Tivoli

Today was another day I was thinking of things I loved and Tivoli came to mind. 

Tivoli is a relatively small hilltop village outside of Rome. We spent a short afternoon there at the Villa d'Este on our way to Cinque Terre. Knowing my affinity for gardens, the owner of the B&B we stayed at in Rome told us we had to stop and see for ourselves. Our focus was not on the villa, in fact we spent almost no time inside except to navigate through the house to the gardens where the real beauty was.

I know these pics cannot begin to show how beautiful and enormous it truly was, so to help you get the idea, I decided to post not one or two pics but ten. :)

The gardens were set on different levels with fountains everywhere you looked. There were hundreds of fountains.
The day we visited was gray and threatening to storm. As a result the gardens were nearly empty. Couldn't have planned it better.
There were private little gardens tucked away. Some were filled with sculpture and others primarily fountains. All of it was breathtaking!


This stretch of fountains was one of my favorites. Its called Le Cento Fontane (The Hundred Fountains). At 100 fountains in length x 3 levels, we're talking 300 fountains on this walkway alone.

If you look closely, you can see the bottom row of fountains are faces, animals and people alike.
I especially loved this fellow. 

Little bit of this, little bit of that and a whole lot of love

*For rest of February I am going to post pictures of things I love. They will almost certainly have nothing to do with the post, but I don't care. 

This pic is from Lake Como, ITALIA. We spent our 11th anniversary at a B&B on the lake. I couldn't believe the hydrangeas at this villa. A little piece of heaven huh? Truly magnificent!!

So maybe its a little early to have Valentines on the brain, but I do. Being the sporadically ambitious girl I am, I have decided to make valentines this year instead of sending the store-bought variety. In such an effort I have been perusing old magazines for ideas. 

Sidenote: As an anti-clutter gal, you might be surprised to hear that I keep old magazines. I do. Tis true. There are only a few that I really rely on for ideas and creative inspiration and I keep them organized by month not year. That way when I am looking for valentine ideas, I go to the closet and pull out the Feb. case. Viola! Everything I need is at hand. You might wonder why I don't just look things up on the internet. I do, but there is something about being able to hold something in my hand and wander the house and read in bed and read while fixing dinner and look at ideas while folding laundry and...  you get it? I read. I migrate. I read. It's what I do and familiar magazines are a guilty pleasure for me. Getting back...

So this year I am going all out. I am going to pen love-notes to Jon and bake ridiculously indulgent desserts to share, write letters and post them in beautiful handmade envelopes to my parents and siblings, create special gifts for my amazing kids that they will treasure forever and send lovely notes to dear friends far and near. I am going to get caught up in the season of all things red, white and pink.  

Happy Groundhog Day to All!

We're suffering from a raging spring fever here in Charm City!
Yes that is 2" of ice sprinkled with the needles from a discarded Christmas tree underfoot.
Can you tell we're big into bubble blowing around here?
The strategy of Jungle Tag involves a lot of waiting for the chase and staying on higher ground.

Esther trying to plant a little kiss on Et. He's having no part of it.
Could Mother Nature be more generous? Yesterday the weather here in Baltimore was 60 degrees. There was no wind. It was wonderful. We walked Jack, went to the school playground for a round of jungle-tag and wandered the neighborhood in our flip-flops.  Today is nearly as warm, currently about lovely 55 degrees. 

The cruel part about this changing of the seasons is how it teeter-totters back and forth, making you yearn for spring. You know though, there is this little part of me likes the anticipation of it all. I like the little peek-a-boos of spring and how you just know it is right around the corner, like a friend playing hide-and-seek waiting to pounce when they are discovered. You know it is going to be glorious and lovely with new scents floating in the air, new songs from the recently returned birds, and color! Glorious colors will be everywhere, hanging from tree branches and poking their heads out of newly warmed soil. You'll see color and warmth on the faces of people strolling down the street. Spring can do that you know. It can make you stroll instead of walking with a purpose. It can lift your head to the sky instead tucked down in your scarf. It can put a smile on an otherwise weary and worn face. 

I know Phil saw his shadow today, but I say phooey to that. Spring is nearly ready. She is going to burst forth. One day I will wake to see the magnolias in bloom. It will happen overnight. The air will feel different, changed, renewed. The lovely burden of winter will have passed and with it all things changed, brought to life again. I love spring. 

