I've got this thing for gardens... and paths. My heart always skips a beat when I see a meandering path, and I have no choice but to follow it. I am so excited to see what lies around the corner, a fountain or fish pond, a fig tree or a valley of ferns. There is beauty in the wild, there is beauty in the manicured... but more than that, there is beauty in the unknown.
Oh come with me
Beneath an olive tree
And dream the day away...
xoxo
This past weekend was my grandmother's 80th birthday. 80 years... and still her beauty radiates like no other. For her whole life, she has taken care of her family. She's kept us warm, first sewing and knitting clothes for her children, then grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. She feeds our bodies with delicious cooking and baking, and no-one ever leaves her house empty handed. But most importantly, she feeds our hearts and souls with an unconditional love in a way only she knows how.
I am so blessed to be part of this family. It is made of a fabric woven of love and hope, mistakes made, lessons taught and knowledge gained. It is made of forgiveness and acceptance. It is the net that catches me when I fall, it is the support that encourages me to follow my dreams. It is everything... and it all started with this amazing woman whom I call Grandma. I see her in all of us, some have her eyes, some her smile... but I can only hope to have even a sliver of her spirit, this beautiful, enduring spirit that keeps her radiant today.
You are our treasure, Grandma, in every way. Happy 80th Birthday... xoxo
I love exploring and not knowing what lies around each corner, the anticipation of what you might see. Better yet, I love turning a corner and discovering a little hole in the wall filled with treasures. In my wanderings through Zurich I came across Truffe, and was drawn in by the elegant window display (ok... and the promise of chocolate!). It was not only filled with chocolate from around the world, but also luxurious accessories and elegant gifts, including tea, wine, books and dishes. Elisabetta created an exquisite concept store filled with treasures... and while I sipped my real hot chocolate, I got lost in all the wonderful details that separate Truffe from all others. Truly beautiful Elisabetta! Thank you for the wonderful conversation and tasty hot chocolate!
He was my grandfather. We called him Papa. He was a simple man, from what I remember, from the stories I've been told. He was a war veteran. He fell in love overseas and brought his Dutch bride home. He was a mailman and refused any promotions that took him off his walking route. He loved people. People loved him. He was a photographer. He documented life. His passion was trains, and he would travel anywhere and everywhere to photograph them. His collection is one of the largest in Canada. Every photograph he took, he printed as an 8x10 and wrote the location, date and subject names. His home was filled with filing cabinets to house all these images, and he knew where each and every one was. He walked or rode his bike everywhere. One of my favorite stories is that he was pulled over by a policeman from riding his bike too fast down the old Royal Oak hill Road. What I would pay to witness that scene... priceless...
What I really loved about Papa was that when I moved to Vancouver, he would telephone me and say "Hi darling, I was hoping to call on you today". He was an absolute gentleman.
To this day, when I see an older bike, I think of him... my Papa, camera slung over his shoulder, slacks and polished shoes, riding faster than the speed limit down a steep hill... off to capture his next train.
I miss you, Papa... xoxo
Walking the maze of narrow streets was quite a task, ducking and dodging hundreds upon hundreds of umbrellas. Making our way to Piazza San Marco, we were surprised to see most of it under at least a foot of water. Being the lowest point in Venice, it is always the first to flood, from heavy rain or storm surge. The tourists didn't seem to mind, some taking off their shoes and making their way across the square. Most though, took refuge in the covered walkways, warming themselves with cups of espresso and watching the rain come down... and down... and down.
I've seen Venice on a pristine sunny day, and now I've seen it on a dark and stormy one. Both hold their own beauty of a different kind...
Known as piccola Roma (little Rome) for its importance in imperial days, Verona is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Wandering her streets, we came to Piazza Delle Erbe, where storm clouds were brewing behind the baroque Palazzo Maffei, decorated by statues of Greek gods. Situated in front is the majestic St. Mark's Lion, the symbol of the Republic of Venice.
