Hey guys! I hope you're doing well on this fine Wednesday. I know that I sure am! I've been practicing yoga, meditating, reading, writing, and spending lots of time with my loved ones. Honestly, I can't remember a time in my life when I've ever been this happy. My heart is so full, that it feels as though it could burst. So much love.

Don't get me wrong, things are not perfect (not even close), but one by one, I'm crushing my fears. And it feels so damn good.

Speaking of crushing my fears, we need to talk about my forearm tattoo...

My first week of university, I marked my skin with the words, "Viva Hate". It's actually a Morrissey tattoo, and "Viva Hate" was my favourite album. But the words ran deeper than that. I was a sad teenager, and had turned into a very angry young adult.

Well, it's eight years later... And I'm not so angry anymore. I still love Morrissey, but I don't love those words. I don't regret my decision per say, but these faded marks don't make me happy when I look at them (ugh... that script looks so bad now).

I've spent a lot of time thinking about whether or not to cover this tattoo, and I've finally decided that I am going to turn it into something really beautiful. I've held off for a long time, for multiple reasons. But if not now, when? I want to love every part of my body and soul, and so, now is the time.

I made a mood board, because, well I'm a nerd. The two "Now My Heart is Full" tatts belong to my BFF's. The heart + sunflowers is Brie, and was done by Aaron Hill (years ago) at Good Point Tattoos (he's now at Speakeasy in Toronto). The rose is my bud Nat, and the tattoo is by Glennie W. (also a few years ago) at Pearl Harbor. All of the other tattoos pictured are by Alex Strangler (except the triple flowers, but I found that without a name on Pinterest). Hopefully one day I will get under Alex's needle. But for now, I'm hoping some local talent can work with what I've got.

I'm going to add a geo flower (or two) and a banner saying, "Now My Heart is Full", (which is actually another Morrissey song). I just want something really bright + beautiful.

Yeassss!!! Let's do this. I'm probably way too excited.

Peace and love,

Alex

Hello friends!

The last couple weeks have been pretty crazy - but don't worry, I'm still here! I've just been busy letting life happen.

I thought I would do a little CURRENTLY post to bring you up to speed on all things Alex. So let's get to it!

TRAVELLING

It's weird to say I'm travelling, because I'm actually in my childhood home at the moment. However, I've been hopping on and off planes, trains and automobiles a lot lately. Sometimes feeding my overwhelming case of wanderlust is super satisfying, and at others, all I want to do is just stay still. I'm a walking contradiction... what can I say? I'm finding more and more that no matter where I am, yoga helps me to feel grounded and connected. Wherever I go, it's comforting to know that my practice is still the same.

I'm currently working on some travel posts (for my blog, for Mass Musings, and another fun collab) - so keep your eyes peeled for those in the coming weeks. There will be lots of lovely photos + travel tips (and maybe even a carry-on essentials post) from our time spent in Brazil, California, and my stay in Toronto.

Next on the list (fingers crossed) is Asheville, NC!

LISTENING

"You can't start a fire without a spark."

I was in a yoga class the other day, and while we were in Savasana, the teacher played a cover of Bruce Springsteen's, Dancing in the Dark. For some reason, it just resonated with me. You can't start a fire without a spark. Maybe it's because we spent an hour building fire with our movement + breath, but I've had it in my head since then. I searched and searched for the right cover, but I couldn't find it (I need to ask the teacher next time I'm at the studio). Though I did find a couple that I really liked! I love the original (Bruce is The Boss after all), but I'm a sucker for a slow song + an acoustic guitar.

FEELING

So incredibly inspired. And for that matter, so so so happy.

Travelling + working + photographing + making + loving + moving + breathing + practicing + meditating + accepting + reading + writing + listening + living...

Suddenly, everything in my life is starting to make sense. It's not perfect by any means, but as the dust settles (from the chaos that was 2013-2014), it just feels right.

Start living the life that you want to lead today. Why wait? If not now, when?

READING

Yoga Girl by Rachel Brathen

I probably talk about @yoga_girl too much (ask Pedro), but I just think she is a pretty rad yogi, and a talented writer. Rachel often posts her words on Instagram (along with some of my favourite yoga photos around), but you can also read her pieces on Elephant Journal, or on her blog.

Yoga Girl, the book, was released in North America yesterday! I, of course, picked it up, and have been working my way through it. Part memoir, part recipe book, part yoga guide - Yoga Girl, is nothing short of inspiring. Rachel talks about finding her path to yoga and happiness, and encourages others to create + cultivate balance and love in our own lives. I may have shed a tear or two reading about her journey, and contemplating my own.

I love Rachel's approach to yoga, and life for that matter. She's just, relatable, perhaps? Authentic? Real? Anyways, if you're looking for a good read to help you think about your practice (in an accessible way), this book might be for you! Plus, there's a bevy of beautiful images to feast your eyes upon too.

If I've learned from Rachel Brathen, it is to show yourself love. To show love to others. Just love. And of course, to practice #YogaEveryDamnDay.

And always remember - you are enough. Just as you are.

MISSING

Pedro, Rudie, and the California coastline.

I'm having a great time with family and friends here in Toronto. I'm going to yoga, visiting all my favourite spots, etc. - but I miss my boys back in Boston! I've only been gone a week, but I would love to be snuggling on the couch with them right now.

In regards to California, it was amazing. I have been a lot of places in this world, but I had never felt more at home. From the second I stood in the Pacific Ocean, while the waves crashed against the shore, I just knew. It's a strange and wonderful feeling when you finally end up where you are meant to be.

I am going to do my best to cherish our time on the east coast. It was such a big step for us, and a huge part of our journey. I will admit though, it is hard with our 2016 west coast move date looming in the distance. I just can't believe that my wildest dreams are coming true. It's so surreal, not to mention exciting. Time certainly does fly by, doesn't it?

Until next time - peace + love,

Alex