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Day 7 of my nine day giveaway- wanderlust and curiosity

Hello my sunshiny friends and family!

Thank you so much for all of your wonderful comments. Although its impossible for me to reply I want you to know I read every one and appreciate you all so much!

We have just three days left of my nine day giveaway and I would be most appreciative if you could share the love on your social media sites so that loads of people have a chance to win. 
Let me know where you shared for extra chances in the draw for yourself. 
You see thats how it works. Generosity is always a win-win!

So.... a few weeks back one of my favorite, hold no punches, all around inspiring friends, Patti Digh, shared this quote in relation to travel and I asked her if she wouldn't mind a little collaboration; her words, my art. Go for it, she graciously replied!

You see these words resonate so strongly for mi amor and I, and I truly believe 1000% that the way our lives have miraculously changed over the past few years has been largely as a result of finally, absolutely, wholeheartedly "getting" and living this mantra.
For sure this applies as a beautiful affirmation for travel on both a spiritual and practical level, but even more this is where we pull ourselves back to, time and time again, in the daily navigation of our lives.
Its not always easy, in fact there is far more temptation to fall into the abyss of fear and negativity. There are crappy days, scary days, days you'd rather not remember, days that fill you with rage 
and there are amazing days, 
love filled days, 
funny days filled with curious whimsy.

The only choice we have is where to place our laser sharp focus. 

Which side of the coin do we choose to focus on the most. 

Catch yourself in your words and your thoughts, 
especially those that you use to others to describe your experience. 
Don't beat yourself up over it. 
Just be gently aware. 
Slowly, slowly your world will begin to change for the better,
 and there will come a point,

 just like compound interest where BIG MAGIC will begin to happen.

in the meantime just try to live like the second traveler in this story....

A traveler came upon an old farmer hoeing in his field beside the road. Eager to rest his feet, the wanderer hailed the countryman, who seemed happy enough to straighten his back and talk for a moment.
"What sort of people live in the next town?" asked the stranger.
"What were the people like where you've come from?" replied the farmer, answering the question with another question.
"They were a bad lot. Troublemakers all, and lazy too. The most selfish people in the world, and not a one of them to be trusted. I'm happy to be leaving the scoundrels."
"Is that so?" replied the old farmer. "Well, I'm afraid that you'll find the same sort in the next town.
Disappointed, the traveler trudged on his way, and the farmer returned to his work.
Some time later another stranger, coming from the same direction, hailed the farmer, and they stopped to talk. "What sort of people live in the next town?" he asked.
"What were the people like where you've come from?" replied the farmer once again.
"They were the best people in the world. Hard working, honest, and friendly. I'm sorry to be leaving them."

"Fear not," said the farmer. "You'll find the same sort in the next town."
Source:http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/traveltales.html

Of course, along with expecting the best, it helps to cultivate a healthy sense of humour. 

Here are just a few of my travel (and life) tips, an illustrative tutorial if you like :)

 1. Accept that some paths may be fraught with danger, weathered and rickety, and bordered by spiky things. 
Approach them always with a sense of adventure and curiosity and a big smile. 

This pic was taken at a quirky restaurant/bar/art gallery in Baja California. 
We set off with friends to sample the enormous margaritas and seafood filled bloody Marys they were apparently famous for. 
The owners were an eccentric sixty something couple who seemed slightly off kilter. 
I was instructed to leave my plastic bottle of water outside before I was allowed entrance by the grey bearded, white robed husband with deep and slightly maniacal eyes. I smiled and complied.
The wife was quiet but welcoming and my plate of ceviche came with an unordered small bowl of home made vegetable soup that I was instructed to "make sure I finished" as it was "good for me".
The whole property was filled with awesome, outlandish art and we enjoyed our experience, even more for the quirkiness. 
Our friend Matt even bought an apron featuring our hosts face which was also emblazoned on every square inch of wall around the restaurant as he seemed to enjoy having his photo taken with his arms around every woman that entered the place. 

Only later, upon reading the numerous alarming reviews, did we realise we had had a narrow escape, and that many others had been locked in, chased out, abused and even chased down by car by the host, who it seemed, we had been lucky enough to catch on a good day!

