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Life

March & April in Photos

May 2, 2017May 1, 2017 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 27 comments
March & April in Photos

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Happy Tuesday!

The last two months… they’ve been a whirlwind. If I were to describe them in one word March would be turbulent and April would be hectic. I never got a March in Photos post up, so I thought I’d combine both March and April for today’s post, so… there are a lot of pictures here. In the mix you’ll find some photos of pups (of course), a sneak peak at some pictures from Colombia and look at some of the literary events I attended recently.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

As I said, I’d describe March as turbulent. I probably went through a mid-life crisis that month and there was a lot that annoyed me. One day I came home from work and had a package in the mail from Kendra Castillo–I had ordered a painting from her. One look at the painting totally calmed me down.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

After church treat: a mocha from Misfit Coffee. If you live in Minneapolis or you’re ever visiting, you need to check them out!

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

I don’t post a ton of photos of Little One anymore, but she’s still the best ever and always a highlight of my day. 💙

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

She’s the sweetest and always lets me know when she thinks I haven’t been paying enough attention to her.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

Coffee = life. My parents, brother/sister-in-law and I had brunch one morning.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

This product didn’t work for me at all. My face stung after using it, so I returned it the day after I first tried it.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

One of my favorite people came to visit! B is like a sister to me–she lived with my family for a few years when I was in high school, she taught me how to drive, and when I visit my hometown I stay with her and her horses. She brought some delicious wine. She’s been getting into essential oils and is basically testing them out with people, her horses and her dog in an attempt to prove they don’t work… but so far she hasn’t been able to disprove them. She has this system that basically analyzes people to show what essential oils would be beneficial for the person to use. I don’t know how it works, but it was pretty spot-on for me. My stomach was bothering me that day and I tested high for an oil that helps with tummy troubles. I also tested high for one of the mood-enhancing oils that helps with frustration. My dad chuckled when I read the info about that one, because it was pretty obvious that I was frustrated that day.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

If you follow me on Insta and Snapchat, you’ve probably seen this guy before. There’s a comfort dog that visits my workplace and he’s the best. I love when he comes to visit! And he’s good at his job, too. I was going to give him a few quick goodbye pets, but he laid down and soon I was sitting on the floor on with him. After he does his thing, his handler takes him out to playground. It’s so cool to see that once his vest comes off he’s all puppy. It’s so much fun to watch him run around.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

My fave “frou frou” coffee drink is a vanilla iced nirvana from Dunn Bros. When I saw that they had a coconut iced nirvana I had to try it out. The vanilla is definitely still my favorite, but the coconut is delicious too!

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

Leadpages hosted a blogger and creative event one night, so we toured their office and sat through a presentation. It was so cool to learn more about them as a company and if I’m ever looking for a job, I’ll definitely see if they have any openings I’d be qualified for.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

And then it was off to Colombia!

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

I had a few days in Bogota, so I took it easy and spent some time reading, writing and hanging out at my favorite café.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

I also started watching 13 Reasons Why.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

And then it was off to Leticia!

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

We stayed at the cutest B&B!

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

There was a deadly landslide in Colombia while I was there, so I received a few texts from coworkers making sure I wasn’t near it. (I wasn’t.)

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

We spent two days on the Amazon River and it was the most amazing thing ever! Our boat driver was so knowledgeable and it was so cool to spend some time with him out on the river. He knew when we’d have a great chance of seeing dolphins (and we saw a lot of them!), he could spot different animals (like sloths) that looked like dots from a distance until we realized what they were. He’s such a gem and I’m so happy that he was our boat driver for most of our excursions! (PS – I always appreciated this phone strap, but I appreciated it there more than ever. I held my phone outside of the boat over the water A LOT while I was in Leticia and didn’t have to worry about it. I even passed my phone off and watched others stick it out of the boat over the water without fear.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

When we saw birds circling we knew dolphins were close.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

Yep, that’s me. And yep, those are my new friends.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

A few coworkers and I have been going through this Bible study. I think it’s one everyone should do; it’s been so beneficial! I’ve already picked out the Bible study from Priscilla Shirer that I’ll do once I finish this one.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

United canceled my flight to Minneapolis, so I spent the night in the Houston airport. But hey, I wasn’t injured, so I guess in the end it all worked out.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

The day I finally made it home from Colombia my mom and I attended a Big Ideas event with the Loft Literary Center. It was a conversation between Lisa Lucas and Marlon James (who won the Man Booker Prize in 2015 for his novel A Brief History of Seven Killings). It was such a great event that reminded me how much I love talking–really discussing and analyzing–the books I read. I loved it!

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

This garden is going to be mostly kale. 💚 💚 💚

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.comI love watching her soak up the sunshine. It’s pretty much the only good thing about the sun. #practicallyavampire #ilovegloomyweather
Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

My best friend and I went out for our quarterly dinner… the food was delicious!

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

It rained on our way there and snowed on our way home. That’s spring in Minnesota, for ya!

