Places that remind...

Okay, so being in a new place is always fun and exciting. But sometimes you just need some familiarity in life! I think that is just how we are wired as humans. When I went on my journey to Australia at the adventurous age of 23, my sister said to me,"take something with you that's familiar, that reminds you of home.. you will need it." I took with me my mickey mouse pillow case and my raggedy andy doll, tattered and warn and full of sentiment. Mickey Mouse pillow case? you ask with eyebrows raised and that judging tone in your voice. Yes. And here is why. Not only was there an annoyingly saturated disney theme in my room growing up, but it was a pillow case, where I layed my head to rest everynight in my stress free environment as a child. I brought it and it helped. Even though I was across the globe, when I layed my head down at night, I was reminded of home and a sense of security and peace. The raggedy Andy doll? Well, even prior to the annoying disney phase, my sister and I shared a bedroom in our old house in Norwalk ( it wasn't as ghetto when I was 5). There was an over saturated theme in that room as well. You guessed it, raggedy ann and andy, complete with red shag carpet to match their hair, sheets, curtains, and so much more. Well as a gift one year when we were much older, my sister bought me an original Andy doll from an antique store, and she bought herself Ann. Though it was not the same doll I grew up with, it had been loved just as much and it's almost better because my Andy has a bit of mystery to it. But I brought that with me more so because it just reminded me of my sister... probably the closest person to me... right up there with "the girls".

I say all this to say that living in Nashville has been awesome, as stated in the previous blog. I am just now getting to the point where I wouldn't mind a trip home... some familiar faces, places, smells, sights.... But there are things here in Nashville that remind me of people back home and it brings a smile to my face, and a bit of heartache because I would love to share these experiences with the people they remind me of. Maybe some of them I actually will!

Franklin, TN: a quaint little downtown area in a ritzy part of town. People among the likes of Keith Urban have been known to meander down this way and one of my favorite bands, Paramore happens to be from Franklin. I visited this place with my friend Naarah from the band Alabaster Box yesterday and I loved it! All I could think about was my bestie Sarah, who would have totally loved this place and would have had an awesome time there! The antique shops, clothing boutiques, and little mom and pop coffee shops, bakery's and stationery shops. A must for her when she comes to visit!

The predators game: I went to see my Ducks take on the Nashville Predators at the Sommet Center. If you know me, you know hockey has become a big part of my life... It made me miss Nate, and even Marcel and Ed a little bit because I spent so much of hockey season cheering along side these people.

Hillsboro Village: Alot like downtown Glendora, and therefore reminds me of "the girls" and out little outings there, and lunch at Village Eatery... from college all the way through to now with baby in tow!

The River: The church I am attending. An amazing church! Talented musicians and pastors who take me back to the days at my uncle's church that I don't know I miss until i get another little taste of it! This place is a place I would love for my whole family to experience. My sister especially would enjoy this! And Donny and Reba (rambo) McGuire are 2 people from back in the day that my mom knows and loves. She would love it there too!

Music Row: this little stretch of small suburban looking houses turned into music label offices and production studios always remids me of my brother who would love to explore and talk to people there.

If I could bring everyone out here for a visit I would. I love it here and would love to share in all these experiences with the people I love, but alas, that is the journey. Taking steps on your own and using what you've learned from past experiences and what people have imparted into your life to help guide you along the way. It's bitter sweet to be having so much fun here. I have made new friends, but there is something about being around the people who know you best. I am lucky to have suck amazing friends and family. They are supportive and encouraging and always there if and when I need them. Thanks all! and come visit!!!