Art

Foot, wheels, trams and boats, lets take a look at Amsterdam!

Posted on September 10, 2013 by erikamae82

I’m so thankful for all of my travels to The Netherlands and the years of personal accommodations from dear friends that I’ve met abroad. This round, we get the keys to our friends empty apartment to come and go as we please! I would say “priceless”, but if you’ve ever done research, its definitely not priceless to stay the night in this popular city. So, a very big thank you to sweet Ioni for her open door and gracious hospitality.

Now, let me show you the magnetic energy that keeps me returning to the wonder world of Amsterdam!

Care for a stroll? So does most of the other people here! If you’re not feeling up for a walk, there’s also plenty of options with wheels to get you around.

Need to pick up the pace? Add a motor to the wheels! For those who don’t want to be in the drivers seat, you can always hop on a tram for only 2.80€ one way. (It’s the blue and white train looking object in a few of the shots below).

Yep, it’s for real.

For a guided excursion there’s a walking tour, or a comfy seat in the brightly covered busses with a knowledgable person behind a microphone. Love water? You can always coast throughout the canals of the city with a friendly captain explaining the sights that surround you.

Now since we’ve covered some options of how you might get around, lets take a look at what you may see as you explore the daytime streets of Amsterdam.

The “Hot Yoga Studio” made me giggle simply because I grew up in North America in which “40 degrees” is nearly freezing.

This sign stopped us in our tracks with a bit of confusion. What is it? A preventive new design that allows authorities to track thieves by a synthetic DNA code.

This is a lost and found station. If you find an item on the street or in a nearby cafe, you simply clip it up here with hopes that the rightful owner will come collect it. It also seems to be used as an easy way to advertise personal business or upcoming events. Today, I donated a sticker from the talented band Heritage. Side note, it was gone when I returned from a 30 minute walk… I’m thinking it was this happy fella who claimed to be lost and found!

Handstand shot!

Here are some creative pictures taken in this unique city using effects from my camera.

The next post will include but not be limited to food, friends and a smidge of the the nightlife!

Categories: Art, Uncategorized | Tags: Amsterdam, bicycle, Bike, Boat, canal, central, holland, streets, Tour, tram, walking | 2 Comments

“A man becomes what he thinks about…”

Posted on July 30, 2013 by erikamae82

“Got to visualize a better day, to materialize a better way…” Sound familiar? It should! These lyrics only begin to expose the energy brought by one of my new favorite bands, Heritage.

Quick recap of how I met these guys. Simply put, I attended a local gig, connected after the show and then kept in touch. Here they were last winter (click here) to see the full post.

This time around they played in Destin in which mom and I drove out to support their good vibe!

Her view…

My view…

Best view…

After reconnecting with guys, I ventured over to the home base to help load up for the road as they depart to perform on the Vans Warped Tour! Printing and folding shirts, labeling merchandise and packing up. This is where the invite happened in which begins the next portion of this post.

I’m going to continue this post by stopping you from reading. What? Yeh, it’s time for a short break to listen…and feel. Selfishly, it’ll make my post even better and secondly, you deserve to hear the good vibrations that spill from their music! One of my favorites is “Simplify”. Check it out at the Heritage Band website and gift yourself a moment with a song.

I’ll wait.

Now since you’ve experienced the sound, let’s take a journey with these fellas during just a small portion of their most recent tour.

These guys have been on the road for a bit and now there’s a group of us heading out to meet up with them. Before the sunrise, we prepped the 4 wheels with 5 girls (Me, Brittany, Gina, Jodi, and Jessica whom will all be described later) and the one and only princess of the crew, Alan.

First hour included the load up and a sunrise as we start the 7 hour road trip to our first show in St.Petersburg Florida.

The next 6 hours included musical seats while searching for lost items, nap time and a final gas up with lunch.

Finally arrived and ready to play!

Once in the park, first and most important stop is the Heritage Booth. This is the place where all of those shirts we folded and goodies we packed are now on full display to sell to the public.

