Chasing Adventure

Chasing Adventure

Sometimes we just need to get away, take a break, ground ourselves.  As humans we get caught up in being in constant motion and burn our fires until we finally fall out. As long as I can remember, there has always been something about the open road, driving with no 'destination', only a general direction and pure adventure to seek. My favorite thing to see when on a road trip, "Look Mom, NOTHING!"

"Nothing" to me is actually quite something. It is where our truest energies are created.

Captain's Log
Saturday
October 6,2012

Side by side, we set out for our adventure. The general direction of NNE was decided upon. Using a map, which I insist upon and my dad's Army issue compass by my side, we were off.  Of course we stopped for breakfast and more importantly, COFFEE! Struggling to think first thing in the morning, we finally decided on Fiddlestix, where in deed we woke up.

Onward!

While driving in through Tampa we decided to get off at US HWY 301 to see what we could find.  As I checked the map for off beaten county roads we drove by Hillsborough River State Park. It is always tempting to pull into any park for us, but we pushed on. Rolling upon Ridge Manor we spotted a thrift store, and asked if I wanted to stop. Before I could even get the yes out of my mouth, he was already in mid turn.  I am starting to think that I have created a monster with thrifting, which you will not hear me complain about. The store smelled of old moth balls, but everything was so well displayed, clean and organized. I always walk through the kitchen stuff first, then furniture and so on.  We were able to pick up some neat goodies such as Ball Mason jars, about 30 of them and a nice side table for a couple bucks.  Excited, we loaded the car with our new treasures. The anticipation of what else we would find started to take over. 

We pressed on.

Our travels continued north on US HWY 301 for quite some time and just for a little game, I allowed the GPS to tell us where to go.  Immediately we were en route to the interstate.  I wanted nothing to do with the highway, so I navigated the journey to CR48 where were stopped for gas and snacks. It was at the last minute that it was decided to take CR 48 EAST and see where it takes us. We went straight on.

We came to SR35 where I sounded off orders of further driving instruction. I was really enjoying the animation of the clouds when suddenly he hits the breaks and does a rapid U-turn with a lot of hullabaloo We pulled off to the side of the road. He has such an amazing eye for things that are hidden. I grabbed my camera and his hand, and off we walked toward a gate to a new adventure in the book of Chris and Tanya. 

We headed toward the house we saw in the slight distance taking in the new surroundings, the clean air, the aroma of cow patties filled the air.  There was something very ere about the silence within the trees, as if they were listening. We grew more excited with every step!

The slightly moist dirt beneath our feet encapsulated the freshness of the recent rain. The trees that surrounded us seemed to be very well placed.  The trees were large, covered with Spanish moss embracing their limbs and I was now in a bit of Heaven and not a living soul in sight.  He was now walking slightly ahead as if the open door was calling his name. I noticed to the left of me (next to the house) stood of striking, bare tree. No reaching branches, no waving leaves, only the delicately displayed moss.  Suddenly, I felt as if we were being watched.  I noticed a small opening in the second floor window, but dismissed it as my mind playing tricks on me. 

I caught up to him as our adventure was becoming more interesting! I felt like we were in the midst of a Tim Burton-esk film.  

What appeared to be the front door, was open and inviting us in. Some of the steps were falling inward and pieces of the porch were missing, but we wanted in.  

I could visualize 3 men sitting in rocking chairs on this porch.  Two black men drinking iced cold sweet tea and a white man in overalls and a pipe, sharing stories back and forth. 

He stepped over the threshold. The excitement continued to grow!

The room immediately to the right was suprisingly cooler in temperature, with the curtains still hanging nicely. 

Oddly, only 1 of the 6 photos I took of this room came out.  The sequence on the camera roll skips 3 photos  on my Canon and 2 on my iPhone.  I know one of them was blurry, but I couldn't wait to see it on full screen. It is no longer to be found.

We found many things scattered about, a shelf, a heater, pieces of a lamp fixture, a desk, some papers and the coolest of all was the old refrigorator. Chris and I both felt the joy running through our veins, it was the much needed adventure that our souls have been craving.  

