- About me:
I have to admit I have always had a particular disdain for any “tell us a little bit about you…” tasks. For me, it is one of the most daunting tasks to be faced with. I do not know a single person who can capture their essence in just a few sentences. I guess that could partly be due to the fact I am Irish, we do love to talk!
In saying that, I am fully aware that I do need to tell you a little bit about myself here. So, I will start with the basics. My name is Giana or Gigi, as my friends like to call me. I was raised in the rebel county, Cork, in the South of Ireland. Nearly eight years ago, I set out on an adventure. I left my beloved homeland behind and embarked on a new journey that led me to Spain.
- About my Blog:
My blog is a glimpse of Spain and life through my eyes. While it started out as a record of my travels, it has changed and evolved over the years. However, one thing that has remained strong is my passion for Spain and the Spanish way of life. Spaniards have discovered the art of living: simplicity. Spain is a nation that celebrates life, love and nature, and they have no qualms about it. Truthfully, it is a trait that has to be admired and respected.
The Spanish way of life has completely changed me for the better, and I will be forever grateful for that. I have learned so much from being here, from the people I have met, the places I have seen and the balance of life I have embraced while being here.
- Why Chasing Butterflies?
Chasing Butterflies was the only option for the title of this blog.
Initially, this was due to my passion for butterflies. Now it’s purely because of the powerful message to be learned through chasing what you love.
I had spent years chasing happiness. I spent so much time in my pursuit that I ended up pushing myself further and further away from it. What this blog contains is the result of my chasing; therefore, there is no better title.
I hope that you enjoy this blog.
I´m going to leave you now with one of my favourite quotes:
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty” Maya Angelou.
Giana xoxo
* While the photos I have on my blog are my own, the photos featured on this page, obviously enough, weren´t taken by me. The credit goes to my dear friends!
Great blog! And you take some truly gorgeous pictures…
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Thank you Anna, that´s so kind of you 🙂 I truly love your blog, I find myself losing hours reading your work, thank you for visiting 🙂
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OMG!!! I can’t wait to do both Ireland and Spain. I am about one quarter Irish – some of my family are County Cork………your blog is brill. Love, Love, Love.
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Thank you for your kind words Sue 🙂 I´ve really enjoyed reading your blog, especially your series on 50 things you should know! Looking forward to reading more!
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Yeah it’s been fun and I think I might keep it going because people really like it. it may morph into something really interesting.
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I think that´s a great idea! People love reading articles and blogs on that style, well I do anyway! And there really aren´t that many out there! If you do decide to go down that path then I wish you luck and will enjoy following you along the way!
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I am certainly learning what people like from this series. it is great. if you think of any stuff I can add to the list (which will now extend past 50) then please let me know. You have done a big move and no doubt have a few pearls you could share………
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I´ll most certainly have a think and see if I can come up with anything!
One of my good friends is from New Zealand, Carly. She has written a fantastic blog documenting her journey and experience here I´ll leave you the link incase you´d like to see Spain, France and Singapore through the eyes or a New Zealander! http://miramiandmog.wordpress.com/
Looking forward to reading your next installment!:)
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I have gotten so behind on my reading – I made a note to visit your blog over a week ago and I am sorry I didn’t visit sooner. You and I certainly have some parallels in our life stories! I hope your journey continues to inspire and provide you with amazing experiences and I look forward to following them!
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Thanks for taking the time to come visit my blog Matt and most of all thank you for your best wishes for my journey! I´ve really enjoyed reading your blog and I´m looking forward to reading even more of it once exam season is over and I can breathe again:)
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Hello! thank you for liking some of my posts and following my blog. I am an instant fan of yours since you are living “the dream” as far as I am concerned! SPAIN! gosh you lucky duck! Its waaay near the top of my must visit list 😀 thanks again for the support, its all every student can ask for 🙂
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You´re more than welcome, I wish I had discovered your blog sooner! I would recommend Spain to everyone! Such a great country, such great people! Thank you for your support and I look forward to reading more of your posts 🙂
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I will try not to disappoint 🙂 much love
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So to show how much i have grown to love your blog, I have nominated you as one of my top picks for the lovely blogger awards… visit my blog for the full post on that if you like and keep up the great work! much love and respect.
