2/22/2022 0 Comments The Expat ExperienceNext week is our 3 year anniversary of moving to Germany and this week Drew and I will say farewell to our favorite Aussie couple in Berlin as they set out on their next life adventure. To say they will be missed is an understatement. They always knew that Berlin wasn't forever...It was simply an experiment. I meant to type "experience" but my fingers typed "experiment" and that got me thinking... What's the difference? An experiment is a method used to make a discovery. It's the process of asking questions. It's curiosity and learning through testing. It's observation and analyzing your results. An experience is a happening which leaves an impression on you. It's the process of living through an event. It's the knowledge gained by actually doing a thing. It's the way it feels to observe the unfamiliar. Moving abroad has been both an experiment and an experience for me and Drew. This experiment started with the question "Will you marry me and move to Berlin?" We have been tested. We have observed. We have learned a lot about ourselves and each other. I'm happy to report that the results have been positive. This experience has been enlightening. I let go of the familiar to pursue the unknown. I shed old layers and found new parts of myself. I was met with the reality that it doesn't matter how light you pack or how far you travel, all the baggage you want to leave behind will still show up with your name tag dangling off the handle and only you can unpack that overstuffed suitcase. How's that for enlightenment?!! Not all those who wander are lost is a popular travel quote. I believe most wanderers have experienced loss though. Maybe that's the point of wandering: To process what has been lost and discover something new along the way. Wander is defined as moving away slowly from a fixed point in an aimless direction. As a child growing up in Texas, we were told not to "wander off" when playing outside. (Yes, with an accent!) Maybe that's what we do as expats---Slowly wander off from what we've known, what we've always believed about ourselves and the world around us. The last 3 years in Berlin has given me the space to experiment and experience so much wandering. I started typing this as a mental detox because I haven't truly processed that our friends are actually leaving Berlin. It has turned into a written tribute to the experiments and experiences that make us who we are, that take us from one chapter to the next and lead us to new places and new people.
To Hanna & Alex, I wish you all the best as you wander off. I'm so glad that Berlin brought us together and I look forward to many more adventures with you! Love, Stevi Follow the adventures of Hanna & Alex, their pup Felix and their rad vintage van here. >>> @_herbertthevan
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5/3/2020 1 Comment Love You DearlyThis is a photo of me and my mom taken while she was visiting Germany last year. It captures the distance between us, but how we are still connected. This is a story about the same thing. In Berlin, it is quite common for people to put unwanted household goods in boxes and leave them outside on the street for anyone to rummage through. Most people don't have cars or a yard so dropping off donations or having a yard sale isn't an option. The items are usually labeled "Zu Verschenken" meaning "to give away" in German. You can literally roam the city and spot the free items on nearly every street. Furniture items, clothing, dishes, you name it. It's awesome if you have a love of garage sales, flea markets and thrift stores like me. Drew and I like to take long walks through the neighborhood. We don't usually have a destination, we just wander around. We window shop, photograph interesting street art and try to read German signs. Last Monday on our walk, we came across a Zu Verschenken pile. Naturally, I had to look. I was apprehensive because "Corona," and I don't want other peoples cooties, but I couldn't help myself. And look at what I found! I mean how could I resist?! A lime green, plastic deer head with leaf and flower details. All of the pieces come apart so basically it's a 3D Deer puzzle. A woodland creature masterpiece! Drew thought I was crazy but I proudly carried that thing all the way home and he disinfected it as soon as we walked in the door. Now, fast forward to Friday and my weekly chat with my mom. When she came to visit, she loved the whole concept of "Zu Verschenken" so I knew she'd love to hear about my latest find! Two hours after our phone call, I got a text from her. She had gone out for a stroll. Her message said "Look what I found on my walk today! Your friend's friend!" Now c'mon...What are the odds?
