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Dec 02
in To Morocco 2013 0 comments

Snake charmers and Penny’s bad hair day…

A wrinkled man gestured like putting slippers on with his empty hands….as two front feet and shins of a cow lay in front of him on the grey stone walkway into his store where whole skins and pieces were layered and climbed the pale pink walls.
“Just for looking…. Yes madame… just for looking..You come and look”.

Dim but softly lit alley-ways; a maze …..pointed soft leather shoes; handbags with rivets; melodies of snake charmers; bees hovering over brightly coloured sweet shiny pastries; smoke from charcoal and burning beef on metal skewers; coloured pottery; velour djillabahs which looked like bedspreads hanging in stationary rows; shelled walnuts in piles on old feed bags on the ground and in the dust; women with desperate eyes begging whilst breast-feeding their limp babies; silver jewellery with coloured beads; stiff woollen binis being woven by women who squatted on low reeded stools; silver teapots; skinned instruments and flutes hung like a musical score from darkened room with timber lining the ceiling; men without legs sliding on cardboard; tagines with sweet smelling plump apricots; drums beating a cacophony of human survival.

I sat with a woman wearing soft pink cloth ..and could only see her gentle eyes…

and felt her gentle hand as she held mine and carefully created her artwork on my hands with henna. Beautiful flowing flowers and swirls. Yes. I was in the bazzar of Marrakech. This heritage bazzar has been in existence since the 12th century.. and has maintained its presence as an exciting and vital part of life here in Moroc.

There is no way I can even come close to explaining what my day was like here in Marrakech where the Souks negotiate their wares. I took one photograph as I walked in and then left my camera in my bag. Untouched. But as my hand was held by this gentle woman I recognized that once again of course I was branding myself as a tourist by having my hands henna’d in Marrakech…but I WAS a tourist…. that was obvious anyway by the colour of my skin…so why not enjoy the connection I had with one of the local women and have a beautiful artwork on my hands whilst being a part of the reality of daily life here in Marrakech.

I wished I had more time to spend wandering this fascinating bazzar….but Penny needed to get on the road early and take us toward Casablanca…and that’s when her bad hair day started.

We were all lined at the edge of the square with a police escort ready to lead us through the city like the black snakes which were swaying to the flutes just alongside our cavalcade. Penny decided she wanted to stay in Marrakech and her starter motor dropped some bolts and the crunching and grinding underneath permeated into both Max’s and my belly. We pulled the floor out and repaired and reassembled the starter motor with gathering crowds and clicking cameras…the drums beating in the background..and as the snake charming flutes continued we were on our way weaving through the chaotic morning traffic of horns and donkeys and bikes and chaos.
After supreme navigation to a place where even the organisers had difficulty finding; and whom thought they would see us next at lunch; a collection of classic cars around a pool with murals of the desert and ocean on a high wall was a treat and such a surprise. Old Mercedes, Mini Minors ; small cars like lollies; Porches; and other Both Max and I realized the eccentricities of people who collected and drove vintage and classic cars.. and I recognized my own.

Penny was well on her way toward Casablanca and …crunch rattle… and I thought we should check. We both took a big breath and once again took removed the floor to investigate. The fan in front of the alternator was loose and needed tightening .. so surgery recommenced.

Although it was Friday…. School seemed to be just finished and as tool rolls were laid out on the footpath with red and white borders; the children grouped around with inquisitive eyes. “No touch” and they hustled toward a better view. I observed quietly for about 30 seconds and recognized which boy was one who was respected as the little ones jerked under his assertive hand. “Steelo” Steelo” “Bon Bon” “Dirham”..the children chorused. I only had 2 pencils to share and said firmly that I had “No more”.. “No dirum” and I was not going to hand out coins to these begging children.   I pointed to the boy I had chosen and indicated ‘dirhum’ with the rolling of my upheld thumb and first to fingers and pointed to him in a respectful and assertive way that I had chosen HIM to be my children crowd control officer and HE was the only one I would pay. This slim young boy with a huge lump protruding from his lower jaw accepted his responsibility with pride and kept the children away whilst the operation of removing the alternator and tightnting the fan went into the next hour.

I indicated to him that his role would continue until I was sitting in the car and ready to go and as I took his hand into the car and gently pressed some folded notes into it..he tapped and held his other hand on to his chest as we acknowledged a connection together of gratitude and respect.

Penny was once again being drawn to the grey coast as the clouds and Atlantic mist started to encroach on the rocky agricultural plains and a sense of spirits rising as the moisture started to fall..  CRUNCH MUNCH. GRIND… GRIND… GRIND.. MUNCH. Max and I just looked at each other. Penny was truly having a bad hair day.

We were both reluctant to get out and look underneath Penny’s belly. The tail shaft had broken from the rear diff. Our first thought was to find the plate which had dropped within the last kilometer of grinding concern. As we walked back along the road, in the outstretched hand of a man approaching us whose other hand held the reins of a donkey – was our plate of metal .. a piece which could not be manufactured nor replaced and would mean the end of our journey if it was not found.  I stuffed into his hand some notes. Shukran. Shukran…and once again the loving gesture of hand on chest and generous smile graced my life. I was offered some warm milk in an empty large water bottle. I graciously declined.

As we walked back a short distance to Penny who obviously wanted to stay in Morocco, a small white van stopped and a man in overalls stepped out and wanted to partake in Penny’s third surgery for the day. With the only common language being thought my henna’d hands we were towed about 5km to a Service Station with a concrete mechanic pit…albeit filled an inch with urine.. but there the men worked whilst I passed tools from our green canvas rolls…and gestured from black greasy hands bridged the barriers between cultures and beliefs.

We were offered cous-cous…and mechanical support. After nearly 2 hours once again folded money pressed into palms…. and smiles and hugs were exchanged. Hands were patted on chests. Hands were clasped. Henna’d hands were shaken.

It didn’t matter that I was a tourist. I was part of Moroc. I was part of this amazing country where I have experienced such generosity of Spirit and good fortune. I reflect on the man with the donkey and cart holding out our circular metal plate and the generous mechanic who stopped to help…and the young boy proud to keep the children away..and I am so grateful that Penny had her bad hair day…and perhaps she was just indicating to us that we should return. I hope so.

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About the Author: Julie
I am a Journeywoman. I live my life as an explorer. An adventurer. An Observer. An Artist. There is no differentiation between how I live my life and the art that is an expression of it. It is through my experience adventuring the unknown, that I learn more about myself. My aim through this connection is to live where my expression is fully in alignment with the essence of who I am. “In the field of Fine-Art Photography, Julie stands apart from others with the way she sees the world and expresses her connection within it. Julie Stephenson’s photographs are sublime. Her work is an expression of her deep connection; and a gift to the world.”

