life, travel, stories – Join the journey, Love Raven
Dear Reader, A group of nature enthusiasts walk into a crowded bar. The bartender says, “We’re at capacity. We don’t have anymore seating here inside.” The nature enthusiasts say, “that’s okay, we prefer the outdoors.” Did you guys think that was funny? I wrote it myself. Okay, I’m not a comedienne, but I recently had... Continue Reading →
Dear Reader, For my 23rd birthday I invited my grad school friends out to celebrate at a bar near Harvard Square. That night, one of my friends, who was a few years older than me, asked why I had set the party so late. “So late?” I asked in disbelief. The event only started at... Continue Reading →
Dear Reader, When was the last time that you saw something so magnificent that were in awe? Was it seeing the Grand Canyon, a California red wood, or a famous work of art perhaps? Feeling awestruck is a powerful experience that has many positive effects. I recently read an article called “Awesome awe: The emotion... Continue Reading →
Dear Reader, Do you like to swim? I definitely did as a kid. I remember that the highlights of my summer were trips to the local public pool, vacations to waterparks, and splashing around in an above-ground kiddie pool in the backyard. Looking back on these experiences, it occurs to me that “swimming” as a... Continue Reading →
Dear Reader, There is something sacred about cemeteries. When visiting a cemetery, guests must show respect by walking—not running—and generally keeping to themselves. In a cemetery, you won’t find buskers, chatty Cathies, or other dawdlers who can so often be found in public spaces. I recently visited the Mount Auburn cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts and... Continue Reading →
Dear Reader, Do you have a favorite coffee shop that you frequent? I have a top few that I rotate between. Having a regular haunt takes the guesswork out of your day. At best, it can be a convenient time-saver, however, at worst, it can trap you into a repetitive cycle. I so frequently get... Continue Reading →
Dear Reader, At the southern end of Boston’s Orange Line on the “T” (subway system) lies a quaint neighborhood called Roslindale. Have you heard of it? While I was aware of Roslindale’s existence, I had no reason to visit until recently when I decided to make the trip down to visit the Arnold Arboretum (more... Continue Reading →
Dear Reader, Happy first day of February! We are now 1/12th of the way into the new year. I took this as an opportunity to check in on my progress this new year. This past month, I attempted to give up both alcohol and caffeine. I was somewhat successful with both. With the alcohol, I... Continue Reading →
Dear Reader, Just a few miles southwest of downtown Boston lies a large patch of grass, trees, and woods. This is not just a city park, rather this gated collection of nature is the Arnold Arboretum. The 281-acre “jewel of the Emerald Necklace” is owned by Harvard University and is home to an abundant collection... Continue Reading →
Dear Reader, Have you ever combed through your belongings in search of something only to have another find it in under 30 seconds? Searching for lost items can be a very frustrating process. This winter, I unfortunately lost a mitten that I had bought just a few months earlier in Iceland. The Icelanders understand cold... Continue Reading →
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