ8ir/w640-h480/IMG_6035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrb4ihl9LjBTgs_f3wTh2CD9UKBWFZi7_W7NDteDRvRwnRJcq3fATx3UM-rUr5KkslMpfNLkDSYvK-FkY2rUQHxoUrXhhkiPl_E_GUIp3OmlELwhzF59EtdcSNTayWVkzdX4RGtIi-h55/s4032/IMG_6036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrb4ihl9LjBTgs_f3wTh2CD9UKBWFZi7_W7NDteDRvRwnRJcq3fATx3UM-rUr5KkslMpfNLkDSYvK-FkY2rUQHxoUrXhhkiPl_E_GUIp3OmlELwhzF59EtdcSNTayWVkzdX4RGtIi-h55/w640-h480/IMG_6036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That's all about the lesson which I just googled anyway. And I bet you know that as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, what I really want to say is - I love Fall.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's my favorite season.
I love Fall because everywhere I look, everything is beautiful.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr6_nbyBElkHpHc9H9yDFTymQ1Gan5m_zW11dShCMkbaBhPZl61VtYzGoL26sRU4fOCecTGJPsdPfaxfpjOxODCZhR5r9VuozJpGNRr_w_1GWm_SkjpT8pjLAe67e_I9w-mqbzvoCNOtO/s2048/IMG_5949.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr6_nbyBElkHpHc9H9yDFTymQ1Gan5m_zW11dShCMkbaBhPZl61VtYzGoL26sRU4fOCecTGJPsdPfaxfpjOxODCZhR5r9VuozJpGNRr_w_1GWm_SkjpT8pjLAe67e_I9w-mqbzvoCNOtO/w640-h480/IMG_5949.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireorNrRY6qJ7cPeMwGEFMh3MUCAb82Lh7i29tJPGnqvVJweDiLiYofWGiGuo_Zjb1Z5sQFm8X82qJy0RrGr6qqd22ODigAeLv9cqqOybkzqp7tGLnR15xvozJppNxCz4t7QQTjTfEH0T2/s2048/IMG_5955.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireorNrRY6qJ7cPeMwGEFMh3MUCAb82Lh7i29tJPGnqvVJweDiLiYofWGiGuo_Zjb1Z5sQFm8X82qJy0RrGr6qqd22ODigAeLv9cqqOybkzqp7tGLnR15xvozJppNxCz4t7QQTjTfEH0T2/w640-h480/IMG_5955.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYXncWaEhnlzqTwMbAUhc9YHgVXboORFLCs4rn_-h4_QfoosQ-a0CMr8DJoZzaeRHlLzGDDNVFbfnfAVuE0i8c-n8ZOvOqZuWE836nRI0NtC4akWiW8pssc6xyonUnxQq2d5dFQph18Jw/s2048/IMG_6086.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYXncWaEhnlzqTwMbAUhc9YHgVXboORFLCs4rn_-h4_QfoosQ-a0CMr8DJoZzaeRHlLzGDDNVFbfnfAVuE0i8c-n8ZOvOqZuWE836nRI0NtC4akWiW8pssc6xyonUnxQq2d5dFQph18Jw/w640-h480/IMG_6086.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Everything is breathtaking when the leaves change its color.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am always in awe when I see this amazing beauty all around me.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what is your favorite season? Do you like Fall too?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s1080/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s320/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-81809941747491608982020-10-27T17:45:00.001-04:002020-10-27T17:46:56.966-04:00#ruthiliciousTravels to Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, MaineOne of the few places here in Maine that I frequently visit for a day trip whether, with friends, family, or solo and in whatever season it maybe - is <a href="https://pinelandfarms.org/recreation/summer/hiking-trails/" target="_blank">Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine</a>. This amazing place always tops the list on many levels.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_SMHIdPzlUw" width="320" youtube-src-id="_SMHIdPzlUw"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>This over 5,000 acres of wooded property in New Gloucester boasts of its sprawling countryside sceneries accented with long trailing white fences, green rolling hills, beautiful century-old buildings, manicured lawns and gardens, beautiful red barns with real live animals (that you can pet, by the way) and over 30 miles of hiking trails and yes... </div><div><span> </span></div><div><span> ... </span>The Pond where you can go fishing and The Market where you can find organic meat, fruits, vegetables, and cheeses all produced and made on the farm.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0Gsh-em_sZ8oYcw0mokk2CzIumg-dF_AZuKZMel50X_aqT374B7EjLP0bqB3pcRnPWj-9L2sDOcMT7UDXxXY-OyFNfL-TcZuMuafwhTyPIUBpqcm4EokPjPlthswRHBWjzV1ni602pWO/s2048/IMG_5477.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0Gsh-em_sZ8oYcw0mokk2CzIumg-dF_AZuKZMel50X_aqT374B7EjLP0bqB3pcRnPWj-9L2sDOcMT7UDXxXY-OyFNfL-TcZuMuafwhTyPIUBpqcm4EokPjPlthswRHBWjzV1ni602pWO/w640-h480/IMG_5477.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>That red barn uphill houses livestock.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zL8K26dcDeMhNLHQv0Zy2zZzbX_Xw0KnZBC3BBVvnLaj8yDz_QoJlP1K5dwVISWnQj6PvT59YG73yIAHK-cx00JsRK5MJqjoeRGvvs1Ya4CZd5Ixnt-ELqk7WYAciekKJdHt_rLkHta6/s2048/IMG_4872.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zL8K26dcDeMhNLHQv0Zy2zZzbX_Xw0KnZBC3BBVvnLaj8yDz_QoJlP1K5dwVISWnQj6PvT59YG73yIAHK-cx00JsRK5MJqjoeRGvvs1Ya4CZd5Ixnt-ELqk7WYAciekKJdHt_rLkHta6/w640-h480/IMG_4872.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Just one of those white fences you can see all over the place.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkWZnfnkWlt01Ba0tMBWwcXhkNOqmi62XEfOrd1lOvsWlgySd3XJcI8IhuOZhSlBZrt_GVO6q5_JOU2nvx7jbpnIMTujdFLVL2x_iF1EuaokFcEKSkVnEt43fjO-VPHhDZjxDEH2f5YVM/s2048/IMG_8955.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkWZnfnkWlt01Ba0tMBWwcXhkNOqmi62XEfOrd1lOvsWlgySd3XJcI8IhuOZhSlBZrt_GVO6q5_JOU2nvx7jbpnIMTujdFLVL2x_iF1EuaokFcEKSkVnEt43fjO-VPHhDZjxDEH2f5YVM/w480-h640/IMG_8955.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One part of the trail leading to the disc golf area.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>There are lots of activities you can do here all-year-round.</div><div><br /></div><div>The farms' professionally designed and well-kept rails are not only for hiking. Since it is open all-year-round, the trails are for all seasons. In the Spring, Summer, and Fall, the trails are used for walking, hiking, trail running, and biking. While in the winter, snowshoeing, nordic and cross country skiing are the main fun activities you can do here.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBB2XkS92o2vpaLR1KaqogiSn2YOLg9FvATWXjUurNlZtxTxkjeedVkiavjrwGdZ1GYBz837ceVs17m4B127W9rjZYD2dboD-iziBAyUXLcGO2gZnfxcSdMGoq0MXL9VBMDk0R7O0_QXS/s2048/IMG_5498.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBB2XkS92o2vpaLR1KaqogiSn2YOLg9FvATWXjUurNlZtxTxkjeedVkiavjrwGdZ1GYBz837ceVs17m4B127W9rjZYD2dboD-iziBAyUXLcGO2gZnfxcSdMGoq0MXL9VBMDk0R7O0_QXS/w640-h480/IMG_5498.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The gorgeous bridge at The Pond and behind that wooded area<br />is another trail that teaches about the ecology of the area.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wsWkM4_R6esuh-gvYgsXDcd_y_IVjMCAL5AXLNBPkRoBzaybqDxVM5r9bfdiny1iEA8jL7WJjqk4PR4q8AwvmfnH4WZElQ8dTbwzOvgyCrBXmQuDEb3JXHZAYrx3cnKVodisqmNph2Z_/s2048/IMG_5488.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wsWkM4_R6esuh-gvYgsXDcd_y_IVjMCAL5AXLNBPkRoBzaybqDxVM5r9bfdiny1iEA8jL7WJjqk4PR4q8AwvmfnH4WZElQ8dTbwzOvgyCrBXmQuDEb3JXHZAYrx3cnKVodisqmNph2Z_/w640-h480/IMG_5488.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Just one of those old red-bricked buildings on the Campus.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYJzblIPZD9vBuogTUcNN7pUiXTM-fSmxkB9eHZ1kfMgfWnQYjlyzKQi3kMgW3yLqijRtKZ0kqH6bj9N7XeHfsjzoZ0hs0pknKzt4AFOmVQ4anUyIUNeJFeJDORRKsqa-xaueHZ3e7CiG/s2048/IMG_9753.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYJzblIPZD9vBuogTUcNN7pUiXTM-fSmxkB9eHZ1kfMgfWnQYjlyzKQi3kMgW3yLqijRtKZ0kqH6bj9N7XeHfsjzoZ0hs0pknKzt4AFOmVQ4anUyIUNeJFeJDORRKsqa-xaueHZ3e7CiG/w480-h640/IMG_9753.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>LL Bean sponsored Archery course is only one of the outdoor activities<br />offered here in Pineland Farms.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>There are also specially dedicated areas for disc golf, tennis, archery, and fishing in the Spring, Summer, and Fall, while in the winter - ice skating and sledding dominate the trails' scene.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9uwtyQ36tQTq5UKL2BQsYyKXrGobm-bI39TOj_xuigNJL6Q1Z4qzeYH1LkwHfuF10rFhaV4A6l04va4DN-VvjOOZUwG-w2lBsd-7b14IomKl24r2nj67Y18vByiKIoTk717b_PjDWn-g/s2048/IMG_1573.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9uwtyQ36tQTq5UKL2BQsYyKXrGobm-bI39TOj_xuigNJL6Q1Z4qzeYH1LkwHfuF10rFhaV4A6l04va4DN-VvjOOZUwG-w2lBsd-7b14IomKl24r2nj67Y18vByiKIoTk717b_PjDWn-g/w480-h640/IMG_1573.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>X-Country Skiing</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovF_Q0kSdgdsyPqRhYCv5a19UF4iwOawozL-FmwTSYdEN6fXnJsHM3Y9MCWPHzN0drWzUbXfFW9mzBSVzaq6Qzw4ogca819l9hYric0iaCW1Rn_vLBXwOEHwyJOF5lBCNPHvv13Eqdk2B/s2048/IMG_1576.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovF_Q0kSdgdsyPqRhYCv5a19UF4iwOawozL-FmwTSYdEN6fXnJsHM3Y9MCWPHzN0drWzUbXfFW9mzBSVzaq6Qzw4ogca819l9hYric0iaCW1Rn_vLBXwOEHwyJOF5lBCNPHvv13Eqdk2B/w480-h640/IMG_1576.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The hiking trail turned into a winter wonderland.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9Sf6jadL_CQ4ivogGQfi5D3NLFmjHJX5odOUO5CwIaBhN9vEVVbtT_kteRt7iCzK4doUrgBExLQb_w7uSVK4nXsVh8gkjxgppUJdDZrN6bKQfNRSPMqM4QI4GzIii_x1POwt8t5BQF7V/s2048/IMG_3032.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9Sf6jadL_CQ4ivogGQfi5D3NLFmjHJX5odOUO5CwIaBhN9vEVVbtT_kteRt7iCzK4doUrgBExLQb_w7uSVK4nXsVh8gkjxgppUJdDZrN6bKQfNRSPMqM4QI4GzIii_x1POwt8t5BQF7V/w480-h640/IMG_3032.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Solo picnicking by The Pond in Pineland Farms</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>As for me, my favorite thing to do here aside from visiting The Market is to have a mini-solo picnic by the pond and a little yoga flow.</div><div><br /></div><div>This place has a lot to offer to everybody. This is one place in Maine that I will never get tired of. I come here to do a lot of things and I also come here to do nothing and just relax.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pineland Farms in my happy place.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/w640-h256/RuthiSig.png" width="640" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s1080/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s320/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-28020905200362063762020-10-27T16:22:00.001-04:002020-10-27T16:22:30.867-04:00The Solo Flight Series || My 3 Reasons Why Hiking Solo is Fun<div class="separator"><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><div> </div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hiking is one of the many activities I love doing here in Maine.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-b1dfcfec-7fff-6a91-5a04-a13c19200a90"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since Maine is the largest of the 6 states in New England, it offers a lot of opportunities for adventures and outdoor activities to choose from. It is not called Vacationland for nothing. Just sayin'</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love hiking.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-b1dfcfec-7fff-6a91-5a04-a13c19200a90"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love hiking all by myself.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">And when given the opportunity to do so, I will hike anywhere... anytime.</span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXswSB1mL6x1_fvCWoVGaf_r1eQfXnlTzhf75VVb4cIdbaDcT-wL1UuIwIyzDDM5cOREX6RHbZZ_ia0jqaqMbZWvK3hqsmH9L5dlVICMIPW8WVLdIX0RwaHiipWBWeKcYte09qJ0V7Ewm/s3088/IMG_6955.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXswSB1mL6x1_fvCWoVGaf_r1eQfXnlTzhf75VVb4cIdbaDcT-wL1UuIwIyzDDM5cOREX6RHbZZ_ia0jqaqMbZWvK3hqsmH9L5dlVICMIPW8WVLdIX0RwaHiipWBWeKcYte09qJ0V7Ewm/w640-h480/IMG_6955.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking solo in the island of Amorgos, Greece<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, here are my 3 valid reasons why hiking solo is fun.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. NO PLANNING NEEDED</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't plan for a hike day. I just go!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have to hike with someone, you need to agree on a specific day, time, place, and other logistics to make it happen. That definitely involves working around each other's schedules. And I'm not good at it.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm motto is... just go!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKWvsV4RJh45JCnwcoBqlq83g-Fd0IvxKTNBinJOk69dFm5ZYfi39mjUq46rUoVZG4VJYRG_fGjbXI5RpD7lLLHQYDvMI9Yi7KTQrA4mjdFl_CmqHTcPKFen4Wwl7LcZOFiL74tXHZw5G/s2048/IMG_4347.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKWvsV4RJh45JCnwcoBqlq83g-Fd0IvxKTNBinJOk69dFm5ZYfi39mjUq46rUoVZG4VJYRG_fGjbXI5RpD7lLLHQYDvMI9Yi7KTQrA4mjdFl_CmqHTcPKFen4Wwl7LcZOFiL74tXHZw5G/w480-h640/IMG_4347.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solo hiking Douglas Mountain in Sebago, Maine<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. NO SPECIAL SKILL NEEDED</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't need special training to hike.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you know how to walk, you are qualified. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are reading this, you are already and expert in walking. You don't train for it. It's automatic once you take that first step, you are walking. And walking with intentionality gives you a purpose.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Walking with a purpose, for me is - hiking.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnUcNOfK7-KGPgU8m0Ps6P_LnMXr_vA9CLoDfZc_55_EkifaaDdGhbn_KqVx18ml2TljBDUcz1wtlSrePgEA_t3mYLkO4wn4Ab-MvmjcKQo0hdbBOGoay-Q4g2rc4GHksjrL1gdBag3QS/s2048/IMG_6070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnUcNOfK7-KGPgU8m0Ps6P_LnMXr_vA9CLoDfZc_55_EkifaaDdGhbn_KqVx18ml2TljBDUcz1wtlSrePgEA_t3mYLkO4wn4Ab-MvmjcKQo0hdbBOGoay-Q4g2rc4GHksjrL1gdBag3QS/w640-h480/IMG_6070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall solo hiking at the Outer Trail in Sebago Lake State Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. NO BULLSHIT NEEDED</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hike solo because it's simply makes me happy to be with nature.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had to admit, Mother Nature is easier to deal with than humans. She never complains, argues and she listens quietly. Yes, I know it because I talk to her when I'm hiking.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The truth though... at first, I thought it was my way of avoiding my ugly reality. Eventually it turned out, it was my way of releasing the negative energies I got from negative people. Though my reality is still ugly when I come back from hiking, my heart sees beyond the bullshit. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can come back to the trail with bullshit and all and return refreshed and recharged and ready to face more bullshit.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10isIa01SagUhQ6rEWhsy2HvfJG0l287MlDtOSciqMFrbkduUekHVjTr1KynPoK1AjWgENl05l3WA1B6PVqVuryyEgwLuqJnCzihvywV9ducLAwpXlyCyov8io2-p0egF0hXJQPGWcfRi/s1440/F1DEC02A-1EC5-4C02-9240-23F45E7ED351.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10isIa01SagUhQ6rEWhsy2HvfJG0l287MlDtOSciqMFrbkduUekHVjTr1KynPoK1AjWgENl05l3WA1B6PVqVuryyEgwLuqJnCzihvywV9ducLAwpXlyCyov8io2-p0egF0hXJQPGWcfRi/w640-h640/F1DEC02A-1EC5-4C02-9240-23F45E7ED351.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking solo in Victoria British Columbia, Canada<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, that's it.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe it is also worth mentioning that </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I found out that it wasn't that bad at all to have myself as my own company.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My 3 reasons for hiking may not resonate to all and that is ok. My reality is not everybody's reality. But this is my truth and I embrace it with passion because these are the main reasons why I hike.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is your reason for hiking?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Or would you consider hiking for whatever reason you have?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's worth the try. Trust me.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidR0sIZdKRab-zGD6PAZCsPKzKzeVY5cTT07HMMOXBVg7ytbQ3ee7jJVK5QnLVJ6DiCy3A81ym2qYLSthCdQWc-tVgFrmT7Q0AA128dyf6Tk18RXbyyKxk9PMIFFDPR8aCr4Cr_nMbeeJl/s640/RuthiSig.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="640" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidR0sIZdKRab-zGD6PAZCsPKzKzeVY5cTT07HMMOXBVg7ytbQ3ee7jJVK5QnLVJ6DiCy3A81ym2qYLSthCdQWc-tVgFrmT7Q0AA128dyf6Tk18RXbyyKxk9PMIFFDPR8aCr4Cr_nMbeeJl/w400-h160/RuthiSig.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s1080/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s320/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><p></p></span></div></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-12376517480509650852020-10-20T15:48:00.000-04:002020-10-20T15:48:06.147-04:00#ruthiliciousTravels to Sebago Lake State Park Hiking Trails<div>Sebago Lake State Park is my happy place.</div><div><br /></div><div>I discovered this amazing park last summer and since then I frequented this place the entire summer.</div><div><br /></div><div>This place is a big pocket-full of fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are lots of activities to be had even if you are solo. You don't have to have a company to enjoy this place because if you are like me, who are looking for peace of mind and a place to be alone to think, recharge, or simply to get away from your busy life, you will feel safe and at home here.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCurKIdlsbRmq64HX72YoYILyqcKZMX7Y6ABQGLFIt3CNCJmeejsSX9odBiRbiPcaykL2cHjF-DqkpqlB1Vu2Fm3H1FMu_K15_jTtSvWR6YjNlmhprveIvgdvtuJrsj04v0T3qOgNWXSt/s2048/IMG_5272.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCurKIdlsbRmq64HX72YoYILyqcKZMX7Y6ABQGLFIt3CNCJmeejsSX9odBiRbiPcaykL2cHjF-DqkpqlB1Vu2Fm3H1FMu_K15_jTtSvWR6YjNlmhprveIvgdvtuJrsj04v0T3qOgNWXSt/w360-h640/IMG_5272.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebago_Lake" target="_blank">Sebago Lake State Park</a> is part of Cumberland Country and located in the Town of Casco. It is one of the first original 5 state parks here in Maine.</div><div><br /></div><div>With Sebego Lake, the deepest and the second largest lake in Maine, as the main attraction of the park, visitors and vacationers come to the park not only for picnicking, swimming, boating, and water skiing. Some of them, come for hiking, running, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. And yes, camping too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Did I mention, it a huge pocket-full of fun?</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3t_0bo-tsqw9SeXUZVcXzeZkWpSMoEF4hG11-O5dwG5lPw1u-s8l3xQxQfhBIp83x8KLD3lcxdYkogvQ06X0qScSxRLZZec37OFCccDZrBF5EtyR1KbVB7N6Q1DW9NncPQ-F40k1A1IcV/s1875/IMG_5930+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1875" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3t_0bo-tsqw9SeXUZVcXzeZkWpSMoEF4hG11-O5dwG5lPw1u-s8l3xQxQfhBIp83x8KLD3lcxdYkogvQ06X0qScSxRLZZec37OFCccDZrBF5EtyR1KbVB7N6Q1DW9NncPQ-F40k1A1IcV/w640-h384/IMG_5930+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue marked Outer Loop Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa-5HWzNBSIL7OXkKQ1dYI8XAAmfdheqa25HNWuYVEF6j-lE6WH5l0nadHUUKAd0Ukkp3f46mJUcLMbELOZs9-B9GFAOAWvQ8MzxZgvJmplfe03jxjAQQAnBepApWr9LudkT2a8a_rv9o/s1879/IMG_5929+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1879" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa-5HWzNBSIL7OXkKQ1dYI8XAAmfdheqa25HNWuYVEF6j-lE6WH5l0nadHUUKAd0Ukkp3f46mJUcLMbELOZs9-B9GFAOAWvQ8MzxZgvJmplfe03jxjAQQAnBepApWr9LudkT2a8a_rv9o/w640-h384/IMG_5929+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EXgJdcMM8DjycNo_kREhzxypAqXA94XZF5TEsZ6plIxC6HJ_OEORkXKqKqfJTCGlSBUiSnpOqJCv58jxS6nD9oBAENFrxWk3Iwevwlrw-F8PmLrPw2HytQWHkNPJltt__I1WgZAT6WKx/s1883/IMG_5926+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1883" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EXgJdcMM8DjycNo_kREhzxypAqXA94XZF5TEsZ6plIxC6HJ_OEORkXKqKqfJTCGlSBUiSnpOqJCv58jxS6nD9oBAENFrxWk3Iwevwlrw-F8PmLrPw2HytQWHkNPJltt__I1WgZAT6WKx/w640-h382/IMG_5926+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The park has several well-groomed, well-maintained, and properly marked trails to choose from depending on your mood and energy. They provide trail maps at the gate upon check-in to pay your park fee which is just $6 for Maine residents, and $8 for non-residents.