 2. Visit lots of churches and if you chance upon a wedding, sit quietly in the back row, breath in the promise of love and send blessings to the couple that their lives together be excellent.

 3. Visit local artisans, watch how things are made, marvel at the extraordinary level of SKILL and copious amounts of hours it takes to make what they make, appreciate and honor their skills by buying something to remember the moment and think about where all of our STUFF comes from when you get home :) 

 3. Visit an exquisite 500 year old Mexican convent which now houses an art gallery which happens to be showing a fantastic exhibition of Meso-american erotic pottery. Think about what the nuns would have thought of that!

 4. Wander through a random doorway attracted by the amazing red wall and find an amazing art installation inside with thousands of cochineal bugs attached to thousands of nopale cactus pieces!

 5. Visit a tiny regional museum where historic photos adorn the walls. Find a photo like this one of Miss Gala Dominguez Legaspy who apparently "lived happily in her own way" and wish for a time machine so that you could hang out for a while.

 6. Drive to town to find a place to exchange Euros to pesos and find instead a blue whale skeleton casually laid out in someones yard.

 7. Walk to dinner in a tiny village  and stop to admire a mushroom the likes of which you have never seen before. Get down on the ground to take a pic and marvel at how it steals the show from the amazing scenery behind it.

 8. Go to an exhibition about the fabulous inventions of Da Vinci, stand inside a circle of trick mirrors and say to your amor (who is slightly regretting months of cheese, bread and wine indulgence), 
" see honey, you didn't put on so much weight in Europe after all"





9. Experience a traffic jam Devon, UK style and notice with glee how perfectly the cows tags coordinate with the bus ahead, how perfectly composed and balanced the darks and lights are and what a great photo you now have the good fortune of taking :) 
(humph, i didn't have that colour in my font selection!)


10. Have a post holiday dinner get together with friends and muse about the fun times and the lucky escapes you all had at a strange restaurant/bar in Mexico!

Good luck with the draw everyone and happy Friday from Australia!! 

Todays prize is this original dreamcatcher painting on paper, which is one of the projects from my Paint Mojo ecourse that will run again later in 2016! (dates to be announced soon!)

Sign up here if you'd like to stay posted on the next Paint Mojo ecourse and leave a comment below to be in the draw!


lots of love Tracy xox

and remember....



