Valentine's in Vegas

I must admit, it sounds a bit cheese-y, doesn't it? Valentine's in Vegas? Really?! Not to mention the irony involved...my husband and I don't gamble! So why would we choose this place of all the possibly far more romantic locales we could have decided upon? Namely this, it afforded me the opportunity to attend a production I've been wanting to watch for years, the Cirque du Soleil. For our very first show, we went to see Mystere and I was not disappointed! Touted as "an intriguing blend of beauty and strength, power and grace, passion and precision", Mystere was just that. I was truly amazed by the talent, strength and skill of the artists. Their performances left me awestruck and many times on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to watch another one!

entrancing drummers

amazing acrobats

astounding contortionists

fantastical costumes

I've Been Tagged!

Michelle, this is for you....Thanks for giving me a reason to blog here!

3 Joys

• my adorable son
• smiles and kisses from my hubby
• a nice cup of tea or a hot mug of coffee

3 Fears

• anything wiggly or slimy
• not being prepared
• port-a-potties

3 Current Obssessions or Collections

• writing
• at the risk of being repetitive...coats
  
• OCD - obssessive Cullen disorder (ha-ha, had to throw in a Twilight reference!)

3 Surprising Facts

• I once wanted to be an astronaut
• Orange was my favorite color in kindergarden
• I love baking but don't care for cooking too much
  

A Girl Can Dream

I found this on Paloma's blog, La Dolce Vita. It is officially on my list of dream homes!

Maui on My Mind

Balmy breezes. Swaying palm trees. The delicate scent of plumeria. The whisper of the ocean waves. The exotic flavors of papaya and guava. Ahhh, Maui. Just got back late last night. Miss it already!

Mamma Mia!

Skopelos, Greece

My mom and I just saw this movie and now I am dying to visit the above location.

The Fireflies Have Arrived!

Thank you, Michelle! See the post below, for it is a fitting tribute to you, one of my oldest and dearest of friends....

A Toast to Friends Old & New

photograph by John Granen

I have a new friend to thank for this lovely homage to old friends....

"...being with my old friend, caused me to contemplate just how important these sort of touchstones are in one’s life. Places you can return to, and friends that you can be with, that remind you who you are. Who you really are. Deep down. When you spend time with a friend such as this, it is restorative. There is an ease of conversation emanating from a shared history, a finishing of each other’s sentences, comfortable companionable silences, and the salubrious joy of being understood without effort. That type of friendship, I’ve found, is harder when one gets older. Perhaps we tend to grow a little more guarded with age. But if you are blessed, as I am, with an old friend, I wish you a clear summer day like mine and a chance to appreciate that friendship anew."

Raise a glass to all of our dear friends, old and new...

Nature According to Lord Byron

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,

There is a rapture on the lonely shore,


There is a society, where none intrudes,


By the deep sea, and music in its roar.


~Lord Byron~


I've just returned from a camping trip to the Mendocino Coast.
These are a few of the natural and scenic photos that I took from there.

A Fabulous Fourth

one of the many quaint Carmel cottages that I admired

Just a brief report on my Fourth of July weekend. It was one of those memorable occasions that can be attributed to that perfect combination which makes any gathering a success--good food and lots of it, a lovely location with just the right ambiance, and most importantly, people with whom it is a joy to be with! Of course, that included my mother, my one and only sister and her gregarious husband, and many of my oldest and dearest friends along with their families. It was blissful to watch the children immensely enjoying themselves as they frolicked along the shore, dodging waves and building sand castles, while the adults busied themselves with their own amusements--the men bumping a volleyball or throwing a football, and the ladies unsuccessfully tossing a frisbee but still managing to have a good time! It brings to mind something that I had shared on Brin's blog:

"There are so many beautiful things about life. One of them are those brief moments in the midst of crazy, hectic fun or sublime merriment where you pause, take a deep breath, glance around meaningfully, and realize just how blessed you really are--that profound stillness filled with thankfulness directed to the God who has graciously allowed us to enjoy all things."

I certainly felt this that day! So suffice it to say that I am feeling very thankful--for friends, for family, for freedom and for fleeting moments of beauty!

Firefly Dreams

If you've read my sidebar, you would know that seeing fireflies is something I've always longed to do. In my youth, I'd often stare up at the stars, mesmerized by the multitude of those fixed points of light that illuminated the night sky. How much more enchanting would it be to witness the magical dance of fireflies on a warm summer night! To be honest, I don't know if I'll ever have the chance in this lifetime to witness such a spectacular sight. At least there are pictures like the one below to satisfy somewhat.


Then, there is this faux firefly jar! I think I may have to purchase this and place it in my son's bedroom. Then, both he and I can dream of fireflies together.

Art & Artifact

I've Been Sucked In!

I blame my sister for catapulting me into a world of vampires and werewolves by introducing me to this series! Thanks to you, I am now absurdly aware of shiny silver Volvos and have officially added the name Emmett to my baby names list.

Check out: Twilighters Anonymous

Summer Solstice

A something in a summer’s Day
As slow her flambeaux burn away
Which solemnizes me.

A something in a summer’s noon —
A depth — an Azure — a perfume —
Transcending ecstasy.

And still within a summer’s night
A something so transporting bright
I clap my hands to see —

Then veil my too inspecting face
Lets such a subtle — shimmering grace
Flutter too far for me —

The wizard fingers never rest —
The purple brook within the breast
Still chafes it narrow bed —

Still rears the East her amber Flag —
Guides still the sun along the Crag
His Caravan of Red —

So looking on — the night — the morn
Conclude the wonder gay —
And I meet, coming thro’ the dews
Another summer’s Day!

~Emily Dickinson~