And so it begins...

The time has finally come. Later this afternoon, I will be on my way to Europe. Eeek! I'm so excited! I am filled with the bubbly feeling of wonderful nerves. The next few months hold so much, so many experiences. I fly up and down quite a bit and then am taking a train to Vienna as planned, so I have many, many hours of travel ahead of me, but the end result will be fantastic. A whole week in Austria? Who could ask for anything more? ;) I've been thinking a lot lately (scary, I know!) about everything and anything and have decided to take on a project. I got the idea from YankeeDiva. (This happens to actually be the blog of a famous opera singer, mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato.) She has started a project of 365 gratitudes. She doesn't post everyday, but each time she does she picks up from where she left off. In turn, it won't be completed in one year, but is symbolic of giving thanks everyday. My mom and Lynn have always reminded me to be sure to count my blessings. And so I begin, along with my trip to Europe, a project of 365 gratitudes, which I am sure will take me well over 365 actual days to complete also. (I'm sure thinking of Europe so much has given me only more reason to take this on.) As much as possible, I hope to post a picture with my gratitude...with special thanks to my pretty new camera my dad bought me! Today, I leave you with Gratitude 1:

(And, of course, it has every bit to do with my travels later today! Surprised?)