Stories and Scribbles

Fabulous Fridays: Love

2012-02-10T17:41:00.001+01:00

Valentine’s Day is just round the corner and it feels like love is in the air. Wherever I look my senses are bombarded with red hearts, red roses, red lingerie … red is the order of the day – with some pink thrown in for good measure. The day has, of course, become commercialised to the nth degree and the very word ‘love’ has become a cliché. So I guess I’ve become to Valentine’s Day what Scrooge was to Christmas.

Source: youngmarriedchic.com via Inari on Pinterest

But before I dismiss the whole shenanigan as the proverbial humbug let me just make it clear that I do believe in love. In True Love. In the type of love that makes my spirit soar and my heart sing. And there are, of course, hundreds of thousands of quotes about love, in all languages and from all ages, yet my favourite one, the one that sums love up perfectly has to be this one:

Source: flickr.com via Yvonne on Pinterest

So here’s to the little things. To the little nothings that mean so much. To the simple ways of saying “I love you” …

Like cuddling on rainy days …

Source: randomitus.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

A kiss in the sand ….

Source: imgfave.com via Amruta on Pinterest

A snow heart …

Source: lifeisgood100.xanga.com via Mary on Pinterest

Doing silly things together …

Source: drcatherinesoldtimeytonic.tumblr.com via Catherine on Pinterest

Holding hands …

Source: google.com via Savina on Pinterest

Writing little love notes …

Source: sundaylovexo.onsugar.com via Maggie on Pinterest

And I wish you all a love that will last till the end of your days.

Source: meggielynne.tumblr.com via Dana on Pinterest

Because LOVE really does make the world go round.

For Him

2012-02-06T22:15:00.001+01:00

He’s growing. So fast. I selfishly wish I could stop him. Stop time. Stop the world in its tracks For him. For that mischievous, boisterous laugh. For the innocent wonder in those big brown eyes. For those magical moments that will never come again. For him. Just for him.

My little Mischief Maker turned 6 yesterday. It seems like it was not too long ago that he was a cuddly baby. Now he’s all little boy - playing with trucks, planes and trains and running all over the house making all sorts of engine noises. There are days when I just want him to be quiet but then I remember that each phase lasts so little. I am trying my best to be patient and to enjoy every single noisy minute before it’s gone, leaving only the memory.

Since it was his birthday, my husband and I dedicated the past weekend solely to him – making sure he got to do the things he enjoys. His requests were pretty simple. He wanted to go for a walk to Chadwick lakes and then to Dingli cliffs. It was cold in Malta this past weekend, as it has been all over Europe, but down in the valley by the man-made reservoir that we call Chadwick Lakes, it was strangely calm and warm.

The birds sang in the bare branches of silver birch trees and the wayside was lined with pretty Cape Sorrel flowers.

Above us grey clouds raced to their next destination. And, as we were about to leave, the pretty blossoms of an almond tree beckoned – the earliest promise of spring.

The looming clouds made the view from Dingli cliffs more spectacular than usual. Patches of sunlight were surrounded by walls of greyness.

In one place rain fell; right next to it, sunlight broke through the clouds. It was definitely cold up here, completely at the mercy of the wind. Before too long the rain began to fall around us too.

It was our cue to get into the car and drive off. We had lunch at McDonald’s (where else?) and then went to the cinema and watched Puss In Boots in 3D. And of course, if you’re 6 years old, no birthday is complete without a chocolate cake decorated with the image of your favourite soft toy.

Thanks to my husband for patiently creating the mouse from icing sugar. I could never have done such a wonderful job.

Wednesday Wanderings – Ben’s Lake

2012-02-01T19:28:00.001+01:00

Some places just make me smile. This is one of them. This lake has no name, as far as anyone can remember. I call it Ben’s lake. Ben is, by marriage, my husband’s uncle. Although he is in his eighties, Ben still has a wicked sense of humour and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. But I am straying from my subject …

The lake is a favourite haunt of mine whenever we visit the small town of Canton where my husband grew up. It is situated right down the hill from the house were my in-laws still live. So I often walk down there, cherishing the silence and the solitude. In summer I am accompanied but a host of insects and other little creatures (I prefer not to think of the snakes that might be lurking in the grass).

This time it was colder and my only companions were my thoughts. It is the perfect place to do some soul-searching or to just while away the time. Here, the memories of summer BBQs and carefree days seem to linger in the air. This place is timeless. I can sit on the swing and pretend I am twelve years old again. Or even younger than that. The possibilities are endless. Yes, the perfect location to build my castles in the air … to sleep, perchance to dream* …

* Quote from Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet, Prince of Denmark’.

Photographed in

Canton (MO), December 2011

Tunes On My Playlist - More Than Words

2012-01-29T22:05:00.001+01:00

One of those rock ballads that sends shivers up my spine as so many memories come flooding back, More Than Words was released by Extreme in 1990. This song was one of the greatest hits for the band on both sides of the Atlantic. Its message is as poignant now as it was when it was released.

More than words is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
'Cause I'd already know

(Lyrics by Nuno Bettencourt and Gary Cherone)

This song is a reminder than sometimes words are not enough and just saying ‘I love you’ does not necessarily make things better. It’s also one of those ballads that I sing along with at the top of my lungs whenever I hear it. Astonishingly, I even manage to keep in tune

Some Things Just Require Cake

2012-01-24T22:47:00.001+01:00

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Lorna on Pinterest

I could do with a nice, thick slice of cake right now. Life is good. But time is short. Last Sunday I was wishing that every day was made up of 32 hours instead of 24. In that way I would have an extra 8 hours every day just to do the the things I really love – whether it’s playing with my son, blogging, making cupcakes or just sitting on a couch and listening to the wind. An extra couple of hours would also help me get to grips with de-cluttering the house. I am such a sentimental person. I hold on to things because they may remind me of a special person or a special moment. But since we don’t live in a mansion, I need to pull myself together and start donating or selling some stuff. And then there’s the Mischief Maker’s ever-increasing collection of trucks, books, games and sundry plastic reptiles that he adores.

So I guess it’s time to take a deep breath, stop looking at magazines (incidentally, are real houses ever anything like the ones in the magazines?), find some cardboard boxes and start de-cluttering. A nice piece of cake won’t hurt either.

Wednesday Wanderings: A Stroll Around Hannibal

2012-01-18T22:35:00.001+01:00

This was not the first time that we visited Hannibal (MO). However, all our other visits took place during the summer. I have to say that I missed the stalls selling fresh lemonade – but mid-December temperatures and ice cold lemonade do not go really well together. This time I had the opportunity to stroll around Hannibal by myself. It is a quaint little place - a small, sleepy town on the banks of the mighty Mississippi. It still has an old-time feel and charm to it. The main street is lined with art galleries, antique shops and small boutiques.

Every year Hannibal receives thousands of visitors from all over the world. Its main claim to fame, of course, is that it was the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain). I am sure that the boy who is now known to the world as Mark Twain would have no difficulty recognizing the town of his childhood because it is delightfully well-preserved.

Hannibal is a place where I love wandering around and staring at all those things which, to me, look so wonderfully different to everything I am used to. From its reddish-brown brick buildings,

to its unique signs

and grandiose banks that are no longer in use,

this is one of those places where I hope that time will continue to stand still.

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During our recent visit last December, my husband was given the opportunity to exhibit his painting at the Hannibal Alliance Art Gallery. Most of his paintings were inspired by Malta and by places we visit on our travels like Venice and the Tuscan countryside. You may read more about his art show on his blog Creative Canvas. Below are some of the paintings. In case anyone is interested, a number of these are still for sale.

Frost

2012-01-16T22:14:00.001+01:00

We had no snow during our recent vacation in Missouri but we did have some frosty mornings. It was never a heavy frost, the days and nights were not cold enough, but on patches of grass growing in the shadow of leafless trees, nature worked its simple magic long enough for me to capture its handiwork with my camera. And now I have an everlasting memory of a unique, natural beauty.

It was just a hint of a frost, but as the tiny crystals reflected the rays of a silvery sun, it provided enough enchantment to hold me in thrall, to stop my feet in their crunchy tracks and gaze in rapture at its fleeting, delicate beauty.

Fabulous Fridays: Tangerine Tango

2012-01-12T22:15:00.001+01:00

So here I am, back with a Friday post that is full of everything fun and frivolous. As some of you may, or may not, know Pantone have chosen Tangerine Tango as the colour of 2012. This colour is bursting with energy and positivity and can definitely be classified as a happy colour.

Source: chroniclebooks.com via Lauren on Pinterest

How you use it, if at all, depends entirely on your whim and tastes.

From fashion …

Source: refinery29.com via Tia on Pinterest

To home décor …

Source: blog.hgtv.com via Krista on Pinterest

To so many other things in between …

Source: beautylish.com via Hannah on Pinterest

Source: weddings.theknot.com via All Occasion on Pinterest

We can probably all use a bright pop of this warm, vibrant colour somewhere in our lives.

So what is it going to be:

Shoes?

Source: google.com via Alli on Pinterest

Bed linen?

Source: greenteadesign.com via Nathalie on Pinterest

An accent wall?

Source: greenteadesign.com via Nathalie on Pinterest

A comfy couch?

Source: whippedstyle.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Or do you do what I do, stay with the colours you like and don’t give much thought to what the people at Pantone decide?

Enjoy your weekend and, no matter what your favourite personal colour scheme is, I hope that these Tangerine Tango images have provided just the right amount of summery glow to those of you who may be dealing with cold, grey winter days.

Source: ohjoy.blogs.com via Jane on Pinterest

Tangerine Tango as defined by Pantone’s executive director Leatrice Eiseman:

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it. Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

There And Back Again

2012-01-09T22:22:00.001+01:00

We made it – to Missouri and back. Now it’s back to the normal routine – after we recover from our jet-lag. It seems to be taking a bit longer this time. We had a wonderful time except that the much-longed for snow never made it to our area. Apart from that it was a relaxing and fun-filled vacation. In due course I will be sharing more about our little adventures.

In the meantime I would like to wish you all a very happy new year and I would also like to thank you for taking the time to stop by, read and comment. Your visits keep this blog alive. I have missed visiting your blogs and can’t wait to drop by and see what you’ve all been up to. I think that by tomorrow I should be sufficiently recovered to be able to ‘do the rounds’.

Tunes On My Playlist – Christmas Medley

2011-12-11T22:55:00.001+01:00

It’s that time of year again – my favourite time of year. Amazingly, or perhaps not, it seems as if each year the time between one Christmas and the next only seems like a few weeks instead of twelve long months.

Below are some of the songs and tunes that I look forward to hearing as soon as December 1st dawns. Cheesy? Perhaps. Christmas memories are always special and these tunes all take me back to happy moments.

Queen: Thank God It’s Christmas

An evergreen song from a legendary band. Freddie belts out this classic in his inimitable style and fervently makes me hope that the joy and goodwill of Christmas will last throughout the year.

