Harvey Travel Arts

More...Men?

2012-01-23T16:58:00.004-05:00

Brian and I visited Dover Castle (England) just weeks before we moved back to the US from Germany. This was one of our last stops, and it is certainly bittersweet to know that it will be a while before we visit again. I *wish* I had known how much history was there; my cousin that visited earlier in the summer would have certainly liked to see everything in Dover. The entire day can be spent at the Castle! Anyway, the first photo I want to share with you on the subject of Dover is this World War I era poster: "Rally Round the Flag--We Must Have More Men." British (and American) women's roles in WWI were largely limited to nursing. Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, First Aid Nursing Yeomanry and Voluntary Aid Detachment were three such ways that a British woman could serve as a nurse. Don't worry, ladies; we had our own posters on both sides of the pond. I don't have any of my own photos to share with you, but if you search for them online; they're there.

Our Kitchen Has Arrived!

2012-01-17T14:15:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was exciting! Brian and I received our "unaccompanied baggage" or express shipment of household goods. What this means is that a quick, small shipment of around 500 pounds arrived. We had most of our kitchen supplies in this shipment, as well as the large computer (hooray!) and small television, and a few miscellaneous items. Now we just have to wait on the household goods shipment, you know, all of our furniture and stuff!
So you are probably wondering what we are doing with such an old fashioned kitchen, no? This isn't my kitchen; mine looks like most other everyday regular kitchens. Okay, in the excitement of everything, I have been going through photography files looking for something to print large format, frame and donate to a local fundraiser auction. Certainly not pictures of an old residence in the Loire Valley of France, but I saw that and had to make the connection to the arrival of our household goods. Yep, people used to have to cook in these big, old, cold and scary places. Aren't you glad your kitchen is furnished with modern appliances?

Waiting...

2012-01-10T15:17:00.002-05:00

Right now Brian and I are waiting....waiting on our unaccompanied baggage, waiting on our household goods, and waiting on my car to arrive. It's all part of the moving process and we've been fairly patient so far, with a few moments of frustration. I'm also waiting on God's direction for what I am to do next. I'm in the process of job searching but also planning to return to volunteer work, as well. We're also waiting to get into a routine, and I know that having our things and my being settled will help with that. So, that leaves you, readers, with waiting for more photos to be posted. Trust me, there will be plenty...just have to be patient and wait!

And a Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T11:34:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!

May the new year be filled with God's

blessings and peace for you and yours!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-27T10:56:00.002-05:00

This is a couple days late, but Merry Christmas! I hope you all enjoyed your family and friends...Brian and I have just moved back to Texas and I plan to continue sharing our adventures with you as soon as I get access to my photos once again. Take care and I'll see you guys soon!

A Pause in Time

2011-12-19T08:32:00.001-05:00

Hello friends....I know I haven't been posting regularly the past couple of weeks. Soon I will have more to share, but I just wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten about my blog! I am just very busy right now and will "see" you all soon!

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day...

2011-12-07T07:29:00.004-05:00

I could live in Santorini (Saint Irene in Greek--at least that's what we were told). There. I said it. Or I could live on Mykonos. I don't remember which island this one was taken on, but they are both very similar with architecture. The white washed buildings, the blue domes on the Orthodox Churches. All very beautiful...Beautiful structures on rocky, largely infertile soil. I have had friends who are/were part of the Orthodox Christian churches and they talk about the "smells and bells". It's true; we stepped into a couple of small chapels and the incense and peacefulness of it all makes on feel reverent. The bells I didn't get to hear, but I could imagine the sounds. There were little chapels all over the islands. I wonder what Christmas is like; if the sun still shines and if the sky is still blue. My point is; this place has a quiet beauty to it that makes me want to return there. Perhaps someday I'll come back and relax on the beaches or at a cafe and take it all in one more time.

A Belated Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T08:51:00.006-05:00

I'm leading up to something here. You're probably wondering what a photo from our Greek cruise has to do with Thanksgiving. We'll, it is one more thing that we have to be thankful for this year: traveling opportunities. That's certainly not the most important thing I am thankful for; the top of my Thanksgiving list is my Savior, my God and His love for me and mankind. I'm also thankful for Brian, my wonderful husband and my family and friends...health and opportunities. Since I've made it a personal rule not to share photos of family and friends in my very public blog, you'll have to settle for a picture from our travels.

I hope, reader, that whatever you did on Thanksgiving, you enjoyed your blessings with friends and family. I hope that you reflected on the gifts God gave you. And I hope that you are always thanking Him for His love.

My blog posts may be irregular for the next couple of weeks; I hope that is okay. Trust me, I have plenty of things to share with you, but all in due time.

The Acropolis

2011-11-18T09:14:00.004-05:00

The Acropolis in Athens is one of the best recognized or best known monuments. I cannot begin to tell you what we had to go through to get to the top. Our journey started when we walked through town, up a couple of hidden passages, just to arrive at the base of this attraction. You know all of the TV specials that show some man standing with an empty Acropolis in the background? I have no idea how they get those shots, unless it is off hours or the crowds are edited out. Seriously, there is no physical privacy there.

Once we got to the base of the Acropolis, we saw a large crowd of people chaotically waiting near the entrance. It took a few minutes of observation to realize that tickets had to be purchased at a different area before getting in the massive crowds. So glad we figured that out first. Then, basically, there is pushing and shoving on slippery rocks until you finally make your way in. I am not exaggerating; people actually did stumble a bit around us and bodies were too close for comfort. I like queues and order, not chaos. Once you get in, there is another small area that you can wander around before you get in a line (somewhat more clear and organized than the previously mentioned clump of people). This line slowly winds its way around and up until you reach the actual sky-reaching columns that most people think of when they think "Acropolis". The top is fairly busy, but not so crowded that one can't stop and get photos. Just don't expect a photo that doesn't also have a few additional tourists in it that aren't part of your group.
Going down was almost as fun as climbing up. By this time, we were hot, sweaty and tired and our water was getting low. Unfortunately, the steps are just as slick and a lady fell...fortunately she was okay. They have guides along the way urging people to "move along". We moved out of there and went on to greener pastures.

Flower Power!

2011-11-10T10:52:00.003-05:00

I need a good laugh, and today's Flower Power! post should do it. These are all more photos from Greece. I'm not sure where the "Having Pistils and No Stamens" wording came from. It must have amused Brian, though, because he photographed it. For those who aren't familiar with flowers, pistils and stamens are the female and male reproductive parts of a flower. There are some flowers which are "incomplete" and have one but not both. Not sure exactly what flower they were referring to here, but nonetheless, the English phrase in Greece amused us.
Can't talk about flowers without showing this cute storefront! I love whimsy, and this place was certainly filled with it. The beautiful little jewel below is a perfect ending to today's pictures, don't you think?

Vegetation!

2011-11-04T06:49:00.004-04:00

Did you know that some of the Greek Isles are mostly rock? Uninhabitable places? I didn't, either, until our cruise. Other parts of Greece do have vegetation, though, as seen by the palm and the cactus. The country's landscape is diverse and every day on the cruise a new adventure.
I particularly like the notion of the cactus by the water. I think more often of desserts and cacti together, and certainly there may not be much rain in a given area, yet the water surrounds it. So close, yet so far? I chose the below archway to go with today's posting to show the plant life growing all around the stone, crowding out the manmade structure. Sometimes life thrives in the most unexpected places!

Bricks and Stones

2011-10-28T16:32:00.003-04:00

I've had a really long week without much sleep. I should be in bed getting some much needed rest, but I'm not yet tired so here I am writing on my blog. I endeavor to update once per week, and this week I've just barely made it. Sorry 'bout that. Sometimes the creative ideas are just gone from my mind and so I leave you with a couple photos from Greece. I honestly don't remember what the top one was about; it looks like a pile of bricks leftover from a wall. Perhaps Brian will shed some light on the subject for us. The second was some type of ruin of a temple or monument. I remember we walked inside; it was very quiet, an old sage of a man was "guarding" the structure. Anyway, no interior photos allowed as usual. Enjoy your weekend!

Still Silence

2011-10-21T05:39:00.003-04:00

Do you ever feel like just getting away to somewhere quiet, isolated, still, and silent? I do. We were on our cruise to Greece and even from our bustling ship, we were able to sit on the balcony and view the remote islands in almost complete privacy. Even upon anchoring, we still felt far away, knowing that it would be at least a tender or walk into town. We saw several small boats and yachts, and often wondered what time out at sea would feel like. Lonely, at times, but peaceful and calm. I think there are certain types of people who, for at least a period of time, choose to sail, climb, hike, or otherwise spend time on a journey seeking solitude or perhaps just time with one or two other people.
The cross depicted at the top is actually on top of ruins, but it fit with the idea that even when we feel alone, Christ is with us. Whether we are choosing to spend time in quiet reflection of God's creation, or if the aloneness is more of an emotion in the middle of a difficult time, we are never truly alone.

The Precious Life of a Child

2011-10-13T15:56:00.004-04:00

"The streetlights on Sint-Veerlepelein are connected to the maternity hospitals in the city of Ghent. Every time the light slowly flashes a child is born. This work is dedicated to the newborn and all children who are born today in this city."