I'm in Berlin, Germany. She is in Galveston, Texas. We both took a walk and came across a random, colorful deer head that someone had decided they no longer needed!? What? Why? Because...synchronicities. A synchronicity can be described as a meaningful coincidence. The experience of circumstances or events that seem unrelated but yet they occur together in such a meaningful way. I am unusually aware of them. This coming week, in my Facebook Well-being Group, the theme is Meaningful. I had planned on sharing some of my favorite synchronistic stories from the past, but I guess The Universe decided I needed a fresh one to start with. I haven't seen my mom in 7 months. With the travel ban, I'm not exactly sure when I will see her again and this weekend is Mother's Day. Knowing that we are 5,000 miles apart but literally sharing in the same off-the-wall experience of going for a walk and finding a deer head, is a universal reminder to me that we are more connected than we can even imagine. She is always with me. I am always with her. Happy Mother's Day! I love you Deer-ly, Mama! Love, Stevi P.S. If you're reading this & curious about my group, feel free to check it out here. Each week we explore a different aspect of what I am calling "Fully Guided Journey" Mindful. Soulful. Meaningful. Beautiful. Grateful. Tasteful. Peaceful. Artful. Each theme invites us to incorporate new daily practices in an effort to live a fuller life. 4/19/2020 0 Comments Love is in the hairI opened Stevi Loren Salon in 2008. I wanted my own salon with the vibe of a coffee shop. I wanted colorful decor to inspire creativity, cozy nooks with good reads, fun music & high energy vibes. I was dedicated to building a team of eccentric hairdressers with a passion for the industry. In 2016, I opened The Studio. I wanted to work solo in my own salon with a focus on enhancing the clients personal experience. I wanted a refined style with soothing decor in an intimate environment. I worked by appointment only and shared quality time with all of my clients. We would chat over coffee, order lunch from a local cafe or indulge in a glass of wine if they were the last client of the day. It was a special place for them to unwind from daily stresses. The reason I go into so much detail about the business vision I had for each place is because as you may have noticed, I rarely mention hair. It has always been more about the connection to my clients than the art of hair that has inspired me. Of course, I wanted to deliver high quality hair care but hairdressing was just the means to deliver the actual service that I wanted to provide. After 18 years in the industry, it is so clearly obvious that it was always about creating a space for people to feel comfortable and at peace, in an atmosphere that encouraged self acceptance and promoted confidence.
For years, I have been a counselor of sorts, a confidant. I have observed many stages of life through my clients. The newness of falling in love, the heartbreak if it falls apart, the excitement of weddings, the journey of pregnancy, the devastating news of illness or unexpected loss, the thrill of a new job, the anticipation of trips and the daily complexities of our lives. I've witnessed all this and more from behind my stylist chair and I've shared in the process. It has been my experience that often changes in the form of a hair style will correlate with some circumstance in your life that you can't quite process any other way. Perhaps you decide that you need bangs again after 5 years of growing out your old bangs or "a few more layers" or to freshen up your color... I can't tell you how many times someone has sat down in my chair and told me that they "just needed a change" while running their fingers through their hair and we ended up talking about what was really wrong instead. A change in outward appearances can certainly be a catalyst for bold, new ways of living but that is only the beginning. (Trust me, I know...I wrote a post years ago about why I originally colored my hair pink. I'll link to it right here if you're curious.) One of my best friends owns Grounded Beauty Studio in Corpus Christi, Texas. Her tag line for Grounded is "Bloom from within." So simply stated. You can have amazing hair and the best cosmetics, but if all your effort is placed on the outside, the inside will suffer. It feels as though I am stepping back from the traditional role of being a hairdresser and truly embracing the other side of what this career has taught me. How to hold space for women who desire change or a new way of being. How to be a better listener. How to live in the way that I desire while sharing my experiences with others. My motivation has always been to make people feel good and that is what I still aspire to do. I will keep my skills, as well as a few clients, and stay connected to the beauty industry, it will just look a little different. I am now a certified yoga teacher and I have always loved to facilitate events. I like to make pretty food and create beautiful homey spaces. Some day I’d love to own a retreat center of sorts, a traveler’s paradise, but my gypsy soul won’t settle down long enough to figure out where that place might be. So until then, thanks for following along as I create and share bits of myself in an effort to iron out all the details! Love, Stevi P.S. This week's theme in my Well-Being group is Beautiful. Each week we explore a different aspect of what I am calling "Fully Guided Journey" Each theme invites us to incorporate new daily practices in an effort to live a fuller life. Join us. 3/26/2020 0 Comments Dance It OutWe are all experiencing the effects of this pandemic in various ways and we all process our emotions differently. Studies have shown the powerful impact that music can have on us in times of stress and we all know that movement is key to a healthy lifestyle. So...I think we should all have a dance party! Solo of course. Hear me out.
