JESSTRALIA

Walking to the grocery store listening to Adele tell me that me to “throw my soul into every open door” made me realize that I am in the beautiful city of Brisbane in the adventurous country of Australia alone but not lonely on Valentines Day. I was going to get the regular fruits, veggies and sliced chicken (bc it is much cheaper than the turkey here), BUT then I decided I would say “Happy Valentines Day Self!” I thought about one of the last meals I had in Austin and the meal that came to mind was with Krista at her house drinking Bundaburg Rum (from Australia – pictured below). There was a few of us there and with the combination of ingredients brought from our separate houses, we made a fabulous and intense meal of pumpkin ravioli with garlic roasted tomatoes. Although quite a winter meal, I decided the warm and comforting feeling it brought forth was worth it in the hot summer heat of Queensland. Besides, it was about to storm outside and cooling down and bit. ...

It Pumps My heart screams with wild ache and quiets itself down. My impulses are benched and my fight waves its white flag. My brain swells and pounds while my eyes widen and mouth drools. The taste of something I can't understand is flirting with me. My fears ebb and flow and as my appreciation balloons my hope's roots grow deep. Written after the first day on the job of Australia Red Cross. 9/2/12 (Feb. 9).  A beautiful wildflower at Airlie Beach I spotted on the walk home from a day trip to the Whitsunday Island. The date on this is incorrect...it was 2012.  Emerlad, Queensland at the Botanical Gardens.

The blog is born: JESSTRALIA Apart from the obvious clever combination of words, you should know that the inspiration came from the local pronunciation of the country I now reside, ‘stralia.  The purpose of this blog is to track my adventure, publish the beauty of Australia, tap into a new creative outlet, keep connected and share my experiences with family and friends. I am expecting this blog to include shout-outs, quotes, photos, experience summaries, personal insights, Australian goodies and interesting information! Many of you witnessed the chaotic transition that was me moving to Australia. It was a time sprinkled with Austin outings, wine, cries, anxieties, hugs, sales, smiles and “see ya laters” instead of “goodbyes”. Words are a sorry excuse for the gratitude my heart explodes with for all of yall's support, encouragement, ears, love and help getting ready to leave.