The Wonder of Fall

This past weekend was filled to the brim. We managed our time efficiently, somehow doing something fun and entertaining every day.

Friday evening we made our way to Tower Grove Park with the Fells and the Davis' for the final Food Truck Friday of the season.

There were masses of people milling around carrying their delicious food or the arduous burden of choosing where to order; a sweet band playing soothing tunes in the background; and the perfect nip in the air to wear a cozy sweater.

This picture does not do the masses justice.

We ran into people we knew and exchanged tips on where to eat and what to order. I ended up with delicious Gumbo from Completely Sauced, and Red got the Flying Pig from Guerilla Streetfood. Both, excellent choices.

We found our blankets and the 6 of us lounged as we ate our street food fare and enjoyed the settling of dusk. We were in no hurry to get anywhere. It was unanimously decided that it was a mistake for the last FTF to be our first. Lesson learned.

Next year, FTF will be at the top of the social priority list. Boom.

Now, I told you it was a filled weekend and I did not lead you astray.

Saturday morning we woke up early and headed to Trish and Ben's place for coffee...and then to Eckert's Farm for pumpkin picking!!

We loaded up in the truck and headed to Illinois. Red at the wheel and Ben as the GPS. The ride there was narrated with a sweeping expanse of burning amber and red outside our windows, escorting us to the ultimate harvest world of Eckert's.

We made our way to the general store clinging to every reason to buy everything in sight. I need butter pecan maple syrup, right?

 The carousel of samples made me feel light headed...imagine a room filled with every country cooking delight and then some---uncured- smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, cheese dip, fudge, dill dip, more fudge, oh..and apple cider doughnuts.

Needless to say, we were energized for our hayless hay ride over to the pumpkin patch. We took our time wandering the vines, searching for our pumpkin answer to a soul mate. The qualities of the right pumpkin are incredibly subjective. Do you prefer perfectly round, ostentatiously huge, bright orange, sandy orange, white, bumpy, no marks, oval, or lopsided? The options are endless.

Somehow I never got the full group picture!! So sad. 

Red and I settled with a perfect pumpkin with no distinguishing characteristics---hmmm..what does that say about us?

After our final purchases we headed to a delicious mexican meal down the street. There, we discovered we were exhausted! None of us had any idea how tiring choosing a pumpkin could be.

It was a perfect Fall day---good friends, good food, good fun, and beautiful weather.

Sunday morning was our most laid back day--we headed to Nicolle's and Brian's where we feasted on banana pancakes, the sun pouring in the tall windows, a breeze stirring around us. We laughed, we challenged, we discussed. It was rejuvenating and fun to hang out with no purpose and no time limit.

Sunday night we headed to a friend's birthday party and feasted on pasta and cake-balls that changed my life. (They were extra gooey on the inside and crispy on the outside--whoa--thanks Rachel!) We stayed late just hanging out and enjoying their beautiful home.

Weekends like this remind me of why I love the Lou so much. There is plenty to do, but there are also plenty of awesome people to share those things with. Thank you Lord for such a sweet community!

Fall does something for Me

Fall does something for me.

It lights me up.

It warms my heart.

I get to wear boots.

I get to wear jewel tones.

I get to take nature walks.

Today, I firmly decided that Fall is my favorite season. As you can see from the list above, there are important reasons for this.

I must say that with all the transitions around life right now, it couldn't have made it's entrance at a better time.

Now, in the midst of job hunting, I get to look out my windows and see fiery leaves, be snuggled up in blankets, and sip my delicious Earl Grey tea.

Pretend this is the view from my window, Thanks weather.com

Red and I haven't turned the heat on yet. Cheers to that.

Put some Southwest in your Corner

Camp for Red, this year, has been so very different. Hours off in the afternoon, nights at home, and days off. It has been wonderful!

We decided to take advantage of his off day last Sunday and check out a new place to eat---new to us that is...well, maybe for you too--

It's called Southwest Diner and, big surprise...it's on Southwest Ave in Ellendale (just south of Dogtown)

But the clever part of this name and location is that they also serve southwestern fare!! (whoa.)

Complete with red sauce, green sauce, or if you're from New Mexico: Christmas. Yum.

We walked in and it was packed---to the point where you were invited to sit with strangers. (Dude! why not? What a great way to meet people---over food!)

