z is for... Zapatos and Flying Zapatos

Thanksgiving Weekend 2010, Loch Ness

 Zapatos - or shoes - have been a fascination of ours... well - taking pictures of them at all of the cool spots we have been. 

On my way up to the top of Mt. Vesuvius

It started with my dad.  Several years ago I was looking at some of his photos from a trip, and there were his feet with a cool bay in the background.  He said he always takes a 'foot shot' wherever he's been, so he knows that he was there!

Zapato-less - the Alabaster Mosque, Cairo

Needless to say, we, as a family, have adopted this philosophy...

and for the Flying Zapatos....

Over the Tuileries Garden, Paris

...and this completes my A to Z Challenge.... YAY!  I did it!

thanks for going along with my crazy posts

 

y is for...Yin Yang

f yin and yang do not exist, the One (the Great Ultimate) can not revealed If the One cannot be revealed then the function of the two forces will cease, Reality and unreality, motion and rest, integration and disintegration, and clearness and turbidity are two different substances. In the final analysis, however, they are one. 

Chang Tsai

If you look at the Taoist symbol of Yin Yang, you see that there is a seed of one in the other.  You will also notice that it is in constant motion, flowing from one to the other, as life should be - balanced!

Yin yang are not opposing forces (dualities), but complementary opposites, unseen (hidden, feminine) and seen (manifest, masculine), that interact within a greater whole, as part of a dynamic system. Everything has both yin and yang aspects as light cannot exist without darkness and vice-versa, but either of these aspects may manifest more strongly in particular objects, and may ebb or flow over time. 

Here are a few examples of Yin Yang

The Sun is yang while the Moon is yin. 

Female is Yin while Man is Yang. 

Mountain is Yin while the river is Yang. 

Intuitive is Yin while Logical is Yang. 

Winter is Yin while Summer is Yang.

x is for... Xanadu

no, silly, not the movie, but what the word actually means...

Xanadu - a place of great beauty, luxury, and contentment

What is your place of great beauty, luxury and contentment?

Besides being with my family - being near the ocean is a great start!  It has to be a rocky coastline, as that is what I grew up with, and that is true ocean beauty to me!  None of this flat, endless beach for me!

Then there is the house... rustic, massive windows (that some one else cleans often!) and very comfy furniture everywhere, with handmade quilts and afghans.

Then there is the library!

Something like this.... but I would have to redecorate!

And a fantastic kitchen...

          don't forget the king sized bed to fall into every night...

                                    and the two-person claw-footed tub with a
                                        hot water heater large enough to fill it
                                                           properly!

                                                    an awesome sound system...

and room for my family to be all together!

That's my Xanadu

(oh - and everything completely paid for so we don't have to worry about money!  We would get our 'pin' money from our organic eggs and our hydroponically grown vegetables and herbs that we sell to local restaurants!)

What's yours....

and for those who wanted to see ONJ sing Xanadu...

 here's a little 80's magic for you! 

w is for... my Wish for you!

Haliewa Beach, O'ahu

“This is my wish for you: 

                                 comfort on difficult days,  

      

    smiles when sadness intrudes,       

      

                                                          rainbows to follow the clouds, 

                            laughter to kiss your lips, 

hugs when spirits sag,

              

                                                sunsets to warm your heart,

                           friendships to brighten your being, 

    beauty for your eyes to see,   

           

                                                       faith so that you can believe, 

                    confidence for when you doubt, 

                                            patience to accept the truth, 

            courage to know yourself,

                                         love to complete your life.”

                                                                                     Anonymous

v is for... Versailles

 Walking towards the gilded fence, one is struck by the magnificence of Versailles, most well-known as the palace that housed Marie-Antoinette and King Louis XVI.  As we were going through the grounds, I tried to think of what it must have been like to be a courtier there - walking with my massive wig and huge 'hips' through the various pleasure gardens.  It would be quite the exercise, that is for sure.

The mobs had quite a trek before them to get to these gates as Versailles is 20 km away from Paris.  During the period when court was in session there, it was a full day's carriage ride to get to Versailles from Paris.

The opulence has been slowly restored since 1789 - when the king was deposed and the state took over.  It wasn't until the 1950s that Versailles was truly made in to a museum - yet it is still used today for certain political functions - and it's not hard to see why.  The famous Hall of Mirrors is still used to welcome various heads of state.

