365 days project 2: Day 25. The listener

   We talk and talk and talk. We tell stories, we solve problems, we ask for information, we share observations. Sometimes the world needs us to listen. Not solve other people's problems, just listen to them talking. In some cases that helps more than giving unwanted advice. 

   Today I was a listener and I learned more than I would have by talking. 

365 days project 2: Day 24. Relax, take it easy

   I didn't travel by plane today, but I did travel somewhere: to Carefree land, the country where every problem has a solution hung on a magic tree. How does that work, you ask? Every time you are facing a difficult situation instead of worrying and turning into a headless chicken you go to the magic tree and pick a solution. And thus all the inhabitants of that place are always happy and at peace. 

   Today I took a walk in that country and it seemed too wonderful not to want to live there. Picking solutions any time I needed them was the easiest thing ever so now I want to go back as often as I can and it helps to know the doors are always open for me. Pssst, I heard anybody can go there whenever they want. Isn't that amazing?

365 days project 2: Day 23. Monkey see monkey do

   In ancient Greece (469 – 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom.

One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance, who ran up to him excitedly and said, “Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?”

“Wait a moment,” Socrates replied. “Before you tell me, I’d like you to pass a little test. It’s called the Test of Three.”

“Test of Three?”

“That’s correct,” Socrates continued. “Before you talk to me about my student let’s take a moment to test what you’re going to say. The first test is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?”

“No,” the man replied, “actually I just heard about it.”

“All right,” said Socrates. “So you don’t really know if it’s true or not. Now let’s try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?”

“No, on the contrary…”

“So,” Socrates continued, “you want to tell me something bad about him even though you’re not certain it’s true?”

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued, “You may still pass though because there is a third test – the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?”

“No, not really…”

“Well,” concluded Socrates, “if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?”

The man was defeated and ashamed and said no more…

   I remembered this little story today after having gone through a similar experience and I started thinking about how easy it is for us, people, to copy other people's behavior just because we see it all around. And by this I mean talking about others, commenting on what they say or do, gossiping just because we can. 

   Instead of planting seeds of war, we could all be planting seeds of love. It all depends on what we say. Is it true? Good? Useful? 

365 days project 2: Day 22. Judge(d)

   There are days and days. Days when you have the impression all the people on the street are giving you a weird look as they pass you by. You think maybe you have a stain somewhere or your hair is not in place and you feel awkward the whole day... and then there are days when you feel so powerful and beautiful you just love being in your own skin.
   There are also days when you have the impression that coworkers don't want to talk to you and they are upset with you for no reason. But you tell yourself you're overthinking it and that if they do have something to say, they will say it when the time is right. And even if they don't like you for a reason or another, it's perfectly fine. Not everybody will like you in your journey through life and you won't like everybody either. It's just how life works. 

   So at some point in one of those weird days you consciously decide to let people think what they might and just believe in yourself. You're unique and beautiful and you will tell yourself that every morning from that day on :) That way no random, weird looks or silent coworkers will change your positive vibe! And not even a stain or messy hair will change who you are!

365 days project 2: Day 21. Before and after

   Before I was expecting to celebrate my surprise bachelorette in Sibiu or Brasov... or even Turda for some odd reason. After I found out I'm actually going to Venice, the whole internet saw my super happy reaction.

   Before I was eagerly awaiting for the honeymoon in Italy in 4 months time, now, after I went to Italy waaay sooner than expected and tasted the Italian vibe, I am looking forward to the summer getaway with a huge grin on my face because I know exactly what I'm going to find. I don't care if Bologna, Florence, Pisa, Milan or Genoa are going to be full of tourists, the architecture and the wonders of Italy will definitely take my attention away from the crowd. Yes, I know for sure Italy is not going to be Prague. 

   Before I thought Venice might be too overrated, now I know it's exactly what the pictures show on the internet and so much more. Definitely not overrated, worth seeing by ANYONE.

   Before I thought Cluj was the best home for me and I would always miss it when I was away for more than a week, now, after having seen Venice I realized this is my second home, the place I'd always return to with love and anticipation, knowing I don't need thrills or special activities to feel at home there and that just wandering around its little streets would be enough. 

