Oh my gosh, Tracy!! Thank you so much. Your comment brought a smile to my face. (P.S. working remotely around the world -- especially buenos aires -- is a MOVE!)
Omg. At this point I think I have read (and immensely enjoyed!!) pretty much all of your posts. (I'm sitting in the airport, waiting out a veryyy long layover). But I can't believe your timing — I also quit my job and left for Europe, with a one way ticket, at the end of August 2022. I spent a month in Lisbon and then hopped around the continent for 3 months, fell in love, backpacked SE Asia for a while, and am now flying to South Africa to meet back up with my boyfriend.
ANYWAY without being weird and stalker-y, you are such an inspiration and kindred spirit, and I can't believe how similar our paths have been the past few years. (I read The Artist's Way and Big Magic in Lisbon, which inspired this whole creative journey and newsletter.) If you're still in Berlin, I hope you are thoroughly enjoying it! I'll be in Europe this summer, so maybe we can even meet for coffee <3
Omg Eden. Truly.. soul sisters?! It's crazy you're also on this path. I would love to meet up when I'm back in Europe this summer! The plan (though—does life ever end up going perfectly to plan?) is to be back in Berlin for June!!
Thank you so much for all your lovely comments. You brightened my day. Truly. I use Figma to blend photo + writing. And ProCreate to illustrate!
Amazing! I might still be in Kenya then, but will be in Barcelona & Nice in July, then visiting friends in NYC in September...lol still very much hopping around, but let me know if you’re around! & looking forward to reading more of your stuff🥰
Love, love, love your latest post. And your artwork is brilliant. What an amazing opportunity you have made for yourself. I look forward to hearing more about your new adventure x
I've read your feature article on the "Pascack Hills neighbors" publication and are amazed by your talent as a writer and illustrator. You have an exciting year ahead of you and those memories are going to last a lifetime.
On another note, we have so much in common I can't even begin to explain without writing a book!!
As I read your blog I realize how your heritage has influenced who you are and where your interests lie. I was born in Cuba, lived in Puerto Rico and Florida before moving to Paramus, NJ in 1967.
I also reside in Woodcliff Lake where I raised my 3 children. I love to cook Cuban food, entertain guests for dinner and LOVE to dance as you can imagine.
I would enjoy meeting your family especially your abuela! My abuela Carmita was my life when I was your age and I miss her terribly. I leave you with my email where I could be reached:
Oh my gosh!! We have to meet once I'm back in the USA! My mom, abuela, and I would all love to meet a fellow Cubana in the area :) and feast/dance/chat
You’re on a great path. I’ve done the same, several times actually. You can always settle down somewhere, even if it’s ‘temporary’ - a few months, years, decades. Then use these same skills to pick up again for another adventure of some sort. I’m looking forward to reading more of the story you are writing!
You will do fine. I have headed off a few times when the great unknown beckoned me, and I landed beautifully every time. I turned 66 about 11 days ago, whose counting? I have lived in 5 countries, worked in 4, studied in the 5th. I have got some goals, that have more to do with purpose of being in this world, but all involve travel and so destinations but a reason to be present in every plan, such as I want to see the Artic before it is gone, so the Yukon 2023, I want to do an internship at St. Jude's so I have to apply, and being in Tenn, means I can eat at Marcy's Mulehouse, and meet Indy, and her dad Rory Feek, who I have followed since before Indy was born, when her mom was alive, and see my favorite Rock band: K and C in their own home town, preferably the Ol'Oprey on Christmas Eve - can't do it this year - as the concert for Dec. 24th sold out in 4 days! I was waiting one more paycheque and planning to look at what a cheap hotel/motel/hostel would cost in Nashville on Christmas Eve, so I know I have to dive deep, and work these out, put a plan in action, and then I would love to see and live in Ireland, where the grandmother who loved me more than anyone was from, and also Scotland because the grandfather that married my grandmother from Belfast, was born there, and then I would like my teenagers to live in Spain for a year, so I can visit them, and see Catalonia, and I would like to volunteer my EI Pediatric PT skills in Uganda, where I sponsored then a girl now a universty student and meet her.... and I have now committed these by posting to your site, which I learned about from the Isolation Journals, I did the 100 day creative project.......So you go girl!
Susan! I adore this. You're an inspiration with all that you've done/seen/experienced. Once you put it into writing, you have the fuel to drive you forward. I'm super excited for you.
