My Fearful Adventure: Conquering Denmark.

Public Service Announcement: Torre DeRoche wrote an awesome book. It launched earlier this month. Well, back up. I can't actually speak to the specific degree of awesomeness with any authority because I haven't read it yet...but seriously, watch this:

   

I mean, come on. Love with a Chance of Drowning. This is so my thing. I plan to read it as quickly as I can get my hands on it. So should you (details below). 

Torre is enlisting bloggers to spread the word by drafting stories of their own Fearful Adventure(s). There are only three parameters for said posts: 1) It inspires you; 2) It scares you; 3) On some level, big or small, it will change your world.

Will. That's the operative word for me. I've experienced many an adventure in my lifetime, but it's the WILL change your world that triggered me. This implies my fearful adventure has yet to take place. 

Folks, it's Denmark. Denmark is my WILL. That's my Fearful Adventure. 

Clarification: Denmark itself? Not scary. Quite lovely, as a matter of fact. Traveling isn't scary for me, either. Travel inspires and excites me. Travel also changes my world every time I venture out. I do it a lot, in fact, like, really a lot. Moving to Denmark, as in for a substantial amount of time? Scares the shit out of me. But here's the thing, kids, it also inspires me endlessly. Moving to Denmark is my fearful adventure. 

I have countless Evernote labels and snippets and sites and screen grabs and articles and gah! So much research and so much inspiration. Denmark is home. Sometimes, you just know. In an effort to focus my intention and energy, I've even made Denmark part of my 2013 Happiness Project. I've also been researching my Danish lineage, starting with my grandpa Otto who came to the states from Alslev when he was 23. A major bucket list goal for me is to retrace my family's steps, to find the churches, farms, roads, skies, and communities that cared for generation after generation.

With all the research, my travel savvy, the focused intention...why does moving to Denmark scare me so much? I'm an intelligent, accomplished professional and this really shouldn't be my Achilles. I travel alone constantly, both for work and for myself. Book a week in Hawai'i because I need a break from technology? Done. Four days in Ottawa because the leaves are pretty in the fall? Sure. I'm not one to need an entourage. So...what's up, Self? The answer to the question actually struck me as I watched Torre's book trailer. If I found myself in her position, I'm 87% sure I would've had little to no hesitation. Seriously. I'd totally do it. Ocean, sharks, hot guy, sailing in a scary little boat, whatever dude, I'm in. So why can't I move to Denmark? 

Well, one major difference between Torre's situation and mine: Someone with whom to share the adventure and to love it and you and all the ups and downs and troubleshooting that comes with it. A partner in crime. Because - and shit's about to get real up in here - I'm stuck on thinking I can't possibly move to Denmark alone. Perhaps my fearful adventure is to become an expat and radically change my world...for me and by me. Period. 

That could end up being my most fearless adventure of all.

love,
me

UPDATE:
Since writing this post, I've created a Denmark Pinterest board to continue to inspire me. Cheers to bucket lists. 

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This post is part of the My Fearful Adventure series, which is celebrating the launch of Torre DeRoche’s debut book Love with a Chance of Drowning, a true adventure story about one girl’s leap into the deep end of her fears.

"Wow, what a book. Exciting. Dramatic. Honest. Torre DeRoche is an author to follow." Australian Associated Press

"… a story about conquering the fears that keep you from living your dreams." Nomadicmatt.com

"In her debut, DeRoche has penned such a beautiful, thrilling story you’ll have to remind yourself it’s not fiction." Courier Mail

Find out more…

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A Series of Declarations! Coming soon...

I haven't yet caught my breath from Alt for Everyone and this weekend I'm heading into a creative collaboration with the lovely ladies behind The Declaration of You. Every week for the next two months, minus the July 4th holiday, I'll post on a different topic and creatively work my way into my own declarations. There are other awesome bloggers drafting similar declarations, so keep an eye out for them. We'll be linking to each other's posts and we'll all be found on the meta blogroll on the Declaration of You press page. 

I'll be posting about enthusiasm, uniquity (yes, it's a made up word), intention, self-care, success, money, celebration, and trust. I'll also be participating in a weekly Facebook party celebrating each theme. Check my declarations page every week to engage in the discussion and to get your invitation to the party! Watch for this banner on my declaration posts and join in!

love,
me

The Fine Print: The Declaration of You will be published by North Light Craft Books this summer, giving readers the permission they’ve craved to step passionately into their lives, to discover how they and their gifts are unique, and to uncover what they are meant to do! 

Pre-order your copy now. Learn more by clicking here.

The Declaration of You: The Book! from Pierre François Frédéric on Vimeo.

Alt Summit: Creative Overload

Whew. That was amazing. My brain is full of creative juices and they're flowing like crazy. I decided to switch venues from my Friday roost and spent all day Sarturday attending classes online and watching the world go by out my front window. I was also closer to the string cheese this way. 

Cozy spaces make me happy.

