My World of Wonders May 13, 2026

Where am I? Vienna, Austria. I have never been here before. Jay has wanted to go here since he first knew the place existed.

Stop and Smell the Roses a long the way.

What are we doing? Sightseeing and eating. 

Where are we off to next? Paris, then we fly home from there next week. 

Why so many places on this adventure? The cruise went to Italy, near Rome, it is impossible to be that close to Rome and not spend a couple of days, Milan was a bucket list stop to see the Cathedral, Vienna was on Sweet Bear's bucket list. And Paris, I was able to get frequent flyer seats for the flight home from Paris, we wanted to see Chartes, the gardens at Versailles, and Notre Dame all fresh and shining (I was at a conference in New Orleans when the fire happened.) 

What else happened on this day? This is the day back in 2015, that a tumor was removed and a section of my spine was rebuilt. I woke up in ICU the following morning, to the most glorious feeling the world, I could feel and move my feet and legs. I am thankful every day for the amazing health care I received, and acknowledge once a year how fortunate I am to be able to move as much as I can. I will never be the same as I was before, but I am so much better than I was. I was millimeters away from wheels. 

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time, edited on the road adding a bunch of photos and scheduled to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May. 

Travel Tuesday: Art Feeds Our Soul

Looking at You! 

Back Side

Front Side

Reminds Me of the Mistress 

France 

Self Portrait 

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time and scheduled to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May. 

Monday Moods: Just The Way You Are

Repeat after me: 

I am fine just the way I am.  

I am tall enough, short enough, thin enough, shapely enough. I am just the way I should be.  

I won't let others projection of insecurities, darken my day.  

I am and will continue to be kind to others. Kindness is contagious. 

The harder they try to ruin my day, the more I will smile and find joy. It drives the bastards crazy when they don't get to me. 

I will use my energy to make the world a better place. 

When someone is nasty to me, I will pause and think about what horrible thing must have happened in that person's life, for them to be upset and nasty today, and wish them a better day. 

I will enjoy today, we never know when it might be our last day. 

Take care of yourself, don't let the bastards wear you down. 

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time and scheduled to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May. 

The Sunday Five: What Are We Up To This Week?

1: Where are you going this week? 

2: What will you do this week? 

3: Will you watch the sunrise one morning this week? 

4: What will bring you joy this week? 

5: Who will you tell that you love them this week? 

My answers:

1: Where are you going this week? Paris. 

2: What will you do this week? Live the grand adventure. 

3: Will you watch the sunrise one morning this week? Most likely, I tend to be a morning person. 

4: What will bring you joy this week? Seeing things I have never seen before, and probably will never see again. 

5: Who will you tell that you love them this week? My Sweet Bear, everyday. 

Please share your answers in the comments. 

Short updated/edit. We arrived in Vienna late on Saturday, we are here for five nights, then onto Paris. 

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time and scheduled to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May. 

The Saturday Morning Post: Try Something New

Learning a new media, or skill spurs creativity. There is something about being a beginner, that gives us an excuse to try, in ways that we rapidly become ashamed of trying unless we think we become good at the new thing.  The most creative people tend to be serial explorers always trying something new, always a beginner at something. If they stick with it, and practice, practice, practice, they will become good at many things. But even if they don't, they benefit from the experience. 

Trying new things, builds the library in our mind ideas and ways of doing things that our brains then apply to other things.  I learned about color theory from blending paints - not from art classes and color wheels.  I learned about texture from failed attempts to learn to knit. I learned about negative space exploring block printing.  There are tools and supplies for many artforms in my art cart. My bookcase and reading lists are packed with diverse ideas, that fuel my writing. 

Take a flying leap, give it a try, pick up tools and materials, take a class, select a book on something you know nothing about. It will expand your mind and your creativity. 
 

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time and scheduled to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May. 

Funky Friday: The Tapestry of Our Lives

 Carole King sang,

My life has been a tapestry

Of rich and royal hue

An everlasting vision

Of the ever-changing view

A wond'rous woven magic

In bits of blue and gold

A tapestry to feel and see 

Impossible to hold   

I often have flashbacks, to things I have seen, done, heard, experienced, tasted, smelled, felt, that have woven the fabric of my life. The older I get, the richer the mix of experiences. Many of them bring awe and wonder, some funny, some sad, all together the make up the funky person I am today. 