The moment we entered the restaurant I felt like I was on vacation somewhere else--I kept saying to Red that it reminded me of Colorado--the vibe is so naturally hip and relaxed that you feel immediately at ease.

We waited in line next to a girl who grew up with the owner and she happily gave us tips on ordering while pointing out the owner and his mom (who was in charge of seating).


We ended up at the end of the counter right by the kitchen---surprisingly a calm, quiet place to sit.

Our food was delicious (the breakfast burrito, cornmeal pancakes, and beef enchiladas with red sauce) and we were entertained by the the waiters behind the counter.

Breakfast Burrito--Christmas style

Enchiladas

There may or may not have been a moose noise making moment. (I had no idea that's what a moose sounds like!)

Needless to say, it was a hit. It was fresh and a delightful departure from typical breakfast. We can't wait to return and try more of the menu!

Check it out!

PS--they also serve Tacos at Tower Grove Farmers market---um, this sounds marvelous.

Southwest Diner

6803 Southwest Diner

St. Louis, MO 63143

314.260.7244

website

Last Weekend before the Weekend

Today is the day.

Red just left to report for camp.

It is officially the time of year filled with redecorating, reading dozens of books, and experimenting in the kitchen. I wear less make-up, eat less healthy, and manage my time less effectively.

But that is all good. Really.

In honor of our last week together, this time last saturday, Red and I went on an adventure.

First, to Uncle Bills. Home of Red's most favorite pancakes.

Half of Red with our gi-normous breakfast.

If you ever come to visit STL, or you live here already, don't write off Uncle Bills.

Go. Appreciate it's greasy, 70's, ski-lodge vibe and order the regular pancakes.

Red would tell you that there is something magical about them. Red knows.

After our mammoth breakfast, we headed to a few stores. We are still searching for je ne sais quoi for our home...

SO, Red graciously agreed to peruse an antique mall or two with me. We headed to the Green Shag Market on Manchester.

We didn't find a thing--but we had fun looking.

Ok, so maybe I shouldn't say we didn't find a thing... I did find a sweet pair of black pants with gold sequined tuxedo stripes going down the side. I resisted. But I question if I should have.

Red found some sweet Lennon glasses.

It was a fabulous saturday morning. Our goal since then has been to make the most of our time together since today marks the start of a month apart--basically.

Thursday night we went on a date as a final duo hoorah. 

Hey grill. You look lovely.

It was fabulous.

Sidney Street Cafe, you woo me.

Allow me to be more specific-- Deconstructed sneakers bar, you woo me. If you go--you must get this dessert.

It was a perfect final weekend and week before the weekend. We had fun and got things done.

Red left this morning, bag packed, supplements loaded, me in my p.j's waving goodbye...a breeze blowing, birds singing, bunnies hopping, I think I may have seen a family of deer in the neighboring driveway swaying to the rustling of tree branches.

It was nice, needless to say, and so it begins.

The Final Two

We are down to the final two weeks before Red reports for work. We are packing it in.

We just got back from a weekend in Memphis, TN--celebrating my brother's 30th birthday. It was awesome.

 Friday night we sat out on the front porch, relaxed, ate a delicious dinner, and reminisced about Henry Crystal--- a pet chicken of yesteryear. (There are rumors that he was cooked by the maid).

My bros opened their gifts from Trader Joes; and Ragan and I spent some time dancing to some weird 70's music. All in all, it was perfect.

Saturday morning Red and I got up and headed down to the farmer's market for some food-truck action.

Beginning at my brother Chris's truck (Fuel), we got the breakfast burrito and hibiscus tea--whoa--amazing.

Then, because you know Red's obsession with perfect pizza, we moved one truck over to try some at Rock n' Dough. This place had a wood burning oven in the back of their truck!! Dude!

No doubt: Red declared he could eat from food-trucks for the rest of his life and be completely and utterly satisfied.

After our food coma we diligently worked to transform Ragan and Michelle's backyard into a setting fit for a luau---complete with lei's, parrots, and a frozen drink machine. Yum.

Without any doubt, it was a great weekend...and now we're back in STL with Hans and Lee in town from Belgium and more friends on the way.

We might as well let summer go out with a bang!

St. Louis in the Summer

Has it really been that long since I have posted? I sign in today and was shocked to see May 22 as the date of my last post.

July 10th resolution: write in blog at least once a week. We shall see.