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for me, I bought the Seasonal Pass for $105 because I know I will be coming to the park very often. And it's all worth it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoVm5U3sLLO-G-1dqQePTgGWfHVw9h2NRXoprAbCyYZlg3Ovn0ibfK3mhh5tGuwVeYD7251rPXYAP6qI8wGYccH53ccP12F6gfjLm2ORDFg3UrWYuQlbV9IjsH4B2342ZOklqzPCIGdNy/s1678/IMG_5907+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1678" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoVm5U3sLLO-G-1dqQePTgGWfHVw9h2NRXoprAbCyYZlg3Ovn0ibfK3mhh5tGuwVeYD7251rPXYAP6qI8wGYccH53ccP12F6gfjLm2ORDFg3UrWYuQlbV9IjsH4B2342ZOklqzPCIGdNy/w640-h430/IMG_5907+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym1epZBUmFNljwXR8nzvSJ3uSKzQ1qpBKB9h3GetZokJ7c84LOP2-0qWzAW8uUubW3473OMP9kI36EiTZa7SPVOhQuxyt3lkMf9JnEdXZW_UcG9cNYlGRXSYOKrKCy35A06Oa5f1405W4/s1868/IMG_5915+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1868" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym1epZBUmFNljwXR8nzvSJ3uSKzQ1qpBKB9h3GetZokJ7c84LOP2-0qWzAW8uUubW3473OMP9kI36EiTZa7SPVOhQuxyt3lkMf9JnEdXZW_UcG9cNYlGRXSYOKrKCy35A06Oa5f1405W4/w640-h386/IMG_5915+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hiking in Sebago Lake State Park is easy to moderate. I saw people bringing their little ones on strollers. I also rode my bike on the trail but I did it only once because I realized it was easier and more manageable for me to walk than to ride my bike. Well, I'm just speaking for myself. I met a lot of bikers on the trail and they had no problem navigating the trail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was just me. I was not very confident in riding my bike because ever since I got my bike, I only rode in in my driveway so I need to really work on my confidence in that department. And that is my goal next summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I promise myself to ride my bike more often on the trail next summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyhKBphVgYZgXg1GT1J2XSOYHhh0f3KoIdPFRKbUBMvSDJIKfXyCnnhBopmjPw8Wiwze8X0TdfvOIO5h31_05GE6HICCrYW-xLfVTFuRQiNu47oTS_fTTZiorp2QXm2gGefnWhsc9sqhC/s1903/IMG_5922+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1903" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyhKBphVgYZgXg1GT1J2XSOYHhh0f3KoIdPFRKbUBMvSDJIKfXyCnnhBopmjPw8Wiwze8X0TdfvOIO5h31_05GE6HICCrYW-xLfVTFuRQiNu47oTS_fTTZiorp2QXm2gGefnWhsc9sqhC/w640-h378/IMG_5922+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ocAWPZOpYzSk8UZtfivAebu1hcwZYXEr6v7nCuqVLFN7bp8waGrnbMaVpe2CNlFMjV3J3o0fdyjlnQch_OI6leZfJDhnjNge7iTbS47mIKm9ifhO1ZIpn6bqOpmoWE3zK1Jse0wshMoC/s1929/IMG_5924+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1929" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ocAWPZOpYzSk8UZtfivAebu1hcwZYXEr6v7nCuqVLFN7bp8waGrnbMaVpe2CNlFMjV3J3o0fdyjlnQch_OI6leZfJDhnjNge7iTbS47mIKm9ifhO1ZIpn6bqOpmoWE3zK1Jse0wshMoC/w640-h374/IMG_5924+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>With many awesome hiking sites in my Vacationland, Sebago Lake State Park Hiking Trails are only one of the few I have been so far that is why I'm partial to it.</div><div><br /></div><div>And one most important reason why I love this park is... they have real toilets, always clean and with running water. They also have clean outhouses with toilet paper along the trails so I'm not worried when the call of nature strikes when I'm on foot.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mobL_82x-e8" width="320" youtube-src-id="mobL_82x-e8"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>So if I have to rate this park, I give it a 5-star just for the toilet alone. Well, the park staff and rangers are super nice and helpful too. They seemed to love what they do and have positive vides. And that is important to me as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>So there you go. I hope you soon visit my happy place.</div><div><br /></div><div>---------------------------------</div><div><br /></div><div>Additional Information and Important Links:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://mainebyfoot.com/sebago-lake-state-park-unfinished-casco-and-naples/" target="_blank">Sebago Lake State Park</a></div><div>Park Address: 11 Park Access Road, Casco ME 04015</div><div style="text-align: right;"><img height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/w400-h160/RuthiSig.png" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/s1080/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zr1wqOLPnqeWrquZCLKfzQ9zlls9I7him7JHdQJZg-XW0JGQao-_LgWiAY17XYV6QuOddSL9So60TQR1y6KplRbCpTTq9nkRTcu0DaKbCsrIthZ6unoqK5o2W1umgKPLjm3JzOwkfB1j/w400-h400/%2523ruthiliciousTravels.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-84957239959426068002020-10-18T16:05:00.004-04:002020-10-19T08:15:10.154-04:00#ruthiliciousHindsight || Solo Flight<div><blockquote style="text-align: center;">"Never ever argue with yourself. You'll never win! - #ruthiliciosuHindsight</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We all know the <i>cliche</i> "<b>alone but not lonely</b>", don't we?<div><br /></div><div>Well, it's not a cliche anymore for me. It's a fact!</div><div><br /></div><div>Long before the divorce, I've been doing a lot of things and activities all by myself. The Ex was not around very much even on most weekends, he wasn't there. And if he was, I still did things on my own because our interests are totally opposite.</div><div><br /></div><div>I do love to do things with friends but not very often since they have their own families and the weekend is always family time.</div><div><br /></div><div>So doing things - <i>fun things...</i> solo was my only option if I don't want to rot in the cave.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyI88B9gZLW6uE3-JFioDdxv89A9wnCfRD6s431UADL0v642U_VRZC6ZpRBghjTNNfbmgx-4zNzy-TbAkUkINCt9nJdS_Y5OKr1apc3IQEd_IhSOmUU19IizhyphenhyphenAIXK76sAoYYWDxjenV2d/s4032/IMG_3103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyI88B9gZLW6uE3-JFioDdxv89A9wnCfRD6s431UADL0v642U_VRZC6ZpRBghjTNNfbmgx-4zNzy-TbAkUkINCt9nJdS_Y5OKr1apc3IQEd_IhSOmUU19IizhyphenhyphenAIXK76sAoYYWDxjenV2d/w480-h640/IMG_3103.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I started walking and running all by myself for no reason. Well, there is a reason. Everyone was out working or in school and there was not much of a chore I can or want to do anymore because you don't vacuum, wash laundry, and clean the toilet every single day. And even if I can do it, I won't. That's st*p!d.</div><div><br /></div><div>So at first, I decided to get out of the house and walked into my neighborhood for 30 minutes every day and I found it relaxing. It helped me think for my next blog topic or new art design or just dream dreams. Next thing I know I was running races all by myself. I signed up for races every month and that was the time I claimed I have a running career. But it wasn't what you think. I just love to pretend that I am THAT athlete because it made me feel good. I would travel to different places here in Maine to run and I had to admit, I was jealous of those runners crossing the finish line with their families cheering them on with matching signs. The only people who were cheering me on were the organizers. But I felt okay overtime because I run the same races every year so I kinda look familiar to them already, so they are my <i>friends-of-the-races</i>. Actually, I was on name-basis with the official photographers of the races because I made friends with them so I can get good shots at the finish lines to post in IG. So, I started running on the trails after that because I just love the views and the peace I get being with nature. It was so recharging.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJooxN47g1_oUF7Uh12sYrHGGBGxM8pN0JJDRU_YMIdGgDf2LuFJbBoxAic2vK2ci5EDFTaloU_oFAVnanPeQvAMN6ADltU44YvDv2YNVmmTczkIKHIC-2IT4c8WY7t9zJUfAcN-wTZ9yH/s2048/32927725_1612753842127131_6918029945381847040_n.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJooxN47g1_oUF7Uh12sYrHGGBGxM8pN0JJDRU_YMIdGgDf2LuFJbBoxAic2vK2ci5EDFTaloU_oFAVnanPeQvAMN6ADltU44YvDv2YNVmmTczkIKHIC-2IT4c8WY7t9zJUfAcN-wTZ9yH/w640-h426/32927725_1612753842127131_6918029945381847040_n.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then, I discovered the joy of hiking with friends. Eventually, I hike all by myself too because I don't expect my friends to work their schedule around me. Hiking is my ultimate high both literally and figuratively. I hike all year round. In the winter I go snowshoeing and the first time I did it was with a bunch of strangers at the orchard sponsored by a non-profit organization for the preservation of Maine lands and forest. It was cool to go snowshoeing under the moonlight. From there I leveled up and enrolled to get a beginner's class on cross-country skiing. It was so so cool.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjM9NRrjVMMFb7KlNZrdD1Q5daPAnvsw4KVgzNQVNhyphenhyphenerfc-Yf-WFw-EsGz3ulpdfw04qkJ-iiiC9xpw4Ozcxu5tzKoo04A8jRkQ-rbUz_BmEYBbWnkkiDjHPJ6Ysje0NxGz7XI3udYkY/s4032/IMG_5575.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjM9NRrjVMMFb7KlNZrdD1Q5daPAnvsw4KVgzNQVNhyphenhyphenerfc-Yf-WFw-EsGz3ulpdfw04qkJ-iiiC9xpw4Ozcxu5tzKoo04A8jRkQ-rbUz_BmEYBbWnkkiDjHPJ6Ysje0NxGz7XI3udYkY/w640-h480/IMG_5575.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg565nnRbRg1bfmtzZO55imsPVdX8W0_sT3UUOssjHquTWkAJvbLKGVNuacEqmtzWfq5Sh9qZ2D4eW6YbLRF8euseyZ5F2dcahoyU6VTxFlD75coBTzdFQ9Q46oqGcTC99gnyd7TRk3oc5N/s2048/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg565nnRbRg1bfmtzZO55imsPVdX8W0_sT3UUOssjHquTWkAJvbLKGVNuacEqmtzWfq5Sh9qZ2D4eW6YbLRF8euseyZ5F2dcahoyU6VTxFlD75coBTzdFQ9Q46oqGcTC99gnyd7TRk3oc5N/w640-h640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And when I am not running or walking or hiking or snowshoeing or cross-country skiing... I am riding my bike and riding solo too, of course. I do it in the trails too because I am scared of the road and motorists. I get distracted by noise and the things happening around me that's why I love to do a lot of things with Mother Nature. She is totally awesome. But I also walk my bike. I had to admit I need to work on my balance and the strength to navigate through the curves and uphill landscapes and most importantly, endurance. And yes, if I can put training wheels on my bike I would do it. But it will look silly. So I walk my bike every 20 minutes duration.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideUXzvaM8cg80JKlaLSv5xIoLLTexOaoC-fMNJ94wE96Krqzzkrt3PjHXQUamv8vLvD_uZW3_P5SHVjTpSQUE2PRNkCEzTOH2u6UigimK8IiojLEWUTXlXMYLS_tBkxhdvMs_u-UgFBuA/s2048/IMG_7129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideUXzvaM8cg80JKlaLSv5xIoLLTexOaoC-fMNJ94wE96Krqzzkrt3PjHXQUamv8vLvD_uZW3_P5SHVjTpSQUE2PRNkCEzTOH2u6UigimK8IiojLEWUTXlXMYLS_tBkxhdvMs_u-UgFBuA/w480-h640/IMG_7129.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNw5kKzCf9dT4QEwYEjUlM9rm73TYy9unQMM4XcO6yCwvd8mwj81q7n_jdV5KPzd0mMypMROzMkOfu8MmxJHGV1UGbXkg4BRmSJ1vqXJSZLb7TGBtKkEeQlrj-eAIJ2yr3YtD9KP0Bm3AA/s2048/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNw5kKzCf9dT4QEwYEjUlM9rm73TYy9unQMM4XcO6yCwvd8mwj81q7n_jdV5KPzd0mMypMROzMkOfu8MmxJHGV1UGbXkg4BRmSJ1vqXJSZLb7TGBtKkEeQlrj-eAIJ2yr3YtD9KP0Bm3AA/w640-h640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Next, I tried camping all by myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I was hooked!</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not gonna lie, I was really scared just the thought of it. But I had to put my <i>big-girl-pants</i> on to have the courage I needed and went on Amazon and Walmart and bought all the gears I needed to make it happen. I researched everything about camping and read everything I can find on the internet for safety and survival. But it wasn't like I was planning to camp in the middle of nowhere. Just the thought of being attacked by a bear or mountain lion is scary enough, how much more if I do it for reals. Good thing I live in Vacationland where we are blessed with Mother Nature. There are lots of campgrounds around here where I can camp safely and without worries and with the convenience of running water and clean toilets and bathrooms. And yes, it's glamping for me more or less.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSvA_8QKAGbcU0Tytp_xUO0riqBD_TONG33fUhi-dnVG4WYXPekjo0RP-ZCaHItETzVVk5qqvCgIEe8TnzBUbOVWXBOlY006PFRQX1_WqFh1A94QuZNspRp2OlBElc2u8lOfI74Ex2QjS/s2048/Untitled+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSvA_8QKAGbcU0Tytp_xUO0riqBD_TONG33fUhi-dnVG4WYXPekjo0RP-ZCaHItETzVVk5qqvCgIEe8TnzBUbOVWXBOlY006PFRQX1_WqFh1A94QuZNspRp2OlBElc2u8lOfI74Ex2QjS/w640-h640/Untitled+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4TZaWPUDNQJRdaIjzraDD9hYQn7qAf-ZoSOpn6oWjxWuY5Rs6kAiRDW0kW7RX2ROf01XeUF4BjoWxDs42RAAdNW2Dtu3zj8JYT25inicRsU5dkWgMzR28MWKJpNc3bCH5LEaEuKxIGgo/s2048/IMG_4551+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1882" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4TZaWPUDNQJRdaIjzraDD9hYQn7qAf-ZoSOpn6oWjxWuY5Rs6kAiRDW0kW7RX2ROf01XeUF4BjoWxDs42RAAdNW2Dtu3zj8JYT25inicRsU5dkWgMzR28MWKJpNc3bCH5LEaEuKxIGgo/w588-h640/IMG_4551+2.jpg" width="588" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Then, my ultimate go-to when I don't do any of those I mentioned already above - BEACHING.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I go to the beach almost every day last summer. I call the lake my office. I spent all day on the beach. I brought my breakfast, lunch, and dinner there. I have my books, mat, cushion for lying down on, chair. and whatnot. I would spend half a day hiking or biking or napping or drawing or reading and anything I normally do at home. I sometimes swim too but that is optional. And if I want to be daring I would use my standup paddleboard around the lake or do yoga on it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The beach is my happy place. I just want to be there and not on my couch or bed. It was totally the kind of life I was living in last summer.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLM5t4UphdaVUWltF1qsq3I7POGzCvMTR6NwJAHW7BAJIqMHciDVPqSnJAyyFa2F4Daa0ByYHuPTeLPbljV7gILXkp_flmK-5KP4X8IFmDGFPbFwKPmnU7S4PAnX8-6wxAKM5BMndCkmqY/s2048/IMG_0196.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLM5t4UphdaVUWltF1qsq3I7POGzCvMTR6NwJAHW7BAJIqMHciDVPqSnJAyyFa2F4Daa0ByYHuPTeLPbljV7gILXkp_flmK-5KP4X8IFmDGFPbFwKPmnU7S4PAnX8-6wxAKM5BMndCkmqY/w480-h640/IMG_0196.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD5GCfv3YK417zLAC1awmPzPSSV_JEO62HkpY0j1j8SjZc2oFgUESoM1iJsWEnz0TfBRs8Bm68l4OJW2Wqok3qFjczfYVCXB5CbK-KHMnyfju9JxLAtGjl8I7R09ELlG_WWbdSKKlfgpM/s2048/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD5GCfv3YK417zLAC1awmPzPSSV_JEO62HkpY0j1j8SjZc2oFgUESoM1iJsWEnz0TfBRs8Bm68l4OJW2Wqok3qFjczfYVCXB5CbK-KHMnyfju9JxLAtGjl8I7R09ELlG_WWbdSKKlfgpM/w640-h640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Lastly, <a href="http://www.ruthinian.com/2019/11/ruthilicioustravels-feeling-my-goddess.html" target="_blank">I traveled all by myself</a>. This one is unexpected and not totally in the book. But it happened and I was grateful that it did. For the first time, I traveled abroad all by myself in a foreign country NOT knowing a single soul, and came home as a new person.</div><div><br /></div><div>The excitement was intense and the anxiety was high. I did travel out of the country before but it was the very first time I traveled to a non-English speaking country. It was the first time too that I wasn't going to meet someone I know. I was going to meet strangers and make friends with them. And I did. I found my tribe.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTQRkCaqMlynN_MomYcxMXxMxtWahyLO4rzTllaxBmT_eQkmXoIZU4hkekj2t_w3gWGuQWHXpdONAY8T3UHuRGpbsPk3TlYkxDXQb2rL-GAzu2ZeEMbMGkzT487qLSL-0_Kn7Ei943ORV/s1125/IMG_6790.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1125" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTQRkCaqMlynN_MomYcxMXxMxtWahyLO4rzTllaxBmT_eQkmXoIZU4hkekj2t_w3gWGuQWHXpdONAY8T3UHuRGpbsPk3TlYkxDXQb2rL-GAzu2ZeEMbMGkzT487qLSL-0_Kn7Ei943ORV/w640-h432/IMG_6790.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFdcYtsLRDKLc6LluIivdtLcC7kosyJekU1BXhSB10tywW9XeHZdkHkcBDgpPdY4oU7vlAOJzYzSs58xQqPisek3SFtEyIs7A3MJdfphNqh23PZfGGWWZsuykWLNRk2FtJD9HHbNV0BP7/s2048/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFdcYtsLRDKLc6LluIivdtLcC7kosyJekU1BXhSB10tywW9XeHZdkHkcBDgpPdY4oU7vlAOJzYzSs58xQqPisek3SFtEyIs7A3MJdfphNqh23PZfGGWWZsuykWLNRk2FtJD9HHbNV0BP7/w640-h640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The joy of spending time with myself is both scary and rewarding. Maybe to some it just scary. But for me, it's more on the rewarding side.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>Doing things on my own made me know myself on a deeper level. It made me appreciate myself more and love myself unconditionally.</div><div><br /></div><div>It made me discover my strength and use them to my advantage.</div><div><br /></div><div>It helped me appreciate the people who matter most.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have grown to be more sensitive to my own feelings and others because when you are alone, you have no choice but turn in and experience everything within you because outside my body everything is neutral. There is no bias over the people I meet because I have no personal connection with them. I don't judge my personal choices because I know that no one will judge me back.</div><div><br /></div><div>Doing things solo is not my excuse for avoiding people and situations. Doing solo is my way of giving myself the break I need to charge and recharge.</div><div><br /></div><div>And when I come back from my solo flight and had the time I needed to be with myself and Mother Nature, I begin to crave humans again and ready to be present and connected and just be!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-36001854990850964992020-10-11T21:30:00.002-04:002020-10-11T21:32:02.696-04:00#ruthiliciousTravels || Introducing my new travel vlog in my "theRuthiliciousWay" YouTube Channel<div><span id="docs-internal-guid-8440385e-7fff-6bd2-7793-9ddf3fbc861b"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-8440385e-7fff-6bd2-7793-9ddf3fbc861b"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My journey has just started and I have a long way to go.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How long will it take to reach my goal is not a question I will ask myself.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I just want to enjoy my journey and live it. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#ruthiliciousHindsight</span></span></div></blockquote><div><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>I am back!<div><br /><div>Well, I didn't really leave "leave", I am present... out and about... and simply lazy.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a COVID thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>The new normal.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I'm back to blogging and vlogging.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I have not blogged about my not-so-new YouTube Channel - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/prettyRuthi">theRuthiliciousWay</a>, yet. It's been around for a while, I wasn't just too confident to promote it before. But since COVID got the <strike>worse </strike>best of me, I decided to ditch my insecurity and go with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So here I am blogging and telling the world that I decided to seriously vlog my travels and adventure because I have a feeling that I will be doing a lot of traveling in the unforeseeable future (pandemic permitted kind of situation though).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KlCjFK4vYGmkN3B1Vv6fbVPMkB6bsagtCAlt2c7UgCewK63SrTRFBb9cpz2kNxC0YvmPgBU5Ot_TimYmiPdfpToz1wXXpm5TZ-DHJCMOd85QJzZkozjUOkQ7ccN5xWP8NxIXvmkkchN7/s4032/IMG_0643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KlCjFK4vYGmkN3B1Vv6fbVPMkB6bsagtCAlt2c7UgCewK63SrTRFBb9cpz2kNxC0YvmPgBU5Ot_TimYmiPdfpToz1wXXpm5TZ-DHJCMOd85QJzZkozjUOkQ7ccN5xWP8NxIXvmkkchN7/w480-h640/IMG_0643.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This pandemic has given me a different kind of incubation period for my spirit and inner light to shine and tap-in to my inner powerhouse.</div><div><br /></div><div>A lot of inner work and underground renovation in my inner realm took place and I personally think I am ready to come out of my shell as a new human with a badass attitude. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>My breakthrough has been overwhelmingly awesome and I want to share it with the whole world hoping to inspire people and motivate them to seek their own breakthroughs.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have traveled to 3 continents in 2019 and I feel it's only the start. </div><div><br /></div><div>The memories I created were too many to ignore and keep to myself. So, expect to see a lot of vlogs with <i>walking-down-memory-lane</i> contents.