Beloved American literary figure Maya Angelou has passed away at the age of 86 at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Category: Life
Share Your World – Week 20
If you could go back and visit any time period, what time would you travel to and why?
I would like to travel back to 1955-1965. I love the retro aesthetic/style and pop culture (especially the music and movies) of the time. I’d especially want to be there to see the explosion of Elvis Presley’s career and the arrival of Beatlesmania.
If you could have three wishes granted for you alone, what would they be? This is a time for you to dream and have fun.
1) For my Mom to be restored back to her full health.
2) To win the lottery so I can pay off all of the bills and loans, donate to charities and help people in need, and travel the world.
3) The ability to fly.
Wanting something to quench your thirst, what would you drink?
When I want to quench my thirst, fruit juices and smoothies always do the trick. My preferred flavour is Strawberry Banana.
If you watch TV what are your favorite three television shows?
American Dreams: My favourite show of all-time. I related to Meg Pryor so deeply with her idealistic outlook and love for music. It’s a great show about family, friendship, hope, and dreams.
American Idol: I could write a book on how this show has ruined changed my life. I have discovered so many favourite artists and found so many fantastic friends because of Idol. That’s why I just can’t quit, no matter how many times they jump the shark.
Parks & Recreation: I got into this show a bit later (marathoned Seasons 1-5 last summer) but I instantly fell in love with the endearing characters, quirky humour, sweet storylines, and optimistic tone. Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope is deserving of all of the comedy awards.
http://ceenphotography.com/2014/05/19/share-your-world-2014-week-20/
Pick Me Up: Thank You
What is the one word or phrase that immediately cheers you up when you hear it?
Thank you.
It’s amazing how these two words of gratitude can instantly uplift your mood. In a time where we tend to get through our days just trudging along without feeling all that remarkable to the world outside, it’s nice to know when a person actually notices you and believes in you. For someone to acknowledge something you’ve done and appreciate you for making life a little better is one of the most rewarding feelings.
I try my best not to take good people’s good deeds for granted and to recognize acts of kindness by giving a sincere ‘thank you’ (and looking them directly in the eyes when saying it means a great deal as well).
We all need a little encouragement to know that we’re doing okay after all.
Thank you.
Image by Cutiepie Company.
A Tale Of Two Cities: NYC and LA
If you could split your time evenly between two places, and two places only, which would these be?
New York City, New York and Los Angeles, California
I am a city girl. Always have been, always will be. I was born and raised in the ‘burbs of Vancouver but constantly longed for a permanent residence in the middle of the metropolis. While I love Vancouver for its Canadian pride, earthy atmosphere, majestic natural beauty, and yes, even sometimes its rain, I sometimes feel stifled by what I believe to be its yet unfulfilled potential to be as great as it could be. People have called Vancouver the “No Fun City” for this reason.
I have only ventured to New York City and Los Angeles once each – NYC during Spring Break 2007 with my Grade 12 art class and LA last Summer 2013 by myself, both times before or after my respective graduations from school, actually – but I never felt as at home as I did during my weeks in those two cities. There are countless things to do, sights to see, and people to meet in this pair of vibrant and diverse places. You could browse through the art museums in Manhattan or go stargazing in Hollywood, and that’s just on the first day!
I was fortunate to visit New York and California during the winter and summer seasons, but I would love to experience life in both coastal cities all year ’round. Springtime in Central Park and Christmas in Southern California? Sign me up! A balance between the hustle and bustle of the City That Never Sleeps and the laid-back, take it easy vibe of the beaches of the City of Angels would combine the two lifestyles I seek. And sure, navigating these mega cities may be daunting, but I think there’s something so exciting and inspiring about being one of the millions of hopefuls who go to NYC and LA to make their dreams come true, and I wish to be part of that group.
Share Your World – Week 19
My good friend Megan inspired me to check out this blog challenge called “Share Your World“. Basically, Cee from Cee’s Photography asks her readers a new set of questions every Monday to answer on their blogs. I thought it would be fun to participate and let you guys to learn a little bit about me!
What object do you always have with you when traveling and why?
I always have my iPhone on me. It contains everything I’ll need to access when I travel – ticket confirmations, flight updates, email and social media apps, my music collection, notepads and to-do checklists, etc. And that means I’m always searching for Wi-Fi and charging stations wherever I go.
What subject would you like to study in depth, if given the time to do so?
Astronomy. I took an introductory course during my sophomore year of university (because I had to take a Science credit and it is the only scientific subject I have ever cared about) and had a great time gazing at and studying the stars in the sky. Once upon a time, I even aspired to become an astronaut when I grew up (I blame Sailor Moon for that). I visited the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles last summer and it invigorated my interest in the solar system and galaxies far far away.
Which would you prefer: a wild, turbulent life filled with joy, sorrow, passion, and adventure–intoxicating successes and stunning setbacks; or a contented bordering on happy, secure, predictable life surrounded by friends and family without such wide swings of fortune and mood?
This will come as a surprise to those who know me, but I’d choose a wild, turbulent life filled with emotional roller-coasters and the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Perhaps it’s just my selfish twentysomething quarter-life crisis side speaking, but if I was given the opportunity to embark on grand adventures, I would take it in a heartbeat. Of course, I’d probably eventually settle down for a life of happiness, security, and companionship, but let me LIVE first!
What are your favorite spices?
Baby, Posh, Sporty, Scary, and Ginger/Sexy. Oh! You mean food! Well, in that case – Cinnamon. My favourite drink at Starbucks is the Cinnamon Dolce Frappuccino, and I have a weakness for Cinnamon buns. Just the name itself (cinnamon) makes you feel all cozy and warm (cinnamonnn). I do not have the acquired taste for tolerating real spicy spices. “But you’re Asian.” Yeah, I know, but no. And hold the cilantro, please.
Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?
Last week, I was grateful to see a preview of summertime in Vancouver. The sun shone down on the city for a few days straight, and it instantly boosted people’s moods and made the flowers in my garden bloom! We’re back to typical Raincouver and overcast skies now, but it was nice while it lasted. In this upcoming week, I am looking forward to celebrating the wonderfulness that is my Mom for Mother’s Day.
Photo by Michael J. Bennett.
Elizabeth Rosalyn 