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@idoamazingthings

@idoamazingthings

Journey-woman adventuring the unknown. Living boldly! All images have content to read. 🌏 Pop to my website to see what I do! Also @skeinydipping
  • An alternate journey around Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland. Plans for Tunisia and the Mediterranean were thwarted! #roadtripping #northernireland #vintagecar #ireland #vacay
  • #imback #itsbeenawhile 

Where have I been? 
Hi. :)
  • If I can’t travel...I can reminisce … and be grateful for all the journeys and adventures I’ve experienced. Thought I’d revisit the completion of our last journey… with more gratitude this time wondering how the world will be from here. One of my most treasured experiences is of teaching the children who came to investigate this strange vehicle broken down beside the road.. in the freezing cold on their bikes and donkeys. Warms my heart so much remembering that day.

I started knitting to fill in the time and within a minute one of the little children; about 7 years old, gestured for me to teach him. I spent the next four hours teaching every child to knit. No words in common... just showing them and they copied. Much laughter and joy was felt between us all. 
 
Very quickly each child could knit by themselves, and I just sat beside them and so enjoyed watching them engrossed in their endeavour to knit. Every now and then they would nudge me because they had a little issue; but they all wanted to learn and the only time they would give up their needles was because of the impatience of the next one to have their turn.
 
One of the boys had a really old mobile phone that didn't work, but had music on it. He played a tasting plate of songs to the introduction of "Ruski"... or "Kyrgys"... and we danced together in the sloping rocky dust on the side of the road. I copied the boys movements, but for one song I was playfully reprimanded and the little girl who was about 6 years old demonstrated how the girls are supposed to dance for that particular song. Such joy was felt by all of us. 
 
All my @westknits hats I've knitted on our journey now have little heads in them. For me I think that day, although was so incredibly disheartening realising that our journey had ended; was I think one of the best for me; sitting on the edge of the road with the children knitting and watching them scamper around the loud air-horns of the semi-trailers laden with coal roaring past; and watching two little boys helping push Penny being winched onto the flat bed rescue truck.
#knittersofinstagram #westknitsarethebestknits #livetotravel
  • I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
.
.

#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
  • Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
  • Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. 
Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. 
Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. 
After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. 
I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. 
I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. .
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#liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
  • Now on our way for our next journey driving from Bangkok to London in our 96 year old Vauxhall, Penny.

This will be a remarkable experience travelling for 3 months; making new friendships and enriching existing ones; learning about myself and the world in which we live. 
I hope you can follow our journey over the coming months and I will share when I’m able to.
First stop Bangkok! Stay tuned!! .
.
You can receive my journal updates from my website .. link in profile. . .
This is a pic of Penny and myself with the Altai Mountains in the background in northern Mongolia on our drive from Peking to Paris in 2016.
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#travelinstagram #travelinsta #roadtrip #vintagecar #adventuretime #journeywoman #lovetotravel #experiencetheworld #feelinggrateful #gratitude #happydays
  • Silent spaces in the Arctic. Time for reflection and connection. 
I was fortunate to spend a month aboard the #tallshipantigua sailing in the waters off Svalbard in 2018. 
I love the sea. I love the ice. I love the wind. I love connecting with that which is greater than myself. 
I endeavored to listen deeply.
Now home in my studio, I continue my conversations with the land and environment from this powerful and beautiful place, through my photographs, painting, drawing and fiber arts. 
The dialogue within the unseen continues. .
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#arctic #arcticcircle #arcticcircleresidency #arcticadventures #tallships #sailinglife #artistresidency #photographicartist #adventurer #livinglifetothefullest #livinglifemyway #adventures #oceansailing #snowadventures #adventuretime #goexplore #travelgirl #adventuregirl #happydays #abovethearcticcircle #adventurewoman #outdoorlife #pushingtheboundaries #northpole #artist #unseen
  • Walking on the edge. 
The earth on the edge of a climate crisis. 
Look carefully for us walking on the glacier. .
.
Glacier walk on a recent journey on a tall ship to Svalbard for an artist residency. To see more ... pop to my website for more stories and photographs @juliestephensonphotography .
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#arcticcircle #arctic #photography #adventurer #snow #glacier #naturephotography #livelifetothefullest #lovetravel #naturelovers #natureart #naturephoto #rawnature #creatives #creativephotography #svalbard #livelifehappy #goforit #liveboldly #artistsofinstagram #artistlife #livingthedream #livingthelife #livinglifetothefullest #beautifulandscape #globalwarming #climatecrisis
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@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
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Follow
An alternate journey around Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland. Plans for Tunisia and the Mediterranean were thwarted! #roadtripping #northernireland #vintagecar #ireland #vacay
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
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Follow
#imback #itsbeenawhile Where have I been? Hi. 🙂
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
If I can’t travel...I can reminisce … and be grateful for all the journeys and adventures I’ve experienced. Thought I’d revisit the completion of our last journey… with more gratitude this time wondering how the world will be from here. One of my most treasured experiences is of teaching the children who came to investigate this strange vehicle broken down beside the road.. in the freezing cold on their bikes and donkeys. Warms my heart so much remembering that day.

I started knitting to fill in the time and within a minute one of the little children; about 7 years old, gestured for me to teach him. I spent the next four hours teaching every child to knit. No words in common... just showing them and they copied. Much laughter and joy was felt between us all. 
 
Very quickly each child could knit by themselves, and I just sat beside them and so enjoyed watching them engrossed in their endeavour to knit. Every now and then they would nudge me because they had a little issue; but they all wanted to learn and the only time they would give up their needles was because of the impatience of the next one to have their turn.
 
One of the boys had a really old mobile phone that didn't work, but had music on it. He played a tasting plate of songs to the introduction of "Ruski"... or "Kyrgys"... and we danced together in the sloping rocky dust on the side of the road. I copied the boys movements, but for one song I was playfully reprimanded and the little girl who was about 6 years old demonstrated how the girls are supposed to dance for that particular song. Such joy was felt by all of us. 
 