   Before I thought I hated the sea, now I know the sea can be breathtaking if it's close to a very beautiful city. The buildings in Venice have raw history in them, they have witnessed so many stories, so many people passed them by, they have a unique beauty that makes you want to keep wandering on the canals and watch them... before and after the sun sets.

    Before I was smart, after seeing Venice I became wise. Just a little bit.

    Before it didn't sink in that I am actually going to Venice, now, after coming back I can't wait to go back. I miss its streets, its canals, its gondolas, its random kind grandpas, the addictive food in Antica Trattoria Poste Vecie and even the cheap wine we drank together, the book shops, the people, the feeling of bliss.

365 days project 2: Day 20. Falling in love... with Venice!

   When you fall in love, it doesn't happen because you planned it. It comes all of a sudden, taking you by surprise and embracing you with an unstoppable force. And then you're left mesmerized thinking that all that time before you had no idea you needed air to breathe and this person is now the air you can't live without.

   When you fall in love with a city it's a bit different. You felt comfortably at home somewhere until you discover this whole new city that sweeps you off your feet. You soon realize this is your paradise home, the place you'd always want to be around. No money, no special people, just you and this city. That's what Venice is to me. 

   After having been to the Black Sea for a couple of times I was sure the seaside sceneries bored me. But when I saw the sea around Venice and all the canals, I was proven wrong. I fell in love truly, madly, deeply with its absolutely beautiful, old buildings, many lanterns, bridges, tiny streets and gondolas... the whole romantic vibe and then... the sea scent, the waves shining in the sun and crashing on the shore, the sound of boats passing by and hungry seagulls, so many colours and so much life! Even Italian seems in the right place in Venice. And I love their funny accent when they speak English. You can never get bored in a place with such a wide array of delicious food: pasta, pizza, all sorts of cheese and yummy spices, fresh seafood and all the food the whole world loves.

   I used to worship Cluj and think it was the best place for me to be in, but without knowing, Venice became the place that makes me feel completely at home because it has everything I love in a city. Even more than Cluj.  

   I cried happy tears in Venice. I was on a boat wandering on the sea and watching the surroundings, breathless, in awe, in a state of utter bliss and I had to let it out somehow. I never understood why all my life I wanted to see Venice so much but in that very moment I knew. This city was calling me and it took years and years of waiting, but it was all worth it because in the end I found exactly what I was looking for in such an unexpected place. 

   Venice is and will always be my second home, the paradise where I'll find myself when I am lost, relax when I am stressed, create when inspiration seems so far away, my true love, my Norway.

365 days project 2: Day 19. Blind(folded)

   Yesterday I saw a blind woman walk before me on the sidewalk and as I was walking behind her I was trying to picture myself in a world without sight. It was very frightening. Impossible. Unimaginable. A visual artist without sight is like a composer without hearing. Beethoven might have done it, but I couldn't. 

   And this brings us to... this present day when I was "kidnapped" at 5 AM by my maid of honour and one of the bridesmaids to go... somewhere. I told you previously that I was eagerly awaiting this day. And guess what. After going to the "getaway car" I was blindfolded and had earplugs in my ears and music was blasting through them. I couldn't see or hear anything. That was all fine and dandy until I had to get off the car and walk blindfolded like that towards what I thought would be the train station. In that very moment when my friends took my hands and were guiding me that image of the blind woman that I saw the previous day came back very clearly to me and with it all my thoughts I had then. I knew I was guided by my friends but I couldn't help not feel a bit of fear of the unknown. I didn't know where I was, if I had to climb some steps, if I could bump into something or someone and that whole feeling was a bit nerve wracking. I was happy it only lasted for a few minutes because in all that time that seemed like an eternity I became so thankful that I can actually use my eyes and create art. I don't mean to say that blind people can't be artists, I know they can, I just think I couldn't be a photographer anymore. Not the way I am now. 

   The good thing about this whole situation is that at the end of the walk there wasn't a train station waiting for me but the airport. Yes. The airport. And then the blindfold came off and I was handed in my passport and a flight ticket to... Venice, Italy, the city I ALWAYS wanted to see! I couldn't believe my eyes. This was the "somewhere" everybody around me was keeping as a secret. My dear God, what a huge and beautiful surprise! The trip that would soon become the best trip I have ever had in my life! 

