A Look Back...And A Look Forward....

There is only one New Year's resolution that I have ever kept....and kept on keeping for four years. In 2010, I decided to start a photo project called "Picture of the Day". My resolution was to take at least one photo each day with the intention of motivating myself to use my camera every day, to see the world in new ways, and to create a visual diary of my life.

I can honestly say that I have never, not once, in the past 4 years missed a day and when I look back through the galleries, I am reminded of a thousand little moments that I otherwise would have forgotten, but which added together, make up my life.

There are many recurring themes: family of course, friends (new and lost), travel, jobs, babies, emotions, and simple documentation of some of the day-to-day routines including bills, errands, and drinking wine (which, in my life, is a routine). There have been times when I couldn't find anything that I really wanted to document in a certain day, days when my mind was focused on other things, days when my schedule took and I didn't realize until I'd already crawled into bed that I hadn't taken a picture...but I've gotten out of bed and taken one.

Just like the moments that they represent, these photos aren't all great, they aren't all exciting or wonderful - but that is my life - moments of normal mixed with moments of unbelievable. As I look back through these more than 1500 photos, two things are clear to me:
* I, just like each of you, have been blessed with many moments of wonderful that fill our years.
* And, along with those moments, come moments of sadness, fear, boredom, sickness, and pain.

When I look at the photos that represent some of my low moments over the past few years, I can remember exactly where I was, what I was thinking, and how I was feeling. This isn't your typical New Year's message but we all know it is true...sometimes life sucks.  But then a photo or two later, I would be reminded of a truly wonderful moment. Those are the moments that keep us going, growing, and moving forward.

I plan to continue my resolution into the new year and I have no idea what 2014 will bring but it is certain there will be moments of  joy, moments of beauty, moments of heartache, and moments of quiet.  I'm wishing you a New Year filled with the same... a year of moments that make up your life.

2010

Mollie in California

 

2010

I took this photo of a new bud growing just moments before I heard the news that Jennifer and Joe were going to have a baby. I could never have imagined how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren.

 

2010

Just a "Mary Tyler Moore" moment in Minneapolis

 

2010

And then she was here..Sammy.

 

 

2011

On my birthday in 2011, I went to a live taping of "Polka Spotlight Around The World" (confession: Guilty Pleasure).  I've watched this couple that I call the "Suspender Couple" on many shows. I learned at the taping that they had just returned to dancing after her battle with cancer. They held on to each other...always.  I thought they were beautiful.

 

2011

Ziplining Upside Down in Banff....amazing!

 

2011

Such a beautiful wedding

 

2011

One of many photo projects throughout the year...this one self portraits re-creating famous record album covers. This was my version of Pat Benatar's "Crimes of Passion"

2012

Mollie came home from India. We were so happy to have her home but the first hug went to Christian...her home.

 

2012

And welcoming another grandchild...Joey

 

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2012

Roadtrip to visit the folks in Texas

 

2012

More random silliness photo project - having a glass of wine by my Barbie pool

 

2013

Graduation

 

2013

Times Square with two amazing women - so proud!

 

2013

Celebrating my dad's 85 years

 

2014

STILL TO COME

 

 

 

 

Beautiful! Gorgeous! Wish you were here...Scotland and Ireland

Scotland and Ireland are two places divided by a small section of the Celtic Sea with a respectful rivalry but a shared sense of place. I've visited countless number of hotels, castles, family estates, restaurants, tourism attractions, and unfortunately at least one medical clinic and Scottish doctor. One thing is clear that all these places share is a knowledge of themselves and a fierce pride which made me wonder "what do I know about my own place in this world?"

Both Scotland and Ireland have documented history dating back a thousand year. Castles from the 1500's still stand and host local and foreign visitors. It's possible to look upon the pages of the gospel handwritten in 561 at trinity college in Dublin or sit in the actual chair of Mary queen of scots in Edinburgh. Throughout you will meet people who know the history of these places as well as they know the names and birthdates of their own children. They will tell you the stories of these people as if they had known them personally and stories of these events as if they happened inky yesterday. Woven into their stories is a fierce pride about the history and their connection with the place and the past.