We always imagine who was there before us, what took place where we stood.  We often get lost in time thinking about it! A photo, a toothbrush, a piece of stationary; who was in the pictures, who did they write letters to? I enjoy preserving history, no matter how insignificant to one, it was significant to someone.  We looked at each other eager to continue our adventure. 

We headed back toward the car where we would figure out which way we wanted to go next.  We drove through some country roads, watching the clouds dance in harmony.  We found Antioch Cemetery off a dirt road, which was being secured by a flock of vultures and hawks. 

We ended up seeing a sign of grapes, which led us to Royal Manor Winery, after Google Maps (which I think I mentioned, I detest digital mapping) tried to lead us astray to a dead end dirt road, where I think they taped some sort of Rob Zombie horror movie.  

The winery was well worth the drive in itself.  I will follow up with a separate blog on the winery, as it deserves the spotlight! 

At the end of the day, we now just wanted to be home. We thought driving our way through Gainesville would be a novel idea. If there is anytime to be a college football fan, this would have been the best time.  LSU vs Gators game just letting out, and oh by the way, GATORS WON to a sold out stadium.  I believe sold out capacity is like 2 trillion people! We got through without too much damage, just a lot of extra laughs, thanks Derrek for the laughs.  



Conversations

My thoughts are with you everyday. I think of what you would be doing, what you would be feeling - what you would say if you could speak to my heart. If I could make your heart smile - if only for a instant. If only I could lift your spirit like a balloon released to the sky.

I know I can make a difference in and extraordinary manner. See my vision, and I to see yours.


HELP Me make a difference for patients of Leukemia and their families. Please help sponsor this cause that not only will make difference for others, but it has given me clarity and guidance. It has also heed my calling in life.

Your generous support is greatly appreciated.

Be Well,


Tanya

Safety Harbor Pier Engagement Session

Safety Harbor Pier, Safety Harbor, FL 

Some people find it strange that I don't know what the latest "pop-culture" fad is, I don't know what movies are out, nor TV shows.  I ditched my TV 2 years ago and have never been happier about that. However, TV is commonly used to "numb the brain" and well I have other methods. One of which is usually taking a drive, finding somewhere to write or draw. 

For years I have convinced myself the easiest way for me to create is when chaos or disfunction greets me.  I escape sadness, fear, tragedy and even self-doubt when I create.  But on my canvas, no fear exists.
Not to sound cliche, but through expressions of love I have learned new crafts, created like never before.  I have taken a lot of time recently to create; to create  many things, including, paintings, music, art and inspiration to name a few. Though the financial stress is starting to kick in, I am staying true to my beliefs that everything in this world happens for a reason. It is how we deal with it that is truly key.  I always say, "sometimes doors don't open easily, you just need the strength to open them."  I believe in this statement.

I was shouded with a dark veil yesterday, and I knew I had to regroup my thoughts because I had a photo shoot later in the day and alway want to be at my best when I am with clients, no matter who they are.  Even though, I knew this one would understand. It was an engagement session, and was very special to me.  

After being a little later than planned, we finally met at he Safety Harbor Pier at about 7:30.  I have always loved this place.  I would go there to capture the clouds grand showing above the Tampa Bay when Chris would be at work, as it was very close by.  It was delightful that this engagement session brought me here.  We takled about a few props and one I had requested was their Bible(s), as this is an important factor in their personal lives as well as their lives together as one.  I do feel it is important to show the smallest details of an image, even if it may seem insignificant to some.  I asked if they had a special verse they share, and before I could finish my sentence, Rachel shared "Revelations 3:8", which reads, "I know thy works: behold have set before thee an open door, an no man can shut it: for thou has a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name."  

While reading this verse I was snapping the place of the first kiss shared and the ring promising to forever share their love, I felt their love.  It is always fun doing engagement sessions, but some really stand out as this one.

It was truly an honor to witness this testimony of love.
I brace this day with mind and doors open.  I greet the inspiration that shows itself to me.

 Enjoy the moments in life.  It is not the destination, but the journey that matters. 