</div><div><br /></div><div>So today, I am launching my #ruthiliciousTravels Vlog which will showcase my TRAVELS and ADVENTURES of the KNOWN and the UNKNOWN.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIB7W7pqTStSjNSDEDdOg4H33ivARDUWZGQP1V_Ix-j5Z6UOIDHtpxy_1FqeCnpiN_AJXTQoQdU1-UMmEd9m_MQKKzmQ-bYYFSSOXkj2q0vWY_ZHrMOtN59Q_DxKrwaVeMdLmayNaoRDX/s4032/IMG_7605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIB7W7pqTStSjNSDEDdOg4H33ivARDUWZGQP1V_Ix-j5Z6UOIDHtpxy_1FqeCnpiN_AJXTQoQdU1-UMmEd9m_MQKKzmQ-bYYFSSOXkj2q0vWY_ZHrMOtN59Q_DxKrwaVeMdLmayNaoRDX/w480-h640/IMG_7605.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have created cute (yes, I'm somewhat tooting my own horn here) intro and ending videos that I will include in each vlog that I'm creating -just because... I'm awesome like that. LOL</div><div><br /></div><div>So I want to give you an initial introduction to what I'm talking about here.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For the #ruthiliciousTravels vlog post, I will be using these following short INTRO and ENDING videos to sandwich the main video which showcases time-lapsed videos, a short explanation of the place with some tips and relevant information about the place.</div><div><br /></div><div>#ruthiliciousTravels INTRO video</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xIiTOi13l64" width="320" youtube-src-id="xIiTOi13l64"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>#ruthiliciousTravels ENDING video</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fSr9VDpLaUs" width="320" youtube-src-id="fSr9VDpLaUs"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>These last two short INTRO and ENDING videos will be used for the #ruthiliciousTravels SNIPPETS which is a shorter video with only a collection of photos I took during the travels. An explanation about the travel video will be found in the Description of the vlog.</div><div><br /></div><div>#ruthiliciousTravelsSnippets INTRO video</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qXiv6iPBPUc" width="320" youtube-src-id="qXiv6iPBPUc"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>#ruthiliciousTravelsSnippets ENDING video</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s1y3-FQ4hU0" width="320" youtube-src-id="s1y3-FQ4hU0"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>There you go, my beautiful friends.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am so excited about this newly acquired passion of mine. I hope I will stick to it. It will be a first for me. For a person with too many interests, being focused is my worse enemy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I just take things easy and enjoy the moment for now.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you find your motivation just I did.</div><div><br /></div><div>Take care.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-3604481372811147102020-04-15T17:56:00.000-04:002020-04-25T06:43:40.466-04:00#ruthiliciousEats: Vegetarian Pizza for Quarantine Blues<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">There is no sincere love than the love of food. - George Bernard Shaw</span></blockquote>
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<br />
I believe that the quarantine blues get the best and worse of people and I am no exception. Since the pandemic lockdown and the school system opted for remote learning mode, I was spiraling down eating wise.<br />
<br />
I am horrible in a lockdown scenario.<br />
<br />
They said we need to stock up on necessities and food. And as a good citizen, I simply obeyed.<br />
<br />
But guess what, my 2 weeks food reserve is down in less than a week.<br />
<br />
If people are panic buying, I am panic eating.<br />
<br />
Totally horrible.<br />
<br />
Anyway, the only thing I can be proud of is I remain eating healthy and making my meal prepping as usual.<br />
<br />
Today, I made myself a vegetarian eggplant pizza.<br />
<br />
And like a good citizen, I'm sharing the recipe here.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eggplant Parmesan (Keto and Gluten-Free)</span></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
* 1 big eggplant sliced<br />
* olive oil<br />
* mixed seasoning (I used my own seasoning mix of herbs - dried oregano, dried basil, tarragon, garlic & onion powders, Himalayan salt)<br />
* Pizza sauce<br />
* shredded mozzarella cheese<br />
* grated parmesan cheese<br />
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<b>Procedure:</b><br />
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-Pres heat oven to 450F and prepare a cookie sheet with foil to place the eggplant slices.<br />
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-Brush eggplant slices with olive oil, then sprinkle mixed seasoning. (both sides)<br />
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-Broil eggplant for 10-12 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi547tklNQNIHSCLFa7-LzVXY1EktQBQFCabIa2-UwZSz_tTaPNiP4orFqM3fYr9u2MGQpY0ivdRIgNGKlEO34ijAnp5lmX3UH23ALr8ONbGBwgY_ShszzoPE7PyZJZ9abj3KHRCbUs4XjP/s1600/E2AE8B50-A3D6-44BB-B4A6-D1C4412497B0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi547tklNQNIHSCLFa7-LzVXY1EktQBQFCabIa2-UwZSz_tTaPNiP4orFqM3fYr9u2MGQpY0ivdRIgNGKlEO34ijAnp5lmX3UH23ALr8ONbGBwgY_ShszzoPE7PyZJZ9abj3KHRCbUs4XjP/s640/E2AE8B50-A3D6-44BB-B4A6-D1C4412497B0.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
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-Take eggplants out and put the pizza sauce, then shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoRFrTTqRNqrlpbkQ6obKq4TJ9EGf4NKKyDzBzPsrpQVqz0raD-lmWWzfLt51ShxEyoESY04D7mUdiFQeZYmYGOpKzgM9fW5g8Unv4AaBgUoRIgZaavnaymjJmNo1OR8JkQmzQHE3u-bx/s1600/033DB39F-F463-45D1-96BC-77578FF3D358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoRFrTTqRNqrlpbkQ6obKq4TJ9EGf4NKKyDzBzPsrpQVqz0raD-lmWWzfLt51ShxEyoESY04D7mUdiFQeZYmYGOpKzgM9fW5g8Unv4AaBgUoRIgZaavnaymjJmNo1OR8JkQmzQHE3u-bx/s640/033DB39F-F463-45D1-96BC-77578FF3D358.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
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-Return the cookie sheet into the oven and bake for 15 minutes more or until cheese is melted.<br />
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There you go folx.<br />
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So enjoy.<br />
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And stay safe.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-85484620422679730402020-04-14T15:07:00.000-04:002020-04-14T15:07:01.938-04:00Subject Matter: Values - Taught or Caught?<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom.” – Aristotle -</blockquote>
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Children learned important <a href="http://www.ruthinian.com/2013/07/back-to-basic.html">lessons in life way before they enter school</a>.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Values</b></i> are taught and caught at home from daybreak to sundown. And their <i>parents</i> are their first teachers.<br />
<br />
Children learned important new lessons in life when they enter school.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Skills</b></i> are taught and caught in school from the very first day they walk into the classroom until they step down the stairs after receiving their diplomas. And their<i> teachers</i> are their skilled teachers.
<br />
<br />
Parents learned from their parents and from their former teachers. Teachers too, learned from their parents and their teachers before they become teachers themselves.<br />
<br />
To say that values and skills are learned from both parents and teachers at home and in school is not just a cliche... it's a fact.<br />
<br />
And as human being regardless of what age or status or profession we have, it is just practical to say that our values and skills are two important lessons that we learned and can teach the new generation to help them live life to the fullest.<br />
<br />
Whether we are a parent or a teacher, we both learned from our own parents and former teachers what we now teach our students and our own children.<br />
<br />
And the lessons of life we get from the experience stay with us and are in-bedded deeply into the core of our character.<br />
<br />
The unshakable and well-grounded upbringing and wisdom we get from them are the very foundation of our teaching strategies.<br />
<br />
And that equipped and empowered us with life lessons that we now use to lead a fruitful life.<br />
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----------------------------<i><span style="font-size: large;">Ruthilicious</span></i>-------------------------------
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<b>Ruthilicious</b>... <i><b>absent in the Classroom, present in the Chatroom.</b></i> She blogs when she is <b>NOT</b> <s>Facebooking</s> doing chores and she blogs while she is <b>ALSO</b> <s>Facebooking</s> doing chores.</blockquote>
To read more about her <b>Teaching-Learning Experience</b>... Click <a href="http://www.myrefugeonline.com/search/label/Ruthilicious">HERE</a>.
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-17963405026075586312020-02-14T03:33:00.001-05:002021-05-15T04:54:13.566-04:00#ruthiliciousHindsight: When Happily-Ever-After Ended<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"There's no easy way to break somebody's heart."</span> - James Ingram</div>
<br />
How true?<br />
<br />
Maybe every single person on the planet wants the "<i>happily-ever-after</i>". Maybe every love story is beautiful regardless of how it started or how it ended. And maybe, every love affair that ended is a chance to create a new space in one's heart to start over again, no matter how painful the experience must have been.<br />
<br />
Just maybe!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Happily-ever-after</i></b> is a mindset created by the hopeless romantics in all of us.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I had had my <i>happily-ever-after</i>.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">But it ended!</span></b><br />
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<br />
I waited 42 years to find the right ONE and tie the knot.<br />
<br />
I wasn't picky <strike>maybe just a nad</strike>. But it took me 42 years to find the soulmate who I wanted to go crazy with. And finally, in what seemed to be a thousand years, I found the perfect groom and the perfect love affair to boost. It was the perfect choice for me. Nobody forced me into it. I voluntarily consented to the idea of giving up singlehood. And just like that, I left behind my birthplace, my family, my friends, my job, and everything close to my heart to be with the ONE.<br />
<br />
I got my fairytale and took my <i>magic carpet ride</i> halfway around the world.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">It was a leap of faith.</span></b><br />
<br />
I left home with a hopeful heart and took nothing with me except my <b>faith</b> <strike>and 3 suitcases of shoes, purses, and a few clothes</strike>. I did it all because I was ready to live my own fairytale. And I felt like a unicorn shitting glitters all over the place.<br />
<br />
And in the Summer of 2007, I became <b>THE Bride</b>.<br />
<br />
I was in love. I was in love with the feeling of <i>being in love. </i>I was in love with the idea of living my own fairytale.<br />
<br />
That was 12 years ago.<br />
<br />
Later on, I realized marriage did not come with an instruction manual. Nothing was given to us when we said our "I DO's. It was more of a trial and error at least on my part. My guy was a divorcee before we met so I assumed he knew what he was doing, so I just followed his lead. But it didn't work out well so I just turned to my "<i>trust your instinct and suck it up</i>" skill to make it work.<br />
<br />
I suck in sucking up.<br />
<br />
I progressed through the years second-guessing everything about this thing called marriage simply because that was the only option I had.<br />
<br />
<b>And I found myself overwhelmed, lost, and alone.</b><br />
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The first year of my life as the queen of the castle was not as I imagined it would be. I stayed home doing cinderella chores all day because I had no real job, no real money, and no real car to get out of the house. But I loved the fact that all those things were new to me and I think I was rocking it. I blogged about it. And got good at it.<br />
<br />
While prince charming did his very best to make my life comfortable and taught me all the things I need to know (mostly things that he loves to do), I was adapting to the new culture and lifestyle. But making new traditions wasn't easy for me. I had to live off of their norm and though was adjusting pretty well to every kind of weather, temperature, and situation at hand it was exhausting.<br />
<br />
But I carried on. I carried on until prince charming got me my own car and I learned how to drive it. Then, I found a real job... made some friends... got a hobby or two... discovered my happy place - Walmart... and a lot more that I found interesting in this part of wonderland.<br />
<br />
But just like any marriages, we were put to a lot of tests. Tests that had either toughened us up or weakened our spirits. We tried our very best to come out of it too many times. And many times we succeeded. But too often we came to a point where we both questioned each other if it's worth saving it or should we just give up.<br />
<br />
At some point, I found myself in the middle of emotional chaos that turned my tiara upside down. I would wake up in the middle of the night crying while prince charming snored his way to dreamland. The worse thing was, I didn't even know what I was crying about. Eventually, I found out that when you have nobody or someone to talk to about your issues, you start creating your own validation kit.<br />
<br />
So I validated my raw emotions constantly so much so that in the long run, they became my new reality. I couldn't tell anybody why I was sad because - I didn't know if my reasons were even real or just made-up. I was afraid to tell anyone even my own family back home for fear of being judged because they know that he makes me the ridiculously awesome-st veggie gardens every spring. And neither can I let the people at work know anything about what was going on because he has a good reputation for being the "<i>sweetest husband on Valentine's day</i>" because he never failed to send me flowers at work every single V-day since I started working there.<br />
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<br />
I would be lying if I say we didn't see this coming. The <b>D-word</b> popped up every opportunity it gets but they were mostly initiated by him. I have never said the D-word because I was afraid of it. But if I did say it, it was just in agreement with his threat. The D-word wasn't in my fairytale book. Are you kidding me?<br />
<br />
I don't even know how to be married anymore, how much more how to be divorced!<br />
<br />
I wanted to stay married till death do us part.<br />
<br />
That was my original plan.<br />
<br />
I psyched myself up long enough to stay married even though I didn't even know what it means anymore. Part of me wanted to stay because I don't know how to be unmarried. But my alter ego insisted on staying because physical abuse, and infidelity (valid grounds for divorce) are non-existent.<br />
<br />
And so <a href="http://www.ruthiniangregoire.com/2017/08/10-years-and-we-still-do.html" target="_blank">I stayed married for over 10 years</a> because there are no grounds to leave. I continued to suck it up because he is not "physically" hurting me.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">No. He is not abusive.</span></b><br />
<br />
He never hurt me.<br />
<br />
Never in our 12 years together did he put his hands on me. Not even a flick. He was the gentlest man I've known. He's gentle as a lamb and he is never shy to show his emotion. He would cry like a baby when I give him the silent treatment. He would abandon his machismo pride without precautions when he knows he hurts my feelings. He is the kind of guy who uses the <b>S-word</b> (it means <b>SORRY</b> in my book) sparingly during our marriage to wipe my tears away.<br />
<br />
When things got heated up and I became overly emotional or crazy (that's what he calls my unpredictable burst of anger) he would walk away for fear of hurting me. And to be honest with you, I was the one who is physically abusive. I physically hurt him many times when I lost my temper.<br />
<br />
He was the battered husband in our marriage.<br />
<br />
He was the one who has a ground for divorce against me.<br />
<br />
But when our disagreements over petty things became consistent and the S-word is said too many times but didn't change anything... it lost its meaning. For 12 years, all the reasons he was sorry about were the same things he repeatedly did. The S-word became a convenient way to end a discussion. It was a win-win for him.<br />
<br />
I found myself defeated.<br />
<br />
And I still stayed because he wasn't cheating on me either.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yes. He is faithful.</b></span><br />
<br />
As far as I know, he is loyal to the bones.<br />
<br />
Oh, how I wished he was cheating on me because it would be easier for me to leave him in a heartbeat. But I didn't feel he was.<br />
<br />
Towards the last 5 years of our marriage, he rarely came home early. Or at least came straight home from work. I don't believe that he was seeing someone else. I should know because my gut feeling and intuition are not telling me otherwise. But my gut and intuition could be wrong too.<br />
<br />
Though he spent a lot of time with his guy friend than with me I still believe he wasn't cheating on me. He spends more time with his friend from childhood which I understand because their friendship is longer than what we had in comparison. He's helping him because he has a disability and needed help with anything and everything. It is his way of life way before we got married. But when he has to spend even all the weekends (on our work-free days) with his friend, I started questioning myself.<br />
<br />
I started doubting myself and my role as his wife. I started asking myself if he made a mistake and regretted marrying me. I asked myself if he was avoiding me that's why he spent more time with his buddy than with me. And I started feeling alone and abandoned.<br />
<br />
No, he is not gay. He is every inch a man. He is just like a big boy who wants to keep his freedom and his hobbies and stay married all at the same time.<br />
<br />
I did plan of walking away many times when I started feeling unappreciated. But I stayed because he was found NOT guilty on both accounts.<br />
<br />
So I rested my case.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ironically, we stayed together and became even more disconnected!</span></b><br />
<br />
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<br />
As years passed by slowly, I came to realize that there are other reasons as legit as those two that are considered red flags in any troubled marriage. Red flags that I did recognize but never acknowledged. They are the ultimate no-fault grounds for divorce and they have a term for them too - <i>Irreconcilable differences.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Irreconcilable differences are the badasses of marriage. They are the real bitches. (excuse my french)<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong. We did have a lot of happy memories doing things together. We had endless waves of laughter and tears that I believe strengthened our relationship. Those countless weekends we spent together camping, gold panning, and ice fishing were memories that I will never forget despite the fact that I hated them because they are his things, not mine. My things are the beach, running, hiking, movies, and traveling which sadly he joined me only once or a couple of times the whole time we were married. I have done and enjoyed my favorite things to do either solo or with Medy.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">When emptiness started to become my trusted companion...</span></b><br />
<br />
I wasn't aware that it was a red flag.<br />
<br />
I don't know when exactly did I start feeling empty. I worked 2 jobs for 11 years. I would leave the house at 5:30 in the morning and come home at 6:30 every night. Most of the time, I would come home and he was still at his friend's. Then I started feeling that my worth is no longer of great value to him or <b>worst... to myself</b>. It could be when I realized that my personal relationship with my own spirit faded away because my faith in myself walked out of the door the moment I felt that I was running an empty marriage like a headless chicken. Or it could be when I would get some glitz in my self-esteem due to menopausal retrograde. Who knows?<br />