I'm taking a break this week from cruise photos to turn to a more serious matter; that of the precious life of a child. This photo, captioned above, was taken in Ghent, Belgium over Columbus Day weekend. I couldn't find a lot on the project, but the art is meant to show how important new children are in Ghent in helping to build the society there. I thought it was a unique way to demonstrate the joy of new life. Perhaps even the child in the stroller was announced by the flashing light; if it were born in Ghent.

So why am I focusing on this now, when I could have added it to the blog at any time? This past summer, the lives of children lost, killed, or kidnapped have been prevalent. We mourned for Caylee Anthony. We now have a child missing, Lisa Irwin, who is only 10, 11 months old. Even older children; we have Jaycee's book that came out recently...she was 11 when abducted. Her own children are a part of Dugard's story. Let's not forget little Levi Aron.

It seems like with the ever-increasing media, internet, etc., communications are exploding every day with heart tugging stories of a sinful society. These and countless other children are only a scratch at the top of the surface when it comes to our cold world.

Seeing the above tile in the sidewalk honoring the birth of children gave me a small glimmer of hope, that children are still precious and loved, welcome and wanted in this world. Little ones, God sends you as blessings.

The Edge of Corfu

2011-10-05T15:38:00.007-04:00

Corfu, Greece was the second destination on our anniversary cruise this summer. There remains an old Venetian fortress or Palaio Frourio pictured here, which is quite a climb. We were hot in the 90 degree sun, starting to sweat, and definitely earned our lunch. We enjoyed the walk and reaching the top feels like a mini-accomplishment for the day. On top, I was surprised to find a cross. I haven't yet discovered the cross's history here, but I am very happy to share it with you.

Towers and Changing Views

2011-09-30T17:48:00.002-04:00

I think there's some sort of unwritten rule that when we visit a city, Brian and I must find the towers, climb them, and get a photo of the city view from on high. Such was the case in Split, where once again, we climbed a tower ruin only to find another set of scattered orange tile rooftops, a sea of gray buildings and hazy skies. Yet somehow, every view is different, just like each city, each person...well, you get the picture.
Speaking of changing views: I did change the look of my blog today! I'm going to test it out like this; time for a change. Please let me know what you think...Thanks for reading!

More Split

2011-09-22T09:58:00.003-04:00

So this is still in Split, Croatia. On top is part of the Diocletian's Palace/Cellars, lots of long tunnels and rooms carved out...Not much left there, but it was just the sort of thing Brian and I like to explore. Below is a bronze of St. John the Baptist. This statue was placed in the "repurposed" Jupiter's Temple...where a baptistry were put into place. I find it interesting that the statue depicts John the Baptist with dreadlocks as his hair. We don't know what John looked like, but if one thinks back to his life, he preached for a while in the wilderness (Matthew 3:1-12). It is also debated on whether or not John the Baptist was a Nazarite. To my knowledge it doesn't specifically mention the words "Nazarite Vow" with regard to his birth; in Luke 1:5-25, one can read about John's birth. No mention of "not cutting the hair" is there. Yes, he was set apart in other ways (no alcohol or strong drink--similar to a Nazarite), but I just cannot say for sure if the Nazarite Vow was a part of his life.

Split, Croatia

2011-09-12T16:12:00.003-04:00

The first port of call for our cruise was Split, Croatia, a beautiful city with ancient history at every corner. To see so many people living in buildings that are part ruins, at least on the facade, in close proximity with new structures, cobbled together like siamese twins...I really have no words to describe this place. The old city and fortress walls, with nothing left but windows that shoot through to the blue sky; every turn was a new view and a new alleyway to explore. There are many more photos where these came from...I'll be sharing them soon!

Patience, Please!

2011-09-06T09:01:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! Please have patience with me a few more days. I didn't want to post this ahead of time, but Brian and I just returned from a 9th anniversary cruise to Croatia and Greece! I am so excited to share with you our finds! We arrived last night (Monday--Labor Day) around midnight, and we are both busy working and getting things ready for my mom's visit on Thursday! I will start sharing our photos with you in a few days, but they aren't uploaded yet. See you soon!

In the Meantime...

2011-08-22T06:10:00.005-04:00

Above: inside the Dom in Koln, Germany. Below, the outside of the Koln museum. I liked the shutters and stair-step facade.
I won't have computer access for a couple weeks. In the meantime, please enjoy these images from Koln and give your imagination a vacation to another place in the world. When I return, I promise to have many things to share with you. Be patient, and I will return soon!

Below: exterior of the Dom...

Linderhof and Hohenschwangau

2011-08-10T08:23:00.007-04:00

One of my readers has asked for pictures of the castles/palaces where the swan came from. Linderhof, pictured above, is where last week's swan photo was taken. Linderhof was never completed; the Mad King mysteriously perished in a lake (how's that for a Gothic novel?) before his tribute to the Sun King (King Louis XIV of France) could be finished. He did, however, have time to have a mini Hall of Mirrors installed. What was with the royalty of this time period? Obsessed with having the gaudiest furnishings? And obsessed with each other, too! Below you will see another of Ludwig's family estates, Hohenschwangau. I'm going to have to look a little more to find Neuschwanstein's photo....I think all we have are some of it tucked up in the trees. Either way, these beautiful, if yet obscene, homes are only the tip of the iceberg as to what all there is to do and see in Bavaria. Last week I also included a peacock, and I will post its palace photos next week. Enjoy!

Birds of a Feather

2011-08-04T08:38:00.003-04:00

I have to tell you that I think both of these birds might have hissed at us. The swan is a permanent fixture of a gaggle of swans that reside on King Ludwig's property, as it was a symbol of the family. Hence the names Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. At one point during Isaac's visit, he approached the swan and it followed him about; hissing and whatever else swans do. The peafowl was at the Schwetzinger Schloss, and was being followed by Brian, who was trying to get it to do what I'm not sure. I distinctly remember it hissing at us, too. The colorful bird was calling to his mate and she was on the other side of the grounds. Apparently, she didn't like his hissing, either.

Modern Images in History?

2011-07-28T09:21:00.002-04:00

So, inside the Dom Cathedral in Koln (Cologne), there is a small part of a low hanging ceiling that appears to be covered with more modern day imagery. I looked for information on this and couldn't find it, but I'm sure it's out there somewhere. It was the first time I've seen something modern incorporated into the actual decor at Ye Olde Church. At least, I think it's modern. It completely stands out from the rest of the building and yet fits right in. So for now, I'll share it with you to enjoy...

Yeah, My Floor Was Laid By Hand, Too...

2011-07-20T09:03:00.003-04:00

Okay, to go along with last week's blog about wasted time, I decided to post these photos of mosaic floors for wealthy leaders and merchants of long ago. I laugh, because in quite a few blogs, I mention that I am amazed at the time and talent of our ancestors. I am; these floors are beautiful! I believe a lot of artisan skills are being lost, or at the very least, becoming less a part of our society. On the other hand, it only takes a couple days to install floors in the average home today versus how long to plan and install something like the floors we see here? Two thousand years ago? The laborers then went to their dirt floored cottage or tent and slept a couple hours only to come back the next day. My dad used to install floors for a living. It is tiresome, long work and little pay. Not much has changed.

A Waste of Time?

2011-07-13T16:58:00.003-04:00

When in Koln (Cologne) a couple weeks ago, Brian and I visited this museum with loads of Roman and pre-Roman history. One of the showcases of the museum was this large "monument" or whatever to what? The Roman "gods"? I honestly can't remember if there was something about this written or not, but either way it was two, nearly three floors tall and overpowered the large area. It demanded attention, but for what purpose? So many of these towers must have been made, probably by slave labor, and yet I can't help but wonder if people's time could have been spent on other projects. I'm not talking about using slaves, either, but rather allowing people to spend their time freely and productively. This made me think of God, and his demand that we put no idols before Him. At first glance, you may think, well of course not, I haven't built some stone tower. No, you probably haven't built something like this. But there are things in our lives that keep our focus away from God: money, power, things, hobbies even. These are all a part of our lives, but we should keep our focus on God and put Him first always.

The Dom at Koln

2011-07-07T08:21:00.003-04:00

Brian and I hopped in the car this past weekend and drove to Koln, or Cologne as we English speakers say. One of our main reasons for visiting was to see the Dom, pictured above. This cathedral, otherwise known as the Kolner Dom or the Hohe Domkirche St. Peter und Maria was started in 1248 and completed in 1880. Talk about a long term building project. I wonder if any of the original engineers got to see it through to completion?! Our visit to this city was short lived, only two nights, but I have many photos to share and will do so in the upcoming weeks.

Right In Our Own "Backyard"

2011-06-30T07:27:00.003-04:00

Okay, so Trier, Germany is a little further away than our own backyard. But this place is only about an hour and a half or so away from where we live. I love the little town with it's ancient history, it is one of the oldest settlements that we know of in Germany. The happy Roman ruins are dotted all over the city and the example above reminds me a bit of Rome. We enjoyed taking Isaac there on his visit, and he exclaimed that the ruins were some of the best part of the trip for him. I could imagine so...I felt much the same way the first time I visited many years ago.

