- xMVL

My first introduction to Warby Parker was love at first sight. It sounds so cliché, but it's so true. The vintage-inspired eyewear company opened its first store in Atlanta (also the brand's first stand-alone store in the Southeast) in 2014 and I popped into the Buckhead shop for a preview. Where had this store been my entire life of wearing glasses from the age of 10 until I was 32 when I had Lasik surgery? I mean, I literally wanted one of everything. Founded in 2010 by college students who realized glasses were overpriced for many consumers, WP's prescription eyewear and sunglasses begin at $95. Insert exaggerated eye roll ... I don't even want to think about how much money I spent on frames alone. Nevertheless, less than two years later, Atlanta has gotten its second boutique -- Warby Parker Westside Provisions. Where the dark millwork and tufted leather of its Buckhead location evoke a classic, well-appointed study, WP's new spot further downtown is bright and big on contrasts. There's nothing like the feeling of loveliness all around to further inspire your mood to shop. From the 2016 summer collection, I chose the Cecily. And my love affair continues. 

Warby Parker Westside Provisions | Atlanta

I have been in love with the idea of traveling abroad since briefly living in Barinas,Venezuela, at 16 as a three-month American Field Service exchange student. That first trip outside of the United States expanded me; I was new. When I returned to high school for my senior year, I honestly felt like a conqueror. I mean, suddenly, the entire world felt available to me. 

Realizing life outside of what is your everyday reality, which can sometimes feel like all there is, increases you. 

Last Saturday, I returned from Doha, Qatar, equally as electrified as I had been 25 years ago; I'm most impacted by trips to locales that are furthest from my norm. Qatar Airways invited me to the opulent desert destination and capital of the peninsular Persian (Arabian) Gulf country for its inaugural direct flight out of Atlanta. When I started writing about my travels 7 years ago, this was the moment I dreamed about. It was a moment that eclipsed all of the "what ifs" that had been able to slip in and out of my thoughts over the past few years because it was confirmation that not only does God always know what's best for me, but that he has his best in mind for me. 

Qatar Airways A380 on the runway at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

I'll tell you all about my trip in a future post, but for now, I'll simply say — chase your dreams ... chase increase like tomorrow isn't promised. Because it isn't. 

xMVL