<br />
On those days that I was left alone on the weekends, they became a great opportunity for me to do my new hobby - crying. On weeknights, I cried myself to sleep for many years and nobody knew about it. He never knew about it.<br />
<br />
I cried because I blamed myself for being so stupid and allowing myself to believe in my fairytale. Then, I started hating myself for not knowing what to do. And I despised myself for not being the good wife that I should be. Sometimes, I just cried for no reason at all.<br />
<br />
Eventually, I unconsciously talking shit to myself. I hated my life. I believed it. And it became my reality.<br />
<br />
My <i>happily-ever-after</i> slowly spiraled down the drain and turned into a <i>zombie apocalypse</i>.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Depression and anxiety became my new BFFs.</span></b><br />
<br />
They may not the best kind of friends one should have when dealing with challenges and failure but hey, they were the only ones available to me at that time. And they are very loyal AF.<br />
<br />
With every fight we had no matter how small it was, it made me think of the worse. And many times, hurting myself crossed my mind but too often I'd shut my brain right off because I was scared of my own demons. There were times I would hit my head against the wall but I would stop before I hurt myself furthermore.<br />
<br />
I came to a point that I was determined to do it out of frustration but for some reason, something more powerful than me knocked me off my senses. It was so powerful that instead of hurting myself I would just resolve to cry incessantly like a baby or turned into crafting and yoga
<br />
<br />
Crafting became a good way to take my mind off of the situation. And yoga helped me to de-stress, regroup and balance out my chakras. So far I was managing myself well but not well enough to keep my tiara in place when depression and anxiety sneak back in when small things like a haircut issue would trigger my brain.<br />
<br />
But still, I believed that ending a beautiful relationship when differences are not reconciled is not always the <i>go-to</i> solution to prove who is right or wrong. I told myself, marriage is still the most beautiful thing for people to commit themselves to.<br />
<br />
But who am I kidding?<br />
<br />
That's where my logic about marriage got out of wrack.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually, I turned into a grief-stricken pathetic biatch...</span></b><br />
<br />
In my mind, unhappiness is not a valid reason to leave the marriage. Being unwanted is not a reason. And loving myself first is being selfish.<br />
<br />
Ultimately, I lost myself, my self-esteem, and my faith in my whole being. My faith which is the only thing I brought with me when I left home finally disappeared into thin air without me knowing it. The saddest part was, he didn't even know what was happening and I didn't know how to tell him or anyone. Those weekends that he spent with his friends, he would insist on me to see my Filipina friends and have fun cooking and eating all the Pinoy food that I miss. That was him being nice, by the way. And many times I would tell him, I would rather spend the weekends with him but he has lots of errands to do that doesn't need a wife's footprint on. Of course, there were times that he would give in, and more often than not, we ended up fighting. Maybe our kind of marriage is probably not made for weekend activities. So I didn't insist anymore.<br />
<br />
Towards the end of 2018, I found that the unicorn ran out of glitters already. But surprisingly, I saw a rainbow every so often. That day after Thanksgiving of 2018, I found myself with a heightened awareness of my inner self and energy that I never knew I had all along.<br />
<br />
And for some reason, I was charged with a renewed faith in myself and got the courage and strength to collect myself... and leave him!<br />
<br />
The energy and the urgency in the air on that fateful day was like when I was young when my Mom used to give me orders to do something important and she wanted it - pronto! It was so compelling that I can't say no because I was afraid of the consequences it might bring me if I wouldn't respond with the same urgency. And the courage I had that day was so intense like the courage I had on the day I gave up everything to be with him.<br />
<br />
I thought I heard my Mom said, "<b>Go! Now!</b>"<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">And so I did!</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<b><br /></b>Looking back now, 2018 was the turning point in my life.<br />
<br />
On the day I left, he thought it was just like any ordinary day of argument that we had in the past. And just like those days, I would be out for a few hours then will be back before dinner.<br />
<br />
But that day I left, I knew from the get-go that was the end of my fairytale because for the first time in forever, it was the day I felt a feeling of relief and peace beyond words.<br />
<br />
As I drove out of our driveway, my eyes caught a subtle glance of my left ring finger on the steering wheel. It was missing the ring that has been there for over 10 years. And I remember, at that moment, as I blankly stared at the white mark around my finger etched by time and the band I wore for more than a decade, I unconsciously said to myself, <b>"<i>this is the part where I cry</i>."</b><br />
<br />
I searched my heart for a solid 2 minutes to create the emotions that will guarantee an enormous amount of tears but to no avail. I pulled over by the ditch so I can prepare myself for any emotional scenario appropriate for what had taken place but nothing came out. My eyes were dried as the desert of Arabia and until now, I haven't cried a river as I supposed to like in the movies when breakup plots just played out.<br />
<br />
<b>That was all wrong.</b><br />
<br />
Our divorce became final in September of last year. It's been over a year now since I left. But I haven't cried like I expected I would or should nor have I discussed or talked about the real reasons why I did what I did... until now. Of course, I told a few trusted friends and family about it but not the sensitive details. All the sensitive and shameful details were discussed with my therapist. Yes, I finally found the courage to seek professional help to help me figure out my life because I forgot how to.<br />
<br />
I know it was unfair for him that he did not have the chance to know how I truly feel and why I left him. Or to at least let him defend himself and fix what he had broken. But I was done with self-sabotage and just wanted to claim my power back. I realized that when something is done...it is done! There is nothing, not even the Avengers can do about it. We had 12 years and a million chances to work on our differences and that one last chance will not make any difference anymore.<br />
<br />
In his mind, he's probably thinking that I left him because of that stupid haircut episode or maybe not.<br />
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<br />
The truth is...<br />
<br />
I decided to leave him while I still love him because I know it will be easier to heal with love than hatred. And forgiveness will surely follow through.<br />
<br />
I decided to leave him while I still have respect for him because if my respect for him was totally gone, it would be hard for me to find respect in myself or other people.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">And I left because in the last couple of years I realized that I was part of the problem.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
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<br />
I didn't get my fairytale because I didn't allow myself to work on the kind of happy ending that I dreamed of. I didn't have a happy ending because I was consumed by my personal bias and self-limiting beliefs that happy endings should be how I envisioned them. I didn't give my fairytale a chance to bloom because I was either disappointed that my Prince Charming remained a frog or I was actually the Wicked Stepmother and not the Princess I thought I was.<br />
<br />
I wasn't kidding.<br />
<br />
In every love story, there's a "twist". The twist in the story became apparent when I became delusional because my marriage took turns that weren't on my personal agenda. I was devastated because my <i>happily-ever-after</i> was not the kind that I predicted it would be because I was sidetracked by his flaws and dwelled in them for so long that it eventually consumed me to destruction.<br />
<br />
Eventually, I no longer fit to be in the beloved wife category and I discredited myself to be so. My life almost ended when I dropped all my defenses down. But glad that I was given a second chance to stand up for myself.<br />
<br />
One important and powerful lesson I learned from my marriage is that - the moment you turn yourself against you... you lost the battle you are fighting for.<br />
<br />
Blaming myself for the failure in my relationship is half of the battle I lost. And not doing anything to change it is the other half that made it a total failure.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Right now...</span></b><br />
<br />
healing is taking a slow but steady pace which is good I supposed.<br />
<br />
We can't rush healing, can we? It takes time. I'm done with self-sabotaging because I realized that I can't heal and hurt myself all at the same time. It's counter-productive.<br />
<br />
Right now, I am allowing myself to heal. I am giving myself permission to be happy again. I am letting myself recognize all the great blessings I received in the past 12 years. And heck ya'll, I am grateful for all those things - good and bad.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for him because I learned to love. I learned to cry. And I learned to forgive.<br />
<br />
In the end, we all want that made-up fairytale beginnings and endings. We all want our fairytale blooming with beautiful flowers and rainbows and unicorns with glitters and fairy godmothers who can grant our wishes.<br />
<br />
And we all wish that the wicked witch won't cast spell on us so we won't fall asleep for a million years and wake up only to realize that our prince charming isn't charming after all.<br />
<br />
As for me, someday I will be ready to open the door in my heart again to the possibility of a new beginning and a happy ending.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">But NOT right now.</span></b><br />
<br />
Because right now, I need to upgrade myself to a princess status to be worthy of a prince charming and my real <i><b>happily-ever-after</b></i>.<br />
<br />
The End!<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-65127278698528859412020-02-07T12:28:00.001-05:002020-11-24T23:38:46.838-05:00Erin On-The-Spot: The Other Woman who helped me find the Yin to my YangSometimes the Universe will put certain people in your path so that you can start a journey that you didn't know you have to trek. Other times you will be surprised that your journey is not the one you voluntarily want to traverse but you don't have a choice.<br />
<br />
I met a lot of people in my life and a lot of them were put there because they don't have a choice. They are my family, friends from school, neighbors, co-workers, and others who were there because they are either related to those I mentioned earlier or met me by chance. Perhaps. there are some of them who also realized that they made the wrong choice of knowing me. LOL And there are those who were there for the sole purpose of teaching me some hard lessons in life.<br />
<br />
There are also a few of those who come into your life that you totally didn't even know they exist until you met them and ask... where were they when I was screwing up my life and needed to be rescued?<br />
<br />
I met Erin through our exchange of text messages in IG when I won the <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><a href="https://www.ruthinian.com/2019/03/new-year-better-me.html" target="_blank">"New Year Better Me Giveaway"</a>.</b></span> She was cordial, business-like, and friendly. Our first communication is out of the ordinary and in an <i>as-a-matter-of-factly</i> way that it took me a few seconds to process. I wasn't expecting it. I never won anything in my entire life and being told that I won a week-long yoga retreat in Greece was something hard to believe.<br />
<br />
But we exchanged text messages one after another, giving details of the trip and other things I need to do to prepare for it. At that very moment though, I was sure that something great is about to happen and this amazing "faceless woman" I was communicating with is the reason why.<br />
<br />
So looking back now, I proved to myself that "I really did something good after all to deserve this."<br />
<br />
And then, I met Erin in person in Amorgos, Greece. She was one of my yoga teachers, who helped me transformed into this wonderful creature that I am now by not doing anything spectacular but by just being the light that she is who shines like a beacon for me to follow my path to be a better me.<br />
<br />
Friends... meet my Yin - Erin... she is the woman with a big heart and an infectious kindness that warms anybody's heart.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
--------------------------------------0000000------------------------------------</div>
<b>Full Name:</b> Erin Damm<br />
<b>Certification/s: </b>E-RYT 500, YACEP / ACSM - Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C)<br />
<b>Place/Yoga School where you got certified:</b><br />
200-hour Training: Anamaya Resort Center - Reflections Studio ;<br />
300-hour YTT: Total Harmony Yoga - San Antonio, TX<br />
<b>Name of Yoga Studio</b> (if any): Light the Spark Within, LLC; Townlake YMCA, Austin, TX<br />
<b>Website</b> (if any): www.lightthesparkwithin.com<br />
<b>Social Media</b> (If any) yogi.erun<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHg7hIevUhWF39_w62Rpfs_kR4VRIOT3bTP0sLd-51RJ3mmu12MZ5hILQDl9_3y6O6_cCXNuK70_xpFI4ik076LcgQ6-b0QNyMW1qAcTcABl95KiPxU7tpdB4F8-UULTdL0Cgk3dqEfYZt/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-01-25+at+9.31.35+AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="561" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHg7hIevUhWF39_w62Rpfs_kR4VRIOT3bTP0sLd-51RJ3mmu12MZ5hILQDl9_3y6O6_cCXNuK70_xpFI4ik076LcgQ6-b0QNyMW1qAcTcABl95KiPxU7tpdB4F8-UULTdL0Cgk3dqEfYZt/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-01-25+at+9.31.35+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She has this sunny disposition about her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When was the first time you fell in love with Yoga? How did it happen and what was your inspiration for the practice?</span><br />
<br />
I first dabbled in yoga as a Junior in high school at my local YMCA. I had an injury that prevents me from running and I was seeking something to clear my mind in the same way. I practiced off and on over the next 8 years and I really didn't fully fall in love until 2011 when I committed myself fully to all the benefits of the practice.
Yoga creates freedom, a vehicle to explore our true inner selves. I love that it is a unique journey for all that can be done in the community. Personally, yoga evolved from therapy to a job and now to a lifestyle. I love all the doors that it opens and continues to open when I let myself experience the possibilities.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Please describe your Yoga Journey: How did it change your life and how it impacted your lifestyle?</span><br />
<br />
I began my initial yoga practice in response to a physical injury, but quickly realized the mental and emotional benefits it had on me. Yoga has helped me create a deeper relationship with the world around me (other humans and nature), but most of all an understanding and calmness within myself. But most of all yoga has helped me manifest a life I could only dream of: traveling, teaching, and helping others find their release and true voice/self.
I've regularly practiced since 2011 and completed my 200-hour training at Anamaya Retreat center in Costa Rica in 2013. I founded my passion Light the Spark Within, LLC, a yoga retreat and training company with my co-creator Clarissa Thompson in 2017 and we have taught all over the world and ran our first Yoga Teacher Training in 2019. Yoga is my sanity, my savior, my community, and my teacher. It has a multifaceted effect on me personally, socially, and professionally. It is life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBVi7JPE_oB4FedlvpL95DpjsWWNQTwN5PZRLlP2KFa1z1cwX9stVFgjjErBAuob7uK-414Ln1Kzst2tDRJ4AQrN-AMUaPCPmR9RhfMzbxZuJiQgljtBUsWWQu_U7aeBqS3Wi6nI4cOyr/s1600/59558133_10106776770150239_9576123507671040_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBVi7JPE_oB4FedlvpL95DpjsWWNQTwN5PZRLlP2KFa1z1cwX9stVFgjjErBAuob7uK-414Ln1Kzst2tDRJ4AQrN-AMUaPCPmR9RhfMzbxZuJiQgljtBUsWWQu_U7aeBqS3Wi6nI4cOyr/s640/59558133_10106776770150239_9576123507671040_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying Savana during one of the many yoga classes she taught during the Yoga Retreat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What 3 words describe you as a Yoga Teacher and what word or words describe your teaching style? </span><br />
<br />
Fun, Explorative, Calm<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What advice would you give your new yoga student who is struggling with letting go and ego?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Show up.<br />
Roll out your mat.<br />
Experience whatever happens at the moment.<br />
But most of all have fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4J9w1fo9TkievGWTtWzJBc-VduLrF4VRhkOm4qBqyuV8bkEgnbkDc811ehEMowTIrcXduCLdz3LwpOr5I9ZNWFzSaXwGhdmgds3UQk-O9Em3nG8oL26MUPa9dDRud5kPtb2i614a22bH/s1600/IMG_1536.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="1031" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4J9w1fo9TkievGWTtWzJBc-VduLrF4VRhkOm4qBqyuV8bkEgnbkDc811ehEMowTIrcXduCLdz3LwpOr5I9ZNWFzSaXwGhdmgds3UQk-O9Em3nG8oL26MUPa9dDRud5kPtb2i614a22bH/s640/IMG_1536.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erin assisting me during our Aerial Yoga class.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What advice will you give your yoga students who are thinking of taking a Yoga Teacher Training Course?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
If your gut tells you it's right do it. Find a teacher or program that resonates with you and go for it. You will not regret it!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How many years have you been teaching Yoga and what are the challenges you encountered along the way?</span><br />
<br />
I have taught yoga for over 7 years and I love every moment of it. Challenges occur when I concern myself with the opinions of others. I've found that if I show up, I am unique and true to myself my students leave refreshed and strong. I strive to create experiences that speak to the individual while continuing to honor my own voice and journey.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0X0j_GWVXDAyW4JHfQ8CKuzaX0pXgLF9HHc-wPcr-9TxHkikxJ_rdx3l6wH65UHz9pO6zHDT2Qcbnn2Feooo9HgUWGp84NYM5n4dF7CS0t5xSo-ytEzvkYsKhJRnRTYPVisBeQHeg6ik-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-01-25+at+9.32.21+AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="536" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0X0j_GWVXDAyW4JHfQ8CKuzaX0pXgLF9HHc-wPcr-9TxHkikxJ_rdx3l6wH65UHz9pO6zHDT2Qcbnn2Feooo9HgUWGp84NYM5n4dF7CS0t5xSo-ytEzvkYsKhJRnRTYPVisBeQHeg6ik-/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-01-25+at+9.32.21+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erin is flexible in many ways.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Is Yoga your only workout or you also do other workouts aside from yoga? If YES, what is it? Can you give a brief description of your other workout?</span><br />
<br />
I run regularly and hike in the Greenbelts of Austin. I also really love to put on random music and dance it out. I'm always seeking new and fun ways to move my body.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lastly, what do you want your students to take away with them from your Yoga Class?</span><br />
<br />
A sense of self and purpose. I want them to find their own voice, practice, and release whatever no longer serves them.
