B is For Bemidji, Bunyan and Benevolent!

Things about Bemidji, Minnesota that I did not expect upon arrival:

1. It is home to the American folklore legend Paul Bunyan (oh yeah- there's a statue and everything. Pictures will follow).

2. There are absolutely beautiful sunsets here (also, pictures will follow).

3. Everyone is so flippin' nice!

For real! I love Manhattan more than any big city in the world, but it's been so refreshing (also, it's literally full of fresh air here) to be around people who are just being nice. I can't tell you how many times I was out for a walk or just sitting outside, and people would wave or say hello for no reason other than they were being friendly. To be honest, it seemed a little odd at first (I kept second guessing if people were actually talking to me), but hey- I'm all for spreading the kindness!

This message also came across to me while I was exploring the area- near the infamous Paul Bunyan statue and museum (seriously, everything is an ode to this guy around here- Paul Bunyan Gift Store, Paul Bunyan Sub Shop, Paul Bunyan Drive...you get the picture), I discovered an adorable little boutique. It had a hipster feel and was decked out in shabby chic decor that naturally I had to wander in. The shop had a lot of really neat furniture pieces, clothing and jewelry, but what caught my eye was a row of bracelets on display. I'm a big Alex & Ani fan, and these bracelets had a similar look. They're made by a small business called Luca + Danni (check them out at http://lucadanni.com/),and one of their designs especially spoke to me- a simple, silver bracelet engraved with "#payitforward." I mean, how ironic- I was just talking about how sweet everyone in this little town has been, and I literally find words about it right in front of me! Needless to say, I bought it, and it's been a friendly little reminder to pay it forward and spread some kindness.

As I mentioned, one of the other beautiful things about Bemidji is the lake. The hotel I'm staying at is right along the water, and even has a dock around the back. By walking on the dock, you get even more amazing views of the lake, and the absolutely most amazing views of the sunset. The past couple of nights I've made it to the dock to watch the sunset, and words can't even describe how beautiful it is. Seriously, when the sky looks like it's exploding balls of fire or painting with cotton candy pink, how can you not be impressed?! I'm by no means an experienced yogi or meditator, but ending my day with a view as serene as this has such a calming and cleansing quality. For real, pay it forward and go watch a sunset. You won't be disappointed.

I've had the past couple of days off, which has obviously been enjoyable and much needed. I was happy to be able to see a bit of Bemidji in addition to spending time studying my script and practicing some sweet dance moves. I'm back to rehearsals tomorrow- I can't wait to get this show on the big stage! Spread some kindness and pay it forward, and go watch a sunset!

Peace, love, and dance,
Shelby

#shelbyseesthestates #payitforward

I also found a farmer's market!

Some jam from the local farmer's market- this stuff is delicious!

There he is! I wasn't lying!

 

These are the bracelets I was talking about! Check these guys our at http://lucadanni.com/ 

There's so many random statues on the street corners!

This view like are you kidding me??

Clearly the most important thing I did was find a Dairy Queen. 

The bracelet I bought! Again, check them out at http://lucadanni.com/!

I'm starting a blog!

This evening I had one of those surreal and sappy moments where I realized that I'm making a career out of what I love to do. 

I had just gotten off of the phone with my family, and was wandering some trails that ran right along Lake Bemidji. After being on a bus for a few hours, it was nice to get out and walk a little. The sound of the lake was so calming, the air was so refreshing, and the sun was finally shining today- for a little town that I knew nothing about (and whose name I still have trouble pronouncing), my first impression was a good one. It wasn't intentional, but something about this moment led me to reflect. 

I can't say that the past couple of weeks have been easy- I've said good-bye to family and friends until who knows when, jammed my life into one suitcase, and traveled to a state that I've never been to and where I knew no one. On top of that, one of my most beloved and admirable dance teachers passed away right before beginning this new adventure. My heart longed to be home, my brain was full of scattered and anxious thoughts, and though I was incredibly excited, I was incredibly scared for the unknown.

It's already been a week since I left New York to begin a national tour with Sesame Street Live, and has it been a whirlwind! A crazy, warm-welcoming, truly rewarding, challenging, and insanely sweaty whirlwind. In one week I've met some wonderfully talented and kind people, learned two roles in one show, gotten a brief tour of Minneapolis, and have currently ended up in Bemidji, Minnesota. 

I guess it wasn't until I was along this peaceful path that I first absorbed all of this. As I was watching some pretty wildflowers sway in the breeze, I thought "you're here right now because this is part of your job. You're here because you're doing what you love." Whoa. Talk about surreal. I went to college to pursue my passion for performing, and now I'm in some town I've never heard of about to embark on possibly one of the greatest adventures I've ever had. Like, what?! Even as I'm writing this it still sounds crazy to me- I'm going to travel the country and get paid and sing and dance all because it's my job?! No, not my job- this is so much more than a job. This is my passion. This is what I was meant to do. 

As the sun shone down along the river, I couldn't help but smile. As stressful and physically and emotionally draining as life can be, I am so incredibly blessed to be here. Life is too short, and I need to appreciate the little moments like this. I want to take in and learn and experience as much as I can, and I hope this silly blog will help me remember everything; and if I'm lucky, other people will think my life is interesting too! Hey, if you've made it this far, congrats- thanks for thinking that my life is more interesting than what's currently on Netflix! (Well, I guess for this current moment...Netflix is pretty great...) I hope I'm able to fill this blog with all sorts of stories, pictures, and wonderful memories- here's to the journey ahead, and to a year of traveling across the great U.S. of A! Adventure is out there!

Peace, love, and dance,
Shelby

#shelbyseesthestates 

State: Minnesota
City #1- Minneapolis
City #2- Bemidji