Ode to Springtime

“Forget me not,” we cried, All the while knowing that sometimes, during the deep dark days of winter, You wondered would we rear our beautiful bowed heads? While the skies darkened, and the rains fell, We were quietly working our magic in the deep dark soil of the earth, Simply waiting for our time to…

Ode to Hands

To left and right, to  the shared balance of power between you, to the openness as you extend your palms in a welcoming greeting, I bow. To these ten fingers, to left and right, to the clapping and meeting as you salute others in peace, recognizing the presence of each divine soul, Namaste. To hands…

Reflections on Vienna

It began with a new pair of shoes, as all magical stories do, and ended with a ride in a horse drawn carriage. Could this be a fairy tale? Quite possibly.  It doesn’t have a wicked witch, a prince or an evil spell but it does have: beauty, color, beginnings, middles and endings and a…

6 Little Monklings…

Six litte monklings went out to play, Following their Abbess into the woods for the day. With a hike and a walk and a ponder and a muse, They came upon a swing and they had to choose. And they swung so high, And they giggled with glee, As they played and  laughed for all…

Ode to soul filled Color

You stopped me dead in my tracks as I rounded the corner in the Albertina Museum. Your blossoming colors reached into my heart and my senses came alive to your fragrance, as if your very perfume could fly through the air from your canvas. Chagall, your mastery and imagery of ‘sleeping woman with flowers’ spoke…

Ode to Vienna

You have surprised me with your ancient beauty. My eyes are opened and enriched; drawn toward and in as my gaze lands softly upon your face. My heart has welcomed new friends through paintings that call my name unexpectedly and stop me in my tracks. My ears are gently opened by the symphony outside my…

Ode to Viennesse Pastries

You call my name from behind your glass case; Your sugary nature beckoning through the gaze of your chocolate glaze. The glimmer of your flesh as the light hits your red skin tempts my senses. Through colorful layers of increasing depth and density, my taste buds come alive to your elegance and savoring delight as…

Searching for beauty in the desert

Yesterday, I  returned from a four day trip to Albuquerque, N.M. Upon first impression it was: barren, desolate,  and brown. The  city and surroundings felt worn out, old and tired. I was there because my eldest daughter was participating in the WAC indoor track championship for Seattle U. She’s a thrower; translation, she spins in…

A Foodie Find in Albuquerque, N.M.

This morning I ate the best Croque Madame – ever! And I have sampled my fair share of these delectable breakfast/brunch items in various locations around the world, and this one topped the entire lot. If you ever find yourself in Albuquerque,  make your way to The Grove Cafe and Market, 600 E. Central Ave…

Giddy in Napa Valley

One could say that I’m giddy simply from the effects of wine tasting at 6 wineries today plus a glass of wine at lunch :). In reality, it extends beyond that and I am thankful to be celebrating an early 25 years of marriage with my husband, Dave. We first visited the valley in the…

Giddy in San Francisco

It feels somewhat surreal to be sitting here in the park at Hyde St Pier after 15 years since moving to Seattle from the bay area in California. I find myself reflecting on memories, friendships, experiences and the births of both my daughters. They were born in Santa Rosa in 1992 and 1994. Dave and…

Giddy in India

I posted previously about my excitement about our family traveling adventure to India. I am now home and wanted to share a bit about our adventure. My giddiness was about the joy of being able to share the culture, complexities, people and history of India with 2 of my children. India is a complex, diverse,…