Flower, Fleur, Flor

A stem, a petal

Simple elements.

Purple, yellow, pink

Brilliant in display.

The master impressionist at work.

Designing, demonstrating

Broad strokes of genius.

Sweet, pungent, tropical, soothing.

A whiff and a reflection;

Sweet memories.

A hope, a promise.

In celebration, sadness, just because.

Gathered together or in solitude.

Always timely.

The Gentle Promise of Spring

The weather folks called for 1 to 3 inches of snow and they were right.  I put on my waterproof weather boots and winter white coat and headed out to work.   Outside, the wintery mix came down steadily; stinging my face and blurring my vision.  I opened my umbrella and angled it for protection. 

My car was only 3 blocks away but it seemed like a mile.  I wished to move along at my regular pace. Instead, I crept along slippery sidewalks, juggling an angled umbrella, coffee and a heavy bag.  I reached my destination, unburdened my load and started the engine.  The car warmed and I cleared it of the snow.  This was March 20th, the first day of spring; no flowers blooming, no birds chirping and no promise of a hot, carefree summer.  

Some made it into work while others knew that snow on a spring Friday was an omen telling them to stay home.  For those that made it in, snow was the topic of conversation;   Can you believe this weather?  It’s the first day of spring! When will this be over?   In the midst of their disbelief, they rubbed their shoulders as if to relive every cold moment of their lives.  

That evening, I joined a woman on the elevator.  Warily I greeted her and she replied, “I’m so sick and tired of this.”  She was older and slight in frame; wearing the dark, baggy clothing of a rebellious teen.  The rear wall of the elevator held her up as she slumped forward.  I had enough information to know that this was not the time for a silver lining, but still, “Aren’t you glad it’s the weekend?”  And “Isn’t it nice to come home to your own place at the end of the day?”   She snapped back, “No, I’m sick of this snow!”   

I liked that it snowed on the first day of spring.   After an unusually cold winter, it seems as if Mother Nature was taunting me in some way.    But maybe she is saying, you have your calendar and I have mine.  So much of my life is regimented by calendars, schedules and the timing of things.   There is value in organizing and planning life but this is not the whole of life.   There is excitement and wonder when unexpected things show up.  I need a little wonder to breakthrough in spite of all that I’ve contrived. 

By the time I reached work, the snow had ended.  What remained was a clear and bright day.  The sun sat majestic in the sky with her warm penetrating rays. The trees, lined along the streets, were crowned with snow.   Even the wet pavement gleamed.   Instinctively, I reached for my phone and then put it away. No picture could capture what was already etched into my soul.  So, I breathed in the crisp, easy air. I lived in the moment and accepted all that it had to offer, the divine; the final roar and the promise of a gentle spring.

All photos taken with my IPhone after spring had sprung in Maryland.  Enjoy!  Karen

Happy Valentine's Day!

I remember one Valentine’s Day that happened to coincide with me being in a relationship.  I finally had a man on the right day of the year and I was going to make the most of it.  But everything that day was chaotic and ridiculous: a lot of traffic and driving, the production of “getting ready”, selecting a restaurant with an hour wait, getting home very late and dreading work the next day.  At the end of the day, we were just two tired people, manipulated by aggressive marketing and bending to social norms; me with my high expectations and him ambivalently going along.

We made it to the restaurant and settled at the bar.   We began to chat like the good friends that we were instead of the possessed maniacs we had become.  It helped that the restaurant had a lovely piano bar.  The musician was warm and pleasant and smiled to himself and everyone passing by.  As we waited, my boyfriend talked about a number of things, but mostly about growing up in Chicago.   In a matter-of-fact way, he revealed something very personal and sad that happened in his family.  In that moment, I was not aware of the piano man and his songs, or the crowds of people, but only the words coming from his mouth, and oddly, the lack of expression on his face.  However, I was deeply affected by what he was saying.  He paused and said “I can see your eyes watering up and I really appreciate your care and concern.”   

What happened in that moment had nothing to do with cards, candy, balloons, flowers or jewelry.  It was simply a heartfelt exchange between two people.   It was a moment in which one soul connected with another without shame or pretense.  There was sharing and understanding.   And isn’t this what we all want, to be more fully known, understood and accepted? 

We live in a time in which so many are craving validation and the assurance that they really matter.  Why else would people go to such extreme attempts to be recognized?  We see this everywhere: at work and at home, among the rich and poor, in the media, in politics, at social events, at school and even in religious institutions.   