Exclusive Interview with Kat Katz of Agoraphobic Nosebleed

© Photo courtesy of Samantha Marble

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for taking part in this conversation with me. I believe there is great value in sharing interests, thoughts and visions with others, no matter how minute the details may seem. Those minor details could provide someone with the inspiration to do something creative themselves.

I strive to write interesting articles, ones that capture something, a moment, a movement or a spark within the reader. I find most interviews to be informative, yet they lack personality and humanity. I feel engaging in a conversation rather than a question and answer session to be more intriguing, at least to me. My interviews may not always be “brutal” or “metal”, but they will always be different.

WSP:   I will start by letting you know, I will ask not one question about Scott.

KK:     Haha. I don’t mind when people ask, it’s just that I usually can’t give them the answers they’re looking for because I’m not around when Scott is writing, recording, and programing.

WSP:   So what have you been up to since your recent split with Salome?

KK:      The Despise You/Agoraphobic Nosebleed split just came out, so I’m very excited about that. Also, I just recorded guest vocals for the Batillus song “Cast,” which will be on their split with Mutilation Rites. It comes out on Shinebox Recordings in July, and it’ll be a 7”. Otherwise, I’m working on forming another project. When it’s more solidified, I’ll let folks know what’s going on.

WSP:   I see you are doing some guest vocals for Batillus, how did this come about?

KK:       I met the Batillus guys when Salome did the Beard Destroyer Tour with Hull in 2009. On tour, Greg (the guitarist of Batillus) told me I should join Fade on vocals sometime. I didn’t perform with them on that tour, but not too long after, I learned “The Division” (on their new album Furnace), and started to regularly perform guest vocals. They’re one of the best doom bands around, and it’s an honor that they let me sing with them.  

WSP:     Do you have plans of doing regular guest vocals?

KK:        As long as they want me to do guest vocals, I’ll continue to perform with them.

WSP:    Do you plan on writing any songs with them?

KK:        I think the only way I’d contribute to the song writing process is if Fade wanted my input on lyrics and arrangements. I did help with the arrangements for “Cast.”

WSP:    How does your writing process flow?

KK:        I don’t usually write lyrics before I receive a song. I find that my lyrics and arrangements are much more cohesive after I’ve meditated on a track for a while and had an opportunity to experience what comes up for me emotionally and mentally. The actual writing process can materialize in different ways. Sometimes, when I listen to a song, a line or stanza will arise. Other times, I’ll just have a word or two, or an image in my head that I’ll try to communicate. I’ll then take that line, word, or image and develop it.

WSP:    How do you prepare yourself for writing sessions?

KK:        I’ll practice yoga, and then I’ll read or listen to something that inspires me. However, sometimes I don’t need anything at all to prepare. My energy will just be in the right place, and the words will come.

WSP:    Do you write your lyrics in a journal, a book or just random notebooks?

               Right handed or left handed?

               How long have you been writing?

KK:        I used to write my lyrics in a journal, but ever since I bought a laptop, that’s what I’ve been using. However, recently, a friend gave me a beautiful journal, and I plan to start writing in it. I’m right handed, and I’ve been writing poetry since I was 13. My family was going through some difficult times, and it was a great outlet for me. When I was a teenager, expressing my emotions and thoughts through creative outlets was one of the only things that kept me sane. Now, it’s my spiritual practice that keeps me balanced and feeling positive/energetic.

WSP:       When did you start singing/screaming?

KK:           I started vocal lessons when I was 10. I only did them for a short time, maybe less than a year. I started practicing screaming vocals at 15.

WSP:       What or who inspired you to start screaming vocals?

KK:          Acid Bath. I loved Dax’s and Sammy’s screams, still do.

WSP:     What female vocalists do you recommend listening to?