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anything else you want to add?</span><br />
<br />
“You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.” – Robin Williams<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxEQ-fZ52RYBMboSEsAvC9Hcns0q0n1NDBaDAECjjtHbgT77s4n5AckImSoRcngWJ5Q5XjYcl2uAog7OZwiPlg5ZrzdJ3bM7xAT63m15XSUlLWjboqLWZiJDJUMF7VqcnaRPC4xnVd0eN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-01-25+at+9.31.50+AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxEQ-fZ52RYBMboSEsAvC9Hcns0q0n1NDBaDAECjjtHbgT77s4n5AckImSoRcngWJ5Q5XjYcl2uAog7OZwiPlg5ZrzdJ3bM7xAT63m15XSUlLWjboqLWZiJDJUMF7VqcnaRPC4xnVd0eN/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-01-25+at+9.31.50+AM.png" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the view during one of our excursions at the Monastery in the mountain.</td></tr>
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<br />
Fun Facts:<br />
<br />
Erin is the co-founder of <a href="https://www.lightthesparkwithin.com/about-us/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Light the Spark Within</span></b></a>, which she co-founded with <a href="https://www.ruthinian.com/2020/01/clarissa-on-spot-woman-who-guided-me-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Clarissa my Yang</b></span></a>, so Erin is my Yin. Both of them are amazing yoga teachers, and though they are totally different people with totally different personalities... they complement each other like the avocado in gluten-free toast bread.<br />
<br />
Erin is the jolly kind of person who adds personal wit to anything boring and bland and turns them into something magical.<br />
<br />
She is a passionate yoga teacher, explorer, and traveler who finds joy in meeting new people and places. She is a wanderer and never gets tired of learning new things about yoga which leads her to go the distance to seek anything that will help her get the knowledge she needed to be the best yoga teacher that she can be.<br />
<br />
She is friendly and kind-hearted beyond measure. Her energy is infectious and anyone who comes near her can immediately get her positive vibes.<br />
<br />
She is a great sister and an amazing daughter.<br />
<br />
Erin is also an advocate for anything healthy, good, and the community. She volunteers a lot of her time helping her community in any way she can.<br />
<br />
These things and a lot more made Erin the person that she is. She is fierce but gentle. She is the bearer of light for those who are in the dark. And her passion for life and the goodness in people made her a superwoman in real life.<br />
<br />
Thank you, Erin, for igniting the light within me. Keep shining your light for those who need it.<br />
<br />
Namaste!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ExQCGJKF3GZHmgNQnmExF6rA3eqFB7YmikWtKZ1nWXSFMA6dXK6JDtbSoI3jSdleKN2JcrvOxOdVA3tuDB1wATl9PmW24x2Yd3_8BYFeYbJhusWwtbfAj6sijuEZxxtVrPNL8E2giKMc/s1600/Hurry+In+Flash+Sale.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ExQCGJKF3GZHmgNQnmExF6rA3eqFB7YmikWtKZ1nWXSFMA6dXK6JDtbSoI3jSdleKN2JcrvOxOdVA3tuDB1wATl9PmW24x2Yd3_8BYFeYbJhusWwtbfAj6sijuEZxxtVrPNL8E2giKMc/s640/Hurry+In+Flash+Sale.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-83862418481735861712020-01-19T11:36:00.000-05:002020-01-19T11:36:00.016-05:00Clarissa On-The-Spot: The Woman who guided me to make peace with my YangHave you ever been to a place where you don't know anyone and hoping that things will work out well?<br />
<br />
Have you met a total stranger for the first time and didn't feel alienated?<br />
<br />
Has someone ever made a great impact on your life that you turned your life around 180 degrees without knowing it?<br />
<br />
Well, I did.<br />
<br />
It was insane, overwhelming, totally spazzed out, and all in a good way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz6dYz8DeD4LjgPGSOVeqKirdQHsMrFH5Xmv6q9uzbyNJDK4aghoMGFaqpt3PabFpIRcgBaxjIdDVBeNIjbVPS1JB4bP0E9BRvVZC08tQU3bASlqV7m5tXbRY6VY4Ajy-21yDQMOKLhs7/s1600/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz6dYz8DeD4LjgPGSOVeqKirdQHsMrFH5Xmv6q9uzbyNJDK4aghoMGFaqpt3PabFpIRcgBaxjIdDVBeNIjbVPS1JB4bP0E9BRvVZC08tQU3bASlqV7m5tXbRY6VY4Ajy-21yDQMOKLhs7/s640/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine tasting with my Yang.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's not every day you get the opportunity to meet people who will change your life's perspective in an instant. But if you did, you are blessed to have them in your life because they are the "keepers".<br />
<br />
I met Clarissa at the first Yoga Retreat I attended last year in Greece. She and her yogi-friend and co-founder of the <a href="https://www.lightthesparkwithin.com/" target="_blank">Light the Spark Within</a> Erin were the ones who led the <a href="https://www.lightthesparkwithin.com/light-the-spark-within-past-retreats/" target="_blank">Ancient Awakenings Yoga Retreat</a> in Greece in the spring of 2019.<br />
<br />
Clarissa is quiet yet friendly and welcoming.<br />
<br />
She is one of my Yoga teachers who is instrumental in my personal transformation. One of the reasons why I am evolving. And definitely one of my inspirations in my yoga journey.<br />
<br />
Clarissa, just like in the concept of Yin and Yang... is the YANG who helped me see that the light side of my present challenges. She helped me appreciate my weaknesses and turned them into strengths. And for that, I'm grateful.<br />
<br />
FRIENDS, meet CLARISSA... my Yang!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BASIC YOGA TEACHER BIO</div>
<br />
<b>Full Name</b>:
Clarissa Thompson<br />
<b>Certification/s</b>:
E-RYT®500 HR<br />
<b>Place/Yoga School where you got certified:</b>
Tapas Yoga Shala<br />
<b>Name of Yoga Studio</b> (if any):<br />
<b>Website (if any)</b>:
<a href="http://clarissamae.com/">clarissamae.com</a> / <a href="http://lightthesparkwithin.com/">lightthesparkwithin.com</a><br />
<b>Social Media (If any)</b>:<b> </b>IG @clarissa_mae_ / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lightthesparkwithin/" target="_blank">@lightthesparkwithin</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/clarissamaeyoga/" target="_blank">FB @Clarissa Mae Yoga</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When was the first time you fell in love with Yoga? How did it happen and what was your inspiration for the practice?</span><br />
<br />
I found yoga when I was in college, I was invited to try out a class with a friend and took my first class in the wrestling room at my college. The teacher was also an English professor and it was a powerful experience for me.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Please describe your Yoga Journey: How did it change your life and how it impacted your lifestyle?</span><br />
<br />
Yoga gave me a path - I was stressed out and completely unsure of myself, yoga gave me strength, courage, opportunity and the chance to challenge myself in completely different ways.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What 3 words describe you as a Yoga Teacher and what word or words describe your teaching style?</span><br />
<br />
Dedicated, Engaging, Adaptable - I think my teaching style is ever-changing as am I as a teacher so it's hard to pick just a few words at this moment. But I think my style is organic and flowing and always evolving.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What advice would you give your new yoga student who is struggling with letting go and ego?</span><br />
<br />
Just keep breathing - focus on your breath, make that the focus and all else will follow.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What advice will you give your yoga students who are thinking of taking Yoga Teacher Training Course?</span><br />
<br />
Find one that sparks your interest, teachers who have a style that you connect with and do it for yourself!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEClOa-Y-i1jh5mH1_HRVqGs2nyGTjGdcR6zARGIW81sZxK-kZ-luJpk_tekFZsn-2Z7GnTh55S23SxbnNb1xwKP1ra_TKs-YrOtvZwzbKRknIB12pnXCeu8vr-4fxsp3XQv-3RInboKE/s1600/170A6004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEClOa-Y-i1jh5mH1_HRVqGs2nyGTjGdcR6zARGIW81sZxK-kZ-luJpk_tekFZsn-2Z7GnTh55S23SxbnNb1xwKP1ra_TKs-YrOtvZwzbKRknIB12pnXCeu8vr-4fxsp3XQv-3RInboKE/s640/170A6004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How many years have you been teaching Yoga and what are the challenges you encountered along the way?</span><br />
<br />
I've been teaching for 7 years and I have encountered challenges from physical injury, lack of confidence, drama, and anything else that any of us face anytime we take a leap of faith. But this practice has changed my life in so many ways and it continues to change others and I am just honored to be able to share my passion for it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Is Yoga your only workout or you also do other workouts aside from yoga? If YES, what is it? Can you give a brief description of your other workout?</span><br />
<br />
I love to hike with my husband and my dog out here in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. We rock climb a bit too and look for any way to have an adventure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYrwZ77J4mQb_92-uuAcPNSPIX7h2sidH8YhC7kGN1dxf9nhlPduhg3dc2QNPo-Ndt-WX5Dr-B20IcuzWjfefDP5O8l9UMMIyYDrbzv7l0nzwYAsZbqyug_d2je7nBQwkNdYGjwpNauWs/s1600/170A5934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYrwZ77J4mQb_92-uuAcPNSPIX7h2sidH8YhC7kGN1dxf9nhlPduhg3dc2QNPo-Ndt-WX5Dr-B20IcuzWjfefDP5O8l9UMMIyYDrbzv7l0nzwYAsZbqyug_d2je7nBQwkNdYGjwpNauWs/s640/170A5934.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lastly, what do you want your students to take away with them from your Yoga Class?</span><br />
<br />
Peace, calm, a shift in perspective, a drop of inspiration, a shared feeling of the yoga community as a whole. I hope they have a great time, learn something new and keep coming back!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzHBhQHD0SK3uSRl8ISqz4AzNk2hp0A7Mv2InT6qXOu8fMRWtiC3_fhJSs1jt6vQ8mkXk2rxWpqNIsFgqELFEThWmMCOVMd-JK6fS63UQdgK6Uz2gAPRgDzjvFaF9cCiAJ7bjsqL92bkL/s1600/IMG_0775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="995" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzHBhQHD0SK3uSRl8ISqz4AzNk2hp0A7Mv2InT6qXOu8fMRWtiC3_fhJSs1jt6vQ8mkXk2rxWpqNIsFgqELFEThWmMCOVMd-JK6fS63UQdgK6Uz2gAPRgDzjvFaF9cCiAJ7bjsqL92bkL/s640/IMG_0775.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clarissa showing me how to do the inversion at the Namaste Shala after our daily morning Yoga practice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipl8KB0n5Zw0HG5zOOPQxCDi_oj6bvI_mUDgn90cBPrXAmUPQQ1sU8y30aSn7nqQdKmTuhpXB8J9vZ2hX9mR0NZwFAtrvVddp5vwoqRVSVgaG60xwu0HVACSSU64xoHqtMxAc0h1i1Wp90/s1600/IMG_0776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1053" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipl8KB0n5Zw0HG5zOOPQxCDi_oj6bvI_mUDgn90cBPrXAmUPQQ1sU8y30aSn7nqQdKmTuhpXB8J9vZ2hX9mR0NZwFAtrvVddp5vwoqRVSVgaG60xwu0HVACSSU64xoHqtMxAc0h1i1Wp90/s640/IMG_0776.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's my turn to do the forearm headstand while Clarissa supervising and making sure I'm safe.</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anything you want to add?</span><br />
<br />
Yoga is a powerful path - a path to light, to shadow work, and to the deeper layers of ourselves. When we do this practice we don't only connect with the deeper self but with the collective energy of the whole.<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
FUN FACTS ABOUT CLARISSA:</div>
<br />
Clarissa discovered the joy of yoga when she was in college. Since then, she was transformed and continuously evolving.<br />
<br />
Her love for learning did not only make her a great student but an amazing teacher, as well. She passes along the knowledge and experiences she gained from her teachers to her students through many different yoga styles and movements in her own classes.<br />
<br />
Clarissa loves adventure and connecting with people and Mother Nature. She loves and enjoys doing a lot of outdoor activities. When she is not teaching yoga, she would be camping, hiking, road-tripping and exploring with her husband <a href="https://intrepiddaily.com/about/" target="_blank">Wade Ellett</a> and their dog Inkling.<br />
<br />
Her passion for life and yoga helps her to seek and explore new places, lead retreats, and workshops in the U.S. and abroad.<br />
<br />
<br />
AUTHOR'S NOTE:<br />
<br />
Thank you Clarissa for touching my life and helping me see myself differently. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to push myself harder and pass my comfort zone. It was then I realized that I am capable of doing great things.<br />
<br />
And because of that... I am reborn!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-26633321233874449672020-01-01T23:55:00.000-05:002020-01-20T10:31:33.603-05:00OMG Moment: 2019, The Year That Was<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello, 2020.<br />
<br />
I'm. So. Ready!<br />
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<br />
It's the new year. But first, I'd like to look back on the year that made a lot of impact in my life than any other year of my existence.<br />
<br />
2019 was so far the most impactful, amazing, wonderful and life-changing year of my life. There were lots of blessings received. Lots of drastic changes. And some hiccups too. But lots of healing, as well.<br />
<br />
The year 2019 started not with a bang but rather, low keyed and spontaneous.<br />
<br />
The first day of 2019 was not typical for me. It was totally the opposite considering that I spent it ALONE. For 53 years it was the very first New Year that I spent alone but definitely NOT LONELY. Actually, I'm still in doubt if I want to talk about it but I know in my heart that at some point I have to deal with it somehow... someday.<br />
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Yes, definitely someday.<br />
<br />
But for now, I want to dwell more on the blessings I received in 2019.<br />
<br />
Although 2019 was the year that I was still trying to pick up the broken pieces of what 2018 left behind and the year I was trying to lick my bruised ego, it was also a year of great discovery and connecting with my inner self. So far, I did a great job.<br />
<br />
So, here are the highlights of my 2019. This is by far is the best year of my life.<br />
<br />
1. I became a certified Yoga Teacher at the Yoga Goddess Academy.<br />
2, I traveled internationally 3 times last year to Greece, Canada, and my motherland the Philippines.<br />
3. I went to my first Yoga Retreat through the Light the Spark Within at the Amorgos Aegialis Hotel and Spa in Amorgos, Greece.<br />
4. I spent Christmas and New Year with my family after 12 years of being away from my motherland.<br />
5. I started teaching yoga classes to teachers and colleagues.<br />
6. I did a lot of things and activities solo and enjoyed it a lot.<br />
7. And I finally got divorced. This, however, is one of the hiccups. Not proud though, but hiccups are part of my life and those are the ones that made me stronger and appreciate all the good things in my life.<br />
<br />
Now, let me break it down to quarterly.<br />
<br />
The first quarter of 2019 was full of blessings. I was a busy bee. I started my 200 Online Yoga Teacher Training at the <a href="https://www.yogagoddessacademy.com/" target="_blank">Yoga Goddess Academy</a>. It was a nerve-wracking move but worth it. It was then that I realized my worth as a person. My confidence level went to the roof. And yoga became my passion.<br />
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And for that, I thank Crystal Gray, the Goddess, and my Yoga Teacher who saw the real me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29Z_36OOjURKEcntAlRTJoEd__Q92txvAJND2at8Jq3DGkFarz82fMmQsmmLbKB2KFY2B9a6MTmujWPyQs_t6rPHRiUPM33JeZ6jh-rE7ngTN4fXhP_TUnBP278qpitA04GiXSzGGo5mY/s1600/B81B3CA6-5F1D-4CB8-8E76-4042AF345238.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1382" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29Z_36OOjURKEcntAlRTJoEd__Q92txvAJND2at8Jq3DGkFarz82fMmQsmmLbKB2KFY2B9a6MTmujWPyQs_t6rPHRiUPM33JeZ6jh-rE7ngTN4fXhP_TUnBP278qpitA04GiXSzGGo5mY/s640/B81B3CA6-5F1D-4CB8-8E76-4042AF345238.jpeg" width="552" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's legit. I'm a Certified Yoga Teacher!</td></tr>
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During the second quarter of the year, <a href="https://www.ruthinian.com/2019/11/ruthilicioustravels-feeling-my-goddess.html" target="_blank">I finally crossed Greece out in my bucket list</a> of places I want to visit. I went to see and experience this land of the gods and goddesses on my own. It was the very first time I traveled to a destination where I don't know a single soul. It was this time that I attended a Yoga Retreat in Amorgos, Greece through the kindness of the <a href="https://www.lightthesparkwithin.com/light-the-spark-within-past-retreats/" target="_blank">Light the Spark Within </a>and spent a week of yoga-ing, journaling, pampering, and just being with nature, myself and my newfound friends. It was there where I found my true self, who I realized is undeniable interesting, creative, confident, happy, beautiful, smart, loved and more than enough.<br />
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And for that, I thank Erin and Clarissa, for giving me the opportunity to discover the real me that I didn't even know existed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3TMOPoeU_6UV-To3ZnsHYVM-4xNjyfbA0QK7He3JMj4NUOthckQ0LoxdYxjfS_lw5Jak3Q6kXKpejSf7cPG3SVhzgfKwsNTcXx89B29xTXpbKy8xfR2lgatobm10lYUr5nWY8xhHSw77/s1600/33DDBDA9-FA5A-48C4-ABFA-6318C2C3CCE0.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3TMOPoeU_6UV-To3ZnsHYVM-4xNjyfbA0QK7He3JMj4NUOthckQ0LoxdYxjfS_lw5Jak3Q6kXKpejSf7cPG3SVhzgfKwsNTcXx89B29xTXpbKy8xfR2lgatobm10lYUr5nWY8xhHSw77/s640/33DDBDA9-FA5A-48C4-ABFA-6318C2C3CCE0.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ferry ride from Athens to Amorgos.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc_qpRxwa6-9liDna1rqFEJMiKCrEia4My5evdZ_xHP07F3c0yrA0guTG5buUOFuBPRvQQJ6USOJU_cfh1jtqOFmqWBek-f_bHuY-8bAmOYscnIjvwV9R3-ZbvwEDsNuSbIWWkrxCBDcK/s1600/100FC42C-BCEA-4ADB-A123-32FAE1009754_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc_qpRxwa6-9liDna1rqFEJMiKCrEia4My5evdZ_xHP07F3c0yrA0guTG5buUOFuBPRvQQJ6USOJU_cfh1jtqOFmqWBek-f_bHuY-8bAmOYscnIjvwV9R3-ZbvwEDsNuSbIWWkrxCBDcK/s640/100FC42C-BCEA-4ADB-A123-32FAE1009754_1_201_a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Breakfast with a breathtaking background is always on the menu.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiKn_E8nGqtwZTf0iFFYiIYoLC_Sh7jZggbIeiNf2BTJxLJZdI4C9dWQATPmn7iqOUfd3uuR1jzLVSI2F8T2GH_hdhL3RaTBKileKZWiLg52DPzH9nkg8qIxjuDqNha8yXztoy0pxJX89/s1600/5DBE987A-817B-4A75-8C71-874534D28A1D.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiKn_E8nGqtwZTf0iFFYiIYoLC_Sh7jZggbIeiNf2BTJxLJZdI4C9dWQATPmn7iqOUfd3uuR1jzLVSI2F8T2GH_hdhL3RaTBKileKZWiLg52DPzH9nkg8qIxjuDqNha8yXztoy0pxJX89/s640/5DBE987A-817B-4A75-8C71-874534D28A1D.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the LTSW Tribe during our yoga retreat.</td></tr>
