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Life

Love Others + A Few Summer Faves

September 1, 2017September 1, 2017 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 14 comments
Love Others + A Few Summer Faves

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It’s September! 😳😳😳 I don’t know where August went. I don’t even know where I went for the last half of August in terms of the blog.

I want to take a quick moment to address Hurricane Harvey. I don’t really talk about what’s happening in the world. Oftentimes when I do sit down to write I feel like I’m just repeating what so many others have said. It can be heartbreaking to look at what’s happening in the world, whether it’s a natural disaster like in Houston, Sierra Leone, and Mumbai. Or whether it’s when people show off how much they really suck. We live in a broken world and it can be exhausting.

But it’s also beautiful–and people are part of the reason for that too. (There are probably some people with jaws dropped at that statement; I’m usually rather cynical.) Sometimes people suck, but sometimes people love, and it’s beautiful to see when people reach out in love to those around them. So in the face of a sad and heartbreaking world, I want to love those around me. I want to love people with no exceptions, because we’re all created equal.

If you’d like to help out, here’s a helpful article that lists organizations you can donate to for Hurricane Harvey relief. (Thanks to Erica for sharing this article in her list of resources.) Another organization I’ve been following is Lutheran Church Charities. Not only are they collecting monetary donations and, I believe, supplies, but they have sent comfort dogs to shelters to visit people and bring… well, comfort. Three of their comfort dogs that are based in Texas are already visiting shelters and they have dogs from other parts of the country that are getting ready to go. I’ve also seen Anali post updates on her Facebook page for those who might be able to volunteer when the need arises.

So, there it is. I know you’ve heard it already and you don’t need me to say it again, but if you’re able to help, even a little can go a long way.

And now, some favorite things from this summer.

I’m going to leave off things like horses, because if you’ve followed me on social media or looked at my June and July in Photos posts, you know that I have LOVED spending time with horses this summer. Some of my friends have been surprised by how suddenly I got a horse this summer, but none of them are my horses. I’ve just claimed them as my equine nieces and nephews. (I guess this was a nice way to include them in my favorite things from the summer. 😂)

Love makes the world go round....or at least it brings beauty to a heart-breaking world. Also: a few summer faves + ways to support Hurricane Harvey relief. // dreams-etc.com

Reconnecting with Friends. It was my best friend’s birthday the other day so I sent her a text and realized that the last time we got together was at the beginning of June and I haven’t really seen or talked to her since. This is actually true for a lot of my friends. There’s one person that I’ve gotten together with a few times this summer and two others that I snap everyday, but other than that I haven’t been in touch with a lot of people. One friend I’ve been in touch with more than most others this summer is my childhood best friend.

We were very close when I lived in Wisconsin and we stayed in touch/spent a lot of time together during summers after I moved, but we drifted apart after high school. Before this summer, the last time I had seen her was at her wedding six years ago and we had even started to drift apart before that. We got back in touch this year on Facebook; she sent me some messages. And when I first returned to my hometown this summer it was partly to see my friend with the horses, and partly to see my childhood best friend.

We spent the entire day together and when I went back later in the summer with my niece we got together again. It’s been so much fun to catch up with her and hang out, to play with her dog, and to have a chance to connect with her children. I’m so grateful that she reached out to me earlier this year and she kept in touch, even though I was SO slow in responding. (I wasn’t happy in my workplace the first half of the year and that unhappiness started to seep into unrelated parts of my life… I’m planning to share more thoughts on this in the next month or two.)

So if there’s someone in your life who you’ve lost touch with but you’ve thought of reconnecting with (and my guess is there probably is) I really encourage you to reach out to them. The worst that could happen is they won’t get back to you, and if that’s the case you can just move on. You might just have a quick conversation. (We’ve had some of these over the years.) Or you might have a chance to reconnect with someone you used to be really close to. And it’s a pretty great feeling.

