Join me at the place where Life becomes the Dream
Travel Begins in the Imagination.
All great journeys begin in our minds. They start with a single idea--a hope--built upon what we’ve heard about a place, or imagine it to be. From the courageous action of embarking on the journey we envision, we are transformed. Our world grows, our perspective broadens, our compassion deepens, and our awareness expands. Through the act of travel, we become empowered. We develop a more profound appreciation for life and all its possibilities.
Travel evolves and engages the soul.
It awakens our curiosity, encourages stronger connection, and gives us a more profound appreciation for this beautiful, diverse planet we call home. From our very first international journey in October of 2010, The Grumpy Gnome and I have felt a strong calling to experience the world through our passion for travel. That first formative experience transformed our lives for the better, and became a constant source of inspiration and learning in all we create. Travel and everything connected to planning a trip continues to illuminate and enhance all aspects of our lives.
I have created this blog as a kind of virtual campfire, where we can share our stories and spirit of adventure with all who aspire to build their own journey.
From my earliest memories, I have embraced the spirit of adventure.
I grew up in a rural area, where I was surrounded by the woods, fields, farms, and rivers of the Northern Indiana landscape. Spending my childhood immersed in nature ignited my creativity, and inspired me to dream of what it might be like to see and explore the greater world. I have clear memories of climbing trees and illustrating the stories I wrote about discovering new and enchanted places. I would try constructing these places through building forts in the backyard with my brothers. As a teenager, I spent hours reading travel guides in the local library, imagining myself into the pages and photographs of places that seemed like a fairy tale. This fostered my passion for art, music, and storytelling, which guided my path to pursuing a profession in the arts. I attended Columbia College Chicago, where I earned my B.A. in theater design. My time there continued to fuel my travel aspirations, and introduced me to the diversity and vibrancy of city life. To support my travel dreams, I have worked a variety of jobs including a set designer and scenic artist, actress, carpenter, baker, piano teacher, and teacher's assistant for visually impaired students.
I absolutely love expressing our travel experiences through the art I create.
The Grumpy Gnome is my beloved partner, in life and travel. He is also my reluctant muse. Though we have different interests and strengths, we balance each other well and have shared some epic adventures!
He wishes for his origins to remain mysterious.
His brilliant insight, penchant for finding incredible treasure, and indelible sense of humor will speak for him.
Photo taken in Prague, Czechia, 2018.
The most memorable encounters we have enjoyed as travelers have come from going off the main path--by allowing our curiosity and spontaneity to lead us into the open spaces of our itinerary. I encourage you to cultivate rich experiences, enhanced by connecting with the locals and listening to their recommendations.
To travel with an openness that allows magic to find you.
Some of our greatest discoveries have come from following our unique interests, rather than suppressing them in favor of the sites everyone recommends. Also, I feel it’s important to tell you that travel is not always comfortable. In fact, it will challenge you--but in the best, most constructive way. Keeping an open mind is key to embracing any experience, and this will empower you to connect with the diverse cultures and people you encounter.
Consistently, the best experiences we can recount were shaped by the unexpected, and through the phenomenal people we met on our journey.
Through our stories and resources, I hope to guide you to create an adventure originated by your authentic, pure, beautiful self. I hope to empower you to believe in yourself, and your ability to do whatever you set your mind to. I hope to encourage you to be open to new cultures, ideas, and places you’ve never considered going.
I especially hope that when you do make that journey, it is with an open mind and heart. To fully appreciate the diverse beauty and wonder of our world, and all we share it with.
To a magical journey ahead :)
Jessie & The Grumpy Gnome
Christmas Cheer in Salzburg, Austria
Sunset in Vernazza, Cinque Terra, Italy
From the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany (Bavaria)
Pushing Buttons in Venice, Italy
Rainy Night Walk in Matera, Italy
A Bright Afternoon in St. Mark's Square, Venice
Sunset at Krak Mound in Krakow, Poland
Portal to a 12th Century Church in Matera, Italy
Discovering Sculptures in Prague, Czechia
Twilight in Matera, Italy
Our disguises...
Caverns in Matera, Italy
Dinner on a cold night at the Stiegl Brewery in Salzburg, Austria
Wandering through wintry Bad Goisern, Austria
Sunset view in Vernazza, Cinque Terra, Italy
Having fun in Amsterdam, Netherlands!
At the top of the fortress, Hohensalzburg, Austria
Dancing in Venice, Italy
Wonders of the Black Forest, Triberg, Germany
Hanging with the trees in the Black Forest, Triberg, Germany
Where Google Maps Ends, Lake Halstatt, Austria
Snowfall near the Hallein Salt Mine, Austria
A Krampus Bread, Salzburg, Austria
Greeting the spectre in Salzburg, Austria
On the train in Inverness, Scotland
Evening drinks in Madrid, Spain
Dressing up in the Celtic Village in Hallein, Austria
Gluhwein deliciousness in Salzburg, Austria
Exuberant morning sun in Prague, Czechia
Playing around in Cesky Krumlov, Czechia
Spring Breeze in Prague, Czechia
Pigeon attack in Venice, Italy
Train Day! Cinque Terra, Italy
Sunlight in Corniglia, Cinque Terra, Italy
Gazing into the Sea, Vernazza, Italy
Winter Adventures in Bavaria (Germany)
Jessie & The Grumpy Gnome are based in Northern Indiana, where they create art, collect treasures, and plan adventures.
Their colorful home is shared with four furry companions: Kaia, Lucky, Max, and Banshi. You can find their travel stories, collections, and creations available on Patreon and all major social media platforms.
Contact Jessie through Gmail with inquiries, commissions, and further information. Happy Adventures!
Apostrophe Soul Radio
Where Soul meets Story.
Join the conversation with our podcast, Apostrophe Soul Radio! My friend Mary Beth Kaplan and I discuss our personal journeys and how we relate to a range of topics including spirituality, history, folklore, science, yoga, and the creative process.