Maybe you have heard of this or maybe you haven't...What is Ecstatic Dance? It is a form of dance in which you as the dancer, completely surrender and release yourself fully to the rhythm and flow of the music. It is an extremely effective way to experience profound shifts in your emotional state and to silence your mental chatter. If it is your first time then I would say it is best done alone with a locked door and your eyes closed. Use headphones if you have them. You won't get into it if you think someone will barge in. Trust me. I particularly like to do this in my bedroom with socks on so that my feet can slide gracefully along my hardwood floors. (Bathrooms work well too for privacy and smooth floors, although the dance space is limited.) With the music turned up, I extend my arms out to the sides to evoke my mystical charm and awaken my inner Stevie Nicks. That Gold Dust Woman doesn't have a thing on me as I shake off and dance loose the tension that my body tries to cling so tightly to. These are 3 of my favorite songs to "Dance It Out". 1. Most recently, Dance Monkey by Tones & I 2. Always a favorite, Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield 3. When your feeling particularly emotional, Shake It Out by Florence & the Machine If you have never tried Ecstatic Dance than this is my invitation to you now. I even provided links to the songs...I have made this practically effortless for you. C'mon, try it. You're welcome, Stevi 3/20/2020 0 Comments carina's trip around the worldThis is my story of Carina. I wrote it in an effort to gently explain to little kids what is going on right now. As it turns out, the little girl inside of me needed the story just as much so maybe it’s really a story for us all. Much Love, Stevi Carina's Trip Around The World
Copyright © Stephenie Hauk 2020 Her name was Carina and she wanted to see the world. She packed her bag and on her tag it said “Adventure Girl” In the tallest building in China, she met a man with a bright red tie. They admired the view from the top! You should have seen how high! He spent a lot of time there. He was a busy man. Conferences, phone calls and meetings. He had lots of business plans. Italy was beautiful. Oh the ancient sights! She met a lovely family. They were such a delight! It was Nonna’s 80th birthday And they had made her favorite treat There were endless bowls of pasta, enough for 50 to eat! The family had gathered. They shared hugs and kisses on cheeks. So much fun, so many giggles. She hadn’t laughed that hard in weeks. In Germany she met a lady riding on the train She took a seat along her side as they rode along the lane. This woman was a teacher making her way to school. Carina would tag along for the day. She thought it would be so cool. She waved to all the children as they left from a fun filled day. They had taken a field trip to the zoo and then to the park to play. Wandering around the world to her heart’s content, New adventures were in store for her so on her way she went. She met jolly Grandpa Murphy at his favorite music hub. He played the fiddle and the whistle at his local Irish pub! He danced with the ladies turning on his golden charm. Everyone called him “Lucky” just like the tattoo on his arm. New York City was amazing! She met a group of pals. Best girlfriends from college! Vacation for the gals! Coney Island, Times Square, all the Broadway shows. Everywhere they went….Say cheese and strike a pose! In Australia, she met a surfer who owned a souvenir shack. You could rent a surfboard or borrow a snorkel, you just had to bring them back. All day at the beach! What a life he had! Selling beach gear on the seashore. She thought that was pretty rad! In every place that she had been, she was unaware That even when she traveled on, somehow she was still there. Little did she know, she was leaving quite a trail She waved goodbye to her new friends and bid them all farewell. Carina’s new friends didn’t feel too well after several days A little cough, a little fever, maybe it was just a phase. When everyone started to feel this way, they knew something was wrong. They had to find out what had caused it. They couldn’t wait too long. Call the doctor. Ask an expert. Can someone get a nurse? We have to find the problem so it won’t get any worse. Carina continued with her travels, around the globe she roamed... Meanwhile everyone around the world was told to stay at home. The man came down from the tower and cancelled all his business plans. He played at home with his children making bubbles while washing hands. The Italian family stayed at Nonna’s and sang all her favorite songs She loved to see her family gather right where they belonged. The teacher and the children no longer went to school. The zoo was closed. The park was closed. This was the new rule. Grandpa Murphy’s favorite pub was closed. Where could he play his tunes? His grandson taught him to record his songs and now he’s famous on YouTube. The girl trip gals were home now from their NYC vacation. Turns out they were all nurses so they set up testing stations. Her surfer friend closed up his shack. There were no tourists on the shore. He volunteered to stock the items at his local grocery store. Carina finished up her travels, this world was so diverse. And as magically as she appeared, she vanished from the universe. Her trip had changed the world. A lot of chaos she had caused. But maybe it was necessary for us all to take a pause. The people were united. The earth itself was healed. There was compassion, hope and love. Faith in humanity was sealed. May we forever be reminded that we are one across all lands. Be kind to everyone and always wash your hands. Copyright © Stephenie Hauk 2020 3/13/2020 0 Comments Thoughts from a cluttered mindIn the last week, I have felt a wave of emotions surrounding the constant updates and news coverage surrounding Covid-19. I felt like we needed to be proactive and stay informed so we stocked up on some extras at the store and followed the suggested precautions. It is difficult to know what news sources to trust so like you, I was reading what I could and remaining optimistic.
