life, travel, stories – Join the journey, Love Raven
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, 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 →
Dear Reader, When it comes to breaking habits, are you more of a tortoise or a hare? A tortoise--slow and steady--would be more likely to opt for gradual, moderate change. A hare, on the other hand, is more likely to take the fastest possible steps. When it comes to changing habits, I, for better or... Continue Reading →
Dear Reader, Do you ever give money to homeless people? I have on occasion, but I am not really into the habit of it. I have a vague childhood memory in which I asked my mom why she did not give money to a homeless man we passed on the streets of NYC. She said... Continue Reading →
Dear Reader, How are these winter months treating you? I admit that this corner of the year (January - mid-March) is perhaps my least favorite. I live in Boston; this means that the nights get longer in early November and going outside without a jacket isn’t really an option after September. Although it gets cold... Continue Reading →
Dear Reader, Is it ever appropriate to send food back at a restaurant just because you did not like it? Today, my boyfriend and I visited a ritzy restaurant in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood for brunch. The place was crowded, and we were seated in close proximity to neighbors on both sides. The menu items... Continue Reading →
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