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I also was also fortunate to see Doha at night due to my long layover in Qatar en route to Greece. I got to meet up with my former High School students based in Qatar whom I have not seen and lost contact with since they graduated from high school. It was indeed something out of the ordinary and a real treat.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKz7ek9DYVKUCjLqFyQI95enPNQ6A6kJfjKJeh-hk_FHrWyUb44txrlue-WtSI_OqS886NggCdpxobpppwHl2SXFrcVUjY1kJ7ohsP9Vwodv1Mf_UMb6YSaq1VJiFLgGyJv7SgXnsqqgeq/s1600/47010E6D-D0FC-4D2B-ACB3-09E52345D31B.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKz7ek9DYVKUCjLqFyQI95enPNQ6A6kJfjKJeh-hk_FHrWyUb44txrlue-WtSI_OqS886NggCdpxobpppwHl2SXFrcVUjY1kJ7ohsP9Vwodv1Mf_UMb6YSaq1VJiFLgGyJv7SgXnsqqgeq/s640/47010E6D-D0FC-4D2B-ACB3-09E52345D31B.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My former HS students gave me a quick tour of Doha.</td></tr>
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In the 3rd quarter, I spent almost my entire summer in Canada. I had a great time bonding with my Aunt (who I haven't seen for 7 years) and cousin and his lovely wife (who I haven't seen for 17 years) in Victoria, British Columbia.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKfC9qCeTdymfBwv73qhhfndxUXVy2SJ-H5mbQiygeqw6P3t3g3syAi-YAKTH5kGFed7DN9KvNZXEZfc86HQDQamGR8sEBvD5Zg6-QaStI4c9F-BOf8oLbeCgbdcwAq0jSN3qC6bp59bA/s1600/7A760A4F-D5F8-467F-9431-8C93BF2CD780.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKfC9qCeTdymfBwv73qhhfndxUXVy2SJ-H5mbQiygeqw6P3t3g3syAi-YAKTH5kGFed7DN9KvNZXEZfc86HQDQamGR8sEBvD5Zg6-QaStI4c9F-BOf8oLbeCgbdcwAq0jSN3qC6bp59bA/s640/7A760A4F-D5F8-467F-9431-8C93BF2CD780.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my Aunt and cousins in British Columbia.</td></tr>
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It was so wonderful to be with that side of my family again. I spent a lot of time, running at the golf course solo and one time with my cousin. I went to see Vancouver and other interesting places where my cousins brought me. And I was able to eat a lot of my favorite food from home because my Aunt is a great cook. The 10 pounds I gained during that vacation was all worth it and I'm still paying for to this day.<br />
<br />
Then, I finally got certified as a Yoga Teacher.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Just me bragging about my Yoga Teacher certification.</span></div>
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And started teaching Yoga to my colleagues and friends at the school where I work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNFEZLKkQ2Q8mtZJjnuDghIVp1AbbmhZNW4OFCG07oHE07uQPA2TDwypXJl549F79gPoJnAowfdSHiXGpVniLs9ku_8O5BzYntP0gmUOHPGY4C8B6IQ3Msl9MWJfrXezitZtPJstIxn86/s1600/3E211CDB-95BD-4BB7-B616-4285B57CDED2_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="991" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNFEZLKkQ2Q8mtZJjnuDghIVp1AbbmhZNW4OFCG07oHE07uQPA2TDwypXJl549F79gPoJnAowfdSHiXGpVniLs9ku_8O5BzYntP0gmUOHPGY4C8B6IQ3Msl9MWJfrXezitZtPJstIxn86/s640/3E211CDB-95BD-4BB7-B616-4285B57CDED2_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaching yoga classes to my friends and colleagues is very fulfilling. </td></tr>
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And it was during this time when my major hiccup happened. I finally got my divorced final. It wasn't easy but it was necessary. For now, that's all I can say because I'm not gonna lie... emotional healing is not easy and the healing process does take time. When the time comes, I will surely blog about it but for now, I just need to put it out there because denying it won't make healing easier either.<br />
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Now, for the last and 4th quarter of the year, I finally went home to the Philippines and spent my Christmas and New Year with my family and the people who matter most to me, after 12 years of being away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprSwZknefJoGVfiWi0HkMnL8TMoi3Xd3APA7x9jdWD14ESlHtN9BkzepfCH6gTQidRC2IMiYjX4MklSe5V1tv-IRlY4ZRhA93mQ22vpQe9QGe8-OxamcWj-Un_4xhPnUTmPw0-WTvzuCA/s1600/IMG_1076.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprSwZknefJoGVfiWi0HkMnL8TMoi3Xd3APA7x9jdWD14ESlHtN9BkzepfCH6gTQidRC2IMiYjX4MklSe5V1tv-IRlY4ZRhA93mQ22vpQe9QGe8-OxamcWj-Un_4xhPnUTmPw0-WTvzuCA/s640/IMG_1076.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Orona Squad finally complete on Christmas day 2019.</td></tr>
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I spent quality time with my brothers-from-the-same-mother. It was long overdue but worth the wait. It was precious and memorable.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rJS9_EoQE5Fu9UUzECZfHCkGifWpmeHRoDzWf54S5Uach3c_VBbxzc1Cb9XOdzbhoODGF5U4t1zZhwAMJhLNZKCe1eC5Ia-BJDnrnIaeGpw_Q7RxuUr7PBhG_fs6fHlCu9vh7vb5Hhmk/s1600/81746116_2471830503040441_5898456004105863168_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rJS9_EoQE5Fu9UUzECZfHCkGifWpmeHRoDzWf54S5Uach3c_VBbxzc1Cb9XOdzbhoODGF5U4t1zZhwAMJhLNZKCe1eC5Ia-BJDnrnIaeGpw_Q7RxuUr7PBhG_fs6fHlCu9vh7vb5Hhmk/s640/81746116_2471830503040441_5898456004105863168_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the Bros. The last time we were here was in 1989<br />
when my parents celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary.</td></tr>
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Spending time with my real family is the best gift of 2019. All my prayers were answered and manifested. I spent a lot of time bonding and watching Netflix with my nieces and nephew. I spent a lot of time with my Sister-in-law driving and exploring around Angeles City.<br />
<br />
We spent Christmas in Baguio City, the place where we celebrated my parents' 25th Wedding Anniversary 30 years ago. The next generation of the Orona kids finally had the chance to see and experience the place that my brothers and I hold so dear to our hearts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6Y83gRxWqaQZSk32lfy8MzL6csS-5bVNkoMvouejQCJIYB_wuZ15_q1ubi3uJjcMapZxtE1gOKAbBqEuFBkEcZHaxYO26Pu4Mlk6hwvR3Gj0PKFC1iPQgBfFJTdo_mSHCvDmplhd-7de/s1600/81051612_2471829816373843_8866278242433105920_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6Y83gRxWqaQZSk32lfy8MzL6csS-5bVNkoMvouejQCJIYB_wuZ15_q1ubi3uJjcMapZxtE1gOKAbBqEuFBkEcZHaxYO26Pu4Mlk6hwvR3Gj0PKFC1iPQgBfFJTdo_mSHCvDmplhd-7de/s640/81051612_2471829816373843_8866278242433105920_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">At the Lourdes Grotto with Japs, my Nephew Toby and Lara.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtkMkU_7J7cQBL3p91giq-t2ykXHg3Ona4zU8ndNf7BxmMGgPm6av78ki8zN_64zLKfcVJFfoWMvhwncYPH_bud7T90XCbO4Xub3WJLhEAAOQ9T49sdjWaQvpE0-NhxXa7x_tShx1UQfc/s1600/81803998_2471830336373791_8877176468543635456_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtkMkU_7J7cQBL3p91giq-t2ykXHg3Ona4zU8ndNf7BxmMGgPm6av78ki8zN_64zLKfcVJFfoWMvhwncYPH_bud7T90XCbO4Xub3WJLhEAAOQ9T49sdjWaQvpE0-NhxXa7x_tShx1UQfc/s640/81803998_2471830336373791_8877176468543635456_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My oldest Niece, Jade the Actress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbF7cpBwxCU6e4qN2iBpaEAMK3_ol3NaNcudaVHNoTpIbCDpBPo6Wi-No5Fhi2m5Z0koDGfGdi3Cbw1BXXLQ5s4ZnXSomhq-BlwkfaxOhzsLOKi5fUSkG9Kc0BMPldYldRnE7o9SicmRJ/s1600/81456972_2471829683040523_4660537337229344768_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbF7cpBwxCU6e4qN2iBpaEAMK3_ol3NaNcudaVHNoTpIbCDpBPo6Wi-No5Fhi2m5Z0koDGfGdi3Cbw1BXXLQ5s4ZnXSomhq-BlwkfaxOhzsLOKi5fUSkG9Kc0BMPldYldRnE7o9SicmRJ/s640/81456972_2471829683040523_4660537337229344768_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 of my beautiful nieces Lara and Erika who gave me tons of hugs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Yes! Last year alone, I traveled internationally 3 times. Greece was so memorable and breathtaking. Canada was awesome and I plan to go back. And the Philippines was definitely worth all the trouble. It was indeed a great time to go home.<br />
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It was seven years ago in the summer of 2012 when I last set foot in my hometown. Though I spent more time in my brother's city this time, I did get the chance to visit my hometown even for just a couple of days.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz9g5kygqA6Ig8wRclb0oZQ6mevjxKD3Vyt2CK_hfTU8UWi__oHGWMVVO60UJbAmDdXM6DMAkSamdhNAsFionMxQbZRogRsmkFh7I-gDqZb_XtTImc0huvTnbAZJyCTvnqavHW-IAX4hg/s1600/11475ADC-A610-4F80-8857-0D337AA9BDAA.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz9g5kygqA6Ig8wRclb0oZQ6mevjxKD3Vyt2CK_hfTU8UWi__oHGWMVVO60UJbAmDdXM6DMAkSamdhNAsFionMxQbZRogRsmkFh7I-gDqZb_XtTImc0huvTnbAZJyCTvnqavHW-IAX4hg/s640/11475ADC-A610-4F80-8857-0D337AA9BDAA.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the centuries-old church in my hometown.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mmaa4_-QnPCjzF7ft3_cDmk31UqA67KfmhRJ0mhZUpV1Er3arLewGyx3Z3fq5tTVoErOK_iUSty3cepyIPF3N4nMykP7M_DKhMxvDm5crrHDJ7pFurCPmmth70akyld29phDtFvZDPVy/s1600/IMG_2499.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mmaa4_-QnPCjzF7ft3_cDmk31UqA67KfmhRJ0mhZUpV1Er3arLewGyx3Z3fq5tTVoErOK_iUSty3cepyIPF3N4nMykP7M_DKhMxvDm5crrHDJ7pFurCPmmth70akyld29phDtFvZDPVy/s640/IMG_2499.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The place where my brothers and I spent a lot of happy memories playing together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And I also had a chance to spend even just a few hours catching up with old friends. Though bonding with them was short, we did have a great time laughing and chatting like we used to for so many years in the past.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnWgccFavr6o8iQxoQtX92dloxN0rRRlVpHMS_dA0i3HqJdJGCRBw7oukKMk2wqPbmvnSHh0o3t03DRD9q0GRTC83482cNPHUqbvuPT2_MCRzecU4gFKyrBLq6pk-xsPR3O9_E2csWnb3/s1600/80381193_1267440843458508_532149755099217920_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnWgccFavr6o8iQxoQtX92dloxN0rRRlVpHMS_dA0i3HqJdJGCRBw7oukKMk2wqPbmvnSHh0o3t03DRD9q0GRTC83482cNPHUqbvuPT2_MCRzecU4gFKyrBLq6pk-xsPR3O9_E2csWnb3/s640/80381193_1267440843458508_532149755099217920_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The BFFs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And for the first time in forever, I had a mini-reunion with both sides of my parents' families. I had the chance to bond with 2 of my surviving Aunts and had a blast with my first cousins on both sides too. It was fun and delicious because we had lots of food to partake. Lots of videoke and laughter and selfies.<br />
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It was fun bonding with my relatives from my Dad's side of the family - The Oronas and The Gavars, my Mom's side of the family.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The Oronas - my Dad's side.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGRSkWcQma-nB3vMCEk0wHUBr5AjY1l2QdEMoVEo7WiNSTCryV0KIqu9pvVf-9XmgDqcYn3vfmt4KraQcgvJyNoNorKTMkAJ5Isnp_9G7iiSFdUeCaNq2htckklxlmtYDaplReDEwcqmS/s1600/80504831_3033158896714008_7281730610685542400_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGRSkWcQma-nB3vMCEk0wHUBr5AjY1l2QdEMoVEo7WiNSTCryV0KIqu9pvVf-9XmgDqcYn3vfmt4KraQcgvJyNoNorKTMkAJ5Isnp_9G7iiSFdUeCaNq2htckklxlmtYDaplReDEwcqmS/s640/80504831_3033158896714008_7281730610685542400_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkr62WaIMKvrcs6zA5dVetZYjWxGNmR4GevjKzYerLodfFo4UCn7Vgbe_TL7lQs-s3-kUT3-AbZruPEQaB-0YpXhfaB1jwo3OIVTLPwrsEGpZ4dPi2cSlSZ6UVvETs8J5KVJ7VT51-Y6G/s1600/79840825_3033157906714107_4424715629492174848_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkr62WaIMKvrcs6zA5dVetZYjWxGNmR4GevjKzYerLodfFo4UCn7Vgbe_TL7lQs-s3-kUT3-AbZruPEQaB-0YpXhfaB1jwo3OIVTLPwrsEGpZ4dPi2cSlSZ6UVvETs8J5KVJ7VT51-Y6G/s640/79840825_3033157906714107_4424715629492174848_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Gavars - My Mom's side</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9Oeoz97cEOHVrMuZ7EhAMyj1b25IbGTSeDOUG_BTsPdbhxAKjlH6JNq5ERJi7tRdzkI9Ti6n3oAhT0T3_0dSCIBPqSktCz13PRN7c8grO4k6gzyYzFQ6JmZlXk-PuYUPN3k5UZgvHCnx/s1600/81038612_10156884178361724_4180711059868352512_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9Oeoz97cEOHVrMuZ7EhAMyj1b25IbGTSeDOUG_BTsPdbhxAKjlH6JNq5ERJi7tRdzkI9Ti6n3oAhT0T3_0dSCIBPqSktCz13PRN7c8grO4k6gzyYzFQ6JmZlXk-PuYUPN3k5UZgvHCnx/s640/81038612_10156884178361724_4180711059868352512_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniLFvCsOdDq0nepOLdFcPM-dC5N2uTL7oItEp-mRADdBd4xrTyyafspAvZXbfeKitylrLNZk-VkPM7dlku3x9wcZkZLWfg0BAdUQ2xlXrCvhmF1QOSNQl-m2z04E8_rMe7SeRImedJHn6/s1600/81228596_10156884177456724_4184868961873035264_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="960" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniLFvCsOdDq0nepOLdFcPM-dC5N2uTL7oItEp-mRADdBd4xrTyyafspAvZXbfeKitylrLNZk-VkPM7dlku3x9wcZkZLWfg0BAdUQ2xlXrCvhmF1QOSNQl-m2z04E8_rMe7SeRImedJHn6/s640/81228596_10156884177456724_4184868961873035264_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There were still a lot of things that I needed to do back home but I ran out of time. Three weeks was not enough to do all the things I wanted to do. I felt sad and guilty not to be able to see my former co-teachers, my High School and Elementary classmates and childhood friends. But I know that I will surely come back again and next time I will make sure that I will have a better itinerary.<br />
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Aside from traveling internationally, I traveled locally too.<br />
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I went to see New York for a day with my friend Judy. It was the first time we did a day tour together. And I get to experience Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts all by myself but not in costume though. It was a fun and totally different experience.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7pIs1kyxNDhyphenhyphenGP6BX4tNBXz7Qfos-LqNqhOcrYnhX5KN1yHpPzRbZgy6vDYVE0KkYQvReX2fUomVMOkfQtfNb-dNi2IjTB9EPRBfXvowDq2PQjcZilOSAXa6j-dppNGdvy5TR_foArAd/s1600/F5F8CEB6-194C-4F74-8DFD-412B8FBA172B.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7pIs1kyxNDhyphenhyphenGP6BX4tNBXz7Qfos-LqNqhOcrYnhX5KN1yHpPzRbZgy6vDYVE0KkYQvReX2fUomVMOkfQtfNb-dNi2IjTB9EPRBfXvowDq2PQjcZilOSAXa6j-dppNGdvy5TR_foArAd/s640/F5F8CEB6-194C-4F74-8DFD-412B8FBA172B.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York Day Tour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUt83u7n12bJwoMu4oUwWtv1wK4pHJzY87z_wLyop4TyW48_9Ff0uawwA4RHz6CtfkYajaV0Cov9C0fbThWvfjtf1kPq3n7q79yTebYBr5w01OZnOltcIkckt4f-1xIUT_a1fetzwzVRr/s1600/IMG_3552.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUt83u7n12bJwoMu4oUwWtv1wK4pHJzY87z_wLyop4TyW48_9Ff0uawwA4RHz6CtfkYajaV0Cov9C0fbThWvfjtf1kPq3n7q79yTebYBr5w01OZnOltcIkckt4f-1xIUT_a1fetzwzVRr/s640/IMG_3552.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bewitched at Salem, Massachusetts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Also last year, <a href="https://ruthilicious-designs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ruthilicious Designs</a> had the most Craft Shows put up since I started the business 5 years ago. I was so pumped that my hobby and the thing that helped me manage my anxiety and depression became so rewarding. I was able to cash in my no longer hidden talent and finally recognized that this is a gift that I need to be grateful for.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYU_kwhEdHvjxjt_6GcPogNdc0jYAdw8roXfffSJaJlCfwbRLzFttg_8o30zdVavaNFUT78q575Swy87fakvXcoYVfa4gjZ3ix4NCWqyrW7z-SrqM4nKknPPUdlqhTdOI1wkDxGsUUPd_/s1600/57583194_2383181175054084_2385107377985683456_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYU_kwhEdHvjxjt_6GcPogNdc0jYAdw8roXfffSJaJlCfwbRLzFttg_8o30zdVavaNFUT78q575Swy87fakvXcoYVfa4gjZ3ix4NCWqyrW7z-SrqM4nKknPPUdlqhTdOI1wkDxGsUUPd_/s640/57583194_2383181175054084_2385107377985683456_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruthilicious Designs at one of the Craft Show</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And lastly, I spent the whole year doing things on my own, alone and happy. I used to be so scared to do things on my own but last year I was brave enough to do things solo.<br />
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Though I like running alone and ran races in the past all by myself, I haven't tried hiking and biking all by myself. So last year, I did both - solo.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdt7vvL1lSVLOcjQcnXjWdMZUZBPAEjrqXm2i8n9DrzYhFEGQE6pl_miX-mQoiYCzlZF05-ZyHNDbI1U_hoRxMpy5Up30ICAS1tVCe0ZLwgTSWJHa9FRyjYEYkQB57UrMuVqRCF3NM6vd/s1600/3D5DC608-A89B-4928-9BD8-C7A4515BA486.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdt7vvL1lSVLOcjQcnXjWdMZUZBPAEjrqXm2i8n9DrzYhFEGQE6pl_miX-mQoiYCzlZF05-ZyHNDbI1U_hoRxMpy5Up30ICAS1tVCe0ZLwgTSWJHa9FRyjYEYkQB57UrMuVqRCF3NM6vd/s640/3D5DC608-A89B-4928-9BD8-C7A4515BA486.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solo hiking. Here we go.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24WCJBFt5TL8aFkZd5C8np_VPo-IO0_F8B2r_GcKmMKdCLsj7wC0p_mmNgSXuVbo-SKNPwgyc-xVAMdkWkXCRp78fixGHJEWgmXCIHTEubRj981bagYJuAUL7qKx8kz3DProMn3d4eGYy/s1600/38C0C7D5-3201-481D-A8C8-AD403FE8700F.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24WCJBFt5TL8aFkZd5C8np_VPo-IO0_F8B2r_GcKmMKdCLsj7wC0p_mmNgSXuVbo-SKNPwgyc-xVAMdkWkXCRp78fixGHJEWgmXCIHTEubRj981bagYJuAUL7qKx8kz3DProMn3d4eGYy/s640/38C0C7D5-3201-481D-A8C8-AD403FE8700F.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking Douglas Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga520hbwpFMpCY6sThpuXk7HbUUhEeIZe5xaLE1_rI-jtQ42PiUZG3DF2lfAo4Q26cklxLjfPUkgrnjlyTp4nUBpI85r5PyDK3A77DKnGGrXzgX5afCXKqoAVOS2BQXnBJg30G7HOAE7tg/s1600/29F40900-65A2-4961-B1D1-3B29BA9A8BE3.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga520hbwpFMpCY6sThpuXk7HbUUhEeIZe5xaLE1_rI-jtQ42PiUZG3DF2lfAo4Q26cklxLjfPUkgrnjlyTp4nUBpI85r5PyDK3A77DKnGGrXzgX5afCXKqoAVOS2BQXnBJg30G7HOAE7tg/s640/29F40900-65A2-4961-B1D1-3B29BA9A8BE3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiked Bradbury Mountain State Park and practiced yoga at the top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
