Stephy Liu

I left my heart in Pueblo

People and community give a place its vitality and special character. This is certainly true of New Mexico. It is not only the home of scenic beauty and creatures, but also the home to many Native Americans, and this area rightfully celebrates their rich cultures and history. When I am in New Mexico, my heart lies within the adobe houses made by the indigenous people. I enjoy exploring the way Native Americans have lived there, finding many lessons from adobe houses and cultures. It makes me want to explore these cultures further. I will try to explain why this land calls to me.

Bandelier climbed its way into my heart.

I take a trip to Bandelier National Monument. My curious mind takes me here to explore the ancestral Pueblo dwellings, to feel the way they were constructed and used. I notice many unique holes in the mountains. I wonder if these holes are entrances to homes of indigenous people? Yes! It adds a sense of mystery to this beautiful landscape.

Hanging out in cliff dwellings is a beautiful thing.

I am very excited to see ladders in the mountains, ladders that take me not only up, but back into history. It is an impressive adventure for me to climb 4 wooden ladders to the alcove house, 140 feet above the canyon floor. It is raining heavily and quite chilly, my hands are cold and almost numb, but I make the climb. The cold weather and great height do not scare me. When I reach the cave, I now see first-hand how Pueblo people lived and experienced their life so long ago. It is an amazing history lesson, hike and climb. I realize that for me this is the true New Mexico.

Climb the Bandelier, not so the ancient Pueblo people can see you, but so you can see them.

Don’t miss: Let your feet wander!

Would you climb this ladder I did – in the rain and cold？

Taos Pueblo: deep in my heart.

“Each time I leave here it is like a death and each time that I return it is a birth”—Georgia O’ Keeffe

I can’t agree more, it says what is in my heart.

This is not the place of my birth, but I feel a deep sense of connection and belonging.

Ancient pueblos were constructed by the Native American tribe of Pueblo people, one of the world’s longest continuously inhabited communities. It is a special place for me, not only the adobe-style homes that I love, but also because I can see and imagine an ancient life that seems fantastic to me.

thumbnail_IMG_9743 — Taos Pueblo, New Mexico tells a good story.

I am lucky to see snow at the adobe homes, snow that stays on the ladders and the roofs of the adobe houses, some with blue-colored doors, making this place more beautiful. I don’t why, but when I see glimpses into daily life here, the dogs roaming the area, the few remaining people still living here, shoveling snow and praying in church, my heart feels very warm. I know it is home for them, a simple and blessed life.

thumbnail_IMG_9742 — My heart lives here.

Some views never get old: San Geronimo Church.

Much time has passed since these homes were constructed. They are over 1,000 years old. All that time, these dwellings and this community have been given love and care to stand the test of time. Love makes a house a home. it is true. Yes, it is an old and small town, but it is full of love. Can you feel it? If not, go there and experience it yourself. This love inspires me to bring some of their handmade crafts back to my own home.

thumbnail_IMG_9741 — I’m trying to figure out how to get back to Taos ASAP. I miss it already.

thumbnail_IMG_9738 — Bring home handmade pottery celebrating this native heritage.

Don’t’ miss: Spend time on listening to the native people share their story. And try the fresh food made onsite.

Fall in a desert diamond: Santa Fe

What are your thoughts when diverse arts and a rich culture meet adobe architecture? It really gives Santa Fe its charm, a place in a league of its own. I stop shooting photos as a tourist and begin shooting what I feel, not just what I see. I feel this place’s vibrant colors, vitality and magic. The street artists share an artistic spirit, and it calls to me.

Visit the wonderful art galleries and historic buildings with vast numbers of shops full of handmade art. Discover so many different giant paintings, antiques, potteries, jewelry and vintage art from around the world, much of which you will not find anywhere else in the world. I am in an artistic ocean.

thumbnail_IMG_9739 — Art spirits are around me. I am forever exploring.

thumbnail_IMG_9744 — Local artisans sell their handicrafts under this portico in the square.

I would happily move here to nearly any corner of this city. Santa Fe is like a diamond: it sparkles in the desert as an incredible charm.

thumbnail_IMG_9740 — Santa Fe shows off my new favorite color.

Don’t miss: Stop taking photos long enough to immerse yourself and absorb this artistic environment. If you can, visit Santa Fe at Christmas. The luminarias light the whole city and it is magical.