Band Aid: Do They Know It’s Christmas

This the Christmas song from my teenage years – a time when most of the guys singing this song were the major heart-throbs of many a teenage girl. I remember this was one of the first singles I bought – if not the very first one. Of course, that was before CDs were invented – or at least, if they had been they had not yet made their way to these shores.

Charlotte Church: O Holy Night

Uplifting and beautiful. Charlotte Church has a voice like an angel and her rendition of this Christmas classic is one of my favourites.

The Corrs: Silent Night

All the Irish need to do is speak for the words to sound like music. The Corrs’ version of this most popular of Christmas carols has a wonderful Irish lilt to it. This carol always moves me to tears and I love it in any language that I hear it sung. It also brings back childhood memories of cold, December nights back at a time when it seemed like we actually used to have a winter. Or maybe my memory is getting hazy …

As you may have noticed, I have not been visiting much lately. The reason is because I have been busy packing and preparing for a long and special trip. This year we will be spending Christmas with my husband’s family in Missouri. I will do my best to come round and visit as soon as we are settle and, hopefully, will have time for some quick posts myself. In the meantime, I wish you all the best that this wonderful season has to offer …

Wednesday Wanderings: Breezy, Beautiful, Bewitching Burano

2011-12-07T22:18:00.001+01:00

Burano bewitched me. That is a fact. From the moment I set foot on this colouful little island situated a few miles away from Venice, I was in love. After the splendor and decay of Venice, Burano had more of a village feel to it. The canals and waterways are wider here, the houses less tall. It was less crowded and with more open spaces. More importantly, we could feel the remnants of a breeze rolling off of the Adriatic and winding its way through its streets.

Without a doubt, comparisons are odious, and there is no way that the humble fishermen’s houses of Burano can ever compete with the grandeur of the palaces of Venice. But the simplicity of this place is palpable.

From the leaning tower of the church of San Martino, to the cheerful houses lining the canals, Burano seems to be a completely different world. The contrasting colours of the pretty houses and their reflections in the water of the canals are a photographer’s dream.

There’s something endearing about a place that paints its houses in such boisterous colours; something intrinsically appealing. I couldn’t get enough of Burano. I would gladly have walked its peaceful streets till sundown, enjoying the glimpses of homes that I got through the curtains that, in summer, doubled as doors; smiling at the unabashed lines of washing strung across sleepy courtyards and all the time wondering what it must feel like to live in the proximity of such a famous neighbour. Burano is in no way pretentious but I came away with the certainty that it has an innate charm all of its own.

Tunes On My Playlist: Skin

2011-12-04T22:44:00.001+01:00

Skin is a single from Sixx AM’s album This Is Gonna Hurt. Sixx AM was formed in 2007 and is a side project of Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx. While most, though not all, of Motley Crue’s music is probably what many would describe as ‘dark and heavy’ I find Sixx AM’s music to be more poetic and mellow. Skin is a wonderful song with thought-provoking lyrics. A recurrent phrase in the song is ‘you are not your skin’. I have written about Nikki Sixx and his addictions in my review of his first book The Heroin Diaries. This year Nikki launched a new book entitled This Is Gonna Hurt which showcases his photography and more of his journal entries. I have not read the book yet but I have listened to several tracks from the album that was released to promote the book. Skin is about the homeless, the drug addicts, the disabled, the prostitutes. It is about the marginalized members of our society. Those whom we see but render invisible. Those we do our best to ignore.

Skin is a powerful song – it is an invitation to look beyond the physical and search instead for the beauty inside. I could write so much about how evocative I find the words of this song. I could write so very much … But I won’t. At least, not today. I’ll just say that the subject matter is very close to my heart.

I am including the lyrics to Skin because, even if you do not care for the music that comes with them, they are beautiful in their own right and deserve to be read like you would read any other poem.

"Skin"

Paint yourself a picture
Of what you wish you looked like
Maybe then they just might
Feel an ounce of your pain

Come into focus
Step out of the shadows
It's a losing battle
There's no need to be ashamed

Cause they don't even know you
All they see is scars
They don't see the angel
Living in your heart

Let them find the real you
Buried deep within
Let them know with all you've got
That you are not your skin

Oh [X2]

When they start to judge you
Show them your true colors
And do onto others
As you'd have done to you

Just rise above this
Kill them with your kindness
Ignorance is blindness
They're the ones that stand to lose

'Cause they don't even know you
All they see is scars
They don't see the angel
Living in your heart

Let them find the real you
Buried deep within
Let them know with all you got
That you are not your skin

OHHHHHHHHHH

Well they don't even know you
All they see is scars
They don't see the angel
Living in your heart

Let them find the real you
Buried deep within
Let them know with all you've got
That you are not
That you are not your skin

Oh [X2]

Words by Nikki Sixx via A-Z Lyrics

Fabulous Fridays – Chocolat

2011-12-01T19:52:00.001+01:00

I’ve seen the movie. Twice. And I’ve read the book. I usually prefer the book to the movie but, in this case, I really have no preference. The movie brought to life all those delectable chocolate goodies that the booked described so well. So how could I complain? Of course, casting Johnny Depp as Roux was the frosting on an already delicious cake – chocolate, of course.

Source: google.it via sheshome on Pinterest

I love chocolate. I love it to the extent that I would happily skip a meal to indulge in a chocolate bar or a ~~cup~~ cake. Dark, velvety and rich is how I like it – the higher the cocoa-to-milk content the better. I have eaten chocolate that consists of 95% cocoa. Sinfully delicious – yes I can totally agree with that. While the Olympian gods feasted on nectar and ambrosia, the gods of the Mayans had their fill of the cocoa bean. I have no doubt as to what I would be eating all day long if I was a deity with no concern for my waistline.

I will leave you with some pictures of delectable chocolate creations which I wish I could reach into my monitor and eat.

Source: cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com via James on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: anjasfood4thought.com via Kelli on Pinterest

Source: joyofbaking.com via Cassandra on Pinterest

Source: mybakingaddiction.com via creactivity on Pinterest

Are you hungry yet?

And, of course, I could not help but include some memorable scenes from the movie.

Running On {Almost} Empty

2011-11-28T19:52:00.001+01:00

As weekends come, it was a busy one. Preparations for our Thanksgiving celebration started Friday night when the Mischief Maker and I made the Pumpkin Roll. It was really straightforward to make and, although I do not think that the smell of pureed pumpkin is exactly appetising, the final product tasted so much better than I expected that I was very pleasantly surprised. I tweaked the original recipe which I found at Mel’s Kitchen Cafe just slightly by adding about 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice to the rest of the ingredients. Admittedly my roll is rather flat …

My sweet American and I spent most of Saturday cooking. I tackled a batch of breadsticks inspired by Olive Garden. I found the recipe at Full Bellies, Happy Kids. I could not, for the life of me, remember what Olive Garden breadsticks tasted like but The American said that the ones I made tasted like the real thing.

We opted not to cook turkey this year. I do not particularly care for it and, when we make it, it feels like we’re eating left-overs for ever. We went for capons with a citrus herb rub instead. The American prepared the birds. He has a knack for cooking meat which I seem to lack. Of course we made side dishes too and a cranberry margarita courtesy of Bobby Flay. We did not go for traditional recipes this year because sometimes I get a bit tired of traditions, preferring to make our own. So Saturday passed in a blur of cooking and washing what seemed to be an endless amount of pots and pans. It was worth it though.The meal was lovely as was the company.

Sunday I woke up feeling like I had run a marathon and would have gladly spent the day in bed. However I managed to summon the energy to go to Valletta and visit Patches – The Special Market.

The first Patches Market was held about a year ago. It is an artisans market which is held every 3 months or so. Some exorbitantly-priced items apart, it is a wonderful place to pick up hand made items, especially with Christmas around the corner.

This is the last weekend before the Christmas shopping chaos starts. I particularly enjoyed taking photos in the near-empty streets. That’s when one can really appreciate the full architectural beauty of our capital city.

I suddenly realised that sometimes, when I start to write, I just can’t stop.

Wednesday Wanderings: Art Overdose At The Louvre

2011-11-23T22:03:00.001+01:00

To say that the Louvre is huge is probably an understatement. Wikipedia describes it as ‘one of the world’s largest museums, the most visited art museum in the world’ and home to over 35000 works of art ranging from pre-history to modern times. Entering the place as we did via a passageway from the Palais Royale-Musee de Louvre metro station did not prepare us for the sheer size and magnificence of the place.

We finally got to see works of art that we had only seen in books - life-like sculptures, beautiful paintings, delicate glassware, and the list goes on … Here are just a few of my personal favourites:

Venus de Milo

Winged victory of Samothrace

Canova’s Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss

Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa

What, to me, felt even more enchanting that seeing these masterpieces face to face was the thought that I was walking in the footsteps of the Sun King. It was easy to imagine Louis XIV with his impeccably curled wig, his rich clothes, his high heeled shoes and with hundreds of courtiers and ladies surrounding him, mincing his way across the marble floors of this sumptuous palace.

What I had a hard time coming to terms with was how people found their way around this enormous place. I kept wondering whether they used to carry a map, like I was doing. Or perhaps living in the same place, day in day out, ensured that they had no problems navigating their way around.

Of course, Louis XIV considered the Louvre to be too small and dingy for his grand tastes, so he built the palace of Versailles. Which begs the question, how big, exactly, is Versailles?

After 4 hours of sheer art overdose, we decided that we couldn’t take anymore. It really is physically and mentally impossible to see the Louvre in a day. We exited through the Louvre Pyramid a structure built in 1988 to house the new visitor’s centre.

Architecturally, the Louvre is as imposing on the outside as it is on the inside. Even the grey clouds and rain that greeted us as we walked out could do nothing to dispel the sense of regality that the place exudes. It is sumptuous, over the top and majestic. A bit like its last royal owner, I suppose.

On Giving Thanks

2011-11-21T21:52:00.001+01:00

First of all I wanted to thank you all for sharing your thoughts regarding my question in my last post. I know that I am not ready to give up my other blog – at least at this point in time – but I have made a few decisions. I will diversify this blog so that it will include more of what I currently include in my other blog in its content. Sounds confusing? Right now I am still confused myself but I am working it out slowly in my head. As for the other blog, I think I will aim it more at tourists and people who want more information about certain places, museums, restaurants etc. I will see how it all works out.

Source: google.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Well, here we are in the second half of November. Like all holidays that are not celebrated here in Malta, Thanksgiving has, once again, crept up on me. Every year, sometime in September, I vow that this year I will have time to prepare a nice meal complete with all the trimmings and an appropriate table-scape. But, like all other years, I am unprepared. The meal will happen and, although we will try to keep it as simple as possible, browsing through various mouth-watering recipes posted on different blogs always leaves me spoiled for choice and utterly confused as to what to cook.

Source: etsy.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Sometimes I think we worry too much about the food and the traditions and forget that Thanksgiving is about giving thanks: for what we have, for the people in our lives and for a thousand other little things that may seem trivial but are really so important. Give thanks, above all, for life.

I would like to wish you all a happy Thanksgiving. We will be celebrating on Saturday since Thursday is a regular working day here. Enjoy the food and the beauty of the season. But above all, enjoy your loved ones.