Fortunately, there is something that we can do.  We can initiate heartfelt exchanges with those around us.  We can take the time to look someone else in the eye and let them know that they matter by listening to their story without judgment.  We also have to be vulnerable and share our story with others.  It doesn’t have to be something sad and depressing.  I’ve revealed embarrassing missteps that resulted in raucous laughter.   

Whether you are alone, with friends, or partnered in some way, I wish you a Happy Heartfelt Exchange Day!  

Hydrangea

That Which Matters Most

Everyone has their own approach to the new year.   I usually take some time to consider where I’ve been, where I want to go and how to get there.   This year I want to be more intentional about my time and making sure that I spend it on things that matter most to me.   At this stage of my life, what matters most to me is to feel well and to be well in the world.

My wellness formula includes quality relationships, a spiritual practice, writing, good food and exercise.   I also need to discover new things, and to laugh and play.  I function best when these are mostly present in my life and am off-kilter when they are not.  On some level, I hoped that this awareness would automatically result in me doing more of these activities.  But no, I actually have to set aside time for these things and then make them happen. 

Setting aside time for the things that matter most will always mean that I must choose one thing over the other.  I may have to decline invitations to celebrations, noble causes or entertainment.   There’s nothing wrong with them other than their timing being out of sync with what I need to do.  I’ve learned how to kindly and artfully say no.   

To live this way is a daily practice.  Sometimes I just need to pause and question whether the action I’m about to take will serve any real purpose or contribute to the welfare of my soul.  I will miss the mark.  I try not to be too frustrated with myself.  All I have to do is push reset and try again.   Perhaps this is the hope that comes with the new year. 

One of my favorite new year's cards

Iconic London

During my 10-day visit to London, I took over 300 photos using my IPhone.  Each night I would review the day's photos, marvel in my experiences and download the photos to my laptop.

In the spirit of travel and in celebration of good times, here are my favorite iconic photos of London. 

The Rain.  As if to protect me from a bad omen, I received many forewarnings of bad weather from friends and colleagues prior to my arrival. But the weather held up beautifully and there was only one day of relentless rain.  So here's to the London rain!  

The Tube.  One must know the Way Out (of the station) and remember to Mind the Gap!  The gap is a devious little space between the train track and the platform.  Along with automated station recordings, transit personnel stand on the platform and holler out "Mind the Gap!"

Many tube stations were air-raid shelters during World War II.  The deepest station in Central London is 41 meters (134 feet) below street level.  Theatre and musicals are advertised extensively in tube stations.  

Theatre.  Whenever I get back to London, I will always set aside time for the theatre.  I love the art form and nothing says London like a good ole British play.  I went to the Criterion Theatre to see The 39 Steps.

Inside the Criterion Theatre

The Tower of London and the Tower Bridge in the background.  I could have spent several days learning about the history of the Tower of London beyond the crown jewels, beefeaters and beheadings.  The Tower encompasses over 1,000 years of documented history.

I was at the Tower of London during the commemoration to mark 100 years since Britain's first involvement in World War I.  888,246 ceramic poppies were installed from July to November to commemorate the loss of British soldiers during the war.

The London Eye.  I have several photos of the Eye but this is my favorite.

The Thames River and a sightseeing cruise.  Visible from the waterfront is the Shard of Glass, London's 87-story skyscraper.

 The Millennium Bridge for pedestrians to walk across the Thames.

Although the cruise ended at Greenwich, I got off by the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben.

Westminster Abbey.   Did you know that there are about 3,000 bodies inside and the last burial was an unknown soldier?  Photos weren't allowed in most of Westminster Abbey except for the Cloisters.

These are from inside the Cloisters.  Some clergy and staff live within the Cloisters.

The astounding design, artwork and architecture of Westminster Abbey.

Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament and a little construction.

The Houses of Parliament late afternoon

Inside the Houses of Parliament where photos were allowed.

Museums.  The Charles Dickens Museum was once one of Dickens' London homes.  On this day, I discovered that street names may change from one block to the next and that numbers on the buildings aren't always sequential.  

The British Museum

                            

Red telephone booths.  These were just outside the British Museum.

 

Waterloo Station.  I took the train from Waterloo Station to Windsor.  Waterloo is big and busy but the mayhem was no different than Penn Station in New York City.