Nothing is better than the experiences found through travel. It exposes your body, mind and spirit to new places and allows you to discover new beauty in so many ways. This is true of New Mexico: the home to amazing landscapes, natural forces, beautiful creatures, fantastic art and many Native Americans.

This place calls to my body and my spirit. It truly is the Land of Enchantment!

The Land of Enchantment: it won’t disappoint you.

New Mexico calls itself the Land of Enchantment. This motto intrigued me the first time I read it. I was very curious and deeply wanted to explore this mysterious place.

My thoughts of this land before visiting: Desert, Cactus, Dry, Camel Color, Wild, Murals, Almost Mexico, Chile Ristras. But why is it the Land of Enchantment? I would not know until I visited and explored. So I did! Now, follow me, and find the answer with me in this adventure.

The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it…

Most people are not familiar with New Mexico, but you might know of White Sands National Monument. I knew this place would be beautiful. Many people select it for their wedding photos. Until I actually saw it for myself, I had never experienced anything like it.

**White Sands National Monument, New Mexico**

All glittering white sands are around me, it is better than a white winter wonderland. I climb to the top of the gypsum sand dunes and look quite far, but cannot see anyone, just the white sands, mountains and sky. I run fast on the white sands with different slopes, I feel alive, my brain empty of thought. The sand and its stillness surround me, and my whole soul feels free.

I’ve fallen in love with the sunsets here. Can you imagine a soft sunset color, with unique plants and mountains, along with the white sands, all on the same horizon? I am immersed in it, feel the charm of nature, smell the wind, listen to the heartbeat of nature here, wait to see the sunset, take a deep breath, and appreciate this very moment. I close my eyes, and I am now part of the white sands.

Don’t miss: Sunset Tour at White Sands—Chase the sunset through the golden hour and enjoy the precious moment.

The moment when nature becomes home.

I never imagined that nature can become home, till I met you: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks.

I am a natural and outdoor lover, and this hike was a profound experience to me. I hiked through the tent rocks, it reminds me of Antelope and Bryce Canyon (Utah). It was a bit harder to hike due to the inclines. I turn, looking up, and see the best perspective: unique rock structures and natural skylights. When I hike to the top, I can see the variation in height of white cone-shaped rocks, and I feel the wonder of nature. The breathtaking New Mexico landscapes and these natural, white tent-like structure look like homes to me, seemingly waiting for someone to move in to live. They have stolen my heart.

**There is no place like this: a natural white colored home**

Life is like an echo. I shout loudly, and I hear my sound repeat back to me clearly. When I am at the top of a climb, I feel as much as I see. Now I know why New Mexico is the Land of Enchantment: mysterious natural wonders in nature, combined with a rich cultural history in the surrounding area. It creates a special feeling inside me. It makes me think: my ideal wedding place will be in the white mountains, maybe here.

**The amazing New Mexico landscape is home to mysterious things in nature.**

**Don’t’ forget to look up when you hike, the skylight is real, and you don’t need any filter.**

Don’t miss: Say YES to the harder hike. New Mexico Rocks!

It is just a visit place for you, but for bats it is home: Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

The first sentence of an introductory video at this park touches my heart. I think that it makes sense that aliens or space creatures might have visited New Mexico, as some people believe, because it probably looks and feels a lot like home on an alien world.

Now journey with me more than 750 feet underground. It will be a cool adventure, and this place makes me feel incredibly small again. I follow the cave explorer Jim White’s footsteps. I walk into the darkness and wander through the Earth’s enormous, cold, damp, spiky belly, exploring the marvels in the cavern. I cannot believe my eyes: this place does not look real. I see a variety of spectacular cave formations. The water reflects the surreal formations like a mirror, the inverted image like a strange but beautiful wonderland.

thumbnail_IMG_9729 — **The Land of Enchantment’s underworld**

**Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico**

The most exciting moment for me is to see thousands of bats flying out of a cave, off into the night sky. It is a wonderful experience. My eyes follow them in flight, and I can almost feel their speed. The creatures are marvelous, small and cute, with powerful navigation and flying skills. l think myself similar to the bats: small but not weak, and like bats, I love to fly about and experience adventures in the dark. Their amazing flight blew my mind!