We took a walk around to check out the other stages and scenery.

The view behind the controlled chaos is extended water with a setting that allows for a deep breath… and a handstand of course!

What time is it? 6:00… Show time! One thing I noticed with some of the other bands, is they would often start with a large crowd that would slowly dissipate. Heritage however, started with a few of us loyal bee’s upfront that turned into an amped up crowd. They’re magnetic!

Some fun shots with a little effects thrown on the camera.

After wrapping up an energetic set, they please some fans with a few photos before loading up and hitting the road again. To be continued in West Palm Beach!

This days brings more smiles, another show and the Florida rain. As we pulled into the venue, it was clear that mud would be a definite part of the days entertainment.

Time to officially meet the lovely ladies that I’ve been traveling with!

This is Jodi, there’s no question why she’s a great friend to the boys. The relaxed vibe and constant smile she carries, makes her comfortable to talk to and easy to be around.

Looking at the photo, on the right is the guitarist wife, Brittnay. In my opinion, she’s best described as driven with determination, all clearly shown through in her vibrant confidence. In the middle is the managers girlfriend, Gina. She’s an Independent and hard working girl that also ended up being my “almost partner in crime”… that story will not make the blog. (Enter relieved giggle sound here). On the left is good friend to Brittany and the band, Jessica. A chill girl that’s happy to be around, I would say she’s sweet with a little spice.

So, the storm finally lightened up enough to get us to the booth where fans hadn’t let the weather impact their event.

The rain left us with a hug of humidity and a clear stage for the guys to dominate on. Again with my observation, as it starts with just a few of us…

…and through hypnotizing energy and magnetic music, they pull a crowd that didn’t want to quit!

The fun pics of this show…

You guessed it… pack up, load out and after a cat nap we hit the road again. Next stop Orlando!

This day brings a bitter sweet feeling for me as I say ciao for now to the group and head away for my next adventure. A special thanks to Tony Verrecchia – Lead Vocals, Damien Kealoha – Ukulele, Matt Moore – Bass, Hunter Dawson – Guitar, RJ Hernandez – Drums and Jamah Terry on Keys & Sax.

I fully appreciate the flexibility in my life to do such spontaneous things that bring wonderful people, exciting events and memories that last a lifetime. Thank you mom for allowing me to share our time and experience new moments, this means a lot to me.

Next chapter brings a ride to the airport for my departure to the stunning island of Barbados!

Cheers to new friends, the open road and one love.

Categories: Art, Uncategorized | Tags: band, Bus, Florida, Heritage, Orlando, road trip, Tampa, van, vans warped tour, west palm beach | 2 Comments

Reduce, reuse and recycle… Into Art!

Posted on July 29, 2013 by erikamae82

The Blue Giraffe was a huge hit last year as I introduced the gift boutique that sits perfectly on the historic road of 30A in Watercolor, Florida. This year, I’m going to go even deeper and expose some of the incredible people that share their work here. With over 90 artists and 70% being local, you can imagine the intimate vibe and comfortable feeling that this shop exudes.

Everything below is from different artist all using recycled material from the beach, the road, and anywhere else something could be left behind. Can you see the random items in these pieces?

This canvas work is made from broken glass that’s perfect placed by the brilliant artist Mary Hong.

Is drift wood always in your way when you’re playing in the water? Try creating an eye catching piece from it!

On this day, one of the local artists have come to display a few new unique pieces that are made out of primarily salvaged and repurposed materials. From bottle caps to collectors soda cans, Alan Moore produces one of kind work… please enjoy!

Below is his 2 eldest daughters, Emma and Isabella who also currently sell their artwork in galleries in Florida and Washington state. What a family!

On this day, the Moore family guided a good ol’ art project and invited the public to join in! They provided the materials and helpful smiles while the participants brought creativity and patience. What a success!

Of course I made one for my dear mom, I chose to use her favorite quote. The fun spirited “thumbs up” in the background is Alan himself!

At the end of the day, the Moore family gave funny faces as we close up shop.