All my @westknits hats I've knitted on our journey now have little heads in them. For me I think that day, although was so incredibly disheartening realising that our journey had ended; was I think one of the best for me; sitting on the edge of the road with the children knitting and watching them scamper around the loud air-horns of the semi-trailers laden with coal roaring past; and watching two little boys helping push Penny being winched onto the flat bed rescue truck.
#knittersofinstagram #westknitsarethebestknits #livetotravel
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
•
Follow
If I can’t travel...I can reminisce … and be grateful for all the journeys and adventures I’ve experienced. Thought I’d revisit the completion of our last journey… with more gratitude this time wondering how the world will be from here. One of my most treasured experiences is of teaching the children who came to investigate this strange vehicle broken down beside the road.. in the freezing cold on their bikes and donkeys. Warms my heart so much remembering that day. I started knitting to fill in the time and within a minute one of the little children; about 7 years old, gestured for me to teach him. I spent the next four hours teaching every child to knit. No words in common... just showing them and they copied. Much laughter and joy was felt between us all. Very quickly each child could knit by themselves, and I just sat beside them and so enjoyed watching them engrossed in their endeavour to knit. Every now and then they would nudge me because they had a little issue; but they all wanted to learn and the only time they would give up their needles was because of the impatience of the next one to have their turn. One of the boys had a really old mobile phone that didn't work, but had music on it. He played a tasting plate of songs to the introduction of "Ruski"... or "Kyrgys"... and we danced together in the sloping rocky dust on the side of the road. I copied the boys movements, but for one song I was playfully reprimanded and the little girl who was about 6 years old demonstrated how the girls are supposed to dance for that particular song. Such joy was felt by all of us. All my @westknits hats I've knitted on our journey now have little heads in them. For me I think that day, although was so incredibly disheartening realising that our journey had ended; was I think one of the best for me; sitting on the edge of the road with the children knitting and watching them scamper around the loud air-horns of the semi-trailers laden with coal roaring past; and watching two little boys helping push Penny being winched onto the flat bed rescue truck. #knittersofinstagram #westknitsarethebestknits #livetotravel
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
.
.

#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
.
.

#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
.
.

#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
.
.

#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
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#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
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#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
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#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
•
Follow
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains. It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. . . . #liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
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Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions. I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom. We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green. I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter. Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. . . . . . #liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. 
Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. 
Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. 
After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. 
I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. 
I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. .
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#liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. 
Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. 
Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. 
After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. 
I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. 
I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. .
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#liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. 
Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. 
Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. 
After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. 
I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. 
I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. .
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#liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. 
Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. 
Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. 
After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. 
I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. 
I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. .
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#liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. 
Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. 
Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. 
After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. 
I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. 
I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. .
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.
#liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
•
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Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. . . . #liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Now on our way for our next journey driving from Bangkok to London in our 96 year old Vauxhall, Penny.

This will be a remarkable experience travelling for 3 months; making new friendships and enriching existing ones; learning about myself and the world in which we live. 
I hope you can follow our journey over the coming months and I will share when I’m able to.
First stop Bangkok! Stay tuned!! .
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You can receive my journal updates from my website .. link in profile. . .
This is a pic of Penny and myself with the Altai Mountains in the background in northern Mongolia on our drive from Peking to Paris in 2016.
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#travelinstagram #travelinsta #roadtrip #vintagecar #adventuretime #journeywoman #lovetotravel #experiencetheworld #feelinggrateful #gratitude #happydays
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
•
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Now on our way for our next journey driving from Bangkok to London in our 96 year old Vauxhall, Penny. This will be a remarkable experience travelling for 3 months; making new friendships and enriching existing ones; learning about myself and the world in which we live. I hope you can follow our journey over the coming months and I will share when I’m able to. First stop Bangkok! Stay tuned!! . . You can receive my journal updates from my website .. link in profile. . . This is a pic of Penny and myself with the Altai Mountains in the background in northern Mongolia on our drive from Peking to Paris in 2016. . . #travelinstagram #travelinsta #roadtrip #vintagecar #adventuretime #journeywoman #lovetotravel #experiencetheworld #feelinggrateful #gratitude #happydays
6 years ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Silent spaces in the Arctic. Time for reflection and connection. 
I was fortunate to spend a month aboard the #tallshipantigua sailing in the waters off Svalbard in 2018. 
I love the sea. I love the ice. I love the wind. I love connecting with that which is greater than myself. 
I endeavored to listen deeply.
Now home in my studio, I continue my conversations with the land and environment from this powerful and beautiful place, through my photographs, painting, drawing and fiber arts. 
The dialogue within the unseen continues. .
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#arctic #arcticcircle #arcticcircleresidency #arcticadventures #tallships #sailinglife #artistresidency #photographicartist #adventurer #livinglifetothefullest #livinglifemyway #adventures #oceansailing #snowadventures #adventuretime #goexplore #travelgirl #adventuregirl #happydays #abovethearcticcircle #adventurewoman #outdoorlife #pushingtheboundaries #northpole #artist #unseen
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
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Silent spaces in the Arctic. Time for reflection and connection. I was fortunate to spend a month aboard the #tallshipantigua sailing in the waters off Svalbard in 2018. I love the sea. I love the ice. I love the wind. I love connecting with that which is greater than myself. I endeavored to listen deeply. Now home in my studio, I continue my conversations with the land and environment from this powerful and beautiful place, through my photographs, painting, drawing and fiber arts. The dialogue within the unseen continues. . . . . #arctic #arcticcircle #arcticcircleresidency #arcticadventures #tallships #sailinglife #artistresidency #photographicartist #adventurer #livinglifetothefullest #livinglifemyway #adventures #oceansailing #snowadventures #adventuretime #goexplore #travelgirl #adventuregirl #happydays #abovethearcticcircle #adventurewoman #outdoorlife #pushingtheboundaries #northpole #artist #unseen
6 years ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Walking on the edge. 
The earth on the edge of a climate crisis. 
Look carefully for us walking on the glacier. .
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Glacier walk on a recent journey on a tall ship to Svalbard for an artist residency. To see more ... pop to my website for more stories and photographs @juliestephensonphotography .
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#arcticcircle #arctic #photography #adventurer #snow #glacier #naturephotography #livelifetothefullest #lovetravel #naturelovers #natureart #naturephoto #rawnature #creatives #creativephotography #svalbard #livelifehappy #goforit #liveboldly #artistsofinstagram #artistlife #livingthedream #livingthelife #livinglifetothefullest #beautifulandscape #globalwarming #climatecrisis
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
•
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Walking on the edge. The earth on the edge of a climate crisis. Look carefully for us walking on the glacier. . . Glacier walk on a recent journey on a tall ship to Svalbard for an artist residency. To see more ... pop to my website for more stories and photographs @juliestephensonphotography . . . #arcticcircle #arctic #photography #adventurer #snow #glacier #naturephotography #livelifetothefullest #lovetravel #naturelovers #natureart #naturephoto #rawnature #creatives #creativephotography #svalbard #livelifehappy #goforit #liveboldly #artistsofinstagram #artistlife #livingthedream #livingthelife #livinglifetothefullest #beautifulandscape #globalwarming #climatecrisis
6 years ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

 

 

 

@skeinydipping

@skeinydipping

🧐 Curious 🎨 Creative 💪🏻 Living Boldly! @idoamazingthings 😁 Content with wool in my hands Artisan weaver of blankets and wraps. Pop to my website
  • Not the planned journey we had imagined! Regardless of the 12 week delay in the arrival of Penny, our 102year old car we love to tour in; we made our alternate journey fun and filled with fabulous experiences and stories! #roadtripping #vintagecar #irelandtravel #northernireland #ballycastle #giantscauseway
  • #imback #badass #itsbeenawhile 

Where have I been?? 
DM to say hi.
  • My life is wonderful… and I have so many stories. I’ve had adventures on all continents. Slept being rocked by the sea; felt the ice on my skin in both polar regions, and felt the silence of the deserts. I’ve walked stone steps in monasteries at altitudes where each step I’ve taken consciously and mindfully; focussing on treasuring every molecule of oxygen in the rarefied atmosphere. 