Tunes On My Playlist – November Rain

2011-11-16T20:19:00.001+01:00

It rained. All last night and throughout the day. It was a gentle, soothing rain, quite unlike the torrential downpours that usually occur around these parts. The rain seems to have washed away the lethargy that had overcome me for the past couple of days. There are times when I could write a post every day and other times when I have to stand back and take a few moments to reflect. Right now I am wondering whether it might be a good idea to marry this blog and Snapshots of an Island so that I will end up with just one blog. It is not an easy decision and I would like your feedback my blogging friends. The truth is that I live on an island with 6000 years of history. I started Snapshots of an Island to separate the story of this island from the story of my life. But I am not sure whether this is successful or not. A lot of what happens, the places I go to, the things that I do, happen on this island and keeping the two apart is becoming harder and harder. I am Mediterranean, I live on an island and I love history. I think that these aspects of me need to find themselves onto this blog too. How it is all going to turn out, I don’t know yet. I will be doing a lot of thinking and some things will change, that’s for sure. And what better day to choose to stop and think than a day in November with rain pouring down while I sit in my cozy little nook and write? After all, this is the Mediterranean and rainy days are not the order of the day. To quote the song I have chosen today “nothin’ lasts forever, even cold November rain”.

I absolutely love this track. It’s not my all time favourite but it is in my top 10 favourite songs of all time. November Rain was released in 1992 by bad boy band Guns ‘N Roses. It is undoubtedly a rock ballad but the sweeping orchestral score that accompanies it gives it an extra edge, a feeling of grandiosity which, I am sure, is what front man Axl Rose wanted to convey.

In my opinion November Rain is one of those great songs that has withstood the test of time even though the original members of Guns ‘N Roses are no longer together. It is one of the classics of my generation. As the song plays in the background, the November rain continues to fall gently. It is time for me to wind down, rethink a few things and curl up with a good book – all perfect activities for a cold, wet November evening.

Fabulous Fridays – Friends

2011-11-11T17:45:00.000+01:00

Source: cherrybam.com via Lorna on Pinterest

I will be meeting my besties tonight – my friendship with some of these girls goes back many years. I have known some of them since we were 4 years old and then spent the next 12 years together until we left secondary school for sixth form (high school) when we were 16. We used to attend an all-girls convent school run by nuns and a cast of female teachers. The only 2 male teachers at our school were both well over 60 years old. We left school with a rather distorted vision of the world. Few of us were street-wise and we had to learn the hard way that not everyone had led the same protected life that we had.

We will be meeting at a pub-cum-wine-bar called Four Seasons which was very popular back in the ‘90s and was the stomping ground of many of us at the time. Owner Sammy has already been requested to play hits from the 80s and 90s. I envisage lots of laughter and reminiscing about the ‘old times’.

Source: imgfave.com via Lorna on Pinterest

After family, friends can be amongst the most precious people in our lives. True friends share our joys and comfort us in our sorrows; they are there when we need advice; they are their own person and also an extension of ourselves; they are the breeze in our sail and the wind beneath our wings. True friends are the ones that know our secrets; the ones that share our crazy moments and the ones that help us to, not just fly, but soar.

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Friends are not just about the here and now but about our yesterdays and our tomorrows.

Source: polyvore.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Wishing you all lots of true friends and wonderful memories. Happy weekend.

On Inspiration

2011-11-08T22:53:00.001+01:00

Uncommonly for me, I am struggling with words right now. Struggling to inspire myself, to write something eloquent. Struggling to strike a balance between a totally impersonal post and just how much of my personal life I want to reveal. What do my readers what to read? The straight facts? A sugared fictional version of my life? Or a marriage between the two? I know that I can write a good travel post but I cannot write about my travels all the time. This time of year always throws me into a bit of a quandary. Not much is going on – at least not much that is interesting to write about. So I was digging around and came upon this quote:

Source: babaloud.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Wise words indeed. Words that I need to frame and hang over my desk. Because I do wander – especially in my thoughts and in my writing. I wander there and back again; to realms seen and unseen. I dip my fingers in stardust and fall back to earth with a bang. I dwell in the world of elves and hobbits and emerge in the real world with reluctant, tottering steps.

I am a dreamer and I make no apologies. And I write – snippets or long rambling posts - finding inspiration from without and from within. And when that fails, turning to Byron and Tolkien, to the flowing prose of Daphne du Maurier and the unlikely poetry of Nikki Sixx. But through it all I am learning to find my voice. To be me. To search for words until they pour out of me like a spring stream. Indeed, I wander often but lost I am not.

Tunes On My Playlist – California Dreamin

2011-11-06T22:26:00.001+01:00

California Dreamin which was first released in 1965 by the Mamas and the Papas is one of my favourite ‘oldies’. It brings back childhood memories of record players and black vinyl records usually accompanied by lots of static. It reminds me of winters that actually felt cold, of cozy rooms and, I’m not sure why, of pink pyjamas. I am sure that my mum and dad still have the original album stached somewhere in their house. It was a time when music was raw and real. When it was still about the lyrics and the melody rather than about what the singer/s looked like.

I sat down with the intention of writing a totally different post today. But the words would not flow. It happens from time to time. I am finding myself listening to music a bit more these days – especially to those songs that evoke special memories. And when that happens, it’s like I’m in a dream world and my feet have difficulty staying on the ground. Perhaps I’m doing a bit of California dreaming myself right now. I know that I am always guilty of dreaming with my eyes open, so it’s hardly surprising. I’ll post again when I am back in the real world

Wednesday Wanderings: V Is For Venice

2011-11-03T20:34:00.001+01:00

Yes, I know, it’s Thursday but I experienced a technological glitch yesterday. So here is Wednesday Wanderings … a day late ….

Our first visit to Venice was just a day trip. We took the ferry from the mainland at Tronchetto. As the boat slowly chugged its way across the murky blue-green waters of the Adriatic the haze of a hot morning in mid-September danced before our eyes. Then, almost like a mirage, the towers and spires of Venice rose into view, impaling the sky like spears. It seemed as if someone was slowly raising a curtain as she revealed herself to us – La Serenissima: one-time queen of the Adriatic.

We docked at Riva degli Schiavoni and emerged on the quay, blinking in the sunlight and feeling dwarfed by the majestic buildings. Across the Canale di San Marco we could see the islands of San Giorgio Maggiore and La Giudecca guarding the cabal like protective arms. It felt surreal to finally be in Venice after all the photos and postcards I had seen of it throughout my life. Like all first-time visitors, we did the sights:

the Bridge of Sighs,

the Palazzo Ducale (the Doge’s Palace),

the duomo of San Marco with its Byzantine-inspired architecture,

the Rialto

and the view of the Gran Canal.

We had to share all these places with hundreds of other tourists all intent on taking the perfect photo. It felt chaotic, and a bit suffocating. I felt that Venice was losing some of the lustre that I had attributed to it.

We walked away and queued up with the Venetians at a little hole-in-the-wall paninoteca (sandwich shop) with no seating space. So we headed to the side steps of Piazza San Marco and ate our delicious tramezzini in the square that Napoleon dubbed ‘the most elegant drawing room in Europe’. After dining like paupers, but feeling like princes, we decided we would leave the crowds behind us and lose ourselves in the warren of alleys, streets, canals and bridges that make up Venice. It was here that I fell completely under the spell of this water-bound city.

It is hard to pinpoint exactly what is most attractive about this place. Certainly, part of its charm lies in its slow decay. Every year, Venice is sinking back into the cold waters of the Adriatic from which it rose. Its buildings have been patched and re-patched, the sometimes mismatching colours giving the place a delightful character and quirky charm.

Here in the back streets, Venetians were going about their daily life in a place where every errand has to be done on foot or by boat.

It felt strangely liberating not to be surrounded by cars of any sort. We were lost, literally and figuratively and it was one of the best feelings ever – discovering hidden little gems, uncovering secrets, wandering and pondering; walking with the ghosts of yesteryear. Because here in the shaded pathways that are known by such romantic names as sotoportego and calle, you will never walk alone.

Almost reluctantly we found a quaint sign pointing us to the Rialto and soon we were back in the crowded, jostling streets.

But Venice had done her work well and the spell she laid on us did not wear off. It was love at first sight and, as we boarded the ferry while the first rays of sunset burnished the waters of the Venetian lagoon, we vowed we would be back soon.

Indeed, we kept our promise and returned just two days later, preferring the silent seduction of the alleyways of Venice to the more commercial Gardaland amusement park. Both of these visits were what I call ‘whirlwind visits’. I knew we had to return for a longer stay with enough time to savour the place and visit its monuments. A year and a half later, we were back. So I suppose it means I have more of Venice to share with you some time in the future.

The Here And Now

2011-10-30T23:11:00.001+01:00

I have been longing for winter. Longing for grey days and rain; scarves and hats and mittens. And I have been gloomy for a while with these endless summer days that don’t seem to want to go away. But I’ve decided that it is useless moping. That I should be happy with the here and now. That I should be thankful for the sun, even though we need rain so much, because without the sun I would not be able to look out of my window and appreciate the sunset.

I am grateful for this mostly lazy weekend that has just passed. For time to catch up on some reading. For rest. For an extra hour in bed last night. For the little things which really are the big things.

Happy Halloween.

Source: bigcitybelle.blogspot.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Tunes On My Playlist – Hallelujah

2011-10-27T21:47:00.001+02:00

I first heard this song when I watched Shrek 2. I know, kind of pathetic. Since then, it has become one of my favourites. Hallelujah was originally released in 1984 by Leonard Cohen and has since been covered by various artists including John Cale, Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley, K.D. Lang, Alexandra Burke, Rufus Wainwright and around 200 others (according to Wikipedia). My favourite version is the one below by Bon Jovi.

Hallelujah is one of those songs that is easy on the ear. I love its cadence … “ it goes like this, the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall, the major lift”; its rather cryptic lyrics; its uplifting yet melancholic tone. I love everything about it really – a song I will happily play over and over.

Trick Or Treat?

2011-10-24T22:16:00.001+02:00

Today week is Halloween. Halloween is a tradition which has not really caught on here in Malta. Some children do dress up and go trick or treating but it is still a tradition celebrated by the minority. Like most Catholic countries our dressing-up extravaganza occurs at Carnival. When it comes to Halloween, most people give it a miss. But I suppose that going from door to door collecting candy is every kid’s dream come true. Growing up, I heard about the Halloween tradition from my parents who had lived in Canada prior to my birth. The door to door collection of treats sounded like a good idea to me. That is, until I heard that this was not always the safest thing to do.

Source: None via Lorna on Pinterest

I did some research on the origins of Halloween on the font of all wisdom (Google) and one thing that everyone seems to be sure of is that Halloween originated from the Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts believed that during this particular night of the year, the veils between the worlds was very thin and spirits from the other world could wander into our world. It was for this reason that people would go from door to door collecting food for the spirits of their loved ones, to aid their passage into the next world. The tradition of dressing up in scary costumes and of carrying lanterns ensured that any wandering spirits would take fright and flee. What is less clear is how this tradition took such a strong root in North America when no records exist of its celebration in countries like England and Ireland where the Celts originally lived.

