Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 12:50 AM
"Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death. And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." 
- Anais Nin

I arrived at something like sort of like my nirvana the other day in Sydney when Chris and I stepped inside this very unassuming bookstore to discover an endless abyss of colorful and tattered old books. It was like they kept going forever. The books were stacked floor to ceiling and scattered all over the floor. It was a beautiful chaos. There was so much story living in one room. It was magical. It seemed endless, fantastic and wonderful. I could picture myself sitting there for hours picking up book after book filling my heart and mind with the knowledge, wisdom and possibility found within these dog eared pages. The thought crossed my mind that maybe I could become a sort of 'monk-woman' for a time and hangout in old library's and bookstores much like this one and just read for days at a time, fall asleep with a book in hand and a smile on my face. I seriously considered it for a moment standing in that beautiful mess ;) 

I thought about what makes a brilliant story. The blossoming. The transformation. The heartache. The fear. The Love. The giving. The overcoming. These pages were filled with story. In many ways that is where I am in my life....at the bloom, sometimes it is fantastically challenging, but it seems there isn't anything more rewarding than experiencing those beautiful transformative moments when you see parts of yourself you never knew existed and you stand surprised. I have always believed we are far more capable than we ever give ourselves credit, but in order to see those beautiful parts of us we have to experience and invite the transformation process. It's an uncomfortable place to be sometimes, but that is where real, adventurous life is lived.

I picked up a book the other day in Melbourne and on the first page was a quote that struck me, "the end of your comfort zone is the beginning of life." The bloom never happens in comfortable states of mind. It happens in the challenge and the overcoming, the moments of adversity. Our life can be a brilliant story, most times we just need to continue seeking 'the bloom,' or the process of becoming everything we were meant to be... 

In other news, I have 5 minutes of free wireless left. I'm parked in a camper lot in a 1966 cute as hell VW camper bus in New Zealand. Chris and I are in heaven here. oh, me, oh my.... I feel like we could bump into a neighborhood of hobbits taken straight from the scene of Lord of the Rings at any moment.... bliss.


Thoughts
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jade says: Monday, November 22, 2010, 11:28 AM

your photos are beautiful. but the heart that you are showing in this post is beautiful as well. i am in a "blooming" process as well. i pray yours turns out positively!

Sharlene says: Saturday, November 20, 2010, 07:30 AM

I don't normally comment, just read along :) But this post is so opportune for me right now. It hits the spot of where I am at and to hear it from someone else, no matter how much you know it, is encouraging. Thank you :)

sarah schrader says: Thursday, November 18, 2010, 06:40 PM

shoot sarah. way to inspire me again! you rock :)

Dorothy says: Thursday, November 18, 2010, 05:34 PM

I really needed this. thanks sarah. I miss you guys!

Laura says: Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 01:10 PM

I would love to go into that bookstore and read all those books! Looks like heaven!

anda says: Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 10:33 AM

okay, this looks like the most amazing place on the planet. i'm in heaven simply looking at the photo.

Rich Park says: Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 03:28 PM

what an amazing little bookstore! your picture says it all - but it still sounds like something that you have to see for yourself to believe. thanks for sharing!

Leah says: Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 12:12 PM

So true, your writing also reminds me of a quote I found somewhere, but I no longer remember where, "There is no growth in a comfort zone, and no comfort in a growth zone."

I hope that you enjoy your time abroad -- since it isn't technically a vacation.

Annie says: Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 01:00 AM

Where is that?! I think I need to go there... :) You're such a beautiful writer :)

Monday, November 1, 2010, 06:39 AM
We arrived by ferry, when we stepped off the boat we were bombarded by locals trying to sell us the "best deal" on their hotel or car rental service. I looked all around me trying to find a way out of the hustle. We flagged down a taxi and threw our things in back with the exception of our camera equipment which was strapped to us at all times. The taxi driver cruised up the mighty cliff switchbacks and I watched out the window as the giant blue Aegean sea became even more vast as we cruised from the port to the top of the cliff. It was breathtaking in every sense of the word. Chris and I both sat in silence as we looked out of our respective windows in awe at the sight before us. It was a moment of abandonment, freedom and wanderlust. I wanted to take my camera out and shoot out the window, but I knew this was a moment just between God and I. It was was one of those rare moments where my camera wouldn't do the experience any kind of justice. So I just kept it for the small pockets of my heart.

