Two August’s ago, I went on the trip of a lifetime, traveling all over East Africa for three months. While on that trip I had the absolute pleasure of getting to know a fabulous group of people that I still think of fondly everyday. • Among those beautiful people, was @riamelvin (to my right). Throughout our Tanzania and Zambia/Zimbabwe adventures we got to be roommates, and shared some awesome (and terrifying) experiences together. • Later that same year around Christmas time and unbeknownst to any of us, Ria collapsed at a family gathering, only to discover she had a massive brain tumour that had caused a serious brain bleed leading to her collapse. Against all odds, they were able to remove the tumour, and over the last two years, Ria has had to re-learn how to walk, move, play sports and the like, doing so with that same infectious positive attitude we all grew to know and love while traveling together. • In June of this year, tests showed that the tumour had started to regrow. Again, she went in for surgery, and again beats the odds and is currently recovering, though she isn’t out of the woods yet. • Apparently the type of tumour she has is very aggressive and her only option to kick this thing to curb once and for all is a long series of expensive, private immunotherapy treatments in Germany. • If anyone is willing to help fund Ria’s treatment, they’ve started a @gofundme page where you can read her story and donate and share with others: • https://gf.me/u/yjm2w2 • I love you Lady! @riamelvin You were a big part of why my trip to Africa was so amazing and memorable! Get well soon and kick this tumour’s a$$ for good! I’m rooting for you! You got this!!❤️❤️❤️❤️ (at Victoria Falls Bridge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDbtVZPA7tv/?igshid=q5rnokp7dw7z

To this wonderful gem of a human, You make my heart happy. Thanks for being you and making me feel so loved and special every day. I love you. That’s it, that’s all, that’s everything. 🥰❤️💕 . . . . . #grateful #loveyoualways (at Port Coquitlam, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B71Zf3Ggg00/?igshid=wupvrg2xomgr

Accurate 👌🏼

“Drink some coffee and pretend you know what you’re doing.”

— (via purplebuddhaquotes)

I have to say I’m lucky to live in such a beautiful place with beautiful creatures likes these right in my backyard. 🥰🌿🦌 • It’s so special to see wildlife in its natural habitat like this. Little moments like this will definitely be missed once we move on from here into our new home, but I’m appreciating it as much as I can while I’m still surrounded by all this amazing nature.🌿🌲❤️ (at Steelhead, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7olhEkA46p/?igshid=1t2jcqqj0x56u

New Years hikes are the best hikes, especially when the weather is a crisp 12 degrees and the sun is shining on you.🌿🌲🌤 • We started 2020 off right in my opinion; fresh air, gorgeous nature, and the best company. • Cheers to thinking clearly in the new year and looking forward to a new decade. (at Mission, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7mcuTUAPPG/?igshid=1uhrfntnoypbn

After a lengthy (and much needed) hiatus from posting, I figured it was about time to get back into the swing of things. • The last you heard from me was on the topic of NaNoWriMo, a novel writing contest during the month of November where contestants needed to complete a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. • I entered, I wrote furiously, I edited and changed the direction of the story several times, and at the end of the month I didn’t quite manage to make it to 50,000 words. • I wasn’t disappointed in myself for nothing finishing the word count or the fact the story changed so much from its original direction. I was proud of what I had accomplished. • Will I go back to the story at a later date? Most likely, as it was a good idea to put into practice. When that will be? Not sure, but at least I can say I tried something way out of my comfort zone and did my best to meet the goal I set for myself. • Really, that’s all we can do is to try our best and come out at the end of things a little better, a little wiser, a little more self-aware than before. • My #mondaymotivation this week and moving forward is to be kind to myself in whatever capacity that means, and set goals that challenge me in new ways. (at Mission, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7jfxGXg0TU/?igshid=1fmc48tge8889

“You can feel the whole world and still feel lost in it. So many people are in pain - no matter how smart or accomplished - they cry, they yearn, they hurt … We all want the same things: comfort, love, and a peaceful heart.”

—

Mitch Albom

(via purplebuddhaquotes)

A couple months ago, I stumbled on NaNoWriMo, challenging writers all over the world to write an entire novel in 30 days. • I’ve never written a novel before, but since being back from traveling, I know I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve and am super motivated to try. • So here goes: From November 1-30 I need to write (and complete) a 50,000 word novel. • Wish me luck folks! The challenge begins today! 🥰🤗☺️📖🖊 (at Mission, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4VQKJgADtD/?igshid=1orvu98229n49

All you need is love, love. Love is all you need. 💕 • Wandering around Gastown this weekend with @myfriend_thedj, I stopped to take a pic of the beautiful brick sidewalk. I didn’t even notice I had stopped right in front of this little heart-shaped leaf until just now as I’m writing this caption. • Maybe I was meant to stop in this exact spot just to be given a little reminder of all the things (and people) I love in my life. • Thanks Universe! This made my day. Happy Monday everyone! . . 📸: @expeditionist_mag (at Gastown) https://www.instagram.com/p/B34fYc8gfYY/?igshid=lj6s6dla2xtu

When it’s raining in Vancouver do we stay inside? Heck no! ☔️ We go outside and play! • Today’s #fernwehfriday is brought to you by the fact that though the weather may turn, you can always go explore new places. • This charming little spot is in South Korea, somewhere we’d really love to go one day! • Happy Fernweh Friday everyone! Never stop exploring! 💕 . . . 📸: Helen Kim via @unsplash (at Vancouver, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3NIjTwB99A/?igshid=b892kaxsdvr5