I rode my bike solo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpHrWXnciYl7GydJZ-NKPIgihOHuxxreSeYLq8H07g93_llOd0yMKLULSKA-u1W9RJlYFgOgmK43gukCkXv8M8d-fUegDkwCcCp5wyFkWazEFjfSOnjun0inVxZ1uLvK9HbvmFtX3M4vF/s1600/93E341A9-8BD8-48D0-8C1A-B6CF69A2F9DC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAoUJl6R6jpGFtoePCCUyGNpuulXd_hQ-5uIeut82XY7cwe7GiBRmhOh-dlZvpOCfgaDaKu6Ajbv65Dp_ZBUJgZKCwgOJisekW0rD68OMi4mlThtYqIVTLapqy_CkPDAc79vNaOb4mT37/s1600/7827897D-24C9-407E-97C1-805976130EFA.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAoUJl6R6jpGFtoePCCUyGNpuulXd_hQ-5uIeut82XY7cwe7GiBRmhOh-dlZvpOCfgaDaKu6Ajbv65Dp_ZBUJgZKCwgOJisekW0rD68OMi4mlThtYqIVTLapqy_CkPDAc79vNaOb4mT37/s640/7827897D-24C9-407E-97C1-805976130EFA.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biking at the Mountain Division Trail in Fryeburg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I frequented the beach on my own. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Bo9JahJ8z272SkrQc3vJlTBQ5TNKdODy8GPG0XnMdxcsQ9gknKEY6k9ZOHSaYV5-xbsuxrk3sHblcProBS3zBe_5IF47Kcw6XAy6w9YTKqN-ojVZ_DbR7A0widjBbtPNp8zqnC8SYAZx/s1600/47DF3684-A837-4EDC-956E-82799855ABF8.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Bo9JahJ8z272SkrQc3vJlTBQ5TNKdODy8GPG0XnMdxcsQ9gknKEY6k9ZOHSaYV5-xbsuxrk3sHblcProBS3zBe_5IF47Kcw6XAy6w9YTKqN-ojVZ_DbR7A0widjBbtPNp8zqnC8SYAZx/s640/47DF3684-A837-4EDC-956E-82799855ABF8.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Journaling at the beach is my new thing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpHrWXnciYl7GydJZ-NKPIgihOHuxxreSeYLq8H07g93_llOd0yMKLULSKA-u1W9RJlYFgOgmK43gukCkXv8M8d-fUegDkwCcCp5wyFkWazEFjfSOnjun0inVxZ1uLvK9HbvmFtX3M4vF/s1600/93E341A9-8BD8-48D0-8C1A-B6CF69A2F9DC.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpHrWXnciYl7GydJZ-NKPIgihOHuxxreSeYLq8H07g93_llOd0yMKLULSKA-u1W9RJlYFgOgmK43gukCkXv8M8d-fUegDkwCcCp5wyFkWazEFjfSOnjun0inVxZ1uLvK9HbvmFtX3M4vF/s640/93E341A9-8BD8-48D0-8C1A-B6CF69A2F9DC.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just relaxing like it was my business.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Camped all by myself.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmIO_LE3JOsaYbojBZcLLvdRAA4Vw6lYZEkSUZpEVA3_op5d1A3V0LiruQ8ruxizWj4cD4MVNDVYGHy6p5pu9uIMHm19eyfATWWMF5ffHRZ3Z4W0xxsebKayXanO0b0QdPjyNq26yHs23/s1600/65596334-1680-421C-9C9F-4F767B3389B0.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmIO_LE3JOsaYbojBZcLLvdRAA4Vw6lYZEkSUZpEVA3_op5d1A3V0LiruQ8ruxizWj4cD4MVNDVYGHy6p5pu9uIMHm19eyfATWWMF5ffHRZ3Z4W0xxsebKayXanO0b0QdPjyNq26yHs23/s640/65596334-1680-421C-9C9F-4F767B3389B0.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time camping solo at Acres of Wildlife Campground.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I even watched movies and concert solo.</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1MF4FX0eUAWDqp9PhgDhdJq16cbxbuF6SO8TBvCL6ehoil78KSQM6RzkxR_lG19QLi0M_-r1l9jvu-2uNHczI7RHBEQR3CAhpOiuWp-h-7Sl-eFcjR9xXfTqaD3wr7lLep62NcrRdBCX/s1600/0D3BFF57-5D07-45D8-9EAB-1D2D159EBBA9.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1MF4FX0eUAWDqp9PhgDhdJq16cbxbuF6SO8TBvCL6ehoil78KSQM6RzkxR_lG19QLi0M_-r1l9jvu-2uNHczI7RHBEQR3CAhpOiuWp-h-7Sl-eFcjR9xXfTqaD3wr7lLep62NcrRdBCX/s640/0D3BFF57-5D07-45D8-9EAB-1D2D159EBBA9.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching concert at Shilo Farm Eco Lodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I never thought I could do a lot of things alone but I did it. And I am happy and proud of myself.<br />
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Yes, last year, I let my hair down and freed myself of all the "<i>what if's</i>" in my life and replaced them with "<i>why not's</i>". It was the most liberating and wonderful thing I did for myself.<br />
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And I never looked back.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFCFZvGHZpt3YJO5hnpf43YJZdGcAP7dST81QJCmbNgSrBPX-liWYE0CdcFXcnEsFF9dhNj8ZCU_mAZg6w692JVz48MrfwddRY78LxwaJZgl9Pd0iA0k1mtsANnqwNRRaSRuwkU79pB8X/s1600/290594A0-8179-4402-B30B-DB6054C4349A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFCFZvGHZpt3YJO5hnpf43YJZdGcAP7dST81QJCmbNgSrBPX-liWYE0CdcFXcnEsFF9dhNj8ZCU_mAZg6w692JVz48MrfwddRY78LxwaJZgl9Pd0iA0k1mtsANnqwNRRaSRuwkU79pB8X/s640/290594A0-8179-4402-B30B-DB6054C4349A.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thank you 2019. It was totally an amazing year and I am ready for 2020 to take on my new journey to the next level.<br />
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I am ready to live my life like a real adventure.<br />
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I am ready to receive and manifest all the things that are rightfully mine.<br />
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And I am grateful that 2019 has prepared me for 2020 to harness my full potential.<br />
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Thank you and bring it on!<br />
<br />
,<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-91519791588720131522019-12-11T07:40:00.005-05:002019-12-11T07:40:42.674-05:00AHA Moment: The 9 Things I've Learned in a Span of 50+ Years Okay, 50 years is a long time!<br />
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I know.<br />
<br />
It's half a century of existence. It's a lot of years to learn ginormous things about life, right? So you might be wondering, why did I learn only 9 things?<br />
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Given that span of time, I agree I should have learned at least 50 things about life or more, but... well, because I'm a slow learner? Or I'm kinda picky of what I want to learn. Maybe I just like things simple and uncomplicated now.<br />
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But really, I believe these 9 things are the major things that really made a great impact on my life. These are the things that I strongly believe helped me a lot to be the kind of person that I am now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBE0kxFGypENZfEEKaMuKP538wuO1Gu4CDSUGoKVjOHK-8Q03iHhR8mhrWkY4-zQ_UoslJM21OZPLcCCUrI291LC6DDxm8BEHFvF4qEEVn-y5lqtjW2qa9M0SlbbyF6__z2Bh4XTpSmUB/s1600/Ruthi-0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBE0kxFGypENZfEEKaMuKP538wuO1Gu4CDSUGoKVjOHK-8Q03iHhR8mhrWkY4-zQ_UoslJM21OZPLcCCUrI291LC6DDxm8BEHFvF4qEEVn-y5lqtjW2qa9M0SlbbyF6__z2Bh4XTpSmUB/s640/Ruthi-0002.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I had to admit, there are lots of things involved in learning and a lot more to unlearn about life. I live a fruitful life, I think. I could be biased but that is how I feel at this moment. Though my life is still a work in progress, I am quite positive that I live a fruitful life.<br />
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There may be a lot of stuff that I struggle with that I don't know how to handle them but still, I'm getting somewhere. And I'm willing to tackle it and change if I must to be able to get the result I want.<br />
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Anyway, in the span of 50+ years, these 9 things I learned about life, I learned the hard way. I learned them by making mistakes. And I learned that life is fixable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ioWOd4TvE2DOqOe78ISO2UJtDL_qIqA7pltOD_64VAdh1Y3dD61y9G_iZg3eLbZhCTunW1tYfRJV68iIVcHJvwokcjxEuzc5oP_hiY_bCksMRM-Jyz8zk2x3gFF4Rcm-0k1QVPWrv5du/s1600/IMG_7190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ioWOd4TvE2DOqOe78ISO2UJtDL_qIqA7pltOD_64VAdh1Y3dD61y9G_iZg3eLbZhCTunW1tYfRJV68iIVcHJvwokcjxEuzc5oP_hiY_bCksMRM-Jyz8zk2x3gFF4Rcm-0k1QVPWrv5du/s640/IMG_7190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So here we go.<br />
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1. <b><u>What is done is done</u></b>. There's no turning back. Crying and whining about the past will not bring back the time I lost. It's impossible to forget the pain but it is possible to heal the wounds of the past. It is what it is, so move on!<br />
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2. <b><u>Keep the "big girl panties on".</u></b> I wasn't a cry baby for as long as I can remember. And if I did cry in the past, I did it behind closed doors where no one can see me. I wasn't the kind of girl who got picked on when I was little too (I<i>t's the other way around and not proud of it.</i>) so crying over something petty is not my thing. So if somebody hurt my feelings, I just cry a bit, plot a retaliation plan and shake my booty off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJ1RHMq8YditddcvqsDjJMA9wGmVpuuHk90BmwwT0oEpXF3XJlHxAli-tdLd1hiPP1K2FI18X1TKdL_ydmLUCghPxbuyVYMDgc_8LT1__C_SR7_sVESnyPq6plHTbSOb9r8lgO-o4Nxhb/s1600/Ruthi-0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJ1RHMq8YditddcvqsDjJMA9wGmVpuuHk90BmwwT0oEpXF3XJlHxAli-tdLd1hiPP1K2FI18X1TKdL_ydmLUCghPxbuyVYMDgc_8LT1__C_SR7_sVESnyPq6plHTbSOb9r8lgO-o4Nxhb/s640/Ruthi-0046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. <b><u>Giving up is definitely not a choice</u></b>. Failure always leaves a bitter after taste to anyone's consciousness. I am not a very competitive person, but I love to challenge myself with anything that I find interesting. There are things that I had to do because I don't have a choice. On the other hand, if I fail on doing what I like to do, giving up is an option but never a choice. Giving up on things I like is never easy. Failing on something I have no control over is the challenge. I fail a lot of times but I got back up more than I failed. I toughen it up and move along because I always have my big girl panties on!<br />
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4. <b><u>Life is not fair.</u></b> Welcome to the real world. The past 50 plus years were amazing and appalling at the same time. I do have lots of regrets and disappointment about a lot of things and made a lot of bad choices too. Now, the past is haunting me and I am reaping the consequences of those choices I made. But those should not stop me from turning my life around. I accepted the fate I created and embraced those choices as life lessons that I don't need to repeat. But I also learned early on in life that there will always be someone better than I am. As I grew up, I learned early on in life that "life is not all about me". Life is tough. Get over it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRR-WXPGc1BNIyjVIGELA5nNrfYvpen2dTxuoUnZtItqNMv_GPyj3P4nmO89rQtrVWx0dAUu873hhbvWM-SVzyuoEbpMvtRqXHxSZkrwGvNArOBnrYfqYNZcivs4GLRbvWmVC1kbtWzY1/s1600/IMG_7697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRR-WXPGc1BNIyjVIGELA5nNrfYvpen2dTxuoUnZtItqNMv_GPyj3P4nmO89rQtrVWx0dAUu873hhbvWM-SVzyuoEbpMvtRqXHxSZkrwGvNArOBnrYfqYNZcivs4GLRbvWmVC1kbtWzY1/s640/IMG_7697.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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5. <b><u>Get some Girl Power</u></b>. Getting myself some trusted girlfriends who I can do crazy things with is worth the investment. I'm an only daughter and I have 2 brothers that I tortured to death when we were younger. Given that background, it's hard for me to get along with girls of different ages, sizes, colors, and shapes. My mother-daughter relationship was not that good either. Having a handful of <i>loyal-to-a-fault</i>, <i>honest-to-your-face</i> and ridiculously trustworthy girlfriends help me build a solid alliance against the boys. But the best part of having girlfriends is, I have somebody to help me decide which shoes to buy and what purse goes with what dress. Let's drink to that!<br />
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6. <b><u>Hot. Flashes. Is. Real!</u></b> It's not a disease. It's not contagious. It's incurable. It's undeniable. It comes quick and fast and recurring. Just open the windows or doors. Turn on the fan or A/C. Or take a quick shower. Everything will be fine and I am not alone. Every woman in this whole wide world has to go through this phase. Though I'm quick to find out how women can use it to their advantage. This is your best self-defense against the hubs when you want to be alone and not to be bothered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgM6p9h_0LEDlbfmd2kWLePnYztFWOd9j7lwwg7NPFwj_Ifzx8u9h0voeTD6WZrfRdBRYzmza_vsNwaPAvSPRen-cv7m2lJaOnj0z8FOj4RiyLkXLvejfOlDscBNnnPvQlvYimlw7FnNUW/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgM6p9h_0LEDlbfmd2kWLePnYztFWOd9j7lwwg7NPFwj_Ifzx8u9h0voeTD6WZrfRdBRYzmza_vsNwaPAvSPRen-cv7m2lJaOnj0z8FOj4RiyLkXLvejfOlDscBNnnPvQlvYimlw7FnNUW/s640/IMG_1950.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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7. <b><u>Shopping freeze kills no one</u></b>. Shopaholics are not people with a dreaded disease. They are just normal human beings who love to shop regardless of the reason, the season and the ability and capability to execute the goal. Shopping therapy is not a cure for stress. Much less an excuse to help the economy. It's just an alibi for people to buy more stuff that they don't need. I know. Been there, done that. A couple of years back, out of impulse, I decided to go on a "<i>shopping freeze mode</i>". That was the most nerve-shaking decision I ever made. But I survived. I'm still alive and I was able to pay off all my bills and started the year debt-free. However, I need to be kind to myself. I activate the freeze mode button every now and then because I need to reward myself for being a good girl. And it's legal.<br />
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8. <b><u>Get a hobby</u></b>. I'm a hobbyist. My creative juices run deep and wild. I can turn anything into beautiful things and I can create magic. No, I'm just exaggerating. To be honest with you, I just create because I am always bored. I need to get myself busy. One good thing about having a hobby is - it gets me out of trouble because I don't see what other people are doing wrong.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3moGRE5pkQvxHq-O1EQ0zPHaUj61I9pQbeE8YMIvtQkxNsznyE3ImyUnXHohScYBbBTSA1Lw5yo5esvn6dECuDFG1U4QBrLFeCbNtJWI6im8Iru_nxIH3UnviaY-Fg3PBz75Xx1PCJqy/s1600/IMG_6816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3moGRE5pkQvxHq-O1EQ0zPHaUj61I9pQbeE8YMIvtQkxNsznyE3ImyUnXHohScYBbBTSA1Lw5yo5esvn6dECuDFG1U4QBrLFeCbNtJWI6im8Iru_nxIH3UnviaY-Fg3PBz75Xx1PCJqy/s640/IMG_6816.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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9. <b><u>Love yourself.</u></b> I cannot give what I don't have. Suffice it to say, no one will love me more than I can love myself. As I approach my late 40s I made a drastic lifestyle change. I chose to take charge of my health and so far I am happy where I am at. I have never felt this great before. And I feel good to put a size S big girl panties on!<br />
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There are more than 9 things that I really learned in life. Lessons that taught me how to be tough in times of trials come handy when faced with tough challenges. They saved my ass a lot of times and kept <strike>a lot of people</strike> out of trouble most of the time.<br />
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So these are the only few things I learned as a surviving adult. Nine lessons in life that as I look at it now really sums up only one thing. I can come up with 100 more but that would be ridiculous to write about especially that we all need ONE - <a href="https://www.ruthinian.com/2019/03/new-year-better-me.html" target="_blank">LOVE YOURSELF!</a><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-54123357568906435172019-11-28T15:12:00.001-05:002020-11-14T19:07:09.014-05:00#ruthiliciousYoga || Finding my Yin and Yang in the land of the gods and goddessesLast Spring, I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join an amazing group of yogis from the different parts of the U.S. in <a href="https://www.ruthinian.com/2019/11/ruthilicioustravels-feeling-my-goddess.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Amorgos Island in Greece</b></span></a>. It was the very first Yoga Retreat that I ever attended and I believe it will not be the last. The experience is something I didn't know I needed to get back on my feet to face the world again with newer strength and a more profound passion for life.<br />
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2019 brought a lot of blessings and changes in my life. One of the major shifts that happened this year was my deeper emersion into the world of yoga. I had no clue why I deserved it but I'm not complaining. I am totally grateful for this amazing gift from the Universe, (the Creator, God, the Spirit, your Highest Self, or whatever you call that infinite power that guides you).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbvSvSwiSCUAOIVXbv2e3DyDTTZB1HMn2zEGQje85o4xveIx-z4e5bOvkfFplSU0ZPhVy-E7UzwvgXTUAqcpUCMlxnID2ccGu-tnQXRYQY6FQ7H_DRmopEFd5IDv6fm1onwA2EtqJoUfR/s1600/IMG_7485.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbvSvSwiSCUAOIVXbv2e3DyDTTZB1HMn2zEGQje85o4xveIx-z4e5bOvkfFplSU0ZPhVy-E7UzwvgXTUAqcpUCMlxnID2ccGu-tnQXRYQY6FQ7H_DRmopEFd5IDv6fm1onwA2EtqJoUfR/s640/IMG_7485.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clarissa and Erin, the Yin and Yang of my Yoga Journey in Amorgos, Greece</td></tr>
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I don't know about other people, but for me, I realized that when you get older and things in the homestead turned topsy-turvy, losing hope is not an option. Or maybe it is, but for me... heck no!<br />
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The last quarter of 2018 was a tough time for me. Life presented a totally different perspective to me that jolted my psyche. But I found myself in a different realm that when I opened up my eyes I was on the other side of my reality that I didn't know to exist.<br />
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I was shookt!<br />
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Good thing giving up was not on the menu so I kept doing my business like a badass Pinay Yogi would. I walked my usual walk and ran my regular run. No limping. No stopping. No hunching. I dealt with life - business as usual. But it wasn't easy. Well, nothing is really easy in "real" life, anyway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYsN3DS8CIKWpjj6QhVqQcyuG8OQ3VTIZ-Ti3WcOLqN26VXRo4OzUvEKZazh_e7b4j1Z0BraV1Y_MYKF63P9XcbGwoEEwjWzLYHXsqYvyQy7y_aWPp3TO8M0ocvmRH4y9s0PXkiW8Yhgt/s1600/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0007.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYsN3DS8CIKWpjj6QhVqQcyuG8OQ3VTIZ-Ti3WcOLqN26VXRo4OzUvEKZazh_e7b4j1Z0BraV1Y_MYKF63P9XcbGwoEEwjWzLYHXsqYvyQy7y_aWPp3TO8M0ocvmRH4y9s0PXkiW8Yhgt/s640/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0007.jpg" title="The Ruthilicious Way, #ruthilicioushindsight, Amorgos Aegialis Hotel and Spa" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding my boat on the rooftop of Amorgos Aegialis Hotel and Spa</td></tr>
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So, I started the new year with a big bang.<br />
