admin, Author at Marina Prose

Welcome

May 24, 2022May 1, 2022 by admin

I’ve always found the hardest part of any project is the beginning. I can find a thousand reasons to delay or tiny details to fuss over, but despite (a pandemic long) of procrastination, a new start is here for me.

For years, I’ve wanted to share with you the three things I love the most: travel, tea, and poetry. In January of 2020, I had it all planned out, how I would spread so much positivity, inspiration, and passion through my writing. I had trips planned to Japan and to Boston, Massachusetts.

Needless to say, there were some unforeseen events – like an international pandemic – that got in my way. I’ll have to forgive myself for the procrastination this time around.

I am still keeping travel to a minimum, but as we slowly, and mindfully, begin our new normal, it was time to come back to writing. A two-year hiatus was by far long enough. So, with that, welcome to MarinaProse.

I’m still finding a new rhythm to things and recreating the plan. I hope creative people find a gentle home here, in a soft, simple, and peaceful space of inspiration and shared passion.

With love,

Beginnings

May 24, 2022October 12, 2020 by admin

They say the hardest step is always the first one. Sometimes, even finding that first step can hold us back. We all know the feeling of plunging our foot out into the darkness expecting a stair, only to have it fall through the nothing. That feeling holds us back – telling us it’s better not to try than to fail.

With a new blog, I thought: What better way to start than with my struggle of getting started.

“Beginnings are always hard.”

– Julie Andrews

Embrace the Mess

Your first draft is not going to be good. Whether it’s a poem, a novel, a short story, or a script, you will have to edit it. That doesn’t mean your bad, it means that you can relax from the pressure.

Start writing and don’t look back until you’re done. Don’t fix the spelling mistakes, or revise the plot point that you changed your mind about – just keep moving. There is always time to edit.

Write Every Day

When I start to write, I find the blinking cursor on a blank page to be the biggest barrier. It’s easier said than done, but to start – just start. Write a little bit every day, even if it’s just one sentence. The next time you come to write, there is one less sentence for you to do. Setting a goal helps: write for twenty minutes, or two hundred words. Set a timer and see how many words you can get out in five minutes.

The most important part of starting is that you started. It doesn’t have to be good enough, or have all the details. It’s okay not to know the answers. You’re making progress, and that’s all you need to do.

MarinaProse

Paris, France

May 24, 2022July 23, 2018 by admin

Paris has been incredible for me so far. I was very lucky in that I watched the airlines for a while in order to find the cheapest flight (which still turned out to be rather pricey!). Still, my trip was rather last minute. With some planning, I’m confident you can find a flight for around $200-$300.

Highlights

Hearing the bells Notre Dame
Walking along the Seine river
Sitting in the Jardin des Tuileries

Stay At…

An Air B&B! – It was much cheaper, but it also got us out of the touristy area. One of my favorite things to do when I see a new city is get away from there the tourists go to experience some local life!

Eat At…

Home. The local markets are incredibly affordable. For most meals, try eating where you stay. Cheese and baguettes were only a few euros, and served as breakfast and snack food our entire stay!
La Croissanterie – Very affordable, yummy, and filling! If you’re spending the day out seeing the sites, we ate at the one near Notre Dame and had a fantastic time sitting outside with a sandwich and drink, and then finishing off with a pastry and tea for only 9 euro!
Bakeries and pastry shops – a great stop for breakfast! Make sure you get a croissant at least once!

Things to Do:

FREE – Visit Notre Dame! It’s free to get inside this magnificent church. Don’t be discouraged when the line is very long – it moves incredibly fast!
FREE – Walk along the Seine River
FREE – Visit the Eiffel Tower! It does cost money to go inside, but you can go see this landmark for free. It’s quite the sight!
FREE – Sit by the pond (near Allee de Diane) in the Jardin des Tuileries. There’s so many ducks and they walk right up to you (but do not touch for feed them!)

Overhyped:

The Louvre. If you love art, go for it! Before I came to Paris, everyone said I can’t miss the Louvre, but ultimately it was a waste of money – especially if you, like me, were only going to see the Mona Lisa. You cannot get very close to her, and an online photo looks just as good. If you love Greek or Egyptian art / history, that was amazing !
Escargot. If you’re really adventurous with food, obviously go for it! I thought it was something I “had to” try in France, but ultimately as soon as I saw one, I knew it was not for me. Some people, even tourists, really love them though!

National Harbor, MD

May 24, 2022July 23, 2018 by admin

My New Year’s resolution was to travel more, so when I had a three day weekend thanks to Memorial Day, I had to make the best of it! Maryland is only a short drive from New York City, so I packed my bags and booked my stay in National Harbor. The location caught my eye for it’s local art and easy commute to Alexandria, Virginia (a Historical city that’s been on my “must see” list for a while now!). If you’re planning your own trip to National Harbor, check out my suggestions below!

Highlights

Eating at Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
Take the water taxi to Alexandria
Have a drink in Gadsby’s Tavern, Alexandria
Ride on the Capital Wheel
Kayak on the Potomac River

Eat at…

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
McLoone’s Pier House (we recommend getting the crab!)
Gadsby’s Tavern, Alexandria (George Washington had is birthday here!)

Things to Do

Kayak, petal boat, or paddle board on the Potomac River
Take a free walking tour of Alexandria
Walk up “American Way” to see the statues and art.
Gamble at MGM Casino just minutes away from National Harbor!
Ride the Capital Wheel at the end of the pier.
Stroll down Prince St., Alexandria to see the old houses

Colonial Homes - Old Homes — Alexandria has the cutest houses!

Other Notes:

National Harbor is a great weekend spot! Two days is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the harbor, and spend some time over in Alexandria.