pleasurablepursuitsandplaces

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These beautiful birds decided to join us for morning coffee. Moments like this are one of the unique pleasures of Sydney, Australia. #sydney #Australia #birds #nature #mornings #coffee #newdaysjourneys #travel #gratitude (at Sydney Hospital)

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Mango Lassi I really enjoy Mango Lassi's and my good friend Divya told me how to make them. I originally tried using canned mango slices. It's better to use mango pulp. I also tried it with the cardamom. I thought the cardamom distracted from the flavor of the mango, so I stopped using it. Here's the recipe (I didn't measure anything, just eyeball it): Mango Pulp Plain or honey flavored yogurt. I preferred plain Honey - optional Cardaman - optional Ice - optional but I recommend it. Blend and drink. So simple and tasty. Thank you again, Divya. #mango #mangolassi #smoothie #culturalflavors #recipe #costeffective #newdaysjourneys #blender (at Sydney, Australia)

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Water for sale! I'm thinking of adding a drop shea butter oil, blowing a little of my soulful breath into a bottle of water and calling it "Black Water." I'll put a snazzy label on it along with suggested uses and market it. It's funny but I know people would buy it and I may really do it. People are paying money for water. $12+. I admit a few of them add other items but C'mon! There are people who will sell anything and people who'll buy anything. I think I'd prefer to sell. Any other ideas to add to my "Black Water" product line? #water #marketing #newproducts #newproductline #blackwater #entrepreneur #creativepackaging #creativeproducts #newdaysjourneys #forsale #sell #sale (at Barangaroo)

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Sydney's Smooth Chocolate Festival was Ahhhhmazing! I enjoy visiting The Artisans Markets at The Rocks when I can but this was special. Let me start by acknowledging the wonderful artisans that participate regularly. Their creations are unique and well worth the expense. I didn't take picture's of a lot because the crowds were massive this weekend. Back to the Chocolate! Chocolate lovers were definitely present. I was able to keep my chocolate purchases under control but if they hadn't put a limit on the Cronut Fries w/chocolate, whipped cream and nuts I might have gotten lost in that stand alone. This event was worth the crowds and the lines. #sydney #Australia #therocks #weekendevents #festivals #artisans #chocolate #chocolatelovers #sweettooth #dessert #uniqueevents #newdaysjourneys #travel #blackswhotravel #expat #shopping #markets (at The Rocks)

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I'd like to thank you all for your warm wishes and sentiments on my birthday. It's been fabulous. I plan to continue to celebrate in meaningful ways that nourish my soul. My daughter Endera suggested that people should make "New Age Resolutions" instead of New Years Resolutions. This idea resonates deep within me. I'll share one of my resolutions that is already significantly beneficial to my well being, I am committed to focusing more of my energies to experiencing and expressing great joy in simple moments and situations. During my morning walk at Barangaroo Reserve, when I reached the top of the 100 stairs I turned around and looked back down the stairs I climbed. I haven't reached the point where it's easy yet but man is it GOOD! To top it off when I looked around there was beauty everywhere. I had also done what I set out to do in spite of the rain which tends to make me nest with a book. The best part, for the first time I didn't sit to rest after the steps. The rain did make the benches wet but I'll claim this victory for myself. I can't stop smiling. #sydney #Australia #newdaysjourneys #expat #blackswhotravel #travel #barangaroo #barangarooreserve #millerspoint #morningwalk #walk #newage #newageresolutions #lovemyself #love #family #daughters #husband #mrwonderful #birthday #birthdaywishes #wishes #exercise #happy #journey #celebrations #over40 #interracial #selflove (at Sydney, Australia)

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The Great Barrier Reef #7wonders #pacificocean #gratitude #naturalwonders #naturesart #newdaysjourneys #newadventures #adventures #travelculture #ocean #water #vacation #travel (at The Great Barrier Reef)

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We've had an amazing vacation experiencing the wonders of The Great Barrier Reef. Headed back to Sydney. I'll be posting more pictures and videos from our journey in a few days. #australia #greatbarrierreef #cairns #travelculture #naturesart #naturestheater #nature #natural #water #ocean #newdaysjourneys #newadventures #adventures #naturalwonders #7wonders #pacificocean #gratitude #greatart #realisticart #thankful (at Great Barrier Reef (Australia))

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I changed my route and everything about my perspective was different and special. What I felt, what I saw, what I heard and what I learned. This mornings walk was a time of quiet contemplation. I'm thankful for the experience. #newdaysjourneys #barangarooreserve #barangaroo #Sydney #australia #walk #solitude #gratitude #newhabits #thankful #walking #exercise #quiettime #newperspectives #change (at Barangaroo Reserve)

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Sunsets at Barangaroo We like to grab sushi or a sandwich and have a simple picnic while appreciating the sunset together. A frequent way to spend quality time with one another. I've learned that quality time is one of Mr. Wonderful's love languages and this is one way to keep constant the communication between us. Sunsets are so beautiful with the chorus of gentle waves and the flow of water for sound effects. #sunset #sunsets #datenight #uniquedates #newdaysjourneys #travelculture #Sydney #barangaroo #barangarooreserve #water #waterside #love #lovelanguages #lovelanguage #communication #qualitytime (at Barangaroo Reserve)