Last week, my husband was sent home from work because of 2 corona cases in his building. They are now being told to avoid public transportation and that they will be working remotely for the foreseeable future. I am currently working in a salon part time and teaching a few yoga classes. It has been advised to limit face to face contact with others and practice social distancing to avoid unnecessary exposure in order to keep ourselves and others healthy. I understand this completely and feel like it is my responsibility to be conscious of these advisories. I will not be working in the salon and I am not teaching or attending any yoga classes for the time being. I can practice at home. Yesterday, I woke up to a message from my best friend who is supposed to visit me in Berlin in 11 days and she shared the news of the European travel ban. I was heart broken. I am still in awe that Italy is in a state of complete lockdown. The Italian border is as close to Berlin as Dallas is to El Paso. It is not far fetched to assume that 2-3 weeks from now Germany could be on lockdown as well. All of this sent me on a spiral of researching, crying and trying my best to process the new information and stay calm. In the likely event of a lockdown, where do I want to be? In Berlin with German officials telling me I can’t leave the country or in Texas, in closer proximity to family? The travel ban doesn’t apply to U.S. citizens who need to get back so if I did get a flight back to Texas, I would have to go through the screening process upon arrival and if I tested positive, I would be quarantined. Where would they take me? If I tested negative, I would be advised to self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms. Obviously no one wants to be sick but I am not as concerned about that. I know that I could rest and recover but I am afraid of potentially being responsible for the spread of the virus to those who are not as healthy as me. I literally don’t know what actions to take at this point. To stay or to go? There is a lot of misinformation going around so instead of being judgemental of others and how they are handling this crisis, can we just admit that we don’t actually have clear answers and we are all in this state of confusion together? I like the idea of sending good vibes, thinking happy thoughts or saying a prayer while you’re washing your hands for 30 seconds. I can support this. Those who know me well know that I would be one of the first to quote phrases like “You can’t live your life in fear“ and “Ignorance is bliss“ At this point it, these statements feel morally irresponsible. I don’t want to participate in the chaos of what this has created in our world but I am at a loss today. This feels like a bad dream. I am going to do some Yoga with Adriene on YouTube and hopefully find some peace, calmness and clarity. Be nice to each other guys...Let’s all practice compassion. May you find peace in the chaos. With Love from Berlin, Stevi 3/1/2020 2 Comments Our First Year Abroad365 days ago, we loaded up 10 boxes and 2 suitcases and were dropped off at DFW airport. 30 hours later we arrived by taxi at our apartment in Berlin, Germany. Of course, this is the perfect time for a review. What do we love? What do I miss? What have we learned from this experience? Berlin is a very international city. I love that we have the opportunity to meet so many different people from around the world. Basically we live and work in a melting pot of cultures. We love the ease at which we can travel in Europe. In the last year, we have been to Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Ireland, and Italy. I also attended yoga teacher training in Southern France and Drew took a company trip to Ibiza, Spain. The ability to so easily travel around is one of the main reasons we said yes to this opportunity. I love that we are both growing in our own ways. Drew is developing his leadership skills while I am exploring my yoga practice as a teacher. Growth is not always comfortable but we are eager to gain more experience and see where this path may lead us. I think it goes without saying (or maybe I do need to say it...) that I miss my family, friends and clients so aside from that, there are some other random things that I miss. This list alone is evidence that no matter where I may go, I am a Texas girl at heart. 