It has been a crazy 6 weeks. I have been traveling everywhere!! From Charleston, SC to Vienna, VA to Orange Beach, AL--through Jackson, MS and Memphis, TN back to St. Louis.

I feel as if I have seen the world....if in reality I've really just seen my south-eastern corner. It has been lovely seeing family and friends but, as always, it is wonderful to be home.

Red and I had huge intentions of truly experiencing the St. Louis summer---there is so much to do!! Due to the travels, however, our intentions have been pared down.

We shall have to be content going to a Dave Matthews Band concert tomorrow night.

By content, I mean completely and utterly stoked. It's our first DMB show--which is ridiculous. DMB has been on my bucket list since 8th grade. dude.

After that spectacular event, I'm hoping we will have time before Red reports for work (at which time he will disappear from my life for 3 weeks) to visit the Muny for a broadway show and go to a movie on Art Hill both in Forest Park. I will keep you posted.

During the next few weeks I'll be volunteering at Mission St. Louis' day camp and doing research for a project I have while Red prepares for work.

I know it sounds professional of me when I say: I'm doing research for a project. But please, don't be concerned. It is not professional.

I'm getting to design/decorate/fill a room for a friend of Red's. It is to be kid friendly and houseguest friendly. You know how I love good deals and good decorating! I'm jazzed to get to use my obsessions to bless a friend.

Yep--jazzed.

To Russia with Love

I have a special place in my heart for Russia.

Due mostly to the fact that the people are kind and warm and generous and all things gingerbread.

Yes, gingerbread.

Doesn't she remind you of gingerbread? What a darling Babushka.

But also because I have been there twice and my family's church has such a sweet love for a church there.

Russia has been on my mind lately. I took my friend Tricia to the airport yesterday (she was headed to the republic of Georgia...where they speak Russian); and my dad was talking about our Russian friends coming to visit this summer; and then today I walked up the street to my local tailor and it turns out she is originally from Baku (also a Russian speaking area).

We chatted warmly as she fitted my dress and I even slipped a spaceba (thank-you) and a dasvadana (good bye) into our conversation.

It was a warming reminder of Russia and all my fond memories there.

I long to take Red there. I think he would adore experiencing the skeleton of communism left behind, the dramatic architecture, the ballet, the opera, and again, the people.

Total Eclipse of the Heart

As many of you know,  a solar/anular eclipse occurred west of the Mississippi yesterday.

Well, that's what some people think.

Those people not being me and my people.

We (Red, our new roomies--Austin and Heather--and I) excitedly made our way to the World's Fair pavilion in Forest Park to meet up with the St. Louis astronomy society---you know, to debo their fancy-smancy viewing equipment.

Hmm--didn't work out. Turns out there was a wedding.

And clouds.

We ended up sitting around on the steps praying for a miracle. Red pointed out that God could easily part the clouds just in the nick of time.

Instead, we took some pictures of our adventure, sang Total Eclipse of the Heart (meaning, Austin sang...) and headed home for some delicious slow-roasted honey chicken prepared by Heather.

Red and I,  posted up.

Austin and heather

We shall never know what it feels like to look up and see the moon in front of the sun---at least not for a long time. But at least we attempted.

Back Porch Garden

Last Friday, Red and I had a gardening adventure. It consisted of me working hard and Red keeping me company.

He was sickly. Can you tell?

But he was a trooper and stuck it out with me while I made this mess:

oh and this one--

Artsy--turned into being scared of dirt. Haha

...a sweet price to pay in order to have a garden of herbs right out your back door.

Here is the finished product:

Sweet Basil, Cilantro, Thai Basil

Flat Leaf Parsley, Mint, lovely paint tools

Since this gardening adventure--I have filled another planter with pretty flowers---I think I might just be quite the curious gardener...and Red, a great helper.

Have you planted anything recently?

Hey you, get on on the floor!

I have intended to get on the floor and do side-leg lifts for weeks now.

I avoid them anyways.

So, today I decided to attack these leg lifts with a vengeance.

The Lord saw my passion and rewarded me:

As I sweat out my last 20, I lift my eyes, focusing on the distant--- moccasin!!!

---a shoe that has been missing for at least 2 weeks now.

The moral of this story: get on the floor--you never know what you might find.

Just a Rainy Day

I decided to take advantage of this rainy day and go shopping. Please. Act shocked.

After hitting up TJ Maxx and Tuesday Morning, I made a run to our local U. City Goodwill.