COVID has paused those adventures, but I draw upon my experiences as I navigate adventuring my days in a different way, on our ‘home range’. 

I recall my steps in Tibet as I walk through our bushland. I am mindful and conscious of my surroundings. I listen. I feel. I feel happy here. I am content.

My new stories may not hold the same experiences of connection with others; and may not be of extreme challenges or crazy things  (which I am rather prone to doing! :-) ) but they are not less wondrous… as I smell the warm eucalyptus waft from under my feet. 

I weave my stories, and this story is of my personal journey on my daily walk through our bushland. 
You can see some of my other woven stories on my website - link in profile. 

How do you express your life’s stories?
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#weaversofinstagram #indiedyedyarn #indiedyed #rigidheddleloomweaving #ashford #inspiredbynature #contentcreator #emotionalbalance #homedeco #handcrafted #makersmovement #creativelifehappylife #wellbeing #travellerlife #journeywoman #weavingaustralia
  • “....The Assookinakii cowl was created for those times in your life when you need a meditative and healing knit. Assookinakii (ass-s-oo-kin-uh-k-EE) means ‘healer’ in the Blackfeet language, thank you to Cut Woods School in Browning, MT for the tradish language support”. –  Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers 

Knitting this beautiful cowl by Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers for @sistersunitedmt ; WAS healing. 

As my hands gently formed the repetitive stitches I reflected on the word ‘Assookinakii ‘ - healer. I am a healer. I don’t understand it. It’s something unseen. Something within me which has been recognised by Ngangkari and ‘clever men’ here in Australia; and shaman and healers around the world as we travel. This recognition always has caught me by surprise; as I seem to walk a line between two worlds. 

As the stitches slipped from one needle to another and the beautiful colours of @spincycle_yarns revealed themselves; in the pauses between the stitches I heard a voice whispering to continue to seek connection with the natural world and listen deeply. 

What has been healing for you this year?
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#healingjourney #meditationpractice #dyedinthewool #assookinakii_cowl #knittersofinstagram #knittingaddict #livinglifetothefullest #happydays #shaman #healer #healersofinstagram #listentoyourheart #indiedyedyarn #handmadewithlove #knittersgonnaknit #knittersoftheworld
  • From my kitchen window, I seek both inspiration and nourishment. 

Each day I gather and harvest from my garden which has nurtured my soul for much of my life, and in particular over the past eight months. 

As a child I would crave to have my hands in the earth to grow things. As I grew older, those same hands found their way to make and create; to touch; and to heal. 

Weaving on a rigid heddle loom is a slow process, in the same way that it takes time for plants to grow; (and the time it takes me to pop a post up here on my grid! LOL )

It brings me much joy and a sense of reverence to see plants grow from the seeds I have planted. I am so grateful. 

What inspires and nourishes you? 
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Yarns used in my  beautiful handwoven blanket; 
@qingfibre Melted Suri;  Rosemary, Sponge, Emerald. Narwhal
@quinceandco Osprey; Bosc, Wasabi
@walkcollection Merino Dk; Moss,  Chartreuse
@bichesetbuches  Le Petite Lambswool;Medium  Green  Grey
@ritualdyes  Mohair; Malachite
@madelinetosh Merino Light; Sugar Plum
@Walkcollection  Cottage Merino; Manhattan Beach Wave
@fusefiberstudio Merino Single; Sunflower
@olannmills  Merino Singles; Mangrove, Atone
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#handsandheart
#weaversofinsta #gratitude 
#wellbeing
#emotionalbalance
#artistry_vision #smallartaccount
#artistlife
#artoftheday
#createeveryday
#homedeco
#artlove
#artlover
#inspire
#indiedyedyarn #handmade #handcrafted #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #creativelifehappylife #inspiredbynature
  • It has been a while. I want to be real; and don’t want to pretend everything is all peachy, nor do I want to portray that things are all glum. I’ve been navigating an undulating path - as we all  have. 

Since March, I’ve been living a rather isolated life. Such a difference to the bold living that I love. It has been an adjustment. The isolation. The extraction from contact and connection with others. 

Early in 2017 a concoction of events pushed my body past my physical limits and resulted in me being immunocompromised. Even with this, I was able to continue with care to travel aboard a Russian Expedition ship to the Arctic later that year; sail on a tall ship for nearly 2 months, then drove from Oslo, then around Scotland the following year; and in 2019 drove from Bangkok to Kyrgyzstan via Laos, China and Tibet. This year though has been tough, and I’ve needed to heed my inner voice to take care, and ride this one out as best as I can. 

Today was wonderful. I actually got dressed up and wore my latest modified #popspotsshawl . It was lovely to feel that I was ‘going out’.  

We drove our Austin Healy for a picnic in the forest, then on to Maleny; our fave Sunday brunch spot for the first time since March. We used to sit in our ‘spot’ at @shotgunespresso and plan our adventures. Today we didn’t do that; but regardless, I felt content. Today was a good day.
How have you been navigating 2020?
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.love my skirt from @little_tienda .
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Shawl knitted using @thefarmersdaughterfibers and @spincycle_yarns .. a match made in heaven. ❤️❤️
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#gratitudeattitude #picnicdate #austinhealey #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit ##knittersoftheworld #emotionalbalance #wellbeing #handmade  #creativedaily #livingmybestlife #sundaydrive #happyday #contentedlife
  • If I can’t travel...I can reminisce … and be grateful for all the journeys and adventures I’ve experienced. Thought I’d revisit the completion of our last journey… with more gratitude this time wondering how the world will be from here. One of my most treasured experiences is of teaching the children who came to investigate this strange vehicle broken down beside the road, to knit; in the freezing cold on their bikes and donkeys. Warms my heart so much remembering that day.

I started knitting to fill in the time and within a minute one of the little children; about 7 years old, gestured for me to teach him. I spent the next four hours teaching every child to knit. No words in common... just showing them and they copied. Much laughter and joy was felt between us all. 
 