KK:          I don’t like labeling women who play music as female vocalists, female guitarists, etc. I’ve heard the argument over and over again that there is a difference between male and female vocalists in metal, and I simply disagree. If the vocalist is screaming or shouting, most of the time you won’t be able to tell if the person is male or female. I don’t want to promote one gender over the other. I want to promote equality in every form, and I hope to help make others aware that there are people out there who don’t care about gender, race, or religion, and just want to witness talent and authenticity. That being said, my favorite vocalists are JR Hayes from Pig Destroyer, Mike from Yob, Alan from Khanate, Runhild from Thorr’s Hammer, and Dax Riggs, when he was singing/screaming for Acid Bath.

WSP:      Do you think your writing and painting ever come together at some point?

KK:         They have in the past. My writing is included in a couple of my paintings. The combination of words and images is extremely powerful, but can easily kill the painting if one isn’t careful.

WSP:     What inspires you to paint?

KK:         My passion, human rights. In the past, relationships, and past issues/traumas inspired me. Also, there are many artists who inspire me: Francis Bacon, Gustav Klimt, Alphonse Mucha, Egon Schiele, Zdzislaw Beksinski, David Choe, and Audrey Kawasaki, to name a couple.  

WSP:     What do you listen to when you are painting? Writing? Relaxing?

KK:         I went through a phase when I was painting where I listened to Pig Destroyer’s “Natasha” on repeat, haha. I also love painting to Electric Wizards Dopethrone, and Woven Hand albums. I tend to write in silence. When I’m relaxing I’ll listen to just about anything. However, Dead Can Dance has been a regular choice of mine.  

WSP:     What is in your ipod/MP3 player?

KK:         Yob, Crowbar, Mastodon, Neurosis, Buzzoven, Inerds, Cloud Rat, Dead Can Dance, Ralph Stanley, Hank Williams Senior, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Bach, Rachmaninoff, Krishna Das…

WSP:     Where do you like to eat in DC?

KK:         I actually don’t go into the city often, but outside DC, in Arlington, there is an amazing Sushi restaurant called Matuba. There is also a famous Chinese Restaurant called Peking Gourmet Inn, located in Falls Church. Both are incredible.  

WSP:     What is there to do in DC that some people might not know?

KK:         I’m not sure that I could provide a recommendation for something unique to do, but I recommend that people visit the Hirshhorn museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Library of Congress. There are also some great Jazz clubs worth visiting (although usually fairly expensive).

WSP:     Where do you like to travel?

KK:         I love New Orleans (I have family there), New York, Massachusetts (especially Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard), Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, and I haven’t been over seas much, but I would love to travel Europe, Japan, and India.

WSP:     Where is the most interesting place you have ever been?

KK:         Last Christmas I went to Guatemala. I really loved it there. It was very beautiful and the people were very kind. It’s awesome to visit another country and experience another culture.  

WSP:     Tell me about your favorite place in nature.

KK:         My favorite place is the Difficult Run Trail in Great Falls, VA. It’s not long, about three miles; it’s surrounded by woods, and follows the Potomac River. I have one spot in particular that I like to go to. There is a series of long flat rocks that takes you to the center of the river. I practice meditation and yogic breathing on one of those rocks. I’ve been going to Great Falls since I was a kid. It’s always been a place of repose when I’ve felt depressed, upset, or insecure. I think it’s important to connect with nature when you can. I often go hiking when time allows.

WSP:     Where do you enjoy writing the most?

KK:         Outside. However, I do usually write in my room. Boring, I know, but fewer distractions.

WSP:     I understand you are a yoga teacher, is this correct?

KK:        Yes, I became a yoga teacher at 19. I have a 500hr certification in Kripalu Yoga, and I’m about to receive another 500hr certification in Pranakriya Yoga (although some of the hours cross over). I taught for about five years, but then took a break to become a Massage Therapist. Because I’m currently in college, I’m not teaching classes (only teaching close friends), but I hope to do so in the future.

WSP:     Do you feel yoga helps you with your breathing while doing vocals?

KK:          Definitely. Yoga allows me to hold notes longer, keep my throat relaxed, and maintain a better tone.  

WSP:      Aren’t you also going to school right now, what are you majoring in?

