PRAGUE TOURS

I just nominated myself the best American Prague tour guide of 2015. I've made a few friends and was able to spend a few days showing them around Prague this last week.

We make sure to have the best Czech cuisine.

Then we are off to see my favorite sights like the synagogue by the Prague castle,

 the city spires,

 the Orloj clock

(along with all the tourist peeps for the show at the top of the hour at the clock),

Old Town Square, 

 (we stop for Czech cinnamon treats called Trdelnik along the way)

for a view of the Prague castle, 

 Charles Bridge,

 (locks along the bridge)

(Charles himself)

John Lennon wall,

 Dancing House,

 (there is a fab view at the top of the Dancing House)

 and then sometimes we wander off and take side streets.

You get me every time, Prague. Every time.

New York City Sunset Canvas Print

When most Czech people meet me and I tell them I am from America, they tell me they love New York. That's great! I try to explain to them that there are 49 other states, but they mostly dream of visiting NYC. It makes me laugh. So I have a New York City sunset canvas print on my wall now to remind me that the world is so much bigger than we know.

It's a quality print that you can order from Amazon. It's 12 inches (30.5 cm) x 16 inches (40.6 cm) x 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) thick. It is printed on 100% cotton canvas stretched over a real wooden frame. 

There is a metal hanging hook already attached to the frame so it is ready to hang right out of the box.

Known the world over, New York City has the most iconic skyline around the globe and features some super amazing architecture. The Empire State Building is joined by the newly completed One World Trade Center to create a stunning cityscape that will make you (even though you might have your own favorite American city) fall in love.

If you decide to buy this, you can save an additional 15% on your final total if you order more than one print. Check #RisingWatersPhoto out. 

I received this print free of charge for my honest opinion posted here.

PRAYER-BIRTHDAY-LOVE-IMPERFECTION...I don't know

I have had a hard time having faith in prayer lately. Don't judge me, please, but hear me out. I was praying a lot. I was begging, pleading, saying simple prayers and so on...any way I could think of to try to receive some sort of help. I don't feel like I was praying for miracles to happen. In fact, one day I just prayed to feel loved. It was a simple prayer stating that I didn't need anything to be resolved, taken away, cured, or whatever...I just needed to feel like somebody here on earth cared about me. Of course, that turned out to be the crappiest day and I didn't feel like any person I knew reached out in any way possible like I had hoped. That's ok. I lived. Maybe I needed that...maybe not. I don't know. I really don't know. 

I've been told you find out who your true friends are when you've lost everything or are facing your hardest time. They are the ones who stay by your side whatever way possible. They are the ones who know what you need and will help you get it anyway they can. They are the ones who will tell you not to give up and have faith. I am thankful for those few friends.

Yesterday was my birthday. I received so much love in the form of texts, social media messages, and calls. I really enjoyed it. Maybe it was a delayed answer to my prayer...maybe it wasn't. Maybe it helped me know who really cares about me...maybe it doesn't. All I know is it made my heart smile. I want to be around people who love me and lift me up and I hope I can be that type of person to others as well. I have so much learning to do in this life still. I have doubts, fears, imperfections, bad days, etc...we all do.

Be happy. 

You are beautiful. Even if you can't see it sometimes, know that other people can.

FOREST LOVE

I used to loathe coming to the forest house in Czech. It's funny how people change. Our ideas of things/people/places value changes. Sometimes it's for the better, sometimes for worse, or sometimes were just apathetic about things. 

My views on this place in Borova Lada, life, and every day has changed for the better. I now try to look for the good in every thing even more than I ever have.

There were bugs flying in my face as I was biking to this spot, but it was worth it to see the view...and at least I have legs that allow me to bike and I can feel those bugs hit my face and laugh. Life is beauty full. I don't want to worry about what I don't have or what I'm missing out on anymore. I want to enjoy where I am and love the now. I want to take in and love every minute I possibly can.

It doesn't matter what has caused me to change. I just know I have and I am thankful for that.

How could I not be loving this right now?!

CZECHED OUT

Grab your passport and take my hand.

I'm headed from SLC to PRG.

GET A DOG

If you love someone, let them go. 

If you hate someone, let them go.

This basically means people suck.

Let everyone go and get a dog.

Just kidding. 

But really...dogs are awesome.

SCERA SHELL OUTDOOR THEATER

Isn't it fabulous that old friends can start new traditions?!

 Jessica, Tor, and I have totally enjoyed going to the musicals at the Scera Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem. Utah County is amazing with entertaining it's residents.

We'll have to postpone our outings for a little bit, but when I get back into the country, I'm sure you will find us at another performance!

*Don't forget to pack the blankets and warm clothes if you are going to a show. It gets chilly in the bowl.

ALPINE SLIDE

It's officially August which means it's time to start my month long birthday celebration! The first event was a trip to Park City, UT, to ride the alpine slide and roller coaster with my friend John.

 There are other attractions like a zip line and jump you can try out, but we stuck with the double pass for the two rides. We did the coaster first. It was fun. Then we rode the slide which was awesome!

 Park City is super amazing, so the view you get as you ride the lift up to the top of the slide isn't so bad.

Try it out if you feel the need for speed with a side of nature.