It’s all too easy to plod along in the nebulous season of our twenties, forgetting that life is rapidly unfolding as the years go by. I recently started a new full-time position marketing for a small non-profit here in Pasadena. The past several weeks of transition have been exhilarating– but for the most part, I’ve felt as though I’ve been row-row-rowing my boat, if not very gently down the stream.
Milestones sneak up on us when we’re so inwardly focused. My sweet grandmother, who has been in and out of the hospital for the past several weeks, passed away on Friday morning. I wasn’t terribly shocked at the news. I was more shocked, in fact, that all while I thought time would stand still during this season of my life, it was doing the exact opposite. It was marching on.
(The photo above was taken by Aaron the first time we visited Taiwan– and my grandparents–together.)
If you’ve been around this blog for a while, you’ll remember those days when I published a post every day of the week. There was even a brief period during which I published posts on weekends as well. Gone are those days– obviously– now that I’ve spent two weeks struggling to get any writing done. (I have continued to write to our weekly email community, so join here!)
As my own rhythms change, my fears of “falling behind” have me unwilling to announce any changes here. But the truth is, I’m deciding to wait and see. As the transition calms, I want to continue blogging on a regular basis. Our community here on Simplicity Relished is growing, and I would hate to see that slow down. But if it must, it must.
Before I move on and share our next 3 travel destinations, let me say one more thing. This blog is one of the greatest projects I’ve ever done. I’ve connected with hundreds of thoughtful people around the world; I’ve learned so much about courage, entrepreneurship, storytelling and creativity; I’ve found philosophies and lifestyles that influence me in very real ways. So whether you’re visiting this blog for the first time, or you’ve been around since the beginning, I want to say thank you. Again. Because I can’t say it enough.
All right, on to our destinations.
1) April: Taipei
We’re jetsetting to Taipei next week to be with family and to celebrate my grandmother’s life. I wish we could stay longer, but any amount of time in this beloved city is better than nothing.
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While we don’t plan on doing any sightseeing, we will definitely be eating; 3 meals a day almost feels insufficient for the amount of eating we hope to do. I promise I’ll report back with pictures.
Related: 10 Best Snapshots from Taiwan
2) May: Yosemite National Park
We’re getting a Memorial Day treat with my husband’s family and heading up to Yosemite National Park! It’s been a few years since I last visited and I can’t wait to be in the mountains again. Since we’re only there for a few days, I want to spend time at dawn and dusk taking photos in soft natural light.
3) June: Mexico City
We finally decided on our summer destination! Mexico City is not like stereotypical Mexican vacations taken by American tourists: it’s edgy, notorious, and brilliantly underrated. I can’t wait to test out the burgeoning culinary scene, explore the local markets, and wander through its diverse neighborhoods. Mexico City has a handful of fine art museums as well– not to mention gorgeous historic districts. As our plans unfold, I’ll share what we find!
photo via
I’m excited to travel again. Even as I only recently concluded my posts on Spain and Morocco, I’m feeling challenged by how insular our lives can be when we don’t venture outside our regular routine.
So tell me: do you have summer plans? What was your most recent adventure– whether overseas or simply outside your usual route?
I’m so so sorry to hear about your grandmother Daisy! I know how hard it is to lose someone from abroad and not be there in the final days, especially if it’s someone you hardly got to see ever. I’m so glad you could go back to Taipei to be with your family there and celebrate her life! I only wish I were there to meet you too!
Your travel plans for the summer sound amazing, and I”m glad even with all these transitions you’re going through in life, you’re still making travel a priority! I can’t wait to hear about Mexico City (and the food!!).
Thanks so much! Me too 🙂
Thank you so much Betsy. I really appreciate that. And that is so neat about your sister! I hope you make it to Taipei sometime– it’s a really enjoyable city!
Thank you Brittany. You’re so kind! And I would LOVE for you to meet us, haha! It would be so fun to explore Yosemite with you.
And thanks for the encouragement– I do anticipate life getting back to a normal pace this summer, as rhythms are re-established. In the meantime, there is so much freedom in saying yes or saying no, with conviction.
You’re so kind, Jenn, and I’m really grateful for your encouragement. <3 And as for blogging, I love that the ebb and flow is understandable (given we all have other obligations!)– and that our fellow blogging friends know what that's like. And finally I've been thinking the same thing! We will have traveled to a number of similar places just not together– haha! Can't wait to read/see your adventures!
Thanks Shireen. You’re so sweet and I’m so glad I met you through this blog!
Yes! Haha I wasn’t sold on Mexico City for a while but now I am. There’s so much to see!
Thanks friend. I appreciate it!
Thanks Rachael! I’m hoping to enjoy the time with family!
Thanks Linda. I’m hoping that as well– we are so grateful to have had her in our lives.
Thanks Mica, you’re so kind!
Thanks Amanda, you’re so kind. Thanks for being here and sharing encouragement with me.
I’m excited about Mexico– can’t wait to share!