365 days project 2: Day 18. Let's be childlike

 

   A child's world is very small. He only knows what he loves: his family, his toys, his buddies at the kindergarten and that's all he needs to be happy. An adult's world is bigger. Way bigger. It involves many responsabilities, wishes, hopes and needs, taxes, parents of his own, kids, a house and so many more. A parent's happiness is always different from that of their child. He eagerly awaits for the night to come and the kids to go to sleep so that he can enjoy some time for himself. But in all this daily rush people forget that every child is a blessing and that we should be thankful for them and learn from them... how to be very honest but also how to give compliments without expecting anything in return, how to love without boundaries, how to ask for what we want until we get it and how to love life without regrets. 

   For kids there's only today. No yesterday and no tomorrow. Let's learn from them and be happy we have them around. They are all little gems that can make our day more beautiful if only we allow them to :)

365 days project 2: Day 17. Help the world

   The funny thing about kindness is that when we see it on the internet we are moved to tears when in fact it should happen every day, shouldn't it?

   The society we live in has taught us to fight for the resources and care about our individual well-being. So this is why societies that put the community on the first place don't face the same problems we do. 

   It's so easy to lend a hand, to care and to show the others you want to help them. I know, there are people who take advantage of these benevolent beings but why always put the negative side first? Why not just give into being the person you would like to meet, the one who passes by smiling to someone and help when needed? Think about it. When was the last time you were kind just because? Start today. Do something kind every day. It'll come back to you multiplied, but don't do it for that, do it because you can and the world needs it :) Be a flower rising from the concrete :)

365 days project 2: Day 16. tiME

   Time. An hour can feel like a year or like a minute. When you're looking forward to an event it feels like time is dilating and when you're planning for another can make it feel like it's shrinking. Isn't it funny how the same amount of minutes can take so many shapes?

   These days, more than ever I can't wait for time to pass faster until this Friday, the 25th. My girls and I are going "somewhere" for a weekend to celebrate my Bachelorette Party. I have NO idea where I'm going, who exactly is coming and what is happening there. I just know it will last for a weekend and no matter how much I tried to find clever questions to get some clues I couldn't get them so here I am, reaaally hoping time passes faster so Friday can come sooner. On the other hand, there isn't much time left until the wedding and the paperwork for marrying a foreign citizen seems way more complicated than I initially thought. So natually I hope I'll have enough time to solve it all before the deadline. 

   One person wishing for time to both shrink and dilate. Now that's something you won't see every day, I bet :)

365 days project 2: Day 15. One year

   Today it's exactly one year since Oliver and I moved in together and my feelings are 180 degrees opposite from what they were 365 days ago. 

   I was crying after my parents left. I realized I will no longer live with them, under the same roof, ever again. So even if we had phones and skype and visits, it would never be the same. I wanted this move for at least 10 years and when I finally got it I realized what it actually meant and tears formed in my eyes. Sure, we've been through highs and lows with my parents but they were always my best friends and this time I was completely on my own. Ok, maybe sharing everything with Oliver, but they weren't there to help me with absolutely everything. I wasn't afraid that I didn't know how to cook (God knows I love doing that even though years ago I saw cooking as a MUST not as a passion), or that I didn't know how to wash clothes, dishes and clean my home (my parents taught me that plenty of times) or not even that I don't know how to fix things because I knew the internet had the answers to anything and my dad was just a phone call away. I was ready to fly away from the parental nest, but the emotional side of it has never occured to me until I actually saw myself closing the door behind my parents. It hurt. But it was bittersweet, you know? Because I knew my life was just beginning and I was VERY excited to finally live it according to my own rules, without any sort of boundaries or curfews.

