Grandma migrates north

Family is important. The older I become the more aware I am of its pertinence along with the stark reality that everyone isn't here forever. So when Keith was able to join me at the last minute for  a quick weekend trek to the farm to visit the fam along with Gert and Harold it put a smile on my face! My Grandma heads to Virginia once a year in the summer and having a few days to catch up means a whole lot to me.

My Grandma loves the farm, seeing her crew and taking in the scenic views of scampering piglets and wandering cattle. It was so nice sitting on the porch and catching up and having Keith be a part of it. Life is busy and the six hour trek seems to get harder and more challenging. I loved watching my husband having chat time with my Grandma along with my mom and dad learning more about each other. It made my heart swell with happiness.

God did not give me the gift of farming. I can not grow vegetables. I can not properly herd pigs or cattle. I am unable to patiently sort through the day's eggs and milk supply. But I do enjoy my time here  and the beauty of this 95 acre wood. From the little piglets nibbling on fresh apples, the sheep walking along the hillside and the newborn calves scampering after their mamas for milk are all the little things that make this farm pretty special. 

I have another few days here to be one with family and nature along with celebrating my Grandmother's 93rd Birthday. Happy Birthday Grandma Gert! 

Haiti in our hearts

Last year at this time Taylor and I had just returned from a two week trek to Haiti working at the Hope Alive Clinic. Our European ventures were fantastic and something the two of us will have stories and memories forever. But Haiti was a different experience in so many ways. 

We transitioned from the comforts of home to a land mired in poverty and gutted by ongoing devastation. Schools without roofs. Generations of children are being raised in orphanages while the countless others are living in make shift tents along the coastline. It's a world we cannot wrap our heads around and it is a world that neither of us can soon forget. 

My heart was so very proud of Taylor taking time out of her summer last year to serve in ways most teens would either shun out of inconvenience or avoid due to discomfort. She did neither. For two weeks she smiled, interacted and loved kids for who they were. No strings attached. 

To then witness this kid refuse to leave her passion behind in Haiti she pushed for her school's interact club to take on Hope Alive Clinic and find ways to fund raise for them. Bam! I am biased because she's my kid...of that I take ownership, but having worked with teens for years now I am so blown away at her passion and heart for others. For a year she has sold hundreds (and I mean hundreds) of pretzels, brownies and cookies along with making close to a dozen car washes happen in the heat, cold and in between. The kid has chutzpa, baby....

So last week when she was able to hand over a check for close to $1,500 for Hope Alive Clinic I was not only proud as a parent, but as a person. I thank God for her heart and ability to look beyond the surface and know that our efforts and our passion can make a difference and can change lives. That money WILL save lives and WILL have an impact in a way that we cannot comprehend. I'd say for seventeen, that's not too shabby. 

My hope for my family is that each day as we leave the house we live our lives seeing the world as Christ intended. We are not meant to not be served, but to serve. Our lives are brief and having the ability to see people's hearts and their needs is so precious and so very important. If we live for ourselves only and to serve our needs we have lived in vein. When our lives come to a close our degrees, money, things and status fade. That, my friends, cannot be taken along for the next chapter. It is what we leave behind, it is our words, our actions and our passion. Are we leaving imprints on the hearts of others?  Live fully, love authentically and push yourself beyond your comfort zone... those are a few ingredients to start knocking your socks off and breathing life into your life. 

signs and direction

I love signs. When abroad I'm a bit more on the look out than back home for the posted sign with deep meaning or the one that is nothing short of awesome. It's funny how if you take a minute and think that there is often great meaning behind the words painted whatever board or cement block. 

As I am unpacking and having been back in Medford Lakes for less than 24 hours a whole lot goes through my mind. It's nice to be home.  It's nice to not have to schlep my stuff in a bag, but it's also nice to schlep your stuff in a bag : ) There's so much I enjoyed about backpacking again, but it's nice to come home. 

The morning started with a little unpacking and a little outside weeding. Life as normal begins to creep its way back. But I am so grateful for my experiences. The people we met, the landscapes we viewed and the fullness of travel experienced stays with you for a life time. 

With summer still here and a good chunk of it left I look forward to embracing the days ahead, finding ways to seek life out and to find beauty in the moment. In travel mode I savor everything around me; even the madness, well, at least I make a concerted effort to. My focus back home is to not reserve that for solely those days or weeks of travel, but to try and slow down a bit and enjoy what's around me. 

The truth is sometimes we do need a sign in florescent yellow to keep us from tripping up or the huge poster over head to remind us that life is at our finger tips. It's a good thing.  We all need reminders every once and awhile. 

Bristish Invasion

I'm tired. It's funny how being on vacation, a reprieve from the responsibilities of home, can make you so worn out. Today we headed out with no real agenda. We hopped the train from Bradford and headed to Bath for a little exploring, shopping and made time for high tea.

