Under a Blanket of Stars in Wadi Rum

“Vast, echoing and God-like” – these are the words T.E. Lawrence used in describing Wadi Rum, the largest and most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes. As we made our way through the maze of monolithic rockscape by 4×4 into the setting sun, I had finally felt like I was part of Jordan, enjoying the tranquility of the boundless empty spaces. At that point, I had no idea just how much I was going to learn about the land, the culture, and the people. Wadi Rum was a life-changing journey; here, amid the stupendous cliffs, canyons, and endless deserts, Jordanian life took on a different perspective.

About these ads

Why Should I Have the World?

I recently published a posted called Independently Wealthy, Right? that reflected on how I got to where I am today and why I think I should win the Biggest Baddest Bucket List contest with My Destination.  With several hundred comments and personal emails, I thought a similar post would be the best way to wrap up my entry in the contest and encourage voting one last time. I’m currently in 3rd place with several great entries gaining on me and only two days left to vote. The top five entries with the most votes go on to the next round in London, England to meet the judges. I’m still confident that I can make it… with your help. What will I win? A trip around the world and $50,000 cash!

3 Days Left – I’m Going On A Trip Around the World!

Voting is intense for the Biggest, Baddest Bucket List contest but I’m still in the top 5 with only 3 days left to vote. Rather than making you go to the site, you can vote on Facebook right here: Just click the link! And vote away. It couldn’t be any easier. What you will be doing – helping me win a trip around the world and $50,000.

If you’ve already voted, thank you! I appreciate your continued support. It will only take two seconds to vote again and you will be making all of my bucket list dreams come true! With just one little click… the world!

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Then, I started blogging. It was the accumulation of all of my dreams come true.

For the last two months, I’ve been posting about The Biggest, Baddest Bucket List contest; after all, no contest exists that is more fitting for Bucket List Publications. Following my dreams of traveling and experiencing life to the fullest has taught me that the world is full of endless possibilities and Bucket List Publications is the accumulation of all of my wildest dreams come true. The Biggest Baddest Bucket List contest, though, is like my bucket list on steroids. With only 9 days left to vote, I’m currently in 1st place for a trip around the world and $50,000! I’m going to win… with your help. 

Making Bucket List Dreams a Reality

In the last year, I made 8 bucket list dreams come true for my readers. Skydiving, heli-skiing, piloting a helicopter, driving a NASCAR, riding in a limo, enjoying a spa day, touring wine country, and attending a ballet were all items on the bucket lists of my readers. I found ways to sponsor them or offer their dreams for free. All they needed to do was show up and live a bucket list dream day. This year I hope to do the same for at least 5 more readers. It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world to be able to help others accomplish their dreams. It’s amazing how much what you can do for others actually does for you. 

Suggestions from the People that Know Best

Many of you know that I recently entered a contest called the Biggest Baddest Bucket List. The prize is unbelievable. It’s an all-expense-paid trip around the world, $10,000 spending money during the trip, and $50,000 cash when you return home. With over 50,000 followers, I thought I’d have over 1000 votes already but it’s a slow start. I’m currently at 525 votes. So, I’m asking you, my readers who know best, what should I do to encourage more voting?

My thought: I put a challenge out there to you. How many people do you think you can convince to vote? Do you think you can get 5? 10? 25? Put your number below and let me know how it goes. Maybe you have a cool technique that you’d like to share. 

If you put a number like 25 and you accomplish it, I’d love to interview you for the blog! That is some serious social klout and it would be great to share your techniques with my readers. I’m sure thousands, including me, would love to know your secret.

My Biggest Baddest Bucket List

I can win six month, six continent, all expenses paid trip; oh and don’t forget the $50,000 when I get back! Travel and adventure encompass my life. It is as much a part of me as family and friends. I was born for this competition.

I entered My Destination’s Biggest Baddest Bucket List! You can find my entry here:  http://www.mydestination.com/users/lesley/bbb#tab

It’s a short, 1.5 minute video on my adventures in Fiji. Regardless if you vote, it’s totally worth checking out.

I can win with your help. I need people to like it on Facebook, Tweet it, Google +1 it, Stumble it, and pin it on Pinterest as much as humanly possible.

Some people create a bucket list because they are dying; I created one because I want to live. The more unrealistic I am with my dreams and goals, the more I am able to achieve. I need your help. I can make this happen!

Brazil, Barbados, South Africa, Tanzania, Spain, Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Russia, India, UAE, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, China… the list goes on! I’m already planning.

Be the Winner of a Trip for 10 People to Atlantis, Bahamas! Enter Here

Be the winner of a trip for 10 people to Atlantis, Bahamas with Copa Airlines! Enjoy this unforgettable experience in the company of your family and friends.

Enter here: http://paraisopara10.com/ref/10d8352

Experience It All: Celtic Colours, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Ciad Mile Failte!

For the past 9 days, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, was home to a unique celebration of music and culture called the Celtic Colours International Festival. Celtic Colours promotes, celebrates, and develops Cape Breton’s Celtic culture through concerts, outdoor events, visual art series, participatory events, community meals, and learning opportunities. You may have physically missed the 2012 Celtic Colours, but you can experience it all through my 7 days in Cape Breton at The Celtic Colours.

What Happened to My Gaelic?

Jumping right into the Celtic Colours Festival, I drove to Cape Breton this morning and arrived at the Gaelic College in enough time to experience The Cape Breton Fiddlers. I was instantly inspired by fiddlers of all ages and already felt an overwhelming desire to learn how to play an instrument. They moved in unison and harmoniously performed island songs from local artists. But it was when I saw Leanne Aucoin lead the group in musical perfection that I started to wonder, “What happened to my Gaelic?”