The Maginot Line

2011-06-23T04:45:00.004-04:00

The Maginot Line was built along the French border (largely only where the French bordered Germany) after WWI in an effort to prevent the Germans from invading. Unfortunately for the French, the Germans knew about this and went around the protected border area just in time for World War II. Brian and I thought this would be a great history lesson for Isaac, so we took him to see this part of French military history. There's an entire underground system that took us a couple of hours to walk through, and more pictures to come soon.

Eagle's Nest

2011-06-16T10:32:00.003-04:00

Brian and I have been playing tour guide to my cousin Isaac, who is visiting from Texas. He has recently graduated from high school and wanted to see Germany. We are happy to have him here, and took him to Bavaria for a couple of days. The view up top is Hitler's Eagle's Nest. This structure was built to be a conference center or meeting place of sorts; it was never meant for sleeping. His house, which was later destroyed, was a little way down the mountains. Our tour guide told us that the only reason they allowed Eagle's Nest to stay open for tours was if absolutely no memorial or museum to Hitler was put in place. Because it is at the top of a mountain and has but one way to get to it through an elevator, or perhaps very brave and successful mountain climbers, there was no fear of the site becoming a "shrine" for someone who created such horror with his actions. It is now a restaurant and merely a stop on a tour, and otherwise a very beautiful mountain with gorgeous views. The two birds below were so perfectly perched, we had to take a picture of them.

A Bit of Humor!

2011-06-09T07:49:00.004-04:00

Sometimes my posts are very serious, and hopefully thought provoking. We need to take time in life to reflect and listen to lessons being taught.

And then, there's times like today, when I needed a smile and a laugh! Thank you, God, for giving us humans a sense of humour, some of us more than others, I'll admit. Sometimes Brian and I like to window shop when traveling. Seldom to I have a reason to go into any stores, but usually as tourists one has to wander through a shopping district to get to the museums and monuments. The little wigged dog caught my eye and made me smile. Oddly enough, I remembered the dog but not the merchandise, so I'm not really sure how effective of an advertising technique he was. But he was cute and photo worthy. Enjoy!

Anne Frank

2011-06-02T07:28:00.004-04:00

How fitting that we spent time on Memorial Day at Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam. We left for the weekend trip on the Friday before, which is when these pictures were taken. However, the line was so long that afternoon, and we were so very tired, that we decided to take a boat ride instead and return later.

I've never read Anne Frank's Diary, but in school I did read Corrie ten Boom's The Hiding Place. I've read other books about the horrors of WWII, as well. This house brought a sense of connectedness more than any other exhibit I think I've seen. Anne's father, Otto, was the only survivor from her family. It stuns me to realize that Anne and her sister Margot only missed freedom by a mere few months; dying instead of typhus. Anne wanted to be a journalist, and write someday of the "secret annex". Her wish came true, albeit posthumously.

Otto Frank returned and had Anne's diary published. He also prepared the way for the museum, asking that the furniture be left out. The walls of the house are wallpapered and mostly bare, save photos and a few mementos...and I think that adds to the realism. You actually walk through their space, rather than stopped at a roped off room. My eyes were filled with tears by the time we were halfway through.

I am grateful to see the house was busy. It means that there are people still going through, learning about history. Hopefully people will realize the reality of what has happened, and learn to love others.

Memorial Day

2011-05-25T11:17:00.003-04:00

I scrolled through my photos in an attempt to come up with something appropriate for Memorial Day. Saw the cross on the door of a small chapel connected to some ruins and felt that it fit the emotions associated with the holiday. Something small and plain, like this glass cross peephole in a humble door; nothing to distract from those we seek to remember. The holiday has somewhat become more of an opportunity to vacation and have cookouts than it is to memorialize, and with the exception of a Presidential Mention or a marking on the calendar, some of us might not remember. But for all those who do, and all who have lost loved ones, please take a moment to brighten their day. Let's not forget those who have served. And let's not forget He who serves us. Thank you, God, for your many gifts and salvation!

My Words Are Few...

2011-05-20T05:15:00.003-04:00

My words are few this week. Sometimes I have a lot to say, or thoughts on my faith, travels, art, history, etc. Other times I don't have much on my mind; perhaps that's a good thing. I think it's okay to let the pictures speak for themselves. Let your imagination take you somewhere new. But I am dedicated to posting and sharing new photos on a regular basis, so here goes. This little place was part of the ruins that were posted last week. It's too bad much of the original structure was destroyed, but you can still see enough to envision what it might have looked like.

Okay, I feel silly...

2011-05-16T09:36:00.001-04:00

Blogger is apparently working again. My lost post is now reinstated. That's okay, I'll leave both of them up; I see the humour in it all. Have a good week everyone, and I'll post something new soon!

My Last Post Disappeared

2011-05-13T15:29:00.005-04:00

Something quirky is going on with Blogger. Yesterday I posted these two lovely photos of the dainty flowers growing at the top of a set of ruins. Earlier today, I tried to sign in and noticed that this post was missing. I couldn't even sign in, there was an error message popping up. It's too bad, because my words were a bit more eloquent yesterday. Today I leave you with the photos. Have a good weekend all!

Viewpoints

2011-05-12T08:51:00.000-04:00

One of the reasons Brian and I like to see old castles and ruins is because we have an active imagination, I am sure of it. There's nothing like climbing steep stone staircases and peeking out through old windows and doors to wonder what it must have been like hundreds of years ago. Fortifications were often built on high, so as to have the advantage over the enemy. Also, I'm quite certain being able to look down upon your subjects brought satisfaction to the leaders of that day. I think the fact that these delicate little wildflowers are growing at the top of this structure that was used for such heavy military action is amazing. What stories could be told from these walls!

Burg Berwartstein

2011-05-04T08:48:00.004-04:00

The beautiful spring weather has prompted Brian and I to go castle hunting every weekend. There are so many ruins, burgs, castles, all kinds of things to explore in Germany, France, and well, all over Europe. We're fortunate to live in an area where many of these ruins dot the landscape. Burg Berwartstein is one such place. One of the neatest things about it are the cavelike entrances to the underground passageways, which in earlier years were used in defense. Now they serve as an interesting moment for tourists whose minds wander back in time as we peek inside and would like to explore.

Alien Parking?

2011-04-28T15:51:00.003-04:00

I've been wanting to post this pic for a while. In nearby Schwetzingen, there's a parking lot with all kinds of cute "reserved" spots. They're all painted similar to a handicap spot, but rather have UFOs, birds, and I think a cow on some of them. I don't know why they painted them, other than to be funny. All I know is someone has a sense of humor in that quaint town!

Praise Him!

2011-04-21T02:40:00.007-04:00

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

It looks like the branches of this beautiful tree are reaching into the heavens and praising God. I see trees that often look this way, and am reminded of Luke 19:40 where Jesus says, "And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." I think if the stones could cry out, then trees could praise their Creator.

Praise God today!

Spring!

2011-04-13T09:29:00.003-04:00

Saturday Brian and I decided to go for a drive. Before we left, I wanted to stop and take some pictures from our neighborhood. The flowers are in beautiful bloom right now and I didn't want to miss the photo op. The lilacs are from our back yard and the pink flowering trees are lined up along my commute to the streetcar. Enjoy!

Funhouse Stairs!

2011-04-07T09:32:00.003-04:00

I posted this picture on Facebook along with the comment that "they look fun, don't they" or something to that effect. This photo was taken in Milan and I really, really wanted to go climb, or attempt to climb these stairs. Unfortunately, it was blocked off or in a private area, one of the two. Anyway, I was wondering what I was going to post today and decided these stairs definitely make the cut!

Swiss Alps

2011-03-30T08:01:00.003-04:00

On our way to Milan, Brian and I drove through the Swiss Alps. They are an incredible sight to behold! Snow capped mountain after mountain around each corner, in front of us, behind us. We were driving along a highway, but how fun it might have been to be on a "twisty road" as Brian puts it. Anyway, you've got to get around the mountains somehow, so we drove through what seemed like endless amounts of tunnels to get there, the longest being nearly 17 kilometers. I cannot fathom how the first engineers came up with a way to blast through and cut roads into rock! But when I start to wonder and become amazed at man's feats, I realize how much MORE AWESOME is a God who can create these enormous wonders in the first place.

Noah's Ark in Milan

2011-03-23T08:51:00.006-04:00

Brian and I went to Milan, Italy this past weekend. The trip was mainly to visit Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper" but we were not able to photograph the beautifully restored painting. We were, however, able to take some photos inside a chapel that had been painted by unknown artists. Usually frescoes are not as vibrantly maintained/restored as these. Also, the subject matter is more often scenes involving Jesus, Mary, angels, the Apostles, etc. Rarely do we get to see Noah's ark. I loved the vibrancy and detail of these three...especially the first one, where all the animals are lined up, two by two. This is usually the scene in Children's Bibles and Bible stories, the happy-go-lucky animals.
We rarely see scenes such as this one, where the people are caught up in the despair of a flood. It is a very sobering reminder of the importance of listening to and obeying God. Afterward, we have a picture of God's promise, never to flood the entire earth again. The peace of the dove and the rainbow are a stark contrast to the unfortunate destruction, seen laying below in the newly carved out valley. I wonder what it was like, stepping of the ark, knowing you had a fresh start on the earth? I can't imagine the responsibility of it all. The complete narrative of Noah's Ark can be found in Genesis chapters 6-9.

