10 steps to becoming a better writer.

Five of which are outlined below:

1. Write.
2. Write more.
3. Write even more.
4. Write even more than that.
5. Write when you don’t want to.

The rest can be found here.

Inspiration and collaboration.

Karl Lagerfeld's designs are coming to Macy's nationwide on August 31 for a fraction of the luxury brand's price. His sketches above aren't exactly what I expected from him, but they're making my head turn with ideas and inspiration.

I've selectively shared my vision and goals with two more friends whom I admire and respect deeply. I think with any venture, big or small, you need to build support for it while also being open for constructive criticism. Too often, we are so focused on what we are trying to achieve, we get tunnel vision, or become caught in the unrealistic expectations we've built for ourselves.

As I move forward, I am finding people who will not only listen to what I have to say, but will also share their concerns/advice that will come from a well-meaning, well-intentioned place, versus stemming from jealousy or competitiveness. That's the very worst.

The wheels are in motion.

“The world is changing and it’s up to us to play an active role in it. If we passively live our lives, the universe will act accordingly.”

– Jessica Krewson, FIDM Graphic Design Alumna and Art Director of Yogi Times

I've had an idea for a very long time now. The first person whom I first shared it with is someone who loves me and supports me greatly. The first stranger I recently let in on my secret told me she strongly believed in me.

The wheels are now in motion. I have been doing my research, attending workshops, reaching out to my network, asking questions, observing and learning from those who have been down this road before me.

These days, I wake up feeling excited again.

The seed has been planted. Now it's up to me to nurture it and let it grow.

I have so much to say. But too lazy to say them.

It's been a long week. I should probably head back to my parents' house tonight, but after a long (but fun!) week with friends and coworkers, I am in dire need of "me" time to recharge and reflect before a weekend filled with activity after activity with family and relatives. 

One definite thing on the to-do list, though: After reading Lisa Bloom's eye-opening article earlier this week on "How To Talk to Little Girls" (via A Cup of Jo), I am really looking forward to seeing my little girl cousins and all the conversations we will have about which books currently intrigue them, what subjects fascinate them most at school, and what country/city they'd love to visit some day. 

Happiest Friday.

Traveling Thursdays: Our time at Waka Shorea Resort, by the Balinese shore.

Manfriend and I spent a total of ten days in Bali, two of which we stayed at the Waka Shorea Resort.

An environmental sanctuary located on the shore of West Bali's National Park, the natural and aquatic surroundings made for an incredibly unique and memorable experience (heightened by the fact that we got ferried over by moonlight the first night we checked in). Secluded and isolated, guests can go hiking, diving, biking, or simply laze about by the beach or pool.

For a (slightly prissy) girl who has never been camping (yet), I surprisingly had an amazing time. The bungalows were rustic and charming - and I loved sighting various wild animals freely roaming about during various times of the day. This place isn't for everyone, I'm sure, but it's all about adjusting your expectations and having a sense of adventure: the resort is in the middle of the forest, after all!

But the moments that I have come to cherish the most, are now some of the most peaceful, wonderful memories I have taken back home with me from that beautiful island nation. From watching the sun slowly paint the skies and ocean water together, and eating all of our meals while we eavesdropped on the waves' conversations with the shore -- it is small little things like these that make any trip truly and entirely our own.