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Sydney Festival is one of my favorite things about Sydney. There is always so much here to participate in. This unique beach experience was one of the free events. We had a blast. Perks of the day, the temperature was ideal, the laughs wouldn't stop, you can't help but reconnect with the child inside and the best part, I didn't have to worry about my skin or hair. #sydneyfestival #newdaysjourneys #travelculture #Sydney #newadventures #expattravel #trysomethingnew #thingstodo #familytime #free #family #uniquedates (at The Beach at the Cutaway, Barangaroo Reserve, Sydney Festival)

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Absinthe a distlled, highly alcoholic beverage. I watched a Buzzfeed video about Americans who tried Absinthe for the first time. I couldn't wait to try it. I put everything together and waited for an evening when it was just the 2 of us, Mr. Wonderful and me. I didn't know what the effects would be so I made sure there were no Saturday morning outings planned. I didn't love the flavor and truthfully neither did he. I wanted to though. It cost too much not to like this stuff. In for a penny in for a pound, we finished our glasses. I started feeling it halfway through the glass. My lightweight lothario was sure I was exaggerating but guess who went to sleep as soon as the glass was done. Ha! I'm going to try this out once more. Next time we're visiting a bar that specializes in this well respected liqueur. In the meantime if you plan to try, know that it's not cheap by anyone's standards and as they say don't drink and drive my advice is, Don't walk and drink. #Absinthe #liquer #drinks #travel #newdaysjourneys #travelculture #Sydney #foodie #newadventures #cocktails #expattravel #trysomethingnew #buzzfeed #buzzfeedyellow

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The Kiss (French: Le Baiser) by Sculptor, Auguste Rodin. This historic and moving sculpture was part of the Nude Exhibition featured at the Art Gallery of New South Wales here in Sydney. I love this piece. I followed my natural inclination and simply sat down to take it all in. I was immediately moved by the sensuality of the piece. I appreciate the realism of the sculpture. It was so powerful I found myself moving to take it in from every angle. It might be more powerful after taking it in from every angle. No matter how you look at it, the eroticism of this piece remains true. To be in the presence of this piece commands a silent contemplation. Throughout the exhibition there was chatter and yet in this room there was a harmonious silence. The room had another 30+ viewers and we all paid respect through our silent appreciation. I saw this exhibit with Mr. Wonderful. One of my main thoughts was I need to kiss him. Not some superficial peck on the lips, or a kiss that comes with the casual familiarity of lovers but a soulful kiss that communicates the great passion and honesty of my love for him. Kissing him was at the forefront of my mind. I wanted to be alone with him for the unexpected necessity and joy of our kiss. Although I had been allowed a view of this very private moment between the couple presented in the sculpture I required the retreat to our personal space. I don't imagine you see this exhibit and not want to eventually duplicate it in your own reality. As you are leaving the exhibition hall there was a station set up for visitors to see how others were recreating the kiss. There's a website www.recreatingthekiss.com. An absolutely great idea. I didn't learn the history of this sculpture until maybe a week after we saw it. I was still thinking of how I really enjoyed this piece and decided to google for more information. It's origins were not as beautiful as my personal translation and I was struck by the story behind the work. This is what I would consider artistic success. Over a month later the impressions I am left with are strong and vital. I've decided to go with my own interpretation of The Kiss. #kiss #artenthusiast (at Art Gallery of New South Wales)

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Contemporary art to be experienced by physical connection as well as aesthetic and emotional. Can't say I was moved in any fashion. Most of the exhibit did not engage me. I sat down on this piece after we begin a dialogue about the $$ value of this piece. There's hope for my future as a contemporary artist and of course my bank account if I can come up with a justification for my future efforts in the art arena. Those of you who actually know me, stop laughing and try to remember that I never do what is predictable. #newdaysjourneys #newadventures #sydney #Australia #artenthusiast #art #museum #travelculture #contemporaryart #modernart #artistic #critique (at Art Gallery of New South Wales)

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Shared High Tea with my new friend Emelda Davis. Girl talk and high tea are two of my favorite things. #newdaysjourneys #hightea #teatime #tea #fingerfood #clottedcream #scones #sydney #Australia #sheraton #sheratononpark #friends #teafortwo (at Sheraton on the Park)

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Tried something new for breakfast, muesli trifle. It's what I would describe as a refreshing breakfast. Ideal during the heat of the Australian summer. I enjoyed it enough to order again and more importantly I can make this dish at home with minimal effort. (at Bel & Brio)

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Thanksgiving Bouquets. We didn't have the traditional harvest decorations like pumpkins and mums. In spite of that we are thankful to have hosted our first Friendsgiving. We were able to celebrate a US Holiday that we love with friends here in Australia. We have so much to be thankful for. #friendsgiving #friends #newdaysjourneys #simplepleasures #newdaysjourneys #newtraditions #gratitude #thankful #thanksgiving #holidays #holidayseason #travelculture #expats #expattravel

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We're preparing dinner tonight from a portion of the bounty from Sydney's Fish Market. Sydney's Fish Market is ranked #3 in the world. Preceded by Tokyo, Japan and Mexico City, Mexico fish markets. Dinner tonight was so good we're going back soon. The foodie in me has fallen in love with langoustine prawns. They remind me of the sweet taste of New England lobster. #newdaysjourneys #foodie #foodadventures #travel #travelculture #sydney #Australia #dinner #dinnerfortwo #seafood #fish #prawns #crabs #sundayevening #sydneyfishmarket