I’m only assuming that several of you are interested in more of Alan’s work, so let me connect you!
Click here to be directed to the Moore Family Folk Art website.

Craving more from the The Blue Giraffe gallery? Push this fancy link!

Categories: Art, Uncategorized | Tags: art, Blue giraffe, Florida, Panama city beach, recycle, Watercolor beach | 1 Comment

Pretend work and real play with my new friends at The Donkey Den!

Posted on April 10, 2013 by erikamae82

After my amazing welcoming present of the fishing last night (that fun post seen here) I wake up to get a nice tour before getting started with the others.

Looking at the guesthouse from the beach.

The view off the balcony looking back at the beach.

A walk through the kitchen and outdoor dining area followed by a peak in our room.

Did I mention there are 5 very relaxed dogs and 9 lazy cats?

Here is the creator, owner and very well known, sweet Linda. A generous woman who clearly has a strong drive considering she built this guesthouse from the ground up. I really have a hard time imagining the process she must of went through being new to Ecuador and having very limited knowledge of the Spanish language. That alone speaks in volume for her patient yet feisty personality.

We’re all here to pitch in to bring this place as far as it can go. Meet a power couple that has been here for two months already and has transformed the Donkey Den to what it is today. All the way from Australia, “just passing through” is Bernie and Trevor. (He usually doesn’t rock the pink top, but i think its a job well done).

Ann and Colin are what I believe to be a perfect balance of outgoing and grounded. With their creative powers combined, this adorable team turns everything they touch into a work of art. The love they have for one another is shown through respectful words and kind conversation. When I grow up… I want to be just like them!

PS: Ann has a blog too. Check her out at NeverLostAnn!

Finally, there’s Sophie. She’s laid back, naturally funny and extremely easy to talk with. Traveling through South America, we connected at the right time in the perfect place for our paths to cross and continue. Within hours of meeting we had plans to skip town together and spend a week heading south. For now, more work in the Den.

When the days work (if you call it that) is finished, you have many options to fill your time.

There’s reading, writing or sleeping in the hammocks -aka- “Hammock Therapy”.

Taking a walk through the town.

Our favorite is beach time of course!

I had a little (a lot) of fun getting side tracked with a stick in the sand and effects on my camera!

Each evening promises a gorgeous sunset to calm the mind and welcomes another peaceful night of realization that this is my life… I am so grateful.

Categories: Accommodations, Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, donkey den, guesthouse, hammocks, Paint, village, Volunteer | 6 Comments

Festival in Juayua, El Salvador

Posted on March 13, 2013 by erikamae82

We’ve made it to the weekend food festival to see what we can find while exploring the tiny streets of Juayua, El Salvador. This celebration happens weekly and brings other locals in as well as the random backpacker or traveling photographer.

Instead of the usual “story”, I’m going to break this post down into easy to view sections to give you a clear idea of this energetic day. You really cant make a wrong turn as you follow the streets lined with venders, music, people, and entertainment. So, please turn on your mind and open your eyes as you enjoy these photos!
I’m going to start out with my two favorite pictures of the day that capture the essence of the youth to the elderly of this brilliant village.

Entertainment! As you devour the local food and shop through the vendors, there is constantly stimulation all around you.

Care to get your nails done mid festival?

I’m sure you’re hungry by now…

Crazy corn! On the cob drizzled with a mustard mixture and red sauce then rolled in parmesan.

This is a lettuce bowl lined with boiled yuca, topped with coleslaw, salsa and chicharrón (fried pieces of pork rind or some kind of fatty fried pork… Yeh, not for me).

Snow cones!

Tamarind balls coated in sugar.

Fruit and veggies (my favorite!)

Finally, let’s just take a stroll and see what the streets have to say.

New friends…

…and a handstand of course!

I’ll leave you with my “creative” photo from the day. Thank you Juayua!

