Launch of A New Stress Relieving Blog!

Hello and welcome to my first Photo Girl Travels Patch blog!

My name is Shelley D. Spray and in celebration of this inaugural blog, I have a chilled glass of champagne poised at the corner of my keyboard and a few pieces of perfectly cooked bacon by my mouse.

It's truly the start to the perfect blogging session. If you’re just finishing up a stressful day in front of your computer, or right in the middle of one, this blog will be your virtual vacation spot so bookmark me know. You may be asking why?  Well … let me tell you a little bit about my new blog.

This blog will take you to off-the-beaten path destinations including castles, islands, country farms and historic mansions—not only in the local area but in California, throughout the US and Europe.

I’ll also take you into my crazy kitchen, where vegetarian bacon lasagna hits the table regularly. We’ll tour my overgrown garden and I’ll even take you into the surgical operating room where I have been shooting professional photography for more than 13 years.

I am also an avid solo traveler so if you’ve ever wanted to take a trip alone, stick with me. I’ll include special travel tips just for you. I’ll also keep you abreast of upcoming events and the trendiest hot spots including the best places for happy hour.

As for me? On most mornings you’ll find me in the local coffee shop with my “crew.” This is one of my favorite times of the day.

I have traveled throughout the United States and Europe, some parts of Africa and the Middle East. I’ve also lived in Paris for two years where I learned a little French and became obsessed with good coffee.

I shot professional photography and my clients include TIME Magazine and The New York Times. I believe boots can be worn year-round, bacon is the fifth food group and champagne is the sixth.

I’m not a fan of taxi cabs or buses and prefer to feel the street beneath my feet. Hence, you’ll see me wearing sneakers in most photos. The name of my bike does not start with “mountain” or “10-speed” and dons a basket and the ever important bell. I’m sure I have a salt addiction because I always travel with my favorite salt.

I’ve got some fun ideas for my next blog but for now I’m going to surprise you. That’s it for now. Get ready to have some fun!

P.S. The photo above is me in front of the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, NC which I will take you to soon. Please note, no lions were harmed while taking this photo. :)