KK:          I’m at Northern Virginia Community College, and I’m planning on transferring to a four-year college in a year or so. I’m thinking of majoring in either biology or psychology, with a minor in either human rights (some schools offer this) or political science. I’m then hoping to go to school to get my doctorate in Physical Therapy.

WSP:      Where do you see yourself in five years?

KK:          I see myself continuing to sing for metal bands and doing some touring, hopefully over seas at some point. I also see myself continuing my wonderful and supportive relationship, as well as working as a PT, and possibly joining doctors without borders, traveling overseas to help others in need.

WSP:      Do you have any projects you are working on? (Painting/Writing/Music)

KK:          I’m currently working on guest vocals for a Eustachian track. Art wise, because I’m busy, I’ve had difficulty finding the time. But, until the day I die, I will be in love with painting, and it will always be a medium of expression that I’ll come back to. Also, shortly, ANb will be working on a full length.

WSP:      Last question, for the record; how tall are you? (I am short...)

KK:          I thought I was 5’1 up until recently when a Nurse measured me at 5’. I shrunk?

WSP:      Well, I do believe I have exhausted all the questions I had at this time. But I would like to talk to you more and continue to share inspiration and with these communications, you push me to be stronger and louder.

Do you have any final words you wanted to share with the world?

KK:           I consider one of the most important aspects about being on this earth, which people fail to realize, is that we are all connected. On the deepest level, spirit, we are all the same. If one person suffers, we all suffer. If people could even in a small way be kinder, more compassionate, and empathetic towards others, the world would be much improved. I am repeatedly witnessing humanity’s inhumanity because of differences like race and religion. These kinds of things fail to matter because they don’t communicate who we truly are at the deepest level of self. If even just one person does something to help another, it betters us all, and I feel that it is truly a worthwhile action.

WSP:     Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions and look forward to learning more about you.

Cheers,

Tanya 

Real talk with Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza

It has frustrated me over the last few years to hear people refer to different types of "core" as their own category, I get it with hardcore, however, I lose interest when I hear kids talking about Mathcore, dancecore, screamcore and so on.  It is all 'metal' whether or not you are a fan of a particular band within the genre or not, it is all still metal to me. I do believe that personality makes a big difference in many things in life and music being one of them. I was introduced to the music of Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza early last year when my son asked me to take him to the show.  I listened to Danza II and agreed to take him. I first saw these guys at the Orpheum in Ybor City.  It was packed!
The initial conversation was with the drummer, Mike Bradley. We spoke about drums and his love for other types of music, influences, etc.  I then spoke with Jessie Freeland, the vocalist, whose conversation surprised me.  His first question was how my son was doing in school.  Our conversation lasted for almost an hour sitting on the curb outside the venue. One of the questions that I had was about his job outside of touring, when he is home and he shared with me his work with troubled youth. The conversation was more than interesting!
Moving on,  I asked about talking to the other guys in the band, but they had a rough tour and were asleep in the van. I kept in touch with Mike and Jessie and was anxious to see them again on the return to Orlando.

We adventured to Orlando for a riveting performance at Club H20, where they played with Oceano, Blind Witness and a few others and must say they killed it once again! So needless to say, when I got the notification Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza was heading back out on the road and St. Pete dates were secured, I made sure I would be there. Excited to see the guys again, we confirmed an interview to accompany the live shots I would be taking.  I met up with Josh Travis and Jessie Freeland before the show and spoke with him for quite awhile and agreed to continue the conversation after they played and we would get some 'promo' shots too.

We did just that, I spoke with Jessie for almost an hour and a half again while we waited for the rest of the guys to reunite at the van.  I know I promised an interview to be posted, however, I truly feel that the conversation that I had with Jessie and with Josh was more on a personal level and is not to be shared with the world. I have always been intrigued by the thought process of the human brain and the way people think and what makes them tick. The "interview" or conversation with these guys was truly more of a conversation between friends.  While there are a lot of great times on the road touring, it is not always the most glamorous or as interesting as people may think. These guys are real, genuine guys who have passionate hearts and truly want to make something of themselves and make a positive difference.  Josh is an incredible musician, who plays multiple instruments, not just that badass 7 string guitar, but he is also a writer and truly deserves to be recognized for his talent as well as the rest of the guys too. 