   And so it was. I had this apartment in front of me, this little part of Cluj that reminded me so much of my buni and my childhood years, all my giggles and games I played with my brother, and these memories gave me more enthusiasm to really make this place mine... ours. Since I always loved interior design and I had a file in my computer full of photos for inspiration for my own home I started putting into practice all those ideas I always loved. I handcrafted some decorations, I put an artistic touch all around the apartment and I realized I really loved seeing butterflies and owls everywhere and that's how the apartment became known as the Butterfly Home or rather The Owl Residence. I now have a lot of butterflies and all shapes of owls (including a candle) around and many, many candles in the big room. I can truly say that this year has helped me decorate my dream home, that place that makes me feel relaxed and in my own element every time I step inside. A vase with fresh flowers always by the entrance, the fluffy pillows on the sofa, the Klimt painting on the wall and lately the leafy curtain are everything I need to feel at HOME. Ah, home, what an amazing feeling!

   Oli and I were the best team starting day 1. We have always worked very well together and we are very good at planning dishes, parties, cleaning and washing and whatnot. We see each other mainly in the evenings and during weekends, but that's the normal standard nowadays anyway so we compensate by random love messages throughout the day. This way we keep the love and passion alive. Love, such a humble yet amazing feeling! I don't think I could have lived away from Oliver for much longer and this move has definitely turned us into husband and wife even before the actual wedding. One year later and we're still a great team, we love each other more and more (and I'm not just saying it because it sounds good, I swear!) and I'm more sure than ever that this move has been the best decision yet. I am definitely the happiest woman alive! 

 

365 days project 2: Day 14. Happy SUNday

   Every day is a miracle. It brings a new gift that can make your day beautiful. It's right there, in front of you, you just have to reach it and grab it. 

   I had the perfect Sunday, full of sun, new books, smiles, kisses, love, addictive games, new recipes and just laying in the sun and soaking it in. You don't need a lot of things to be happy. Anything will do, really. It's just a matter of opening your heart and accepting the wonder of life unfolding in front of you. 

   Happiness day, first day of spring and everything is in bloom. At last, our spring is here. Less than two months :)

365 days project 2: Day 13. Right here, right now

   Close your eyes. Listen. Feel. Can you hear the birds chirping? Can you feel the sun on your skin? Everything's happening Right Now. Spring is in full bloom. Look around. What's new compared to last week? When was the last time you paid attention to what was happening to you Right Then?

   Today I remembered some experiences happen just once in a lifetime and I want to fully live them. This is the place (picture) where I'll celebrate my wedding in less than 2 months: Wonderland. 

   Today we tasted some food for the big event. Many other people tasted the same food in the same time as we did. How many of them did it automatically because it had to be done and how many of them lived the experience to the fullest? No one knows. But once I got outside of the venue and I looked around I saw THIS: beautiful and elegant, ready to receive brides and grooms and their families celebrating their big day. 

   I'm so excited! We're one step closer to the wedding. I hope it'll be sunny. But we'll cross that bridge when we get there. Until then I want to live in the NOW and enjoy this feeling for 2 more months :) It'll never come back. 

365 days project 2: Day 12. Push me

   Once upon a time there was a little seed laying in the soil. The room was dark and the seed was lacking sun and water to be able to grow. So the master took the seed and put it in a different room, full of sun and warmth and watered it enough until this beautiful plant grew out of the seed and little blossoms could be seen everywhere. 

   How would the seed end up if no one would have moved it? Dead, for sure. That's how, in real life we all need "pushers", the people who make you surpass your imposed limits, the ones who push you outside your comfort zone and make you grow, be a better version of yourself.
   I met a pusher today and I was frustrated to be pushed. I really liked it in my very comfy bubble and I didn't want to step out of my comfort zone. But after some minutes I really thought about it and I realized being pushed is not so bad because it will make me grow and gain more experience. And that's how changing your mindset can change a frustrating event into a helpful one.
   We live and learn, but it wouldn't be the same without the pushers :)

365 days project 2: Day 11. Serendipity

   Picture this: you're waiting for the bus and an old lady comes up to you, asks something about a bus, you realize you're waiting for the same one and you start talking. You've never seen her in your life and you will probably never see her again. Still she carried a very deep message that made you meditate long after you parted. Then, the very next day you sit down on your regular bus and an old man sits down next to you and he starts talking to you mainly about the same ideas the previous day's lady talked about. Now, we all know old people love to chat about their life but what are the odds that in two consecutive days two different people randomly come to you and talk about the same thing: how to live a long and happy life? 