That’s awesome Sarah! My husband has really sold me on Mexico City so I’m pretty excited. Will report with details!
Thanks, friend. You’re so kind and I really appreciate that.
Yosemite is fabulous! I’ll definitely report back with tips. 😉
Thank you Jill, that means so much.
And wow happy almost anniversary! That’s a big one. I hope you guys are able to plan something special. My favorite travels have often been the simplest ones where I really get to enjoy the company.
Wow what an amazing travel docket! I hope you make it to Croatia– it’s top on my list.
Thanks Emily, that means a lot to me. I’m hoping this time with family will be refreshing. <3
Thanks Alyssa! And those sound so interesting! I’ve heard great things about Charlotte. I know it’s hard to see places when you’re working, but it’s better than nothing. 😉 In January I attended a conference in Austin and definitely hope I can go back!
Such exciting trips coming up! I’m already looking forward to the pictures 😉
Sending lots of love and prayers your way, Daisy. Taipei is certainly one of the top cities that I would love to visit in the next few years. My sister spent a summer studying there and just fell in love with it.
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother, Daisy, and I’m so glad for you that you’re able to be in Taipei to celebrate and remember her life. Also, I’m super tempted to come meet you in Yosemite! I was ready to go back the day after we left! I don’t think I could visit that park and ever be bored.
I really respect what you have to say about not wanting the community to slow down, but allowing it to if it must. I know how difficult it is to loosen the reins when it seems like things have such positive momentum. Why pull back now when things are going so well? But having been through (still going through) a similar season, I can promise you that you will still see God’s faithfulness and his open doors even in a season of slowness. Perhaps even more so. It may not look the way you anticipate it will, but he is still good and faithful to the gifts he’s given you when you take necessary steps backward or forward!
So much to say about this post! First, I’m sorry for your loss as well. I’m glad you’re getting the chance to go to Tapei and spend time with family though. It’s amazing how loss brings us all together?
Next, I totally understand what you mean about blogging. It’s so much work (but also so rewarding!) I hope you’re able to continue because this is an amazing space, but if not … we understand. (Oh – and congrats on the job!)
Finally, all your travel plans sounds wonderful. As you know I’ll be in Mexico City in a few weeks and I’ll definitely report back! (We seem to be tag teaming around the world, aren’t we ?!) xx
I’m so sorry for your loss, Daisy. 🙁 I hope you’ll find the right balance between work, life and blog soon, would hate to see you go.
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
I’d love to visit Yosemite someday! America’s national parks are so gorgeous. I’ve still never been to Mexico, but if we ever do go, it would be more to visit Angel’s family. Angel’s dad is from Mexico City–they always call it “DF” in Spanish…and from their descriptions it has never sounded much like a fun travel destination, but I’m sure living there is a totally different kind of experience from visiting–just like any destination around the world!
My condolences on your gradma passing. Glad you get to take the trip to celebrate her life. Safe Travels !!!
Sorry to hear about your grandmother, but what a fun trip you will have!! <3
I’m sorry for your loss but happy you will be able to be there for the celebration of her life. I find that celebrating helps me through my grief so hope it helps you as well.
Congrats on the new job, but so sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandmother.
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother! I’m so glad you’re able to take some time to celebrate her life with family (and food!) though. You deserve a break from rowing that boat too.
Also: I am so excited to hear about your trip to Mexico City. If I ever visit Mexico, I would hope it to be just as you describe. Can’t wait to see what you experience!
we’re trying to plan a trip to Mexico City. I’ve always wanted to go – I think it’s absolutely gorgeous. Can’t wait to see your pictures 🙂
Sarah
The Midwest Darling
So sorry to hear about your grandmother, friend. Thinking of you, and hope you enjoy celebrating her wonderful life with your family!
On another note, your summer travel plans sound so exciting. Definitely jealous—I’ve never been to Yosemite, and want to go so badly!
xoxo
Kat
sorry to hear about the passing of your grandmother – I hope that you have a wonderful time celebrating her life and recounting all the ways she touched your lives.
No big travel plans right now, but some are in the works! I definitely want to make the most of summer and visit places in the Pacific Northwest we have not yet seen or explored. My husband and I are trying to make plans for our 20th anniversary as well.
Those trips will be great! I absolutely loved Yosemite when I visited (years ago now…). I haven’t nailed anything down yet, but this summer I hope to go so many places – Pamplona (running with the bulls!), Scotland, Croatia, and anything else I can possibly squeeze in.
http://www.california2catalonia.com
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother. It’s never easy, even when you are expecting it.
I’m excited about your upcoming travels! Take your time and slow down a bit…your blog will still be just as interesting even if you blog a little less than usual! Do what is best for you and none of your projects will suffer.
What fun destinations! I can’t wait to read all about them. I’ve been doing a bit of domestic travel for work including Milwaukee, Charlotte, and, in a few weeks, Dallas. It’s hard to fit in sight seeing when there’s work to be done, but I’m doing my best!