My wish for you today, 

    May your day be filled with flashback memories of the tapestry of  your life.  

Rome to Milan at 150 miles per hour, on a train. What a wonderful way to travel. Milan is a new thread in the tapestry of my life.

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time, edited slightly, and scheduled to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May. 

Thursday Ramble: Do Things That Matter To You

 I dreamed about going to law school, for a decade. At times I was sure I would and could do so, at times I gave up all hope. Then things changed, love and opportunities came into my life, and in my late 30's I took a leap of faith to do things that mattered to me, and allowed me to make a difference in different ways. I started law school in my mid 30s. 

I joined the American Bar Association when I was in law school, 30 years ago, through thick and thin, I have maintained that membership, including being a part of the staff of the ABA for 15 years. I am a member, not because I have to be, but because it matters to me. The ABA is an advocate for the legal profession, a major center of expertise, resources and training. In retirement I continue my commitment to things that matter, and that includes being a part of the ABA. 

It is important to do things that matter, that matter to you personally, and that make society a better place. And for me, to continue doing that as long as I have something to contribute.  

Do something this week, that matters to you. 

An edit to this post.  I revived an email while we were in Bermuda, letting me know that I have been nominated for a seat in the ABA House of Delegates, the policy making body of the ABA. The vote to confirm this will be in early August. It is a three year commitment, to doing work that matters to me, matters to the profession, and to society. A seat in the House is a bucket list item for me. 

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time and scheduled to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May. 

My World of Wonders May 6, 2026

Where am I? All has gone to plan, Rome. 

Where are we headed? Milan, then Vienna. 

What am I collecting? Memories and experiences. The things that make us who we are. 

What do I think of Rome? Rome is amazing, I have been here a couple of other times, it can be crowded, noisy, dirty, it is filled with wonders. I could live here. 

Where am I? We are just a couple of blocks from the Vatican

How was the trip across the Ocean? Good, comfy, quiet. Cool and occasionally wet.  But no sea serpents or pirates. 

Being back on land with WiFi, I am able to do some editing, and visited many of my regular blogs this morning. All is going well.  

Where was I yesterday? St Peter's

An amazing shop near the Pantheon. 

I lit a candle in a church near the hotel, for a dear person who is doing much better, but still grieving. 

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time and edited slightly to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May. 

Travel Tuesday: Grand Adventure

 

Monday Mood: Embrace the Day

Good Morning and Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. Carpe Diem, Seize the Day. If you don't control the day, it will control you. There will be things beyond your control, don't let them bother you. Breath in, Breath out, drink a glass of cool water, let the world flow around you. Be strong, by being quiet.  Learn something today. Seek awe and wonder around you. Smile and wave at the child. Say please and thank you - make another's days just a little better. Don't be disappointed when you are disappointed; it happens all the time, let it flow like water off a duck's back. 

Find someplace quiet, and simply sit in peace. Take a moment to hear the sounds around you, to look deeply into what surrounds you.  Breath, smell, taste the wonders. Be present in the moment. Find something that makes you smile, something that makes you laugh. 

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time and scheduled to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May. 

The Sunday Five: Music

1: Have you heard a symphony play live and in person? 

2: What instrument would you like to learn to play? 

3: How did your parents feel about you having a toy drum when you were a child? 

4: Have you ever taken music lessons? 

5: What is your favorite kind of music? 

My answers:

1: Have you heard a symphony play live and in person? About 6 times a year for the last 7 years. 

2: What instrument would you like to learn to play? Cello. 

3: How did your parents feel about you having a toy drum when you were a child? My father threatened bodily injury on anyone that gave his kids a drum. 

4: Have you ever taken music lessons? I was in the school band for a couple of years, I was not very good. 

5: What is your favorite kind of music? I have eclectic taste in music. 

Please share your answers in the comments. 

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time and scheduled to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May. 

The Saturday Morning Post: The Color Of Place

Washington DC, is shades of brilliant blue sunshine, warm white Indiana Limestone, at night the landmark buildings are brilliantly lit against the night sky. Art of DC, needs these colors. 

The first time we went to Italy, was in the winter, February, and I found exactly the color tone I was dreaming of, the color tones I had seen in art. Warm earth tones, terracotta and ocher.  The late winter light made it all the more perfect. Italy in art, needs these colors, these are the colors of place. 