   These two encounters made me think that the Universe was trying to send me a message. So I opened my heart and soul and I listened. I remembered I was praying for guidance for a while and then I knew: this was the guidance I needed. 

   If somebody else would have met these two people they would have just shruged it off and said "ah, old people, so chatty" and just leave it at that and go on with their life. But I'm the one who notices all the little details and then improves her life borrowing some old people's wisdom gathered in so many years of living on this planet. Why not open your heart and listen to what random encounters bring? Maybe the Universe is trying to send you a message. Make sure you're getting it! :)

365 days project 2: Day 10. Learn from your mistakes

   Mistakes. We make them daily. We hurt people without wanting, we wake up in the middle of a fight we didn't look for and we want to solve it but we can't because we are told we can't undo what we did. And that hurts us as much as it hurts them because not a single second did we think that our actions can have such wild consequences.

   People choose to feel hurt, to be victims. Sometimes no matter how much you try to explain the rational reason behind your action they won't accept it. So you let them be and you learn from your mistakes, what you did wrong to hurt them. You decide you'll be paying more attention next time because in the end some people are more sensitive than others even if they don't seem like it.

365 days project 2: Day 9. Good day

   When we are kids we see life as an endless field covered in snow: white. In the first years we receive. And receive. And receive. Information, love, attention, gifts. When we start growing up we are taught we have to give back too. Life turns black. So many things we HAVE to give, so many rules to obey, so many people asking things from us. Teenage years. When we become adults we realize life is definitely not just white or black but that it has those "50 shades of grey" in it. We have to go through countless experiences to reach that wise destination, but I am hopeful that most of us do. 

   Now, about that white in there though. I don't want to think that as we grow up we lose our faith in humanity and world in general. We all keep our inner child with us and we are all happy when something good happens to us. And something good happens every day. These are the things that made me happy today:

1. I received an unexpected "just because" gift full of things that I like very much.

2. The kids at the kindergarten liked my activity and they were brave to accomplish a rather difficult task.

3. I had a very deep one-on-one conversation with a 6 year old.

4. I had a very good talk with the principal.

5. I received a very touching praise from a girl's granny.

6. I bought a new bag! Yahoo!

7. I found out that next week I'll start the dancing lessons for the wedding!

8. I caught the bus just in time.

What made YOU happy today? 

365 project 2: Day 8. Don't worry, be happy, feel good

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" 

Matthew 6:25-27

   We worry every day. about small stuff and big stuff. Our brain is wired like that. Some worry more than others, but we all go through this. And we run from point A to point B and then C and D and E and F for a whole day. Did you ever count how many places you visit a day? On Mondays I visit around 5. 

   We go on and on and we want to meet expectations and be the best in what we do because that's how we were raised but on our wanders from point A to point B we should also look around and observe the world around us. This is how we notice tiny, little day changing events like a crow eating a pastry from the ground. It picked it up and it took it on a wire to eat it undisturbed. How amazingly smart these birds are and thus they survive and live on happily. While I was observing this, I remembered the Bible quote above and it just hit me: even if I might be 3 minutes late, walking is better than running and people won't think I am the worst person ever if I am not there on the dot. 

   I have "wake up moments" like these when I realize I should take it slow. Yeah, organize it all, but slow down and breathe and do what i love most: look around, notice life blooming, birds eating and then singing happily and know that whatever comes, everything will be fine. Such a small moment made my day :)

365 project 2: Day 7. Farewell

   Today my phone's camera died. Just like that. All of a sudden and without any hope of revival. I never knew I had been so connected to my cellphone until I started feeling physical pain in my stomach at the thought of having lost my ability to take photos. You might not get this. I take photos every day. To things that are inspiring or interesting and I want to remember. No, I'm not addicted to my phone, I'm not obsessed or crazy if I don't hold it in my hand 24/7. It's just that, as an artist, that camera was like an extra limb. But even though, my reaction was definitely unexpected. I literally felt sick until I realized that no matter what I do I can't save my phone and I need a new one. Did this ever happen to you? It's weird, isn't it? 

