And now, a heart-to-heart from Ulysses (Joyce)

On Arabic Sweets and the Middle East: Kunafa – NICHOLAS ANDRIANI

All of these things are true… I had been in Jordan for several weeks and my love affair with Arabian sweets had reached a lofty peak. In fact, I would begin and end each day with a platter of pastries, smothered in honeys and syrups that would flood through heaps of pistachios on my plate. Then it happened… I…

Do You Shampoo? Curry? You Can Thank Sake Dean Mahomed – On Influential Muslims

I’m endlessly fascinated by the storied history and culture of food. If you think about it food, with all those various customs, colloquial nuances, simple and complex, erotic and understated, is truly our greatest and most intimate experience with the world around us.

Go Folk Yourself: A Semester Abroad, Japanese, Folklore, & the Glorious Spirit Realm – Call to Arms!

Call to Arms: I am a full-time student and researcher with a passion for the cultures and people that diversify and energize our world. I believe that literature and the stories we tell the world contain a multitude of interpretations and gemstones waiting to be mined.  I’m launching this campaign to raise funds for a

On the Road Less Traveled : A Personal Essay on the Path of Most Resistance and the Adventure That is Life.

Don’t be victimized by the culture of fear. Our planet is waiting to be explored, to reveal it’s secrets to you, to me, to any who dare ask, it will expose you to the raw truths of life. To the quarks of distant cultures and alien tongues. To disgusting foods and delicious cuisines, to dangerous and countless blessings.

Interview with Maria Rochelle

Get to know Nicholas over this discussion on travel, literature, writing, life, love and losing oneself in the beautiful madness of modern life.

On Arabic Sweets and the Middle East: Kunafa

All of these things are true… I had been in Jordan for several weeks and my love affair with Arabian sweets had reached a lofty peak. In fact, I would begin and end each day with a platter of pastries, smothered in honeys and syrups that would flood through heaps of pistachios on my plate. Then it happened… I

7 Small Changes That Will Make a Big Difference in Your Life

Small changes made consistently over time can have a big impact on your life. And they are all actions you can take starting today.

Three Chinese Fables to Guide Your Weekend

Many Chinese fables tell an entertaining story to illustrate a moral lesson. Here are a few such stories. Stopping Halfway, Never Comes One’s Day In the Warring States Period, in the state of Wei lived a man called Leyangtsi. His wife was very angelic and virtuous, who was loved and respected dearly by the husband. One day, Leyangtsi

Fundraising for the Wandering Scholar Educational Program

Your generous contributions will directly support tuition and tuition alone. I will update you at a later point as to which institution I’m accepted into – aiming for Dharma Realm University. As a student, I am at the mercy and heavily dependent upon the financial generosity of others — for which I am endlessly grateful.

Habits of the Mentally Strong: Meditations on Manifesting Your Best Self

Practicing gratitude? Perserverence? Taking Responsibility? These are just a few of the tools for maintaining a strong mind. Check out my newest article for tips of fulfilling your goals. In other news, applying for scholarships and glaring starry eyed towards Naropa University.

The Way Things Are

The Way Things Are – Hope and fear are both phantoms
that arise from thinking of the self.
#taoism #taoteching #mindfulness

Kansas City Travel Guide: The Locals Take on Restaurants, Bars, Shops, and More

No longer the Midwest’s flyover town, KC is striding forward with newfound vigor and a burgeoning sense of self which has the world watching — as if to say, ooh, what’s all this? When juice bars replace steakhouses and the maker movement is now commonplace, you know something interesting is brewing.

Appalachian Road Trip and Terrible Photo Journal: From the Archives of 2014:

from the archives of 2014: “With only enough time to unpack from our trip to Portland Jaclyn suggests we rent a jalopy and drive our tired souls to North Carolina for the High Point Furniture Market.”

Monday Motivation with Lao Tzu

“If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.”

source: Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

To the One Who Never Will

Our story is never-ending.

That to say, I will always love you. 

Aware of this dream state which is my tendency to romanticize the past.

“The Dying of Baal,” A Poem by Helen Wing

“The Dying of Baal,” A Poem by Helen Wing
“…Oh Syria! With the god of Storm
and Dew now thunder-mute
in Homs, Aleppo, Damascus and Palmyra… “

The Wandering Scholar(ship): College Fund

Travel, adventure, science, paleontology, archaeology, eat, sleep, repeat. Help me reach my goal and return to college and complete my education! To bring passion to the generation of tomorrow and inspire youth today.

Sketching Sites: Aqaba, Jordan from the Art of Exploration.

In the Spring. Sun Blazing, the Red Sea, still, cool with Spring. I sit over Cafe Salaam, coffee, freshly roasted with cardamom and a handful of roasted nuts, wedged between an abundance of potted sage and a crumbling banister.
This is where I sketched one of my favorite pieces of art. just on the Red Sea in Jordan, working on my Novel. q

Flash Poem to Self: “Be confident, not sad sap, sipping quietly in corner bar:” On Writing, the Bohemian Lifestyle, and Balancing Art/Mind.

I will be confident — not sad sap, sipping quietly in corner bar.

I will be, act, speak with intention.

I will be finished, will shop my novel.