Source: adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com via Lorna on Pinterest

It always amazes me how traditions from antiquity are not only remembered but are actually thriving after their inception thousands of years ago. Halloween, of course, is not the only tradition that can be traced to antiquity. Probably few people celebrating Halloween know or care where the tradition started. As a tradition, the only part that is attractive to me is the collection of candy. Spider webs, witches, grinning pumpkins and ghouls were never exactly my cup of tea. Needless to say, no one here decorates the house for Halloween except for some expats from Canada or the US.

In our family, the Mischief Maker dressed up for Halloween for the first time last year. He was a NASA astronaut. This year I think he will be dressing up as Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. Since I am a bit paranoid about taking him round to neighbours to trick or treat, we usually end up at my parents’ or at my aunt’s and they stock him up well for a couple of days. I am sure that as time goes by this tradition will creep in and gain a stronger footing in this country. I do not know whether that is good or bad. I suppose only time will tell.

Source: None via Melissa on Pinterest

In the meantime I invite you to take a look at some of the links below. I think there is something to interest everyone even those who are not necessarily Halloween aficionados.

* Woman’s Day provides a great tutorial on how to make tin can pumpkin lanterns.

* Kids or grandkids will enjoy making these fun Halloween crafts. With your help, of course.

* No Halloween is complete without a batch of caramel apples.

Source: 101cookbooks.com via Alison on Pinterest

* For my readers in the US, National Geographic has compiled a list of ten free to see Halloween events

* Finally, in keeping with the weird and wonderful spirit of this tradition, take a look at this article. Mind boggling, to say the least.

Fabulous Fridays – Pink

2011-10-21T22:28:00.001+02:00

Source: zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com via Lorna on Pinterest

It’s pretty, it’s girly and it’s fun and a lot of us stay away from it after our 10th birthday. Yet there is no denying that pink is a happy colour. From powdery baby pink to the deepest fuchsia and every shade in between, pink has a feel-good factor about it that I think few women of any age will deny.

Source: isleofview-facesoflove.tumblr.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Source: thehousethatlarsbuilt.blogspot.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Source: creepicrawlies.tumblr.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Source: chiq.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Source: 25.media.tumblr.com via Lorna on Pinterest

But the reason I have chosen this colour today is because, as you know, pink and the pink ribbon are the chosen logos for breast cancer awareness. October is breast cancer awareness month and I wanted all these pretty pink images to remind you to do your duty to yourself and to your loved ones to go and get checked out.

Source: blogs.babble.com via Paula - bell'alimento on Pinterest

If you are interested in aiding cancer research Novica will be donating 10% of sales from The Pink Ribbon Collection to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Wednesday Wanderings - A Walk On The Champs Elysees

2011-10-19T14:15:00.000+02:00

The Champs Elysees is French for Elysian Fields the place of the blessed dead in Greek Mythology. Perhaps it’s a misnomer since the Champs Elysees are very much alive. Stretching for almost 2km from Place de la Concorde, with its obelisk of Luxor, to Place Charles de Gaulle, the site of the Arc de Triomphe, this broad, tree-lined avenue is dotted with shops, specialty boutiques, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and hotels. It was hard to take it all in. My eyes kept flitting here, there, and everywhere. Although they did manage to stop and enjoy the lovely items in some shop windows.

Unfortunately, The American told me to walk on. Sigh. It was really hard, I have to admit.

We ambled along. Busy cities like Paris always leave me a bit awe-struck. I am not used to so many things going on at once and did my best to try and get a feel of the place. Slowly we made it to one of the most-recognised landmarks of the city - the Arc de Triomphe - a triumphant arch built by Napoleon and very much in the style of the triumphant arches of old that were built by the Romans all over their empire. It was even grander in person than I had imagined and definitely worth the hundreds of photos that everyone was taking. From the base of the Arc de Triomphe one can admire the broad vista of the Champs Elysees. The view from the top the arch is, of course, completely unobstructed but we decided to give it a miss. Perhaps next time …

With the din of unceasing traffic in our ears we left the Arc de Triomphe behind us and, walking back down the Champs Elysees, my mind travelled back in time, as it is so wont to do, to 14 June 1940 when swastikas and tanks rolled down the very avenue that we were walking on only to be followed, four years later, by the French 2nd Armoured Division and the US 28th Infantry Division.

As we got nearer to Place de la Concorde (formerly Place Louis XV) visions of a liberated France soon gave way to thoughts about the French Revolution. Because it was here, on this now busy square boasting an Egyptian obelisk and two huge fountains, that thousands of people lost their heads to Madame la Guillotine.

It is hard to imagine the carts trundling by with their terrified passengers moving closer to their doom. Hard to imagine the crowds, the boos, the sound of the blade as it sliced through the air, the dull thud of a lifeless head falling in the straw and the roar of approval from those that came to enjoy the ‘spectacle’. Yet it all happened here. The last place where Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI, Madame du Barry, Robespierre, Danton and countless others lost their heads. It’s hard to imagine that a reign of terror once held Paris in a vice-like grip. But it did and as I poised my camera to photograph the pristine square it seemed to me that the din of the traffic had changed to a chant and around me the words of Liberté, Egalité and Fraternité rose to a full-blown clamour.

In the heart of Paris the ghosts of those who believed in the rights that nowadays we take so for granted were thick around me to remind me that freedom is always bought at a cost. Because we might forget it, or even try to deny it, but the seeds of modern day democracy were sown here, on Place Louis XV in the shadow of the guillotine.

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I meant to show you Paris in just one post but, even though our visit was short (only 3 full days) it is impossible to do so. There is too much to see and to take in and, after all, this series is called Wednesday Wanderings not Wednesday Whirlwinds. I need to warn you that these posts will not be in chronological order. This week it was Paris. Next week it may be a totally different city. And if you are wondering how I remember all the details of trips I took over 2 years ago, well I always take my Travel Diary with me to jot down notes and random stuff. It’s a great way to jog my memory.

If you are interested in a short history of the Champs Elysees visit Places in France.

Of Partings And Life And Rain

2011-10-17T21:26:00.001+02:00

Sometimes we make plans. Trivial things like writing a blog post and including some pretty pictures. And sometimes things happen which make us take a step backwards and reflect. Last week my friend lost her mother to a sudden devastating illness and a couple very dear to my husband and I had to deal with the shock and loss of an ectopic pregnancy. At moments like these the question ‘why?’ naturally springs to mind. A question which, for the most part, will remain unanswered. Except that death and loss are part of life. Something we all have to deal with. But that doesn’t mean it makes these circumstances any easier.

Yet I do not want this post to be morbid and sad and that is why I stayed away from blogging last week. Because I know that when I write I have no control over my emotions and everything usually comes spilling out. But there is a lesson to be learnt from everything that happens around us – to hug those we love a little tighter, spend more quality time together, smile, laugh and turn our face to that ray of sunshine shining brightly through a chink in the clouds. Because life does not end on this blue and green planet that we live on. And because life, while we have it, should be lived with joy and hope and wonder.

Glad I got that off my chest …

Now for some lighter news … I am pleased to say that we had a thunderstorm early Sunday morning followed by a day of almost constant rain. I am sure that most of you are wondering why the mere sight of a few drops results in a blogpost from me but the truth is that I love the rain because we get so little of it and if woke up to grey skies every morning I would most likely be ecstatic every time I saw the sun. I guess it’s a case of longing for what we don’t have. Today we are back to cloudless blue skies but the wind is cool so perhaps I can safely say that summer is behind us. So I hope to be back in the groove – back to posting and stopping by to visit. In the meantime I will leave you with one of my favourite golden oldies by Credence Clearwater Revival.

Someone one told me long ago
there's a calm before the storm
I know,
it's been coming for some time.
When it's over, so they say,
it'll rain a sunny day
I know,
shining down like water...

I wanna know
have you ever seen the rain?
I wanna know
have you ever seen the rain
coming down on a sunny day?

Yesterday and days before
sun is cold and rain is hard
I know,
been that way for all my time.
To forever on it goes
through the circle fast and slow
I know, it can't stop I wonder...

I wanna know
have you ever seen the rain?
I wanna know
have you ever seen the rain
coming down on a sunny day?

Lyrics from Have You Ever Seen The Rain

by John Fogerty

courtesy of MusicBabylon

Adele, Amadeus and Aerosmith … With Some Apocalyptica Thrown Into The Mix

2011-10-09T22:46:00.000+02:00

I have recently discovered Adele. Yes, I know, most of you have probably been listening to her incredible voice for some time now. But I only very recently discovered her – like last week. That makes me sound like I was living under a rock somewhere on the moon. But it just happens that I barely listen to the radio these days. So musically, I am stuck somewhere in the last millennium. But people post YouTube links on Facebook and, every now and then, my curiosity is piqued and I decide to click on the link and listen. Well, in Adele’s case, I am so glad that I did. Have a listen to Set Fire To The Rain and let me know what you think.

As with so many other things, I have never been able to decide which genre of music I prefer. I do not like to stick to one niche and my list of favourite pieces of music and songs spans many generations but they all have one thing in common – they are all pieces that stir something within me – a memory, an emotion, a desire to hear more. I am moved to tears by Mozart’s Requiem every time I hear it. Aerosmith’s I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing takes me back to our wedding day, Apocalyptica’s Not Strong Enough reminds me of my dear friend Andrea who I knew way back in primary school and who now lives in Buenos Aires. She was the one who introduced me to this cello-paying foursome from Finland whose repertoire ranges from heavy metal to the classics and whose music can be so haunting. And I could go on. And on.

Source: music-for-music-teachers.com via Teresa on Pinterest

I know that some people stick to one type of music. If you ask The American, he will happily tell you that heavy metal is his music of choice and, although he will on occasion listen to other forms for a little while, he will always go back to heavy metal. That was and always will be his number one preference.

Source: google.hr via mia on Pinterest

So what about you, my dearest readers, what music do you enjoy? Do you, like me, have a fickle ear or do you stick to one genre all the time?

Source: stumbleupon.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Fabulous Fridays: Sugar And Spice

2011-10-07T12:00:00.000+02:00

Fabulous Fridays are about pretty things. The things which make us smile and say “ooooh” and “aaaah”. It’s about everything whimsical, frivolous, girly and fun. Sometimes it will be about eye candy and other times … well … it will be about the real thing. So I hope these photos will make your taste buds tingle – without having to worry about all the calories.

Image via Earthbacon

Image via Yeah Baby

Image via Oahu Weddings

Image via La Mia Vita Dolce

Image via My Recipes

P.S. If any of you are interested, the links should take you directly to the recipes. Have a sweet weekend.

Wednesday Wanderings – Remembering Lucca

2011-10-05T13:23:00.000+02:00

Wednesday Wanderings is a new fortnightly series that I am starting today. Going through my photo archives I realized that I have hundreds of photos that I took on our travels that can tell a story and which have never seen the light of day – or rather of the blogging world. I hope that you will enjoy this series and get a closer glimpse of these cities and places that I love so much. My first Wednesday Wanderings will take you to the Tuscan town of Lucca.

