THE ART OF COMING HOME

"Ah ! There's nothing like staying home for real comfort."- Jane Austen

"AMERICA - THE BEAUTIFUL" As always, no matter how far I wandered, "there's no place like home " after a long vacation. Here's a poem that expresses my thoughts exactly. I am not a poet and I don't write poems but love to read them. The poet Olive Ridenour was obviously describing me when she wrote this beautiful poem:
"THE BEST PART OF A VACATION."
The best part of vacation
Though far and wide we roam,
Is when it's time to travel back
The trail that leads to home.
Strange roads and ways are thrilling
And mighty fine to see,

But when vacation's over

At home we long to be.

It's fine to see the wonders

And beauties of the land-
The mighty snow-capped mountains,
The rolling sea, the sand,
The city's man-made glory;
But when tired we have grown,
We turn our faces toward
The path that leads to home.
It's fine to see the north land,
The mountains of the west,
The great southern plantations,
But, somehow, I love best
Of all the towns and cities,
Though far wide we roam,
That little rambling village
At trail's end we call...home!

AUTUMN IN AMERICA Yes, it's good to be back home. The best part is enjoying the cooler weather. The myriad colors of autumn leaves are just refreshing to the eyes. Of all the four seasons, I love autumn. It's very colorful and cheerful. I love the summer withered leaves dancing and swirling. Every time autumn comes around, I can't help but missed a favorite painting of mine. I had posted my "Autumn In The Southwest" painting in my past blog but I'd like to bring it back for those who haven't seen it. I no longer have this beautiful oil painting in my home studio because I donated it to a a beloved organization formerly known as Cochlear Implant Club International. Although someone is enjoying this painting in her home, I will never forget it.
"AUTUMN IN THE SOUTHWEST" (16" x 24") Oil On Canvas
ARTIST NOTE: This painting was inspired by a trip to Sta. Fe and Taos, New Mexico in 1996. Although that trip was made during the summer time, this painting was how I imagined the autumn leaves would be in the Southwest.
HAVE A WONDERFUL AUTUMN TO ALL MY FAMILY, FRIENDS AND VIEWERS!

THE ART OF CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY

"Each time you experience the new, you become receptive to inspiration. Each time you try something different, you let the Universe know you are listening. Trust your instincts. Believe your yearnings are blessings. Respect your creative urges. If you are willing to step out in faith and take a leap in the dark, you will discover that your choices are as authentic as you are. What is more, you will discover that your life is all it was meant to be; a joyous sonnet of thanksgiving."- Sarah Ban Breathnach

HOME SWEET HOME I am happy to be back home although I am still recovering from jet-lagged. Had a wonderful and life-changing cruise and trip from the Mediterranean. I came home with many artistic and beautiful spiritual memories. I will be sharing them to you in my future blog.
CARNIVAL FREEDOM This is the fantastic and gigantic cruise ship that we sailed on during our 12-day Mediterranean cruise to Italy, Greece and Turkey. This impressive ship was designed and decorated by a well known artist named Joe Farsi. The theme of this five-months old brand new cruise ship is "blending the old and the new." I will be telling you more about this great ship later on.

ONE OF MY BEST BIRTHDAY GIFTS This photo was taken as we got down the ships gangway for our tour of Athens. Special thanks to my wonderful and loving husband who gave me one of the best birthday gifts ever (a cruise to the Mediterranean). I am very grateful and happy to celebrate another birthday during this cruise. On this special day I was in Athens, Greece. During our tour, there were 3 of us (mostly women) who celebrated our birthdays on Sept. 29th. We all wore red hats. What a coincidence! This was a birthday to remember as long as I live.

ARTISTIC ACROPOLIS (ATHENS) This is an aerial view of the Acropolis with the Parthenon and Mt. Lycavitos in the background. I celebrated my birthday with a tour to the famous Acropolis, with a breathtaking view of antiquity as I looked upwards towards the marvelous structure of the Parthenon. Together with our Greek guide, tour group and my husband we climbed up the pathway and steps through the massive Propylaia onto the rock of the Acropolis. We relived the "glory that was Greece" as we walked over this masterpiece and view the Parthenon, the delicate temple of the Wingless Victory, the Erectheion and the entire city of Athens below. What a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday that was connected to antiquity! I felt so young compared to the ages of the ruins, many built even before Christ. I was so energized that the climb up to the Parthenon was like a "walk in the park." No kidding! Before this tour, I dreaded the climb since I heard lots of exaggerated comments about how hard the climb. I made it to the top and was proud of it.

THE PARTHENON May be considered the most perfect and most significant ruin in the world. Situated on the highest platform of the Acropolis, the Parthenon rose so high above. The Greeks are famous for its architectural columns, known as "Doric, Ionic and Corinthian." The Parthenon is a great beauty due to its simplicity. Its columns are the simplest kind, using Doric style. I wonder why the builders didn't use the Corinthian columns which are more elaborate. It's always true that "simplicity is beauty" as shown in the enduring beauty of the Parthenon.

AT THE END OF THE JOURNEY As always, in the best old fairy tales, at the end of every adventure and journey....... "and Ebb Tide and her Prince live happily ever after."