Very quickly each child could knit by themselves, and I just sat beside them and so enjoyed watching them engrossed in their endeavour to knit. Every now and then they would nudge me because they had a little issue; but they all wanted to learn and the only time they would give up their needles was because of the impatience of the next one to have their turn.
 
One of the boys had a really old mobile phone that didn't work, but had music on it. He played a tasting plate of songs to the introduction of "Ruski"... or "Kyrgys"... and we danced together in the sloping rocky dust on the side of the road. I copied the boys movements, but for one song I was playfully reprimanded and the little girl who was about 6 years old demonstrated how the girls are supposed to dance for that particular song. Such joy was felt by all of us. 
 
All my @westknits hats I've knitted on our journey now have little heads in them. For me I think that day, although was so incredibly disheartening realising that our journey had ended; was I think one of the best for me; sitting on the edge of the road with the children knitting and watching them scamper around the loud air-horns of the semi-trailers laden with coal roaring past; and watching two little boys helping push Penny being winched onto the flat bed rescue truck.
#knittersofinstagram #westknitsarethebestknits #livetotravel
  • The Sahara Desert. As a young girl I dreamt of walking across the soft warm sand of the Sahara Desert, and in one of our journeys in our #vintagecar I had the opportunity to realise my childhood dream. 

The sand was firmer than I had imagined as a child; the nights were colder; the days were far hotter; but the golden spaciousness was like something I could have never imagined. 

I adored and breathed in the gold of the evenings, and let my eye drift with the shifting light. 

I am grateful to have these memories to guide me through this uncertain time, and be the foundation for the expression of my stories. 

I have completed this “Wrapped in the Sahara’ blanket and it is now available to purchase in my Shop. If you would like a treasure for yourself or special friend, that will hold and be part of life’s stories; pop to my Shop from the link in my profile. 
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. And if you don’t have a purchase in mind at all.. my website has lots of photos of my blankets I’ve woven with photos of inspiration for them from my journeys. Hope you enjoy! 
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#inspiredbynature_ #homeinteriors  #blanketlove #cosyblankets #livetocreate #throwblanket #handmadeblanket #memoryblanket #cozymemoriesblanket #handwovenart #handwoventextiles #handwovenwrap #fibrearts #yarnofinstagram #choosewool #buylocal #australianartist #buylocalart #buylocalsupportlocal supporthandmade #supportartists #supportthemakers #homedeco #homedecorating #weavingart @idoamazingthings #weavingaustralia
  • October 2019, Kyrgyzstan. I see in this photo so many stories. Stories of when I knit my #cablespleaseshawl by @westknits; the stories knitted within my cabled shawl; the stories of when I wear this so much on our #roadtrips…. stories of travelling and of the sense of freedom,  adventure and gratitude I felt that day in that particular location in Kyrgyzstan. 

I don’t think living in the past is a good idea, but for me memories and stories help me put things together and provide the foundation upon which I launch myself into uncertainty. During these times of uncertainty now, I’m finding strength in my own stories and memories.  

Each of the yarns in the shawl has a memory of where I purchased the yarns on our travels. and I recall the days where I sat on the curbside in the shade of the eucalypts and cicadas knitting away…. Knitting. Knitting, as it grew in shape… and I often forgot where I was up to in my increases. I have the memory of knitting brioche for the first time I recall the feeling of terror through my chest and fingers when I accidentally dropped a stitch. How far have I come in being more relaxed and accepting of things since then! And then I have the memory of the stories of everywhere I wore this fabulous shawl. It has kept me snug in so many countries… and here in Kyrgyzstan it brings back such fond memories of such a wonderful adventurous and happy time of my life. 

I remember the gratitude I felt that day… and I am drawing upon that now as I create the new stories in my life..
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#knittingismytherapy #knitting_inspiration #briocheknitting #westknitsarethebestknits #westknits #roadtrip #vintagecars #vauxhall #adventurelife #adventurelover #kyrgyzstan #happylife #gratitude #happywanderer #indiedyedyarn #knittingaddict #knitting_is_love #knittersoftheworld
View on Instagram
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
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Not the planned journey we had imagined! Regardless of the 12 week delay in the arrival of Penny, our 102year old car we love to tour in; we made our alternate journey fun and filled with fabulous experiences and stories! #roadtripping #vintagecar #irelandtravel #northernireland #ballycastle #giantscauseway
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
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#imback #badass #itsbeenawhile Where have I been?? DM to say hi.
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
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My life is wonderful… and I have so many stories. I’ve had adventures on all continents. Slept being rocked by the sea; felt the ice on my skin in both polar regions, and felt the silence of the deserts. I’ve walked stone steps in monasteries at altitudes where each step I’ve taken consciously and mindfully; focussing on treasuring every molecule of oxygen in the rarefied atmosphere. COVID has paused those adventures, but I draw upon my experiences as I navigate adventuring my days in a different way, on our ‘home range’. I recall my steps in Tibet as I walk through our bushland. I am mindful and conscious of my surroundings. I listen. I feel. I feel happy here. I am content. My new stories may not hold the same experiences of connection with others; and may not be of extreme challenges or crazy things  (which I am rather prone to doing! 🙂 ) but they are not less wondrous… as I smell the warm eucalyptus waft from under my feet. I weave my stories, and this story is of my personal journey on my daily walk through our bushland. You can see some of my other woven stories on my website - link in profile. How do you express your life’s stories? . - . - #weaversofinstagram #indiedyedyarn #indiedyed #rigidheddleloomweaving #ashford #inspiredbynature #contentcreator #emotionalbalance #homedeco #handcrafted #makersmovement #creativelifehappylife #wellbeing #travellerlife #journeywoman #weavingaustralia
4 years ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
“....The Assookinakii cowl was created for those times in your life when you need a meditative and healing knit. Assookinakii (ass-s-oo-kin-uh-k-EE) means ‘healer’ in the Blackfeet language, thank you to Cut Woods School in Browning, MT for the tradish language support”. –  Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers 

Knitting this beautiful cowl by Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers for @sistersunitedmt ; WAS healing. 

As my hands gently formed the repetitive stitches I reflected on the word ‘Assookinakii ‘ - healer. I am a healer. I don’t understand it. It’s something unseen. Something within me which has been recognised by Ngangkari and ‘clever men’ here in Australia; and shaman and healers around the world as we travel. This recognition always has caught me by surprise; as I seem to walk a line between two worlds. 

As the stitches slipped from one needle to another and the beautiful colours of @spincycle_yarns revealed themselves; in the pauses between the stitches I heard a voice whispering to continue to seek connection with the natural world and listen deeply. 