**Sitting at the mouth of the cavern to watch the bats fly.**

Don’t miss: Bat flights program (late May through October); King’s Palace Tour. If you haven’t been there, you need to visit. Trust me!

The magical sights of New Mexico touch my soul and speak to my heart. Now I know: this home of so many stunning and splendid sights and creatures is truly the Land of Enchantment.

Rise & Grind

With each new day comes new possibilities – and new cups of coffee.

I am a coffee lover. I like the latte art, I cannot lie. I like to visit a cozy coffee shop to smell the coffee beans, listen to the sound of beans grinding, watch people come to buy coffee and then go again, take a coffee photo, and enjoy a cup of coffee before starting my next adventure.

One of my favorite parts of the windy city is to explore all the coffee shops and try new cups of coffee, no matter the weather outside. Now, embark on a coffee journey with me. Take your time to sip the coffee, finding new possibilities and memories in life.

Time stops when I am with you: Heritage Bicycle General Store

thumbnail_IMG_8232 — **Lavender Latte (Signature Latte)**

I can’t recommend this place enough. It is definitely my favorite coffee shop in Chicago. Usually, if I don’t have any ideas of where to go or explore, or I don’t have a special activity on a Sunday morning, I will go there to grab a cup. Two American flags hanging on the door caught my eyes the first time I stopped here. You can find bicycles everywhere in the store, with white color decor and mirrors. I usually order a cup of lavender latte, or a cup of vanilla latte, then I’ll sit on the corner with the bicycle decor and little plants, and enjoy my time.

Because it is a bicycle maintenance store, you can listen to the sound of wheels rolling. It reminds me of sitting on the back of my father’s bicycle when he would take me to school and pick me up. My words for Bikes + Coffee = Happiness.

thumbnail_IMG_8248 — **Address: 2959 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 60657**

thumbnail_img_8241 (1) — **Two cool heritage outposts: 1325 W Wilson Ave, Chicago IL 60640; 1020 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago IL 60640**

Addicted to Caffeine and Matcha: Sawada Coffee

This is my second favorite coffee place in town, especially its military latte and black camo latte, as I’m addicted. When you first sip, you can feel the green tea flavor, then the espresso flavor follows. You can take a photo of the pretty art within the cup, so focused on it that you miss the special flavor at first, but then it steals your heart. It makes you want to come back again.

I must say, the black camo latte won’t leave you disappointed. I like the dot on the brown latte color because it sparks my imagination. The best part are the accent lights strung high against the dark exposed beams below the ceiling of the coffee shop. It creates a relaxing mood during our busy life.

thumbnail_IMG_8257 — **Address: 112 N Green St, Chicago IL 60607**

thumbnail_IMG_8234 — **Green Tea Latte@Sawada Match: Address:4908, 226 W Kinzie St. Chicago, IL 60654**

C.C. Ferns brings alive the beauty and magic of old school vintage. Choose a cup of Cortado, sit amidst the dark and vintage decor, choose an old couch, read a book, or even do a little work there.

All you need is coffee, please pick-me-up : Bodega

thumbnail_IMG_8145 — **Address: 355 N Clark St, Chicago IL 60654**

If you are like me, you enjoy the cute messages and images within coffee. This must be the place. I usually have a cup of cappuccino there. The nice coffee images help to express your words to others, maybe even your special secrets. Don’t forget to try their churros, along with a cup of cute coffee.

thumbnail_IMG_8243 — **Address:@Bombobar: 832 W Randolph, Chicago IL 60607**

Where will your coffee adventures take you next? Here are some other options, each featuring unique special coffee to try.

My Latte Just Went Viral: Big Shoulders Coffee

I usually come here to grab marshmallow latte on a rainy or snowy day, as just a cute marshmallow makes me feel warm and happy. Also, there’s a big Chicago map on the wall, so you can see all the street names, and maybe it inspires you to explore a new place.