Not What You'd Expect...

2011-03-16T09:38:00.003-04:00

The Bronze Monkey of Heidelberg is not something people expect to see in Germany. Monkeys? Really? But, there has been a monkey of some sort in the city near the bridge for centuries. This particular version was installed in 1979 by Professor Gernot Rumpf. The first time I lived in the city, our FLAG class (Families Learning About Germany) took a field trip and visited the monkey. Now I love to show it to visiting friends and family. It's humorous and I daresay rubbing it is said to bring "good luck"--something I don't believe in, but a fun little thing for a photo op. And for those of you who are wondering; yes, there are some fun photos of me, Brian and friends with the monkey.

Unique Artwork II

2011-03-08T07:55:00.001-05:00

Continuing on last week's theme, this is another creative piece that Brian and I saw in Paris last month. Just like the city streets that popped up from the ground, these "ruins" appear to have fallen and the statue is trapped within. I like the fact that unlike most statues that are standing in a set position, this guy seems like he could jump down and start running any minute now. Once again, the artist has thought way outside the box.

Strange Artwork Part I

2011-03-01T08:16:00.003-05:00

A couple weekends ago, Brian and I went to Paris. We had last visited five years ago when we lived in Heidelberg the first time, and really wanted to see a few things that we had not yet seen. More on that in a later blog. Anyway, we came across this fun piece of art and wondered who thought it up. I love the design! A sidewalk bubbling up quite literally with a fountain. The whimsy of this piece, right in the intersection of a busy Parisian square reminds me to stop and laugh at life. All to often we are going about our days, focused more on the worry, the 'gotta get this done', the busy-ness of it all to smile and have a little fun. Perhaps that's what the artist was thinking when this piece came to fruition. Perhaps today you can think of something, smile, and relax, if only for a moment.

Shrubbery!

2011-02-24T03:27:00.003-05:00

"We want...a shrubbery!" If you've ever seen Monty Python, you'll know what I'm talking about. My senior year in high school, I transferred to public school and we watched that movie in our creative writing class. Now you know where your hard earned tax dollars are going.

Anyway, the perfectly trimmed hedges at a chateaux in the Loire Valley made me giggle. One wonders if they were trimmed in such a way as to amuse us all, or if it is simply aesthetically pleasing... I'm sure a lot of care and attention goes into keeping them nice and neat, and that someone gets frustrated over these things when one doesn't shape up as well as the others. (see the little sad one in the front on the right?). Anyway, I hope I've provided a little laugh for you today. If not, I'm terribly sorry...Shrubbery!

Hmm...

2011-02-15T08:26:00.005-05:00

Sometimes I wonder why my ceilings don't look like this. Or my windows? I guess nobody wanted to hand lay the beams, carve the designs and paint intricate details the day my rented town home was being built. Perhaps the stained glass contractor was sick that day, or on vacation, and that is why my windows are large, plain-jane square boxes. Instead of wooden shutter doors, my windows have the German style roll down shades, which are nice, convenient, but still plain. I actually like the simplicity of my house, but I sometimes like to think about the skill these builders must have had. No modern design programs on computers, but rather paper, hands and talent.

Pigeons!

2011-02-08T08:51:00.003-05:00

On the grounds of the Leonardo da Vinci Clos Luce house, there was this large structure which housed pigeons. Pigeons! Each of the black box shaped holes was a space for the birds. I am amazed that such a place was built. It housed about a thousand pigeons. I cannot fathom the time and effort servants must have spent building such a place, just for housing birds! During this time in history, pigeons were valuable not only for food, but for communication, feathers and of course, fertilizing! They were often bestowed as gifts and were greatly valued. I cannot imagine receiving a pigeon as a gift today--I'd probably thank the person, but then search for a new home for the bird. It just shows the vast differences in society over the years.

No, that's not a UFO

2011-02-01T09:12:00.005-05:00

I was flipping through pictures of Leonardo da Vinci's inventions and decided this would be the most interesting one to choose. I'm not even sure I remember what this was, exactly, except that I was like a kid on a playground as I climbed inside and turned the wheel. It kind of reminds me of those carnival rides where you go inside and spin around with the rock music blaring...or perhaps a hatch for the 'others' on "Lost."

And then, there's this: the human hamster wheel. I really was curious, but no, there was no way to actually climb into it, lawsuits and all that. There was a lever you could push, and it rotated some, but the fun was quickly left behind, my attention span not lasting so long. Really, now, why do they put these "shineys" up there for us to look at if half of them are going to be roped off or inoperable? Where's the fun in that?

Leonardo da Vinci

2011-01-26T08:22:00.003-05:00

A couple weekends ago, Brian and I decided to visit the Loire Valley in France, which is rich with culture. Our first stop was the Leonardo da Vinci house, where he spent the last three years of his life. There was a tunnel down in the basement with a cardboard cutout of da Vinci...this tunnel took him to the King. The gardens are beautifully maintained, and a rich history including working models of da Vinci's inventions lined the grounds. I can understand why Leonardo was so inspired... More to follow on the valley next week.

The Church I Grew Up In...

2011-01-18T09:41:00.003-05:00

Most of the photos from our travels are to far away places that we only see once or twice in a lifetime. This, however is the stained glass from the church I grew up in. I've seen elaborate cathedrals and temples, but the stained glass dove at the first church I remember and the church I accepted Christ at is perhaps my favorite stained glass illustration. I love its simplicity and meaning. I was baptized just below this window in the baptistry. We were in Texas for a family wedding, and took many photos. I wanted to share something with my readers without posting family or friends for privacy reasons. I chose this photo and leave you with this verse:

John 1:32-34 KJV

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

³³And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

³⁴And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Sometimes There Are No Words

2011-01-14T03:40:00.003-05:00

I was absent from posting last week. Brian and I went back to Texas for my cousin's wedding! We had a wonderful time and got to spend a lot of time with family that we rarely get to see. We arrived back home yesterday and I thought of my blog. In my jet-lag, I didn't feel up to posting anything. Today I decided to go through some vacation photos and find something random to post. This dragon caught my eye. We were in Worms this past fall when we saw a few odd statues, this being one of them. I really don't have words to go along with the dragon, and don't even know his point in being there. But I thought he made a fun blog photo at a time when I'm trying to get back into the swing of things.

Sometimes a journey...

2011-01-04T07:30:00.006-05:00

...isn't where you've been but what you've tried/done. I have been afraid of making yeast breads and that has dictated what I haven't made in the kitchen. Then I saw the chocolate chip Challah bread in the back of my Food Network Magazine (Courtesy of Aliza Schwartz) this past month. Something about this recipe inspired me and I decided I would try it on New Year's Eve. Everything worked fairly well, except that my lack of braiding skills caused the bread to come undone at one end (it was pinched together, but not tight enough, I suppose). I'll know for next time. But the taste was delicious! Brian and I enjoyed it and it lasted several days before it was ready to be retired. Now that I'm not scared of yeast breads (what was my deal, anyway?) I'm thinking of trying out another recipe.

Homemade bagels, anyone?

To try the recipe, click on the link below that will take you to the Food Network site:
Chocolate Chip Challah Bread Recipe--Food Network (Aliza Schwarz)

And a...

2010-12-28T07:25:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!

Here's wishing that the snow melts into spring, and God's seasons bring you new joy.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-22T10:31:00.003-05:00

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas to all of you and yours!

A Silhouette In Time

2010-12-15T07:49:00.003-05:00

Inside the caves at Valkenburg, we found evidence of their history all over the walls. These silhouettes were taken of American soldiers during WWII. The soldiers used these caves as a hideout from enemy forces. Jews were also hidden in the caves at various times during the War. Today, they have to have grating over the silhouettes in order to protect from graffiti. It is sad that others do not have a respect for history, and cannot understand that if history is not preserved, it could be repeated. So here's a prayer in time, thanking God for protecting our men and women in uniform, and for their dedicated service, no matter what conflicts they may be a part of.

A Christmas Carol in Valkenburg

2010-12-07T09:07:00.009-05:00

The theme of one of two Christmas Markets in Valkenburg, Netherlands was "A Christmas Carol". For the next couple of weeks, I'll show pictures from these caves. The entrance was decked out with scenes from long ago, and it brought me along a trip down memory lane. More on that in a moment... Anyway, above you can probably barely see the silhouette of the "Grim Reaper" or death in the center window. If you've read or watched "A Christmas Carol" you will remember that the "Ghost of Christmas Future" comes bearing a Phantom reminding Ebeneezer Scrooge of Death. This marks the turning point for Ebeneezer, where he decides to keep the Spirit of Christmas alive within him.
As far as my trip down memory lane? When I was in the 6th grade, we read "A Christmas Carol" and acted out the story in a mini-play for the school and our parents. I think my part included coming to the table as one of the Cratchit children.