Comments

robin west said…
we all need more love filled days filled with serendipity and whimsy, somrthing I wil strive for in this new year. thanks for the inspiration.
best to you Ms. V.
M Adaya LeMae said…
Loved this post and all your fun tips! You've had quite the adventures! I agree that we harness the power of inner joy and peace. It isn't some mystical experience. It is a reality that takes a lot of intentional practice surrounding surrender of what ifs and unknowns, acknowledging that fire/storms have their place, gratefulness, compassion/empathy, humility, and quiet noticing. We are all capable of living a life of joy and peace! But it must be pursued!
Unknown said…
Love this post, all of your adventures and your great spirit! Thank you for sharing your photos and words of wisdom The picture of the church is amazingly beautiful, as is your dream catcher painting. <3
Unknown said…
Love this post, all of your adventures and your great spirit! Thank you for sharing your photos and words of wisdom The picture of the church is amazingly beautiful, as is your dream catcher painting. <3
Prerna Poojara said…
Oh what fun it is to ride along with you on your journey. Great post again. Loved them all.
Unknown said…
Love your post saying about your journey and your pictures
I totaly agree.... choose a happy and curious look on life and you will meet love and happyness!
elalex said…
The last few days were stress- and painful in many ways, but your post is a great reminder that there are always wonderful moments and opportunities in life nevertheless. (lol, now you even make me hum this little tune... ear candy... always look on the bright side of life, lala,la lala lala la...)
Nancy O said…
Oh, you really are the sweetest!
Thanks for sharing your journey.
Mucho fun and inspiration...love your sense of humour.
xo
Kim Mailhot said…
Such amazing adventures! So inspiring ! You really do soak up life's juicy bits to the fullest, lovely one!
Thanks for the chance to continue to get my paint mojo on !
Kim Mailhot said…
Shared this posted on FB!
Anonymous said…
Your posts are always so inspiring!
Kristen said…
Great post! I can live vicariously through your travels.
CreativSpirit said…
Love this post Tracy, your pictures are beautiful too. Thanks for taking us on a journey.
Steph said…
Oh my, oh my, oh my! I saw the link to your page posted by Kim Mailhot this morning! What a dazzling way to start my day! Thank you!
Anonymous said…
Love the dream catcher painting! Thanks for the opportunity to win it. Enjoying the journey with you. Peace, Ronda
Unknown said…
My personal favourite: the cactus picture!! Love it. Hope I'll one day manage to realize a trip like yours Tracy ☺
Unknown said…
My personal favourite: the cactus picture!! Love it. Hope I'll one day manage to realize a trip like yours Tracy ☺
Brandy said…
I love the mushroom picture. I love that it caught your eye and you took the time to photograph it. Life really is about finding wonder in the s.allest, most unexpected things. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Angie Bumgarner said…
Patti's quote is wonderful. You always post such thoughtful, insightful things. No wonder your art is so beautiful. It comes from a beautiful place!
peggymcd said…
Food for thought, appreciate your sharing your trip and your personal life. I enjoy seeing your colorful postings and paintings.
Jackie PN said…
My fav photo is of the mushroom! they really are such a delicate piece of nature-so inspiring Tracy! xo
Unknown said…
I love the pics. I believe there truly is beauty everywhere. In the small, in the mundane, if we just look at it with the right attitude and view point. This blog just touched my heart and reminds me there are kindred spirits in the world who find the beauty too.
Diva Kreszl said…
What a wonderful post and a much needed reminder to always go out into the world with a smile on your face and an open mind! I am sharing your post on my Facebook page!
Jean said…
Another beautiful post! Great reminders to me and everyone! I enjoy your photos which remind me to do this. Shared on fb.
Unknown said…
This has been an amazing blog beginning to 2016. Thank you for summarizing and sharing so much of 2015 with us. I have been following all year, but it sure is nice to see it all come together like this. Thank you for the chance to win this amazing dreamcatcher painting, I just may need to take that mojo course.
Ally said…
I ADORED this post!!! What a tale you weave Tracy =) It was easy to imagine myself along on all your travels. I'm thankful you all made it happily away from the maniacal bar owner ;) lol, what an interesting story to tell!!!
artbyildy said…
Dear Tracy,
I love all your posts. This painting is amazing but I love all of them.

Your journey is fantastic
♥♥♥
Ildy
Lisa said…
Loving the photos and tales of adventure.
Unknown said…
Lovely ideas for the new year. A "Verdugo" stop and smell the roses.

Hoping to win a chance to study with you, Tracy, or at least a quasi scholarship!

Love!
Suzee said…
Thanks so much for sharing your adventures. I LOVE the story of the bizarre characters in the bar/restaurant/art gallery. And the apron! Priceless.
Paulette Sheffield said…
Tracy, I love all your posts and how you express yourself. You need to make a book of all that you have posted these past days. Truly love it! I hope you have some down time in 2016...but I also hope you continue your journeys!! xoxox
Unknown said…
Lovely post as always. We all need a dream catcher to make our days more doable!
Dwarf Mistletoe said…
Beautiful dreamcatcher! Thanks for sharing your big magic. Thanks! Reed
Unknown said…
Thank you Tracy for sharing your amazing adventures with us all!
DonnaD said…
I think this is my favorite post so far. I teared up a bit reading it. So beautiful. Well, except for the restaurant experience in Mexico!
Sassysister said…
Thanks for bringing me along on your journey.
bettywisse said…
LOVE that dreamcatcher! Great journey.
artbyildy said…