I am super glad I did.

I was wandering the aisles, debating over some jean shorts when I stumbled upon the art section. Lo and behold!---I discovered these babies:

Yes.

Original 1957 and '58 paintings by P.K.

Better known as: stranger who now has art displayed in my home.

For a total of $6.00 these paintings just added a little more spunk to my abode.

Well, they will add spunk when I actually hang them on the wall.

Love it.

Seize Spring

It has been a while, and since my last post, Red and I have been busy taking advantage of the Spring season.

We've been regularly going to Forest Park to work out or just lay around. Art Hill is the perfect backdrop for all things outdoors. Just the other day I went for my run and Red took his brand new reclining camping chair out to a shady grass area and read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe--by C.S. Lewis. (You can only imagine how pumped he was to find a reclining camping chair for his massive body)

Yes. This Spring has been wonderful. We've been on picnics, walked to favorite restaurants, and bought tickets for my favorite band coming to town this summer (DMB--yes I'm ecstatic).

With the onset of the new season, Red and I agreed that we need to make the most of our time in STL. In honor of this decision we made a bucket list.

As you can see, it was lovingly created on a page from a magazine--while sitting in Northwest Roasting Company--one of our favorite coffee shops.

Here is the list thus far--of course with items to be added as often as possible:

1. Eat at MediaNoche (Half & Half's big Mexican brother by the same mother)
2. Go to a show at the Muny (I'm thinking the King and I or DreamGirls)
3. Go to jazz night at the Botanical Garden
4. Study Spanish (Red) and French (Lola)
5. Late night guys night at 5 bistro for their burger (Red)
6. Sump Coffee shop date with each other
7. Literary Party for the Ladies (Lola)
8. Walk to Winslow's Home for breakfast
9. Moonlight Paddle Boat at Forest Park with picnic
10. SquareOne brewery

And--being who we are, we felt like we needed to make a list of events to be sure to do with our dear friends Jackie and Micah. (You have to be intentional with your friends too!)

1. Go Camping (This has been rained out once already!)
2. Hang out at Momo's on the porch after work one friday
3. Cherokee Street for Cinco de Mayo
4. Breakfast at Half & Half followed by a hike at Weldon Springs.
5. Dave Matthews Band Concert July 11th!!!

Red and I have already successfully crossed off some of the items on our list--the french toast at Winslow's Home is incredible--and we have been proactive with Jackie and Micah as well--Half & Half was delicious--and the movie instead of the hike...perfect.

I think it becomes evident to us all, that as we get older, we must be more intentional not only in our relationships but in our time. So, my friends, I encourage you to make a list of possible things to do this spring and summer--seize the day!

Much love to you all

Life Since Then

I've been avoiding my blog. Yes it's true.

I think since returning from our trip my life has taken on a lackluster that is not completely it's own. What I mean is, initially I used the excuse that we were back from this glorious trip and so now my life is blah.

Not true. I have realized that any lackluster I am experiencing is produced by the lens I am looking through, not so much what I am looking at.

As Spring comes into play I am reminded how sweet life is every day. St. Louis has been blessed to basically have summer and I have been taking full advantage of it...regularly visiting Forest Park and even running my furthest distance yet (6.5 miles)!

I just want to put forth to you, that I am no longer hiding behind the mirage that life isn't incredible because I am no longer in Morocco...or France...or Italy.

No. I am rejoining the world. And leaning into the truth that I am blessed right here, where I am...and that it is on me if I don't take advantage of it.

Cheers to all the good times--and some tough ones---and documenting them on le blog.

Morocco may be my paradise

The last few days have been a whirlwind.

No. A massive storm complete with hail and monsoons that, thankfully, finaled with a rainbow.

Rome was wonderful--we stayed in a B&B a stone's throw from the Pantheon. Our schedule was slow but filled--and we got to enjoy slightly warmer tempatures...high 40's...which was welcomed with open arms.

The Italian people are warm and were very willing to point us in the right direction whenever we wandered off course--and we manged to find a couple of good restaurants who catered to locals instead of the tourists...unfortunately the rest of our meals were a bit so-so...one of which  was the equivelant of a really bad mexican restaurant decorated with random items (including hanging dolls?) and loud wailing music. This is adventure people.