The ceiling in the Hall of Mirrors

If you go through Versailles, and don't look up - everywhere - you are missing out on the best art.  The ceilings are truly incredible, and include picture frames!

The gardens are amazing, and we were there on a chilly day in April last year.  They are also quite extensive. 

The beautiful 1,300-room building is more than a quarter of a mile long, with paintings and sculptures by major European artists, all set in a 250-acre garden-park with pools and plantings and fountains laid out in geometric patterns.  - Versailles Interesting Facts


We actually rented a golf cart to drive all through the gardens, as we had a time limit (needed to be back in the city for a very unique dinner experience!) - but it gave us a chance to see many of the private areas, lakes and fountains.

I would highly recommend, that if you go to Versailles, go for the entire day.  It is well worth it as there is too much to explore.  Our trip there was too fast, and I would love to go back when the fountains are actually on, as well as be able to see Trianon - the mini-palais of Versailles.

Here are some more websites on Versailles
Fun Facts
History
Welcome

u is for... Unusual

the very word is a bit odd, isn't it?!

un·u·su·al

 [uhn-yoo-zhoo-uhl, -yoozh-wuhl] - adjective

not usual,  common, or ordinary; uncommon in amount or degree; exceptional: an unusual sound; an unusual hobby; an unusual response.

Origin:
1575–85; un-¹  + usual

Synonyms
extraordinary, remarkable; rare, strange, singular, curious, queer, odd.

I love Google - I clicked on it to find unusual things, and what do I find on google, but a giant zipper down the middle of the screen!  And you type in 'unusual' and here are a few unique links I want to share:

Unusual & Unique Hotels of the World 
40 Unusual Websites you should bookmark (a bit dated - but cool nonetheless)
16 Unusual facts about the Human Body  
Unusual Life - unique website that features Unusual Homes, Amazing Architecture, Strange Places 

Look closely - there is a person that is part of the painting...

The above picture is one still from the movie 'Where the Heart is' with Dabney Coleman and Uma Thurman- I love this movie for the artwork pieces that are in it!  

"A sane person to an insane society must appear insane"

 - Kurt Vonnegut

t is for... Tall Buildings

Whatever city we find ourselves in, if there is a tall building, we go UP!  And this from a person afraid of heights!  But you have to give props and pay homage to those who have created these great edifices. 

When we visited Paris, we waited in line for about 2 hours just to get up into the Eiffel Tower... and the tippy top was closed, there were so many people there that day.  But we were able to get up to the 2nd etage right at sunset... and it was a full moon night...truly magical!  And we gagged lollies long enough that we were there for the lights to come on!  Very cool!  (note...just because it is on the way down.... walking down over 700 steps still hurts your legs!)

In no particular order, I have been in the Seattle Space Needle, Tower of Americas in San Antonio ( and really expensive drinks!), the Empire State Building - twice!

I still wonder how they fit both a staircase AND an elevator, rocking chair thing, up in the St Louis Arch - or is it one of those things that you think you go up, but it's just a hoax!

The Washington Monument doesn't look that big... until you get up close!

I loved how they light up the London Eye and the surrounding park in the winter!  Very Cool!  We actually went into the Eye three times - different times of the day and the year.  I know it's not really tall - but it is super hip!  Did you know that it was originally going to be a temporary exhibit - just for the Millennial Celebration?

Then, of course, we had to do the Ferris Bueller in the Sears Tower...

The one tower we did not get a chance to ascend was in South Korea - the Seoul Tower.... simply because they would not accept an American Dollar Bill - which was worth about 5 times the actual price of the ticket in the Korean Wan currency.... but, hey, we got to see dried squid on a clothes line and a guy making cotton candy using a bicycle to spin the sugar!

I think that about does it.... What tall buildings have you been in?  Any recommendations?!

s is for... Stonehenge

My favorite place in England.  We had an opportunity to be inside of the henge - and it was truly an amazing experience for me.  Since I was a wee lass - I have always wanted to see Stonehenge!  The first time we went to see it, I was awe struck as we were driving towards it.  This first time we were only able to walk around it - and this was within a month of being in England.  However, within a month of leaving England, my aunt was able to get us inside of the circle.

On the chilly, windy day in early May, we walked on the hallowed ground of the inner circle.  Right before we left, the sun broke through the clouds and the stones were awash with light.  In the midst of being completely overwhelmed with the beauty and the power of this spot, I must have taken over 200 pictures.