Shared your generous giveaway on my art fb page

https://www.facebook.com/artbyildy/posts/586593488161476?notif_t=notify_me_page

love Ildy
cgo said…
Tracy, your artist eye captures sights that others might miss. Thank you.
Ciarrai said…
❤️ Travelling ❤️ Dream catchers
Jan Davis said…
I live in Mexico so I especially loved these photos and your quotes. They brought me warmth and a smile! Thank you!
Tara Medrano said…
Thanks Tracy for your Wonderful Wanderlust experiences!! I would truely LOVE to learn to paint! Please include me in your generous giveaway. I want to be part of the excitement! I included your post on my fb page!! :)
"Oh the places you will go!" Dr.Seuss. Loved hearing about the adventures.
Unknown said…
Thank you Tracy... a lot of good suggestions! You're so lovely and smart!
Denise Girardin said…
I want to hear more about "the lucky escapes you all had at a strange restaurant/bar in Mexico!". This sounds like a fun time was had by all!
So love reading your comments about your travels. I'll have to remember to stay away from those folks in Baja CA! ~Hobby
SewPaperPaint said…
Super cool giveaway! Love your text overlays on these quotes!
Unknown said…
Love all your stories and pictures Thank you for sharing !
Jo Murray said…
Such fun and quirky moments...and a lucky escape! You've started my day well...with a smile.
Bec Fowler said…
I try to live by this mantra too Tracey. Love reading about your adventures :-)
Anonymous said…
Thank you again for sharing and this is such a timely post for me as I'm starting to plan a grand 40th birthday adventure and have debating where to travel... what a splendid attitude to take along!!! Also, the Shel Silverstein quote is one of my all time favorites!! We do have sharing time weekly with our boys when we each share something we've read that week and discuss... that quote has been one my choices in the past. :) And of course, my boys love his books. One of these days, I do hope we will be able to share a margarita in person. :) In the meantime, I'm so grateful for the virtual friendship and all that you share... like a great big sister (that I never had) sharing stories and wisdom. xo, Julia (PS - I'm sharing this post on facebook today :) )
vickiO said…
I lOve this post! Such a great reminder of how to enter each new day! Thanks so much!
Miss Heidi said…
Love this post too, good reminders and got me thinking. Keep spreading the joy Tracy.
Robin RM said…
This narrative is almost as good as being a fly on the wall! Actually...maybe you saw me buzzing around?