Oh hello October! Aren’t you pretty!🍁🍂 • Can’t believe it’s October 1st already. Where did the time go? 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’m definitely looking forward to all the #sweaterweather coming up, but for now I’m enjoying all the changing colours of fall and the crisp cool breeze that accompanies this wonderful time of year. • Happy October everyone! Would you believe I haven’t had a single pumpkin spice anything this season yet? I’m WAY behind! 😆 (at Simply Perfect Flowers Inc.) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3FJv83g1CJ/?igshid=1sn8ob2okavpr

Today’s #fernwehfriday is brought to you by the lovely people and cultural heritage of Indonesia. • While in Yogyakarta, we visited this puppet master who made puppets for locals all over the island in traditional Indonesian style. • While we did explore a few of The beautiful islands in this country, There are hundreds of other islands were longing to explore! • First up, Sumatra and Lombok! Which ones would you like to see? Share below! (at Special Region of Yogyakarta) https://www.instagram.com/p/B27Im-Shz0R/?igshid=12hmh431i1o8d

When is it a good idea to expand your mind and learn new things? The answer: Always. • Here’s a short list of what I’m currently reading this month to do just that. • First, Looptail by Bruce Poon Tip, to satisfy my entrepreneurial inquisitiveness and love for travel. • Second, A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett, to satisfy my curiosity and wonder at how people overcome all obstacles and remain full hopeful. • Third, The Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan, purely for enjoyment. • How many books would you say you’ve read in the last year? 6 months? A month? • As a writer, do you only read for pleasure or do you read for inspiration and story structure? • Fellow freelancers, share your thoughts with me below! Happy Reading! 💕 (at Steelhead Community) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2xV22sAVNW/?igshid=1xejv8av8e4ih

Literally cannot wait until I’m off to explore Ireland and Scotland! Countries no.55 and no.56! 🥰 • In less than 6 months, I’ll be back across the pond, spending time with family, and getting to set out on some Irish and Scottish adventures! • First order of Business: visit the Giant’s causeway in Ireland! (How cool is this place? 🤗 Nature is so neat!) • Second, drink a pint of Guinness from the actual Guinness factory on St. Paddy’s Day!🍺🍀 • Any other recommendations you guys can share with me? I would love to hear them! Share your ideas with me in the comments below! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 . . . . 📸: Hugo Kemmel via @unsplash (at Giants Causeway) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2j4PrPgzjr/?igshid=7zb907jtl2hx

Taking a break from website designing, social media posting, and business building to spend time with this guy is always worth it! 🥰💕❤️ • The fact we were able to carve out a couple days of free time back in August was a miracle in and of itself, what with all the wedding DJ events we did together that were crammed into each weekend. • @myfriend_thedj and I got our rock n’ roll on at Rock Ambleside in North Van, and it was just that chill time we needed! • Cheers to taking a break from the daily grind and hustle to enjoy each other’s company! 🍻 . . . 📸: @myfriend_thedj (at Ambleside, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2hzrAZAcEs/?igshid=1akcctrxtxw1e

"Life shrinks and expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin⁠ .⁠ Would you have the courage to drop everything you have and leave to travel the world? What of kind fear strikes through the heart of you? What is holding you back from achieving your dreams?😨🙏🏻🙋🏼‍♀️⁠ .⁠ Find the courage to do something you love, no matter how scary it may seem. Your future self will thank you!⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ 📸: @_xpdtnst_ .⁠ .⁠ #expeditionistmag #expeditionistdiaries #responsibletourism #adventuretravel #tanzania #adventurepics #courage #culturetrip #culturetravel #culturegram #cultureshot #africansafari #travelaroundtheworld #later #latergram #explorationgram #travelogues #postcardplaces #travelbug #conscioustravel #africatravel #topdeckrtravel #wellnessandtravel #travelblogger #travelwriter #visitserengeti #ontheblogtoday #culturevulture (at Serengeti National Park, Tanzania) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2f4WosDWD5/?igshid=o3osnw9xy366

These volcanic rock formations at the top of Incahuasi Island were truly a sight to behold.⁠ .⁠ The official term for cave exploring is known as spelunking, and while that's quite a funny word, there's nothing funny about venturing into multi-million year old volcanic caves.⁠ .⁠ Try awe-inspiring or breathtaking and you might be closer to the mark when trying to explain the sensations you feel the farther down you go.⁠ .⁠ LInk in bio for more South American adventures!👆🏻👆🏻⁠ .⁠ .⁠ 📸: @_xpdtnst_ .⁠ .⁠ . ⁠ #expeditionistmag #expeditionistdiaries #responsibletourism #adventuretravel #southamerica #adventurel #culturetrip #culturetravel #culturegram #cultureshot #bolivian #travelaroundtheworld #smartertravel #welltraveled #later #latergram #explorationgram #travelogues #postcardplaces #travelbug #conscioustravel #southamericatravel #gadv #wellnessandtravel #travelblogger #travelwriter #visitbolivia #ontheblogtoday #culturevulture (at Incahuasi Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2fmOASIocU/?igshid=q4s8kz2v3x7s