I am turning 48 tomorrow, the same age my father was when he passed away, and this realization brings up a wave of emotion within me. It fills my heart with both reflection and gratitude, constantly reminding me of how young he was when he left this world. He had so much potential, yet his time was so fleeting, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength that continues to resonate within our family. As I think about the hardships he faced, I can’t help but wonder how anyone could expect to live longer than he did, given the immense challenges life presented to him. I often feel a profound longing to connect with him, to let him know that I’m doing my best; I truly hope he’s watching over my mom, my brother, and me. I want him to take pride in both me and my brother as we navigate life without him, carrying forward the values and lessons he instilled in us. My heart aches with the wish that I could hear him assure me that everything will be alright, that there’s no need to worry or second-guess my choices. The comforting thought that we will meet again in another universe, sharing laughter and stories once more, brings me solace. It’s truly surreal to be the same age he was at his passing, and I often find myself pondering what he might have accomplished or how our lives would have been had he been here with us. I love and miss you, daddy, forever and ever….happy birthday to me.
Another year is coming to an end, and I am looking back, as I am sure many of us do. Sitting here, in a cozy café drinking hot chocolate and having a tasty piece of cake, I can’t help but feel extremely thankful for everything that I have. Mind you, having something is not limited to material things – and I am fully aware that counting blessings is something we all forget to do more often than not, due to the hectic way of life that is imposed on us whether we like it or not. But today, on this Christmas Day, I realize more clearly than ever that I have so much to be grateful for. My life has been painful on many occasions, in many ways. But I think I am not unique in that way, really, as I am yet to meet a person who hasn’t known pain in any shape or form throughout their lifetime. Still, I want to say loud and clear that what gets me through this journey we call life is my amazing family – my husband, my mom, my siblings, cousins, aunts… even if we don’t always agree on everything! Plus, my dear friends (even if I don’t see them as often as I’d like), my two dogs (the adorable little troublemakers), a job I absolutely love (with awesome coworkers from around the globe), and that cheerful mindset I believe we all need to nurture every single day. Now, with the risk of sounding like a Miss Universe contestant, I do wholeheartedly wish for world peace. Considering the current trajectory of our world, my wish may indeed stretch beyond the limits of a Christmas miracle. Yet, there’s always room for hope!
Today marks the 36th anniversary of my father’s passing. A lifetime has passed, yet not a day goes by without my thoughts turning to him. It still feels like yesterday, but I’ve known for a long time that this kind of pain never truly fades. It has left an eternal mark on my soul, my essence, my life. My childhood came to an end on the day he died. Whenever he crosses my mind, the devastated child within me starts shedding endless tears. The pain is so raw, I can almost reach out and touch it. I often find myself wondering if he would be proud of my brother and me… proud of the people we’ve become, of our accomplishments, proud of his children who have done their best with the hand life dealt them. The memories we shared, the lessons he taught us, and the love he gave will always remain a guiding force in our lives. His absence is a constant reminder of the impact he had, not just on us, but on everyone who was fortunate enough to have known him. We hold onto the moments of joy and laughter, treasuring them as precious gifts that continue to bring warmth to our hearts. As time moves forward, his spirit lives on through the love, kindness, and resilience he instilled in us. He will forever be a part of us, shaping our choices, influencing our perspectives, and inspiring us to live our lives with the same grace and compassion that he embodied. We miss you so much, daddy. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.
Oh Rome! My country! City of the soul!– Lord Byron
As I look back on my four-day trip to Rome, I can’t help but feel so much love for this incredible city. From the moment I stepped into the old streets, I was totally hooked by the fascinating history, mind-blowing buildings, and lively culture. Walking through the bustling streets, it felt like I was really connected to the past, like I’d time-traveled to witness the glory of the Roman Empire for myself. The Colosseum, standing proud in the Mediterranean sun, gave off this sense of greatness that echoed through the ages. When I explored the Vatican City, I was blown away by incredible art, each piece telling a story of unbelievable talent and dedication. And those adorable cobblestone streets and beautiful piazzas, they had such a special vibe, making me want to soak in every moment and really get into the unique charm of this grand city. Every chat with the locals filled me with warmth and curiosity, as I learned about the city’s rich traditions and stories, making my bond with this historical wonder even stronger.
One of the highlights of my time in Rome was visiting the iconic landmarks that are symbols of the city’s timeless beauty and grandeur. The Colosseum, with its imposing presence and storied history, left me in awe of the skill and craftsmanship of the ancient Romans.
A couple kissing in front of the Colosseum
The surreal paintings in the Sistine Chapel (which you’re not allowed to take picture of, unfortunately) and the majestic beauty of the Trevi Fountain were equally enchanting, offering a glimpse into the artistic and architectural brilliance of the city’s past.
The Trevi Fountain area is always busy
On the St. Peter’s Square, I found a life-size sculpture in bronze and clay, that depicts a group of migrants and refugees from different cultural and racial backgrounds and from diverse historic periods in time. Within this diverse crowd of people, angel wings emerge from the centre, suggesting the presence of something sacred among them. In fact, the sculptural work interprets the belief that the sacred is to be found in the stranger, in this case, in refugees and migrants.
