While yesterday’s image of the Eiffel tower tells you where it is from without even needing to describe it. Would you know this was from Paris? It’s more subtle. It’s the feel of it… the lamppost, the architecture of the building. Now that we’ve been there, it says Paris to me. I like the light, dramatic angle and the sky in this one too. It’s one of my favorites from our first visit.
Iconic Image
My favorite photos of places generally tend to be the scenes that capture a small detail, rather than the famous buildings and sights that we visit. But I can’t help but include a photo or two of the Eiffel Tower. It’s been done, and re-done, and done some more… but there is more beauty in this structure than I expected. It draws you to it, and it’s no wonder that it’s become the symbol of Paris. You have to see it just once, for yourself, to understand.
I couldn’t decide on this one though, the warm colors of the night lights or the classic black and white. What do you think?
Market Still Life
This bright still life is from a market we ran into in Paris during our visit there in September. I loved the sun on this lemon, and the bright colors surrounding it. Why it was sitting there, all alone in its tray, who knows…
Tomorrow we leave for Paris, to go to Disneyland Paris for a few days. After a week at home being wonderfully lazy, I’m excited to go see someplace new, yet a bit familiar. I’m sure I’ll have lots of fun images to share after the trip, but in the next few days I’ll be posting some of my favorite shots from our first trip to Paris in September.
Blank Slate
A new year has begun, a blank slate for us to write on. I’m not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions. What is it about the changing of the calendar that makes us thing that we should do anything different? It is a little reminder, though, that each day is a blank slate. Each day is a chance to write the ending a little bit differently than the one before.
This image from our visit to Castello San Sebastiano da Po this summer speaks of possibilities, of sitting down in the light and writing something new. It reminded me of the lyrics I loved from a song that was popular a few years ago called Unwritten. The lyrics to the song are…
I am unwritten,
can’t read my mind,
I’m undefined.
I’m just beginning,
the pen’s in my hand,
ending unplanned.
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten.
What will I write this year? I’m not sure, I’m sitting down here at my desk, with the ending still unwritten.
Year-end Reflection
The end of the year, time for a moment of reflection. This picture of Brandon at Castello San Sebastiano da Po makes me think of a moment of quiet. A peaceful moment, paused in the busy-ness that is an 8 year old and the busy-ness of our everyday lives.
This morning I was reflecting in my journal that, while it is always surprising to reach the end of the year and realize a new one is upon us already, this year didn’t seem to fly by. If I think back to where I was a year ago, it was a very different place both geographically and personally. It seems like many years ago. I am happy to say that, a year later, I am a different person. A happier person. Much more me than ever before.
So, with that note, I hope that you all have had a wonderful 2009, and take a moment to reflect on what it brought you. And I’m wishing you a fun New Year’s Eve and a fabulous 2010! Ciao!
Special Treats
Since I posted the German bakery window photo the other day, other food photos have been popping into my head. This one is from Bergamo, a town not too far from here, and one of my favorite cities in Italy. This is a dessert specialty called “Polenta e Osei” which is named after the entree of the same name. The entree is actually polenta with a whole small bird (Osei) cooked on top. The dessert is much more appetizing, with no polenta or birds involved. It is a very sweet cake with a sugary crust, creme filling and small chocolate birds on top. We enjoyed sharing this one and get one every time we go to Bergamo.