wisdom for the day comes from Marley's aunt...

"getting jealous takes too much effort, it's really not worth it"

In the time I have spent in Vermont, I have realized something simple; all of the things we have yet to learn from a place that is incredibly easy to access.  This place being people.  I have always been told that people have a story and that you can learn from the people around you, but it is something that is becoming more and more evident in my life.  First, I am joined in Vermont by one of the most intelligent women I have ever met who isn't much older than I am.  Kind of crazy.  However, I have come to learn more from being around her on a day to day basis than I have in a long time.  Secondly, her family is incredible.  There have been mass amounts of stories shared, as well as knowledge that has left me curious on many different subjects.  For Memorial Day, we were joined by some extended family.  One of the cousins happened to be one of the greatest parents I have ever met.  She enlightened me on natural childbirth, nursing, and vegetarianism; all subjects which I have not been exposed to but will now be looking into more. 

We can not only learn from those that are directly in front of us, but those that have previously lived and those that may just live far away.  Tonight, we watched a film inspired by a certain poem from Allen Ginsberg.  This poem was the way in which Allen saw his life and saw the world around him.  Everyone has a view of what this world is, so why not look around and see what others are seeing?  

This all basically just left me inspired to ask more questions, read more memoirs and enjoy the company of others and truly getting to know them.

BREAD

Marley and I were able to conquer a few things today including BAKING BREAD (from scratch), opening an incredibly difficult bottle of wine, and playing British Croquet (or crochet as I have come to call it).  Turns out, I am not that bad at croquet. After we conquered that we made a fabulous dinner consisting of the above and adding some grilled chicken as well! Overall, great day but not much else to add that is exciting :)

Vermont!

I have now been in Vermont for a little over a week and let me tell you this place is incredible.  The people I have met already, the art galleries, and most of all the beauty of the nature that you are constantly surrounded by.  So far while being here I have learned a few things about myself:

1. I want to live somewhere that there are mountains.

2. Someday I will hike the Appalachian Trail.

3. There is a lot I have yet to learn about this world I live in, mainly the history of the Beatles.

4. I am neurotic.  This is mostly with having a schedule/plan, I have difficulties going without one or completely relaxing and being in the moment.  This is something I am working on.

There is so much more yet to discover and I know that each day will bring about something new.

Today, Marlena and I accomplished our first summit hike.  With guidance from her uncle, we headed towards Pico Summit.  The conditions weren't ideal for hiking, seeing as it was a little muddy, but hey, it was time for a good adventure.  We were warned that this trail was going to be pretty steep, but doable. This was completely true, at times it was a little steep, but beyond worth it.  Every step of the trail was like something out of a movie, just breathtaking.  We conquered the summit and made it back down, which ended up being about 6 miles in all.  A success I would say.

This is Marley and I at the summit (you can see the other mountain ranges in the background).  Check out my Facebook in the near future for more pictures of the trail!