It is incredible to explore this city with its blocks of modern world, the cracks filled with ancient ruins...you almost can't absorb the chasm. It feels like you have wandered onto a movie set...is it real?

After nearly  4 days of the Roman experience, we headed to Malaga, Spain to meet up once more with Brandon and Chrissy---with the intention of staying 1 night and then continuing on to Morocco.

Life didn't quite happen that way. Let's just say the next 36 hours may or may not have involved, missed flights, snow, 3 hours or less of sleep, maintenance workers, cold floors, busted noses, lice, and a stolen car.

Needless to say--our arrival in Morocco was filled with elation---well our arrival to Chefchoen was filled with elation.

Our hotel..was spectacular. Imagine a glorious Moroccan building in your mind--with huts dotted up the mountain behind it---cabanas with thatched roofs, patterned cushions everywhere--lanterns and lights twinkling along the path, brilliant colors on everything your eye can land on...

We got a chalet with two bedrooms and a salon (common area)...each couple with their own bathroom---the same magical feeling continuing into our quarters. We could have stayed there for weeks.

Our one night was perfect. The food--insane. Moroccan food is delicious! Dinner was outrageously generous--none of us finishing our meal (Red included)...and breakfast was "whoa". The fresh squeezed orange juice pushed it over the top.

After our night of luxury we headed into the town of Chefchoen---famous for being blue. It is so picturesque. This is my first time in an Arab culture---it felt so adventurous getting lost in their tiny streets of the Medina, haggling over prices for their goods, eating Tagine...of course taking a million pictures (that I wish I could share with you!)

It was the perfect 1st taste of the Moroccan world. We went on from Chefchoen...and drove to Casablanca--which took and hour and a half longer then it was supposed to---the driving insane. But, we made it. So no complaints. (I think we are starting to adjust to the fact that nothing goes as planned here).

We arrived at Brandon and Chrissy's place around 9pm and received the grand tour. Their beach bungalow is wild! You walk outside to get get to any other part of the house---Red can't stand straight in the kitchen or dining area---but the view---it is majestic. The waves are pounding the beach just a few yards away from their steps. Perfect.

We woke up this morning and have made our way to the school where they work...where I am currently writing this, and Red is sitting in on Brandon's math class. We are just hanging around today--getting to know the community...tomorrow afternoon we head to Marrakesh. Let the bargaining begin! I'm definitely planning to do some shopping. You surprised?

Au revoir!

-Laura

Travels continue

Since Belgium, Red and I have seen some of the world. By world I mean the frozen world that is Europe right now.

We headed to Munich, Germany from Belgium and from Munich to Interlaken. Munich was wonderful! Still one of my top cities in Europe to visit. Germany is such a beautiful country and the people are super friendly. (It doesn't hurt that I have a fabulous friend there--Anne, who took us to a delicious Thai restaurant.)

We stayed in a true dorm hostel there so Red would get the real hostel experience. Overall it was pretty positive--those bunk beds were comfortable!

Interlaken is just as beautiful as my memory told me---but very different from that summer. This time the whole world seemed to be blanketed in snow unable to completely wake up because it was too cold outside...or perhaps I just felt that way.

Our hostel was awesome---we basically planned interlaken as our downtime in the trip, taking full advantage of the meditation/music room.

It was wonderful rejuvenation needed before our unexpected 10 hour trek to Venice Italy! It was supposed to be only 7 hours but because of all the crazy wintery weather the train schedules were a wreck.

We finally made it to Venice where we rented an apartment with our friends Brandon and Chrissy. Situated in the Jewish ghetto it was the perfect jumping off point for getting lost in the maze of Venice. It has been frigid here as well, so it wasn't quite as enjoyable as we hoped. We did manage to play some killer games in the streets (the Italians staring at us blankly) and we also drank our fill of some killer cappuccinos.

I'll post more on Venice later. We are headed to Rome this afternoon. There is more to come!

Belgium in live and living color

We arrived in Brussels by train this morning and was greeted at the platform by Ms. Denise, mother to the infamous childhood friend of Red, Hans.

Ms. Denise's warm hugs were the perfect greeting on that freezing platform, the wind blowing our hair and our cheeks flushed with the cold. She greeted Red like he was her lost son. You could feel how happy both Hans and his mom were to see Red after 12 years of separation.

