Dreaming of Spring

This morning we awoke to a beautiful snow falling from the sky...

My son and I have been counting the days until Spring.  It seems hard to believe that in just 13 days the calendar shows we will have our change of season.

Yet perhaps, Winter will linger a bit longer...  

All Nature seems at work,

Slugs leave their lair.

The bees are stirring...

Birds are on the wing;

And Winter slumbering

In the open air

Wears on his face

A dream of Spring. 

S.T. Coleridge

Elementary Honors Orchestra

This year, Sarah has been involved in a youth orchestra in our area.  She has been learning a lot about working cooperatively with many to produce a sound of beauty.

Pre-Concert Preparations

This is not an easy task... it has been lovely to see the work of these young students as they have struggled, at first, to count and play at the same pace.  They have been learning they need to think and act outside of themselves... working together to accomplish one goal.

Sarah and her proud Grandparent's after the Concert...

If they all work at their own pace it sounds a symphony of chaos... yet, over time they have learned to listen to one another, keep their eye on their conductor, and play in unison.   The result, an orchestra of strings making beautiful music together...

This weekend we enjoyed the fruits of their labor.  It was a lovely concert...

We can't wait to hear more!

A Music Festival

This month Sarah has been putting the finishing touches on her violin pieces for Festival!  This is an annual event in which she submits herself to be judged on her abilities in technique, musicianship, and stage presence.  This is her third year participating and third time she has received a Superior rating!   Sarah has done a wonderful job in mastering new technique and has worked diligently all year long.  It is such a joy to listen to the beautiful sound of her violin daily...we are so proud of her!

A Toothless Smile

Thomas, sans two front teeth ... adorable.

Well, maybe not so "adorable" as he is literally "spitting" his worlds out lately! 

My Boy is growing up...

Home Again

The past few weeks have been lovely and busy...

Pont Alexandre III

We arrived safely home from our beautiful trip to Paris... and memories of our time are dancing through my mind as I live the work of today...

I am often asked, by well meaning folks, what it is about Europe that is so "wonderful" or better than just staying home...here in America.  Truly, I do love America and all it has to offer... it is my home and I am very comfortable and happy here.   There is so much to be thankful for.   Yet, there is more to this world than our home.   There is something about an old European city... filled to the brim with historical character and charm... overflowing with very old architecture... and beautiful gardens softening the city bricks and pavement.

Place de la Concorde from across the River Seine

I marvel how a medieval city wall is built into modern day life...how a Gothic church stands towering in the center of the hustle and bustle...and how when you walk in... it is as if you have entered holy ground...it is peace filled and awe inspiring... The past mingles with the present... it is breathtaking.  My mind is instantly transformed to a higher place.

I marvel how Europeans savor and enjoy the ability to stop and be still and just enjoy a cafe... watching the world go by... Long and leisurely lunches are the norm in many European cultures...talking together and sharing ideas and philosophy....while eating slowly and sipping a glass of wine in the middle of the day!     

A walk along the Seine

I love just listening to the hum of their foreign tongue and realizing that they too feel the pain and joy of life...they are not so different.

Shopping in European markets and small shops, rather than Wal-mart and Costco, is an experience I savor!  The fresh food and artisan quality is beyond anything we see in the States...

The food is AMAZING!

 Pascal
The artist we purchased a couple of small water color paintings from...

I would not be fair to paint such a glamorous picture of all parts of a city in Europe.  Yes, they do have their ugly underbelly.  Public transportation is a necessary evil.   Poverty is evident.  Dirt and grime are a part of life anywhere.  High density living is not too glamorous... especially day in and day out.  And yes, they too have mega box stores to flock to in the suburbs for the cheapest priced goods possible...IKEA is everywhere! I was simply mortified to see that Starbucks has added their stamp to the city of Paris as well...

Truly,  we have a heart for Europe, having lived there, it draws us back like an old friend... I am a bit sentimental about the memories and relationships we have built there. Which makes it even more wonderful to return to.

Most importantly, it is always refreshing to get out of our comfort and complacency and look through the lens of another for just a while... it builds character and helps us to count our blessings as well...

Day 5 in Paris

Today we made sure to stop on the Champs-Elysees to photograph the Arc de Triomphe...

After our glamor shots on the Champs-Elysees, we hopped on the Metro and headed for the 9th Arrondissement for a more reasonably priced shopping experience. We walked the Passages (covered walkways) and found some interesting shops and restaurants. We enjoyed another wonderful meal at a local Brasserie oozing with colorful French locals...

We then headed for the Lourve for the rest of the day...

Venus de Milo

Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci 

This was one of my favorites... Madame Récamier, Jacques-Louis David

One of my husband's favorites... 
Georges de LA TOUR (Vic-sur-Seille, 1593–Lunéville, 1652)Saint Joseph the Carpenter 

Day 4 in Paris

Today we enjoyed a leisurely walk around the Ile St. Louis... it is a quiet little island located in the middle of the Seine river... it seems a world of it's own, yet right in the middle of everything Paris...

We found beautiful flower shops, cute little restaurants, antique stores and a fantastic Candy store... filled to the brim with colorful sweets.

We found a quaint restaurant to rest our feet and enjoyed a very traditional french meal... 

After lunch we spent time in the Cathedral Notre Dame ...

taking in all the beauty of the stained glass, pondering religious images and art ... it was awe inspiring.

We spent the later part of the afternoon across town in an area known as Montmartre.  We arrived up the hill just about the same time the sun was setting... we found beautiful views of the city and a particularrly lovely view of La Tour Eiffel. 

The Place Du Tertre was filled with local artists...

On our way home we stopped at local markets and gathered a small feast to enjoy for dinner in our hotel room...