BTW - Can you spell Punxsutawney? It's a tough one!

Possibilities and Goodness

So I have been thinking this week about the new year and all that goes with that train of thought. I am pretty excited for 2009. I tell you what, the older I get, the more I like change. Having openly said that, I also admit to liking the sameness of things that comes over time too. I think I am one of the ten people in the world who like "New Years' Resolutions". I do. I like the challenge that comes with them and the idea of bettering one's self. That doesn't mean that I accomplish everything I set out to do or that my resolutions don't morph into something else altogether by years' end, rather that I like the idea of change and progress in myself and NYR's provide me that opportunity. So why do we make such a big deal out of NYR's? 

My friend Rach and I recently discovered a quirk that we both shared. I told her how much I liked finishing things like a tube of toothpaste or a bottle of lotion. There's a certain something that comes with finishing and starting fresh. Weird huh? Any of you who know me well, know that I am as anti-clutter as they come and this is no exception. Funny thing, she said she felt the same way. Rach is not nearly as anti-clutter as I am and yet we both share the same affinity for the finishing of the thing.  Thinking further on this line, I realized that this "quirk" flows into many other areas of my life. For the sake of this post, I'll focus on the NYR-link it has. I like setting goals and progressing towards their ultimate completion. But really I just like finishing things. I have run races over the years and in thinking back on them, I recognize how much I love finishing the journey. That is what I am addicted to - the metaphorical finish line. 

So, as I look at this year and the goals I have set I am also setting another and that is to enjoy not only the finishing of the thing, but also the journey. I am going to pause a little longer to take in the scenery and appreciate the task at hand instead of only looking to the end. I am going to better see the possibilities and the goodness in the world around me while still being me and running with all my might to that glorious finish line.

Favorite Friday...

So while on vacation, I missed the op for two Favorite Fridays. Today you get two favs of mine, and I might be so bold as to post even more. 

First, while staying with my parents, I discovered a new movie. My parents are the best at finding wonderful obscure movies and this is no exception.  Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont is only a few years old (2005). Its a lovely tale of a most unlikely friendship. 

Why do I like this film? Like any British film, the characters are quirky and eccentric. The film was able to make me LOL and cry too, always a good indication of something I would like. Also, I love the two central actors, Joan Plowright and Rupert Friend. 

Joan Plowright has been in so many classics it would difficult to name them all. One of my favorites, although not technically a classic, is Enchanted April. I will most definitely use this as a favorite down the road, so I will not go into details at this time. Check out the link if you are interested in knowing more about it.

Many of you will recognize the character of Ludovic Meyer, as played by Rupert Friend, as Wickham in the most recent version of Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightley. He is fabulous in this role.

So, go rearrange your Netflix queue and add Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont to the top. It truly is a wonderful film.

Okay, number two fav, a book... 

Years ago my dear friend Ingrid referred me to this book, Peace Like a River.  And although I have read this book before, I am reading it again. (I reread many of my favorites and this is no exception.) Lief Enger can tell a tale like not many others can. So many of the passages in this book are so beautiful and poetic, (like Ingrid would suggest) you want to highlight them to read over and over again.

I won't give you a synopsis, (you can get that from Amazon) but I will say one of the things I like most about this book is Rube's references to miracles and his father's great faith. Also, as a mother of two kids, with an older quietly observant son and a younger spunky daughter, I love the relationship of the kids Rube and Swede. I have hope that as they get older, Et and Sis will become more like these two characters with reference to their devotion, love and appreciation for one another and their unwavering loyalty and reliance on each other.

Again, if it can make me laugh and cry, chances are I will like it. I could say check it out at your local library, but it is such a wonderful book instead I will say, go buy yourself a copy. You will want to read it again and again and when you tell someone about it (which you will), you can lend them your copy. :)

We're Back

So prior to leaving for Utah, I couldn't post anything about the trip due to the surprise factor. For those of you who don't know... The kids and I flew out to UT for a visit on my mom's birthday. It was hands-down the best surprise I have ever pulled off. 
We flew home yesterday and I can't tell you how homesick I was for Baltimore,  more specifically, for Jon.  Having never lived away from family and friends, I don't think I had ever realized what "home" meant to me. The night before we flew back, I finally understood that "home" is with Jon.  Anywhere he is, that is home to me. 

