Tuesday, May 15

Highlights from Paris

A few favorites from Paris...With my love of photography and art, and renewed love for good public transportation I was in heaven. Here are some highlights.

Classics




Arch d' Triumph


Favorite painting at the Musee d' Orsay


Favorite gargoyle at the top of Notre Dame. Kinda feel like he is stickin' his tongue out to keep the demons away.


Just darn cool picture (at least in my opinion)


Water lilies
(no really... this is exactly where Monet sat and painted his multiple masterpieces) AMAZING




Food and relaxin...oh and Cappucino!

To simplify...

Do you ever feel like you are running through life so fast that you never really get a clear picture of what is right in front of you? For some time now I have wanted to post on this photo, that I took last Spring. When I first gazed upon it, it struck me that I often live my life like this...So focused on what is to come that the beauty right in front of me is only a blurred replica of the real thing.



As life and the Spirit seem to be moving me towards a more simple life I have been struck by how often I busy myself simply to be busy. I think by scheduling dinners, gathering, outings it settles my mind to think I have something to do, I must be important. WoW! This is where I know I am out of focus. I think my trip to Europe and many a conversations about simplicity have been the beginning of my "re=focus". It has been great to be back and to be ok with 5 days off work and nothing "scheduled" to do. It has been a blessing to allow community to evolve and actually leave room for "The Lord" (hand gestures required - sorry to those who don't get the joke) to develop friendships that are dear to me. Girls, you know who you are...I have been so blessed by our conversations and just knowing that you all are a part of my world.

Here's to simplicity and seeing the things that are directly before me. Here's to taking in every moment

Tuesday, May 8

Tour d' France (and Germany)

From the streets of Paris...

















To the Notre Dame...
















To the Isle of Saint Louis...
















and the Lourve
















Explored Impressionism @ Monet's Gardens
















And the Musee d'Orsay

















Traversed the streets of Munich...
















and the trails to Neuschwanstein...
















landing at a street cafe where life proved to be fine!! Hope you enjoyed the ride!