Love makes the world go round....or at least it brings beauty to a heart-breaking world. Also: a few summer faves + ways to support Hurricane Harvey relief. // dreams-etc.com

Phone Strap. On a less personal note, I’ve talked about the Love Handle phone strap that I use before, but I absolutely love this thing! It’s basically an adhesive strap that you can connect to your phone case and it gives you a better grip on your phone. Here’s why I love this particular strap (here’s one that’s similar) over a ring or PopSocket (even though they’re cuter): I usually put one or two fingers through the strap, but I can put three or four fingers through, so my phone basically feels like an extension of my hand. This helped me feel a lot more secure when I stuck my hand out of the boat over the Amazon River to take photos and videos in the spring. And it gave me that same sense of security when I stuck my phone out the car window while we drove through Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado last month. (I should clarify, while my friend drove through Rocky Mountain National Park. I wasn’t driving and taking photos/videos at the same time.)

I will say that I have started to feel strain in my hand that’s related to using the strap, so I currently have this case on my phone. But I still have my case with the strap within reach and I took it with me when my niece and I left town last weekend in case we were able to go out adventuring. (It rained all weekend, so we didn’t.)

Love makes the world go round....or at least it brings beauty to a heart-breaking world. Also: a few summer faves + ways to support Hurricane Harvey relief. // dreams-etc.com

Selfie Stick. My brother-in-law laughed at me when I tested this out one day, but hear me out! You don’t need to be one of those people rushing around with their phone permanently placed in their selfie stick, taking pictures absolutely EVERYWHERE. But I have used a selfie stick on a few occasions: my mom and I took some pictures of ourselves with the tulips in Ottawa in May and my friend and I used it in Colorado. I just slip my phone in when I’m in place to take the picture and slip it out after. It’s what I used to take the picture above outside the Stanley Hotel, as well as the awful photo below at Rocky Mountain National Park. (Even if it’s a cloudy day the sun will make me squint, so let’s hope you’re never with me as I’m trying to get a picture with my eyes actually open.) 🙈😂  Since I usually share so few photos of myself on the blog, I don’t know why I always choose the not-so-glamorous shots. (PS – the fog rolled in right before I took this. Before that it was somewhat clear and you could actually see the view. So this was a fail in multiple ways. 😂) The button was easy to use to take the picture (I’ve used selfie sticks where it was a little more difficult) and this one is a Bluetooth compatible stick, so I didn’t have to mess around with hooking it up to my phone, especially since I have an iPhone 7 Plus.

Love makes the world go round....or at least it brings beauty to a heart-breaking world. Also: a few summer faves + ways to support Hurricane Harvey relief. // dreams-etc.com

What are some of your favorites from the summer? I’d love to hear, so let me know in the comments!

[Tweet “A few essentials from the summer, including loving others. Cause the world kinda sucks sometimes.”]

Love makes the world go round....or at least it brings beauty to a heart-breaking world. Also: a few summer faves + ways to support Hurricane Harvey relief. // dreams-etc.com

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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14 comments

  1. Bailey says:
    September 1, 2017 at 1:23 pm

    I’ve never seen that photo strap before! I will definitely have to check it out.

    Reply
  2. Charlotte says:
    September 1, 2017 at 1:26 pm

    I definitely think selfie sticks can be very useful! I always laugh when I see people on crowded tourist spots walk around with them (uhm, why not ask someone to snap your pic?!) but for bloggers I can see them coming in handy.

    Ooof, the Harvey stuff is really breaking my heart. It’s hard to talk about but that level of destruction, it just makes you want to get in the middle and help. Bryan and I are taking in a foster from Harvey this week which we’re unbelievably excited about. Our first foster was a Sandy rescue so seems fitting šŸ™‚

    And you’re so right re: reconnecting to old friends šŸ™‚ I did this recently on a whim and it was so great to catch up again.

    Xoxo and hope you have a great weekend!

    Reply
  3. Marissa Wehrer says:
    September 1, 2017 at 2:52 pm

    I need a selfie stick for when I move to Spain by myself! I want to document everything, but I have no one to take my pics. šŸ™ I don’t care how silly I look. lol

    Reply
  4. Beth Kondrick says:
    September 1, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    I have been dropping my phone more than I care to admit lately so I think I need to look into the phone strap! I will also admit I wish I had a selfie stick! I reconnected with some friends this summer and it was such a good feeling. Have a wonderful weekend!!