From the train station, we wandered through the huge Sunday market to the car and drove through the narrow streets to the famous Market square where the buildings date back to the 1400's...remarkable. After a few pictures we snuck into a local restaurant for some cappuccinos and good conversation. The restaurant's building was built in the 1600's and had a massive fire built in the center. ( Even more remarkable was the giant stuffed horse behind our table---very middle ages?)

We went on to the Manneke Pis ( the peeing boy statue) which is infamous in Brussels. The story goes that two sides of Belgium were at war and one side was lighting a fuse to a bomb for the other side. A little boy wandered out right at that moment, saw the fuse, and peed on it, becoming the hero of the conflict. ( what a smart little boy!)

After grabbing some pastries for a snack, and exploring the Tin Tin store, we went on to the "atom" a monument that was built for the world exposition. It was so cool!! Literally a giant atom symbolizing the different cities in Belgium.

Now, we are relaxing at Hans' home about to eat a home cooked meal. ( Red has been raving about Ms. Denise's food for YEARS so I am very excited...especially for her fries...because I may or may not be addicted to potatoes.)

Posting pictures soon!

La mode a là Paris

Ladies, Ladies (and perhaps a few gentlemen)...

It is officially time to discuss the style of the fashion capital of the world. This post is in no way meant to be difinitive, but it does reflect a few main ideas that I have gleaned from our counter gamines a là Paris.

1. Bed head is in: it seems that most French women allow their hair to do it's natutral thing. Whether you have course curls, frizzy waves, or stick straight strands, style it as it goes. And if you do "fix" it, do so in an effortless way such as a messy bun, half undone braid, or a random clip.

2. Make up is meant to enhance: I've seen more French women with more make-up on than ever before. Red lips and blue eye shadow being the highlight. However, the French have the art of enhancement down. Even when they have on a full face of make-up, it never seems like a mask. It seems natural---are we Americans even able to fake this?

3. Boots, boots, boots: Never before have I seen so many styles in my life (nor have I ever seen so many uggs in the city of love...they use to make fun of them!) They are wearing a lot of riding boots and desert boots, and wedge booties, and all types of ankle bootes...with everything they own.When I say they are wearing boots with everything...I mean everything: shorts, jeans, leggings, skirts, dresses...colors mixing; brown with black; navy with black. It is such a ménage!

4. Short skirts and hose: French girls are not afraid of the cold nor of pantyhose. They rock the pantyhose with everything including all frocks, shorts, and mini skirts. I have seen only 1 bare leg yet and she looked miserable. So ladies in the U.S. don't be afraid to wear panty hose or tights, they make everything look très chic.

 http://www.scarfcreative.com/2010/12/street-style-winter-white.html

5. Nipped at the waist coats: Well thought out, the typical French girl realizes that most people will only see her shoes and her coat. So she opts for a coat that nips in at the waist so that her shape can be appreciated. It could be military style, a puff jacket, long or short, but most likely it will be nipped in at the waist.

6. Handbag: Really you will see every style of purse possible. But there seems to be an influx in bags you carry by hand instead of a shoulder strap. Think big and practically structured like a weekender bag.

As a general rule, the French dress more elegantly than we Americans. Though this does not mean more formal---it's simply more beautiful.

It certainly inspires me to take my purchases more seriously by buying fewer but nicer pieces.

What are your thoughts? Should we be satisfied with less but with better?

Ooh Paris How I love Thee

Bonjour mes amis!

I greet you from the bustleing city of Paris, two days into our world adventure. I am sorry that I can't post any pictures as of yet but hopefully soon I will be able to.

We arrived yesterday at 8 in the morning and did not stop until 3 in the afternoon! The most unfortunate part of the trip is getting adjusted to the time zone. You must stay awake as long/late as possible in order to get on track.

So in order to stay alert and engaged we jumped into the tourist scene. First we found our hotel and dropped off our backpacks. Then we wandered rue de clers and its markets for a good "petit dejeuner" only to make the mistake of buying gross croque monsieurs ( ham and cheese sandwich) from a street vendor. We are not returning there.

The one redeeming quality of these sandwiches was that they were eaten in front of the Eiffel Tower....which managed to up their anty by only a smidge.

