'Your home is your canvas...'

My resolve for this year, was to channel as many of my emotions (and for those who know me - I have a lot) into something. 
The arts have never been a main focus in my life, and frankly, I wish I had discovered them sooner. Turning a space into something that defines and characterizes you, can be pretty cool.. and being away from the comforts and securities of home, is such a driving force in achieving this. Although you don't seek the same contentment as you have at home - because let's face it, what is the point in traveling and living abroad in the same manner you always have?? - having your own little place of refuge can provide some much needed solace. 

AND.. after 4 months of sharing a bedroom, I finally have my own!!

From a blackboard wall to vintage vinyl; 

my favorite photos to my idols; 

red boots to perfumes.... 

this is my most-liked space in all of London: because it's mine. 

Shining light on Good-bye's

Tomorrow morning I head back to my home away from home, London. After an amazing 4 weeks with my family & friends, once again comes the time that can only be classed as the 'shittest' thing in the world - Good-bye.

Although I wouldn't change the decision I have made to go back and carry on traveling down the path I'm on, being with the people you love everyday highlights the very thing you miss the most being away from home. 

Stepping back outside that 'square we live in' can hurt.

*Queue Uncle Nino stage left*

Whenever I am feeling down, or alone, or uncertain, I can always always rely on my uncle to shine a massive beam of light on all the great things in my life, and the person I can be because of them.

And again, today, he didn't fail...

I was given a card from him & my Nonna (as we said good-bye), and inside, small and neat, was the below poem that he had found and written out for me.... (author unknown)

I wanted to share this, 

For loved ones who travel...

 ... and the loved ones at home who watch them go...

As you travel through life there are always those times

When decisions just have to be made

When the choices are hard, solutions seem scarce

And the rain seems to soak your parade

There are some situations where all you can do

Is simply let go and move on

Gather your courage and choose a direction

That carries you towards a new dawn

So pack up your troubles and take a step forward - 

The process of change can be tough...

But think about all the Excitement ahead!!!

There might be adventures you never imagined

Just waiting around the next bend

And wishes and dreams, just about to come true

In ways you can't yet comprehend!

Perhaps you'll find friendships that spring from new things - 

As you challenge your status quo...

And learn there are so many options in life!!!

Perhaps you'll go places you never expected

And see things that you've never seen

Or travel to fabulous faraway worlds

And wonderful spots in-between

Perhaps you'll find warmth and affection and caring

And somebody special who's there

To help you stay centered and listen with interest

To stories and feelings you share

Perhaps you'll find comfort in knowing your family

And friends are supportive of all that you do

And believe that whatever decisions you make

They'll be the right choices for you

So keep putting one foot in front of the other

And taking your life day by day...

There's a brighter tomorrow thats just down the road

Don't look back, you're not going that way.

Introducing, Mr & Mrs Charalambous...