It would be fantastic to win the dream catcher print! Actually looking forward to experiencing one of your classes coming up this summer in Madison.
Wisconsin.
Unknown said…
Quite impressive Tracy, blogging everyday with something important to say. Loved stopping in on a random wedding, feeling the love and sending blessings to the new couple. What a wonderful time of life for the couple, so much optimism in new fresh love and so much hope for a life together. You always stir the pot inside my head, giving me so many aha moments. Keep living life BIG, and keep sharing with us.
❤️šŸ’œšŸŽØ❤️šŸ’œšŸŽØKaren in FL šŸŒ“
Becky said…
Love this so much:)
Unknown said…
ha! I would love to go a a tour with you! You found so many interesting places- I loved seeing all of your instragram posts.
Jane said…
What an inspiration. One can just travel about where one lives and create beauty of what we see on our everyday travels. Very inspirational and a reminder not to just go day to day in the same old way. Get out and live life passionately. Thank you so much. xxoo
Amy M said…
Thank you for sharing your journey and reminding me to stay in the moment and appreciate the beauty and experiences as they occur
Leslie Bruce said…
I have lived vicariously thru you on your travels this past year! Your photos are beautiful and your lovely spirit shines through in your art and all that you do. Loving your posts. xo
JackieW said…
Hi! Tracy...thanks so much for sharing your joy, and adventure through hyour beautiful Blog, words and photographs! I would love to win this dreamcatcher painting or any of your work! Thanks for the chance!!!!
De Williams said…
It was special to happen upon wedding!
Jacqualine Hart said…
It was great joining you along your journey in this way!
Cindy Benko said…
What a beautiful journey. I've experienced a whole new world through your amazing travels.
Unknown said…
A marvelous travel that was. Sharing on FB. Oh what a dream catcher. Hope to catch that in mine.
Unknown said…
Life is magical ❤ I always enjoy readi ng about yours!
Loz said…
Loving the magic of your travels ...enjoying it so much.....
Jorin said…
I love love love your photos and your paintings!
Jorin
Viv Rad said…
Just exactly what I needed to hear❤️
just reminders of seeing the world you want to see and knowing that it is solely there.. for US to take it in.. if I could only quiet the can'ts, nevers, shouldnts and wont evers... :) shared on PIN, FB, Twitter, and Gplus
michelle said…
I am so enjoying watching your magical adventures unfurl. it has opened up so many memories of places i visited as a child and adult Thank you for enlightening me !
Unknown said…
I have loved hearing about your travels!
Anonymous said…
Beautiful posts Tracy. I love a quotes and words that bring a message of... A quote which one I would like to share here is: 'Art allows you to move beyond the things that are keeping you back'.
Terry Rowe said…
Love this - especially the curiosity you bring to your journeys.
Annette Cable said…
I have really enjoyed your blog about your travels. Your husband sounds like a gem. ❤️
Unknown said…
This particular blog post is the one that really made an impact.
Martice Smith said…
What an amazing journey! Thank you for bearing your soul + enchanting us with these special excursions. I have enjoyed each one of your posts! I love + can relate to Patti Digh's quote. OUR world is what WE make it!
Unknown said…
Wonderful!!! So fortunate to have met you and Marco in France.
Birgit Kerr said…
Oh I love to follow along with your adventures around the world! And I enjoy your recaps and musings now that a little time has passed even more! Thank you for sharing!
bettywisse said…
Quite the adventure you had. Thanks for a chance to win.
Allison said…
I appreciate the dream catcher image with your friends quote because we do catch things that affirm our understandings of the world! Love your work and words <3
Kelcie Bryant-Duguid said…
wanderlust is wonderful!
Anything can happen.... so many possibilities brimming with good fortune. What a fabulous adventure!
Jan Ketza said…
Best days of my life are those of gypsy adventure...be open to anything the world reveals to you. My camera, mobile paint studio, change of clothing, always my bathing suit and a bottle of Malbec.
natski said…
Loved this post, thnaks so much for sharing :)
The cacti picture reminds me of one of my favorite places, El Pescadero, Baja Mexico! Thank you for letting us travel with you, so to speak!
Peace,
~Leslie
Unknown said…
Lovely words and pics. The dreamcatcher i so beautiful.
Gunilla
Barbro Olsson said…
It's fun reading your comments of your journey and see your paintings with or without quotes.
I don't always have the time to read everything but some things jumps out and talks to me.
I have shared your blog on Twitter, my facebookpages and others too.
Snowy winter greetings from Sweden to Australia! Love Barbro
Robyn Wood said…
I will be sad to see the end of these blog posts Tracy, they have been magical! Thank you for sharing them with us.
jacqueline said…
Fabulous year.....thank you for sharing your colourful journey.....
Linda R said…
love these peeks into what must have been the most amazing trip - wow.
Mary Hurlburt said…
Thank you for the inspiring photos, paintings and quotes. Your spirit shines. Love that you are sharing your amazing journey. I have shared your post on pinterest and facebook.
Line said…
Thank you for letting us in to you life. I am very grateful for that. I have taken my life path together with my husband this New Year for 35 wonderful, inspiring years........;)
Unknown said…
Another wonderful post gorgeous photos you have had ssome wonderful trips and meet some coo people, awesome.
Unknown said…
Love the inspiration here . . . I am sharing on FB.
Unknown said…
Your journey is so amazingly wonderful that I want to share it with more people. Facebook friends, twitter, and Instagram will all hear about this! and while you're looking at those. please don't forget me to win a spot in your class!
Unknown said…
The dream catcher is beautiful and so unique. Almost looks 3-d when you first look at it.....love it....
Mimzy said…
Wonderful to follow on your journey!
brenda said…
Tracy.......I spent many years kayaking in Mexico, eating ceviche that the guides caught that morning, enjoying the wilderness of Baha. And luckily I never met that Wild Man!! Only Gray Whales. Enjoying your travels now that mine are not so plentiful.
Susan Goodell said…
I love seeing all the photos from your adventures. I don't travel much, so I get to see the world through you. So many beautiful things in the world to see.
Unknown said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said…
Another fabulous post filled with thoughts and ideas to take to heart. I've always been optimistic and try to see beauty in all things and people. It makes MY world happy and I hope it spreads joy to others. :) Oop's deleted my other post by mistake..
Ciara said…
You make my heart sing with your generous soul <3
Lynette (NZ) said…
I love that you are taking us on your wonderful journey through so many different perspectives. Thanks so much for your generous sharing and wonderful giveaways :)
Unknown said…
What a lovely chronical of your year. I hope to do ALL of those things!!
Unknown said…
Wonderful quote with beautiful art! I truly believe our thoughts become our reality and try to keep them positive, but it's not always an easy thing to do. Thanks for your inspiring words and art, much appreciated.
HeARTworks said…
Wonderful post! So much insight to chew on!!! patsy
Mollie said…
Beautiful paintings, you are such an inspiration!
PantyĆ¼r said…
You have an exciting trip, wish to be there too.
Love to learn from You