What has been healing for you this year?
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.
.
.
#healingjourney #meditationpractice #dyedinthewool #assookinakii_cowl #knittersofinstagram #knittingaddict #livinglifetothefullest #happydays #shaman #healer #healersofinstagram #listentoyourheart #indiedyedyarn #handmadewithlove #knittersgonnaknit #knittersoftheworld
“....The Assookinakii cowl was created for those times in your life when you need a meditative and healing knit. Assookinakii (ass-s-oo-kin-uh-k-EE) means ‘healer’ in the Blackfeet language, thank you to Cut Woods School in Browning, MT for the tradish language support”. –  Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers 

Knitting this beautiful cowl by Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers for @sistersunitedmt ; WAS healing. 

As my hands gently formed the repetitive stitches I reflected on the word ‘Assookinakii ‘ - healer. I am a healer. I don’t understand it. It’s something unseen. Something within me which has been recognised by Ngangkari and ‘clever men’ here in Australia; and shaman and healers around the world as we travel. This recognition always has caught me by surprise; as I seem to walk a line between two worlds. 

As the stitches slipped from one needle to another and the beautiful colours of @spincycle_yarns revealed themselves; in the pauses between the stitches I heard a voice whispering to continue to seek connection with the natural world and listen deeply. 

What has been healing for you this year?
.
.
.
.
#healingjourney #meditationpractice #dyedinthewool #assookinakii_cowl #knittersofinstagram #knittingaddict #livinglifetothefullest #happydays #shaman #healer #healersofinstagram #listentoyourheart #indiedyedyarn #handmadewithlove #knittersgonnaknit #knittersoftheworld
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
“....The Assookinakii cowl was created for those times in your life when you need a meditative and healing knit. Assookinakii (ass-s-oo-kin-uh-k-EE) means ‘healer’ in the Blackfeet language, thank you to Cut Woods School in Browning, MT for the tradish language support”. –  Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers Knitting this beautiful cowl by Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers for @sistersunitedmt ; WAS healing. As my hands gently formed the repetitive stitches I reflected on the word ‘Assookinakii ‘ - healer. I am a healer. I don’t understand it. It’s something unseen. Something within me which has been recognised by Ngangkari and ‘clever men’ here in Australia; and shaman and healers around the world as we travel. This recognition always has caught me by surprise; as I seem to walk a line between two worlds. As the stitches slipped from one needle to another and the beautiful colours of @spincycle_yarns revealed themselves; in the pauses between the stitches I heard a voice whispering to continue to seek connection with the natural world and listen deeply. What has been healing for you this year? . . . . #healingjourney #meditationpractice #dyedinthewool #assookinakii_cowl #knittersofinstagram #knittingaddict #livinglifetothefullest #happydays #shaman #healer #healersofinstagram #listentoyourheart #indiedyedyarn #handmadewithlove #knittersgonnaknit #knittersoftheworld
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
From my kitchen window, I seek both inspiration and nourishment. Each day I gather and harvest from my garden which has nurtured my soul for much of my life, and in particular over the past eight months. As a child I would crave to have my hands in the earth to grow things. As I grew older, those same hands found their way to make and create; to touch; and to heal. Weaving on a rigid heddle loom is a slow process, in the same way that it takes time for plants to grow; (and the time it takes me to pop a post up here on my grid! LOL ) It brings me much joy and a sense of reverence to see plants grow from the seeds I have planted. I am so grateful. What inspires and nourishes you? . . . Yarns used in my  beautiful handwoven blanket; @qingfibre Melted Suri;  Rosemary, Sponge, Emerald. Narwhal @quinceandco Osprey; Bosc, Wasabi @walkcollection Merino Dk; Moss,  Chartreuse @bichesetbuches  Le Petite Lambswool;Medium  Green  Grey @ritualdyes  Mohair; Malachite @madelinetosh Merino Light; Sugar Plum @Walkcollection  Cottage Merino; Manhattan Beach Wave @fusefiberstudio Merino Single; Sunflower @olannmills Merino Singles; Mangrove, Atone . . . #handsandheart #weaversofinsta #gratitude #wellbeing #emotionalbalance #artistry_vision #smallartaccount #artistlife #artoftheday #createeveryday #homedeco #artlove #artlover #inspire #indiedyedyarn #handmade #handcrafted #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #creativelifehappylife #inspiredbynature
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
It has been a while. I want to be real; and don’t want to pretend everything is all peachy, nor do I want to portray that things are all glum. I’ve been navigating an undulating path - as we all  have. 

Since March, I’ve been living a rather isolated life. Such a difference to the bold living that I love. It has been an adjustment. The isolation. The extraction from contact and connection with others. 

Early in 2017 a concoction of events pushed my body past my physical limits and resulted in me being immunocompromised. Even with this, I was able to continue with care to travel aboard a Russian Expedition ship to the Arctic later that year; sail on a tall ship for nearly 2 months, then drove from Oslo, then around Scotland the following year; and in 2019 drove from Bangkok to Kyrgyzstan via Laos, China and Tibet. This year though has been tough, and I’ve needed to heed my inner voice to take care, and ride this one out as best as I can. 

Today was wonderful. I actually got dressed up and wore my latest modified #popspotsshawl . It was lovely to feel that I was ‘going out’.  

We drove our Austin Healy for a picnic in the forest, then on to Maleny; our fave Sunday brunch spot for the first time since March. We used to sit in our ‘spot’ at @shotgunespresso and plan our adventures. Today we didn’t do that; but regardless, I felt content. Today was a good day.
How have you been navigating 2020?
.
.
.love my skirt from @little_tienda .
.
Shawl knitted using @thefarmersdaughterfibers and @spincycle_yarns .. a match made in heaven. ❤️❤️
.

#gratitudeattitude #picnicdate #austinhealey #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit ##knittersoftheworld #emotionalbalance #wellbeing #handmade  #creativedaily #livingmybestlife #sundaydrive #happyday #contentedlife
It has been a while. I want to be real; and don’t want to pretend everything is all peachy, nor do I want to portray that things are all glum. I’ve been navigating an undulating path - as we all  have. 

Since March, I’ve been living a rather isolated life. Such a difference to the bold living that I love. It has been an adjustment. The isolation. The extraction from contact and connection with others. 

Early in 2017 a concoction of events pushed my body past my physical limits and resulted in me being immunocompromised. Even with this, I was able to continue with care to travel aboard a Russian Expedition ship to the Arctic later that year; sail on a tall ship for nearly 2 months, then drove from Oslo, then around Scotland the following year; and in 2019 drove from Bangkok to Kyrgyzstan via Laos, China and Tibet. This year though has been tough, and I’ve needed to heed my inner voice to take care, and ride this one out as best as I can. 

