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Giving Weight To Our Stories

by Monica May 8, 2012

A key factor in determining the value of a diamond is the CARAT. How much does the diamond weigh? Measurement. Mass. Substance. These characteristics are straightforward enough for material objects, but what about stories? Can the weight of a story be measured? How can we determine it’s worth? Everything and everyone has a story. But [...]

The Best of Times, The Worst of Times: A Bus Ride In Myanmar

by Monica April 19, 2012

Having just had an incredible few days in Bagan exploring ancient temples, I’m looking forward to taking in the breathtaking beauty of Inle Lake. But first, I have to get there. So I’m on a 12-hour journey via bus. I use the term “bus” loosely here. Picture a tin can on wheels, and you get [...]

Leveling Expectations: A Meeting of The Monks In Luang Prabang

by Monica March 12, 2012

5:30AM. A rooster crows a few feet from my window, heralding a new day in Laos. I dress quickly, grab my camera, and head out from my guesthouse. Having arrived to Luang Prabang bathed in yesterday afternoon’s glowing sunshine, I’m shocked how cool it is outside now in the pre-dawn darkness. Walking along the main [...]

A Changing Perspective: What Travel Is Teaching Me

by Monica February 20, 2012

Sign at Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai, Thailand Prior to departure, my decision to travel to Southeast Asia felt like an exciting adventure. Elephants! Tuk Tuks! Pad Kee Mao! Except. From the moment I landed in Bangkok, I was surrounded by a gadzillion other people who were doing the exact same thing. Suddenly [...]

12 Words & Images For The 12 Months of 2012

by Monica January 4, 2012

Earlier this week I wrote about my word for 2012: DEFINING as well as my hindsight word for 2011: SHEDDING. Because I love words so much, I decided to designate a word for each month to serve as priority reminders throughout the year. Each of the twelve words exists to support my overall goal of [...]

Words To Live By

by Monica August 18, 2011

Words. They carry far more power than we give them credit for. Some words lose their meaning with use. Others become lost in translation. When life really throws a curve ball there are no words. There’s just a void to be filled. I’ve learned an incredible amount about words this past week: How to choose [...]