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

We celebrated Good Friday and Easter! I’m in charge of the flowers when they arrive and, well… I’m not always the best with flowers. But they survived! 🎉 💃🏻Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

I had Good Friday off work, so on Maundy Thursday my mom and I ordered an impromptu, late-night pizza and wings. We ate and talked and it was one of the best nights.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

A month in photos post wouldn’t be complete without a picture of my BFF Odin. He actually has moments of calm now and soaks up tummy rubs.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

Flowers for admin professionals day.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes with March & April in photos. // dreams-etc.com

I ended April by attended a Craft Talk with Angela Flournoy, hosted by the Loft Literary Center. Here she is reading from her novel The Turner House, which I knew I wanted to read after listening to her and I had to buy a copy of after hearing a spoiler during the Q&A.

Tell me about your March & April!

[Tweet “Let’s chat about March + April!”]

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

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27 comments

  1. Carol TheAnswerIsChocolate says:
    May 2, 2017 at 9:51 am

    Your photos are stunning and it looks like we share an affinity for mochas!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:19 pm

      Thank you! And yes! I love them. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. jenn griffin says:
    May 2, 2017 at 9:54 am

    i love this post! all the colors. it’s a great montage of the months.

    that puppy is ADORABLE.

    that bible study is FANTASTIC. i hope you’re watching the videos that coincide with it. she is amazing.

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:21 pm

      Thanks Jenn! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      And thank you! She’s the cutest and the sweetest.

      Yes! I’ve been watching the videos too and I LOVE them! She’s so engaging! I definitely want to continue going through her Bible studies after this one. This one is so good!

      Reply
  3. Leslie Soto says:
    May 2, 2017 at 10:12 am

    It sounds like you’ve had a busy couple of months. I always love end of the month recaps in pics, it just feels so much more personal. Your Little One is too cute!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:23 pm

      They have been busy! I’m hoping things slow down a little bit over the summer… but I guess have to be intentional about making that happen. And thank you! I”m glad you enjoyed the post. I always enjoy seeing “behind-the-scenes” pictures from people’s lives too.

      Reply
  4. Beth Kondrick says:
    May 2, 2017 at 10:46 am

    So many great pictures! I love the vanilla iced nirvana from Dunn Bros too. I always love pics of your Little One. I wish my work had a therapy dog, that would be amazing!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:25 pm

      Thanks, Beth! Isn’t it the best? I love it so much! Pictures of Little One always make me smile (because she makes me smile) so I always enjoy hearing that others appreciate them too. And yes! Bringing him in was the best thing ever! Every workplace should have one. It’s really nice to be able to take a break and pet him when he visits.

      Reply
  5. kim airhart says:
    May 2, 2017 at 2:06 pm

    WOW!! So many beautiful photos. Busy girl!!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:25 pm

      Thank you, Kim! It has been busy. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. shootingstarsmag says:
    May 2, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    Great photos. It looks like you had a busy couple of months but some exciting things happened too. Omg, your little dog is so cute. My dog loves to sun bathe too!!!

    -Lauren
    http://www.shootingstarsmag.net

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:26 pm

      Thank you Lauren! It’s so much fun to watch dogs sun bathe. šŸ™‚ And it’s a good reminder that I should actually try to get out in the sun every once in awhile.

      Reply
  7. Lisa Thomson says:
    May 2, 2017 at 7:40 pm

    Nice photo journal of the last two months. Very exciting life you lead, Crystal šŸ™‚ Love the redwine, coffee, puppies, pizza, flowers all so lovely! I just popped over from Peaceful Posse.

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:26 pm

      Thanks Lisa! I don’t really think of my life as that exciting, but it is busy sometimes. šŸ™‚ Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  8. Beth_Daily_Dog_Tag says:
    May 3, 2017 at 1:07 am

    You are certainly a busy person! Little One is so adorable, thanks for sharing her photos!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:27 pm

      It has been a busy few months! I think it’s time to be a little more intentional about slowing down. I’ve been pretty tired lately. šŸ™‚ And thank you! She’s adorable and very sweet. I always enjoy hearing that others enjoy the pictures I share.

      Reply
  9. Casey says:
    May 3, 2017 at 1:08 pm

    Looks like a tasty and fun month! That pizza has me majorly DROOOLING and how cute is that comfort dog?!?

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:28 pm

      It was! The pizza was so good! I could definitely go for more right now. šŸ˜‰ And yes! I love him! He’s the best.

      Reply
  10. Life in ATX says:
    May 3, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    Wow, a busy few months for you! Love seeing your photos! Good luck on that amazing garden šŸ™‚

    XO
    Lee Anne
    http://www.lifebylee.com

    Reply
  11. Lindsay @ The Flynnigans says:
    May 3, 2017 at 3:56 pm

    I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the picture of you with the monkeys is the best!! Did you actually see any sloths up close??
    Seeing the boys lay out in sunbeams just make my day. In fact, when I get home today, Charlie will come running to the door to say hello like we’ve left him for months on end and then he bee lines it back to the window to sunbathe. It’s the cutest. šŸ™‚
    I’m looking forward to more of your Columbia pictures.

    Nice catching up with you hun. I hope the next couple of months are smoother sailing for you. šŸ˜‰

    Reply
  12. GH Client says:
    May 3, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    You’re right, March and April were a whirlwind! It looks like you’ve had a busy two months!