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Lucca was a surprise – a pleasant and lovely surprise. We went there not knowing anything about it except that it was a walled medieval city and came back vowing we would return. Behind its sturdy walls, Lucca revealed itself slowly to us.

We wandered along without rushing to see ‘the sights’ because, for once, we did not have a plan and it felt so good to be ambling slowly along. Unbeknownst to us, Lucca was hosting its Antiques Fair the day we were there. Oh those stalls – it was a vintage lover’s heaven: china, jewellery, junk, frames, toys, mirrors ...

What made it all the more charming was the backdrop of Romanesque churches, simple fountains and crumbling buildings.

We lost ourselves in the labyrinth of streets, taking in every single detail. The Lucchesi were out for their evening stroll, walking arm in arm, as is so common in Italy, or riding their bikes.

And my eyes drank in every detail, every little scene: delectable candy displays,

quaint shops,

romantic piazzas,

intricate ironwork,

pretty flower displays.

Seeing these photos, the memories come flooding back. Even after two years I can still see its piazzas and church towers, hear the vendors selling their wares. And if I close my eyes long enough, maybe, just maybe, I will wish myself back.

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The Mercato dell’ Antiquario is held in Lucca every third Saturday and Sunday of the month in the following piazzas and street: Piazza Antelminelli, Piazza San Giusto, Piazza San Giovanni, Piazza Bernardini, Piazza San Martino, Via del Battistero.
You can learn more about Lucca and its history here.

In Search Of Autumn

2011-10-02T22:21:00.001+02:00

It is not uncommon for the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’* to give these islands a miss. It is looking like this will be one of those years when we will have an Indian summer throughout October and possibly beyond. Faced with unrelentingly warm temperatures, blue skies and nary a spot of rain, it is hard to remember that in most places, cardigans, shoes and socks are the order of the day and that autumn is a reality and not just a dream. Of all our seasons, autumn is the most fickle and each year I play a guessing game with myself – will autumn show up or not?

I know that by now, in many places, the trees are starting to turn golden and red and orange and a part of me longs to witness nature’s special spectacle every autumn. I experienced this wonder of nature for the first time when we lived in Chesterfield (MO). It seemed like the trees changed their colour over-night, as if someone had stayed up all night and painstakingly painted the leaves one by one.

Surrounded by such beauty and having a lot of time on my hands (I did not work at the time) I had gotten creative and made this wreath, which has made it all the way to Malta, although its significance is rather lost here as almost nobody does any seasonal decorating (except for Christmas of course). Perhaps I should start a new trend?

Maybe instead of waiting for autumn to show up I should just create autumn inside our home. I found some excellent sites that can help me achieve this without too many problems. Here is short list of some wonderful ideas that you can re-create in your home or with your family.

With over 530 links, you will have plenty of ideas on how to decorate your mantel, shelf or ledges for fall.

Stuck for ideas on how to entertain the kids? 50 fun fall activities to do with your kids will provide you with plenty of inspiration and will ensure that you make a lot of memories along the way.

I really would like to make this pumpkin roll. It looks delicious.

Since the leaves don’t change colour here perhaps I can make pretty leaves myself. This tutorial gives step by step instructions on how to make wax paper and crayon fall leaves. Dare I ?

So while I wait and hope for this season to slowly make its way to our shores, I can always look at these 50 stunning fall foliage photos and dream …

Meanwhile I wish you all lots of …

Source: simplysweethome.com via Lorna on Pinterest

* quoted from “Ode To Autumn” by John Keats

The Colours of Fall

Photographed in

Chesterfield (MO), November 2003

The Road Less Travelled

2011-09-29T22:11:00.001+02:00

Source: tumblr.com via Lorna on Pinterest

And what about you, my dear friends? Which road have you chosen? It takes courage to travel on the less travelled road but, in the end, it will be more fulfilling, more rewarding. Happy weekend to you all.

The Last Hour Before Sunset

2011-09-27T21:38:00.001+02:00

I love it, the last hour before sunset. I love how the setting sun embraces the world in a golden glow. I love the quality of the light and its ability to create the extraordinary out of the ordinary. It is a magical hour, the last hour of sunlight, a serendipitous moment in time.

It’s my favourite hour, the hour before sunset, the hour that brings with it the promise of rest. I turn my face to bask in its beauty, lulled by its warmth, suffused in its light.

Something To Make You Smile

2011-09-22T22:41:00.001+02:00

I really wanted to write something interesting or meaningful or witty today. But I feel like a deflated balloon. It wasn’t a bad day. It was just a very long, intense day. So, I can decide to sit and sulk because I am feeling tired and dejected. Or I can choose to take life with a pinch of salt.

Source: frenchbydesign.blogspot.com via Lorna on Pinterest

I wish you all a wonderful weekend and trust that you will all find something to smile about. In the meantime I will try to calm my nerves as the Mischief Maker gets ready for his first day of real school.

Beginnings. Endings. Transitions.

2011-09-20T22:55:00.001+02:00

As the wheel of life turns so it brings with it endings and new beginnings.

Endings. Summer. A season in its death throes.

Beginnings. Autumn. Still mysterious, still waiting in the shadows, with its promise of crisp morning air, soft pink sunsets and steaming mugs of thick, hot chocolate.

Transitions. Lazy summer days slowly merging into the more hectic pace of autumn and winter.

Beginnings. Endings. Transitions.

Endings. A thistle – dry and dead; at its heart the beginnings of new life.

Beginnings. Rain. Fat droplets of cooling rain that made the hot ground sizzle and sing as it quenched a summer-long thirst.

Transitions. From the frills, flounces and pretty pastel clothes of summer to the darker, more sombre hues of autumn and winter.

Endings. Silence. The cicadas and crickets have ceased their song. Our days and nights now echo to the silent whisper of summer memories.

So it goes on … The death of one moment gives birth to the next. The wheel of life. Turning. Never flagging. Never stopping. Not for a minute. Or for an hour. Or for a season. Beginnings. Endings.

My 7 Links

2011-09-15T22:05:00.001+02:00

Amanda at Travels with Persephone has nominated this blog to participate in Tripbase's My 7 Links Project. The project aims to “unite all bloggers (from all sectors) in a joint endeavor to share lessons learned, and create a bank of blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again”. Each nominated blogger then selects 7 posts from their archives that fit into the following categories:
Your most beautiful post
Your most popular post
Your most controversial post
Your most helpful post
Post whose success surprised you
Post you feel didn't get the attention it deserved
Post you are most proud of

Thank you Amanda for nominating Stories & Scribbles to participate in this project. After a bit of pondering, here are my seven links:

Your most beautiful post

Seductive Siena is a post I wrote that came straight from the heart and just seemed to flow out of my fingertips. I wrote it soon after a short holiday in Tuscany back in 2009 (I can’t believe it’s been that long already) and I was still under the powerful thrall of the whole region. Siena is a place that I would love to go back and visit.

Your most popular post

I was not expecting Ruby Tuesday – Vintage Sign to be my most popular post and I always wonder why people like it so much. Perhaps it’s because there is the word vintage in it. Vintage has become popular again – not that it ever went out of fashion in my family. We love to re-use and re-purpose. Anyway, this post was part of a photo meme I sometimes participate in that has red as the main theme.

The photo was taken at an antiques fair in the lovely medieval town of Lucca in Italy. Sweet memories!

Your most controversial post

I usually try to steer away from too much controversy but I think that a post I write not too long ago entitled Love Yourself The Way You Are about women’s perception of their body shape is the closest I got to causing a bit of a stir.

Your most helpful post

Well, I don’t know if any of my posts were particularly helpful but I would say Friday’s Fun Finds: Free Actions For Photoshop provides a useful link to a site where you can download different actions to make your photos stand out or to give them that vintage look.

Post whose success surprised you

I wrote Bygone Days after someone sent me an e-mail of a number of old photos of Malta. My readers loved the glimpses I gave of Malta at the turn of the 20th century. It has changed so much over the years.

Post you feel didn't get the attention it deserved

I had only been blogging for a couple of weeks so this post did not receive too much attention. But I still consider Stormy Seas to be my personal love affair with the waters that surround this island.

Post you are most proud of

This has to be The Book Thief Who Stole My Heart. Inspired by the novel The Book Thief it is a small tribute to the power of words.

Now it’s time for me to nominate five other blogs for the 7 Links Project. So, without further ado, here they are.

Busy Days

2011-09-13T22:16:00.001+02:00

I wish I could say that summer’s end has brought with it a sense of tranquillity. But it hasn’t. Instead it’s been a time of frenzied activity, of tying loose ends, of organising a last couple of BBQs, of preparing for a change of pace. The Mischief Maker will start primary school in 2 weeks. It will be a new school, a new uniform, new friends … a new beginning. I think I am more nervous than he is.

Last week, a public holiday and a much-needed break from work (where it is also very hectic right now) were the perfect excuse to visit once again the small but spectacular doline called Il-Maqluba that I have written about on my other blog here.

Temperatures here remain very warm and, if it were not for the occasional cloud and the shorter daylight hours, you would be forgiven for thinking that that summer was on its way in instead of its way out.

But although autumn seems as elusive as ever, I am longing for windy days and chilly nights, for sweaters, scarves and boots …

Source: polyvore.com via Lorna on Pinterest

The cooler days may still take a while to make it to our shores but that does not mean I have been idle – a search for a new pair of riding boots is definitely in the cards. And since the weather wants to hold on to summer for a bit longer, who knows, I might even manage one last, invigorating swim.

Dream A New Dream

2011-09-07T22:29:00.001+02:00

Source: imgfave.com via Lorna on Pinterest

There are times when I need to hear something like that. When we start living life it is so easy to lose track of who we really are, who we’re meant to be. Some of us achieve our dreams at a young age; for others it may take a lifetime but, in the end, what we need to remember is that we can be anything we want to be – now or later – as long as we do not forget our goal or lose sight of our dream.

So no matter what age you may be, dream your dream and set out to achieve it, because you know you can do it.

Ten Things

2011-09-05T20:44:00.001+02:00

Last week I was tagged by Suze and Amanda. Thanks girls. I will be starting with Suze’s tag – revealing ten things about myself. So here they are, in no particular order:

10. After I married The American we lived in St Louis (Missouri) for a year. I was pretty homesick but what I missed most was that blue ribbon on the horizon that you can see from any town or village here. I don’t think I can live anywhere that is too far from the sea.

Downtown St Louis and Gateway Arch

9. We got married in Malta in a church called Our Lady of Jesus in my hometown of Rabat. Its foundation stone was laid in 1492 – quite appropriate, I thought, since 1492 was the year Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas.

8. When I took my pregnancy test and the result was positive, I closed my eyes and, for a split second, I saw a baby boy with lots of dark brown hair and big brown eyes. Nine months later he was born. It was the only time during my pregnancy that something like that happened.