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Wow I’m absolutely speechless right now, thank you so much for your support it means so much coming from a blogger I admire!
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🙂 you do great work and it needs recognition
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What a lovely blog and it´s great to read about someone who has uprooted too and found a new life in Spain. ¡Enhorabuena!
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Really glad you like it and thank you so much for your kind words and of course for stopping by!:)
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Spain!!!!!!!!! i just cannot express what happens to me, when i simply hear the word, it has been my ultimate destination to visit, i believe the place is beyond beautiful, and you probably are beyond lucky to have been there…….. All i can say now is Spain….. just hold on a few more years and i’ll be there…… 😀
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Absolutely excellent blog, so true and heartfelt (and so well written too!) I’m from Mayo, Ireland, so I can relate to the endless need to fill silence with weather, sheep and that new tractor Farmer O’Malley got down the road! 😉 😀 I love Spain, I would love to visit it someday!!
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It´s funny, I never took much notice of that need to fill the silence when I was living at home but since leaving it´s something that I´ve realised the Irish are very good at and I really like that about us! Thank you for checking out my blog and taking the time to write such a lovely comment! G.
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Congratulations! We loved your interesting photo’s and posts, so we’ve decided to give you a Grade 4 BlOgcean Award! If you want to know more about your award or nominate someone else, then visit:
http://blogceanawardsofficial.wordpress.com/
Our aim is to spread the love of Blogging and encourage achieving Bloggers to do their best, so keep up the fab work! 🙂
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Wow, what a fantastic way to end the weekend! I´m delighted that you like my posts. Thanks so much for the support, encouragement and, obviously, the award! Have a great Sunday! Thanks again, G 🙂
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Beautiful blog! Congratulations on your Grade 4 BIOgcean Award; well deserved!
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Thank you Judy, it´s such a nice idea! G:)
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Thank you for visiting my blog and for the follow. You have a beautiful blog and i look forward to all your posts.
Regards,
Eva
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You are more than welcome Eva. Holistic nutrition is something my mum swears by, therefore it has always been something I´ve been interested in! Great blog, looking forward to reading more of it! G 🙂
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Thank you so much 🙂 I love eating as healthy as possible, it just makes me feel so much better. I decided to go to school to study nutrition so that I can share my passion. Glad you like my blog, I look forward to sharing recipes and all things healthy.
Eva 🙂
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Gigi, you have a beautiful blog that celebrate life and all it’s amazing blessings! Great job my friend!
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Thank you so much for such a beautiful comment, you have made my day! I´ve really enjoyed exploring your blog and delighted to say I can return the compliment, great work! G:)
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I have nominated you for the “One Lovely Blog Award”. Congratulations!
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Thank you so much, and congratulations on your own nomination, I´m in good company! G 🙂
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Awww, thank you, you’re very sweet ❤
Eva 🙂
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Hi there,
I have nominated you for a One Lovely Blog Award. I would be honored if you accepted.
Thank you for an awesome blog.
http://pictureperfectmemoriesforlife.wordpress.com/2012/09/17/my-first-blog-award-nomination/
Have a lovely day.
Coreen
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Thank you Coreen, your support and encouragement means so much, I´d be honoured to accept it! Congratulations on your own nomination, well deserved! Have a great day! Giana 🙂
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Thank you Giana. 🙂
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You are more than welcome Coreen! G 🙂
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Hey I just stumbled across your blog! I’m so jealous of the leap of faith you made to Spain, (which I also love. I lived in Malaga for a year in 2007/8 – best year ever) I’m stuck in London (for the time being) and trying to find happiness in the concrete jungle (hence the blog!) but I really admire you for following your dream. I definitely hope to escape soon too! Thanks for posting. Drop by sometime. Peace xx
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Thank you so much! Spain is such a beautiful place! I hope you get to follow your dream soon! Looking forward to checking out your blog, thanks for your comment and the follow! Giana 🙂
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I have nominated you for the Family of Bloggers Award. Congrats!