    Carly | http://www.thecarlycollective.com

    Reply
  13. Melissa Chee says:
    May 3, 2017 at 6:41 pm

    Your pup is so cute and I can’t get over those cute monkeys!

    Reply
  14. Jamie Fray says:
    May 3, 2017 at 8:05 pm

    I really love this idea. It’s so fun to connect with you and see where you’ve been for the past months, and those dogs are adorable šŸ™‚

    Reply
  15. Gennifer Rose says:
    May 4, 2017 at 5:39 am

    I love all the doggies! Every dog that comes across my path is a comfort dog šŸ˜‰ 🐶🐾

    Gennifer Rose | http://www.GenniferRose.com

    Reply
  16. Mary Anne says:
    May 4, 2017 at 8:43 am

    I loved each one of the pictures here! Great shots

    Reply
  17. Sharon Glascoe says:
    May 4, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    Loving these pics! It looks like March and April were memorable months!

    Reply
  18. Cameron says:
    May 4, 2017 at 8:23 pm

    I love reading these posts! It looks like you had quite the busy month, and I chuckled a bit at your comment that United cancelled your flight. You’re right, at least you weren’t injured haha.

    Reply

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hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

If only we always remembered to be in touch with o If only we always remembered to be in touch with our loved ones regularly; to tell them that we love them.

This thought has been on my mind the last few weeks as I’ve been in touch with one of my best friends almost daily. They’ve been navigating a scary situation.

But that’s what everyone says, isn’t it? Reach out to those you love. Tell them you love them. Don’t let a lot of time pass.

We all know that. We think about it sometimes. We hear about it when others are in crisis. We’re thankful that we aren’t the ones in crisis and we can remember this lesson through someone else.

But eventually we get caught up in life. Our daily ā€œI love you’sā€ are reserved for those we live with and sometimes we forget to text someone back… or it takes a few days to do so.

This week as I wondered why we don’t remember this more often I realized it’s probably a good thing. It’s a good thing that we can live life without worrying that tragedy is right around the corner. That would be an exhausting way to live.

It’s also good that we can get little reminders, sometimes not from our own life. So from someone who spent one week numb, another week weepy, and this week sad, remember to send your friends a text. Tell them you love them.
I took these in early January when the snow still I took these in early January when the snow still felt a bit magical, but right now I’m just ready to walk barefoot in grass.

When I was younger I used to imagine what it would be like if we got so much snow that it would be piled high above our doors. I wondered if we’d be able to create tunnels in the snow to move around in.

And this year might just be the year we find out. I’m kidding, of course, but at this point I feel like we’ve been buried in snow. We’re even on track to beat some snow records I think (the amount of snow and the number of consecutive days with snow on the ground.

So. What’s the weather like where you are?
February was here and gone in the blink of an eye February was here and gone in the blink of an eye but contained moments I’ll carry with me forever.
When it’s almost halfway through February and yo When it’s almost halfway through February and you still haven’t posted January’s recap. January was filled with lots of family time. šŸ’™
Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few g Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few glimpses from January. As 2022 came to an end I had this feeling that I was preparing to hibernate and I guess, in a way, I have. I’ve been slowly easing into the new year, focused on getting back into a few routines after Iceland and the holidays. And it’s been a great month. I can’t believe it’s almost over. What have your favorite moments of January been?
2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of 2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of so many dreams experiences. Whales. Cape Cod/Nantucket. Iceland. I saw musicals that have I’ve been dreaming of with Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and Six. 

It wasn’t without its stresses and rough moments but I’m grateful for the good that can be found, even when it’s hard.
Let’s journey back to November for the second we Let’s journey back to November for the second weekly dam walk of the month. My dad joined me for this one and we made it somewhat fast because it was a chilly day. ā€œThe water looks cold,ā€ I said when we back to the car.

Between Iceland and the below zero, windy, and snowy weather we had last week (which came with requests from my parents not to go) it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the dam and I miss it!
Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Vienna and it still lives in my memory today as such a special time. I know December in Reykjavik will be the same—and not just because I came home with a little over $100 worth of ornaments of all 13 Yule Lads AND their mom AND the Christmas cat. (There was a little bit of miscommunication between my mom and me on that shopping trip. šŸ˜‚)

It might have been cold (and when that wind hits you don’t want to be outside or by the harbour…I speak from windswept, breath-stolen experience and will forever be grateful for the library we eventually found respite in) and we only saw the sun a few hours each day, but seeing this already charming city decked out in Christmas lights with a skating rink and the prettiest tree secured it’s place in my heart.

Reykjavik, I hope to see you again one day. Soon. Probably not in December, but I’m glad I got to see you in December once.
Last year my niece and I visited New York at Chris Last year my niece and I visited New York at Christmastime and it was fun to see the city decked out in lights. I can also now say that I’ve seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating rink and the Saks Christmas lights, but I’ve also seen the crowds they draw.

It was completely different in Reykjavik this year. You actually had a chance to skate on the ice rink if you wanted (and I never did the conversation, but I think it’s cheaper) and you could actually walk up to the Christmas tree. Two very different Christmas in the city experiences.
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