Here we go again!

Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected for the rest of my life. - Michael Palin

I'm very excited to announce that I'm heading to Europe again after about 7 years away! The plane to Iceland leaves tomorrow and I'm skipping flying from PIT to IAD and driving directly to IAD instead, so hopefully no harrowing tales of delayed planes, missed flights, and long sprints through airports this time around.  They made for a decent story last time, but I'd like to avoid a similar experience and try something new... a pleasant and smooth flying experience perhaps?

This trip will involve 3 countries, a soak in the hot springs, waterfall viewing and a short hike, a GREATLY ANTICIPATED theater performance, new foods to try, plenty of pints, and creating new memories with my sister and her fiancé.  I'm quite excited, so stay tuned and provided that this blog cooperates on my iPad (unfortunately unlikely), I'll be updating it regularly. In the meantime, follow me on Instagram at jenniferscraftiworks for photo updates when I'm in places that have wifi!

ICELAND, ENGLAND, IRELAND, here we come! Yay!

2014 flew by!

“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.”– Unknown

It has been a while since my last post. Things have gotten very busy here. Earlier this year, a lot of changes came into my life within a month of each other. I picked up my second foster dog, started a new job and began grad school. Since then, little has changed other than making the decision to adopt my furry houseguest and make him a part of my family.  Work and school continue to take up most of my time and the fur ball takes up the rest.  Somehow I still manage to catch the occasional round of zzz and spend time with my family and friends. I really can't complain. 
I even managed to take a week off from work to enjoy a nice vacation with my mom in Myrtle Beach this past September.  We drove down from PA, found our condo on the beach (we got the penthouse floor, super sweet view!), then went out to enjoy a nice seafood dinner. During the trip, we took the opportunity to see a live show (the pirate show- no plot, average food, but impressive acrobatics and tasty rum beverages). We also found the Hollywood wax museum and maze to be quite entertaining and managed to fit quite a bit of shopping into the trip.  We didn't spend any time on the beach, but the view from the balcony was spectacular and we enjoyed our time together.
2014 really flew by and was filled with good times as well as bad. Time seems to be increasing in speed as I grow older and I am continuing to learn to appreciate the small things in life and those I once took for granted.  I have fond memories to recollect from the past year and hope for an adventurous, prosperous and healthy 2015 for myself (of course!), family and friends.

Prince Gallitzin State Park

"The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one's own country as foreign land." ~ G.K. Chesteron

had the pleasant surprise of a picnic at the lake with my little sister this Memorial Day weekend.  We grilled hot dogs, spent some time together and found out that my foster fur-baby, Topper, simply loves the water!  I haven't had the chance to travel too far lately, but it is still nice to take some time to enjoy local landmarks from time to time.  The lake was so clear you could see the bottom and the park is pretty dog-friendly as long as you keep your canine pal on a leash.  It was a fantastic day with great company, tasty picnic food and lots of fun. :)

The time I got to spend with my sister reminded me of a few things.  One- I really need to spend some more time with my little sis.  Two- you don't have to hop on a plane to find fun things to do. Three- some of the coolest places can be a half hour (or less) drive away from your home as long as you're willing to look.

Catching a Show in Pittsburgh with Friends

"Good luck needs no explanation." ~ Shirley Temple

Once in a while, the stars align and a great opportunity presents itself.  Last week, a friend invited me to join him and his sister to see the Queen-inspired musical, "We Will Rock You" at Benedum Center in Pittsburgh.  At the precise moment that I was one click away from purchasing tickets for balcony seats at $53 a piece, my friend messaged me to hold on.

As luck would have it, my friend had just met a member of the cast and they became friends immediately.  The adorable, incredibly generous new friend provided us with a great opportunity to see the show for free.  As if the opportunity to see the show free of charge wasn't generous enough, our seats were incredible!  We were located in the middle of the orchestra section in seats that would have normally cost close to $300.

The view from our seats was spectacular and the cast and crew did a nice job.  The plot was a bit silly, but the talents of the cast came out through their adaptations of some great songs and fantastic choreography.  The sets were well designed and it was evident that the cast and crew put a lot of work into their show.

All in all, I'd have to say it was an incredible night and it sure pays to have such wonderful friends!  We had fun and got to see a good show.  Can't beat a great night out with some awesome people.  I'm grateful to have some amazing people in my life.