   Years back we didn't even have a cellphone. I had my first one in 11th grade. That would make me around 17 years old. I never cared how my phone looked like or how "intelligent" it was, I just needed to be able to call people here and there. Until I discovered the world of photography and phone cameras became better and better. You'd say taking photos with your phone is such a poor choice of "an artist". I'll correct you. Sometimes my phone took better photos than my camera. So I started appreciating it more, using it more for my random snaps and for other memories. 

   I have a feeling I'm not the only one really connected to their phone. Maybe you like certain apps, some like to play their usual games, others use it to connect to their friends. Either way, one thing's for sure: in 2016 we're way more connected to our phones than we used to be. Is it bad? Is it good? Who can be the judge of that? 

   After 3 years of friendship I'll say... Farewell, dear friend! You were really appreciated! 

365 project 2: Day 6. Mission accomplished

   

   Every now and then I love trying out a new recipe. I buy everything I need, I do a lot of research online to make sure I am ready for what comes and then I start working. Of course that most of the times something happens and I have to redo part of the recipe or adjust it. Today wasn't an exception. I'd more likely call it an adventure! Most people would bake the simplest version of a new recipe and see how it goes. I take a dive and decide to do 3 different types of fillings. At the end of the day, after accomplishing the trials just like in fairytales, the result is pretty outstanding. And this is what makes me go on.

   We might meet obstacles very often in our life, but that doesn't mean we should give up. Let the obstacles teach you the lesson you need in order to grow. Never give up, never surrender, you can do way more than you think you can! Sure, you'll get frustrated in the meantime, but learn to be patient because everything's going to be worth it when you achieve your dream. Today I achieved mine! :)

365 project 2: Day 5. Take a peek

   Today wasn't an easy day at work. I spent some time in a class that seen from the outside might seem like your average, Romanian kindergarten class. Until hell unleashed. Some kids were crying, others were fighting and others were running everywhere... all in the same time. I have no idea how the teacher could handle this class until today. She seemed defeated too. 

   I won't complain about the system again. We all know it's faulty. For me it wasn't as hard as it was for her, because I only visit her class once a week. I know her problematic kids, but the complicated thing is that they're all put together in the same class with only one teacher to oversee them, a teacher that will slowly go mad if something doesn't change... and how could it change if the parents see the teacher for 2 minutes a day; one minute... when she's smiling in the morning while greeting the kids and the other one at noon when she waves them goodbye. 

   Parents expect us to raise their kids while they have no idea what's going on at school because they don't ask questions other than "did he eat?". Is that the most important thing in a child's life?

   Why do people have kids if they don't WANT kids? Why does society pressure us into getting married and having a child if we're not going to be THERE for him and teach him how to fly? Why do we expect the teachers to do our job? ... I might change my view in some years when I'll have my own kids, but showing interest and asking the teachers details about how you can help your kid be better every day can make everybody's life so much easier... 

   If the parents would take a peek, just a little one, inside the everyday life of that teacher, I bet they would change their behavior. I hope that one day they will. Then they will realize she deserves so much more than a flower on the 8th of March.

365 project 2: Day 4. To love or not to love

 

   Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? 

   I would choose the first one. As much as it hurts. It was sad to hear today someone telling me that they have never loved anyone, have never been in love, nor are they looking to fall in love at all. I happen to know this person fairly well and I can tell, as a friend and as a psychologist, that something is missing in their life. And even if they don't want to acknowledge the need of love, they are looking for it in every person they meet. So then... why fear being hurt? We have ONE life, ONE chance to live it fully, fall in love... repeatedly until we find the ONE... the one who's going to fit in perfectly in our puzzle, the one who's going to make us smile every time we see their face because we love them immensely, so much that words can not explain. 

   Why lose this thrilling feeling by denying ourrselves the miracle of love?

365 project 2: Day 3. Changing the world

   Today I thought about change. I talked about it so many times before. I thought about it just as many times late at night in bed or randomly during the day in my office or on a bench outside. Change doesn't happen suddenly, just like I said yesterday. We need time and determination. Motivation to change.

   We influence one another every single day. Do we need to change ourselves for the world? I think we do. At least when we realize something is going wrong, when something WE are doing has bad consequences, it hurts people and it prevents them from being happy around us... as lovers, parents, siblings or friends. 