It may sound shocking, but I'm not the most refined of individuals. Tea was an interesting experience. Pill box hats, three tiered plates lined with finger sandwiches and all things doily. It was fun watching Sue and Taylor savoring the tea and scone zone. The Brits make some crazy good scones with jam. Bam!

Bath was a bit touristy, but it was still a great place to walk and take in beautiful architecture and pop into a heap of thrift shops. Lots of shops and people had me yearning for the small town nature of Bradford so we made our way back. Dinner was steak pie, hummus and vegg and some wonderful local British deserts overlooking town as the sun set. It was something a picture could not do justice to.

As the trip winds down I think of how wonderful our two weeks have been. As we made our way to town along the canal a river boat had a sign posted with, "Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life." Every day is a gift and with it comes the decision to enjoy the ride or to allow the clutter of life's present and past to hinder your happiness. Happy is good. I choose happiness and I choose to surround myself with those who choose the same road.
So still traveling, continuing to be happy and loving that the way continues to be a good thing. 

Living la vida Avon

It's evening here in Bradford and sitting outside under the stars overlooking the flickering lights along the hillside and it's quiet and calm. I love Europe. In my years of traveling what I enjoy most is the sheer simplicity of exploring the unknown and finding the pulse of whatever town or village that comes along the way. Cities, for the most part, are not a true reflection of that particular country. It is in the local grocery store, the pub, the small village with no signs for tours or double decker buses that there is life and color. There's thrill in wandering, finding that great coffee shop that no other American has ever stumbled upon, that canal that is just waiting for someone to sit, relax and read a book as boats float by.

With Taylor and Sue the journey has been filled with laughs, walking and wandering the hills and side streets of Bradford On Avon. It's a quaint town that has great charm. From the little pubs nestled along the hillside to the river boats docked along the canals with their residents tending to their gardens or simply sitting on the deck sipping coffee; it's authentic and chock full of character.
This morning we made our way through a handful of Thrift Shops. In the UK they are called Charity Shops and are scattered throughout even the smallest of towns. From fancy gloves, pill box hats and shiny pearls Sue and Taylor were trying it on and having a ball. We are Americans. We are from Jersey. We do not fit in with the prim and proper and, may I add, very quiet while shopping Brits. There is effort in our attempts to fit in, but it's all to the wayside when shopping. It is then that the laughing and smiling are on warp level and the Brits know that we're in the building. We will give ourselves an E for effort.

As everyone has turned in for the night I sit alone sipping a glass of wine, typing, taking in the views of town below and just very grateful for this moment. I am thankful for this time with Taylor. I am thankful for my friendship with Sue. I am thankful for the ability to travel and experience such richness. I am thankful for another beautiful, amazing day brimming with experiences to last a lifetime. 

UK has returned

Ireland has held a special place in my heart for a long time. There is something about this country that captures my heart and has a sense of home about it. From the charisma and charm of the Irish people, the rich beauty of the countryside or the deep history that runs from the North to the Republic. It's a fantastic place that is unlike anywhere else that I've been in the world. So packing up our things and heading north towards Knock was a bit of a bummer knowing our Irish trek fest has come to an end. But all good things come to an end allowing for another off shoot of the journey.

Our next leg of travel had us landing in Bristol, England to visit one of my dearest friends. Sue and I have known each other a long time and her road in life brought her to Bradford Upon Avon. Tourism is non existent here with winding cobbled stoned roads, plenty of tea houses and heaps of pubs. No Americans...except that is, for Mark and Sue : ) and now Erin and Taylor. Yay!

We headed out for a walk around town and made our way to the Castle, a local pub, where they serve up a pretty amazing plate of fish and chips. Bam! SO GOOD! In a split second being with Sue is one of those relationships that no time has past since we were last together and all is good with the world. I feel very blessed and fortunate for our friendship. Good people, strong ties are important. Sometimes it takes some sorting and sifting, but with patience the right ones stick around. Sue is one of those and, for that, I'm grateful. 

a tree house

I am now a firm believer that everyone,
in their lifetime, should sleep in a tree house.
Here me out before you laugh out loud and say,
'I don't think so.'
I get reflective when I travel. If you have
followed any of my past treks they speak for
themselves. Reflecting and travelling sort
are sort of intertwined with me.
 I think we can make life so much
more complicated then it needs to be.
I slept in a tree house. I awoke to chirping birds,
a cool breeze and the smell of flowers and 
ripe raspberries that bordered our sleeping
quarters. 
No alarm. A hot cup of tea on the little
porch with a handful of berries that to toss 
in my mouth. Simple.
If you don't feel the tug of the tree house
then take a walk in another town without 
your google map app. Or jump in the ocean 
as you watch the sun come up. Maybe 
take that cooking class or rebuild that 
something you've been talkingabout 
doing for all these years.
Add flavor, color when the every day
might begin to feel mundane. Life's too 
short to eat oatmeal every day for 
breakfast, to never deviate go off
grid a bit or have never made a
bucket list.
Mix it up....or maybe grab a blanket and 
pillow and sleep in a tree house tonight.