If you haven't heard of Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza before, you should check them out.  Josh Travis is a beast on the guitar!  Their musical tastes are broad and are the most down to earth people I feel I have ever truly had the chance to hang with.  They are not rock stars, but my friends. 

O'shy's Irish Tap House - Truly a Community Business, written by Tanya Galloway

Bellair resident, Jennifer Landry hails from Chicago, Illinois who is no stranger to authentic Irish Pubs. Jennifer has always paid close attention to her surroundings when visiting pubs, taverns and restaurants and even coffee houses, keeping notes of things that she liked and things she did not. With her heritage being Irish and Czechoslovakian, she feel that she truly has something different to offer and always wanted a place to call her own.

The opening of O'Shy's Irish Tap House in Largo, Florida didn't just appear at the end of some rainbow, but through hard work and her dedication to having a place where people could just 'come and hang out', 'like a coffee shop but with beer'.  For a first time business owner, opening a business can be quite a difficult task. Well, she wasn't going to make any mistakes doing so and her voice was well heard by local city officials who not only listened to her but made changes in the way of the assistance for business owners.  Now her dreams of her place to call her own, is no longer an idea or a dream, but a reality put into motion. With the politics out of the way, she was now able to focus on opening the doors not only to the new business, but to her dreams as well. Being a single parent, Jennifer was concerned of how she was going to be able to build the place she wanted.  While renovations commenced, much needed items were being donated by other local businesses and people within the community that had heard her story and wanted to pitch in.  Her boyfriend Eddie and longtime friends, Marty and Josh and many others were close at hand, putting countless hours into painting, building and plumbing to helping this amazing woman open the doors to her dreams and to her new business, O'Shy's Irish Tap House, which is named after her daughter, Shyan. 

O'Shy's Tap House not only offers 46 different beers on tap from around the world, but many bottled beers and fine wines as well as specialty beer drinks that are dazzled with chocolate and raspberries too.  

Jennifer opened O'Shy's Tap House officially on March 5th, 2011 with a packed house, making new friends. She also shares plans for a "Fighting Irish" wall, which will honor Irish police offers, fire fighters and first responders from her hometown of Chicago and her home in Florida.  She says she isn't done yet!  She wants to open additional businesses in the area such as a Pizzeria and an upscale liquor bar and promises her son the pizzeria would be named after him.    

O'Shy's will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day in a more unique fashion.  Of course, there will be beer and live music, but they will also be offering Shephard's Pie, green snow and some other special surprises!  Guess you will have to stop in and see what they are! 

O'Shy's Irish Tap House is located at 80 Clearwater-Largo Road South in Largo, Florida on the southeast corner of Clwr-Largo Road and West Bay Drive.  Hours are from 11am until 2am. 

Cash is King at O'Shy's (ATM inside)

Outside patio 

For more information give Jennifer a call at 727-588-4444. 

O'Shy's Irish Tap House Online  or Add O'Shy's on Facebook!

Photos by Tanya Galloway of Wandering Star Photography

Keeping Pools Safe for Loved Ones of All Ages

Far too often when we think of pool safety we think of small children.  Keeping your loved ones safe around the pool includes your precious family pets, disabled family members as well as anyone you are caring for that may suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's Disease.
Here's the problem, individual's who suffer from Alzheimer's have difficulty judging distance and determining color and contrast.  In terms of perception, they may see the pool, but only see the bottom and not be able to judge the distance and that is actually water.  When it cannot be determined in the mind that it is not a hard surface, they continue to walk therefore falling into the pool causing possible head injuries or even worse, death.  


By installing a pool safety fence which creates a barrier around the swimming pool and a self-closing, self-latching gate, you are reducing the chances of an accidental drowning. You can also help reduce the tragedy of accidental drowning by adding layers of protection, such as an door alarm or gate alarm. 

Help keep your loved ones safe around the pool.  For more information on pool safety fences please visit Pool Guard Safety Fences.