If you want something, ask for it.

We've all heard the phrase "Good things happen to those who wait." In reality, the best things happen to those who ask.

Think back to being a kid. Was Santa Claus ever on his game enough to bring you something that you didn't request? Probably not.

I don't remember exactly what I whispered in the Jolly Old Man's ears at the mall as a five year old, but the letters I wrote to him went something like this:

"Dear Santa,

Here are some cookies and milk for you and carrots for your reindeer. 

I promise I've been really good this year. 

I really hope that you'll bring me a My-Size Barbie.

Sincerely,

Emily"

I wrote a similar letter for two years in a row, but Santa never provided me a My-Size Barbie (apparently they were sold out all across the world). Now, with 20+ years of experience under my bet, I know exactly what I did wrong.

You see, my request wasn't explicit, and my justification was far from effective. Plus, I didn't tell Santa HOW to get the right doll. If I were to have a conversation with a much shorter and youger version of my self, I'd point out how I really should have been firm about what I wanted and why I wanted it. I would have also sent the letter ahead of time instead of waiting until the last meant and leaving it under the tree. 

"October 1, 19--

Dear Santa,

I've been a very good girl this year. I completed my 99% of my chores on time and never forgot to do my homework. As a result, my parents continue to be pleased with my conduct. Because of my consistently wonderful behavior, I am requesting that you honor my wish for a My-Size Barbie. 

There is a high likelihood that my behavior will only improve if I gain access to a doll to call my own. The My-Size Barbie would be like my best friend. I'd play with her every day.

I understand retailers keep selling out of this doll. I recommend a direct purchase from manufacturer. I've booked you a meeting with Mattel's VP of Operations to discuss inventory needs next month. She has already mentioned her delight to begin a fruitful partnership with you.

I wish you all the best with your journeys to and from the North Pole. Travel safely!

Sincerely,

Emily"

Top 8 Playa Moments of 2014

I'm throwing in another facet of succestication: perpetual experiences of awesome. 

In regards to self-improvement, I strongly believe that new experiences are the key to an open mind and a continuous yearning to go above and beyond what is known. An inspiring setting -- such as an open art gallery in the middle of the desert -- can certainly help.

On that note, here are my top moments at Burning Man 2014:

1) The never-ending drum circle at the Texas Souk.

2) Finding the Burning Man Ultra Marathon. I went to bed early our first night on playa and set my alarm for 6AM in hopes of catching at the last half of the Burning Man Ultra Marathon. Since I had no idea what the course would be, I laced up my running shoes and headed out into deep playa and looked for fast moving dots of humans in the distance. As I approached the trash fence,  I found a very loud bus with a swarm of people dancing around it. It was Robot Heart, an elusive set my friend had been describing the night before, and right beyond it were RUNNERS. I made a mad dash to catch up and met a few characters along the way (including one guy running completely naked, bare feet and all!). 

3) Spending White Out Wednesday in my wedding dress.  Aside from feeling absolutely beautiful in the airy white fabric, this dress seemed to hold some sort of enchantment. It was so much fun to dance in, too!

Not pictured: Burning Man

4) Being inside Embrace. This was one of my favorite art pieces -- a wooden sculpture that you could climb inside, passing large mechanical hearts up into the head of each figure. You could look out the eyes for a lovely view of the desert.

Photo courtesy of DUNCAN RAWLINSON.

5)  Seeing Saturday morning's sunrise. After Embrace burned on Friday morning, Justin and I had an amazing adventure out in deep playa that involved hours of observation of the blinky horizon dotted by ship masts, alien forms, and giant dragons.  We settled into our own coziness for what seemed like hours -- still in deep, deep playa -- and watched a neon red sun emerge. It was the most beautiful sunrise I ever witnessed.

6) Hanging out with the Neunzig family at Fire House. There's no better way to pass the heat of the day than hanging out with two generations of Neunzigs!

Try to spot Tim in this picture...

7) Not losing my fanny pack. After an 8+ hour adventure, I realized I was missing a critical component of my wardrobe: the fanny pack that contained both Justin's and my I.D.s. After wracking my brain for a good hour, I realized where I left it -- "some big playground-like structure along Esplanade".  Given that Esplanade is a mile long frontage of camps, I was very happy to find that my sense of direction was still in tact. Fanny pack found; identities saved.

8) The Temple burn. The Temple is an ornate structure located across from the man where people leave written memories or thoughts for loved ones who have passed. Some leave behind representations of what they want to remove from from their lives. When the Temple burned, everyone sat or stood silently out of respect. Its large dome fell with a graceful twist, and all the emotional heaviness it held became ashes, ultimately turned to dust. Needless to say, it was very cathartic.



I didn't take any pictures at the event, so if you need more visuals, check out this gallery (including the last photo -- the Shrine of the Crossroads -- an Austin-based project).

The Texas Souk Project

It's been a while, blog. I am back from the dust!

I am returning from a great adventure in the Nevada desert. Black Rock City, to be exact.

Our Texas Souk project went swimmingly. There were 29 stalls built around the base of The Man, most of them containing open-air "markets" or performance arenas representing different regions from around the globe. Each souk had a unique theme that encouraged interactivity.

Texas Souk's theme was "The Senses". We created an atmosphere meant to appeal to the five (or six, depending on your beliefs) senses. We had a drum circle space and a slew of gifts, some made from found materials acquired during our park clean ups. 

The photos below are courtesy of my friend, Snuggles:

When someone meandered into our souk space, we invited them to tell a story or ride one of our stick horses in exchange for a gift. Throughout the week, we heard heartwarming stories  -- some incredibly happy and others that were quite serious and moving-- and laughed as people raced stick horses around the Man.

The most incredible souk moment I had was while we were tearing it down in preparation for The Man to burn. There was a huge dust storm that day -- I could barely see five feet in front of me! Everyone was frantically taking down decor while a drum circle lingered in the middle of our souk stall. The drumming seemed to get more intense as our space was deconstructed. It got to the point where all that was left were the rugs on which the drummers were sitting, their instruments, and our team standing in awe. You just can't take Texas down easily, ya'll. 

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Up next: More Burning Man adventures.