Today was wonderful. I actually got dressed up and wore my latest modified #popspotsshawl . It was lovely to feel that I was ‘going out’.  

We drove our Austin Healy for a picnic in the forest, then on to Maleny; our fave Sunday brunch spot for the first time since March. We used to sit in our ‘spot’ at @shotgunespresso and plan our adventures. Today we didn’t do that; but regardless, I felt content. Today was a good day.
How have you been navigating 2020?
.
.
.love my skirt from @little_tienda .
.
Shawl knitted using @thefarmersdaughterfibers and @spincycle_yarns .. a match made in heaven. ❤️❤️
.

#gratitudeattitude #picnicdate #austinhealey #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit ##knittersoftheworld #emotionalbalance #wellbeing #handmade  #creativedaily #livingmybestlife #sundaydrive #happyday #contentedlife
It has been a while. I want to be real; and don’t want to pretend everything is all peachy, nor do I want to portray that things are all glum. I’ve been navigating an undulating path - as we all  have. 

Since March, I’ve been living a rather isolated life. Such a difference to the bold living that I love. It has been an adjustment. The isolation. The extraction from contact and connection with others. 

Early in 2017 a concoction of events pushed my body past my physical limits and resulted in me being immunocompromised. Even with this, I was able to continue with care to travel aboard a Russian Expedition ship to the Arctic later that year; sail on a tall ship for nearly 2 months, then drove from Oslo, then around Scotland the following year; and in 2019 drove from Bangkok to Kyrgyzstan via Laos, China and Tibet. This year though has been tough, and I’ve needed to heed my inner voice to take care, and ride this one out as best as I can. 

Today was wonderful. I actually got dressed up and wore my latest modified #popspotsshawl . It was lovely to feel that I was ‘going out’.  

We drove our Austin Healy for a picnic in the forest, then on to Maleny; our fave Sunday brunch spot for the first time since March. We used to sit in our ‘spot’ at @shotgunespresso and plan our adventures. Today we didn’t do that; but regardless, I felt content. Today was a good day.
How have you been navigating 2020?
.
.
.love my skirt from @little_tienda .
.
Shawl knitted using @thefarmersdaughterfibers and @spincycle_yarns .. a match made in heaven. ❤️❤️
.

#gratitudeattitude #picnicdate #austinhealey #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit ##knittersoftheworld #emotionalbalance #wellbeing #handmade  #creativedaily #livingmybestlife #sundaydrive #happyday #contentedlife
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
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It has been a while. I want to be real; and don’t want to pretend everything is all peachy, nor do I want to portray that things are all glum. I’ve been navigating an undulating path - as we all  have. Since March, I’ve been living a rather isolated life. Such a difference to the bold living that I love. It has been an adjustment. The isolation. The extraction from contact and connection with others. Early in 2017 a concoction of events pushed my body past my physical limits and resulted in me being immunocompromised. Even with this, I was able to continue with care to travel aboard a Russian Expedition ship to the Arctic later that year; sail on a tall ship for nearly 2 months, then drove from Oslo, then around Scotland the following year; and in 2019 drove from Bangkok to Kyrgyzstan via Laos, China and Tibet. This year though has been tough, and I’ve needed to heed my inner voice to take care, and ride this one out as best as I can. Today was wonderful. I actually got dressed up and wore my latest modified #popspotsshawl . It was lovely to feel that I was ‘going out’.   We drove our Austin Healy for a picnic in the forest, then on to Maleny; our fave Sunday brunch spot for the first time since March. We used to sit in our ‘spot’ at @shotgunespresso and plan our adventures. Today we didn’t do that; but regardless, I felt content. Today was a good day. How have you been navigating 2020? . . .love my skirt from @little_tienda . . Shawl knitted using @thefarmersdaughterfibers and @spincycle_yarns .. a match made in heaven. ❤️❤️ . #gratitudeattitude #picnicdate #austinhealey #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit ##knittersoftheworld #emotionalbalance #wellbeing #handmade #creativedaily #livingmybestlife #sundaydrive #happyday #contentedlife
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
If I can’t travel...I can reminisce … and be grateful for all the journeys and adventures I’ve experienced. Thought I’d revisit the completion of our last journey… with more gratitude this time wondering how the world will be from here. One of my most treasured experiences is of teaching the children who came to investigate this strange vehicle broken down beside the road, to knit; in the freezing cold on their bikes and donkeys. Warms my heart so much remembering that day.

I started knitting to fill in the time and within a minute one of the little children; about 7 years old, gestured for me to teach him. I spent the next four hours teaching every child to knit. No words in common... just showing them and they copied. Much laughter and joy was felt between us all. 
 
Very quickly each child could knit by themselves, and I just sat beside them and so enjoyed watching them engrossed in their endeavour to knit. Every now and then they would nudge me because they had a little issue; but they all wanted to learn and the only time they would give up their needles was because of the impatience of the next one to have their turn.
 
One of the boys had a really old mobile phone that didn't work, but had music on it. He played a tasting plate of songs to the introduction of "Ruski"... or "Kyrgys"... and we danced together in the sloping rocky dust on the side of the road. I copied the boys movements, but for one song I was playfully reprimanded and the little girl who was about 6 years old demonstrated how the girls are supposed to dance for that particular song. Such joy was felt by all of us. 
 
All my @westknits hats I've knitted on our journey now have little heads in them. For me I think that day, although was so incredibly disheartening realising that our journey had ended; was I think one of the best for me; sitting on the edge of the road with the children knitting and watching them scamper around the loud air-horns of the semi-trailers laden with coal roaring past; and watching two little boys helping push Penny being winched onto the flat bed rescue truck.
#knittersofinstagram #westknitsarethebestknits #livetotravel
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
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If I can’t travel...I can reminisce … and be grateful for all the journeys and adventures I’ve experienced. Thought I’d revisit the completion of our last journey… with more gratitude this time wondering how the world will be from here. One of my most treasured experiences is of teaching the children who came to investigate this strange vehicle broken down beside the road, to knit; in the freezing cold on their bikes and donkeys. Warms my heart so much remembering that day. I started knitting to fill in the time and within a minute one of the little children; about 7 years old, gestured for me to teach him. I spent the next four hours teaching every child to knit. No words in common... just showing them and they copied. Much laughter and joy was felt between us all. Very quickly each child could knit by themselves, and I just sat beside them and so enjoyed watching them engrossed in their endeavour to knit. Every now and then they would nudge me because they had a little issue; but they all wanted to learn and the only time they would give up their needles was because of the impatience of the next one to have their turn. One of the boys had a really old mobile phone that didn't work, but had music on it. He played a tasting plate of songs to the introduction of "Ruski"... or "Kyrgys"... and we danced together in the sloping rocky dust on the side of the road. I copied the boys movements, but for one song I was playfully reprimanded and the little girl who was about 6 years old demonstrated how the girls are supposed to dance for that particular song. Such joy was felt by all of us. All my @westknits hats I've knitted on our journey now have little heads in them. For me I think that day, although was so incredibly disheartening realising that our journey had ended; was I think one of the best for me; sitting on the edge of the road with the children knitting and watching them scamper around the loud air-horns of the semi-trailers laden with coal roaring past; and watching two little boys helping push Penny being winched onto the flat bed rescue truck. #knittersofinstagram #westknitsarethebestknits #livetotravel
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The Sahara Desert. As a young girl I dreamt of walking across the soft warm sand of the Sahara Desert, and in one of our journeys in our #vintagecar I had the opportunity to realise my childhood dream. 

