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.

 

Preparing For The Journey

There are many things that I love about travel. Seeing new and unique places, meeting people from other cultures, tasting local foods and seeing a bigger picture of our world all rank high on the list. But the element that probably defines me as a true travel geek is the fact that I love preparing for the journey...almost as much as the journey itself. 

Soon, I will be traveling to Spain and I've been enjoying the preparation for this journey. I've been brushing up on my  non-existent Spanish skills.  While I certainly am not conversational, I can ask for directions and order a beer....which, let's be honest, can amount to survival skills. I've also been reviewing my itinerary and creating a detailed packing list (another geeky thing I love...lists) and am enjoying planning what clothes to bring and envisioning the places I will wear them. I will pack too much as I always do and swear that "next time, I will not pack so much!"  I'm thinking about my responsibilities at work and planning what I need to take care of prior to leaving, what will need to be addressed during my journey, and what I'll need to take care of once the trip is done. It's said that the trick in life is to "not look for joy in the destination, but rather in the journey". I believe that to be true, and for me, some of the joy is in preparing for the journey itself. However, not all journeys are eagerly anticipated and preparing for those journeys not so joyful.

On Friday of last week, my older brother, Mike, received some very difficult news. He has been battling health issues for many years. He's a fighter and has overcome numerous health obstacles. But it seems that his body is tiring of the fight and now his doctor has told him that it is time for him to prepare for what will come next for him. As he begins to take this all in, he is suddenly faced with what must seem like endless preparations: appointments with hospice, medications to be administered, paperwork to be managed, people to be informed, wishes to be communicated, material decisions to be made, family to be held and prayers to be spoken. With a difficult journey ahead and preparations to be made, Mike is doing what he must and he is continuing to fight. 

It's a journey that each of us will make. Some of us will be given the opportunity to prepare and others of us may not be allowed that time. And even though we know this in our heads and know that we probably should be taking a moment each day to make these same preparations, we feel a false sense of luxury in the time we have ahead of us. 

But if I might, I will ask you to do two things today. First, if you have a moment, please send up a prayer for Mike - a prayer for his health, his strength, and his comfort as he continues to face life's challenges. And second, take just a moment to consider the words that he shared yesterday...."Be good. Love everybody."  I think that about sums it up...what else could there be?

Beautiful! Gorgeous! Wish You Were Here...Moab, Utah

When we arrived at the Minneapolis airport and told the ticket agent we were traveling to Moab, and she responded with a completely blank expression...."I have no idea where that is", I knew we were in for a trip to a very unique place in the world. Moab lies on the eastern border of Utah, near Colorado, proudly placed near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. It is a place of raw beauty where everywhere you turn, you are reminded of our own insignificance in this world.

To say that the scenery is beautiful seems to be a very weak description for a place with such grandeur. There is quite literally nowhere you can turn where you aren't facing a canyon, a cliff, a desert, or a mountain that has stood there for thousands of years...that has stood the test of time. On our first full day in Moab, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to stand on the overlook of Dead Horse Point and watch the sun rise over the canyon. (This is the canyon where Thelma and Louise took their final...drive.) It was spectacular and I could only think about how huge and vast this space was and how I was so insignificant standing over it. We then journeyed to Canyonlands and stood next to trees that have stood watch over those canyons since before the time of Christ. And all I could think was that my life is just a heartbeat in comparison. Those trees have stood there through countless generations and will continue to stand there long after I am gone. The experience left me feeling insignificant in comparison to the universe but also, in a way, feeling quite connected to the universe as well.

We happened to be in Moab during "Gay Adventure Week" and on one of our free days, we went into town for the Gay Pride parade. As far as gay pride parades go, this was a pretty small affair but the people who were there were so joyful and so accepting of everyone who joined them. I stood just a few feet away from the mayor of Moab as he kicked off the parade that morning. He said:
"Today we bury fear and recognize our common humanity with all its differences. We are bound together by humanity. Regardless of whether you are rich or poor, regardless of your color, your sexual preference, your politics or any other fact - each one us puts on our pants the same way." 

This is what travel is. When you go to another place, maybe even a place that the ticket agent at the airport didn't even know existed, you are given an opportunity. It is a chance to find your place in the universe, however small. Or to find your place in history, however insignificant. Or to simply be reminded that no matter where we are, we all share a common humanity.