I am glad you found my post inspirational and responded, as I thought of two things the morning after I posted it that I wanted to tell you. One is to try and listen to that voice of your intuition as you choose the next path, sometimes it will be a small voice, sometimes it will be a mightly roar. Let it guide you so you feel safe and if you happen to be in a circumstance that has morphed in ways that you did not intend or with a travelling companion that is not your best ally. These times will not be frequent, and sometimes you learn much from such situations, trust you will always make it to better scenarios. Also as women, we often have those biological stirrings that make us wonder if children will be in our future. Live your adventures now, and there will come times when you may want to settle somewhere, like the friends you have made around you, your job, and feel you are open to the gift of children, however they find their way to you. You will so open their world if your life has been expansive. I was blessed with twin daughters, at the right time for me, and I can't wait to help them explore the world.
Hey Tatiana! This is Jenny, one-half of the Alaskan couple who had a delectable meal at Mishiguene (with wine pairings) with you in Buenos Aires in April. Reading along on your adventures and wishing you the best on this new set of adventures. Can't wait to read along!
Jenny!! That meal we serendipitously shared was a major memory from my Argentina trip (in part because it made me want to be like you two — off on an epic partner adventure). I have often wondered...How did your adventures with Francis Mallman go?!
We loved our adventure with Mallman. We ate and drank like true Patagonians. Small wonders (a pineapple dripping goodness and draped over an open fire! Potatoes that you're sure you could eat every day for the rest of your life and die happy). We enjoyed vibrant red fall colors covering the peat for the first few days and then miraculously woke up one morning to find the red covered in white, fluffy snow -- a legit amount of snowfall even by our Alaskan standards! And you should have seen the look on the faces of the Californians! We're loving following your adventures and feeling inspired by your upcoming new experiences to (fingers crossed) have more and more in our near future too.
I just discovered you and I think you're amazing and inspiring.. and I'm 57! No kids, can work remotely. Hmmmm
Oh my gosh, Tracy!! Thank you so much. Your comment brought a smile to my face. (P.S. working remotely around the world -- especially buenos aires -- is a MOVE!)
Omg. At this point I think I have read (and immensely enjoyed!!) pretty much all of your posts. (I'm sitting in the airport, waiting out a veryyy long layover). But I can't believe your timing — I also quit my job and left for Europe, with a one way ticket, at the end of August 2022. I spent a month in Lisbon and then hopped around the continent for 3 months, fell in love, backpacked SE Asia for a while, and am now flying to South Africa to meet back up with my boyfriend.
ANYWAY without being weird and stalker-y, you are such an inspiration and kindred spirit, and I can't believe how similar our paths have been the past few years. (I read The Artist's Way and Big Magic in Lisbon, which inspired this whole creative journey and newsletter.) If you're still in Berlin, I hope you are thoroughly enjoying it! I'll be in Europe this summer, so maybe we can even meet for coffee <3
Omg Eden. Truly.. soul sisters?! It's crazy you're also on this path. I would love to meet up when I'm back in Europe this summer! The plan (though—does life ever end up going perfectly to plan?) is to be back in Berlin for June!!
Thank you so much for all your lovely comments. You brightened my day. Truly. I use Figma to blend photo + writing. And ProCreate to illustrate!
Amazing! I might still be in Kenya then, but will be in Barcelona & Nice in July, then visiting friends in NYC in September...lol still very much hopping around, but let me know if you’re around! & looking forward to reading more of your stuff🥰
Add Portugal to the map. ❤️
It's a small world after all.
Love, love, love your latest post. And your artwork is brilliant. What an amazing opportunity you have made for yourself. I look forward to hearing more about your new adventure x
Thank you so, so much. This made my morning <3
I've read your feature article on the "Pascack Hills neighbors" publication and are amazed by your talent as a writer and illustrator. You have an exciting year ahead of you and those memories are going to last a lifetime.
On another note, we have so much in common I can't even begin to explain without writing a book!!
As I read your blog I realize how your heritage has influenced who you are and where your interests lie. I was born in Cuba, lived in Puerto Rico and Florida before moving to Paramus, NJ in 1967.
I also reside in Woodcliff Lake where I raised my 3 children. I love to cook Cuban food, entertain guests for dinner and LOVE to dance as you can imagine.
I would enjoy meeting your family especially your abuela! My abuela Carmita was my life when I was your age and I miss her terribly. I leave you with my email where I could be reached:
Me llamo Lourdes Silva Sinkovitz
sinklou9@gmail.com
SAFE TRAVELS!!
Oh my gosh!! We have to meet once I'm back in the USA! My mom, abuela, and I would all love to meet a fellow Cubana in the area :) and feast/dance/chat
That would be wonderful! Even if it’s for a cafecito in my kitchen that would make me happy. 😊
You’re on a great path. I’ve done the same, several times actually. You can always settle down somewhere, even if it’s ‘temporary’ - a few months, years, decades. Then use these same skills to pick up again for another adventure of some sort. I’m looking forward to reading more of the story you are writing!