7. I love to travel and I love European history. If I can do both on the same trip, then it’s total bliss.

The Louvre

6. I am more of a country girl than a city girl. I love the wide open spaces of North America.

5. Visiting all of the 50 states is on my bucket list. Up to now I have been to Utah, Missouri, Illinois, Nevada and Arizona. I have a ways to go still.

4. My favourite perfume is Miracle by Lancome. It is my ‘going out’ perfume and I have used it for the past 8 years. For everyday, I change constantly. As soon as I go through one scent I buy a different one. Right now I am thinking of getting this one.

3. My favourite place in the world is probably Rome. I love everything about it: the history, the food, the temperament, the architecture …

2. I love chocolate especially when it is dark and bitter. I am always on the look-out for a new chocolate dessert to make. I think I will try this cake for an upcoming BBQ we have next weekend.

1. Every September I desperately long for rain. When it does come, I love the smell of the clean, wet earth. Hopefully it will come our way soon.

A Rainy Day Last Spring

This is going to be a short work week for me. Thursday is a public holiday and I am taking Friday off. So a lovely long weekend looms on the horizon. I wish you all a great week.

Thanks Suze for the tag (you may find Suze at Girl Wizard). Now it’s my turn to tag the following ladies:

Amanda at Travels With Persephone

Maggie at The Unibrow

Gattina at Writer Cramps

Leslie at Let A Joy Keep You

Lila at A Simplesmente Lila Braga

Love Yourself The Way You Are

2011-09-02T01:00:00.000+02:00

I was browsing around on Pinterest the other day when I came across this:

Source: None via Lorna on Pinterest

My first reaction when I saw this was to snigger and think ‘really’? But by next reaction was one of shock and alarm. Why, you may ask? Because some women posted comments that were in total agreement with this statement. And this set me thinking about the power that the media in general has over women and their bodies. I would have thought that after so many celebrities have come public about their own battles with anorexia and bulimia, a message like this would be considered both banal and unacceptable. Apparently not. Now I am all for healthy eating, and I see nothing wrong with eliminating junk food, but do some women still not realize that eating a balanced diet is essential? And that population genetics plays a big part in our body shape? That it is normal for a woman to have some curves or some fat and that we can’t all look like walking planks? Why we beat ourselves up constantly about our body shape is beyond me – and I am saying we because I know of very few men who go to the extremes that some women do to look skinny. In fact, in this long list of celebrities who have spoken openly about their eating disorders there is only one man (Elton John and, without any disrespect to Sir Elton, we all know he is not an archetypical male). What scares me is the effect that a statement like the one above will have on teenage girls, especially on those who already have self-esteem and self-image problems. We have become obsessed with our appearance for all the wrong reasons. It seems that the superficial has taken precedence over what really matters.

Source: healthyhazards.tumblr.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Perhaps it’s about time that all women take a good look at their shape, at their body frame and like what we see in the mirror. Perhaps it’s about time that we embrace ourselves as we are. And perhaps the poster below should be displayed along-side adverts featuring impossibly thin models.

Source: absenceofalternatives.com via Lorna on Pinterest

After all, all cigarette boxes come with a health warning. So why should the attainment of an impossible body weight not come with its own?

Cool Breezes

2011-08-29T22:07:00.001+02:00

After more than 2 weeks of hot, humid weather without the slightest hint of a breeze, this weekend brought wonderful respite in the form of a strong north-westerly wind. Sadly, it probably won’t last very long but I’m enjoying it while it lasts. As always, the weekend flew by and a whole week of work looms ahead. But at least I will have some wonderful memories to tide me over to next weekend. Like the surprise party that the Mischief Maker and I organised for my husband’s birthday with a lot of help from my mum. Thanks mum xx

We created this cute card for him. I found the inspiration here. Thank goodness for creative people who come up with these simple ideas. We both had lots of fun doing it.

I also made these lovely blueberry cupcakes. The recipe is here. I dressed them up a bit with fresh cream and fresh blueberries. The sprinkles are the Mischief Maker’s addition. He adds them to every dessert.

Saturday evening the Mischief Maker slept over at my parents’ house so that The American and I could go out on a birthday date. We decided to try out the relatively new Trabuxu Bistro in Valletta. I loved the décor which is an eclectic mix of vintage and modern.

The premises were formerly a piano store and I used to frequent the shop to buy books in my piano-playing days.

On a different note, I very rarely promote a product, as you know, but I have totally fallen in love with Avon’s Overnight Elixir. It has proved to be a blessing during these humid, hot weeks making my curly hair soft and manageable without creating a gunky mess.

Finally, Suze at Girl Wizard sent me on a wonderful trip down memory lane by writing a post about some of her favourite songs growing up. I can’t stop humming this one by Mr Big. I hope you enjoy it too.

P.S. any time I ‘promote’ anything you can rest assured that I am not getting paid for it. When that happens, you will be the first ones to know.

Wise Words On Wednesday

2011-08-24T23:14:00.001+02:00

Source: citygirlchichome.blogspot.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Wednesdays are supposed to be wordless but I love to break the rules.

This quote is just too good not to share. So enjoy every minute. You’ll be glad you did.

Till next time …

xx Loree xx

Blissful Serenity

2011-08-22T22:15:00.001+02:00

It’s August. It’s hot. And the humidity is reaching unbearable levels. Escaping to the beach is the wisest thing to do. But it gets so crowded at this time of year, tourists and locals everywhere, and our beaches are so small.

There are days when peace and quiet are essential for my sanity. So that’s when it’s important to walk that extra mile, climb over those obstructing rocks, make that extra effort – to escape the noise and the chatter and to find a blissful pocket of serenity. Then to let the lapping water soothe the senses while drinking in the silence.

Such are the small pleasures of a Mediterranean summer. While some welcome the thronging crowds with open arms, I always choose to escape. To calm the senses, recharge the batteries and revive the soul.

Till next time …

xx Loree xx

Taking The Time To Smell The Roses

2011-08-11T20:59:00.001+02:00

It’s time for me to take a little break from blogging. I need some time to rest and come back with some fresh ideas; time to recharge and refocus. In the meantime, I will visit when I can. See you all in about 10 days’ time. We’ll see for how long I will actually keep away. Blogging is my little addiction.

And yes, I will be taking the time to smell the roses.

Roses

Photographed at

The Kitchen Garden

St Anthony Street

Attard

This Week

2011-08-04T22:45:00.001+02:00

… things came to a head. I felt like I needed to escape the drudgery of the whole work, home, cook, blog, sleep schedule. The weeks are whizzing by in a blur. With a full time job, I trudge along my daily schedule – usually, in my case, grudgingly. Every year I yearn for special memories and for little adventures to share with the Mischief Maker. And, invariably, every year routine and my own over-inflated sense of guilt stops me from having those fun moments – because I need to cook; because I need to clean … So this week I’ve decided that what’s left of summer if going to be fun. With a capital F. For us as a family and for each of us as individuals.

*I have made the time to immerse myself in a couple of books again and am currently reading Sybil by Flora Rheta Schreiber and Tolkien –A Biography by Michael White. Both books are interesting, with Sybil being very thought-provoking and, of course, no die-hard Lord Of The Rings fan like me can miss an opportunity of learning more about the author of such a well-loved book.

*Everyday I am setting a few minutes aside to pin photos to my virtual pin-boards. I have written about Pinterest here and I am finding it to be a great place not only to find some wonderful images but also to introduce me to new blogs that I would not otherwise have found.

*I have discovered that the world of blogs is a strange place and we forge friendships with people all over the globe. When someone blogs regularly and then drops off the horizon, there is always the question in my mind as to what may have happened to my virtual friend. This week I was happy to find out that Carmen Alexandra (formerly of Coco Coterie) is now blogging at The Little Dog Laughs. I am so glad that Alexandra is back. Her writing is delightful and the photos she posts make me dream of girly things.

Image via The Little Dog Laughs

*Yesterday I went out for supper to Lo Squero restaurant with some ex-colleagues from work. The venue was excellent since the restaurant commands an unobstructed view of Marsamxett Harbour. Quite a magical setting, wouldn’t you say?

*Tomorrow evening, one of my childhood school friends has invited a group of us over for a pool party. It should be fun and I am sure giggles will abound. After all, no matter how old we get, we’re all still girls at heart.

*Saturday morning and early afternoon will be spent at the beach with my family and my parents. Looking forward to a super- relaxing time and lots of fun and laughter with the Mischief Maker.

*And in between all these little events, I have managed to fit in some craft activities with my son, a spot of healthy cooking since my husband (who will be referred to from now on as The American) is on a diet and a search for a new washing machine. Mine broke down last Sunday amidst loud groans of disapproval after 8 years of hard labour. In the meantime, I’ve seriously neglected house-cleaning. But who cares? Life is about making memories not collecting dust isn’t it?

Friday’s Fun Finds: Pinterest – So What’s The Big Deal?

2011-07-29T21:26:00.001+02:00

So what is Pinterest exactly? Well, I have come to think of it as a virtual clipboard. It is a place where you can pin all the beautiful images you see on the Internet without having to save them on your own computer. In a way, it’s a little like creating your own virtual magazine using only images that you absolutely love. You can pin any images you find on the internet to your pin boards (you can create different categories like: travel, food, home décor, photography … anything you can think of, really).

Source: cottagechicstore.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Once you join Pinterest (you have to request an invite but it only took a day for me to get accepted, or if you prefer, you can ask me for an invite) you can start pinning. Any photo that you pin is automatically credited to the site is was taken from – so it saves you having to link back to the original site. You can also post photos that you have taken yourself and posted to your blog or website. Of course, like all social networking sites, you can follow other people’s pin boards and they can follow yours. It seems that many people are getting the Pinterest bug. At first I thought that this wasn’t for me because the last thing I need with my tight schedule is to be following PinBoards. But then I thought about it again and I decided that it was a great way to keep track of the things I love without using up valuable memory on my own PC. Somehow, that sold me. What about you? Do you think you will eventually give in to the Pinterest bug too

Source: google.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Wise Words

2011-07-26T22:56:00.001+02:00

Image sortacrunchy.net via Pinterest

Just thought I’d share this. I think it is so true.

The Garden

2011-07-20T22:02:00.001+02:00

We spent an evening here the other day. There was hardly anyone when we arrived and the was a sense of calm was broken only by the sound of the trickling water. It’s a peaceful little place, ideal for my Mischief Maker* - a place where he was able to play in a safe place.

The fact that it also happens to be the President’s (and formerly the Grand Master’s) Kitchen Garden is just a minor detail. It feels good to be surrounded by history nearly everywhere we go. It gives a sense of continuity - to me, at least. Four long centuries have passed since these gardens were first used. But that does not mean that more recent times were forgotten or neglected. Mickey and Donald look quite at home here, don’t you think? Although, admittedly, they could do with some more fur and feathers of the leaf variety. I guess the sweltering heat doesn’t really help. Hopefully they will perk up during the rainy season.

*I’ve decided that from now on I will stop referring to my son as ‘the little one’ since he is not exactly little anymore. So from now on, he will be known as the Mischief Maker - and that suits him perfectly.