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You have received the ‘Very Inspiring Blogger’ Award. Congratulations! Keep those posts coming…
Please see here: http://healthyglownutrition.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Regards,
Éva
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Thank you so much Eva and congratulations on your well deserved award:) hope you are having a great week!:) Giana!
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Hello Giana,
Thank you and you’re very welcome! I hope that you’re having a wonderful week as well. The weather in Toronto has been amazing. It is finally fall and I am happy the heat and humidity are gone!
Éva ❤
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One Lovely Blog indeed: http://transplantedtatar.wordpress.com/2012/09/30/one-lovely-blog-award-thank-you/
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Thank you so much for the nomination! I´m honoured, I went back to work this week ,after six weeks off, so I have been distracted all week. Will be posting as usual from tonight, well I hope I will anyway! Have a great day and congratulations on your award! G, 🙂
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Hello Giana,
I have nominated your blog for the Liebster Blog Award! Congratulations!
Pick up your badge and information/rules on how to pass the torch at:
http://healthyglownutrition.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/liebster-blog-award/
Have an amazing day!
Éva
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Thank you so much Éva and congratulations on your award! I will get around to posting this weekend, back to work so been distracted this week! Hope you´re having a fantastic week! Giana, 🙂
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Thank you, Giana, and you’re most welcome! The week is so far so good thanks, and I hope you’re week is going good also.
Have a great day!
Éva 🙂
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Thanks for the Spanish inspiration: http://laavventura.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/the-reality-and-100-affidabile-reliable-blog-awards/#more-5677
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Wow, thank you Jennifer, congratulations on your awards, very well deserved! Hope you´re having a fantastic day 🙂 G.
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So much life, vibrance and joy un every post. Every adventure is a visual delight. Thanks for the award. I am honored. I tried to find it in your archive but somehow can. Wishing you and your family all the joys of the holidays.
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Hi Giana!
Great photos you got going here – love em!
Thanks for dropping by and I’d like to welcome you aboard Point, Shoot, Blog!
I’m happy to make your acquaintance and thanks for stopping by 🙂
L
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Thank you so much for such a lovely comment! Delighted you enjoyed the photos! 🙂 thanks so much for dropping by and leaving a comment, have a fantastic day!
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I just found your blog from a comment on another blog I follow and I fell in love with Spain all over again! Wonderful photos. I also moved to Spain after university but I didn’t find a way to stay longer than 6 months. I miss it like an ache in my bones! Thanks for bringing beautiful images into my day.
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Thank you so much for such a lovely comment. Delighted you liked the images! I hope you get to return some day, it’s a beautiful country! Have a fantastic day!!
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Hi Giana!
I have nominated you for the Liebster Award. Should you wish to accept the award, do check out this link (http://shoot2blog.wordpress.com/2014/04/06/ive-been-nominated-for-the-liebster-award/). Congrats!
L
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Thanks so much, you´ve made my Sunday! I´ll most certainly accept the award!! I will do the post tomorrow, thank you so much for thinking of me! I´m over the moon! So kind of you! Have a great Sunday 🙂
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You’re most welcome 🙂
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Hi Giana, I see you’ve commented on a couple of posts on my old Anotherdayinparadise2 blog. I started a new blog late last year, and the link is anotherday2paradise
I will follow you again, as your pics are really lovely. Sylvia
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Hi Sylvia, thanks so much for letting me know! I will head over and follow you there. I have been gone from the blogging world for a long time now, as you probably have noticed. I needed to take the time. I’m delighted to be back and looking forward to checking out your new blog! Thanks for your support! Have a fantastic day! Giana.
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xx
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Well-written…I LOVE the Maya Angelou quote. Good for you for chasing your butterflies while you are still young (and doing it voluntarily). Good luck!!
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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it. I do love that quote. Thanks so much for the lovely supportive comment. Have a great day! Giana.