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No, not really. But it was the original plan though. And it was definitely an option. But what happened next was beyond me. The shifting happened so fast and there was nothing that can stop it from happening. The works happened behind the scene. And whatever happened made me a totally <strike>weird</strike> different person... in a good way.<br />
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So like most normal people would do at the start of the new year, I started the New Year doing a little house cleaning, hypothetically speaking. I removed a lot of cobwebs in my brain that blocked my ability to recognize my own energy and power. And that gave me the clarity I needed to move forward. It allowed me to turn my life around and started the New Year with renewed hope and trust in the Universe and in my inner being. Whatever made me feel that way was new to me too, so imagine myself feeling like an idiot for feeling happy despite the negativity I was dealing with. The drama-queen in me deliberately opposed that but didn't succeed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQthgtSG8kGBUxPn4p_kAYN1d7P6EUOdZLwipRPv7fmczM2THv2fFEHJ2ocDW4N3LzGf8DAB29ZIMtKTeTS0ubWVIVUM7vTIjwN2_ekCfV6WGQsg6WIf0nfdrcI1P1-QqwQvuhr9OGKQu/s1600/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQthgtSG8kGBUxPn4p_kAYN1d7P6EUOdZLwipRPv7fmczM2THv2fFEHJ2ocDW4N3LzGf8DAB29ZIMtKTeTS0ubWVIVUM7vTIjwN2_ekCfV6WGQsg6WIf0nfdrcI1P1-QqwQvuhr9OGKQu/s640/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Yin and Yang</td></tr>
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Everything happened so fast and for a reason. I was emotionally struggling one moment, the next day I was aboard Qatar Airways bound to the Land of the Gods and Goddesses.<br />
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Then, as if that was not enough, the Universe sent me two amazing souls to become my guardian angels disguised as Yoga Teachers to guide me in this new path that I was about to journey on. Little did I know that these two total strangers will be my "spark lighters" who will help me discover the real person within, create a new person in me and shine my light.<br />
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The one-week Yoga Retreat in Greece at the luxury Amorgos Aegialis Hotel and Spa with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EMarieWellness/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Erin </b></span></a>and <a href="http://clarissamae.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Clarissa</span></b></a> of the <a href="https://www.lightthesparkwithin.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Light the Spark Within</b></span></a> together with the rest of the LTSW Tribe was one of the best things that happened to me this year. Erin and Clarissa were my amazing yoga teachers who were sent to help me ignite my inner fire and keep it burning. They taught me to shine my light like crazy! Their passion for life and the practice is authentic and their energy is contagious. I can feel it in my core, sometimes literally.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrVCjKXit4b9KHFtlmlObXzloSZWdiSL-GdYpOcvtSDlH3aDu0oAJ4UvjAlxWOx0vWatXQmfXj45lI8NfMTGlxV3JsxIzjRLz8Cw-A1FmV8eVFE2fwGvvVX26-vpz7fJ2QdMYdA4ChCdT/s1600/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0033.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrVCjKXit4b9KHFtlmlObXzloSZWdiSL-GdYpOcvtSDlH3aDu0oAJ4UvjAlxWOx0vWatXQmfXj45lI8NfMTGlxV3JsxIzjRLz8Cw-A1FmV8eVFE2fwGvvVX26-vpz7fJ2QdMYdA4ChCdT/s640/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0033.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uttita Trikonasana, Utkata Konasana, Anjaneyasana, and Salamba Sirsasana. Playing with Sanskrit terms is fun.</td></tr>
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They are the Yin and Yang not only to my yoga plunge but to my renewed commitment to live life the way I meant to. And just like the principle of Yin and Yang where all things perceived as inseparable and contradictory opposite, Erin and Clarissa are totally opposite but the same. I know it's crazy but that's how I see them. They don't just complement each other they highlight each other's strength and power.<br />
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And I became a believer. A believer that life is after all beautiful and worth living - the way my heart desires.<br />
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I'm not gonna lie, it scared me out of my wit to leave my comfort zone and venture into the unknown but something inside me was urging me to "just do it". So I did.<br />
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And I have no regrets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJcPcOStg4Qm5zLurfWbvUS-5HlJkx2_lcjwvZo1lsq8nQqx5TfkmVVbiO3fr8jC2YNH2eIkrNOqxIVVTFGcMvG6yM0pgpmMimDF6QrgmIW8m42T0YLmRfXN6_xaPradWWLy-7z7DgGIj/s1600/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJcPcOStg4Qm5zLurfWbvUS-5HlJkx2_lcjwvZo1lsq8nQqx5TfkmVVbiO3fr8jC2YNH2eIkrNOqxIVVTFGcMvG6yM0pgpmMimDF6QrgmIW8m42T0YLmRfXN6_xaPradWWLy-7z7DgGIj/s640/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best Savasana I ever experienced.</td></tr>
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Every single moment in the magical Amorgos island was unforgettable. Erin and Clarissa made every single moment at the magical island how it should be - magical. It moved me into a higher dimension of my inner self that I discovered is awesomely beautiful. I was able to see myself as others see me. Able to believe in me as others believe in me. And accepted my weaknesses and worked on my strength to serve my highest purpose.<br />
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And Erin and Clarissa unknowingly made that possible for me. No, they don't have the slightest clue of who they are dealing with. They didn't know me and my past and what I was going through when they picked me to go with them. It was divine guidance. Totally a Divine intervention that they chose to heed. They listened and allowed themselves to be the instruments for my transformation.<br />
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And I am forever grateful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKVQ7QsdNvZ5i69Mrnd86ZJEaQOWcJ_mHhMtaGP4HN0GttvuRZNuoG7rIUtI4tqIbNnwYIPKhKaxsZRYnWdmre5ZMkZWV6E5k2CeOEHI-apFwGTyfmf0YbVFVdOZOuWUXWb11hsQ8IThl/s1600/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0032.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKVQ7QsdNvZ5i69Mrnd86ZJEaQOWcJ_mHhMtaGP4HN0GttvuRZNuoG7rIUtI4tqIbNnwYIPKhKaxsZRYnWdmre5ZMkZWV6E5k2CeOEHI-apFwGTyfmf0YbVFVdOZOuWUXWb11hsQ8IThl/s640/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0032.jpg" title="Amorgos Aegialis Hotel and Spa, The Ruthilicious Way" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vrksasana at the rooftop is badass!</td></tr>
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Seeing my transformation with my own eyes is kinda subjective but enlightening at the same time. For the longest time, I never thought that confidence will be in my book. I realized I was my own worse enemy. I was my own worse critic. I beat up myself so hard that it made me believe I was worthless. And I wasn't aware of it.<br />
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The retreat opened up a whole new range of emotions I didn't know I have. It was beautiful. It was empowering. It was a blessing.<br />
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The unexpected but timely vacation in Greece gave me the opportunity to see myself from the very core of my being. It gave me the chance to reconcile with myself and decide to make myself the priority this time. It gave me the power to see myself in a whole new light... so bright... so dazzling... so shimmering.<br />
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It was splendidly cute!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3pPrQGcK90OAdCjEdpN_Pu2nyP6sUyKsoYlbT5cyw9I_oDQEUuXsfOCOD0ESofJNK-keKDapIOF8GmuzsFE41tIIcNynYzDmlrldDVR-GvzMzxjZ9atMFVHcjMLys1YI08TC9wB9i5cP/s1600/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0062.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3pPrQGcK90OAdCjEdpN_Pu2nyP6sUyKsoYlbT5cyw9I_oDQEUuXsfOCOD0ESofJNK-keKDapIOF8GmuzsFE41tIIcNynYzDmlrldDVR-GvzMzxjZ9atMFVHcjMLys1YI08TC9wB9i5cP/s640/GreeceGroupPhotos-Group-0062.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The amazing LTSW Tribe</td></tr>
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From that day on, it dawned on me that Erin and Clarissa are my Yin and Yang who gave me the tools I needed to see my inner Yin and Yang stay on my path.<br />
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So me, myself and I made a pact that we will love each other, regardless.<br />
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AND SO IT IS!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc_Sd-E5SnV-uarmj1p3x8jhuYLRsG5Z-kkQwAm1y1o5z73eGoxqeVKBHPAniTFNRQxSBwUoNIGRfuGE6SbSoSddaAsM6GZFL1-ydNlr8D_B-0WfuguHlLctusC9tiSMyL5j30J4cv0q/s1600/RuthiSig.png" /><br />
Author's Note:<br />
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Watch out for Erin and Clarissa's Featured Posts so you will be able to know more about these two amazing jewels who changed my life.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335924922358101330.post-1756876395718558852019-11-03T01:29:00.001-04:002019-11-03T01:29:26.515-04:00#ruthiliciousTravels: Feeling my Goddess Vibes in Athens, Greece<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge. </blockquote>
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- Plato 428-348 BC Athens, Greece
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The year 2019 brought a lot of energies and changes in my current predicament.</div>
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Life has been a roller coaster ride towards the end of last year. And I'm not gonna lie, I was so consumed by all the gloomy patches that I had to navigate here and there. It was too overwhelming due to a lot of reasons that I am not ready to share at the moment. However, at the start of the new year, my life took a major turn of events and it was tremendously amazing and unbelievably awesome. And for that, I am forever grateful.</div>
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So this year, <a href="https://www.ruthinian.com/2019/06/lighting-my-spark-within-in-amorgos.html" target="_blank">the Universe gave me an awesome gift to balance my low energy out</a>. I got the chance to visit one of the places I have on my bucket list... Greece.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VU3ADoOoFLQHAT-eMzPUgcPOB4cn-AlOXW7ySgrOyhTg66nxBz7AZBeXBUWqkHc9GQPLCvxcM-BU0QDl8Ztv-whAahQQyx0E2DR-uehqOezDs8ia_JjGw7m30EuzZiBMF78rmgJyQSPi/s1600/fullsizeoutput_89af.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VU3ADoOoFLQHAT-eMzPUgcPOB4cn-AlOXW7ySgrOyhTg66nxBz7AZBeXBUWqkHc9GQPLCvxcM-BU0QDl8Ztv-whAahQQyx0E2DR-uehqOezDs8ia_JjGw7m30EuzZiBMF78rmgJyQSPi/s640/fullsizeoutput_89af.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The White and Blue flag of Greece proudly welcomes Tourists all over the world at the top of the Acropolis.</td></tr>
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Greece is one of the many places I dream to see because it is one of the significant places I taught in History over 20 years ago. It is the birthplace of Democracy, the originator of the Olympic Games and one of the countries in Europe that boasts of its unique and historical architectures.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsOIuBPTxB6mx8JRNwCQ0FPbCwn9kd2_wXJaEtrJMZOsKRWQugmXYbv5v8etL3H6bdCIIbv8n_Ph4pSzJI61NrdX7GsAKqnrkdKwAJYRZNy_Re_dY35n_C1uQ8QV8vn_RAN5dRodG3zgj/s1600/IMG_6547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsOIuBPTxB6mx8JRNwCQ0FPbCwn9kd2_wXJaEtrJMZOsKRWQugmXYbv5v8etL3H6bdCIIbv8n_Ph4pSzJI61NrdX7GsAKqnrkdKwAJYRZNy_Re_dY35n_C1uQ8QV8vn_RAN5dRodG3zgj/s640/IMG_6547.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Parthenon and surrounding pieces of evidence of historical value.</td></tr>
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I taught World and Asian History subjects in High School when I was a teacher in the Philippine Public School for 11 years. Though I would probably need to reread my reference books and the textbooks that I used back then to be able to recall the history of those places <strike>or just probably google it</strike>, the feelings that I had when I was teaching about it to my students will never be forgotten.</div>
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My fascination for this land of the gods and goddesses will forever be in my heart.</div>
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This year, I got the opportunity to see Greece and crossed this country out of my bucket list (but put it back in because I want to revisit the place with my family).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zsk70RcOfYnXrrT-ShMsgqdiqGPLhA2uRI5JnFCbkd3RIqz3VvWXZvU_ENT0DTZwiR3Tm91fprb7zc1TeXh37vn9OzKP4ojtLSHbHnppd4eaoYbBZwIWTIq-NlTB-7l_gElidOSCwnab/s1600/IMG_6533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zsk70RcOfYnXrrT-ShMsgqdiqGPLhA2uRI5JnFCbkd3RIqz3VvWXZvU_ENT0DTZwiR3Tm91fprb7zc1TeXh37vn9OzKP4ojtLSHbHnppd4eaoYbBZwIWTIq-NlTB-7l_gElidOSCwnab/s640/IMG_6533.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Parthenon stands majestically for thousand of years as proof that ancient civilization has exorbitant craftsmanship. </td></tr>
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I arrived at Athens International Airport quite early. Too early for my Airbnb check-in. As per my Airbnb host advice, I dropped off my luggage in the airport's baggage check-in and took Bus X93 that brought me straight to the city of Athens which is about 30 minutes ride.</div>
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When the bus reached its final stop, it didn't take long to find myself walking in the ancient city of Athens. It was exactly what it looked like in my dreams. But with a little surprising detail.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9kYCvOrFYNrNV8NOkb6NRi2ulrLsCuByipZtli7BPSh99VNXmchEN5mT6qiSQPf590xDjFt78i8x_CudPehRZthYMKc7xot1UFCZcfiXwn9j38JsxPK2KlzP4pZ3aiEa0HmAr9SjS_23/s1600/IMG_6505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9kYCvOrFYNrNV8NOkb6NRi2ulrLsCuByipZtli7BPSh99VNXmchEN5mT6qiSQPf590xDjFt78i8x_CudPehRZthYMKc7xot1UFCZcfiXwn9j38JsxPK2KlzP4pZ3aiEa0HmAr9SjS_23/s640/IMG_6505.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">No, it isn't Halloween in Athens when I was there. This is someone's regular work uniform.</span></td></tr>
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I was traveling solo and I don't know a single soul who lives in Athens. So believing in the power of walking and exploration were my only options to survive my tourist anxiety. Surprisingly, I felt at home. I fearlessly took a stroll on the busy street and checked out anything and everything that looks interesting to me.</div>
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I took one of those Hop On-Hop Off Buses in the city to use my free time to see the city. It was very convenient and uncomplicated. I hopped off at the Acropolis and did my own walking tour of the place.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sign says it all. </td></tr>
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When I finally set foot on the Acropolis and saw the amazing ruins still etched with history, I was in heaven. It was exactly what I imagined it to be and some surprising stuff that totally not written in the book. It was magnificent in all aspects. And it was perfect.</div>
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The place was packed with tourists from all over the world. The warm Greek spring weather was just right for my skin. The view from the top is breathtaking. And the energy of the place is empowering.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous Parthenon in its glory.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mandatory selfie with the Parthenon in the backdrop is just appropriate at that moment.</td></tr>
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The Parthenon is under renovation so scaffoldings are all over the place and enclosed with wire rope fence to keep the crowd away from the construction area. It was huge and glaring in the midday sun.</div>
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I spent almost 2 hours in the Acropolis enjoying the sight and people watching. There were several groups of students that seemed to me were having their field trip with their teachers explaining something in their native languages. I won't be wrong because the scenario was the same when we are on a field trip with our kids in school.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Odeon of Herodes Atticus sits beneath the Acropolis. It is a stunning open-air theatre.</span></td></tr>
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I stopped at the Acropolis only and didn't bother to check out other places where the bus stops because I was a little tired already from my jetlag. But I stayed on board and just enjoyed the view of Athens on the roof deck of the bus.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Panathenaic Stadium which is the oldest Olympic stadium in Athens built of granite and hosted the modern games in 1896.</td></tr>
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I wish I could give more information about the city of Athens, but coming from a 7 hours layover in Doha, Qatar and following a 9 hours flight to Athens, my brain hurts a bit. Hence, I just flooded this post with a few of the over 300 photos I took of the city of my dream.</div>
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I can't really give an accurate and complete account of my experience here in Athens simply because I only spent 24 hours here. So, I just made a video clip of my day tour of the Acropolis and Downtown Athens.</div>
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It's not much but it is what I only need at that time. It was just a glimpse of how exciting this trip was. And it's an affirmation that I will surely be back to see and experience the rest of what Greece has to offer.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jv0-Rp6ogU0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jv0-Rp6ogU0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Athens is like any other modern city anywhere in the world. The only difference is that anywhere you stand in the city, you can see the Acropolis on top of the hill. And from up the hill, you have a vantage point of seeing the entire city below.<br />
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And up there, you stand in awe to see the breathtaking view of the place where ancient gods and goddesses used to walk on.</div>
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