    Reply
  5. Christine Powers says:
    September 1, 2017 at 4:39 pm

    Oooh! The phone strap sounds interesting! I’m always afraid to risk putting my phone in a compromising position to get a great pic!

    Reply
  6. Jordyn Upchurch says:
    September 1, 2017 at 9:10 pm

    How fun that you’ve been spending time with horses this summer! I have three and I absolutely love spending time with them!

    xoxo, SS

    Southern and Style

    Reply
  7. Patricia Conte says:
    September 1, 2017 at 11:19 pm

    I’m with you – where did August go?! But, hellooooo, September! I need to check out that phone strap for sure! What a great accessory!

    Reply
  8. Mistle says:
    September 2, 2017 at 9:06 am

    I live in Houston and I’m so glad Harvey has come and gone. It’s been amazing seeing everyone come together and help each other out. This world needs more of it. I need to check that phone strap out!! I too have a selfie stick.

    Reply
  9. Susannah says:
    September 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm

    Thanks for the link to the post with the ways to help in Houston!

    Reply
  10. Greta Hollar says:
    September 3, 2017 at 8:20 pm

    I’m like you. I feels like I’ve blinked and the summer was over! My favorite part was going to a blogger conference in August!

    Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com

    Reply
  11. Erica @ Coming up Roses says:
    September 4, 2017 at 8:59 am

    A selfie stick is so smart!!! He will learn to not laugh…haha!

    Coming Up Roses

    Reply
  12. Tatyanna Picou-Baptiste says:
    September 4, 2017 at 5:34 pm

    A selfie stick has been a god send for me this summer. when it’s just my little one and I, I can still take good pictures for my blog. I definitely feel like summer flew by this year tho. So not ready for it to end.

    xx Tatyanna
    http://www.apopoflife.com

    Reply
  13. Jennifer L. | Modern Chic Mag says:
    September 5, 2017 at 4:34 am

    Aww I’m happy you were able reconnect with your childhood best friend. It’s always amazing how we can reconnect with old friends later on and really feel the years haven’t gone passed. Going to have to try that strap! So cool

    Reply
  14. Lindsay @ The Flynnigans says:
    September 6, 2017 at 4:00 pm

    Hey girl,
    I often don’t post about current events because like you, I feel like so many others do and articulate it far better than I could, so I just can’t be bothered to repeat it all, it doesn’t mean I’m unaffected or I don’t care.

    I’ve been toying with getting a knob or strap like yours but I can’t not have an otterbox on my phone because I’m a klutz, so most of them don’t work since you’ve got to stick them on your actual phone. As Forbes a selfie stick, props to anyone that pulls one out. I feel like a goofball and hence, don’t pull one out. But yeah, sometimes tigers aren’t enough to hold onto the phone.

    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.

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.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle tour with a stop at Thingvellir National Park. My fingers froze as I took these photos but it was worth it to capture this view. šŸ˜ PS - the last photo is from a lake we stopped at on our way from Geysir to Thingvellir.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 1. We went on a rather unvent Iceland, Day 2, Part 1. We went on a rather unventful Northern Lights tour the night before and slipped in a few hours of sleep before meeting our bus for the Golden Circle tour. Our tour guide was @busdriver_annie and she was amazing! Pictured: Faxi (the small waterfall) Gullfoss (the big waterfall), a wool market where we also saw some animals, and Geysir (the hot springs area). Geysir is actually the most famous geyser in the world but it doesn’t erupt anymore. However, Strokkur erupts every 5 - 10 minutes. I’ll share more photos from the tour soon!
Iceland, Day 1. We landed bright and early at 6:30 Iceland, Day 1. We landed bright and early at 6:30 am, dropped off our bags at the hotel, and went exploring. We saw HallgrĆ­mskirkja, the amazing view from the bell tower, the rainbow street, and walked down Laugavegur. Swipe to the end to see the view from our apartment!
Scenes from November, which were mostly at the dam Scenes from November, which were mostly at the dam apparently.
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