When the driver dropped us at where we were staying I was a bit skeptical. He let us off on a small road in front of a very humble hotel front. Chris and I were doubting our internet find as we walked in to see the front desk. It was an old worn down office with old remnants of Greek history, it smelled musky and dust floated in the air. The man at the front desk offered to walk us to our "apartment" as he called it. As he lead us down the cobblestone pathway and we arrived at the top where the apartements were. As we looked over the cliff my heart started beating fast and my eyes were as big as a kid in a candy shop for the first time. There was a beautiful little community built right into the side of the cliff. It was stunning. The light danced around the stark white buildings that overlooked the ocean. It was incredible. So our "humble" hotel turned out to be an incredible historic home built into the cliff. We could open both of our doors and look out at the ocean. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Santorini was magnificent. breathtaking. romantic. charming. 

p.s.- Today is the first day of November, where did the summer go?! gone so fast.

Thoughts
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Michelle O says: Sunday, November 14, 2010, 09:38 PM

Oh, Santorini!! I love it there! Now, did you have the courage (or insanity) to climb the donkey trail?! The line for the tram was way too long, so we thought we'd hike up the trail...I've never dodged so many crazy donkeys in my life and have never had to step over so much donkey poop! HORRIBLE...but I will never forget it. And the food there is fabulous...Ahhh! Good memories!

Stephanie Osborne says: Sunday, November 14, 2010, 09:03 PM

"I knew this was a moment just between God and I. It was was one of those rare moments where my camera wouldn't do the experience any kind of justice. So I just kept it for the small pockets of my heart." - I absolutely love this Sarah... Its funny I always have such a difficult time balancing wanting to have my camera at my eye and really EXPERIENCING what is happening around me. I can totally relate and this account of your travels puts it into words.

Miah Klein says: Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 03:06 PM

Oh to travel the world with a camera

Janel says: Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 05:31 AM

Gorgeous pics - as if I needed MORE encouragement to want to go to Greece, these photos just put me over the edge :)

Jenn Stark says: Wednesday, November 3, 2010, 09:45 AM

Amazing Sarah & Chris (both you and the photos......)

Michael Wachniak says: Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 11:34 AM

These images are so freakin' cool! It really takes me back to when Grit and I worked on cruise ships and travelled around. Now I want to travel again so bad! I also love how the two of you never look bad in photos... Chris looks like James Dean in these, and you ALWAYS look like some kind of celebrity.... truly both of you guys annoy me with your good looks and talent. Happy Tuesday! ;)

Julia says: Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 11:03 AM

Sarah, we just left Santorini a couple days ago! I could definitely relate to the way you described the feeling of awe when looking at the cliffs with little houses clustered on top. Yuriy and I were trying to figure out where you stayed... we recognized a few places in your photos like the used bookstore. We'll be posting our Santorini photos on our travel blog in the next week. So awesome to see your perspective of it.

Tracy Wallace says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 04:31 PM

never judge a book by its cover :) looks like a truly magnificent place

Annie says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 04:25 PM

I wanna go! I want you to come with me!.. haha! :) :) :) These are magic pictures, and I especially love the bookshelf up on the wall at the bookshop!

Katie Jane says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 12:20 PM

I love that phrase "pockets of my heart." That's exactly how I feel sometimes. Sometimes I want to take pictures of everything in sight, and sometimes I know to put the camera down and savor a moment for what it is.

Unbelievably gorgeous photos.

jamie delaine says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 11:59 AM

i want to go so so so so so so bad.

Karen Workun says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 10:57 AM

This has always been our dream place to visit...and these photos make us want to go even more!!! Lovely as always :)

Rich Park says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 10:42 AM

magical ... i hope my wife and i can go sometime. great photos!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 09:43 AM

I need to go there one day. For sure. Love every single shot!