I am savoring every moment of my 'travelling 

of mind' where the days blend together, time 

doesn't really matter and the biggest stressor of 

the day is where we want to eat.

Life and the pace most of us function at is warp 

madness (phrase coined by yours truly). We are 

so busy being busy. Finding time to be still, 

enjoy our surroundings and the moments around us 

are few and far between. I'm guilty of it.

But as Tay and I were chatting with three backpackers 

we met at a traed (Irish jam session) I was reminded 

of how important it is to reflect and relx. These

girls were trekking the globe, living out of a suitcase 

and going with wherever the map lead them that day. 

One of the girls commented how nervous she was to
return to the States, find a job and re-transition to
normal life.

She was me ten years ago. I told her living from a pack 

your whole life isn't realistic, but wht she experienced 

was a gift, a treasure she will have with her forever.
And although once a couch surfer, always a couch
surfer there is something profoundly unique
about those who have travelled in a way that very

few have. 

I feel blessed to have travelled the globe in the manner
I have and now,the travelling continues in new and
 different ways. Life is a journey. 

As I sit with Taylor laying in the sun on the harbor
 of Kinvera I it has been a joy expanding the travel
circle and my heart wouldn't want to be anywhere
 else right now. 

Views of the cliffs on the island - unreal

Today we woke on Inish Mor with clear skies, bikes with baskets and a full bottle of sun screen. We managed to cover the nine mile island with more hills than my legs care to remember and views that my camera just don't do justice.
Tay and I managed to conquer this beast of a hill and climb the lighthouse that provided some insane views of the island.
We climbed with an Irish couple who gave us a great commentary of the islands history and background. Can't beat it:)
From seals bobbing in the water to the rambunctious donkey who made a futile attempt to charge is in a field to the bike ride that made our legs lose feeling...it has been. Good day:)

Free Counter

It's ten pm and dusk has fallen on the harbour of Inishmor. This morning Taylor and I hopped a ferry from Doolin and made our way to the Aran Islands. I'm typing away in a dimly lit room overlooking the harbour where wi fi is close to non-existent, but the views are unprecedented. It feels more like 1997 than 2013. Tourism sustains this 9 mile island with a population under 1,000. But there is still a sense of old Ireland that is hard to explain. It's just amazing.
Inishmor is the largest, most populated of the Aran Islands. The ferry was about an hour ride from the coast as we stopped at the two other islands where the streets were more populated with horse and buggy and fisherman than tourists. Definitely my speed.
Tomorrow we're heading out by bike to tour the island checking out a few ruins, go for a swim with hopes of spotting dolphin and do our best to continue just being care free. The locals are still in disbelief that they've gone over a week with clear skies, no rain, full sun and calm seas. It's a bit unreal and crazy, but I'm not complaining.

popping some tags

It's amazing how much fun you can have just being silly. Taylor and I did a little thrift shopping after we hit the beach. From vintage shoes, trying on some pretty snazzy wedding dresses to taking over the whole back room to try our finds on. The shop owner was laughing and joking with us and it seemed the longer we stayed the more things she slid into our bags. Three bags brimming with vintage goodness for 35£...that's how we do things!

 Tomorrow we roll out for our trek to Doolin to hop the ferry for the Aran Islands. It doesn't get any more spectacular that sunny Ireland in the summer. Grateful for every moment.

 

beach patrol

Dingle Beach is unreal

Besides the fact that we had to purchase sunscreen, haven't used an umbrella (knock on wood) and there are more blazing red Irish people than I've ever seen in my life it has been a wonderful journey as of yet.
We keep over hearing the locals in disarray at this totally unprecedented weather. It's crazy. Tay and I waded in the Irish seas that almost always require a full wetsuit. I was able to paddle out and glide in on a few minutely mushy waves. But being that it was mid-80s and I am in Ireland all I wanted to do was feel a bit of the ocean.
We had a picnic lunch with fresh baked bread, local cheese, salad and fruit. Yum fest 2013...watch out Jamie Oliver.

Our place for 36 hours. Spiral staircase with a few hundred steps put target heart rate to the test. Super unbelievable.