Panni
Unknown said…
Cheers to your incredible travel adventures and to more unfolding beauty in 2016!
Anonymous said…
Tracy,
That church was WHOW WHOW WHOW! You had an amazing trip. Art and Beer! My son in law would love an apron like that! HA HA HA They are big into hitting all the craft beer places. For Christmas they were given a wooden state of Indiana cut out areas in it. It is a way to display all the great craft beers one tastes in our state. Looks like Marco is into tasting too. : }. And of course all your beautiful art is an inspiration to us all. Hugs
AlaskaRuth said…
Love what you do, every bit of it!!
Josey said…
I am thoroughly enjoying your posts and seeing your travels through the eye of an amazing artist. Being a winner in the giveaway would be an extra bonus! Thanks for sharing.
Kristin said…
Love your quotes AND your paintings x
Karen said…
I must visit this bar and try my luck! I feel sure he would end up chasing me down the street. :P
Unknown said…
Wish I lived closer to you ~ so we could be BFF's <3
Rachel K said…
I love your art and how you see things. Thanks for your openness and sharing.
KarenS said…
I enjoy seeing local handcrafts made whenever I travel, too.
Deitra Hart said…
Thank you so much for sharing your unique perspective with all of us!
Alysse Hennessey said…
Such powerful blog posts! I just am amazed that you are putting together all this so soon after your trip. What a great idea. I'd love to win one of your pieces of art!
- Alysse Hennessey
Adriana said…
Oh my, the "quirky restaurant/bar/art gallery in Baja California" has me wondering who these people are?! What an adventure!! xox

Adriana Carusi-DiLiberto
adee@satx.rr.com
Unknown said…
So inspirational! I especially loved the wedding picture – – what a gorgeous backdrop! When I was in Italy in October I wandered into dozens of old churches and was absolutely fascinated by the ceilings. I think I could do a whole book of just my ceiling photos! Also LOVED the mushroom pic -- great perspective!!
Unknown said…
The cow in the road reminds me of my art trip to Segovia and how the sheep "have the right of way". I have a similar picture but with sheep!
Unknown said…
The photo of the cow and the traffic jam sounds like me! I love it!
Unknown said…
Peaceful and calming. Just what the Dr ordered.
cjaxon said…
The more I read the more I want to wander the world. If only I could take my house with me like a turtle.
Sojna said…
Love the apron! HA HA HA There is so much joy in these photos. You shared that love with us. Hugs
Jodi said…
What fun adventures!
Anonymous said…
Love this post! Especially the taking in a breath of love :) Beautiful photos too!! ~Sophia Vida
DDCreates said…
Wow! What a wonderful trip through the arts of different areas!
Carol Regan said…
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your adventures and inspiring by example! Your posts during your travels made me wish I was where you were! Thanks for the wonderful photos.
Stephanie Danbom said…
I am still in absolute aw over your Journey on the road to 50 with your Mi Amor in close vicinity at all times. Love. Love. Love All the moments of you shared your REAL time experiences. Hugs! Stephanie

Stephaniedanbom@yahoo.com
Unknown said…
Love the art and beer apron! :)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your adventures and inspiring by example! Your posts during your travels made me wish I was where you were! Thanks for the wonderful photos. batman v superman full movie 2016
Unknown said…
All I have to say is, as always...you encourage me on the journey, and in my artistic process. THANK YOU.