Christina Dely says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 09:41 AM

I adore the clothesline shot!!! Stunning photos!

Greg Hoskins says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 09:01 AM

I want to go!! Beautiful work as always!

Carl says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 08:45 AM

I am so jealous.

Laura Biebl says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 08:14 AM

JEALOUS! That is my dream vaca spot. Beautiful pictures :)

tif says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 07:45 AM

Sigh..................

Joanne says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 07:45 AM

The photos are great but I especially like the presentation.
Great work!

Julie Wilhite says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 07:11 AM

STUNNING!

Alex says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 06:55 AM

Wow, stunning photos. Makes you feel like you're there too. I love when photographers are so passionate that on their holidays they can't help but continue to take photos and document the world around them.

Nancy says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 06:45 AM

Gorgeous, thank you for the inspiration. Have always wanted to go!

Friday, October 29, 2010, 08:55 AM
Most times I feel like running when what I should be doing is stepping in.
I'm talking about fear, the things that scare us. Those situations that put us back into our animalistic response mechanism of fight or flight. I'll be honest, most times I want to fly far far away. I put that difficult email off for weeks, I sit on that big proposal, I hope for the voicemail rather than a voice with that call that is scary to make. Why do we do that? Why do we run when what we should be doing is stepping in? 

Over the past couple of weeks I have had to do some things that I fear. I have been forced to step into my fear in these situations and every time I come out on the other side of it saying, 'now that wasn't so bad.' One of my favorite authors, Seth Godin, calls this fear instinct the resistance or the lizard brain in his book Linchpin. Godin describes this part of us like this, "The lizard brain will fight if it has to, but would rather run away. The lizard brain cares what everyone else thinks, because status in the tribe is essential to it's survival. The lizard brain is the reason why we're afraid, the reason we don't do all of the art we can, it is the source of the resistance." The resistance is that little voice that tells us to be careful, go slow, compromise. It keeps us from shipping & finishing our projects/ it keeps us from making difficult decisions.

I think it's so important that we be aware of the resistance in our lives. Fear will ALWAYS hold us back from accomplishing the many things we are capable of. So recently, I have made a conscious decision (that I continue to struggle with) to punch fear in the face :) And instead of caving under it's pressure, I choose love, I choose freedom. I choose to stand up for myself in the face of those daunting projects and just check them off my list even when it's hard. The sad truth is if we are not consciously making a decision to fight we will inevitably let fear rule in us and flight will win. I want to exceed my potential not just live up to it, and in order to do that fear must become less and courage must become more. 


Thoughts
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leonie. says: Thursday, November 4, 2010, 03:10 PM

love this post. thank you.

Belinda Berglof says: Wednesday, November 3, 2010, 09:56 PM

This came at the very moment i needed it - as most amazing things do.

Greg Hoskins says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 08:59 AM

Haha, oops! Meant my last comment on your Santorini, Greece post. Though I love this post too :)

Greg Hoskins says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 08:57 AM

I want to go!! Beautiful work as always!

Anna says: Saturday, October 30, 2010, 11:06 AM

I, too, am an ENFP! And I struggle with all of the same things that Elle struggles with--WOW. It is nice not to feel alone in that. I am so proud of you, Sarah, and am really, really encouraged by your post. Thanks for breathing life into things I shrink away from.

Kat Braman says: Saturday, October 30, 2010, 04:15 AM

the best thing I remember from my days of ski racing is that there is no better feeling than doing something you are afraid of. I say, bring it fear.

Elle says: Friday, October 29, 2010, 11:02 PM

Oh my lil personality twin, how I feel you! "Areas ENFP's struggle with- initiating too many projects and not beling able to deliver on all of them. Introducing too much change and not leaving workable-routaines alone" At least this is what I struggle with.

Anyway- my tattoo is a quote from Rainier Rilke " Let everything happen to you, beauty and terror, just keep going, no feeling is final"

xo

Dan B says: Friday, October 29, 2010, 10:15 PM

Sarah... I'm right there with you! Have you ever read Pressfield's, "The War of Art" ?

