7 minute read
AFTERNOON COCKTAIL
ADVENTURE
BY AMANDA ASHLEY I PHOTOS BY BEAUYEAH.COM
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There is no greater adventure than life itself. Locally or abroad, the opportunity to spread your wings, to connect with new people and places, to explore and to reconnect with yourself awaits.
Early in my life, my mother instilled the beauty and significance of travel. A part time travel agent for as long as I could remember, (and still to this day even in retirement) she and I shared experiences that I’ll forever cherish and be grateful for. Throughout my youth, we’d spend nearly the entire month of August traveling together.
On a big map, she’d circle and highlight the places of interest, and would collect brochures and magnets from each place we visited. We traveled by Amtrack, car, plane, and cruise ships, and each destination was packed with history, a taste of the culture, good food, and exploring new territory.
My mother’s greatest splurge in life has always been her vacations. Her worldly interest developed in her early years growing up in the Bronx, as the eldest of four girls. The responsibility of her three younger sisters often fell on her shoulders, and limited resources kept them from exploring life beyond the concrete jungle of New York City. Becoming a travel agent was her one way ticket to experience life at its fullest, and to provide herself and her family with the rich experiences that she was never granted in her youth.
With every journey, I’d get to learn and see my mother for the woman she truly is. She was happy, free, and adventurous. She had a willingness to learn, and an agenda to take in all of her new surroundings. As a child, I couldn’t understand the drastic difference in her demeanor. As an adult now, I understand
more than ever.
Life can weigh heavy, and our responsibilities thicken as we grow. That caged bird within is released when we feel alleviated of our everyday stress, and allow ourselves to explore with fresh eyes, and an invigorated spirit. spread thin with time and commitments; I remember thinking my life was over when I first became aware of my pregnancy. I never envisioned myself as a mother, and once vowed to never become one. Motherhood seemed like a wrecking ball to my dreams; limitations, restrictions, time consuming and not very cost effective. I couldn’t fathom how a child was going to fit into my life.
I candidly write this, as I know there are many other women out there who fear and think the same as I once did. I will tell you first hand, that yes, life certainly is not the same, but for other reasons than those listed above.
Naturally as we progress through life (and more than once) we’ll experience a shift that’ll require a concerted effort to not allow ourselves to be entirely thrown off course.
Just as the pandemic has taught us all, life can change in an instant. It all always boils down to two things; our choices and decisions. Deciding what’s important to you, and knowing what is detrimental to your mental health and overall wellbeing is the first and most important self assessment to make.
aren’t you willing to part with? What makes you proud to be YOU? What can you live without, and where can cut backs be made?
Having a child didn’t end my life. Having a child made me realize time and again the significance of prioritization. Not all was or has been lost, but ENHANCED. With extra cargo, we continued to travel. Our careers didn’t end, but blossomed and different avenues have presented themselves as my child has broadened my perspective and definition of what it means to live in this world.
Adventure is beyond travel, jumping from planes, climbing the highest mountain, etc. Adventure is a mindset; and embracing it as a mindset can be unequivocally life enriching. It’s about escaping traditional life for a moment to do something out of the ordinary. Reward yourself daily by unleashing your curiosity, and by granting yourself an hour in your day to explore your HAPPY. Get lost on a hike somewhere new nearby, take an hour trip away to explore a nearby city, take a stroll around a new neighborhood, art gallery or public market, explore a new hobby, try your hand at a new game or activity, go to an open mic, ride your bike off a beaten path, take a trip to a state Park, visit something historical/ learn the history of your area, try a new exotic food/restaurant you haven’t tried, etc….. Ask yourself: What makes me feel happy and free? What gives me relief? What do I find interesting, and what more can I find out about it?
What’s something cool I’ve always wanted to try? The answers lay within your heart, always. Follow your intuition, reprioritize, and create the necessary space for the people and things that resonate with who you truly are at your core. YOU contain the key to happiness, connection and adventure; all it takes is a willingness to see life with loving eyes and an open mind.
MEET ERIN HURLEY
BY KRISTIN BAUER-GROSS I PHOTO BY DAN DOYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
As an actor, commercial model and business coach to models and actors, my column here often shares auditioning tips, acting advice, confidence building strategies, and projects related to my “Courage to Dream” mission which is to empower women and girls to go after their dreams. like anyone else. I’d like to attend college for meteorology as well as be an actor/ model. My ultimate acting goal is to get a part on Disney or Nickelodeon Channel.
This month, I am excited to share an interview with Erin Hurley. Erin is an actor, model & advocate based right here in the Rochester area!
Erin, what do you want Rochester Woman readers to know about you?
My name is Erin Marie Hurley - Actor/Model/ Advocate. I was born with Down Syndrome. It’s not an illness. It means I have 47 Chromosomes instead of 46, but being a little different is not a bad thing. I am more like you than different. I live with my parents and dog Minnie. I have an older Sister, Kerrie. I have tremendous family support. I was born prematurely and had a lot of medical issues as a baby. I was completely tube fed through my stomach and learned to eat by mouth at age 3. I stayed at a special feeding institute in Baltimore MD. The hole in my stomach was closed surgically at age 8. I also had major stomach surgery and heart surgery. I have survived a lot of medical obstacles. I love to be active and social. Some of my accomplishments include: Playing the trombone, piano, Hip Hop and Jazz dance lessons: dance recitals, Therapeutic horseback riding, acting in productions with Bristol Valley Theater
in Naples, NY, and the Cobblestone Arts Center in Farmington, NY. I have interviewed with Nickelodeon and Disney Channels. A snip it of a video I submitted to Disney was on a “Girl Meets World” episode at the end of January 2017. My photo was recently on EWTN Global Catholic Network for World Down Syndrome Day. I was on PBS Homework Hotline and featured on the “Move to include” segment. I am a Big advocate for inclusiveness. I’ve been a lector at church and an Ambassador for Best Buddies Rochester, NY. I have spoken at several of their events. I was also in the first integrated fashion show in the Rochester area held at Nazareth College. I have my own golf cart that I drive independently.
I might have to work harder but I enjoy my life and having Down Syndrome hasn’t and won’t prevent me from accomplishing my goals.
Who are some of your role models?
My mom and my sister, Kerrie are positive role-models that influence me. They help me to advocate for myself so I can succeed in life. My mom brings out the best in me. She doesn’t like to hear me say “I can’t”. She’s always telling me to say “I can.” To be more confident! My mom gets me involved in many different activities. She doesn’t want me to be treated differently. She’s understanding and wants me to believe in myself.
My sister Kerrie loves me and never treats me as having a disability (she’s actually a little hard on me but in a good way). I look up to her because she’s a hard worker, achiever, and successful in her job. She’s also very fashionable. She inspires and motivates me to work to my true potential.