Witnessing such pride, I am disappointed with myself for not honoring my own sense of place with equal passion. For years, I have been interested in my family history and have documented names and dates dating back generations. But I have not given the same attention to the history of my home. I have lived in my hometown for more than  40 years but would be hard pressed to tell a visitor anything about its history and what I do know, I think, we as Americans tend to relate to others with a sense of apology. We seem to dismiss  the beauty of our place, the stories of our past, and the reality of our current culture as though they are something to be disregarded rather than be proud of. Having been witness to the pride of a nation, I am ashamed that I haven't honored my own place in the same way.

We arrive at a place in this world - a place where we live and a place in time.  It is up to us to spend some of our moments learning about our place, honoring our place, and sharing the story of our place with the pride that is deserved. Without shame or apology, our stories have a place in this world no different than the stories of history.

Some notable moments that I have enjoyed over the past few days:
* Walking trough the Old Library at Trinity College in Dublin. The shelves of books reach to the heavens holding words and thoughts of I thousands of people. The smell of dust and history surround you and you can't help but feel such a sense of reverence for  oops, literature, and stories.
* Sitting in the chair of the Speaker at the House of Parliament in Belfast where the peace for a nation at war was negotiated and continues to be nurtured.
* Learning about the healthcare system of another country firsthand (unfortunately) while seeking treatment for an unprecedented and unexpected allergic reaction to....something...as yet undetermined.
* Being serenaded by a particularly toothless yet determined Irish man in a small pub where Guiness and whiskey are both on tap.
* Enjoying a very different kind of serenade by a local guide who sang a beautiful version of "Forty Shades of Green".
* Shooting bow and arrow on the castle grounds where "Game of Thrones" is filmed.
* Watching the sun rise over sea and the Slieve Donard Mountains.
* Enjoying some of the quirkier aspects of art appreciation of the Lords and Ladies of Ireland - including a vignette of stuffed fighting squirrels. My assessment: Weird.
* Learning how to pour the perfect pint at Guinness university.
* Seeing both Scotland Ireland decorated in their finest for Christmas and  hearing everyone wishing a merry Christmas (no politically correct and generic
wishes of happy holidays here).
* Simply having the opportunity to be here and enjoy these moments!

Beautiful! Gorgeous! Wish you were here...Valencia, Spain...

Just as there are some moments in our lifetime that are so powerful, we are left with nothing but raw emotion. There are also certain places in our lifetime, that will affect us like no other leaving us momentarily speechless. For me, one of these places has been Valencia, Spain.  Valencia differs greatly from Barcelona. Where Barcelona is sophisticated and city-fast, Valencia is charming and full of a character that makes me feel completely welcomed and as though I've found a new home. The same "Barcelona" attitude exists - living in the moment - but in Valencia it seems, that moment is somehow exaggerated in color. The city center is....alive...there are people and colors and smells and tastes. And, you simply can't drink it all in quickly enough. It is like quenching a thirst from a hose. Everywhere I turned, there was something that I wanted to photograph, to capture, to remember. However, I had a quest to accomplish in Valencia. I was in search of the Holy Grail.  And I found it.

At the Cathedral of Valencia, there is a chalice that is supported by many Christian historians to be the Holy Grail - the actual chalice that Christ drank from at the Last Supper. It is said that, even in ancient times, at such a dinner where Jesus would have been guest, he would have been given the finest glass in the house. The original chalice was carved from polished agate and now forms the top of the chalice to which a gem-laden stem has been added. There is a long history of those  who have cared for this chalice and how it finally came to reside in the Valencia Cathedral. The Cathedral is located in the center of the historical city, surrounded by a plaza filled with coffee shops and boutiques. You approach the front doors on a cobblestone walk. For only 5 Euro, you can purchase a ticket that will allow you access to the Chalice room, as well as an audio tour of the Cathedral itself. Of course the chalice is the highlight and you are brought there first. It resides in a small side chapel and I was able to stand only feet away from the actual Grail. Is it the actual chalice? I don't know. There is no question that it is old - historians have verified its authenticity to that of the time of Jesus. But, as I stood there looking at it, I couldn't help but think...what if it is the actual chalice? How amazing that for a walk down a cobblestone plaza and 5 euro, you can stand within feet of a cup that was once held by Christ. I spent longer in this chapel than you might imagine, taking it all in. As you leave the Chalice room, the rest of the cathedral is there before you. Originally built in the 1200's, it has been continually constructed since, and the artwork and history in each of the side chapels is worthy of many moments pause. I absorbed the entire audio tour, I captured what I could in photographs to take home with me, I lit a candle in remembrance, and I was left speechless with its beauty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“When supper was ended he took this glorious chalice into his holy and venerable hands, giving thanks, blessed you and gave it to his disciples saying: “Take this, all of you, and drink from it: this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me."