The world is a great big place, but the more I venture abroad it becomes so clear how small it really is and how alike we are. We stayed with John, Margaret and little Grace for the evening and it was simply perfect.
From sipping tea chatting about outreach programs, watching the sun begin to drop from the towers of their castle and soaking in the Irish sun in the yard...there's nothing that could have made it any more perfect.
Lovely day with amazing people:)

Dinner fest via castle in Cashel

Look out from the castle

It has been over ten years since I've returned to Ireland. It's baffling to think how quickly time goes and, as I reflect, consider the different chapter I was at in my life at that time.

It has been over ten years since I've returned to Ireland. It's baffling to think how quickly time goes and, as I reflect, consider the different chapter I was at in my life at that time.
I remember taking a position as what I was lead to believe was as a receptionist at a hotel. Within the hour of my arrival in Clonakilty, the southern most point of Cork County, I realized the facility was a refuge for asylum seekers. From scrubbing toilets, cleaning rooms with an outfit that bore a resemblance to the garb of the scientists in ET and dealing with brawls of drunkards in dark corridors; it was an after school special gone terribly wrong.For 96 hours of my life it was very ..... enlightening. Being that I had no money coming in and I needed a job, this couch surfer caught a lift to Cork City to find a gig at the Univ. of College Cork as a transcriber for the dairy department. I'd say that ranked in the top 3 tier of most random jobs over my life time.
I learned more about cheese, salmon distribution and, most of all, I learned about life.
At that time in my life I was a young kid eager to devour every ounce of travel, to meet as many travelers from all parts of the globe as well as doing my best to keep the facade of being the happy go lucky crazy American traveller in tact.
I left the States right after my college graduation. I had a great gig with the State of NC lined up, was in the mix with legislators and the higher ups...but I needed to stretch my arms wide, throw myself out of my comfort zone and find peace in a very tumultuous stage of my life.
As I set foot in Dublin all I can do is smile. I am grateful for these journeys in my life. I am thankful for God's peace and unwavering love because without it, there's no telling where I would be.
God is good. This country symbolizes more than the luck of the Irish for me. It represents growth, risk, faith and the reality God is in control of all things.
I was a heavy hearted, misguided couch surfer who needed to let go of all the chaos and just let God take control of my life. He directs. He provides.
Thankful for family, friends & that my past has brought me to this present.


Erin Lawler

Sent from my iPhone

UK madness

 
If the quality of our trip were to be measured by steps taken, it's safe to say that it would be ranked a 12.7 out of 10. Target heart rate has nothing on us. We started the day heading over to the local farmer's market where we perused tables set up with large rounds of cheese, brilliant flats of flowers and layers of pastries coated with powdered sugar and with smells that made our stomachs growl with international hunger. Let there be nosh! 
 


Taylor and I sat in the shade chomping on a pint of local strawberries and nibbling on a bar of Colombian chocolate while some local artists played. They were awesome. What a great way to start the day.
 
With breakfast and an early lunch-ish as our fuel we headed over to the Royal Mile for a tour of the city. Joe, the hostel keeper, reccomended it to us and he was dead on. Our guide was an Aussie and provided some great insight into the city from the downfall of kings, conquering by rebels and burning of witches it was anything but mundane. Three hours of total Scottish gooness.

We ended our day with a great meal at a great little pub on Vicoria Street in Old Town. Tay had fried brie and my day was made with a plate of pasta heaping with clams, mussels and shrimp. Greatness!
We should be arriving in Dublin a bit after ten tomorrow morning and then we head south west to Cashel to stay in a Castle....yes, rhyming achieved yet unintentionally.
Scotland was a blast.....we love the Scotts! 

Scotch Bonnets

It feels like we have been in Scotland for two days or so instead of a less than a day. From the airport we reached our hostel and hit the ground running finding some amazing views of the city via Arthur's Seat. Not only was the views of our hike spectacular, but the picnic on the hillside was nothing short of awesome. These girls do it right.  

I love the pulse of the Scotts, their love of life and how completely friendly they are to anyone who befriends them. I feel so fortunate to be here and just take each moment in stride. Mid-day we managed to grab a nap next to the fresh water pool overlooking the mountain region. I figured, someone has to deal with these global challenges so why not us?
So as we go into the evening the two of us are off to a Scottish Traed (dancing Scott style:) on the other side of town. Hoping to check in tomorrow.
Peace, love and haggis

Peace, love & freedom...bam!

Happy 4th of July!!! Today was the first day in nearly two weeks that it actually felt like Jersey weather instead of Ft Lauderdale or Seattle. A beautiful day with a picnic on the lake, sunny skies and bags packed for Europe! Wahoo! 

Taylor and I are hitting the road and will be arriving in Edinburgh, Scotland around 10 am tomorrow morning (UK time:).There will be fish and chips in my belly before late afternoon and interaction with at least a dozen travellers from a minimum of six different countries. Goals of the travelling Lawler shall be achieved...bam!