alabaster studio: Elizabeth Gilbert

It only took five years, but I finally read "Eat Pray Love".

My dear friend Carrie has been raving about this book since its release and still makes references to it. She loaned me her copy over three years ago. After a brief attempt I was distracted by work, travel and a secret boyfriend.

Well... I married him.

Three weeks ago while preparing for a belated honeymoon, I finally got back on track with reading the book. Mainly because I'm going to Bali for our Bali-moon and wanted to research some places to visit from the book.

This book is amazing. I loved it! I think it's one of the best books I've read in a long time. I loved all three parts, but India was my favorite. I heart Richard from Texas and want a Richard too. Who could be my Richard, like how Richard was for Liz? I'm considering my friend Kyle for this role. Kyle from Michigan. It sounds okay.

My husband has pointed out that I've been talking about Liz (the author) and quoting her, like she's my friend. What can I say? He knew I was crazy when he married me.

For the past two weeks I've been researching all the people and places in Liz's book. I think I found the Ashram and it's now on the list of places I want to visit.

I want to learn how to meditate and am planning to start when we get back. This one's going to be hard for me, but after reading "India" I want to try and I want to love it. Well, I hope I can learn to love it.

Sadly the closes Siddha Yoga meditation center near me is in Japan, and even if I move back to Portland, I still have to drive to Eugene or Seattle. :(

I also tracked down Ketut Liyer and Wayan. I'm so EXCITED!!! Trying to find them is my main goal in Ubud, plus I know the hubby will love it. I want to have the vitamin lunch and meet Wayan, Tutti and the two girls. I want to chat with Ketut and see his art. I’ve spent more time trying to find directions and landmarks of where they would be, rather then finding a hotel for when we arrive in Bali. But as fate has it, we're going to stay at the same hotel that Mario works at, due to the original hotel I tried to book not having any vacancies. It's like serendipity.

Now I have “Committed”, Elizabeth Gilbert's new book to read on the beach, thanks to my thoughtful husband who surprised me with it.