Now this isn't iconic but surprising and a little curious; the bikes parked outside of Waterloo Station.

Windsor Castle

The flag at full mast means that the Queen is home.

 Leaving Windsor as the sun sets...

Day is done, gone the sun,

From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.  --lyrics to Taps















Eating My Way Around London

How could I blog about London and not highlight my food experiences?  There were many but I'm only touching upon those that were memorable or surprising in some way.   Most of these experiences were with my cousin Walden who was an exceptional host and tour guide.  

On my first night in London, the family took me to Durum.  Durum is a Turkish restaurant located in the Finchley section of London.  The appetizers and my lamb were very good. However, this hot mint tea after my meal was the star.  Made of hot water and mint, this simple tea was soothing and refreshing. 

I visited my first pub in Leicester Square.  By the way, Leicester sounds like Lester.  At the Bear and Staff Pub I had a delightful meal of fish and chips.  It came with mushy peas which I hear is common in these parts.  I liked them but if you don't like green peas or mashed up green peas, you will not like mushy peas.   The cod had just the right amount of batter made from their house ale.

Whilst in London, one should have a traditional afternoon tea.  We went to the Grosvenor Hotel in Central London near the Victoria tube station.  Cousin suspected they would have a good afternoon tea and I was inclined to believe him. The hotel entrance was stunning.

Here's what I learned about afternoon tea straight from the Grosvenor Hotel menu:

Whilst living in Woburn Abbey, during the nineteenth century, Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford is credited as the first person to have transformed afternoon tea in England into a late-afternoon meal rather than simple refreshment. 

I sampled from the tiers of sandwiches, scones and cakes.  My tea was Organic Earl Gray.  In spite of the decor, folks were dressed casually and it was child-friendly.  

Pubs abound in London.  Out of convenience, we went to the Liberty Bounds pub.  The food was decent and the plates were charming.  The pub is close to the Tower of London.  During the 16th and 17th century, prisoners were held at the Tower, walked to the scaffold and lost their heads.   

At the Bengal Lancer on Kentish Town Rd in London, I ate one of my favorite meals.  I had a vegetarian platter (Vegetable Thali).  A few items on the platter I couldn't pronounce but my taste buds were dancing.

My feet were aching as we entered the Royal Oak Windsor.  I had just toured the Windsor Castle. By the way, whenever the flag (top right side below) is flying at full mast, the Queen is home.

Don't let the royal name fool you.  The Royal Oak Windsor is another pub.  I was in the mood for a healthy and satisfying meal which I thought was not pub possible.  On the menu I saw salmon or sea bass with veggies.  I asked my waiter and he suggested the sea bass.  He said it came with a delicious wine sauce with shallots.  He spoke affectionately about dipping their hot bread into the sauce and offered to bring me out a basket of it.  He's also from Portugal so he may know a little about fish.  It was beautifully prepared and exceeded my expectations.  Well done mate...well done.

Have you ever tried baked Camembert?  I hadn't until I went to the Museum Tavern after a visit to the British Museum. It was served with toasted garlic bread and a cranberry sauce.  Simply sumptuous.  

On Thursday, my cousin was at home cooking a lovely Thanksgiving meal.  I went off on my own and visited the Charles Dickens Museum.  First, I went to the cafe and had a tartlet (quiche), salad and tea.  It was unremarkable.  The cafe only took cash but the bookstore allowed payment by credit card.  I had to go there anyway to pay for the museum entrance fee.  I was given a sticky note receipt. Quite remarkable.   

The weekend after Thanksgiving, we toured the Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster. Between the two tours, the security guard at Westminster Abbey pointed us in the direction of food. We found several options on a sleepy side street many blocks away.  I reluctantly selected the Bamboo Basket.  It didn't seem particularly special. Realizing that every experience doesn't have to be extraordinary,  I decided to give it a go.  I was pleasantly surprised and loved the seafood soup and fried soft shell crabs.

A few hours later, after an audio tour of the Palace of Westminster, we stopped by the cafe to rest our weary feet before getting on the tube.  I had the prettiest vanilla latte.

A couple of days before leaving London, the family took me out for Italian at Zizzi Ristorante in the Finchley section of London.  We had appetizers of bruschetta, arancini (fried risotto balls with mozzarella) and calamari.  I also had one of their signature pizzas, the Primavera. The entire meal was spectacular.

 

 Cheers!