I can't quite believe that our three month overseas
trip will be coming to an end in less than three weeks. It's been
inspirational, overwhelming....and kind of icky when you have six people's dirty
washing at the bottom of your suitcase..... Four days in Singapore, four
weeks in Greece, and now five weeks in Cyprus—I've never had so much time to
think, to reflect, or to eat myself silly.
The trip has coincided with the release of my debut
book, Contract
for Marriage and that's had it own set of fun times and
excitement. My first appearance in the online stores, my first five star
review, and my first fan letter, have all been amazing experiences. I've done a
quick little top ten things I've learned on my travels and I'd love you to
count down with me.
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| #10 — I've stayed in some amazing places but I still think about home (and kind of wish this was the view from my front door every day). |
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#8 —Being without the internet some places gave me nasty withdrawal symptoms. Luckily I could ease them with a walk through the village for a coffee.
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#7—I've had some incredible meals in the last couple of months but my mother-in-law still makes the best stuffed vegetables in the world.
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#6—Being related to just about everyone in a village makes an evening walk turn into something
resembling rent-a-crowd.
#5—There are a billion statues in Greece and Cyprus and I seem to have seen most of them in the past few weeks. This one, "The Cypriot Mother"—dedicated to the mothers who have lost sons in wars for freedom— made me cry |
| #4—You don't have to be religious to be moved (and a little overwhelmed) by the rich sense of community and tradition in a village church service you're attending with three generations. |
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#3—We've loved the ancient temples and monuments— and the waterparks too!
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#2—NOTHING beats a long family lunch in the
village.
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#1—Seeing my first ever book cover still makes me smile
Barb, what amazing pics! Yes, please, to that view and everything else. Memories of a lifetime, including your first book release!!!
ReplyDeleteI've learned this year that time really does go by too quickly and it's time to slow down. I've said it before but I really mean it this time ;)
I've learned there are too many books to read and not enough time.
ReplyDeleteLOL Bn, I know the problem! Nice one to have though =)
ReplyDeleteFab post and I love all your lessons - esp #1.
ReplyDeleteI've learnt this year that I have to slow down and it's ok to say no (sometimes) so I can give my writing priority.
Congrats on "Contracts" release :)
Hi Robbie. No view like that today! I've just been caught in a huge thunderstorm. I like what you've learned this year and I hope you get to slow down a little. {:o)
ReplyDeleteOh, bn, that's another one to add to my list! My daughters have each read 17 books while we've been away. I'm not even onto double figures...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the congrats, Joanne, and I'm glad you like the pics. Saying no is such a tough one when we're expected to be super, multi-tasking women of the 21st century. Good on you for learning to say no and for making your writing a priority!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, Gorgeous comments. Am envious of your fab holiday - pic of your giant family dinner (which looks like a magazine photo) is my fave. Think I'm a day late, but never mind... I've learned it's okay to feel uncertain about what you're doing, but to do it anyway. Best wishes, Rae
ReplyDeleteCongratulation, Barbara. Love your cover! I had my first ever trip to New York City this year. It was amazing and I learned there are limits to what I can handle as far as crowds go. As long as I can walk through the people I'm good. If I'm squished amongst bodies, not so good. A beautiful city!
ReplyDeleteBarb, I'm on my own mini-travels in Tasmania at the moment, and I've been strongly reminded how important it is to stop and smell the roses hence, my nose is currently working overtime. :-)
ReplyDeleteYour trip has flown by so quickly, but it sounds completely amazing! And sending you many cyber-bubbles on the release of Contract For Marriage. It sounds fabulous!
Barb, what a wonderful trip. These pictures show a very special story. Thanks for sharing with us all. I hope you share another 10 special things again sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for popping in, Rae. Feeling the fear and doing it anyway? What a great thing to learn. Yes, that is a lovely photo, isn't it? Spooky thing is, there are about 50 similar. Think I might be paying for some extra baggage on the plane and it won't be the suitcase....{:o)
ReplyDeleteOh, Rebecca, I'm so jealous! New York is on my bucket list and I really hope I can get there. I'm not so great with crowds, either. I went to the RWA conference in Anaheim this year and was blown away by the number of people in one place! Thanks so much for your nice words on my cover. I love it too!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle! Stopping and smelling the roses...I've just had that reminder too and it's just so important, isn't it? I hope you have a lovely time in Tasmania and thanks for those cyber bubbles!
ReplyDeleteHi Annie, I'm so glad you liked the photos. I feel so lucky every day being here. We're off back to the capital city of Nicosia this morning to pick up my mother and father-in-law and then off to another village for the last couple of weeks. I'm sure my computer's running slower with all the photo's I've downloaded!
ReplyDeleteBarb, what gorgeous photos and priceless experiences!
ReplyDeleteWe have frappes in Australia - the chain coffee shops have them as well as some independents. If you like them, maybe you should visit over here more often? ;)
Rachel, you often have god ideas but I particularly like that one! Might just have to plan a trip early next year! There's something lovely about a cold coffee in a warm climate shared with friends {:o)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic place Barb! It must be an amazing experience!
ReplyDeleteI've learned that I really need to work at having balance in my life - and when I do, life is great :)
I love what you've learned, Kez and I think it's such a lesson for me too. It sure is a lovely place! Thanks so much for popping in.
ReplyDeleteRae, you're the winner of the copy of Contract for Marriage! Email me at barb AT barbaradeleo DOT com and I'll get it to you. Thanks so much for your comments, everyone!
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