Inspiration, Influence, Legacy

“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” ― Kalu Ndukwe Kalu

Aunt Thomasene

Every once in a while, on this big adventure called life, I stop and have a little chat with myself.  The question, "What...?" comes up quite often... "What keeps me going?"  "What makes me want to be a better person?"  "What influences me?"  "What inspires me?"  "What is beautiful in my life?"  The list goes on and on, the common theme being- what.  Lately, my internal conversation has revolved around around a different W- "Who."  Who inspires me and makes me want to be a better person?

The woman, to whom this post is dedicated, was taken from our world at the end of June.  The loss was unexpected, painfully traumatic for those of us left behind.  To say we will miss her is a gross understatement and offense to reality.

The 64 years she spent on this planet were filled with the things great stories are made of- love, loss, laughter, compassion, the works.  She will forever hold a place in my heart.

Who was she?  She was the oldest of 3 kids born and raised in a small town in PA, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother.  She was a Girl Scout leader for 35 years and an influential member of the community.  She was a traveler, a story-teller, an artist, a friend.  She was a rock for those less fortunate (human and canine, alike) to hold on to if there ever was one.

Who is she?  She is an inspiration, a legacy.  The lessons she shared with me, directly and indirectly through my own observations, have had a strong impact on me and what I've become.  She is my Aunt Thomasene.

Summer Vacay 2013

"My heart is quite calm now. I will go back." ~ James Joyce

The destination for Summer Vacay 2013 has been chosen and I could not be more excited! In case the quote and picture did not provide enough clues, I will tell you now: we're going back to Ireland!

Dublin and Howth were truly enjoyable in the Autumn of 2010. That first trip provided many memories, new experiences, friendships and a healthy list of things to do this time around. A few places in Dublin have yet to be visited and explored (the Book of Kells at Trinity College, to name one), and I would have to kick myself if I failed to visit Galway. Every single person I met in Dublin, native or tourist, told me to go to Galway.

Now let the planning begin!

Long Over-due update

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." ~ Jawaharial Nehru

Travel continues to hold a special place in my heart. While I have not had the opportunity to travel the globe lately, I have gotten to explore a handful of places in the eastern part of my home country. Gettysburg, Orlando, Detroit, Washington DC (and surrounding areas) have provided plenty of opportunities for adventure.

My first trip to Gettysburg, PA did not disappoint. It is less than 3 hours away from my home, but I had never gone to the historic place until April of this year to visit a friend. It is absolutely a location I intend to revisit.

I rented my first car. It turned out to be very nice and I briefly considered purchasing one... until I met the Hyundai Veloster, of course. The rental car was definitely not bad.

The GPS, however, was far less than helpful. The dead-end you see here was the result of a "Turn Left" and go straight. Experiences such as this have lead me to the conclusion that one should probably have a backup set of directions.

The business trip to Detroit in June was actually pretty impressive. The whole office was sent up north to work at a 3-day hiring event in COBO hall. Our mission: to assist veterans and service members with creating or editing a workable federal resume, preparing them for interviews, etc.

Our first night in Detroit offered a pleasant surprise. Boyz II Men had a concert along the river right by our hotel. For a mere $5, I had the pleasure of hearing their beautiful voices live and in concert. :)

There was also an incredible restaurant that had some of the best sushi I've ever eaten. An interesting lobster bisque soup and delectable dessert display were fantastic as well. If you're ever in Detroit, stop in at Joe Muer Seafood and order the Detroit Roll. Good times for sure.

There was even a firework display in front of the hotel. Boats were lined up along the river between the USA and Canada and served as the setting for one of the most stunning displays of fireworkery that I have witnessed in a very long time.

Orlando with my sister was truly delightful. We spent 3 beautiful, sunny July days wandering through the offerings of Universal Studios. Staying at the Hard Rock hotel proved to be an excellent idea as we did not have to worry about driving, parking or getting lost. The hotel was a short walk, boat ride or bicycle-towed wagon ride from the main gates of Universal Studios and the Islands of Adventure and everything was on the same resort. We had purchased an excellent package that covered the room, breakfast at The Three Broomsticks in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and hopper passes for the three day stay. We didn't even need a car as there were fabulous restaurants within walking distance. We ended the week in a beautiful condo along the gulf of Mexico with the rest of our family.