• The circle has been aligned to coincide with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset. The southerly and northerly rising of the moon is also seen.
• The architecture of Stonehenge has taken into account mathematical and geometrical considerations. The construction is structurally engineered to perfection.
• For more 'Fun Facts,' visit Historical Travel Guide 

This circle of stones, surrounded by a henge (or ditch) is still a mystery to this day - who built it and why?  But it is truly a sight to behold - and to experience!

On my way to finishing the A to Z Challenge...

r is for... Riley

We were living in England, and missing our dog that we had to leave back in the states, due to quarantine issues.  So... we drove through the Sherwood Forest, to Nottingham, to pick up our new puppy Riley - a Springador.  She is a mix between a true English Springer and a black Labrador.  The cutest little pup!  She was the runt of 13 puppies.  She was born in July of 2010.

English winters can be rather chilly and damp - and where we went, Riley went too!  She joined us on a family trip to Scotland... and here she is in her 'Elvis' jacket in Blackpool!

Then we brought her home to America - to the desert of all things - but she has adapted well enough!  Her favorite thing to do - besides play Stick - is to go hiking.  We take her Geocaching with us - trying to teach her to 'fetch cache' and this day she found one tucked in to a rock that we completely missed!

We are glad that she is a part of our family... she's a little crazy - and too smart for her own good - just like the rest of us!

 
This is another post for my A to Z Challenge!

q is for... Queen Elizabeth I

When asked who I admire, or who I would like to meet from history, my response is Queen Elizabeth I.  A woman of strong character, who led a country during the Renaissance period, who also reversed the reign of terror created by her sister, Queen Mary - also known as Bloody Mary - and who also fostered the arts, to include Shakespeare!  There are so many wonderful events to point out that occurred during her reign, it is difficult to name all of them.

I have also enjoyed many of the historical fiction novels that have been written with Queen Bess as a central figure.  To be honest, I read these novels long before novels written by Jane Austen.  In high school, I also thoroughly enjoyed Shakespeare and his works - an actor and playwright that came to fruition during the reign of Queen Elizabeth!

While in England, we had a chance to go to Kenilworth Castle - the estate of Robert Dudley... and I was able to stand inside of the ruins of the section that he had built especially for Queen Elizabeth, during one of her Summer Progresses!  That was amazing for me!

Here are a few quick facts:

Elizabeth I (7 September 1533 – 24 March 1603) was queen regnant of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, or Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty. The daughter of Henry VIII, she was born a princess, but her mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed two and a half years after her birth, and Elizabeth was declared illegitimate. Her half-brother, Edward VI, bequeathed the crown to Lady Jane Grey, cutting his half-sisters out of the succession. His will was set aside, Lady Jane Grey was executed, and in 1558 Elizabeth succeeded the Catholic Mary I, during whose reign she had been imprisoned for nearly a year on suspicion of supporting Protestant rebels.

And just for the record...I did NOT like 'Anonymous' the movie - I felt it made the major players look like complete ignorami- and that just would not do!

Here's another entry in my A to Z Challenge!

p is for... Postcrossing

If you love postcards, or just love getting something other than 'love letters from BILL' - you have to try out Postcrossing!  You have an opportunity to send postcards around the world... and then you get some back!

 

I love the fronts of postcards, but I almost enjoy the stamps from the various countries more!  Textured, glitter, and true little works of art - some of these stamps are!

Then, you start covering your map of where postcards have gone too... and where they have come from!

I have written to 16 different countries:  Brazil, Russia, China, Netherlands, USA, Poland, Germany, Belarus, Ukraine, Taiwan, Finland, Australia, Japan, Italy, Canada, Belgium.

I have received from 15 different countries: China, Netherlands, Ukraine, Germany, Poland, France, USA, China, Russia, Finland, Taiwan, Thailand, Portugal, United Kingdom, Japan.

What impresses me the most... All of the ones I have received are written in ENGLISH!  I find that fascinating, that so many people will write to me in English.   Some of it is a bit halting, but my hat is off to them as Postcrossing is conducted in English and they are at least trying!  Maybe that is what I should do, I should learn a phrase in their native language when sending a post card!  What a fabulous idea! (there I go... amazing myself! :D)

Give Postcrossing a try!  It's so neat going out to your mailbox and finding a little card from half-way around the world... someone is sending you a message from far away! 