Hmm...Can I Be Thankful?

2010-11-30T11:19:00.003-05:00

Last week I posted about giving thanks in all circumstances. This weekend, my sentiments were tested when we went to Valkenburg, Netherlands, to see the Christmas Markets. What you have is a view from our hotel. The actual Christmas Market photos will come starting next week. Right now, though, I want to tell you it was difficult to give thanks at this hotel. Now I'm usually a laid back traveler, and I love European hotels in general. I like the unique buildings, the tasty breakfasts, and cozy rooms. But when we arrived and they told us that we needed to let them know if the room was too cold, I knew I was in for an adventure. The room was too cold for Brian, if that tells you anything. Usually he's the hot natured one, and I'm the one who is always cold. This attic room, though cute and cozy, was not warm. We froze, and turned on the shower at one point to let some steam from the hot water to heat the room. I thought of my blog, and giving thanks in all circumstances. I thanked God for the hot water, and even the next morning when there was a large puddle in the floor due to the poorly constructed shower curtain/tub arrangement (we tried to keep the shower curtain in), I thanked God once more that at least we had a shower.

Be Thankful In All Circumstances?

2010-11-23T09:56:00.006-05:00

Sunday morning the Chaplain gave his Thanksgiving message. The main point? Be thankful in all circumstances. I am reminded of Corrie ten Boom's The Hiding Place, where she is thankful for the fleas. Yes, fleas! The fleas on the prisoners allowed them to safely avoid the detection of the guards and get Bibles, medicines,supplies etc to those who needed them. Those guards certainly didn't want to "catch" the fleas. Sometimes life feels like that, doesn't it? That everything is going wrong, your health is bad, loved ones are dying, and what could there to be thankful for? Sometimes finding thankfulness requires digging deep within ourselves and may even mean looking for what appears to be a negative on the surface (fleas, anyone?) and realizing that there could be a reason. Something, perhaps, to be thankful for. You're probably wondering why the pictures of trash and crowded cities on a post about thanksgiving. These are pictures from Brian's recent trip to Naples, Italy. Parts of Italy are beautiful, and there is a lot of great history there. But there are parts, like these, where people live in old, tight quarters and trash is everywhere. Yet the people in these areas have something to be thankful for, even if it is just a roof over their head and food on the table. And so do you. I Thessalonians 5:18, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Tree Time

2010-11-16T13:18:00.003-05:00

Every fall I enjoy the autumn colors of orange, yellow, red and purple that spring forth. I have to admit, one of the things I loved living on the East Coast of the US and now I enjoy in Germany are the beautiful leaves turning. The time frame is so brief; only a couple of weeks it seems, and then they fall, leaving a barren tree in their wake. You can probably look through the blog and see similar pictures. I never tire of taking them, or having Brian take them, because every tree, every scene, is different. Just a couple of weeks ago, Brian and I were driving near Worms (it's a town, not a creepy crawly) and happened across this park area. It's actually the grounds of a former schloss (castle or palace in German). The sky was bright, the reflections were beautiful, and the tree above looked like the perfect place for climbing.

Variety

2010-11-09T02:54:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite exhibits at Vienna's Natural Science and History Museum was the butterflies. I have never seen such a wide variety; there were cabinets and rows full of the vibrantly colored creatures! It was difficult to get a clear photo with the reflection from the glass, but you can see here that there are unique patterns, colors and sizes to be found. Only a Creator with an unlimited imagination could have created these beautiful creatures. The very first verse of the Bible tells us, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1 To think that these butterflies are only a small part of what He created amazes me.

Bzzz!

2010-11-02T10:39:00.003-04:00

When we were in Vienna, Brian and I visited one of the most comprehensive natural history and science museums I have ever seen! On the top floor there were rooms and rooms of animal, ocean, fowl, and insect specimens. The live bee exhibit was the most fascinating. They had two places in the exhibit for live bees: one was a hive behind a sliding magnifier and the other was a treed in hive encased in glass. You can see in the picture below that there is a tube from the hive to the outdoors where bees can come and go. Let me make this clear: there was nothing between the bees and us but glass. So naturally my thoughts wandered and I thought: what if someone breaks the glass? We're going to have a museum full of bees!
Fortunately, things went as they should and no glass was broken, no bees escaped. I have to admit, watching God's creation up close in a new way was pretty cool. And to those who are wondering, no, there were no honey samples. Fortunately there are grocery stores, where honey is safely brought to us in clean, neat jars.

Vienna's Roman Ruins

2010-10-27T09:42:00.010-04:00

A few weeks ago, Brian and I had the opportunity to visit Vienna, Austria. Vienna is a beautiful city most known for musical history: classical composers and musicians such as Mozart and Beethoven. However, as we walked through an old part of the city, we came across an unexpected archaeological dig. The Roman ruins and foundations of the city were dug a few years ago, and you can look down today and see ruins of ancient homes and streets
I have seen similar digs in Rome and other cities in Europe and the same questions always remain in my mind: how does so much modern architecture get built on structures that are later excavated and found to be in structurally original condition? Also, how much of these underground ruins were destroyed when subways and other modern infrastructure were put in? Just a few well placed rock blasts, and you've left history in the dust to make way for the future. It kind of reminds me of our lives. We are temporarily on this earth, only to die and return to dust. The only foundations that will still live on from us are the things we do for God. How we treat others, how we live our faith and honor Him will last an eternity. The rest, much like these buildings, will someday fade away.

Stress...

2010-10-21T09:47:00.003-04:00

Stress has been a recurring theme in the lives of many friends and family the past couple of weeks. Some of my friends have lost loved ones, others are facing medical issues, some are just overwhelmed with major changes in their lives, but no matter what, it seems to be affecting many people. I saw this photo when searching for blog ideas and had to smile. This panda is certainly not stressed. Laying on a cool bed of stone, one giant paw swooping toward the water, the panda at the National Zoo in DC appears very relaxed and comfortable with its surroundings. I assisted with a women's conference this past week, and received a book that tells 100 things we can do to feel better. There were a lot of good suggestions in the book, such as exercise and eating right, getting a massage, or just spending time with loved ones. These are all great ideas, but I have to add one more: pray. God can ease our mind, troubles, and help us work through our stressful times. The Lord IS my Shepherd.

Love Locks

2010-10-15T03:54:00.003-04:00

Just after leaving the John Lennon "Peace" wall in Prague, we continued on our walk to discover a bridge with these locks on it. We didn't see anything telling what they were, or why they were there. I didn't find anything in the guide book. Thankfully, a Segway tour was going by and the guy stopped and talked to his group about it. The tour was in English, so we listened in. They are "love locks" and it is a trend that occurs in other cities as well, but something I had not yet seen. The idea is that you and your love come put a lock on the wall and throw away the key (some toss it into the water under the bridge). I have to admit, I think the lock part is a neat idea, although I would hesitate throwing the key into the water for environmental reasons. These locks were of different shapes and sizes, and have been painted or marked on with the couples' initials and various colorful designs. I couldn't help but wonder, how long have these locks been on there and how many of these couples are still together.

Brussels

2010-10-06T01:28:00.003-04:00

About a month ago, we were in Brussels. The city is known as the "capital" of the European Union, and of course the City of Brussels is the capital of Belgium. Translation: a lot of government and business goes on in this modern city. Although I have more pictures that more accurately describe the history and culture of the area, these statues grabbed my attention. The inner part of the city has had so much money poured into the modern clean architecture that the whimsical figures almost seem out of place. We never found out about these statues; who created them or why, but they still found a place in our photo album. It's almost as if the two women featured here have been sitting in the city for centuries and are looking up amazed at what all has changed over the years.

I Don't Condone Graffiti...

2010-09-28T11:38:00.006-04:00

This, my friends, is the "John Lennon Peace Wall" in Prague. I hesitated to post a photo of the wall, for fear that it would indicate my endorsement of the messages scribbled in colorful madness. Finally, I found a photo of the wall that blurs most of the messages. Just know that I'm posting this for a different reason. This otherwise normal wall became an outlet in the early 1980s not long after John Lennon's death. The messages have transformed over the years, but the general secular ideas of "peace" remain. However, there isn't much peace, in my opinion, in a wall filled with disarray. The peace that is so often referred to is not a perfect peace. The peace desired by society is unattainable; someone is always challenging another person's rights and beliefs. Perfect peace, peace in our spirit, no matter what is going on in the world, comes from Christ. Galatians 5:22 & 23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Today's Random Photo

2010-09-21T08:38:00.003-04:00

We've completely upgraded our computer system. Earlier this summer, you may remember my posts about the computer virus on the PC laptop. We purchased a MacBook with the idea that we'd eventually get a Mac desktop computer (whatever the name of it is). We saved up the money and I'm now typing this from the new desktop. All of the thousands of pictures are on here, but I haven't yet figured out how to efficiently search photos. I prefer to do so by folder and view them, but I just haven't learned the Mac way of doing this. So, I picked a random "blind" photo from the "miscellaneous Germany" files and posted. I think this is near Garmisch, perhaps the tip top or edge of Hohenschwangau. If so, this would have been taken many years before. Perhaps it was my mom's first visit: she was amazed at the snow that came down as we traveled to the mountains in June.