The sand was firmer than I had imagined as a child; the nights were colder; the days were far hotter; but the golden spaciousness was like something I could have never imagined. 

I adored and breathed in the gold of the evenings, and let my eye drift with the shifting light. 

I am grateful to have these memories to guide me through this uncertain time, and be the foundation for the expression of my stories. 

I have completed this “Wrapped in the Sahara’ blanket and it is now available to purchase in my Shop. If you would like a treasure for yourself or special friend, that will hold and be part of life’s stories; pop to my Shop from the link in my profile. 
.
. And if you don’t have a purchase in mind at all.. my website has lots of photos of my blankets I’ve woven with photos of inspiration for them from my journeys. Hope you enjoy! 
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.
#inspiredbynature_ #homeinteriors  #blanketlove #cosyblankets #livetocreate #throwblanket #handmadeblanket #memoryblanket #cozymemoriesblanket #handwovenart #handwoventextiles #handwovenwrap #fibrearts #yarnofinstagram #choosewool #buylocal #australianartist #buylocalart #buylocalsupportlocal supporthandmade #supportartists #supportthemakers #homedeco #homedecorating #weavingart @idoamazingthings #weavingaustralia
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
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The Sahara Desert. As a young girl I dreamt of walking across the soft warm sand of the Sahara Desert, and in one of our journeys in our #vintagecar I had the opportunity to realise my childhood dream. The sand was firmer than I had imagined as a child; the nights were colder; the days were far hotter; but the golden spaciousness was like something I could have never imagined. I adored and breathed in the gold of the evenings, and let my eye drift with the shifting light. I am grateful to have these memories to guide me through this uncertain time, and be the foundation for the expression of my stories. I have completed this “Wrapped in the Sahara’ blanket and it is now available to purchase in my Shop. If you would like a treasure for yourself or special friend, that will hold and be part of life’s stories; pop to my Shop from the link in my profile. . . And if you don’t have a purchase in mind at all.. my website has lots of photos of my blankets I’ve woven with photos of inspiration for them from my journeys. Hope you enjoy! . . . #inspiredbynature_ #homeinteriors  #blanketlove #cosyblankets #livetocreate #throwblanket #handmadeblanket #memoryblanket #cozymemoriesblanket #handwovenart #handwoventextiles #handwovenwrap #fibrearts #yarnofinstagram #choosewool #buylocal #australianartist #buylocalart #buylocalsupportlocal supporthandmade #supportartists #supportthemakers #homedeco #homedecorating #weavingart @idoamazingthings #weavingaustralia
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
October 2019, Kyrgyzstan. I see in this photo so many stories. Stories of when I knit my #cablespleaseshawl by @westknits; the stories knitted within my cabled shawl; the stories of when I wear this so much on our #roadtrips…. stories of travelling and of the sense of freedom,  adventure and gratitude I felt that day in that particular location in Kyrgyzstan. 

I don’t think living in the past is a good idea, but for me memories and stories help me put things together and provide the foundation upon which I launch myself into uncertainty. During these times of uncertainty now, I’m finding strength in my own stories and memories.  

Each of the yarns in the shawl has a memory of where I purchased the yarns on our travels. and I recall the days where I sat on the curbside in the shade of the eucalypts and cicadas knitting away…. Knitting. Knitting, as it grew in shape… and I often forgot where I was up to in my increases. I have the memory of knitting brioche for the first time I recall the feeling of terror through my chest and fingers when I accidentally dropped a stitch. How far have I come in being more relaxed and accepting of things since then! And then I have the memory of the stories of everywhere I wore this fabulous shawl. It has kept me snug in so many countries… and here in Kyrgyzstan it brings back such fond memories of such a wonderful adventurous and happy time of my life. 

I remember the gratitude I felt that day… and I am drawing upon that now as I create the new stories in my life..
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#knittingismytherapy #knitting_inspiration #briocheknitting #westknitsarethebestknits #westknits #roadtrip #vintagecars #vauxhall #adventurelife #adventurelover #kyrgyzstan #happylife #gratitude #happywanderer #indiedyedyarn #knittingaddict #knitting_is_love #knittersoftheworld
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
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October 2019, Kyrgyzstan. I see in this photo so many stories. Stories of when I knit my #cablespleaseshawl by @westknits; the stories knitted within my cabled shawl; the stories of when I wear this so much on our #roadtrips…. stories of travelling and of the sense of freedom,  adventure and gratitude I felt that day in that particular location in Kyrgyzstan. I don’t think living in the past is a good idea, but for me memories and stories help me put things together and provide the foundation upon which I launch myself into uncertainty. During these times of uncertainty now, I’m finding strength in my own stories and memories.   Each of the yarns in the shawl has a memory of where I purchased the yarns on our travels. and I recall the days where I sat on the curbside in the shade of the eucalypts and cicadas knitting away…. Knitting. Knitting, as it grew in shape… and I often forgot where I was up to in my increases. I have the memory of knitting brioche for the first time I recall the feeling of terror through my chest and fingers when I accidentally dropped a stitch. How far have I come in being more relaxed and accepting of things since then! And then I have the memory of the stories of everywhere I wore this fabulous shawl. It has kept me snug in so many countries… and here in Kyrgyzstan it brings back such fond memories of such a wonderful adventurous and happy time of my life. I remember the gratitude I felt that day… and I am drawing upon that now as I create the new stories in my life.. . . #knittingismytherapy #knitting_inspiration #briocheknitting #westknitsarethebestknits #westknits #roadtrip #vintagecars #vauxhall #adventurelife #adventurelover #kyrgyzstan #happylife #gratitude #happywanderer #indiedyedyarn #knittingaddict #knitting_is_love #knittersoftheworld
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
2025 All photographs created by and property of Julie Stephenson.