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

Happy Monday, friends. It's snowing again in Boston, in fact Pedro's home again with another snow day. I think that's 4 in two weeks now. Needless to say, I'm feeling a little blue from being cooped up inside for so long. Plus, I've been battling a cold, which made has made it hard to do anything at all.

Best way to cheer oneself up? A little music, a little dancing, a little vinyasa flowin' (finally, because I can sort of breathe), and a little photographing. I'm feeling a whole lot better now.

Here's a little CURRENTLY post, because I haven't done one of these in awhile, and I've got stuff happening in my life (well, sorta, sometimes)!

CELEBRATING

Pedro and I are celebrating the one year anniversary of our elopement! It was yesterday, February 8. We are the luckiest couple in the world and got to have two weddings (we eloped on February 8, 2014, and had a big fancy wedding 6 months later on August 9, 2014), so we are going with our "wedding date" as our official wedding anniversary. We're complicated, haha. BUT, I thought we should still acknowledge that we have officially been married for one year. And what a crazy/awesome/scary/fun/ridiculous/fantastic year it's been. So glad I get to be crazy in love with you forever, Mr. Peres.

The above photo is actually from our Junction (our old neighbourhood in Toronto) engagement shoot. I should probably share our engagement shoot + wedding photos at some point, shouldn't I? They were taken by the lovely Lisa Mark + Justin Hines of Lisa Mark Photography. I've known these two since I was a teenager (Justin and I worked at a record store together - and coincidentally, half our bridal party also did), so it was really fun to have them capture all our wedding memories.

LISTENING

I can't get enough of New Order's, Substance. This is nothing new, because I think I first heard the album about 10 years ago, but it hasn't been on my playlist for a little while. Seriously though, I'm hooked and bouncing around from the opening chords of Ceremony (which fun fact, is on the Marie Antoinette soundtrack - it's not the best movie, but it's super pretty and like most Sofia Coppola movies, has a FANTASTIC soundtrack). I probably listen to way too much British post-punk / new-wave / awesomeness, but whatever. It's the best. Now go listen to Blue Monday, or stream the whole album from the video link above. You'll be bopping along before you know it.

WATCHING

Twin Peaks! Oh my god, guys. How have I never seen it before? David Lynch, you are too good. I have a strong urge to start wearing midi skirts and thin knit sweaters (here's lookin' at you, Audrey Horne). I keep trying to guess who killed Laura Palmer / what the hell is going on in that crazy town, but have been wrong every time. Finally! A show that surprises me (even though it came out in 1990)! I love the symbolism, the mountains of donuts, and everyone's obsession with coffee. And that crazy mini David Lynch kid with the creamed corn? So many little details that are just SO GOOD. If you haven't seen it, watch it now! It's on Netflix, and hulu - ready for your viewing pleasure. I'm already on Season 2. I knew snow days were good for something. The best part, Twin Peaks is returning to Showtime with 9 episodes in 2016.

DREAMING

Of California! We are finalizing our plans for our (somewhat delayed) honeymoon! We've decided to take a trip to Venice Beach + Los Angeles in early March, and I AM SO EXCITED. Perhaps Los Angeles is not a typical honeymoon destination, but then again, we aren't exactly the most conventional couple either. I've been longing to visit the west coast for as long as I can remember, and now the dream is finally coming true! Plus, y'know, we get to escape the tail-end of winter, so there's that too ;) West coast here we come!

Peace, love and grooviness,

Alex