A View of Prague

2010-09-14T01:47:00.006-04:00

I'm not sure where in the city this photo was taken, but it gives a beautiful glimpse into the world of Prague. My "history" with the Czech Republic is an interesting one. My fifth grade teacher had each of us study a different European country, write a report and display a booth at a "fair" in our classroom. I don't remember how exactly we got to choose our countries, but I do remember all the "cool" countries were taken when it was my turn to make the choice: Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Ireland. Our sheltered fifth grade class knew about Italy. After all, who hadn't had lasagne and pizza, right? And who didn't know about French accents? But Czechoslovakia (as it was still called then) was nowhere on our radar. That's the country I picked. I learned about the country, did the report, but was disappointed that I didn't get something I was more familiar with. Little did I know that I would someday live in Germany and have the opportunity to visit Prague. Brian and I took my Mom with us; and she remembered the fifth grade project as well. I knew this was a great opportunity when I saw what all the city (and the country) had to offer. People were friendly, there was a deep history, and a lot of culture packed into the capital. Now I look forward to doing my own research, and visiting more of this beautiful country.

Jewish Cemetery in Prague

2010-09-07T11:45:00.004-04:00

Some of you may have read my entry about the Jewish "ghetto" (that's the actual word, it originated there, I'm not being crude) in Venice. There were Jewish quarters like this all over Europe. The Jews were segregated, lived by curfews and many other laws. One of the Jewish quarters was in Prague, where I recently visited with Brian and my mom. We saw some of the synagogues, the Jewish museum, and learned a lot about their history. The old Jewish cemetery was something that I was not quite expecting. Most modern cemeteries bury the dead in neat rows, sometimes stacked a few deep, but this was unlike anything I had seen before. The Jews were only allowed so much land in their quarter for the Jewish Burial Society to, well, bury the deceased. This meant that people were stacked, tombstomes were crowded and it's more like a hill. I know that the people who died and were buried are no longer in this place, but for some reason the cemetery saddened me. Perhaps it was because you could almost get a glimpse of some of the suffering by looking at the physical reminders (headstones) of the lives that were there. Let history be a reminder of how we are to treat others: with love and kindness, mercy and graciousness.

A Library in Prague

2010-08-31T10:44:00.004-04:00

We see so many elaborate libraries on our travels: at palaces, castles, schools, churches and museums. On our recent visit to Prague, this delightful antique filled library caught my attention. I wonder sometime what it must have been like to live or have constant access to a place with so many books. When I was in college, I remember the cozy feeling I got when I was able to work in a quiet carrel secluded from the busy day around me. Unfortunately, I was usually researching a paper rather than curled up reading for pleasure. It seems today's libraries are filled more with people searching the internet than those who are looking for the written word--that is the words that still fill paper. Today most of my library is in electronic form and I take it with me. I have access to as many volumes as I could possibly read all in one device. However, it still makes me happy to think of a library, full of tomes waiting to be discovered, waiting to take me on an adventure.

Old, or New?

2010-08-24T16:44:00.008-04:00

The above photo depicts Magdalenenklause which was built on the grounds of Nymphenburg Palace in Munich. Despite its aged appearance, the small chapelesque dwelling was only built around 300 years ago. It was built to intentionally resemble ruins. For me, that's an interesting lesson in historic architecture. If a building such as this resembled the ruins that remained in the 1720s (remember, they likely had based it upon ruins elsewhere), then we can have a good picture of how buildings were constructed long before then. Stepping inside, the outbuilding looks even stranger:

Yes, that's the ceiling; a shelled mosaic masterpiece. I cannot fathom the time that went into such a place. On a more practical note, think of the guys who had to set the shells and rocks into place. I'm sure their backs must have been sore after all that work. Just so someone could have a bizarre place to stay.

Bike From the Past

2010-08-18T12:42:00.003-04:00

This motorized bike, an early prototype of today's motorcycle, looks painful to me. Who wants to sit on what is an uncomfortable, unmoving saddle and have to lean over, holding on to handlebars that surely will give you blisters? I don't know if this thing ever actually worked, but could you imagine this thing trying to whiz around through traffic? I'm sure the helmets were just as awkward back then. This vehicle on display at the Mercedes museum reminds me of my own life. Sometimes I feel awkward, like I'm just not quite there yet. I stumble and fall, make bad decisions. Compared to today's sleek machines, this bike certainly hasn't arrived, but for it's time, it was a stepping stone toward better transportation. Then I realize that, as human beings, we're a constant work in progress. We should be relying on God to help us grow. If we don't study His word and pray for guidance, we'll be stuck with our lives resembling a stiff, unbending metal antique bike. Not going anywhere spiritually. If we do look to Him, though, we'll slowly be transformed. Yes, we'll still have moments where we stumble, but He'll help us stay on track if we let Him.

Summer In Germany

2010-08-13T03:16:00.003-04:00

I want to take this time to share with you what summer sometimes looks like in Germany. Unlike my home state of Texas, where summer is generally HOT...my family and friends have been seeing temps in the 100s...Germany's summers are a bit unpredictable. It does get into the 80s and 90s here for a couple of weeks during the summer, but that quickly changes into an irregular rhythm of warm, then cool, rainy, then cloudy, a little sun, etc. In other words, it's more like early spring in Texas. This particular evening, we had our camera as we traveled downtown, and I'm glad we did. The beautiful gray covered hills are a perfect description of a cool summer day.

Does Your Starbucks Look Like This?

2010-08-05T10:20:00.004-04:00

Brian enjoys Starbucks. Before we met, I had only been to Starbucks two, maybe three times. I don't drink coffee, and I didn't really have a reason to go. Now I have grown to enjoy our regular trips to Starbucks; I can get a wide variety of non-coffee beverages: tea, hot chocolate, steamed milk, cream frapuccino. But the point is, the stores have become commonplace and mostly trendy little boxes that all look somewhat identical. However, this Starbucks on the Hauptstrasse in Heidelberg is the most unique location I've seen. I'm not sure what the building was in its history, but the architecture is still preserved. The round loft is the most popular spot; so much that we have never seen it empty. Even the rest of the store is usually full of people, but we found a rare moment to get some photos of this great little spot. Enjoy the view!

Escalator Etiquette

2010-07-29T08:38:00.004-04:00

Escalator etiquette...Try saying that five times in a row! This fun picture was taken at the Porsche museum in Stuttgart. The museum itself was as beautifully designed as the car. Something about this photo made me want to post it, but what could I write about the subject. Then it came to me: Matthew 7:12 "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." KJV

Where does this verse fit in with the escalator, you might ask? I think from time to time, we all become impatient with others who trample on our pet peeves. You know, the person who steps off the escalator and stops without first getting out of the way. They may not know where they are going, so they stop, looking around. But the escalator keeps moving people up or down, and soon there will be a big clog of people. Patience comes to mind in these situations, so you're probably wondering why not a verse on patience. There are plenty of great verses on patience: Galatians 5 speaks of the Fruit of the Spirit: "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self control." But look to yourself for a moment: I'm sure you do things that others see as their pet peeves, just as those people stopping at the end of the escalator unintentionally slow you down. In other words, be patient with others' quirks and mistakes (do to others) as you would have them do to you (show patience with your quirks and mistakes). We'd all be much more pleasant!

Things Are Just Things

2010-07-21T05:38:00.006-04:00

This is one of the many beautiful vehicles that Brian and I saw this weekend at Stuttgart's Porsche and Mercedes Museums. When I was a kid, I wanted a Porsche someday. I didn't know anything about the car other than it was beautiful, fast and way out of my price range. My first car was a hand me down from my mom; a 1984 Olds Delta 88. It was big, brown (I preferred to say "cinnamon") and was definitely a hooptie. The radio only worked when you banged your hand under the dash, and eventually stopped working at all. However, God used this big, ugly vehicle to save my life in a head on collision with a drunk driver who had no license and no insurance. He drove off and was later caught by the police. The car was totaled, but all of us in the vehicle were okay. I've since driven many different vehicles, but I am always thankful that my first car was built for safety. Safety ratings are still an important factor when I choose my cars today; even so, any vehicle can be deadly. Please drive responsibly when you are out there enjoying the summer sun. If you drink, please select a designated driver. Have fun, be safe, and take care...

Home Again Part II

2010-07-14T06:02:00.005-04:00

A while back, I created a "Home Again" post where I wrote about our return to Heidelberg. But let me give you some history on how we fell in love with this area in the first place. Brian had been stationed in Germany before we ever met. He loved the country and wanted to bring me here. My first trip to Germany was a visit; we planned our trip and spent lots of time looking at castles. We drove through Heidelberg, and although we didn't have time to stop here, the view was breathtaking. I said, "I want to live here someday!"Little did I know, that a short while later, we'd get the opportunity to move here the first time. When I asked Brian about the area, he reminded me of the breathtaking valley we had driven through, and he remembered my comments about wanting to live here. Well, folks, the first time was great and we are here in the area for a second time. While we don't live in the heart of Heidelberg, it is a short ride away on the Strass and we can be here in no time. I can't wait till things get settled. I'll be able to share many more beautiful photos with you.