   We all have light and darkness inside of us and we can choose. Do we let the Hulk get out and ruin our friendships and our relationships or do we keep it under control and we start working on ourselves FIRST and then expect people to change instead of the other way around. Change must come from within.

                Think about it. What would you change about yourself in order to change the world?

*Painting made by my best friend, Julia

365 Project 2: Day 2. Womanhood

   It's 8th of March again. Everybody's celebrating the women all around and I'm happy they take time to do that, but is it because they want to or because they are taught they have to? Do women know when they become women? Do they truly acknowledge what being a woman is?
  Today I heard someone ask if the supermarket also had flowers for sale. "No" was the answer followed by "Why not? It's 8th of March, we need flowers". The city was filled with them either way. Just not that supermarket... Somehow it seems to me that like Valentine's day, this day mainly reduces to a humongous mass of flower sellers who want to make as much money as they can and a lot of men who want to please their women and go for "something presentable and hopefully cheap". Because they HAVE to bring flowers home. The other men bring flowers because they know their women would love to receive them but also because they realize what kind of women they have around them and they treasure them every single day not just once a year. They say "Thank you", "I love you!", "Have a wonderful day, sweetheart!", "You are so beautiful!", "I loved your food", "Can I help you cook?" They care. They don't have to give flowers to show their love. Their women just know. And these are the men that help this world go on, the men who help women wake up with a smile on their face... It's so simple to make a woman happy! No, really! You just have to pay attention to what makes her smile and do that more often :) There it is. I told you the secret.
   I searched "woman" in the dictionary. It says it contains "the nature, characteristics, or feelings often attributed to women". People think being a woman means being sensitive, gentle, fragile and in need of protection. But they forget the warrior nature that we also have rooted deep within us. How else would we be able to go on through life after so many heartbreaks and lessons learnt one way or another, give birth and raise kids beautifully, take care of the household and still be wonderful women who deserve those flowers on the 8th of March? :)
   Becoming a woman is a gradual process. It's not like going to sleep a teen one day and waking up a woman the next one. It takes time for the seed of womanhood to grow inside and then bloom and have fruits on the outside. But we do know when we become women. It takes some time to acknowledge what that actually means and we're often confused because of all the duties and responsabilities society gives us at certain ages when we "should" be women. Some girls take more time than others. And that's alright. As long as they acknowledge that being a woman doesn't mean you're perfect and always in control. That you're allowed to have fears, to not know what to do next or how to solve a problem alone.
   We're all humans. Men and women. And the 8th of March should be about appreciating the women for both their gentleness and their fierceness. For that "je ne sais quoi" that makes them necessary in men's lives. At least that's why I would give my woman flowers if I were a man. Wouldn't you?

My second 365 days journey - Day 1. A new beginning

Dear diary,

   There comes a time when you realize life passes you by and the only things you left behind are some photos of meals you cooked and cute stuff you've seen. I'm right there. 

   Compared to all the past years, there's a wedding approaching in 2 months. My wedding. The one I always dreamt of planning and decorating in such a way to make all my dreams come true. I've always been passioned about weddings. I would LOVE to decorate weddings for a living... Mine is on its course. Almost everything's done and my main projects (2 albums I've been working on: one - 30 years of marriage for my parents and the other one - the second year of life for Carl and Aaron) are done as well. I feel I need a new challenge. Something to keep me on my toes. Something to make me open my eyes wide and look around searching for beauty. Something to make me talk to myself more and rediscover myself now, at almost 28 years of age....

   Minutes ago I was watching the wall above my computer. The one with many wonderful photos I took along the years that make me proud to have witnessed such amazing beauty and that I was lucky enough to capture it in pictures. And that's how I realized. I took all those photos long ago. And now I'm going on through life turning into a wife to be. One that is not even ready to have kids. One that desperately needs to find the artist within herself. So here I am. Starting another project. Another 365 days of daily photos and thoughts. And what day could be better chosen than 3 years and a half apart from the first project? :)

                Let's see what changed in all these years... Here's to a brand new journey!

Very excited,

D.