So what to do in Moab?
1. At some point in your stay, hire a guide! I spent a day with a local photographer (Bret Edge - check him out at www.bretedge.com.) There is no better way to learn about an area than to explore it with someone who knows every back road, every hidden overlook, the name of every tree and plant. It will give you an insight to the destination that you will never find on your own.
2. Dead Horse Point - you HAVE to stand on this overlook and look into the canyon below - and if you can do it at sunrise, all the better. Stand with someone you love. Or stand with a cup of coffee and take it in on your own. However you choose to do it, just stand.
3. Shop at "Cowboys and Indians" on the main street in town. The jewelry there is unique, local, beautiful and the prices are very reasonable. I bought a bear pendant (to symbolize strength) and an opal and turquoise ring shaped as a buffalo which has so much symbolism within my family.
4. Eat at Jeffrey's Restaurant. Overall, the restaurant service in Moab leaves much to be desired. The food is good almost everywhere but in many cases is served by young kids who are only working enough hours to support their habit...not drugs...but canyoneering, or riding, or biking, or other adventures. It makes them interesting and fun but not the most committed servers. However, the service at Jeffrey's is outstanding and the food is five-star. 
5. Do NOT call Moab Taxi to take you to the airport on the final day of your trip when you have no other transportation. I'm not kidding. Do Not Call Moab Taxi. Instead call my friend, Tom the taxi driver, with 259-taxi. He saved us by getting us to the airport on time with a last minute emergency call (it's not like there is a taxi at every corner in Moab). Tom is a hippie cowboy...after enjoying the 60's in Haight Ashbury, he became a guide of sorts. He was kind, interesting, and treated us as though we were no less than the Baron and Baronness he had escorted through the area the day prior. 
6. Look UP. The first night we were there, I just happened to glance at the sky and it literally took my breath away. There are more stars there than I ever imagined. Look Up.
7. Most importantly...take time to...stop....look around....take it in....and breathe. In Moab, none of us is as important as we think we are. It's okay to be reminded of this once in awhile, to feel small and yet a part of something larger at the same time...that is Moab.

Beautiful! Gorgeous! Wish you were here...Bahamas

We are on "Caribbean island time" and there can be no rushing and there will be no stress. This is how I am greeted when arriving in the Bahamas for an event at the Atlantis and a stay at the One and Only Ocean Club...and I find it to be very true.

Had I come for sunshine and beach time, I would have been very disappointed as it has rained almost continually since my arrival. September is rainy season and the time for hurricanes though thankfully we have only had showers. However the weather doesn't dampen the spirits of the group I am traveling with or the energy of the destination. I've realized during this trip that I had misperceptions about Atlantis even though I had never visited here. I envisioned it as an overly large playground for adults and while it is large, and it is a playground for people of all ages, it is these things in the best way. The resort is massive but easily navigated and most everything is a short walk or shuttle ride away. The hotels are fabulous and the food is amazing. Between us, I travel with the best intentions of eating only fruit for breakfast and a light salad for lunch but instead find my plate somehow filled with eggs and bacon in the morning and coconut shrimp in the afternoon. Oh well...so much for good intentions.

I have been attending a trade show this week sponsored by a number of hotels in the Caribbean. Think of it as speed dating for hotels and buyers. We had two days of back to back 20 minute appointments with each hotel to learn about their properties in hopes that we will have some group business to bring to their destination.  I visited with hotels from the Dominican Republic, Colombia, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Aruba, Antigua, Mexico....the list goes on.

I was joined by about 40 other buyers and four days ago, we were complete strangers to each other. But I know them now. I know about their businesses and more importantly, I know about their lives, their families, their stories and their hopes. Over nightly dinners (with open bars), we have talked and laughed and become friends.

Now the show is over and I've transferred to the Ocean Club for a private one night site visit. This is a 5-star luxury resort visited by the rich and famous (of which I am neither). It is the best of elegant luxury and my butler awaits my any command. Yes...my butler...I just wish I could think of something for him to do. I now need to finish my hotel tour and then catch up on some work, but then plan to enjoy a glass of wine in a hammock overlooking the water. I am by myself but as my driver, Bernard, told me as we approached, "welcome to the One and Only where no one is ever lonely". (The islanders tends to talk in Iambic Pentameter, I'm not sure why).

So what were the moments that mattered in the Bahamas?

* Making new friends with people from all over the world.

* A particularly creepy bonding moment with a fish at Atlantis who I refer to as "Mr Limpet". Does anyone remember that movie with Don Knots from the 1960's about a man who fell in the ocean and turned into a talking fish? I swear to you this fish looked exactly like him and as I stood in front of his tank, he swam up to me and stared eye to eye. I couldn't break the gaze and I felt guilty walking away. What was he trying to tell me? I might never know. (Of course, a few glasses of wine might have been the real reason behind the power of this encounter but...believe what you will.)

* Watching the most incredible sunrise over Atlantis. The sky exploded with neon red and orange - it was spectacular.

* Hookah smoking...long story.

* And then back to my driver this morning. We were chatting about the weather as he drove. He shared his philosophy that a little rain just doesn't matter and you have to have a great time wherever you are... enjoy the moment. I realized then that we were kindred spirits. Then he told me about the singing he does for his church and I asked him the name of his favorite hymn. For the rest of the drive, he sang "How Great Thou Art" in the most beautiful baritone voice I've ever heard. It was a blessed moment for which I'm grateful.

Yes...How Great Thou Art...