Photographed at

The Kitchen Garden

San Anton Palace

Attard

Distractions

2011-07-12T21:56:00.001+02:00

I told you that summer would bring with it many distractions … so many, in fact, that I have not had too much time for posting and visiting.

Because how can I stay inside when this is out there beckoning me?

I feel a sense of giddiness in the air; a longing to cram every free hour with fun and laughter; an overwhelming wish to make memories, to look back on it all and remember. Remember – not the heat and the stickiness and the pesky insects – but the good times, the magical moments: the mischievous giggle of a little boy wetting me with the hose-pipe, the shrill cry of the cicadas, the honey colour of ancient buildings at sundown … the little things which I will look back on during dark winter days and which will warm up my heart.

And as the day draws to a close, I long for fresh breezes, rest and peaceful dreams and for a boat to sail along the golden path of the dying sun and to sleep to the lullaby of the whispering sea …

Friday’s Fun Funds: For All Lovers Of Turquoise

2011-07-01T21:06:00.001+02:00

It’s summer in the Mediterranean and if there is a colour that I associate with Maltese summers it is turquoise. There is a quality about it that just evokes images of the crystalline sea that surrounds our island.

Photographed at the Blue Lagoon in Comino

For many years I grew up with turquoise in my room. My bed covers, curtains, carpet and furniture handles were all in shades of turquoise. It was a vibrant colour that transported me to summer during many a gloomy winter’s day. Over the years my love for this colour has not diminished. I think that turquoise and all its variants (like aqua) works very well in bathrooms since turquoise, when coupled with white, imparts a sense of cleanliness together with an image of pristine waters. Perhaps it’s not the best colour to use for winter but during the hot summer months I find that it has a calming and cooling effect. Of course, turquoise can work well in any room as long as it is well-planned.

With this in mind and turning to the internet for inspiration, I was browsing through various design blogs when I came across one which stood out for its sheer love of the colour turquoise. Erin at House Of Turquoise features rooms, accessories, lighting (and anything else that you can think o)f which have one thing in common: turquoise, of course. I fell in love with Erin’s blog quite some time ago and thought I would share House of Turquoise with you since I am sure that there is plenty to inspire all those of you that love turquoise. And if you plan on getting married soon and would love to introduce turquoise into your special day, Erin has posted a tonne of photographs from her wedding from where you can get your inspiration. Check out her post of June 24.

As for me, I’m on the hunt for turquoise items with which to surround myself. So here are a few items – from the whimsical to the eclectic – that have really caught my eye. I think some of these are so much fun and I would definitely love to get my little paws on some of them soon …

Image via: Décor Pad

Image via Deal Nay

Image via The Sweetest Digs

Image via Carter & Rose

Image via Retro Art Glass

I am a bit late with this post but yesterday I spent the evening on Facebook playing Zuma Blitz. Are any of you as addicted as I am???

Here Comes Summer

2011-06-22T01:00:00.000+02:00

Nothing screams summer to me more loudly than the play of sunshine and shadows in the narrow street of our old village cores. It almost feels like a game of hide and seek.

The crazy season (as I like to call it) made its grand entrance this week. It will bring with it unrelenting heat and spectacular, fiery sunsets. Days at the beach and the comforting feel of sand between the toes.

Evening walks in streets such as these. Balmy nights and sea-breezes. Oleander flowers and sweet seasonal fruit. BBQs, parties and long talks under moonlit skies. Some cool wine and the soothing song of the crickets …

These are the summer memories that I hope to be sharing with you in the coming weeks.

Photographs taken in the streets of Birgu

Enjoying. Wishing. Longing.

2011-06-14T21:55:00.001+02:00

I am officially back and hope to be posting regularly and doing the rounds again – although summer brings with it its own array of distractions which will probably interfere with my schedule. But I will try – pinky promise. So here I am …

Enjoying cool north-westerly breezes, sunshine and the scent of honeysuckle wafting through open windows

Wishing that I was still a school girl to be able to enjoy the summer break.

Longing for lazy moments and happy memories.

Reading ‘ Lessons From San Quentin’ – yes, that San Quentin.

Listening to Mindy Gledhill and Motley Crue – I know, the styles are miles apart.

Loving this summer’s fashion, the vibrant hues, the florals, the frills.

Dreaming … but I’ve already told you what I’m dreaming about haven’t I?

Thoughts On A Dying Gaul

2011-06-07T21:48:00.001+02:00

The day I saw him, I could so easily have passed by, dismissing him as just another sculpture from the ancient world. Yet something about him made me stop and linger by his side. There was no doubt in my mind that this man was suffering; that his life’s blood was ebbing away. I could see it in the anguish in his face. Here was another life lost to the legions of Rome. I wondered what his name might have been; how old he was when he died; what loved ones he left behind. What were his last conscious thoughts as his blood darkened the grass of Gaul and his broken body finally sank to the ground? I was staring into the face of a man who had lived over two thousand years ago – and though he has long since been forgotten and his body has returned to the earth, yet he lives still: a statue frozen in marble and in time. A poignant reminder, really, of how Europe was formed.

The Dying Gaul (Galatian)

Photographed (by my husband) at

The Capitoline Museum

Rome

Friday’s Fun Finds: Free Actions For Photoshop

2011-06-02T22:16:00.001+02:00

I know that I’ve said in a fairly recent post that I have no clue how to use Photoshop. And that is still true. I do, however, like to use Actions specially created for Photoshop. These Actions are used to enhance a photo, to give it a vintage look or to just create a bright summery look. Actions are created by people who have mastered Photoshop and can play around with it. For those of us who are more technically challenged, like me, downloading these actions is both easier and much, much faster than experimenting with Photoshop itself. I did some research on Google and, at first, all I could find were actions that you needed to pay for. I did not want to fork out cash for something which I knew I would not be using every day. So I searched a little more and found out that there are some sweet souls out there who have actions that you can download for free.

Ree Drummond has several such free actions for Photoshop on her blog The Pioneer Woman. You can go to her photography page here to download these actions yourselves (if you are so inclined).

Here are some examples of what photo actions can do:

Original photo

After applying ‘Soft and Faded’ action

After applying ‘Old West’ action

After applying ‘Seventies’ action.

You can play around with the actions to get the exact mood that you want to project. I did not re-touch these photos after applying the actions so you can see the end results for yourselves. Once you get the gist of it, they are pretty easy to apply and you will find complete instructions on how to download the actions to your computer in Ree’s article: Pioneer Woman’s Actions Update.

You can apply the same action twice to the same photo or apply two or more actions on top of each other to get the look you are going for. Using actions on photos is fun and enables you to use the same photo a number of times while always having a different look. I will now stop rambling and let you discover and play around with these actions yourselves.

Oh, one last thing. Even if you are not into photography, I suggest you visit The Pioneer Woman blog because you will find a treasure trove of interesting information from recipes to the confessions of a self-proclaimed desperate house-wife. The Pioneer Woman blog is a fun find by itself.

Dreaming

2011-05-26T22:51:00.001+02:00

… of palaces and waterways,

… gondolas and bridges;

--- the bells of St Mark’s

… and the view from the Rialto …

… of beauty and decay -

… dreaming … of Venice.

I Have Not Forgotten You

2011-05-25T22:43:00.000+02:00

I just wanted to let those of you that require word verification to know that I am having issues when commenting. Sometimes the comment just won't go through even though I type in the correct word verification 2 or 3 times. I hope I am able to get to the bottom of the problem soon but I just wanted to let you know that I am still reading your posts.

Tidbits

2011-05-19T20:58:00.001+02:00

The weather here is changing fast – the days are pleasantly warm and the nights are still cool enough to ensure that the fiery heat of the day is kept at bay for a little while longer. We have not seen rain in over 2 and a half weeks and probably will not see grey clouds on our horizon for another 3 months or so. All the wild plants that, up to a few weeks ago delighted us with their vibrant and pretty flowers, are turning golden and brown and will soon wither and die.

The poppies are still around though, nodding their sleepy heads on their slim stalks at the slightest breeze. But soon, they too will succumb to the unrelenting heat. Such is the cycle of nature …

With family visiting, we are spending most of our days planning outings and BBQs, visiting the little nooks and crannies on this little island that are off the beaten track, having fun and making memories along the way.

Meanwhile the sea’s call is getting louder and I am yearning for my first swim …

P.S. I am taking a break from Friday’s Fun Finds for this week.

Friday’s Fun Finds: Wacky Birds

2011-05-13T06:18:00.000+02:00

My in-laws will be visiting from the US next week and I have been rather busy cleaning and de-cluttering the house. So I did not have much time to snoop and browse around on the Internet to find something fun to share with you. I decided I would cheat a little this week and talk about something that I came across a couple of years ago. We were on holiday in Tuscany and happened to visit the beautiful, medieval town of Lucca on the very weekend that they were having an antiques fair. It was a joy wandering around and looking at the pretty items for sale. I remember there were several things that I would gladly have brought back with me (except that low-cost airlines are very stingy with their baggage allowance). So I only bought a few pieces of jewellery (that’s always better than no thing). But I still bemoan the fact that I left these little cuties in Lucca. I would have loved to bring them home with me.

What do you think? Aren’t they just wacky wearing those chunky boots? I am not sure whether they were antiques or not but I don’t really care. I have tried to find something similar both in the stores here and on the internet but with no luck. Sigh. Next time, if there will ever be a next time, I will definitely figure a way of getting them home.

I just wanted to let you all know that my posts and visits in the next 3 weeks may be rather erratic since I will be busy with family. But I will be back as usual in the beginning of June.

Sea Fever

2011-05-09T22:42:00.001+02:00

I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

‘Sea Fever’

by John Masefield

This poem by John Masefield has been one of my favourites since I was a child. The words just speak to that part of my soul that is held forever in thrall by the sea. Because although it is ever-changing, yet it is also always constant – a blue ribbon on all my horizons.

Is it just my imagination or does the sea look more blue in spring than in summer?

Friday’s Fun Finds: Dragonfly Pendant

2011-05-05T22:41:00.001+02:00

I am sure that the National Geographic website Novica needs no introduction to any of you. If unique gifts created by talented artisans from around the world is what you’re after, then Novica is the best place to start your search. I love to browse all their items but their jewellery section contains items which are so unique and wonderfully made that I keep going back again and again. The beautiful thing about the items on this site is that a lot of the artisans are inspired by nature and this is reflected in their creations. This dragonfly pendant by Wayan Asmana from Bali is simple yet stunning. The artist has managed to capture the intricate beauty of a real dragonfly perfectly through his skillful manipulation of filigree strands.

I just love the delicate, feminine look of this beautiful pendant and it has been on my wish-list for quite some time now. Perhaps it’s not everyone’s cup of tea to walk around with an insect hanging around their neck but I have always found dragonflies to be so fascinating, so delicate and colourful, so whimsical and pretty that this pendent would be perfect for me and definitely a piece of jewellery that I would treasure forever.