I went to a workshop at the church last night and I knew this, Baltimore, is home. I saw the Elder who's family I was able to visit and I was reminded of the opportunities for missionary work that are here. In short, I am grateful we were able to visit our family and friends in Utah, but I am even more grateful to be home.

Baltimore's Inner Harbor

So we love the Inner Harbor here in Baltimore. It's a great place to wander around and look at the boats, or get a bite to eat and people-watch, or visit one of the many attractions on the waterfront. We love the Aquarium and the Children's Science Center, both of which sit on the water.
In the summer there are water-taxis to take from place to place, paddle boats to rent, or you can go out to Fort McHenry and watch sailboats, yachts and cruise ships enter and leave the harbor.
We made a visit with my sister and her shorties on New Years' Day. There were few crowds (most people were home sobering up) and sunny weather so we made an afternoon of it.
The Science Center is great. We spent a chunk of time in the space center, hands-on area and we just made it to the K-NEX exhibit (last day). The kids love it and I have to say I do as well.

I love this photo of the kids. It is so telling of their personalities. Look at Esther. She is so determined.
Okay... so I was crazy about Sis that day. She was looking so adorable, I could hardly stand it.

The kids loved the hands-on area. We could have spent so much more time there.
Yes, I am in this photo. I am the brilliant flash of light. 
I think Et looked fabulous as an Space Shuttle pilot and Max is just plain adorable.
Mostly this photo scared me. I had a flash-forward for what is in store for us a few years down the road.  Quite the attitude, wouldn't you agree?
The K-Nex exhibit was pretty neat. The kids like all the existing displays. They surprised me by not wanting to build much.

Next we walked down to the USS Constellation, the last all sail warship built by the US Navy. We didn't go aboard, but the kids enjoyed it enough, thinking it was a pirate ship.

All said, a pretty fun though chilly day.

Favorite Friday...

So I am stealing this idea from a friends' blog, but I am tweaking it a bit. Instead of posting a new pic of her favorite celebrity, I am posting a random favorite of mine whether it be in food, movies, books, clothing stores, people, etc. You get the gist and tonight I am posting two, just to get the ball rolling. 

First, a little background...

We have started something new here in Baltimore that I love. We read together in the evenings when we are all home together. A friend here told me how her family does this and they really enjoy it. We try to pick a book that will interest everyone and that isn't too long. With this book, we got the book on cd at the library as well so we could listen to it in the car. It only took us 2-3 days to get through and it was wonderful.

The book: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. The story appeals to a huge range of ages. It is silly at times, sweet and sentimental others and wonderfully written. The illustrations are beautiful. This is a new favorite of mine, for kids and adults alike.

Yes folks, that is a ladle for a handle on the door. Love it!

The other favorite has, of course, to do with food.  We have been trying to explore the different neighborhoods in Baltimore. Whether it be just a drive through a new area or finding some place to buy yarn, a thrift store or a place to find cheese we are finding all sorts of great new places. A fabulous find and this weeks' favorite was a little shop called Soups On in Hampden. They had these yummy little pot pies and delicious soup with crusty bread. We were there for an early lunch, so the four of us split a bowl and a pie. To wash it down, we got steamy cups of cocoa and cider and homemade cookies to boot. The atmosphere was charming, only seating a dozen or so people. The owner was very friendly and the food fabulous. If you're ever in Baltimore, Soups On is a must stop. 

New Years' Day in DC

The week after Christmas my sister Loree and her little people paid us a visit. We got to play for a few days and for one of them we went down to DC. Our first stop was at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. There is so much to see and so many cool exhibits to walk through. There is never enough time in places like this.

After that, we still enough energy and sunshine to walk down the Mall to the Washington Monument. It was a beautiful and chilly day, but not too shabby for the 30th of December.

Max is the little brother Et never had. They sure have a great time together.
I've been telling everyone that Esther is growing like a weed. Now do you believe me?!
My beautiful sister Loree and tired little Madie

Jon wore Esthers' scarf most of the time we were walking the Mall. Only he could pull it off and still look dashing.

Next, we hurried down to the Lincoln Memorial, one of my personal favorites. 

It was late in the day, so with tired children and dead camera batteries we decided to call it a day.  We'll visit again in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Eterick

The older he gets the more fun we have!!

