2019 travel dreams + Provence ed.

I love this sacred time between Christmas Day and New Years/back to school time.  Sure I work a little here and there but I really try to keep plenty of time for reading, kid/dog snuggles, naps and reflection.  I am trying to be gentle and realistic about goals while making room for dreams.Top of the list is the elusive “work smarter not harder” idea and aspirations of trading traffic and hustle for travel that is ‘less freeway’ and more joy and inspiration!  Yep, visualizing/vision boarding/being intentional #allthethings of spending less dinero on Amazon and saving for trips like below.  I think we are all more and more about experiences and less about stuff! Am I right?? I have to remember this while in Sephora and Target in 2019!

Today is so wet and gloomy in Texas as you can see in my photo above, what better time to dream of Provence and Marrakesh??!!YEP, I am a mother and small business owner but I WANT TO TRAVEL!  

I’ve been talking to my friend Mary Baskin recently about her Vagabond trips abroad.  And they are so special and unique. Sure there is shopping, but its good insider, local type shopping with stories about families that have been making ribbons for generations and true craftsmanship with soul! This is not your average tour.  It looks so amazing Mary! She is a seasoned pro y’all!

All of these beautiful photos were take by our mutual friend Ragan Cain. Ragan is the epitome of the modern day Southern belle! Smart and kind all while globe trotting and adventure seeking! Lovely both inside out out! You can follow Ragan on Instagram.  She ENJOYS + loves both beauty and life and details and people!  Seeing Ragan’s shutterfly albums has been such a treat.  So fun seeing the perspective of things she admires and takes pictures of along her journeys… Ragan, you make this homebody want to put on a scarf and GO! You should publish a coffee table book of your adventures!

 Mary and all of her contacts abroad that help her coordinate these adventures keep the groups small and the experiences non-touristy and slow paced so you can SAVOR the food and culture and beauty! SO many photos of Ragan and her friends laughing in her album and her savoring good drinks, and food, even lounging in a hammock.  Not how I remember some of my early European adventures; I am ready for a redo!

They see some of the best the landmarks and sites but also the rare and unexpected. And at a relaxing, fun pace.

Many of you know I have worked hard to dial back my “work travel” even working less in nearby Houston and def dialing both out of state work (except Maine, well and one in Lafayette ha, I am trying y’all).  God has truly answered prayer in 2019 bringing me MORE local work here at home in the Brenham/Round Top, TX area.  But its like once I gave up pushing to drive to work in the big city and accepting every project offer in other states, an opportunity has come up to travel abroad in the summer of 2019!  or even 2020!  

 I am still not sure if this 2019 trip with Mary Baskin and Vagabond will work out for ME but maybe it will for YOU and it is on my DREAMIN’ list. Who wants to dream and think about going with me?? What is on your dream list?? Where would you like to go and do?? Cooking time in a real French country kitchen? flea markets? high fashion back door tours?? Learning more about antiques or local culture?  I love that they don’t just do flea markets or shop. 

       This trip is as life should be, a mix of all things wonderful!

See more about Mary’s Vagabond International trips here including dates and more photos and info.  

And watch for a Part II on this post, I just couldn’t fit a sampling of  Ragan’s Marrakesh Vagabond tour 2018 photos in this post and I WANT YOU TO SEE!  Thank you again Ragan for sharing a bit of these amazing places through your eyes!  What joy!

And if you are wondering if this is the same Mary Baskin that I instagrammed about recently the answer is YES!  She is a Texan just like me and she has a charming place called The English Merchant’s Inn in Waxahachie, Texas, a small town near Dallas!  Mary is having a great social media class coming up soon in February and she has mentioned doing some US City tours as well.  I am watching her closely, I have long admired Mary and I am excited about hanging out and traveling with her more.  TEACH ME MARY!

 

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Comments

  1. What a wonderful idea! This post is so much better than a travel brochure. 🙂
    I hope this dream comes true for you. An opportunity to recharge your artist batteries. You are so talented and it makes perfect sense that getting an infusion of inspiration abroad would be worthwhile.
    Happy New Year.
    xo,
    Karen

  2. Thanks for the thoughtful quote as we start a new year–little dreams do need a place to go and be nourished!
    And thank you to for the information about the wonderful travel opportunities. As a homebody, too, I enjoy travel shows and beautiful books, but these fantastic photos and your words make me want to grab a suitcase and experience something new. Food, cooking, antiques, art, churches, parks, gardens–they all sound great! Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement. Have a healthy and happy 2019, Holly!

  3. “This trip is as life should be, a mix of all things wonderful!” – well said

    Your post was such an inspiration for individuals like me. I keep wandering and wandering throughout the year and have gone through many wonderful people and places,

    Please add me to your emailing list, so that I don’t miss any post of yours.

  4. wonderful concept. sometimes it just needs the creativity & simple artistic work to be a successful women. I try this and have succeeded so far. hope your dreams come true with your work being the best this 2019.

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