1. The vibe of a perfectly crowded bar with live country music and a dance floor full of two-steppers. Big surprise...There are no Honky Tonk bars in Berlin. 2. The slow progression of dark rolling clouds and the moment the lightning strikes and the thunder shakes the ground as if cueing the rain to intensely fall from the sky and continue throughout the night. They simply don’t have storms like this in Berlin. 3. Endless baskets of complimentary chips and salsa. Let me go ahead and add to that “Ich hätte gern ein BeerRita bitte!” That means I would like to have a BeerRita please! Since I’m on the subject of food, I’ll keep going...Whataburger, late night Waffle House, Goldfish crackers, Fritos & Bean Dip and of course, Ranch dressing. Don’t judge me. Last night we celebrated our first year in Berlin with a fine dining experience at SkyKitchen, a beautiful restaurant located on the 12th floor of a Berlin hotel with views of the city. The experience was a first for both of us. Incredible food tastefully paired with red wine in a posh and relaxed atmosphere. I have a diverse palette and a broad sense of taste. This is why I can enjoy Waffle House and Michelin Star restaurants. My mom came out to visit last fall and can’t wait to return and we are expecting more rounds of visitors this spring. Sharing our new life with those we love helps us to feel more grounded and at home. Somehow it makes it more real. My German is not where I expected it to be at this point and that is because my interest in learning the language depends on the content we are covering in class as well as how much patience I am willing to have with myself on any given day. My vocabulary is pretty good but honestly I feel like I would benefit from a 3-year old study buddy so we could practice the correct grammatical structure together. I love that visitors think we know so much German but locals would definitely tell you otherwise. (Ich lerne. I am learning.) There have certainly been moments of struggle living abroad but overall, Drew and I can agree that this has been a positive experience for the both of us. Sometimes we feel out of place here but we have decided that we’re okay with that. If you’re not out of place than you’re commonplace and we want to remain open to the newness of the city and embrace the magic of unexpected adventures.
With Love From Berlin, Stevi 12/28/2019 0 Comments Home for the HolidaysThis has been a pretty full year for me to say the least. I got engaged. I closed The Studio. I got married. We moved to Germany. I became a certified yoga teacher. We’ve travelled around Europe. There have been plenty of unbelievable joyful moments as well as some real as it gets sad ones. I have stayed connected from afar with friends and family who have experienced life changing struggles but I’ve also witnessed their beautiful growth in so many ways. I’ve made new friends from different parts of the world and that comforts me when I miss everyone back home. That phrase is weird. Back home. My physical home is an apartment in Berlin with Drew. Home is also a sky full of stars at my dad’s place or the view of the ocean from my mom’s balcony. It’s the coziness of chatting in my aunts kitchen. It’s sitting around a table playing games with my in-laws. It’s breakfast tacos on the patio at El Mexicano Grill. It’s our Airstream, Zeppelin, who patiently waits in Texas while her owners experience life abroad.