Eiffel Tower

2010-07-07T15:06:00.005-04:00

When we were searching for a new home here in Germany, one of our requirements was that we didn't want a lot of stairs up to the place. We knew we'd have some stairs, but the flights within our unit are much better than having to take three or four flights up just to get inside. Carrying groceries in is much easier. The last time we lived in Germany, we had an elevator ride up to the fourth floor. Thankful for the elevator, but there was the possibility of it breaking. Fortunately it never really broke. So, why, then, the photo of the Eiffel Tower? Gustave Eiffel built a small apartment in the top of the tower. On one hand, it was neat to see. You would definitely have the best view and the most privacy. But I can't imagine climbing all those stairs. I wonder if he liked the solitude. The next time you complain about the flight or two of stairs in your building or house, just remember, you could live at the top of the Eiffel.

Random Photo

2010-06-30T07:16:00.003-04:00

So, Brian has uploaded a lot of our photos onto the new MacBook. If you don't already know the story, I'll share it now. Our PC laptop contracted a virus when we arrived in Germany. After a virtual lifetime of being PC users, and ONLY PC users, we have purchased a Mac and absolutely enjoy it! So much that we'll probably update our desktop once we have the money set aside to do so. Anyway, there is a bit of a learning curve. I have not yet figured out how to preview photos before posting them to the blog. I'm sure there's a way, and I'll get to it. In the meantime, please enjoy a photo number 1,000 from the England files, an antique bedroom of some palace or other. Ha.

The Little Things

2010-06-23T05:49:00.003-04:00

This cute yard is ours. Our new yard while living in Germany. The first time we lived here, we didn't have a yard, but our outdoor space was a large deck on top of a building. This time around, we have a little green. It was overgrown when we got it, but the manual (yes, manual!) push mower and a little weed eater action took car of the mess. Now we have to start tending it; trimming back trees, taking out the dead ones, pulling weeds, planting... The list goes on and on. It's perfect for us. Funny, if we were living at home in the US, we'd want a large yard, privacy, etc. But somehow, having this petite, simple to care for yard is perfect for us here. It won't require a lot of upkeep, but we can still have a space to see God's creation and relax.

And so the fun begins!

2010-06-22T08:42:00.003-04:00

We have been in our new place almost a week, and yesterday the phone and internet were hooked up. This afternoon I'm going to try to get some photos to post. Anyway, Brian accidentally left his cell phone at the house this morning. The phone rang a little while ago, and a woman was on the line, speaking German (this is Germany, after all) asking for Herr Harvey. I told her (in English) that I'm Frau Harvey, Herr Harvey is at work. Then said, in German, "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" She hung up. I called Brian at work and gave him the number to call her back. Ahh. One of the fun things about living in a foreign country is trying to learn the language. I am a firm believer that one should make an effort to learn the language of the country you are living in, but I also know from experience that it's easier said than done. The learning by immersion that one hears about so many times is not as easy as it sounds. Despite the fact that we live on the economy (off post, in German housing and a German landlord), so much of our work, business and social interaction is built upon American military bases that it becomes difficult. Our only practice comes with restaurants, shopping, and traveling. I remember more than I thought, and I intend to learn more with time. Until then, I'll leave today's blog with one parting thought: the woman was calling to let us know that the heater/water leak repair person was arriving tomorrow between 1 and 3. Dealing with repairpersons is challenging enough when you both speak the same language. It'll be another learning experience...

We Move in Tomorrow!

2010-06-15T07:36:00.003-04:00

We are moving into our new place tomorrow! We chose the three story town home. It is close to public transportation, so I can go everywhere I need to go. There's a garage and a parking spot, so if we wind up with two cars, we'll have a place to park. If not, there's plenty of room for visitors to park their cars there.

I am thinking about planting a garden. I told my mom this and she kind of laughed at me. I don't know why? Maybe because I've never shown an interest in gardening before. She has always had beautiful flowers every year, and has even grown a few tomatoes here and there. But I've always been more of an arts & crafts person. Well, there are seeds, and we have a yard. Of course I don't know where to begin, but I'm sure someone around here can teach me.

When we move in, we'll take photos. I'll post them as soon as possible, hopefully next week. We are supposed to get internet service on the 21st. I'm looking forward to setting up house.

Until then, enjoy your week!

Househunting

2010-06-09T14:10:00.002-04:00

Sorry, I don't have any photos yet. But, I have had an interesting day househunting here in the Heidelberg area. Brian and I looked at three properties today. The first was a townhome with garage. It has a beautiful yard that is large enough to entertain but small enough to mow in about 10 minutes. Lots of bright windows. There's even a loft space for me to paint from!

The second reminded me of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," except in place of stone lions out front, there were Sphinxes. The interior was large and dramatic with lots of shiny finishes. Emphasis on the shiny. The living/dining room space made me think of ballroom dancing.

The third was a sufficient space; clean and neat. Plain, but sufficient. However, the three flights of stairs, sans elevator (hey, we had one last time we were in Heidelberg!), and an extra flight within the unit was quite a lot for grocery lugging.

Which one will we choose? One of these, or another still to come? I'll let you know when we do. Hopefully there will be photos soon, too.

Texas

2010-06-02T10:35:00.002-04:00

Okay, I still don't have any photos, but those won't be available until we get settled in Germany. Until then, you'll have to settle for words. We have been enjoying our visits in Texas this week. Family and friends that we haven't seen for a while have welcomed us with open arms. We miss our loved ones and our home state; it's good to be home, even for a brief while.

Brian and I went to get our Texas driver's licenses back! We are so excited to be able to call Texas "home" while we live in Germany. I know, how can we appreciate two different places so much? I think it's because we enjoy traveling and experiencing new things.

Well friend, I hope to be in Germany the next time I post. Until then, auf wiedersehen!

More Photos Coming Soon!

2010-05-26T08:50:00.005-04:00

With our desktop computer in a box somewhere, I'm writing the blog from our laptop. I don't have any photos on here, so you'll just have to use your imagination. It stinks, I know. But stick with me and soon I'll have more pretty photos to display.

Meanwhile, I'll share where we are with our move. I am writing this from Fort Meade. Tomorrow we check out and make the two day journey to Texas. We'll visit friends and family, and I'll try to post an update from there. A week from this Saturday, we'll be on our way to Germany!

I think we're going to be a little busy, life will be crazy, but that's fun for us.

More to come later!

Repeat Visits

2010-05-19T12:39:00.013-04:00

Brian and I seem to repeat locations in pairs. Since getting married in 2002, we've lived twice in our native DFW area, twice in New Braunfels/San Antonio, twice in Maryland (well, technically once, but we moved across the state) and now twice in Heidelberg. The only place we've only been once is New Jersey, and I think it may be the one exception. So today I thought it would be fitting for me to post a picture of the outside wall at Braunfels Castle. My very first post on this blog back in 2008 was of the castle itself. I thought it was neat that I had lived in New Braunfels, TX, where the family from this German castle settled almost 200 years ago. I chose the picture today because it has a path, and reminds me that I'm on a journey. I like the idea of walking under the archway to see what adventure lies ahead.

Tomorrow they are packing our things. We'll be out of the condo by Friday, and after another week and a visit to Texas, we'll be on our way to Germany.

I am going to post updates to the blog, but they may be missing photos until I get settled in Germany. I'll keep everyone posted and look forward to sharing our new (again) surroundings once we get there!

The View

2010-05-13T16:56:00.003-04:00

Our move is getting closer, friends! This is the view Brian and I had from our former flat in Heidelberg. We were just a window away from a train, bus, and a bunch of quaint buildings, churches, homes. From this location in the south of Germany, Brian and I could go as far as Paris or even London--just add Eurostar--without getting on a plane or in a car. We traveled with my mom once from our hotel in Paris, walking first to the metro, heading to the train, switching trains once or twice, and off just in front of the flat. That was so convenient!

Brian and I have been praying about our next place in Heidelberg. We will once again be living on the economy and have a small selection that the housing office will assist us with. Will we get a home with Old World charm? Another modern flat or townhome? Heart of the city near the Hauptsrasse? Countryside with more green space (grass!). I was starting to worry, but then remembered that God answered prayers the first time around with the perfect location for us; I trust that He'll answer them again.

Ivy Covered Building?

2010-05-06T22:01:00.005-04:00

In honor of our upcoming return to Germany, I've decided to post a series of photos from our earlier time there. This photo was taken on a trip to Berlin that we took. We took the train in; train trips in Europe were some of my favorite. Less hassle than flying, more relaxing than driving, and overall a new way to travel that we don't experience often here in the States. This building caught our eye; all the organic greenery and its stark contrast to the shiny windows. The blue reflection and the green almost provide a calm, serene atmosphere in a city full of life and busy-ness. Sometimes it's the quick moments like this that make the best photos. There's no particular history, no people, nothing particularly fascinating about the scene: just a building that stood out among the rest. How do you stand out in a crowd?