Excellent read for anyone. Especially for those who create.

Keep fighting!

clarissa says: Friday, October 29, 2010, 09:57 PM

great thoughts Sarah! i love your blog not only for your stunning images but also for your insightful (and totally relatable) musings. would love to have a mentor session with you someday... much love from singapore :)

Hannah says: Friday, October 29, 2010, 08:44 PM

I just got a tattoo on my forearm that says, "Fear Not." I got it because I'm a naturally fearful person and I need reminders in my life to step out in faith. Thanks for being another reminder for me.

Kyle says: Friday, October 29, 2010, 07:49 PM

There are a lot of things I love about this post.

A. her dress.
B. the photo.
C. the message.

Actually C, should be A.

I've been thinking about fear a lot lately and I actually don't think it's a bad thing when I let it DRIVE ME and push me. It's when it paralyzes me that I'm in trouble. But I'm not letting that happen. This is my way of punching fear in the face :)

Mary says: Friday, October 29, 2010, 03:53 PM

Love this..I am the same way. I love the sentence you wrote...it is inspiring and resonate with my own personal goals for growth at this moment.

Kaethe Richter says: Friday, October 29, 2010, 12:27 PM

I feel that same way daily. I get scared, even with what I am most confident with. I also constantly try make a conscious effort to fight it, and to push myself far beyond my potential.

ali says: Friday, October 29, 2010, 12:13 PM

needed to hear that today. thanks! beautiful words and photo.

Kayko says: Friday, October 29, 2010, 11:12 AM

Thank you for the insightful thoughts, you speak to my heart! Oh and I love the image….. I wonder who paints all of that beautiful white grout in Mykonos. (wink)

Amanda VanVels says: Friday, October 29, 2010, 10:44 AM

i love this. great points made and it's something i need to adapt into my own life.

Samm Blake says: Friday, October 29, 2010, 09:49 AM

Perfect words and a perfect time for me to hear them. thanks for inspiring and reminding me to let go of fear. Xoxo

Jewel says: Friday, October 29, 2010, 09:47 AM

well said. what scares you, Sarah? way to be unstoppable!

April Russell says: Friday, October 29, 2010, 09:32 AM

Awesome words! I can highly relate. Thank you for reinforcing what I know I should do.

- April

Monday, October 18, 2010, 08:16 AM
Last week I was a tourist in my own city of Seattle. I was able to see my beautiful home with new eyes, through the eyes of a first time visitor, a tourist. Last week my mom and aunt came to visit from the great state of Oklahoma. My mom has never been to the pacific northwest and seeing that it was our first time to have any family visit us in Seattle, we had a pretty big mission ahead of us: Attempt to show my family all of the reasons why we love this place in a mere four days. Mission accepted... It's actually a pretty easy sell Seattle when the weather plays nice.

Before they came, Chris and I were frantically trying to pull together all of the minor home improvement projects that have been on our list for the past four months... putting up a new storm door (check) - replacing our ugly address numbers with sexy Nuetra house numbers (check) - installing some new lights around the house (check) & getting our massive yard cleaned up a bit (check). My husband is a pretty handy guy :) 

The rain was coming down so hard that I even saw locals carrying umbrellas on the day that Mom and Aunt Sarah arrived... and if you are local, you know that that is saying a lot :) I was pretty bummed because Seattle gets a pretty bad rap for the rain and clouds, and the big secret is it really is sunny most of the time.  And when the clouds dissipate and the mountains come out to play it is absolutely breathtaking. But I smiled when we woke up the next morning to the perfection of fall, with it's sunny brilliance. It even stuck around for a few days. We soaked it up. 