Categories: Art, Edibles!, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: crazy corn, Dancing, El Salvador, Festival, food, handstand, Juayua, Music, weekend | Leave a comment

6 buses, 1 mini taxi and French Salvadorian food

Posted on March 11, 2013 by erikamae82

We’ve seen the city, ate on the coast, stayed in the jungle and now we’re off to a small village called Juayua (sounds like “why-you-uh”). It’s about 3 hours by bus northwest of San Salvador and is known for their food festival and waterfalls, sign me up!
We could of payed for the easy route, but moms with me now (sneaky giggle here) so backpacker style we go with 4 bus transfers and a 9 block walk, totaling $1.70 start to finish.
Lucky for us, Walter was heading in the same direction so we got to tag along with a local for the trip. Let’s begin!

We start with a walk to the end of our block and catch #52 for $0.20 I would of snapped photos inside the bus, but it was standing room only which required a death grip on anything in site as the driver took this thing for what felt like drunken joy ride.

Next is a quick walk passing these mini venders to hop on the next bus numbered 4 at $0.25. Ps, it’s 6:30 in the morning.

For the third transfer we’re on a larger bus that takes us about an hour farther in our journey for $0.75. Here’s the bus terminal as we depart with a few pictures from the trip to our final bus.

Woohoo, final bus at $0.50. Not the one in the photo, I just got a kick out of all the bling. Check out the crowds and the goodies that they offer. Each time the bus stops, a few locals will hop on selling candy, fruit, bread or juice.

We finally arrive to our hostel in Juayua (description later) just long enough to throw down our bags and head off to a highly recommended restaurant in the side town of A’Taco. Side town? Yes, meaning another bus! I’m stoked and mom is… ready to eat. This bus included the usual sale of goodies and a mini taxi ride to follow.

Finally made it to our colorful dainty restaurant for some fun eats and tasty drinks. Introducing El Botón!

You may question our choice of French food in El Salvador, so let me explain. Tomorrow we’ll be walking the streets at a local festival eating from all of the venders plus, this magnificent place is known for organic goat cheese (made right here) and their sangria. Enough said.

Time for a handstand shot and a quick sample offered from a local woman who saw me trying to peak at what she was eating. The following picture of mom is while we were waiting for the bus home. Can you find our new friend? These are just a few examples of the kind people that compliment this beautiful country.

Finally the bus ride back for a good night of rest before the food festival. They always say “Do as the locals do”. So I did.

Categories: Art, Edibles!, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: A'Taco, buses, El botón, Festival, French food, Juayua, San Salvador, Sangria, treats | 2 Comments

An unexpected day with the locals!

Posted on March 8, 2013 by erikamae82

Returning to the city we find our hands already busy by helping the owners of the hostel prepare for a birthday party. Nati is turning 3 and here was our experience with the celebration!

The food for the guests was fresh fruit and a homemade chicken sandwich. Everything was made from scratch including the soft roll and the layered coleslaw. The orange soda is called Kolashanpan and if you like cream soda, you’ll love this local gem!

Let’s not forget the vanilla cake that was layered with dulce de leche, a common caramel flavor in Central and South America.

The following day we were treated with an invitation by Gladis (the owner of the hostel) to join her on an outing. Where? We have no idea, but that made it even more intriguing!

We had told her of our desire to volunteer so she was taking us to some local churches and orphanages to see if they needed any help. We collected contact info for the next week of opportunities and got to see a part of the city in which isn’t in your usual guide book.

We were so thankful for this unexpected journey and even more grateful as they treated us to view a hill that’s only known to the locals. It’s full of food, drinks, music and markets!

If you ever come to El Salvador, be prepared to partake in their traditional dish if pupusas. A corn or rice tortilla wrapped around the filling of your choice, we went for bean and cheese. The salsa is a spicy slaw accompanied by a tomato based sauce.

For a desert or sweet snack it’s hot cocoa and quesadilla. Let’s clarify here, a quesadilla is not a flour tortilla with melted cheese (as us adorable North Americans call it). It’s a fluffy sweet bread flavored with a small amount of cheese and sugar.

Thank you dear Gladis, Malcom and Jose for our wonderful excursion of local eats, treats and sights that usually go unseen!