I have a special place in my heart for the desert southwest of the United States. My father got a wild hair idea and we spent a winter in Phoenix when I was in the first grade. That experience left etched in my memory the warmth of the landscape against endless deep blue skies. The deep reds and purples of the mountains surrounding the city. Art of that part of the landscape is art of those colors. 

Florida is pine trees and palmetto scrub, shades of evergreen not brilliant or vivid greens. The surf is dark green, and brown, with musty foam. The lakes and rivers of Florida are brown, often murky or muddy looking, the deep springs emerge crystal clear out of coquina rock caves.  Paint it with caribbean blues in the water and it looks wrong, because outside of the shallows in extreme south Florida, that is not the color pallet of nature. 

Each place has a color pallet, look for it, see it, incorporate it into your art, or maybe not if you want the art to look alien to the landscape. 

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time and scheduled to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May. 

Fearless Friday: Go and Do

In her 50's my sister went to a funeral, picked up an old boyfriend and married him. The funeral was for Pete's father, she and Pete had dated in high school and gone separate ways. Pete had gone off to college, she had moved to the nearest town, gone to work, and married the guy down the hall. Pete finished a Phd, worked as a professional counselor, and had been married and divorced three or four times. She had three plus decades in an increasingly unhealthy marriage and had decided she needed to be treated better. Pete flew home for his father's funeral, and never returned to where he had been working.

Shortly after the dust settled on her divorce and moving in with Pete, my mother's health declined, and my sister and Pete moved to Florida, lived with my parents and provided care that made it possible for my parents to live out their lives in the home they loved. 

In the months before before being called to Florida, they flew to Amsterdam and had plans to go onto Paris to place a love lock on a bridge over the Seine. Things went sideways when the boat they were staying on Amsterdam took on water, they put off going to Paris, saying they would do it later. Then they were off to Florida and said we will do this when we move back to Michigan. By the time Dad died and they moved back to Michigan, Pete was already being treated for cancer. Still they said, as soon as he is better we will go and do. Except he bounced from treatment to treatment and never got better. And they never did go and do.  A dream, never to be realized.  

Define your dreams and go and do, now while you can. There is no guarantee that later will be possible. 

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time and scheduled to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May. 

The Thursday Ramble: Three Crossings

For me, there is a romance about crossing the Atlantic Ocean by ship, this is my third time. My paternal grandmother, crossed the Atlantic three times by ship. I pulled her diary out of my cabinet of treasures. She arrived in New York May 18, 1910 on the Majestic, went back to England in October of 1912 on the Lusitania, and then back to New York in August of 1913 on the Adriatic. 

Why back and forth for her. Her father came to New York to work on subway tunnels and the family joined him. He then took a job in Mexico and sent the family back to live with family in London while he worked that job, and they re-joined him in New York when that contract was over. I asked her about sterrage and Ellis Island and was surprised by her answer. They traveled second class, above the water line in private cabins with meals in the dining room. Her father had arranged visas for them, so they didn't stop at Ellis Island, but went to the piers in Manhattan.  Her passage was not first class like the movie Titanic, but much nicer than most immigrant classes. 

There was something wistful about the way she and my great-grandmother talked about the crossing. Something that made me really want to do this. 

So here I am on my third transAtlantic crossing by ship. Having known my grandmother and great-grandmother, it is special. I think they would be pleased that I have done this. 

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time and scheduled to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May. 

My World of Wonders April 29, 2026

Where have I been? Mostly on the ship, with visits to Bermuda and the Azores. I am looking forward to both. In Bermuda I want to get off the ship and turn right, and explore and area we didn't see the last time. The Azores will add another country to the count. 

What have I been eating? The cruise is on Celebrity, noted for above average food, so lots of good things.  Interestingly I usually lose weight on cruises, lots of moving about and smaller serving sizes. 

What am I seeing? Lots of open space.

Where are we going? Through the Straits of Gibraltar, a couple of stops in Spain, then Italy early next week. 

What have I been doing? Falling into a new daily routine and relaxing. 
 

I am on a digital detox. This post was written ahead of time and scheduled to appear today. I have not missed posting at least once per day in over a decade. While on this detox, I will not have internet access many days, when I do have access it will be limited. Please continue to leave comments, but I may not reply to comments. I will read comments when I can. Normal service will resume in late May.