(Eucharistic prayer I, Roman Canon. Cf. Matthew 26-29; Mark 14, 22-25, Luke 22, 1520 and I Corinthian 11, 23-25)

As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, we are celebrating our moments and remembering moments with those who are no longer with us to celebrate. We each likely find traditions or other ways in which to remember them. Ornaments that are placed on the tree. Our grandmother's china set on the Christmas table. A Christmas carol that we sing each year because we know how much someone else loved it. This is what we do. We remember. And we honor the memories.

I wish you and your family a Thanksgiving filled with moments worth remembering... as well as moments in which you remember and honor.  Happy Thanksgiving...

 

 

 

Beautiful! Gorgeous! Wish you were here...Barcelona, Spain

 

“There is graffiti everywhere,” is the first thing that I think upon leaving Spain’s Barcelona airport. On building walls, on roadside barricades, on cars, on buses…graffiti is everywhere.  I am determined not to let this first impression color my attitude towards the city too early.  I don’t want to judge this place based on only the area surrounding the airport. However, as the road leads me further into the city, the graffiti remains. And, now after a couple days in Barcelona, I think the graffiti is representative of this place in a very fitting way. It is not ugly, or meant to offend, but rather it is art form…from and for the masses. And, like the city, it is colorful, vibrant and full of energy. Barcelona leaves you with a surprising sense of constant motion mirrored by an opposing leisurely pace and patience.

While the graffiti stands as evidence of the fast pace and passion of the young, there is probably no truer example of a patient and loyal passion than the Sagrada Familia. The Church of the Holly Family is a Catholic church designed by Spain’s revered architect Antoni Gaudi. He had a vision and a passion that led him to design this church and the building of his dream began in 1882. It still is not done. The work has continued through and past his lifetime to the current day. It is expected to be completed in 2026. It is more than a building and, in fact, it is more than art. It is a tangible expression of the passion of the people of Barcelona. And evidence of the patience that sometimes is required for passion and for love.

This is city that values the moment they are in. Whether it is a fine meal, a nice wine, a good conversation, or a beautiful sight…the people here seem to move at a pace that allows them to enjoy. Barcelona is chaotic and quiet. It is youth and old age. It is black and white, and it is every shade of color. Take a moment today to live the Barcelona way…enjoy the moment.

 

 

 Some logistics:

·         A variety of hotels to fit every budget are plentiful in Barcelona. I have been staying at the Melia Barcelona Sarria which is a very nice hotel, focused more towards the business traveler and located centrally to shopping, restaurants, etc.

·         If you don’t speak Spanish, you can still travel to Barcelona. Though I’ve been brushing up on my Spanish from high school, I only know enough to be dangerous. When I realized yesterday that my curling iron wouldn’t work with my travel converters, I decided to find a nearby store to buy a European hair iron. However, when asking the concierge where I might find this, I may have said something like “My hair is like a horse” or “The horse is on my head”. I’m not really certain. However, I then decided that if I couldn’t tell them in Spanish what I was looking for, clearly the best option was to go with pantomime. As I stood in the lobby pretending to curl my hair with my hands, and pretending to plug in an electric cord, I really wished that I had started my language “brushing up” much earlier. That being said, many of the Barcelonians do speak some English.

·         The food has been amazing – seafood, rice, paella and lots of wine and chocolate. Really…no more needs to be said.