Sound of Music

2010-04-28T21:45:00.005-04:00

Years ago, Brian and I went on the Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg, Austria. The photo above is the place where many of the exterior shots from the movie were taken. I remember this tour as being one of the happiest bus rides; there's nothing quite like riding a tour bus with the Sound of Music soundtrack playing in the background. The scenery was incredible, too. As fun as the musical and the tour were, there is something more important, and that is the story behind it. No, not the story of just the von Trapps, although their story is important. But the bigger story, that of the times, the War, the political storm in Europe that caused the von Trapps to leave their home and come to the United States. We must never forget history, even the most difficult history. Lessons are there to be learned.

A View From Afar

2010-04-22T22:06:00.003-04:00

I have been in knots about our move this past week. If you read last Friday's post, you'll see that Brian and I have an incredible opportunity to move back to Heidelberg. (The view from our old flat is seen above.) Something else happened this past week that caused my excitement to wane. There's a volcano in Iceland that I'm not going to try to pronounce or spell at the moment. The ash from this Icelandic volcano shut down airspace over most of Europe for about a week. There is still uncertainty about other volcanoes, and whether or not airspace will be locked out again. Ash is once again in my life. Seven years ago our household goods became ash in a moving fire. Now ash has stopped hundreds of thousands of people in their tracks, all of whom had to wait and travel an unexpected journey. Some have missed weddings, lost jobs, and missed family. At the same time, I was wondering what would happen if the volcano continued erupting until we needed to fly. Things look good for our travel at the moment. God has helped me with my doubts, but I still need lots of prayers. This is an unexpected journey with unimaginable ups and downs, but He'll help me through.

God is Awesome!

2010-04-16T15:14:00.005-04:00

Before you read any further, go back to my January 25th blog entitled "Memory Lane." Read it. I had posted a picture of a restaurant in Schwetzingen, a nearby town to Heidelberg where we lived in 2005-2006. Three weeks ago, Brian interviewed for a job. He received a call soon after saying he was selected. Today we received the official offer and we should get the orders next week. You have probably guessed it by now: We are moving back to Germany! His job is in Schwetzingen, but we'll probably seek housing closer to Heidelberg. Talk about answered prayer! The photo above is the palace grounds in Schwetzingen. I cannot believe this amazing timeline! I had no idea when I posted the photo in January that we'd be returning there so soon, or even at all!

In Ruth 1:22, Ruth and Naomi reached Bethlehem just as the barley harvest was beginning. In chapter 2, she is able to glean behind the harvesters and have an overabundant supply of food to provide for her and her mother-in-law. The timing here is incredible; the fact that they arrived at the start of the barley harvest allowed her to have plenty of food.

I feel that the timing in this move is noteworthy, too. Our USAREUR driver's licenses will be expiring soon, but we'll be there in time to renew without re-testing. We decided to sign a second year on the lease in March, despite the fact that we wanted a less expensive condo. (Military clause allows us to leave). The Ruth Bible study I'm leading goes through the first week in May. My mom was planning a visit (but nothing was purchased yet), but now we'll be able to visit her and the rest of our family. I got to "check the box" on some places on the east coast that I wanted to see (although there are always more!) There are some other interesting things that worked out perfectly with the timing, but I won't bore you with all the details.

Thank you, God, for allowing us this blessing!

Last of the Bizarre Storefronts: Rhino

2010-04-11T16:22:00.003-04:00

Before Easter Sunday, I was posting some random storefront signs from London a year ago. They were all the same store, and I think I promised the Rhino storefront before continuing on to blog about something more substantial. So here it is. Now, this one actually has mannequins clearly visible in it, which is probably a good thing, since the point of all this creative marketing is to get you, the mere window shopper, to come inside and update the wardrobe. However, I generally am not on a safari in Africa; and I'm quite sure that if I were, I would not be wearing silk dresses.

As much as I like this from an artistic standpoint, I find myself trying to stay true to my blog and find something redeeming to say about it, so here goes my moral of the day: we shouldn't be too focused on material goods. What we wear, so long as it's modest, isn't all that important. I learned many years ago after losing almost all my earthly posessions in a moving fire that what matters more is our faith in God.

Matthew 6:19-21 (King James Version)
19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Happy Resurrection Sunday (Easter)!

2010-04-04T10:47:00.004-04:00

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

He is Risen! This morning we went to sunrise (Sonrise!) service at our church. It was so beautiful to sing Amazing Grace and to hear a message about the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The morning was full of God's creation; his children, trees, and birds, all singing to praise Him! Thank You, Lord, for your agape love!

Cheetah? Leopard? Bizarre Storefronts #2

2010-03-31T22:21:00.003-04:00

I'm going through a bit of a creative dry spell, but that's okay. I have a few more of these storefront photos to show before I return to my usual topics. I hope you are enjoying the creativity of the marketing department at whatever store in London this was. I certainly look at recycled product large cats and think, "Hey, I want to shop in there!" Actually, what I ws really thinking was that it was a neat idea and I wish my artwork looked like that. Perhaps it will, someday. Rhino coming next.

A Year Ago...Bizarre Storefronts #1

2010-03-26T11:38:00.003-04:00

London for Valentine's...2009
We didn't find anything quite this interesting this year, but I remembered these storefront photos from last year and decided to post them. It's hard to tell from the photos, but these store front displays were constructed out of recycled wood, plastic, metal, all kinds of things. Each display had an animal, manequins in various poses, and provided us with great entertainment.
There isn't much to say about the art displayed here, so I'll let them stand on their own. Next post...A cheetah!

They Just Don't Build Them...

2010-03-20T00:11:00.003-04:00

They just don't build them like this anymore. That's the first thought that ran through my head when I looked at this recent ceiling photo from Kensington Palace. Those ropelike things (don't you like my technical terminology) lead to chandeliers, one of which you can see in the bottom right corner. This ceiling is like one of many I've seen on our travels; so extravagant I cannot fathom the time, creativity and effort put into it. The amount of sketching and planning, starting and restarting; I just cannot imagine completing such a feat. I wouldn't know where to begin. Don't get me wrong, I prefer the clean lined simplicity that is found in modern architecture, but it sometimes looks as though beautiful creativity is waning in favor of cookie cutter neatness. I spend a lot of time looking at architecture, both in person and in magazines. There isn't much out there today that resembles the palaces of times long gone. Every now and then, I'll come across an article about a modern day palace, chateau, or castle resident that has restored their bit of history. They have taken the time to do so, often over a period of years. Imagine, for a moment, the vast palaces were once constructed by hand. Sometimes in our technology, I think we're learning to think a little less. Hopefully these handcrafted skills won't be lost forever.

A Different Time

2010-03-17T23:26:00.003-04:00

One of the exhibits at Kensington Palace in February was Debutantes. If you read Jane Austen, or the Bronte sisters, you'll know that a lot of time, money, more time, more money, etc., was spent on these elaborate Seasons of Coming Out into Society. March of 1958 was the last 'official' season in London, although the ghosts of similar traditions still linger in our culture. These dresses were part of the last, or one of the last seasons. I wonder how these women felt, knowing they were "it"? Did their younger sisters mourn the loss of their introduction to society? Were they relieved that they didn't have to live up to such standards? I'm sure it was a little bit of both. I learned that many of the families went into debt, vying to hold some sort of place in society. How sad is that? On one hand, it sounds kind of fun; dressing up, parties, dancing. On the other? You are being measured by your wealth, your ability to show, curtsey, and flirt. All so that the right couples will eventually be put together to further the social breeding that was so valued at the time. I recently completed a Bible study on Esther. Reading about how she came to become Queen reminds me of these Debs. She was given beauty treatments, clothes, everything she wanted all to be paraded with other ladies. God had a bigger plan for her, though. She was sent, Esther 4:14 says, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther's life was not just her beauty, but what she accomplished. She was obedient to God despite great personal risks. Are you more like the Debutante, putting on a show, or like Esther, looking to God to find your calling?

Legacy

2010-03-09T22:01:00.007-05:00

I can't imagine what it would be like for the clothes I wore in life to be on display for all the world to see. Brian and I returned to London for yet another Valentine's tea (see last year's post around Valentine's Day 2009). We were pleased that after several visits, we were finally able to visit Kensington Palace. It had always been closed or otherwise off our itenerary for one reason or another. I have to admit, I was slightly disappointed. I enjoy touring castles, palaces and other historic sites, no matter what state of upkeep or disrepair. But I couldn't help but feel that the exhibit of Princess Diana's dresses was merely another extension of society's obsession with her. The very obsession that I believe contributed to her death. The dresses were beautiful, and there were other (unrelated) exhibits that I found interesting. But I would have liked to have seen more about the person behind the dresses. I would have liked to have learned more about her humanitarian efforts; more about who she was. I have to pause and wonder what she would think about this exhibit; would it please her? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind some day? If your life were part of the history books and museums, what would you want people to see to represent you?