Sip on galaxy: Limitless Coffee & Tea

The coffee here is too pretty to drink. If you want a photo to stand out on your Instagram, come here. Have a cup of charcoal latte, with beautiful mixed colors. Can you imagine sipping on a star-filled galaxy? Try it.

thumbnail_IMG_8233 — **Address: 217 N Green St, Chicago IL 60607**

Mornings are for coffee and contemplation: Werewolf Coffee Bar

Who says you can’t drink pink? Here, you can find the sweetbeet latte, topped with edible glitter (rose petals are optional). It will give you heart eyes for sure.The pretty coffee is served from a refurbished coffee truck. Cozy up with a caffeine kick to get you through the day.

thumbnail_IMG_8231 — **Address: 1765 N Elston Ave, Chicago IL 60642**

What a Turkish Delight: Oromo Café

Sometimes you should try coffees from different countries. Have you ever tried Turkish coffee? For a new flavor, visit Oromo Café at Lincoln Square. What do you think about getting a cup of Turkish coffee and a pistachio & rose Turkish delight? You might just love this new coffee. (Address: 4703 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 60625)

Romantic with Lavender (Purple): First Sip Café at Uptown

They have endless options for tea and coffee flavoring here. It won’t disappoint you. But I fall in love with Manila Fog when I ordered the first time, all the lavender (purple) color. It tastes so good, too. What’s your favorite color? Maybe your favorite color will be on your next coffee?

thumbnail_IMG_8242 — **Address: 1057 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640**

Unique, exciting sporting experience: Dropshot Coffee & Snack Bar

Are you a tennis super fan? Do you want to find a tennis tournament? Are you chasing unique theme coffee shops? Take a photo here and post to Instagram, and you’ll get an audience. This is a tennis-themed location, and it’s fun to see all the cool tennis items here, even for a non tennis fan. You will have a unique classic American sports experience.

thumbnail_IMG_8247 — **Address: 312 W Chestnut St, Chicago, IL 60622**

The coffee shops I mentioned above are just small part of what’s available in the windy city, but there are many more. I hope this journey of coffee gives you a guide for the coffee lover in you. Now I’m off to visit an Italian coffee: Caffe Umbria… Hmmm, can’t wait to try it.

Which a cup of coffee fit your personal style? Take an adventure with a cup of coffee, give your body some fuel and some inspiration to your work and life, so many more new possibilities to come.

Cheers to coffee filled days!

It’s the little moments that make life BIG

Chicago: City of Murals

Often, it’s the little moments that make life BIG – so open your eyes.

As you know, I am a Floridian. I came from the Sunshine State, then moved to Chicago to start a new adventure. People often are asked about their most interesting places to enjoy in their spare time. Some people say Chicago’s winter is too crazy, Yes, you are right, especially for a traditional Floridian. Still, the city has some great places I will share with you, to make you feel warm when you are in Chicago, especially in crazy winter time.

I am a model and photographer, too. I think a photo is beautiful not only because of a beautiful background and person in the photo, but also because of the spirit of the image.

A great example of this are the murals of a city. Sometimes they can help you to create a special photo and express the spirit to your audience. Chicago is famous for art. I am not a professional for art, but I think I am a professional for street art/murals. I have eyes for finding some interesting and beautiful places. I would like to share some of my favorite murals/street art to you. Chicago has many great murals, just a small part of the city, but they tell a truth. I am always happy to stop and take photos of them, again and again, then leave that place. I have a special feeling for them.

Wicker Park (Buck Town) is my favorite neighborhood in Chicago, and most of my favorite murals are there. Journey with me there now to check out these wonderful images of art.

LIFE MINIATURE

It is like us in miniature. Grab your camera, take the train and walk around different neighborhoods to record different and interesting stories around us. It is my regular life, maybe your life, too.

thumbnail_IMG_8180 — ***Address: 1651 W North Ave, Chicago IL 60622***

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

thumbnail_IMG_8179 — **Address: 90 Miles Cuban Café. 2540 W Armitage Ave, Chicago IL 60647**

As a Floridian in Chicago, I enjoy writing lots of interesting stories about my new town. I always feel that Florida is not too far from me. We still connect each other and feel very close. Can you imagine when you find a familiar thing from your home in your current city? It is exciting and fantastic, and it brings back a lot wonderful memories. It helps to feel very close to your sweet home.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

thumbnail_IMG_4171 — **Address: @Properties at Bucktown. 1875 N Damen Ave, Chicago IL 60622**

Colorful backgrounds make you feel sweet and warm, particularly in summer time. This place will change murals regularly, but always around the theme of LOVE. They just change the color.