Categories: Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: birthday party, casadilla, church, cocoa, grafiti, market, orphanage, pupsas, salsa, San Salvador | Leave a comment

Introducing the Tropical Farm!

Posted on March 3, 2013 by erikamae82

The morning starts off with a bus ride in which my brave mother followed my lead and took a seat. With one brow up, she was on high alert until eventually realizing that it’s all going to be ok… for now. (Enter mischievous grin here).

We get off at the appropriate stop to find our host Mauricio and a motor bike. He instructs mom to climb in behind him and for me to hop on the back with my gear (a backpack with all of our belongings in it). I didn’t snap any pictures of this circus, but it was extremely entertaining to me… As for mom, not so much. With a smile inside my helmet, I take in the surroundings as we make our way towards the farm.

Arrival to our new home, HARE KRSNA ORGANIC TROPICAL HOUSE!

We got an informative tour as Mauricio explains that everything you see on the property was either made from volunteers or the local kids using recycled material. Check it out!

All of the stone that’s used in this kitchen was collected from the side roads and within the village. The cylinder container was created with bamboo and broken glass that was cleaned off the streets.

As for the decor? It’s all recycled goods that’s been donated by creative people passing through. I even pitched in with a piece that I’ve been carrying for this entire journey.

Off to the garden to do some watering or for some of us, “aquatic organic therapy”.

This is our clean water tower followed by pictures that take you along the path to the outdoor “tropical shower”.

As the sun starts to set, we’re shown to our room and this my friends… this is when the experience begins to take a turn for my dear mom. Before leaving the states, we had a conversation in regards to the reality of volunteering in Central America. We discussed subjects such as limited food options, less comfortable accommodations, variety of transportation and the challenges of foreign language. Oh how we quickly learn that you can only prepare for so much, as the rest requires a flexible attitude and open mind!

With that said, I feel there are too many quality photos starting from dinner to the long night that’s ahead. I’m actually going to put it in a completely separate (and well deserved) post.

Until the next 12 hours on the farm, I’ll leave you with a couple of photos that find me enjoying a moment in one of the many hammocks.

Categories: Accommodations, Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Bus, farm, food, hammock, jungle, organic, scorpion, shower toilet, spider, walk | Leave a comment

Surprise attack!

Posted on February 27, 2013 by erikamae82

Time to catch up before I depart from the US for another stretch of amazing adventures!
Let’s do this quickly as I’m leaving for the airport this morning and you just never know when the next “wifi” will pop up in the journey.

After Oklahoma, I made a sneak attack on my unexpected mom. She thought I was flying to a friends place before my final stop in Atlanta… Wrong! I wanted to be there for her birthday (if you know my mom, this means the world to her!) so I had her friend pick me up at the airport and here’s what happened next:

Our phone call started with her upstairs (unable to see me) as I walked in the front door.

“Hey mom, how are you?” as I close the front door.
“I’m good, oh wait… I think my friend is here.”
“Oh, should I let ya go?”
“Nah, they’ll just come up the stairs.”
Sadly I reply “Awh, I wish it was me walking up the stairs.”
She responds with “I know, that would just be amazing!”

As she finished that sentence I topped the final step and walked around the corner.

With camera in hand, I did my best to capture her reaction. If you can’t tell, there was a combination of excited confusion, screaming, crying and a hug that pleasantly lasted a long time.

Our week in a few photos:

Valentines day she was hosting a gorgeous event that I got a sneak peak of. I loved capturing this moment as she was serenaded by the humble and extremely talented Jeff McBride. This was the start to her Birthday week celebration!

Next up, live music! If you’re into quality lyrics and a chill vibe, you will thoroughly enjoy my new friends from the band Heritage. These guys absolutely did a job well done by keeping the crowd smiling, dancing and for me personally… directing thoughts towards positive energy! Thank you Tony for your voice of peaceful sound and our inedible conversations that followed.

Ending our trip with a walk around some local spots and a market of fun eats, homemade goodies, all with an awesome view!