My last blog I titled There’s No Place Like Rome because I thought it was clever. I never really considered it but maybe the reason people say “There’s no place like home” is because home isn’t just one place. Maybe Home is everywhere you have ever been that you felt happy, loved or content. Some people feel this at the ocean, in the mountains or holding a loved ones hand regardless of the physical location they are in. What if Home for the Holidays meant Happiness, Love and Contentment??! Wherever you are to celebrate the last few days of this year and with whomever you choose to spend your time with, I hope you feel at home. Raise a glass to the last decade! Cheers to 2020! Love, Stevi 12/17/2019 1 Comment There’s no place like RomeDrew and I had the pleasure of being invited on a trip to Rome, Italy by our friends in Berlin. We’re always down for a trip and Rome was on my list so away we went. Besides the extraordinary city itself, we enjoyed gourmet meals prepared by a private Italian chef served in the comfort of our accommodation which was a section of a 16th century palace in the heart of the city! Are you kidding me? No. Not kidding. It was superb! Our friends hosted the perfect Rome experience and it was absolutely wonderful! Often while traveling I am reminded of what a tiny space I occupy in this world. It’s almost impossible not to reflect after spending time in such a marvelous place. Rome has me in awe of the lifetimes and countless events that have made it the place it is today. Wandering through the remains of buildings from 2,000 years ago, gazing up at 500 year old art in a massive cathedral and winding through narrow streets where thousands of others from all over the world have strolled through and marveled at the same sights, I am simply amazed. I noticed a sign posted while sightseeing and it stopped me for a moment. Just beyond the ancient ruins the sign read: This journey is not over. You too, here and now, are a part of its history. I took a deep breath and let that sink in and felt gratitude for every event in my lifetime that led me to that exact place. Maybe that’s cheesy or typical for a travel blog but I have had my share of adversity and heartbreak and I know that it is all part of my history and has absolutely contributed to the woman I am and the woman I am still becoming. The woman who was standing among ancient ruins in Rome, Italy on a gorgeous December day. I'm going to quote one of my favorite books because I know I have friends that will read this and it's a nice reminder when you are going through heavy stuff as some of them are..."Ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation." Elizabeth Gilbert writes this after visiting the Augusteum in Rome. I understand why. This ancient city has endured so much chaos and yet it is still a stunningly beautiful, awe-inspiring place. Thank you to Bryan and Lacey...I am grateful for being invited on such a lovely holiday and for having the opportunity to experience the city in such a unique way and to my husband, it was an absolutely unforgettable trip with you.
Love, Stevi 4/18/2019 1 Comment Fruhling in berlinThis photo was taken at Mauerpark, one of my favorite places on a Sunday afternoon. In the background is a strip of the former Berlin Wall that changes almost daily due to the frequent artists who paint and repaint murals and tags. Every time we go, it is different and there is always new artwork to be seen and if there’s an open swing, you better believe I’m going to snag it. Swing sets and sunsets. Two of my most favorite things. Street Art and flea MarketsWhen it comes to street art, everything is a canvas. I love how creative people are and how much effort they put in to getting the perfect spot to showcase their talent. I mentioned that Mauerpark is a popular spot for this kind of display but it is most popular for its Sunday Flea Market. Anything your heart desires can be found at Mauerpark on a Sunday. And I do mean anything...a vintage jacket, a vinyl record, a coffee grinder, a bongo, some silverware, a duck lamp. (Like literally a lamp that is a duck.) You can take a picnic or get some grub from a food truck, day drink in public, lay on a blanket, play with a frisbee, people watch, dog watch. You might meet your next best friend. Did I mention they have a giant karaoke pit? Apparently that draws a huge crowd in the summer. Mauerpark is ridiculously awesome. Botanischer Garten and cherry blossomsA few weeks ago on Drew's first day of work, I took a solo field trip to the botanical garden. Greenhouses were filled with every species of plant you can imagine. The humidity and warmth inside was a great escape from the chill outside. Lately, it has warmed up and everything is blooming. There is a gorgeous cherry blossom tree on our street. I had no idea that Berlin was such a hot spot for cherry blossoms but as it turns out, it is. 9,000 trees were planted in Berlin and Brandenburg in November 1990 - shortly after reunification and the fall of the Berlin Wall so now every spring, there are lovely pink trees throughout the city. AmAze FestivalLast week was Games Week in Berlin. As you may know, Drew is a writer for video games which is what brought us to Berlin to begin with. This past weekend we went to Amaze, an international festival that focuses of the art and culture of indie games and media. We had fun acting goofy, playing super cool new games, dancing all night and drinking too much. Everyone needs a night like that once in a while. This is us on the rooftop of Drew's workplace. It has a great view of the TV Tower and surrounding area. This kind of city life is very different from what we are both used to. Trains, subways, walking everywhere...it's just different. I average 3 miles a day on foot according to my phone tracker. All that said, I really do love it. I'm getting used to a different pace and while I still crave mountains and rivers, I know they aren't too far away.
I have more to share about my daily life, taking German classes and attending German yoga, but I'll save it for another day. Tomorrow we are taking a short trip for the long Easter weekend to Poland. Our first little getaway. I'll be sure to write about it. Frohe Ostern! (Happy Easter!) Love, Stevi |