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Hello newest Spikey! I know, a bit corny, eh, but that’s the term that has come to stick for those folk who are part of the clan known to be followers of Uncle Spike 🙂
Thank you… I really appreciate that as I for one, know how many interesting and entertaining blogs are out there.
My aim is to deliver an eclectic offering of posts, from my ‘point n shoot’ attempts at basic photography, to the sharing of my travel adventures over the decades, as well as day to day happenings here on the farm. Oh, plus a few observations on life as I see it, thrown in for good measure.
My promise to you is not to be overbearing, just a couple of posts a day, maybe 3 at weekends if I have something special to share. But if you are at a loose end one day, maybe you’ll enjoy trawling through some of my older stuff too. I have added plenty of categories to help in said digging process.
Classic last shot by the way (above in teal coloured tight jeans, or whatever I should call them)
Thanks again and hope you have a great day…
UNCLE SPIKE
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I absolutely love your About page… It says so much about you and yet in some way, also so much about me and I think of every person young age… We have gone through our education but…it’s like something is missing. Not something, a LOT! Some on us recognise that and have the courage to do something about it and go that road we call “finding ourselves” and enjoy in real life while others (most) just dig that feeling deep inside and hope this job will make them happy, this relationship will make them happy, this vacation will make them happy and so on… First, you have to realise what it is that makes you happy and it is often something you did not expect. 🙂 Oh, and love yourself and respect your feelings and decisions which is always easier said than done.
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Thanks so much, delighted you like it! I need to update it, it´s on my ever growing to do list! You´re so right, until you are happy in yourself and are doing the things that you love, life can seem like a chore. Life is too short to waste it, you need to get up and chase what it is that makes you happy. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my about page and for commenting! I really appreciate it! Best wishes, Giana.
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You are welcome and I can see you already made yourself at home over at “my place”. Awesome 🙂
I have stumbled upon a great video from Upworthy and I will see how I can incorporate it in some post soon, but it says so much about our generation (young people becoming adults) and I liked it. It speaks what we have discussed here and more. 🙂
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Hi Giana, it’s my pleasure to nominate you for the Sunshine Award. Please follow the link http://thewritemight.me/2014/04/14/sunshine-award-positively-and-creatively-inspiring-me/ Thanks!
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Wow, what an honor! Thanks so much, I’m away on holiday at the moment so the minute I’m back I’ll follow the link! Thanks, again, for thinking of me! You’ve made my day!! Have a great one!!
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Thank you so much for following our blog 🙂
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No problem, it´s my pleasure! I didn´t have much time to explore it last night, I´m looking forward to browsing through it in more detail this weekend! Have a great day! 🙂
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Great pic! Summed up all the text.
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Thanks so much! Delighted you liked the combination! Hope you´ve had a great weekend!
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Thanks CB!
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Thanks for the follow 🙂
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You´re more than welcome 🙂
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Hi Giana,
I came across your blog since I’ve started learning Spanish and I think you would be interested in the Spanish language program we’re launching at lexikeet.com. I want to ask what you would think of trying it out with a free premium account as a reviewer for your blog. We think we’d be a great fit for your readers who are learning Spanish. If you’re interested let me know and take care!
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Hi Andrew, thanks so much for visiting my blog. Yes, I would be interested in the program. Would you be able to give me some more information on the program and what it involves. Thanks, Giana.
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Thanks for visiting and Following; much appreciated. Your blog is great and I look forward to following your journey in the coming months. Best wishes 🙂
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HI Giana, Thanks for the follow and I will be looking forward to following you too. ~Julia
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You are more than welcome, Julia. It was my pleasure! Happy Friday to you 🙂
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Great Angelou quote! I like your pix as well how you came to Spain. You make me want to go there too. Peace.
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Spain is always a great place to come to. Whether it´s on holiday or to live. Thank you for your lovely comment. Hope you´re having a great Sunday! 🙂
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Looking forward to trawling through your blog!
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Thanks so much, Millie! Looking forward to having you here! Have a great day, Millie! Thanks you for taking to time to stop by😃
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cool no problem 🙂
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