The White Chest Of Drawers

2011-05-03T15:06:00.001+02:00

I remember it clearly – a rickety, white chest of drawers which my mum kept in the room right at the top of our house. The room that led directly to our roof. It is the room where the laundry gets washed and families store their odds and ends. And their memories. I suppose it’s the closest thing we have to an attic. Which brings me back to the old chest of drawers. It was just an old piece of furniture that nobody needed anymore; full of clothes from the 60s and early 70s. But to a little girl, it was a treasure trove.

Image Source: Chic Furniture

During July and August, when the heat was almost tangible, my parents would take a well-deserved siesta. But I could never sleep. Instead I would make my way up to our room on the roof. I cannot even begin to describe how hot it would be up there in the early afternoon – a harsh, scorching heat. But all I cared about was the white chest of drawers and the plethora of clothes which I could dress up in. I remember the colourful shirts, the frills, the flounces, the long, long dresses, the flared pants. I could be anything I wanted to be – a princess, a gypsy or a clown and I spent many summer afternoons up there surrounded by clothes that nobody wanted anymore. It was a time of make-believe, of fantasy and fairy-tales and of complete childhood innocence.

Over the years the clothes were thrown out but I can still remember some of them as clearly as if I had worn them yesterday. Seeing the current fad with all things 70s I sometimes wonder how many of those vintage items would have found their way into my wardrobe.

Friday’s Fun Finds: Daisy by Marc Jacobs

2011-04-28T22:06:00.001+02:00

If anyone had to ask me what Spring smelt like I would say that it smells like Daisy by Marc Jacobs. I love perfumes that are light and flowery, especially during our hot summer months, and Daisy fits the bill perfectly. Described as “fresh and feminine with a playful innocence”, Daisy is for the young and young-at-heart. So if, like me, you love fun, flowery fragrances this scent is definitely for you and this is the perfect time of year to try it out.

Image source

And if Daisy is not quite your thing, then tell me, what scents do you love?

Image source

Memories Are Made Of These

2011-04-25T21:51:00.001+02:00

- Sometimes it’s a bunch of wildflowers …

- Other times it’s a jar of tiny sea-shells …

- It could be a handful of pine cones …

- Or an odd-shaped rock …

These are the things my little one gives me, with a smile on his face. Such ordinary, little items – but to me, they mean the world. Because each one is a reminder of the fleeting days of his childhood, of little hands holding mine, of a mischievous dimpled face. For soon it will be time for me to let go and I will be left with the love and the memories. And the echoes of a child’s laughter …

Friday’s Fun Finds: Bunny Tone

2011-04-22T01:00:00.000+02:00

Before I started blogging I was about as interested in photo editing sites as I was about a gnat sitting peacefully on a wall. But once I started writing posts, I wanted to make sure that the accompanying photos were as well-presented as possible (although I am by no means an expert). Photo editing sites offer all sorts of possibilities – from the sublime to the ridiculous. Unfortunately I have not, as yet, mastered Photoshop. Instead I use other editing sites which are freely available on the Internet and which alter photos at the touch of a button. I am sure that those of you that use Picasa are familiar with Picnik. If you do not use Picasa you can access Picnik directly from here.

For the up-coming Easter season, Picnik have introduced a feature called Bunny Tone. What it does is turn your photos into all sorts of pastel shades. You can play around with it to achieve subtle but different effects like in the two photos below.

I think that Bunny Tone also works well with landmarks.

But I am not sure I totally like its effect on me. What do you think?

I would like to wish you all a very blessed Easter.

The Piano Man

2011-04-19T22:50:00.001+02:00

I cannot believe that it’s been two years since we were walking through the narrow, cobble-stoned streets of Montmartre. It was in the early afternoon that we came across this young man playing a melody in a little bar – so different from here, the early afternoon is usually siesta time and most bars would be empty, waiting for the crowds to come out at night. These photos are a delightful reminder of the wonderful day we spent exploring the charms of Montmartre, which we found to be so different from the rest of Paris that it seemed like another city .

It's a pretty good crowd for a Saturday,
And the manager gives me a smile
'Cause he knows that it's me they've been coming to see
To forget about life for awhile.
And the piano sounds like a carnival
And the microphone smells like a beer
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
And say "Man, what are you doin' here?"
Da da da de de da
da da de de da da da

Sing us a song, you're the piano man
Sing us a song tonight.
Well, we're all in the mood for a melody
And you've got us feelin' alright.

Lyrics from ‘The Piano Man’ by Billy Joel.

I feel the travel-bug raising its head again and I wonder to myself: where will it be this time? Which new city is going to capture my heart next?

Friday’s Fun Finds

2011-04-14T22:48:00.001+02:00

These past couple of weeks I have been thinking and thinking how to introduce some fun and frothiness into this blog. Since injecting humour into writing does not come naturally to me (it is something I can only seem to do live), I’ve come up with Friday’s Fun Finds. Every Friday (or every other Friday or whenever I feel like it on Friday) I will share a recipe, a photo, a blog, a new pair of sandals – anything really. My only rule is that I really liked it and it must be fun.

This week I will be sharing a recipe that I found on Better Homes and Gardens. (And since, in my opinion, no recipe is fun unless it is some type of dessert, you can rest assured that it is going to be an enjoyable treat).

LEMON CUPCAKES

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon finely shredded lemon peel
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice
Lemon peel curls (optional)
Fresh lemon balm leaves (optional)

Directions

1. Grease and lightly flour twenty to twenty-four 2-1/2-inch muffin cups. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the 1 cup sugar and beat until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beating on low to medium speed after each addition just until combined. Stir in the 1 tablespoon lemon peel. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. (Fill any empty, greased muffin cups with water to avoid damaging pan.)

3. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 5 minutes. Remove from pans. Place cupcakes upside-down on wire racks set over waxed paper.

4. In a small mixing bowl stir together the 2/3 cup sugar and lemon juice. Brush sugar mixture over warm cupcakes until all is absorbed. Cool completely. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Before serving, garnish with lemon peel curls and lemon balm leaves, if desired. Makes 20 to 24 cupcakes.

I did not have time to decorate the cupcakes but they still tasted delicious and I can attest to that because they got eaten before I could get a good photo. This is the only one I managed to get (of the very last cupcake and I will confess that it’s already half eaten on the side you cannot see.

A Moment Of Reflection

2011-04-12T20:32:00.001+02:00

I’ve been at home the last couple of days nursing an irritating cough and an eye infection. Today I felt well enough to sit out in our yard and enjoy the sun. And as I sat there, enjoying a few moments of relaxation that are usually so hard to come by, I was overcome by a feeling of gratitude for the many things we usually take for granted.

Like the wind playing with my hair.

The song of the birds.

The fragrant blooms on my lavender plant.

For our liberty, for the peace we enjoy and for moments like these: when we have the time to stop and smell the roses (and the lavender, the lilies and the freesia).

And for some thoughts on lavender, here are Marillion with one of my favourites.

As you can see, I have made some changes to my template. If you see some weird things going on, bear with me as I try to iron some of them out.

Beauty Behind Bars

2011-04-05T21:48:00.000+02:00

Spring is working its magic. The sky is blue and cloudless, the air is warm and the trees are covered in delicate blossoms.

This rusty fence seemed to me to be holding beauty behind bars – the robustness of one overpowering the delicacy of the other.

It seemed like a silent battle was going on between the ephemeral and the mundane – between loveliness and practicality.

And yet, as I looked closer it seemed as if the earthiness of one only served to enhance the splendour of the other. So I gazed and gazed in rapture …

… knowing full well that all this beauty will soon fade as the blossoms scatter like so much confetti and from the sidelines, the rusty bars will stop serving as props but will force themselves once more into the limelight.

These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things

2011-03-29T20:22:00.001+02:00

I am sure that you all remember the scene from ‘The Sound Of Music’ when Maria (Julie Andrews) sings about her favourite things to distract the von Trapp children from the sounds of a raging thunderstorm. Like Maria, we all have those special things which lift our mood or take us to that special place. So, although we don’t all necessarily sing about them, we can still talk or write about the things we love. So today, I am sharing some of mine:

1 Cupcakes

2 Gerberas

3 Mozart

4 Rough seas

5 Friday nights

6 Strong winds

7 Dark chocolate

8 Spring

9 Books – old books, new books – it doesn’t matter, I love them all

10 Sepia photos of family members

11 Summer skirts

12 Long boots

13 Sandals

14 Silver bracelets and bangles

15 Big dogs

16 Dwarf rabbits (also known as Dutch dwarves)

17 Strawberries

18 Sunsets

19 Winding streets

20 Old postcards

There’s more, of course, but I will stop here for today. Now tell me, what are some of your favourite things?

Giveaway At Coco Coterie

2011-03-26T17:14:00.001+01:00

This is just a short post to let you know that Carmen Alexandra is celebrating her blog having over 100 followers by having a giveaway at Coco Coterie. Coco Coterie is a celebration of all things pretty – from fashion to interior design - as each day Alexandra shares images of the ephemeral and the sublime.

I trust you are all having a wonderful weekend. Mine is turning out to be a time of simple pleasures: a night out with childhood friends, memories shared over a cheese platter and a glass of wine; a morning of pampering at the hair salon; a trip to the stores for some much-needed items to organise my ~~clutter~~ treasures; time spent outdoors; daylight savings time; and a wedding. See you all next week.

Clouds

2011-03-22T22:09:00.001+01:00

I love clouds. I love their wispy lightness and their playful whiteness.

And yes, I love their angry greyness and the rain that falls from their soft bellies.

I love how the wind makes them scurry across the sky and constantly changes their shape.

I love the shadows they cast on the sea and the silver lining they have when the sun is peeping through.

And I love their colourful palette at sunrise and sunset – the pastels and the brightness, the pinks and the burnt oranges, the pearls and the flaming reds.

Flying Without Wings

2011-03-16T22:33:00.001+01:00

I have a longing right now for wide open spaces. For a long, lonely road and a deserted highway …

Photo source

When I first visited the US we drove from Salt Lake City (Utah) to Las Vegas (Nevada) via Moab and Bryce Canyon. The drive was long but the scenery was fantastic and ever-changing. At times, ours was the only car on the highway. We drove through sleepy towns straight out of a Western, a seemingly never-ending forest with the quaint name of Dixie, parched desert landscapes and canyons the colour of terracotta. I could never have imagined such diversity. Nor can I explain the sensation of a close to unbearable lightness of being that took hold of me – a feeling that I was as light and transparent as the air we were passing through.

In retrospect I have come to realise that that euphoric moment of self-discovery was none other than the realisation that I had experienced freedom. Not the type of freedom that we take for granted, like freedom of speech and freedom of expression and so on, but the true freedom of the soul – untethered, with no restraint and no ties to Earth. Yes, I do believe that in that moment in time I came close to flying without wings.

So perhaps that is why I have this intense longing right now for the wide, open spaces and the long, lonely road to an unknown destination …

Please excuse the rather poor quality of these photos. These were not digital photos. So, since we do not have a scanner, I had to take photos of hard copies with my camera.