Thank you “honey” girl for letting me borrow your gloves!

Recognize this? Me neither. It was the post office used in the movie Truman Show with Jim Carrey. I had no idea it was filmed here!

From here, I jumped over to visit my good ol’ buddy Marshall in Jacksonville before we drove to Atlanta… My final handstand in the states before I depart again!

Next stop… El Salvador!

Categories: Art, Uncategorized | Tags: Atlanta, Florida, Jacksonville, Jeff McBride | Leave a comment

Yoga? You found me! LEAP this way…

Posted on February 6, 2013 by erikamae82

*Some of the photos below are borrowed from fellow LEAP lovers.

Depending on how long you’ve been following this blog, you probably get a solid idea that I believe things, people, and places are introduced into your life at the appropriate time. All for reasons that we may not even be aware of. Now enters LEAP yoga and everyone there!

LEAP is a studio located in my hometown of Folsom, California. I would often hear of the place through several invitations from friends who were already attending. At that time in my life, I chose working full time (over time), lifting weights, and dancing were my three priorities of energy expense. I’m not saying that I had chosen the healthier options… It’s just the way it was.

Upon returning to the ever so familiar city of Folsom, I was greeted by my precious (to say at the least) friend Crystal with an invite to join her for yoga. “Let me guess” I say, ‘It’s that LEAP place everyone keeps talking about, right?”. With a huge expression and a face filled with her contagious smile, she replies, “Yeh! So you’re going!”. Feeling the need to focus internally and release some tension, I decided it was a great idea, little did I know…. A brilliant idea! Let’s call it journey changing.

As you enter LEAP you’re greeted with genuine smiles and more often than not an abundance of sincere hugs followed by “I’m so excited you’re here!”

Side fun note: See that sparkling smile in the middle of the instructors photos? That’s Mark, a friend in which I used to trick-o-treat with back in our elementary school days. Now he’s a guiding light here at LEAP! Below is a photo from our old school yearbook, Awh…so cute!

Moving on to the natural calming sense that begins to take over as you make your way to practice. How can you feel stressed out when you approach a waterfall Buddha? Just feel the instant dropping of your shoulders as you enter a warm room filled with peaceful decor.

Im sure we’re all here for a different reasons. Many want the exercise and stretching, others might desire a sort of meditation or therapeutic session. No matter what your intensions are, as you arrive to the practice and you layout your mat, you’re tickled with an “indescribable” feeling. Something that grows within you as you acknowledge your purpose and embrace the beautiful experience. (Those feelings I will attempt to describe in a future post!)

Here is a scrumptious handful of photos to try and give you just a glimpse of the pure energy, sweaty smiles and active room that is… LEAP!

The creators, Cathy and Corey (pictured below) shared a vision for creating a studio where one could feel connected, supported and honored. “At Leap we are committed to building a community rooted in compassion, love and truth. We want to support all of our students in creating their best life.” Mission accomplished my new friends!

They have a modern website that is welcoming and easy to follow. I encourage you to check it out to get a more thorough idea of this magical place! Click here to be directed to leapyoga.net.

Here are two of my favorite pictures from the LEAP website!

A very deep and personal note of gratitude to Crystal, Jamie, Donna, Mark, Jenna, Michelle, Robert, Allie, Allison and Joy. You each have uniquely enhanced my life with such grace, I couldn’t have planned it for better. Thank you for sharing and enjoying our path crossing!

Categories: Art, Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: California, exercise, Folsom, Leap, meditation, peace, practice, Yoga | 1 Comment

Art

Foot, wheels, trams and boats, lets take a look at Amsterdam!

“A man becomes what he thinks about…”

Reduce, reuse and recycle… Into Art!

Pretend work and real play with my new friends at The Donkey Den!

Festival in Juayua, El Salvador

6 buses, 1 mini taxi and French Salvadorian food

An unexpected day with the locals!

Introducing the Tropical Farm!

Surprise attack!

Yoga? You found me! LEAP this way…

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