Where the clouds kiss tops of the mountains

Hey ho, reader!
A couple of days ago I've had an opportunity to go on a hike with my family. It was a great adventure and I'd love to highlight the main things we've seen & experienced so do expect lots of pictures and rambles. Here we go then!

Well, we set off on our long journey at 10am, with me being all merry & curly (the usual). Whilst listening to various songs we chattered away and laughed, again, I can't help but mention how much I love travelling with my family. It was really warm and sunny outside, but hella, Stacey has already shifted to her autumnal mood and was sat in the car wearing a hoodie. Go me!

In case you don't know, during the trip I was all about filming bits and bobs for the video I uploaded just a couple of hours ago (I'll put the YouTube link to it at the end of the post), here's a behind the scenes snippet of me trying to get a good shot of a local swan

The main reason why we decided to go on this hike was to have an amazing photoshoot on top of a mountain, with me wearing a long lace dress. Honestly I loved that place so much I could not stop admiring the view of the valley down below. Though not going to lie, dad was bloody scared and didn't let me step close to the edge, thanks dad, about seven pictures have your frowned face in the corner (just joking, I totally understand his concern hehe). Here are some of the pictures we've taken up there. 

Having watched the picturesque sceneries we then proceeded to look for a good place to put up a tent for the night. It took us quite a while to find one - we wanted it close by the river, yet far from the civilisation. After hours of searching we stopped near the river, near the reservation border - the last point where the humans are (as told by dad no human being ever stepped behind that border)

The evening turned out to be amazing - we made barbecue & roasted marshmallows on a bonfire, watched the fog fall on to a massive mountain right in front of our tent entrance and listened to the river roaring 30 meters away from us. SO lovely. Yet the night brought a tiny bit of a surprise - a freaking thunderstorm. Yeah. I wasn't scared at all, on the contrary - fascinated! If you know me well you'd know I live for 'bad' weather, and when I felt it chucking down our tent with rain - ooooooooh yasssss hehe

The next morning we set off to see that last bit of civilisation, that very place where it ends at the beginning of an ENORMOUS forest (with cheetahs and a wild bison) - the animal reservation. 

This mountain range was our next stop - we rode the car till the very end of the road - in winter this place is a ski resort, but at the moment we only managed to enjoy the wild green forests everywhere and breathe the clean fresh morning air.

To conclude I can say that this summer I was totally convinced that I bloody love the mountains and hikes - that atmosphere and silence really make you reconsider your life priorities. 

Click here to watch the video report

Hope you enjoyed reading about my adventures and watching the video

-Stacey x 

A letter to September Stacey.

Hi me. I hope you did not forget about this post, because it contains a few useful tips you need to take into account when starting year two of university. No doubt, it shall be a very hard time - new teachers, subjects, absurd amounts of hometask (and ridiculous amounts of sleep) etc. Last year all of that drove you insane - at the start you couldn't plan anything properly because the deadlines packed up everything, and in order to try and escape such situations this year I (the August Stacey) want to give you a few tips on how not to stress out and be cool. Right now I'm totally relaxed and pondering, analysing every step I made during the first year. It was totally awesome but bloody hard and you know it changed you a lot.  Fair to say you've become a whole new person! I don't want to you to look into year two with fear and uncertainty Stacey, please always keep the following tips in your head and remember - you can do everything.

Right. I shall try to write short and to the point.

1 BE YOURSELF ACCEPT WHO YOU ARE.
Very cliche yet still important. Don't let wishes and personalities of others change and trample you down.  Stace, I know genuinity, innocence, opennes and honesty are your basic traits of character, but try not to be too open. Not all people are genuine, not all of them appreciate you, there are always those who will try to bring you down and dislike you. Mind that. You could be the juiciest, sweetest peach in the world..but there will always be someone who doesn't like peaches. Another thing Stacey. You're beautiful and never doubt it. Everyone has insecurities so don't obsess too much over them. Remember Raya? Look through her instagram page when you feel horrible. Here's what she said - 'If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely'. Never forget who you are.

2. STUDY STUDY STUDY. A. LOT. (READ THAT AGAIN)
The start of new year requires a lot. Education is one of the most amazing things there are an you know it. Try to get into each subject and like it. This is insanely interesting to discover new stuff and open the door of world secrets a tiny bit more, isn't it? Be adventurous.

3. THINK ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND KEEP YOUR BACK STRAIGHT.
Now THIS IS IMPORTANT. Self care. Be mindful to yourself and go set your back in place. It'll improve your vision and give you confidence. Surely. Before doing something think first - is this good for you? will it affect your health? is it something you want to do? Mind the consequences. Oh, and of course, have balanced nutrition and don't eat too much chocolate. AND STAY HYDRATED! DRINK WATER FOR GOD'S SAKE!!

4. RELY ON YOURSELF, NEVER WAIT FOR HELP.
One of the main tips I'd say. Remember what you did last year? You were (sometimes!) scared of starting doing something because what if it's not the way you're supposed to do it??? What if I'm doing it wrong?? What if I'm stupid and shouldn't express my opinion at all?? What if?? This is shit. Honestly. Each and every one of us has his/her own way of expression and CAN DO EVERYTHING BY HERSELF. Never doubt it.

5. READ EVERYTHING YOU THINK IS GOOD. 
Please Stacey always have a book that you read and try to get through the whole list of books given to you in literature. Books become a part of your soul, develop and form your personality. As told by Stephen King - 'Books are a uniquely portable magic'. Be curious.

6. SLEEP FOR NOT LESS THAN 6 HOURS.
I've made this a separate tip because hell this is important. In all seriousness, university is going to torture you with hometask and you have to stay energised and awake. A good mid-day/night sleep is something you'll feel refreshed after and you know that. Don't play with it Stacey. SLEEP AT NIGHT.

7. ALWAYS KEEP GOING NO MATTER WHAT.
Do your absolute best, always. You wanted to go and pass the exam to get the driving license, remember?? Go and do it when you have enough time. This will be revolutionary haha!
There will be fails and falls, but Stacey be sure to always get up and go forward. After all, you have people who love and support you, and you know such little failures don't decide who you are and what you can do. Humans are capable of amazing things, and you are a human. Be confident. Create.

8. 'YOU TIME' IS IMPORTANT. 
Who doesn't like a good old pamper session on a cold chilly rainy evening? Put some good music on and enjoy. Don't forget yoga and exercises -  you'll never regret a workout! Paint, play the piano and watch vlogs - do more of what makes you happy!

9. DON'T MOAN. LESS WORRYING, GIRL.
Even when you feel crawling into a ball and crying in the corner don't make it a world problem. Everything goes by and your worries will shortly seem little and even funny. Worrying doesn't make you look good and healthy and it won't help the situation either. Calm down, get a bloody grip and think what can be done. If nothing can't at the moment - go have a nap. Seriously. Be chilled.

10. ALWAYS REMEMBER ABOUT THOSE YOU LOVE AND BE THERE FOR THEM.
There are people who love you and believe in you Anastasia. Never forget about them. Most likely they have a hard time too and support is the first thing they need. Be devoted and helpful.


-Stacey x