Reminded by the Unfamiliar

I looove the perspective that seeing unfamiliar places, and trying different foods, and meeting new people can bring.  It's enlightening and uplifting, and really quite freeing.  Those experiences have changed me.  I've said this a ga-jillion times before, but I've been super blessed to travel a lot and see a few of those different perspectives; and that chance has been undeniably influential in terms of shaping my view of life, and has taught me to find joy and really appreciate the glorious things that cross my path all the time.

For example, London showed me that every day occurrences 

should not be taken for granted.

Also, it was there that I acknowledged that nothing excites me more

than getting dressed up and going to musicals.

#MaryPoppins

#Chicago

And, most importantly,

that there is no more delicious food around

than a legit bowl of yellow chicken curry

Australia taught me to stop and smell the roses, 

and take time to admire the awe of all little breathtaking beauties,

and especially to recognize that they're always surrounding me.

Hawaii reminded me, that while beaches are so lovely,

friends that are kind and patient enough

to put up with my awful attempts at surfing

are even better.

And that the spirit from Temples

is as strong and pure and true

everywhere

and always.

The Netherlands jolted me to remember the freedoms I enjoy.

Belgium is where I learned that scarves are essential to a classy look.

Germany taught me that carbs are good,

but also that the church is true, and the spirit is moving

even if the gospel is being taught in a language I don't understand.

Paris taught me to life is meant to be lived gorgeously.

That I make the choice to fill my life with beauty,

and love.

NYC, with all its palpable energy,

showed me that life should be exciting...

...and that we all have a need for aesthetics to enhance our day to day existence.

And also that even in smack dab in the middle of such a vibrant city,

this most important place can stand waveringly.

Maybe quietly in comparison to its surroundings,

but still so immensely moving when you come upon it.

Life is bursting at the seams with goodness and light and happiness and beauty.  And while Paris, London, and NYC aren't necessarily at our disposal when we're in need of a reminder that life IS beautiful, there are endless venues of light to remind us what we do have to be grateful for.  Those roses are there for us to stop and smell all day everyday if we seek them out.

"Recently I stood on the north shore of the beautiful Pacific island gazing out to sea at daybreak... As I watched this magnificent scene in reverence, a window formed in the clouds; the glistening rays of the rising sun broke through the overcast sky, transforming everything with its luminescence, its color, its life.  It was as if the Lord wanted to share an additional blessing, a symbol of the light of His teachings that gives brilliance and hope to everyone it touches.  Tears of gratitute formed for this wondrous world in which we live, for the extraordinary beauty our Heavenly Father so freely shares with all who are willing to see.  Truly, life is beautiful."

--Elder Richard G. Scott Finding Joy In Life, 1996

My Fairy Godparents

Remember how Cinderella had that super rad fairy godmother that fixed all her woes with a sweet pumpkin-shaped ride, fab dress, and killer glass slippers?  That Cinderella though, she had some issues to deal with having those crazy step sisters and a super lame step mother, and that whole-being-their-maid thing she had goin on... so she totally deserved the perks of having a fairy godmother.  Right?  Wouldn't you agree?

Well here's the delio peeps; I  have my own set of fairy-godparents.  But, I'm thinking that I like, have the very OPPOSITE of evil stepsisters and mothers and such.  Therefore, I have no idea what I've done to deserve the love and support and glass slippers (in a matter of speaking) that my "fairy godparents" have so generously bestowed upon me, as a PLUS to my already daily blessings!!

So when I say "fairy godparents" I'm actually referring to a group of three people; my dear sweet friends Quentin aka Brother Stewart, the lovely Sister/Dr. Barbara Stewart and their FABULOUS daughter , Miss Juliana.  I LOVE them.  They have popped up time and time again (with plenty of love and some "bibbity-bobbity-boo's") to bless my life and to strengthen and support me.  They have been a blessing time and time again to remind me who I am and what I can become.  And let's be honest, they've also given me some SWEET presents.  So sweet, I'm not even sure you can wrap them. 

I've been to visit them at their current home in Australia.

(They actually live in Melbourne though, not Sydney. We were just visiting.)

...and introduced me to some of the locals.

They've also introduced me to gooood food.  Like real Belgian waffles in the Netherlands.

And delectable and beautiful chocolates in Australia.

And of course bakeries with gorgeous little goodies... pretty much everywhere.

And shown me some of the most breath-taking views I've EVER seen!

And then, on top of all that, the Stewarts are just some of my FAVORITE company of all time.

They're top notch.

They're the BEST.

Welllll, they've invited me to tag along with them again.  And seriously I still can't even believe this.  CLEARLY, they've already given me so unbelievably much!  And, I mean I was so baffled by this offer, that it took a whiiiile for me to agree, because I just was like "Seriously??!".  And I'm still in such awe, that don't think I've really told many people about this adventure that I'm taking with them--and it's in less than 3 weeks.  I just didn't know how to tell you without like having an accident, and also feeling overwhelming guilt that I couldn't stuff you in my suitcase and bring you along.

Because here's the destination...
brace yourself...
PARIS. 

I KNOW RIGHT???  I'm still having trouble believing it.  That place with the big beautiful sparkly Eiffel tower, where people say "bonjour", where fashion week is held, where people eat perfectly crusty begets on a daily basis, and have things like pastel-colored macaroons for treats, the city where the "Madeline" books take place, and where the MONA LISA is.  Seriously, the MONA LISA is just chillin there.  SERIOUSLY???!!

(What did I tell you??  Bibbity-freakin-bobbity-BOO!!)

For reals, I would visit these wonderful people wherever.  They just happen to go on unbelievable trips and for some crazy reason that I don't understand (and really just don't deserve), invite me to tag along sometimes!  I'm grateful for them and their consistent love and support.  That is in and of itself a huge blessing; but I'm also so grateful for (and that's just an understatement) yet another opportunity-of a lifetime, and am so so sooo excited.

So when you text or facebook me in about 3 weeks, and I don't answer, that's where I'll be--just thought it'd be polite to make you aware.  Sorry for the long blog post.  I think I kind of just told you my own little fairytale story... and so in true Amanda fashion, there's lots of characters and details and pictures that go along with it.  And I'm not at all as worthy as the sweet and goodly Cinderella of such magnificent glass slippers, but I will cherish EVERY minute of such a magical adventure with such dear dear friends, until the stroke of midnight when I have to return to reality!!

Grateful for: The Stewarts. Duh!!
And father's blessings.

Quote of the day: "Always remember Jesus Christ and keep his commandments.  Every day is important to you because the way you chose spend your time will determine the person you become.  Be the best you can be."

--Sister Oaks from the CES fireside on Sunday