Present in Paris

Looking at Paris in this light, I am reminded that being somewhere new is a great way to stay fully in-the-present. I begin to search for landmarks and some street names that I will remember later. He and I navigate along the Left Bank and later to the Right Bank. Following signs to the Metro and deciphering maps we explore the City of Light. With senses heightened, I am living in the moment.

We walk through the Tuileries Garden and I admire the many beautiful statues. We stop for a meal and savor each bite of steak and frites. I taste my food and sip red wine. Intentionally slowing down is a helpful way to be present. With conscious effort, I guard my mind from: Did I unplug the coffeepot? Is the alarm clock turned off? When I get back I need to make an appointment with…. Dear Sylvia, we are having a wonderful time in Paris… Yes, I can even begin to compose postcards.

At home with familiar routines, I find myself on autopilot more often than I care to admit. I take the same path, thoughtless about where I’m going. Thinking about what needs to be done and daydreaming about what I wish I were doing, the days begin to blend together and weeks slip by unnoticed. There’s nothing like travel to shake away complacency.

As I try to relish in each moment, I begin to wonder how to take this awareness home with me. While visiting the Pere Lachaise Cemetery, the message becomes clear. All these beautiful resting places adorned with flowers, become a sober reminder that life is fleeting. When we get back to our hotel he tells me, “Let’s change our reservations and extend the trip, and hopefully we still have jobs when we return.”

9/18/06

Happy Birthday Mom
Have a wonderful day.
I love you.

prayer

Tonight I send up a prayer for Jack Davis, who suffered a heart attack this past weekend. "I ask You Lord, to surround him with tender mercies, love, and grace. May You fill Jack with with peace and the strength needed to recover. Please comfort and strengthen his loved ones as well. I ask this in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen."

Valley of the Moon

Sunday morning we went for a massage. That was a nice treat for us both. We later found the Jack London State Park which turned out to be far more interesting than we'd imagined. There is a little house/museum. Apparently he lived on this property from 1905 till 1916. He built his dream house (very large) and it sadly burned down before he and his family moved in. There is also a grave site where he and his wife's ashes are laid.

We made a stop at Viansa on our way out and picked up some nice wines. It's a beautiful winery, designed to resemble Tuscany. It was a treat to have sunshine and warm weather all weekend because once we were back at Golden Gate Bridge, it was like nature opened her freezer!

It was a beautiful weekend and I wouldn't have done it any other way. It was exactly how I wanted to spend a milestone birthday, thanks to George, my love, for making it all possible.

Wine Country

When your day begins with gelato , you know it's a good day. This is at an art/street fair in downtown Napa.


Did a little wine tasting at the Madonna Estate winery, and had a picnic lunch. George opening a very nice chardonnay.


We stayed in a nice hotel just outside of Sonoma. Turns out B&B's are booked way in advance and require a two-night stay! We'll do that another time.

So Long 39...

My hairdresser Paco gave me a complimentary up-do for my birthday. It's a tad windblown, but it is supposed to look like twisty ribbons.
Beginning a new and fabulous decade tomorrow and will be out on a fun adventure with my sweet George.
Ciao!

George in Alaska; he could 'bearly' contain himself

more from Alaska

pizza haiku literally

boboli with cheese
mushrooms salami basil
pizza for dinner

thinking about writing

I sit here thinking about writing goals. Should I sign up for the 2-year course? Should I find a local writers group? I do however, think I will join an online group "Sunday Scribblings" with a weekly writing prompt. http://sundayscribblings.blogspot.com/

What is it about the desire to write and the actual DOING the writing? There seems to be a large gap between the two, for me at least. Sadly, I THINK about writing far more than I actually write. I mean, aside from a few scratches here and there in a moleskine journal, working on a creative piece or project. The fact that I am not 'working' on anything creative, blocks me! Is that crazy? That's why I think I need some structure, whether involved in some group(s) or taking a class. It keeps the pen moving! Whatever works, right? I'm sure most writer's have their own battles with the page. If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to send 'em!

sailing down the page

It's good to be back and finally caught up on rest and back in the groove of work and all. This week I came across a writing program that operates as a correspondence course with a mentor and lessons over a two-year period! The price is very fair and the guy who heads this up is reputable. I'm intrigued. I'm praying for some guidance and soul searching to see if I am really up for such a long-term commitment and can muster the discipline necessary to successfully complete this program.

My new job is going very well. I really like everyone and I'm learning more. It's a good change for sure.

I just heard on the news that some crazy man w/mental issues drove around the city running people over in the street and sidewalks on purpose today! There were 14 victims. Sad.

Before I get down on the world again, George comes over to remind me that there are good samaritans and good things happening every day. He always brightens my perspective.

birthday's

Happy Anniversary -August 28

46 years
and still going strong!

greetings from the dining room

bacon, pizza and fries

Anchorage

A few pics from Achorage. There was a cute park in Town Square with lots of flowers and a waterfall.
Top Left- Justin & Katie, Top Right - me and George, Bottom Left-me and Mom, Bottom Right-me and my sister.

from the ship

Justin & Katie had bunk beds in their room.

There was a chess game on the lido deck nearly as big as the Harry Potter chess set.

To the right was our dining table every night.




The College Fiords were my favorite Glaciers to see! Simply amazing. This view is from our balcony.

back in the "Lower 48"

We were greated by these guys at the Anchorage Hilton.





Back from Alaska & Vancouver. Have lots of pics to download and I'm just too tired at the moment.
Much more to follow later.
It's true what they say about cruises,
way too much good food available at all times!

expressive moment

My heart wells up like a wave
More than I can contain
Splashing forth onto my loved ones
And into my prayers
to the One who loves me MORE than
I will ever comprehend

anniversary weekend

What a nice anniversary weekend.
Nice weather.
Nice walks in the park.
Nice steak dinner.
But most of all, the best company at my side.