I haven't had a spare moment to process all the awesomeness, but I hope to soon. Well, soon-ish. I fly out tomorrow morning on a business trip. Since Alt ended on Saturday evening I've...

...been to dinner...

...and the ballet with my friend John.

Today I hosted brunch for 7 of my amazing friends.

Then this afternoon there was a situation appointment involving all sorts of wax and all sorts of pain and we don't need to discuss it. I'm now packed, mostly. My stack of Apple products are adequately charged. My cab is coming super early to shuttle me away. I'm anxious to review my notes and set a game plan, but perhaps the plane ride will give me time to reflect on Alt and everything I absorbed. 

My initial thoughts are:

{ Pinterest }

It was repeated by multiple speakers that you need to pick a couple social media platforms and invest time to build a community there, versus a shallow community everywhere. I have that on Instagram, I'm trying to build that more on this blog, but I've decided I need to pay more attention to Pinterest. I love everything about it, and I know I can curate boards people will want to see and share, it just overwhelms me. There's too much awesome. Managing the awesome can be a part time job, but I want to give it more attention. So, Pinterest. 

{ Organize }

I need an editorial calendar for this blog. I've known that for a while, but I'm finally going to do it. 

{ Photographs }

I need to put down my iPhone and get back to high(er)-quality photos. Many people at Alt talked about how challenging it is for them to take photos for their blog. I felt fortunate that I have the passion, skills, and equipment to do that; but then I felt lazy for only re-posting grainy Instagram photos on here. I'll do better from now on and be more intentional about professional photographs. 

{ Graphic Design }

I should've got a degree in graphic design. I can take free classes at the college where I work and I think I'm finally going to do it. I'm not going to do it a degree-seeking way, I'm content with my BA and MA as they are, but I am going to develop those skills. 

{ Overhaul }

It's inevitable that I will overhaul the entire design of this site, with or without the graphic design classes. Also, I may switch platforms (opinions, anyone?). Also also, I'm considering a logo. 

That's it for now. Stayed tuned for more Alt insights (and changes) in the coming weeks. 

xo, 

me

Alt Summit: Location. Location. Location.

#fromwhereialt

Yesterday I mused that Alt for Everyone's "entirely online format is a great way for me to get my feet wet. The mythical magical far away someday Alt Summit feels considerably more manageable in my yoga pants on the couch." I was right. And cozy.

I could only participate in one class today, but it definitely got the ball rolling. My introduction to the summit was "Organized Online" taught by Liz Stanley of Say Yes to Hoboken. It was a validation that my OCD is indeed a superpower, and it was an eyeopener as to the business side of blogging full-time. I'm excited for the next two days and eight more events.

Oh, in answer to the question of how many Apple products it takes to attend a webinar, apparently four (if you include the phone used to snap this pic). Hashtag multitask the media.

Alright, Alt. You and me. Same couch. Same yoga pants. Mañana.

Alt for Everyone: Swagtastic.

In their own words: "Altitude Design is your definitive resource for the very serious business of beautiful, brilliant blogging. A community of exciting, creative thinkers and entrepreneurs..." Sweet. I'm all about beautifully brilliant things. And this year, I'm all about Alt for Everyone. For me the Alt Summit has been something mythical and magical and far away...something only purely fabulous people do...something I would love to do...someday. 

Well kids, in the spirit of 2013 and My Happiness Project, someday is now Thursday. Like, tomorrow. It's all part of my master plan to take back my creativity and then take it further than I've ever imagined. 

...and so it begins. With swag.

Brace yourself for the shout outs. Clickety click the links and show these awesome people some love.

The sponsor of all sponsors brought branded Mason jars to the party. #thanksbing

@BlueQness brought all sorts of awesomeness to the party...tucked away in this cute bag. 

Blue Q uses recycled materials, donates to the Nature Conservancy, and employs adults with disabilities.
Oh, and makes cute stuff. Pretty awesome, if you ask me.

Zelma Rose started a beautiful hashtag: #ihaveloveinmyheartforyou

How gorgeous is my curio? Check out Lisa Shaffer's website for all sorts of goodies. #ihaveloveinmyheartforyou

Ivory and Ash are in LA making amazing organic shea lip balm, btw. So soft.

Lila Smyth of Lingering Daydreams shares my washi tape fixation. Look...cute cupcake flags!

Childhood List sent handmade crayons (bee + soy waxes). Can't wait to incorporate in my mixed media art! 

pixelimpress nailed it. Stationary. Turquoise. Gold. Gorgeous.

The schedule and course offerings are awesome. Participants can take seven classes, hear the keynote, and network with people in one meet-up event. I'm ready and excited to absorb as much information as I possibly can. This is the first time they've offered Alt for Everyone, and the entirely online format is a great way for me to get my feet wet. The mythical magical far away someday Alt Summit feels considerably more manageable in my yoga pants on the couch.

Baby steps toward fabulous. Let's do this.

xo,
me