Strong Women wear their pain like stilettos, no matter how much it hurts; all you see is the beauty in it.

Harriet Morgan

2014 was one of the hardest and yet most amazing years of my life. I can recall challenging years in the past and truly wonderful years but a combination of the highest highs with the lowest lows makes for a very interesting dichotomy.

I try always to look for the positive in all things—so I am grateful for the amazing parts of 2014, which were many!

And well for the lowest lows??!?!  I’m not yet grateful– I’m sure in (more) time I will appreciate being taken to the brink of my sanity and the life lessons I am suppose to glean.

I rather focus on the positive– I have always had a crazy wanderlust for the entire world; three times in 2014 with the flash of a text message I found myself heading to Italy and beyond. Truly, dreams come true.  Each time the universe could not have given me a more perfect gift. I am forever grateful.

I spent over a third of 2014 out of the country.  Mostly in Europe—getting paid to be there. Win Win! Cruise ships, Military tours, festivals… etc.  Places I have dreamed of visiting my entire life; Venice, Rome, Verona, the Amalfi Coast, London, Paris, Istanbul, Mykonos, Santorini, Athens, Cairo, Dubrovnik…. the list goes on and on– 21 countries total in 2014.  I met so many fabulous people. My life is forever richer for the experiences of this year. When I found myself in Venice for the third time in 2014, I pinched myself– I KNOW pretty crazy amazing!  It was incredible!

2015– I’ll take more amazing please and a little (a lot) less ‘life lessons’. Regardless of what 2015 has in store–I’ll still be in the sky-high stilettoes with a smile on my face.

This pair traveled with me everywhere. They match everything and made my feet look like rock stars! Thank you Guiseppe Zanotti.

Happy 2015!

Laura