The Beauty of Travel

 

Places and spaces inspire me more than just about anything else. 

As a writer, I am often most inspired by the cities, states and countries I've visited. Suddenly, I see life through a different lens and open myself up to activities and people I might not normally meet at home. Each place has their own way of doing things - from style and food to activities and surroundings. 

I can immediately step off the plane, into a restaurant or wander through nature, only to have scenes and characters come to life in my mind, imagining different scenarios playing out. It helps me get out of my own thinking and into the creative process of others.

I was an 'L.A. girl' in jr. hi/high school, drawing pieces of the city, enamored with its glitz, glamour and movie stars. 

I fell in love with Nashville at 16, proclaiming myself as a country girl at heart and making that my brand for a good decade as I made it through my remaining years of high school and college.

When I came back from New York, I became more refined, classic and sophisticated, drawn to styles and pieces that would never go out of style, like Audrey Hepburn. I found myself admiring the designs of Kate Spade, Chanel, and other designers that scream NYC, and being drawn to black, gray and white like never before.

After visiting London and Italy, I returned to America drinking more tea, cappuccinos, wearing new styles of clothing, more adventurous and willing to try new things, and having a new appreciation for different foods.

The places we spend time in influence us in ways we could never imagine. Think about your hometown, the beach you visited every summer as a kid, that restaurant where you got engaged...The atmosphere and surroundings we're in impact our memories and continue to play a part in our stories long after we've left.

I've learned that you can be more than one thing through travel. I don't have to just be city or country, I can collect pieces of these styles and places as I go. 

Come along for the ride as we explore cities, countries and learn from others in their travels, inspiration and more.

Shelby