Grand Canal

“By day it is filled with boat traffic - water buses, delivery boats, gondolas - if something floats and it's in Venice, it moves along the Grand Canal. And by daylight it is one of the glories of the Earth. But at night, especially when the moon is full and the soft illumination reflects off the water and onto the palaces - I don't know how to describe it so I won't, but if you died and in your will you asked for your ashes to be spread gently on the Grand Canal at midnight with a full moon, everyone would know this about you - you loved and understood beauty."
― William Goldman, The Silent Gondoliers

Courage Zone

I love being in the middle of the comfort zone. It's so cozy and secure. Safe and easy. Unfortunately, it tends to be very boring. There is something so invigorating, if not slightly terrifying, to wade into waters yet to be explored, to move beyond that position of security into something new and untried. It's not always a natural step; it can take a lot of courage. Some times the way someone moves out of their comfort zone is through coaxing, or even a gentle (or not so gentle) push from a friend.

I've recently been a witness to several people moving beyond their level of comfort and into new areas, expanding their idea of what they can accomplish and feeling proud of their ability to make the most out of their new opportunities. I'm inspired by their acts of bravery and their willingness to be vulnerable in trying new things.

As I look back at some of the photographs I've taken through the years, there is a theme of searching or wandering that runs through so many of the pictures. There are many photos of pathways, winding roads, twisting sidewalks, subway tracks - I've never really thought about the grouping until now. As I make those pictures, I always wonder what's beyond the bend in the road, what's on the other side of that door, where does that track lead and who might I find at the end of the path? I like the sense of movement in those pictures; an idea that there is something waiting to be discovered if we're willing to take a walk in a new direction.

Yellowstone, 2010

Missouri, 2012

Shawnee Mission Park, 2013

Provence, France 2011

Paris, 2011

France, 2011

France, 2011

France, 2011

Florence, Italy 2013

Florence, Italy, 2013

Lucca, Italy, 2013

Italy, 2013

Viviers, France, 2011

Gelateria on wheels.

In 1984, President Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90 percent of the nation's population. 

As far as desserts go, I have to admit Ice cream is pretty far down on my list. Donuts, blueberry pie, s'mores, custard/flan/brulee and a hot, gooey chocolate lava cake all rank higher than ice cream for me. 

The one exception is coconut ice cream. When we were in Italy, the Italians take their gelato very seriously. Lucky for me, they had coconut gelato! Just in case finding a gelateria on every corner is NOT enough for you, this guy sells it straight off his bike in Lucca.  ...and yes, he had coconut. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Bridal Showers

This afternoon, Izzy and I attended a bridal shower, complete with a beautiful array of food, fruits & and desserts, silly games and the opening of presents! Everything on the buffet table was color coordinated and looked so festive! It reminded me of the incredible attention to detail in the Italian store fronts.

Chocolate shop, Florence Italy - 2013

Leather gloves, Florence Italy - 2013