BE MORE CREATIVE

thumbnail_IMG_8383 — ***Address: LOW RES STUDIO:1821 W Hubbard St. #203, Chicago IL 60622***

Are you a creative person? Are you a photographer? If so, you will like local a creative agency—LOW RES STUDIO. A lot of creative people and photographers live around there, and they share creative ideas. I like the area decor so much. A lot of cool stuff is on the walls, expressing the message of Chicago. I strongly recommend that you attend their events. Open your eyes and enjoy the creative life around us.

(Tips: Please follow their Instagram and website at http://www.lowresstudio.com to learn about their events. You will enjoy their creative events so much.)

WHERE TO NEXT?

Pizza Queen will take you to fly away. Although I am not a super fan of the pizza, I still like this cute pizza background so much. It gives me wings so I can fly and explore around the world.

thumbnail_IMG_8382 — **Address: Parlor Pizza Bar West Loop 108 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607**

Kindness is _____?

What are your words?

For me, I think kindness is to have a thankful heart, and appreciate all the little moments in your life.

thumbnail_IMG_8183 — **Address: Left Coast: 2878 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657**

thumbnail_IMG_8175 — **Address：1813 N Milwakuee Ave, Chicago IL 60647**

This is my dream neighborhood. People get together, share and help each other. I visited during heavy snow and there was a dog in the photo, and I felt very warm when I saw it.

By the way, I have explored murals all over town, including places like the loop (Chicago downtown), Pilsen, Logan Square, Lakeview and many others. Also, I like greetings from Chicago murals, flamingo mural, leaf mural, heart mural……Chicago really flourishes in art, street art, murals. What an amazing city for art!

Beautiful murals are everywhere. It does depend on your attitude in life, and if you are photographic and have eyes for beautiful things. Although some murals are in alleys, I still love to explore and discover them, and use my camera to capture them, making a great personal story.

If you want address information for more murals in Chicago, please follow my Instagram (@stephy320) or send me a message. I will provide more details to take you to discover small but very interesting things. I am a professional mural lover —NO PROBLEM!.

Now, I would like to share my favorite quote with you. It’s from one of my best friends:

Life is a journey, that it does not always have a map;

Happiness is not a destination, but a road trip.

So, please open your eyes, find out the beautiful things around you in life. It is the little moments make life big and happy.

Happy mural hunting!

NEVER STOP EXPLORING

Stephy’s secret spot in Chicago, IL

Today I want to open my heart and share my secret spot with you. Sharing this secret spot is how I want to start my new blog.

If you are in Chicago, or if you travel to Chicago, or if you want to see or photograph this city’s breathtaking skyline, or if you simply want to explore fantastic new places in the Chicago area, then you found the right blog. I will help you to explore all of this and more. Let’s begin!

Wicker Park is my favorite neighborhood in Chicago. It is here you’ll find the Robey Hotel. Its design looks like the flatiron building in New York City – but I like the Robey hotel even better. Once inside, ask the waiter to use his/her magic key to open the elevator, then take you UP. When you get to the top (the Up Room) you will feel “WOW.” You will be able to see the beautiful skyline with 180 degree views.

Even better, I like to watch the people come and go, and listen to the trains pass by. I stand up to feel the full experience. I also can see many of the city’s street intersections. My favorite is the intersection of Wicker Park (Buck Town). The blue line train in Chicago is my favorite train line because it takes me to explore and discover a lot of amusing places.

I used to come to the top of the Robey Hotel by myself. I’d linger, watch the people walk, see the intersections, and listen to the train sounds. Beyond it, it seems like I can touch the city skyline. I love the 180 degree views, see all the neighborhoods, and think about where my next adventure might take me… and think about life. I feel that I am very close to the sky and skyline. It’s a magic feeling. So far, I’ve only taken two friends to this secret place. But now, I have opened my heart and shared my personal adventure with you.

I’ve decided to use my secret spot to start this new blog with you, and I’m writing especially for people who like to take adventures like me. If you do, follow me. I will help you to explore a lot of new things, crazy things, delicious food, fabulous places…

Your next adventure starts NOW…..

There is no place like this: a natural white colored home

Chicago: City of Murals

Stephy’s secret spot in Chicago, IL