This is where I’m headed in just over six weeks’ time!  (photo credit)

Ahh, a real and true holiday, coming soon.  Things got a bit messy recently, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to do it after all, but after some quiet contemplation, decided I needed to go forth and have this much anticipated holiday below the equator.  I could use some new freckles, a change of scenery, and who knows what else…

So, this week’s EcoGrrl-icious post is dedicated to all that awaits on that journey…

Inspired by my friend over at Nomader What, I am using up all my frequent flyer miles to head down to Australia for a couple of weeks, for some much needed time to well, just BE.    I’ll be spending a few days in Melbourne, then headed about an hour’s train ride south to the Bellarine Peninsula, to stay at an organic farm & winery in a small town by the name of Indented Head.  Yes, dearies, I’ll be picking grapes and gardening by the sea in exchange for a bite to eat and a little place to hang my hat.  If you’re not familiar with it, WWOOF‘ing is a fantastic way to travel while helping farmers and learning organic & biodynamic methods while you work 4-6 hours a day.

Needless to say I am happy…

So, a bit of city, and a bunch of ocean, and a whole new journey to embark upon.  I’m looking forward to exploring Melbourne, and getting an idea of how my own simple, sustainable city life compares.  I am looking forward to just being a lazy bum – this grrl has never been one to organize schedules for vacations (kind of defeats the purpose in my mind!).  Whether I’m nibbling produce from one of the farmers markets, writing in my journal while sipping a cappuccino, wandering through one of the botanic gardens, checking out the Sustainable Living Festival, or even checking out a Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers double feature at the Astor Theatre, I be figurin’ it out as I go along.

With that, 2013 is off and running.  This time last year I mourned the loss of a wonderful mentor and friend to all.  Last summer I mourned the loss of my sweet little girl Daisy.  This year, one of my former colleagues is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of her husband, also leaving this world far too early.

Why do I mention this?  Because life is damn short.  There are journeys to go on and risks to be taken and life to be lived.  There is so much love in my heart and beauty all around me that I must explore everything, and not fear the what-ifs.  Let 2013 be the year of carpe diem.

Happiness is a form of courage.
~Holbrook Jackson