After our breakfast we wandered under the Eiffel Tower, on across the Seine, and to Trocadero.  I got to show Red the fountain I wallowed in back in high school when I was an au-pair---it was the hottest summer on record! He laughed when I described all the Parisennes laying on the banks of this fountain and playing in the water cannons as if it were a public pool. But I tell you this was a neccessary thing at that time! I also showed Red the apartment I lived in with the family I lived with. It was incredible walking that street again and realizing that 9 years have passsed.
We went on from there to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysses, taking our time to people watch, and for me, fashion watch. ( No worries ladies--I will do a post on fashion in Paris to cover all that is to be said)

Riding the metro has been as easy as it is reknown to be. However, there have been quite a bit more musical performers on the trains than I remembered there being. Ask Red whenever you see him and I imagine He will be able to recreate the experience for you with a tune he has had stuck in his head since yesterday morning. It is quite funny. My favorite musician was an older man who played the accordian in the typical French style. He matched his timing to the speed of the train making you feel as if you were flying down a dark tunnel with a mad accordian tuned to every zig and zag. Heart racing I tell you.

After we snuck in a little nap we ventured out again, headed for Notre Dame. Notre Dame is stunning at all times of day; but it is magical in the early evening as the sky is turning deep blue and the moon and venus is settling into place. We off-handedly decided to wander inside just to catch a look at night and stumbled into a full mass! The music alone was unbelieveable. We sat soaking it in. God gains glory from it all.

After being rejuvenated by the sound of music (ah-ah-ahhhhhh) (anyone?) we got lost in the Latin quarter still managing to miss the main street. The Latin quarter is one of the oldest sections of town and is also home to the Sorbonne (university) and other schools. It is heavy on the student demographic but is an awesome area to explore. Attempt numero 2 will occur tonight.

We found a small street cafe and got a decent meal for a great price then headed home to crash. Our 9 o'clock bedtime was perfect.

Today we slept in until 8 and then wandered through the markets to pick up some fruit and snacks. We've spent the day traipsing through the streets of Paris visiting Monte-marte, eating delicious Vietnamese food in China town and relaxed in the Luxenbourg gardens in front of the senate.

It was a perfect day....I must go---I think the hotel is wanting their laptop back. I will write again soon!

A bientot

From the Plains to the Mountains

I had never driven across Kansas before. I had never been creeped out by massive wind farms before. I had  never driven through a canyon with crazy snow and ice before.

Before our most recent road trip, I had been living life safely on the edge of the Mississippi; far, far, away from any thoughts of eternal plains, energy farms, and mountains.

But now.

But now, I am changed for forever. No really. This isn't meant to be as dramatic as it sounds. But I am changed.

Red and I just returned from a sweet road trip with our friends Jackie and Micah. Jackie's family lives out in Colorado about 2 hours west of Denver in Glenwood Springs. (Not to be confused with paradise...)

No doubt, Red and I jumped on the opportunity to meet her family and to get away into the mountains. The  drive's terrain was invigorating...You hear everyone complain about driving through the plains and despising it, oh but friends!--it is beautiful!

As we drove across this vast expanse, I couldn't help but be reminded of the beach. Odd I know. No ocean for miles--and I think of the beach. But it was something about the swaying of the tall golden grasses that reminded me of dunes and the richness of the blue sky that reminded me of the depths of the sea.

I looked out my window and felt as if inspiration roams freely across this land; that if I could throw myself into it's thralls then I would be changed. Perhaps I would double in size to take up space or perhaps I would grow smaller to better experience God's delirious creation. But yes, changed.

As we drew closer to Denver we began to saw the Rockies push out of the horizon as if they had to stake their claim. There is no denying their stature---why they think they would be pushed around, is beyond me...but..

How these mountains shock your system is undeniable. I had only visited CO once before. It was with Red for his high school friend's wedding and it was summer time. Winter is a completely different experience.

These mountains, ruddy with red earth, Aspens, and craggy rocks jut to the sky suddenly and with out remorse. As we weaved through the valleys and canyons and held our breath dangerously long through tunnels burrowed in the mountains' bellies, a whole new world came to life. It swirled with snow. We slid with ice. White took over for red and we entered into what I like to refer to as: Narnia. (spoken with a fabulous British accent.)

It was enchanting:

The foray into the canyon took an hour longer than expected. But, alas, we arrived at Jackie's home. Blown away by the beautiful drive, thankful to make it there safely, and starving for potato soup--we jumped out of the car eager.

The snow still falling:

I think the one of our party most excited to arrive was Hunter, Jackie and Micah's adorable pup:

Stay tuned for the rest of this trip--it's only just begun...