I took them to one of my favorite places in the world, The Ballard Market on Sunday and we bought fresh apples, beans, squash and flowers. We went to The Fremont Troll and laughed at it's complete randomness. We did the unthinkable and road The Ducks around the city and it was surprisingly fun! We went up to Mount Rainier and had our breath taken away as fall just overtook us with it's brilliant reds, oranges and yellows, we spent the day hiking and telling stories. We went down to the Ballard Locks and watched the boats rise and fall. We showed them a Seattle beach at Golden Gardens... very different than your typical swim suit and sunscreen beach... instead, here we wear hoodies and drink lattes as we walk along the sandy oceanfront. We also went up to the tippity-top of the Seattle space needle and took them to visit the Seattle public library with all of it's awesome architecture.

My favorite part of having my family here was cooking together. Anyone who knows me, knows that I pretty much loathe cooking, mostly because I end up in utter disaray in the kitchen and my dish never seems to be worth all of the work. But the three of us spent the day cooking up a storm and put together a dinner for some of my best friends here. It was so much fun! They restored my hope in cooking! :) 

Fall is all about togetherness. I feel so grateful to have shared these precious moments with my family last week.

Tech notes: Most of these images were taken with my point and shoot a Canon G-11

Thoughts
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Kristin Hartness says: Sunday, October 31, 2010, 03:25 PM

Thanks for the lovely photos Sarah! I've never been to Seattle, but am wondering if I may end up there in the next year or so. Fun to see some pics!

mike larson says: Sunday, October 24, 2010, 02:32 PM

I love Seattle and the shots you took. I feel like a tourist in my hometown too sometimes, I miss it there! Can't wait to be back!

arenda says: Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 07:59 PM

love the autumnal photos! :)

Mikaela says: Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 01:45 PM

I adore your fall images. And I love Seattle!

Amanda Watson says: Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 09:13 AM

Hehe...I love how you, your mom and aunt all look so much alike.

LINDSEYBELLE says: Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 08:15 AM

Amazing Sarah. Just a few weeks ago I was in a tourist in my own city when my parents visited. It was so refreshing to see NYC with new eyes...

kate says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 09:39 PM

Fun! I visited Seattle for the first time a few weekends ago with my mom—I am in LOVE with your city! It looks like we explored several of the same places, including the Space Needle and the Ballard Market. You can see my pictures on my blog if you're interested.

Random side note: apparently your mother and my cousin (the wonderful Nancy B.) are old friends. How funny!

Annie says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 03:19 PM

You've just pushed Seattle further up my list of places to visit! I'm coming in the fall! :) :) :)

kay* at from india. with love. says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 03:00 PM

wow - you got a LOT done in 4 days! being a tourist in my own city, toronto, is on my to-do list before i leave for india. seeing your pics and hearing about the amazing time you had in your own city is reminding me i need to get out and see mine! thank you for sharing.

Mary says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 11:47 AM

Wow the first couple images blew my mind..I haven't seen color like that in a long time. What an amazing time you had with your family! So happy you got to make these memories with them! =)

Mark Brooke says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 11:21 AM

i spy with my little eye some sweet shoes! ;)

miss you guys!

tif says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 10:15 AM

Love our city-love the way you see things

Amanda VanVels says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 10:13 AM

these are wonderful! your city looks amazing!

anda says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 09:55 AM

i love the donut shot! it gives me hope that your hope in cooking was restored because i can't stand cooking. and i want to like it!

Jon says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 09:53 AM

Great city to get lost in. Definitely top of my list for U.S. cities to live!

julie hrmsen says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 09:42 AM

wow, Mt. Rainier is exploding with color, it's incredible! It's so empowering to show family where one has planted roots. So happy you were able to have an awesome week with family. :)

Jen Kessler says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 09:37 AM

I love this city! These pictures made me so happy!

Rich Park says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 09:36 AM

sounds/looks like you took them on one awesome tour! very beautiful city!

emily says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 09:15 AM

weird! I was a tourist in your city last week too. and took some of those same pics, with the fremont troll! except for the hike with views of mt. ranier. next time!

Jeff Marsh says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 08:48 AM

LOVE the rainier photos. Great memories all around

Steph says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 08:36 AM

Seattle is such a fun city to roam around in! You couldn't have a better place to be an at-home tourist.

Joel Flory says: Monday, October 18, 2010, 08:29 AM

So much fun. Love the pic with you and your mom.