Thank you! For the tips, encouragement, and reminder that settling down can still be an open-ended adventure.
I am quite certain that nothing but good things and great stories will out come from this adventure.
Go girl! Now’s your time :)
hahaha, thanks, pop. For always supporting me no matter what <3
You are fulfilling your purpose! I love this for you so much.
Eeeeek! Yes!!!! Thank you, Kate. Your poems have been fueling me forward.
I'm so glad! That makes my heart sing.
SO PROUD OF U SO EXCITED FOR U CANT WAIT TO READ AND SEE MORE !!
Gah, thank you so much!! I miss you lots and lots.
You will do fine. I have headed off a few times when the great unknown beckoned me, and I landed beautifully every time. I turned 66 about 11 days ago, whose counting? I have lived in 5 countries, worked in 4, studied in the 5th. I have got some goals, that have more to do with purpose of being in this world, but all involve travel and so destinations but a reason to be present in every plan, such as I want to see the Artic before it is gone, so the Yukon 2023, I want to do an internship at St. Jude's so I have to apply, and being in Tenn, means I can eat at Marcy's Mulehouse, and meet Indy, and her dad Rory Feek, who I have followed since before Indy was born, when her mom was alive, and see my favorite Rock band: K and C in their own home town, preferably the Ol'Oprey on Christmas Eve - can't do it this year - as the concert for Dec. 24th sold out in 4 days! I was waiting one more paycheque and planning to look at what a cheap hotel/motel/hostel would cost in Nashville on Christmas Eve, so I know I have to dive deep, and work these out, put a plan in action, and then I would love to see and live in Ireland, where the grandmother who loved me more than anyone was from, and also Scotland because the grandfather that married my grandmother from Belfast, was born there, and then I would like my teenagers to live in Spain for a year, so I can visit them, and see Catalonia, and I would like to volunteer my EI Pediatric PT skills in Uganda, where I sponsored then a girl now a universty student and meet her.... and I have now committed these by posting to your site, which I learned about from the Isolation Journals, I did the 100 day creative project.......So you go girl!
Susan
Susan! I adore this. You're an inspiration with all that you've done/seen/experienced. Once you put it into writing, you have the fuel to drive you forward. I'm super excited for you.
I am glad you found my post inspirational and responded, as I thought of two things the morning after I posted it that I wanted to tell you. One is to try and listen to that voice of your intuition as you choose the next path, sometimes it will be a small voice, sometimes it will be a mightly roar. Let it guide you so you feel safe and if you happen to be in a circumstance that has morphed in ways that you did not intend or with a travelling companion that is not your best ally. These times will not be frequent, and sometimes you learn much from such situations, trust you will always make it to better scenarios. Also as women, we often have those biological stirrings that make us wonder if children will be in our future. Live your adventures now, and there will come times when you may want to settle somewhere, like the friends you have made around you, your job, and feel you are open to the gift of children, however they find their way to you. You will so open their world if your life has been expansive. I was blessed with twin daughters, at the right time for me, and I can't wait to help them explore the world.
I’m happy for you that you followed your intuition to: go. I find the path often appears on its own without calling for it.
Couldn't agree more. I hope you and the fam are having a wonderful summer finale <3
Love this - you won’t regret it! I’m doing the same thing but I’m retired and if I don’t do it now, it won’t happen!
I love this. I'm so excited for you and wherever your travels take you (and us!!)
Hey Tatiana! This is Jenny, one-half of the Alaskan couple who had a delectable meal at Mishiguene (with wine pairings) with you in Buenos Aires in April. Reading along on your adventures and wishing you the best on this new set of adventures. Can't wait to read along!
Jenny!! That meal we serendipitously shared was a major memory from my Argentina trip (in part because it made me want to be like you two — off on an epic partner adventure). I have often wondered...How did your adventures with Francis Mallman go?!
We loved our adventure with Mallman. We ate and drank like true Patagonians. Small wonders (a pineapple dripping goodness and draped over an open fire! Potatoes that you're sure you could eat every day for the rest of your life and die happy). We enjoyed vibrant red fall colors covering the peat for the first few days and then miraculously woke up one morning to find the red covered in white, fluffy snow -- a legit amount of snowfall even by our Alaskan standards! And you should have seen the look on the faces of the Californians! We're loving following your adventures and feeling inspired by your upcoming new experiences to (fingers crossed) have more and more in our near future too.
Adventure
Amazing!