Still on the old photo thing from yesterday... I remembered this photo of Et. It is one of my all- time favorites. He did this entirely on his own with is Hot Wheels. Can you tell how proud of himself he is?!
I truly don't know how I came to be so blessed. This kid is one in a million! Every day with him is amazing; a blessing and a gift. 

Esther the Walrus, Esther the Adorable

Looking through old photos today, I found these two of Sis. I remember her telling me she was a walrus. Look at that face. Seriously how could you not love her?!

Tonight with the missionaries over she was in rare form. The dress-up trunk was raided and she put on quite a show. *First we got Batgirl, then a pioneer bride and finally... I'm not sure - she had a petticoat, tiara and Mardi Gras beads with red patent leather Mary Jane's. She sure lives life with gusto! 

*No pics yet. The Elders took the pics on their cameras. I was doing video and clean-up. I'll post them when I get them.

Finally... A Carrot Cake Worth Eating

I am finally finished with my quest. I have been looking for years, rather unsuccessfully I might add, for a store-bought carrot cake worth the eating. Any cake has serious calories and carrot cake is no exception with the customary cream-cheese frosting. So to find one that is worth the calories is amazing. This cake meets all my criteria: moist but not soggy, good texture and loaded with all the mixins' but not too heavy, real pieces of carrot; the frosting has to be smooth and creamy, but not too thick and not too sweet. The portion size is good.  The presentation is nice enough. I tell you what... this cake is it. It's perfect. And with eight servings a box, it'll feed a group or one person for a very long time (it's in the freezer aisle). I especially like that the frosting is only on the top of the cake. 

So take it from the carrot cake connoisseur... If you want a carrot cake with all the right stuff and you don't want to bake - this one's for you!!

1000 Yards of Ribbon

My crazy plan began with ten spools - 100 yards each, 4 widths, 7 colors, a measuring tape, a sharp pair of sewing scissors and a very long kitchen table. I figured the lengths I wanted and then threw that out the window as I cut random lengths by sight, instead of measurement. 

This pic was shot with my phone, so the colors aren't completely true. Regardless, it was so beautiful and vibrant, so festive and shiny. I felt like a little girl looking at all those pretty ribbons.
Before moving to the next stage I had to attach the ribbons to a heavy gauge wire (I ended up using copper electricians' wire). To do that, I had to move the ribbon to the other room. This is me in transit with 1000 yards wrapped around my shoulders. Pretty sweet huh?! You get a little peek at the snowflakes in that shot too.
The ceiling height in the living room is 14'. The ladder is only 8'. The ribbon, though not terribly heavy was awkward to try and attach to the light. (Sidenote: Jon had to rehang the light before I actually attached everything to it because the original installer was, and I quote "a nimrod". :) Basically, it was not secure to the ceiling and the ribbons would have ripped it right out of its socket.)Anyway, for a girl who doesn't like heights, this was a challenge. In the end, Jon had the long arms and know-how to hang the ribbons securely when I was unable to do so.
"Beam me up Scotty" in style! This area was a favorite for Jack! He loved to sit underneath of it, with his head in the middle. Sorry - no pics of that.
I promise you'll get more pics when I actually finish the project. I am farther along than this, but I only wanted to post the first stage for now. When it is all finished, I will post everything so you can see the final result.

Snowflakes and Ribbons

This year I took on two whopper decorating projects for the holidays, in addition to the normal decorating that already takes place. The first involves snowflakes and originally was done to make up for the fact that there is no snow here (at least nothing that has lasted for longer than 5 minutes on the ground). Also, I wanted my kids to remember something about Christmas/ snow in Baltimore :) and finally, to cheer me up when everyone in UT I know is telling me how many feet of the white stuff each new storm brings. The other project is a spin off of something we saw in Italy that I absolutely loved. As you might expect, by the lack of pictures, one is finished and the other is not (but hopefully will be finished tomorrow). I am not going to post pics of either until both are done. 

The snowflakes are magical. I love them. They make me smile every time I look at them. You'll see what I mean later, although I think a video might be the only way to truly show you all what I am talking about.

On the other hand, the ribbons are fabulous! They are a little trickier due to the taller ceilings in the living room(14 ft), but already I love how they look. 

Keep checking back if you don't see something soon, but I will do my best to finish and post by tomorrow evening.

Happy New Year friends!!

(How's that for a teaser?!)