A part of the Angels Unawares sculpture at the St. Peter’s Square
Everyone yearns to capture a fragment of Rome, to immortalize it in a photograph. Yet, I dare say that the true essence of Rome will endure in their hearts and minds, transcending the fleeting nature of a mere image.
Tourists taking picutres at the Spanish Steps
There was only so much I could capture with my camera in such a short time, but the photos just don’t do the city justice at all. The vibrant energy of the bustling streets, the diverse mix of cultures, the tantalizing aromas wafting from street food stalls, and the stunning architecture that blends historical charm with modern elegance – all these elements contribute to the city’s allure, creating an immersive experience that simply can’t be conveyed through photographs alone.
As I say goodbye to Rome, I take with me an overwhelming sense of gratitude and admiration for this extraordinary city that has imprinted itself on my very being. Rome, with its fusion of ancient history, contemporary energy, and eternal allure, will always occupy a unique and cherished corner of my heart and I want to scream from the top of my lungs: Ti amo, Roma! ❤️
Weekends are my sacred time for perfecting the fine art of doing absolutely nothing, and let’s be real, I’ve pretty much become a total pro. I’m fully aware that selfies are so last season, and blogging is, like, ancient history, but honestly, I couldn’t care less. If I feel like snapping a pic of myself, well, so be it! I may not be breaking the internet with my poses, but hey, I’m not here to follow trends. It’s like a visual diary of my chill moments, a way to freeze a fleeting instant of calm in the chaos of everyday life. So, here’s to capturing the beauty of doing nothing and cherishing the small, blissful moments.
I’ve always had a deep love for animals, and if you feel the same way, this story will surely resonate with you. Last December, our beloved 11-year-old wirehaired dachshund, Djole, was diagnosed with heartworm. For those who may not be familiar, it’s a dreadful parasite that takes hold in a dog’s heart and can cause significant harm, or even prove fatal if not addressed promptly or if treatment is delayed. Needless to say, we were completely devastated by the news. We went into a six-month battle, and even after somehow making it through the first round (out of five) of Ivermectin shots, we didn’t know if he’d survive the whole treatment. It was a rough ride, but we put all our love and energy into his recovery, and despite bracing ourselves for the worst, we never lost our hope. Giving up on our beloved dog, whom we adore beyond words, was never an option. Today, I am thrilled to share with you that Djole is finally heartworm free! Our little hero is living his best life again and we cannot be more happy for him! Being the most wonderful dog in the whole wide world, I’m sure he will forgive me for waking him up (as he’s resting in a shade on this hot summer day) just to take this picture.
I stumbled upon a tiny baby lizard in my garden sink today. It was so small and fragile, breathing rapidly as it desperately sought a way out. Seeing it bask in the sun after I rescued it filled me with joy. This experience made me wonder – don’t we all go through such moments sometimes…feeling trapped, scared, and disoriented? We long for a helping hand to guide us to safety. Sometimes the assistance comes quickly, and other times it takes a while. The important thing is to remember that salvation will eventually find us, in countless forms and disguises.
With summer just around the corner, it feels like the perfect time to take a gander at the first half of the year. Let’s just say a whole lot of stuff has gone down (the good, the bad, the hilarious, and the downright ridiculous things that one can (or cannot) control). I’ve been MIA from the social networks for quite a while, and I can’t say I missed them. But hey, I have decided to stage a “comeback” and embrace my online presence as just another facet of who we are in this day and age.
I’ve also miraculously succeeded in unintentionally “hibernating” my passion for photography, but fret not! It’s gearing up to emerge from the depths, like a confused phoenix! So here’s to all of us who adore life, pursue our outlandish dreams, and endeavor to leave our mark, regardless of the number of coffee spills and keyboard typos along the way!
I used to think American football only happened in America, but boy was I wrong! I’ve been living in Kikinda for a few years now, and I recently found out about the Kikinda Mammoths American football team. Can you believe it? They’re fully equipped and everything! The club was actually founded in 2009. I had the chance to attend their first game last Saturday, and let me tell you, it was such a blast! I followed the players around with my iPhone as they got ready for the game, but I was too scared to join them on the field once the match started. Maybe next time. The energy was just so raw and intense. And let me tell you, they looked really impressive and kind of “dangerous” in their outfits. Spoiler alert: they won! I managed to snap some great shots myself. Can’t wait for the next game, guys! See you there!
Ever since I ditched Belgrade for the little town of Kikinda in the name of love, I’ve been back and forth all the time. The bus rides are kinda boring, so I just end up staring out the window at the nature. But here’s the kicker – those windows are always dirty, like seriously filthy sometimes. So, I thought, why not make the best of it? I started snapping pics of everything I saw from my seat using just my iPhone. It’s become my go-to for passing the time on the road. And just like that, the travel blues vanished and I started my own travel diary with a bunch of cool photos.
The journey’s still going strong, with plenty more pics to come, but I reckon it’s about time to share this selection with you all on my blog.
Nevena Grujic 