Hi, I’m Tami! There is nothing in my life that makes me feel more alive than travel…the uncomfortable of being outside my comfort zone, discovering a new place, talking to people from all around the world and hearing how they live their lives. I have been inspired by so many people I have had conversations with while traveling. That inspiration expands into knowledge, perspective and growth in me. When I travel I am curious…I quickly discovered that we all might lead different lives but no matter our home, we are more similar than not.

A very zoomed out version of my journey thus far….I moved a lot growing up, actually I didn’t go to the same school twice until I was in middle school. While my childhood was far from typical it shaped me into who I am today and for that I am eternally grateful for my upbringing. At 18 I started my 15 year career with a global electronic distribution company with accounts mainly around the DC area… I was married for 21 years, we moved our family to Arizona in 1998 and we raised our children there… I was a stay at home mom for 18 years(best job of my life!)…I am a stepmom to two adults whom I have known since they were 3 and 8 doing my best through the lens of acknowledging they both have a mom, to show them unconditional love…I went back to work (outside the home)for 4 years after the spiritual transcending of my husband…then, an epiphany that has been my beacon ever since. I was listening to the song by Nickelback “What Are You Waiting For” and I suddenly screamed at the top of my lungs “what the f*** are you doing Tami!!!”. While grateful for a job that structured my life when everything else was seemingly spinning out of control…it didn’t feed my soul. After losing too many people I loved at ages way too young and all within 3 years I was/am acutely aware of how fragile life is and what a privilege it is to grow older. At that very moment I knew I was going to leave my job and pursue what brought joy to my soul. I didn’t know exactly what or how in that moment but I knew it was my new path. I wanted to not just be going through the motions of life but to truly embrace ALL the moments alive & awake. My kids are grown although my kids have a permanent residence in my heart…I love, I encourage, I worry, but my kids are good and they know I am a phone call or plane ride away if they ever need me. Now is the time for me to make decisions based solely on my soul’s callings… it is daunting and exhilarating all bundled together.

I don’t believe I am your typical blogger….I do not consider myself a writer…yet! I do not consider myself very blog technically savvy…yet! You will not find any fancy effects or filters on my blog nor will you find politics or drama as I do my best to keep my life void of both of those. It has been quite the interesting learning experience starting a blog. My millennial children said “It’s easy mom.” Well, I am here to tell you, my baby boomer friends, we or at least I, speak a different language than these very technically gifted people that have done their darnedest to help me. But here I am!!! It has actually been quite fun maneuvering the challenges of starting a blog and I feel my creativity stirring. I am an eternal optimist, I LOVE to explore the nooks and crannies of the world, I embrace everyday with gratitude and truly find joy in the simplest of moments. I have had several people tell me they enjoy my writing and pictures from social media and that encouragement lit the spark to start a blog. I want my blog to be a place of adventure, real life & gratitude. It is my hope to inspire you just as I have been inspired by so many people along the way. I would love to hear your thoughts if something resonates with you…just click the cute envelope icon on the bottom of any of my blog entries to send me an email…..say hi! :)

Livin’ Yellow Lotus….the meaning behind the words…..Livin’- I want to be livin’ and embracing the journey every single day. Yellow- has always been my favorite color as it is bright and cheery. Pertaining to the color of a lotus, yellow means spiritual ascension. Lotus-the lotus flower roots grow in the muddiest of water and muck but still become a beautiful flower. We all go through mud & muck in life and even amidst that muck…life is beautiful. I find such peace & balance remembering the lotus’ journey to it’s beauty.