Author: kailaolson
Snowden
“I did what I did because I believe it is the right thing to do, and I will continue to do that”
The Book of Secrets: Deepak Chopra
“Sitting up in bed, I had the strange sensation that it was no longer important that a dream isn’t real. Being awake is more real than a dream only because we have agreed that it is.”
I recently finished a deeply insightful book called The Book of Secrets by Deepak Chopra. I loved every page and gave it to a dear friend to read it after I finished it. That is the beauty of a physical book (opposed to a Kindle), you can hold it in your hands, read it by the pool, in the bathtub and flip the pages one by one, savoring the text. This book reminded me a lot of Radical Acceptance (which I have yet to finish)…only way more enjoyable…hence I finished it. Everything is so connected in this life and this book helped put it all in perspective.
Family that are Friends and Friends that are Family
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.”
– Tim Cahill
Hey friends!
Yesterday I got back from a whirlwind trip to New York to spend time with friends and catch up on lots of times and adventures that we have all had. Everyone talks about New York as if it is this land where dreams come true; and it is. However, for me, New York means good friends. I told one of my friends that I would be just as happy sitting in her apartment and eating donuts…not going to any attractions or doing whatever a typical New Yorker or tourist does. And I meant it. There is something so special when you find friends that you know will be in your life forever. People tend to come and go in life and thats just part of the rhythm…but I deeply value those who are part of my life and who allow me to part of theirs. Nothing is more special or magical. Money will only buy you so much; but it will never be able to buy you time or friends or family.
Fall Feels: Pumpkin Baking
(Photo is of some chocolate chip oatmeal pumpkin cookies that I made…will post the recipe soon)
“I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion”
-Henry David Thoreau
Hey ya’ll!
I just got back from a trip to New York City (will share later) and had a great time soaking in the East Coast and hanging out with some of the absolute best friends in the world. It was a wonderful few days of break and I am happy to be back in Boulder and in my cozy apartment. Being in New York made me miss my kitchen (as NYC kitchens are basically like a mini cubicle) and reminded me of all the delicious pumpkin baking I have been doing and can’t wait to keep doing! Baking is so much more simple than people make it and as long as you have the basics down, some intuition and put lots of joy (and sugar and butter) into whatever you make…it usually turns out. And if doesn’t, you still give it to your friends and they still smile. Or don’t have tastebuds.
Turning Over a New Leaf
“I am so glad that I live in a world with Octobers”
-Anne of Green Gables
I will keep repeating this for a long time…but October is my absolute favorite month and fall is my favorite time of the year. It is filled with pumpkin spice and everything nice and has some of the most gorgeous scenery. It is a very nurturing time of the year that I like to especially spend with friends and family, soaking in the fall leaves and new cycle as everything turns over. There is also something that seems to be in the air; a magical and whimsical wind that brings a smile to my face. This summer has been magical in its own right; starting off with such a personal transformation that was the best possible thing to happen to me. It transitioned to a fun month of new people, places and experiences that gave me lots of perspective on not only my life, but the infinite world we all live in. And as August crept up on me, I returned to school. This year had a very special energy like no other and set the tone for what I hope to be the best year yet. And as the weeks have gone and time has passed, I feel at peace more than I have in a while. Despite the ups and downs, the doubts and revelations we all have, I feel settled and am relishing in the ability to stay somewhere.
It turns out that staying is quite the adventure…
Happy October!
-Kaila
Duncan
They say that college students are getting younger and younger these days. Apparently they really are, to the point where humans who have only been on planet earth for three years are now attending astronomy lectures. I met Duncan, age three, when I went into my astronomy professors office hours to discuss an exam when he dropped by with his mom and proceeded to give me two cookies and a kiss before he left. Already such a lady-killer! The next day to my surprise, little Duncan and his massive personality showed up in my classroom where he proceeded to sit next to me the whole lecture. To be fair, I had fresh-baked cookies with me; turns out that friendship can indeed be bought. He was the epitome of a good student during class. He raised his and asked his papa (the professor) for more goldfish, told everyone his favorite planet was mars and shared with the whole class that he thought we got the answer wrong. This kid is going places. Before class, I asked Duncan if I could interview him and he said yes, if I gave him another cookie.
Sully: Movie Review
“I bet my life on it. I’ll do it again.”
I decided to start reviewing movies and documentaries I have watched as a good space to personally reflect on the art of cinema and share with you all my thoughts on film. I love cinema. I will always love books the most, but cinema has a different kind of power in bringing the human experience together in a way that a book can not. It is no better or worse, but different with both books and film being equally important and impactful.
The Four Agreements: Book Review
Looking back at everyday human interactions, imagine how many times we cast spells on each other with our word.
For those of you who know me, you know that I have always loved reading and now consider myself a certifiable bibliophile. As long as I can remember, there has always been a book with me from riding in the car to Wyoming and using a flashlight to read The Little House on the Prairie Series to spending my summer days biking to the library and checking out the maximum books allowed. I decided to add this page to my expanding site to talk about books I love and share some of the best that I think you all would enjoy and give you lots of food for thought!
The first book I am adding is The Four Agreements which is one of the most phenomenal books and I wish I could buy hundreds of copies and give them to everyone I know and come across in everyday life.
Hope you make some time to read this book! I strive not to make promises that I can’t keep, and I will promise you that this book will elevate your life and thoughts and hopefully change the way you think for the better!
-Kaila
Looking Back: Living in Malaysia
My wonderful Ramadan host Ibu (grandmother) teaching me how to make ketupat
This trip was one of the primary reasons that I started this blog turned website. After returning to Malaysia and traveling Southeast Asia with my mom two summers ago..I wanted to start reflection on the past and looking towards the future.
Kaila in the World 