HOW’S EVERYONE DOING LATELY?

There’s a lot of things I want to get into here and don’t worry I’m going to get there. This might be one of those blog posts that you get a paragraph or so into and then you just start to aimlessly scroll down and drift away from. And hey, I get it. But right now I’m just trying to wrap my head around what’s going on in the world at the moment as I’m sure a lot of you are. It’s going to be wild to go back years from now and look at this piece of writing. It’s a moment of history and a moment in time that I, personally don’t want to forget. So here we are, let’s start off with.. How are you doing lately? I’ve missed you guys. It’s been since when, JANUARY?! But I can explain – I redid my whole freaking site. I mean duh you’re here and I just want to say thank you for that and for also being a huge reason on why I wanted to grow it. Just make it bigger and better. I’ve gotten messages here and there saying “You inspired me” or “Your words helped me” -only a couple times, but enough to honestly make my whole life. And what you guys don’t know is that YOU’VE helped me, YOU’VE inspired me. I feel so much passion when I know someone shows up to read my post, or even just look at it. It makes me want to do more, be better. So I’ve recreated my site and sort of the meaning behind it. Lost in a Dream is the same, I’m always going to be sharing parts of my life like how I normally do. I’ll write about my travels like I’m an author of short stories. I’ll provide tips with you on how to make your own adventures happen. But I want to bring more to the table too! I want to help you with the other things, the messy things. Like mental health; depression and anxiety. The impact it can have on making the real dreams and passions come true. I’m going to be talking a whole lot more about solo female travel. And I guess I also started a small company after I trademarked Lost in a Dream. Because one day when I was opening up my shop that was only going to be prints of my photos. I found a company that would put them on something a little bit more forever: clothes. So I created a t-shirt for myself and then I sent a picture to a couple friends half joking and half serious about how I wanted to sell them. They put their names at the top of the list for preorders and even if they were just being those supportive good friends.. I thought what if other people would rather wear a photo of mine that brings them inspiration into their everyday life? Not just when they’re sitting at home in their office, cracking their knuckles ready to get to work. I wanted to bring inspiration, comfort (both physically and emotionally) and uniqueness to my photos.

And then I also moved into my own little apartment! I’ll maybe write a more in depth post about that here in the future just because there’s a lot of reasoning behind of it. But long story short I really wanted a space that I come back to after working at my coffee stand and feel inspired! Inspired to write here, inspired to live out other goals, inspired to keep Lost in a Dream going and so on. It’s been a hell of a change and I won’t lie about it. I love it everyday, but there’s also some days I can’t find the motivation to do anything by myself here. It’s been only like a week and a half here so I’m still trying to find the balance of it all. It’s uncomfortable, but that just means that change is happening and I’m really learning to embrace it. To embrace this whole new chapter of life..

So I guess that’s what I’ve been up to lately. Sort of a bad time to get my shop up and going with the whole world suffering from a pandemic, but I’ve had SO much fun with everything. I found some of the fire and passion in me that hasn’t been lit with my photography and creativity in awhile. So even if nobody were to buy anything I could still sit here and smile to myself because I simply found parts of myself and my craft that I felt I lost for awhile. I feel that’s what these next few weeks are going to entail even more with. Lots of discovering of pieces I never knew existed, finding of old ones I’ve tucked away and also an open mind to try anything new. It’s been a much needed slow down period time.. I’m someone that always needs to be go, go, go. Being forced to sit at home when not at work has really made me grateful for the simple things and miss all the little things I used to do – which has created a new appreciation for them all. It’s funny, sitting here trying to weigh out all the good and bad through this situation.. I’m sure you’ve been in the same boat as me mentally taking notes of the pros and cons to this whole thing.. I just hope that we all come out of this stronger, more connected and compassionate.

I don’t know much about what’s real and what’s not with this virus.. I don’t keep up with the news or any of the articles. Everytime I’m on Facebook or Twitter I scroll right through. I thought it was sort of selfish and ignorant to do such a thing. But you know what? Yeah it is selfish, in the best way possible though. I’ve recognized that going through rabbit holes of updates and false facts / news was bringing my mental health down. I full on had a panic attack one night you guys.. Just from literally getting so overwhelmed with the news and the uncertainty of everything happening around me. I’m a huge empathetic as well, so my heart is heavy on top of it being weary and anxious. I’m not sure what to truly talk about on my other social media, I want to reminisce back to the past when everything was perfect even when I thought it was the furthest thing from that. But is it wrong to do that when something so big is happening right now? I’m sure they’re all questions we’re spiraling through right now or at least I am. So I guess that’s why I’m here writing about my own feelings. To maybe let you know you’re not alone, because hell this is the closest we’ve all been. We all can really feel the compassion and love within each other during such a horrific and scary time. It’s beautiful as ugly as it is to say what got us to this point. You’re really not alone. I want to share one of the many quotes I’ve seen as writers / poets start to share their much needed words during this time.. I feel it’s the one I keep coming back to over and over again because it brings me so much comfort.

It makes my heart so happy everytime I read it. Whenever I’m starting to feel a little down and caught up in the negatives I just love reminding myself how this could all be for the better.

What’s something you’re using this time for? How are you doing where you’re from?

I can’t wait to write more to you guys. I’ve really freaking missed you and being here. Thank you for waiting and showing up again.. And

Thank you for being Lost in a Dream with me

With lots of love,

Niki

Please note if you purchase anything on my shop:

I am unsure on when your arrival will be just because of everything going on in the world. All of my printing, shipping and handling is done by a third party so I do not have full control over the timeframe. It can be from one to two and a half weeks – possibly more.

I am sure though that you will get your order at some point and it will be worth it. All photographs are taken of precious memories of mine with a passion behind every click on my camera. All clothing items are made with thought and so much love. I have never been more content with a collection than this first one.

I’ll appreciate you so much even if you just check out my shop, grab a $5 off coupon for your first order now or in the future. And if you do purchase something right now.. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have no words for all the support I always feel from each and every one of you.

*First 10 orders will receive a custom, handwritten thank you post card from me.

If you have any questions about orders such as custom prints, sizing or any other concerns.. Don’t hesitate to contact me!

Love you guys.