Looks like I have some writing to do tonight!  I have 9 new addresses I can get and learn some new phrases in possibly NINE different languages! 

o is for... Oxford vs. Cambridge - personal review

Kings College, Cambridge, from 'The Backs'

I have visited both the towns of Oxford and Cambridge while in living in England.  I would personally have to say I liked the town of Cambridge so much more than Oxford.  I would go for the day to just wander around in Cambridge, to walk around like a tourist with my eyes up in the air, taking in all of the architecture, and being fascinated by the town.

Our first trip in Cambridge we wandered down a small, random alley, and saw this on the wall!  How cool is that?!?

My personal bias stems from the 'feel' of the two different places.  Cambridge, with its Market Square, winding streets, and the River Cam just felt more comfortable.  I loved going to The Eagle that was across the street from King's College for a pint and ambiance.

Radcliffe Camera, Oxford

 Oxford had a neat section with Blackwell's bookshop, Radcliffe Camera (building) and, of course, Christ Church Dining Hall (the inspiration of Hogwart's Dining Hall).  But Oxford felt more commercial - it had a broader high street  that was always very crowded.  Both towns had a Bridge of Sighs, but in Cambridge it was over the river, in Oxford - merely over the street.

Quick facts about the two 'college towns'
Oxford University has 38 colleges and 184 libraries.  It is also the oldest university in the English speaking world.
Cambridge University has 29 colleges and 114 libraries.  Cambridge is the second oldest university in the English speaking world.  Graduates of the university have won a total of 65 Nobel Prizes, the most of any university in the world.

And then there is the rivalry between the two... Here are a couple of links I happened upon.  I honestly did not think I would have any google hits when I typed in "Oxford versus Cambridge," but I did. College Confidential  &  Wikipedia

Our daughter took a few pics and wanted to share them!  Cambridge & Oxford

Here's another entry in my A to Z Challenge!

n is for... Nerd!

I love the scene at the end of Sydney White, with Amanda Bynes, where she was talking about being a 'dork'... and it's perfect!  Yes, I am a dork or a nerd, but not a geek!

I even found a Nerd Test - just to find out how Nerd-y I am!  I was shocked, I guess, to have it confirmed... I am "High-Level Nerd" material, with 80% of the people who took the test scored LOWER than me!  What I found amazing about my results was the fact that 1 % was the same as me, and 19% scored higher!

Here is what wikipedia said about Nerds - is it another sign that I have this bookmarked in my favorites?!?

Nerd is a derogatory slang term for a person typically described as intellectual, socially-impaired, and obsessive who spends inordinate amounts of time on unpopular or obscure activities, pursuits, or interests, which are generally either highly technical, or relating to topics of fiction or fantasy, to the exclusion of more mainstream activities.  Nerds are considered to be awkward, shy, and unattractive.   Thus, a nerd is often excluded from physical activity and considered a loner by others, or will tend to associate with a small group of like-minded people. As with other pejoratives, nerd has been reappropriated by some as a term of pride and group identity.

That about sums it up... I am rather academic and love that fact.  If anything, I would have to say that my nerdiness falls in the Regency Era realm!  I love all things England and Jane Austen!

What about you? 
                  Are you a nerd? 
                           A geek? 
                                    A dork? 

What are you nerdy about?

Just one more entry in my A to Z Challenge!

m is for... Movies n the Man in my life

    Here are a few of my favorite movies!

I love movies!  We don't have cable *gasp*
so our nice flat screen is purely for movies.
I love settling in for a good movie, and hate when you have spent two hours on a bad movie!  But it's nice to be transported once in a while to a different world or time and watch a story unfold before you!
I am also one of those 'mood' movie watchers.  Do you ever find yourself in a mood for a certain type of movie?  I admit, I love a good Rom-Com... but a funny action-adventure is good too... Have you seen "Nothing to Lose"?  Lots of Language, but quite humourous!

and now, for something completely different...
here is a poem about someone special

                                          in my life.... mind you.... I am not a poet!

Man who has captured my heart, and

Always there when I need him.  He is simply

Xtraordinary,

And always

Makes me laugh!

I love this man, because he

Likes me a lot, too.

Lives for the moment – especially together…

Imbues my life with Wonder as he loves the

Outdoors.

Now you can see why I am so lucky!