Laundry Day...

"Laundry Day"
Riomaggiore, Italy

I think every day is laundry day in Italy.  Unlike MY house where I tend to stock pile it.  I venture to guess that if I hung my "Things'" freshly laundered clothes out the front window of my home it wouldn't look so quaint and picturesque.  Actually, I'm pretty sure our homeowner's association would be knocking on my door in record time.

--Kathy

linked to: Sarah Halstead's Wordless Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, Snap It, Live and Love Out Loud Wordless Wednesday

How quickly things change...

Let me count the ways:

1.  My mind (it's a girl thang)

2.  My emotions (it's a girl thang)

3.  My clothes (it's a girl thang)

4.  My body (it's an OLDER girl thang)

5.  My hair (it's a girl thang when it's humid out, I SWEAR it looked good when I put down the blow dryer)

6.  My checking account balance (it's a ME thing)

and...

7.  The sunset somewhere over the Mediterranean (it's a beautiful thang)...

7 p.m.

"Nothing But Blue Skies For Me"

Mediterranean

8:05 p.m.

"Song at Sunset"
Mediterranean

8:36 p.m.

"Water on Fire"
Mediterranean

I stood still, and let my surroundings do the changing.  Just moi, "James Dean", and a glass of wine.  Floating somewhere in the Mediterranean.  Sometimes change can be a good thang.

--Kathy

linked to:  Our World Tuesday, Inspiring Photography, Tuesdays Around the World, Sweet Shot Tuesday, 52 Weeks of Happiness, Tuesday Tips & Pics, Tones on Tuesday, MidWeek Blues

Time Trippin'...

I'm giving the fantastic Stasha's "Listicles" another shot this week over at The Good Life..  After all, it should be pretty easy.  She asked us to list ten clues that we are living in 2012.  Now I've been known to be clueless at times, and living in a time warp at others (both courtesy of my three "Things").  But it's always nice to start a Monday off with something that seems to be easy.  At least I THOUGHT it was gonna be easy.  I mean seriously, we ARE in 2012 right?  

1.  The Obvious Clue

Because my desk top calender tells me so.  At least it does after I ripped off the last three months worth of daily factoid pages gathering dust because I never LOOK at my calender.  But yes, it is 2012 at the moment....whew.  Starting off good here.

2.  How now brown egg

If it is a brown egg, then it must be 2012.  I made the switch from white to brown this year.  I don't even know why.  Perhaps they make me feel chic and a bit superior to all those white egg lovin' peeps behind me in the check-out line.  Sort of like I know something that they don't.  Shhhhhhh...I know nothin' and am paying more per dozen for that privilege.


3.  2012...the year of packing efficiently

(Instagram)

And they said it could never be done...packing all my crap necessities into one suitcase for a trip.  Little did they know I was just waiting for 2012.  The year of "Miracles" on the Chinese calendar.  (okay, okay...I did wind up stashing two pairs of shoes in the Better Half's bag.  But STILL, I'm not gonna split hairs over a miracle...and I told the Better Half he shouldn't either).


4.  Which reminds me...INSTAGRAM

Help, I've fallen and I can't get up.  Fallen into yet another major black hole, this one called Instagram.  Kinda makes me dread what major "time suck" 2013 will usher into my life.  Not that I don't embrace a good "time suck"...just sayin'.

5.  The Summer Olympics

MUST be 2012 because I have a new found appreciation for the fabulous Ryan Lochte and well defined pecs!!!


6.  Super-size it puhleeze

From fast food serving sizes, to homes, to televisions...apparently everything is getting bigger in 2012.  Except my checking account balance.

7.   Watching "House Hunters International"?  Must be 2012.

In the "olden days" I perused the newspaper for local open houses on Sundays to go stalk.  What a narrow mind I had back in the day.  Now thanks to HGTV I dream of Italy, or France, or Spain, or England, or.....

8.  DSW Premiere Member and Zappos VIP Status...boo-yah!!!! 

Don't hate me because I have beautiful shoes AND earn reward points for future purchase in the process in 2012.  Obviously, the green fringed, pink beaded, gold studded lady doesn't.

9.  The Hunger Games

Since I am apparently the only known breathing human who in 2012 still has NOT seen nor read any of the Hunger Games series, I guess there is no need to explain to you that apparently an orange back pack is a trademark of one of the characters????  

10.  Two-Steps Behind

2012 is dropping waaaaay too many clues making it abundantly clear that I am behind the 8-ball and playing catch up with everyone else.  Trends, technology, adapting to change and just downright basic movement at times.  BUT...at least I'm not wearing green fringed, pink beaded shoes while doing it....AND I'm earning reward points in the process.

Monday, Monday...hope it's all you want it to be,

--Kathy

linked to:  Monday Listicles

   

Scavenger Hunt Sunday (August 26, 2012)...

Don't be afraid.  Stay for a few moments.  No need to worry about having to be polite while I photo dump yet another round of "Hey!!!!  Look where I went!!!!" photos on you.  Today I'm taking a break from my regularly scheduled photo bombing of recent European vacation photos.  Dontcha just hate when family and friends do that to ya by forcing you to look at their vacay pics?  In my defense all I can say is.....actually, I have no defense.  I guess I'm just one of THOSE people for a bit.  But hey, cheer up!!!! Pretty soon you'll be seeing lots, and lots, and lots of Penn State Football photos here...boo-yah.  Now that helps put things in perspective, right?????

This week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday prompts are:  School, Rule of Thirds, Side Profile, Small, and Motion.


1.  School

"Red Chucks"

Red Chuck Taylors?  Check!!!!  Time for school to start for my high school sophomore who definitely has her own unique fashion sense.

2.  Rule of  Thirds

"Summer's End"

(linked to:  Your Sunday Best)

Rules, rules, rules.  Rules are made to be broken EXCEPT for not using your portable electronic devices upon take-off and landing (yes young lady sitting in row 12 I DID notice you trying to hide your IPhone under your "50 Shades of Grey" book....not sure which would be more embarrassing to be caught doing in public).  But the composition "rule of thirds" is something I followed from the get-go without even knowing I was doing it.  Now THAT is the best kind of rule.

3.  Side Profile (is there any other kind?)

"The Sun Lay Like  a Friendly Arm Across Her Shoulder"
(self portrait project #28/52)

Yes Mom...I'm wearing sunscreen.

4.  Small

"The Little Things"

"The little things seem like nothing,

but they give peace.

Like those meadow flowers which individually seem odorless,

but all together perfume the air."

--Georges Bernanos

5.  Motion

"Bad Hair Day"

Roll down your window and let the wind blow back your hair.  Okay, maybe he went a bit overboard, given the abundance of motion here.  Actuuuuuually, it's a street performer anchored and shellacked into place...
motion-LESS.




And there ya have it.  A moratorium on the vacay photos guised in the form of Scavenger Hunt Sunday.  If you get the chance,  pop on over to Ashley's Ramblings and Photos to see all the submissions and their awesomeness.  I never fail to be inspired.  Okay, you've had your break...it's back to vacay photos next week.


--Kathy


linked to:  Scavenger Hunt Sunday, Your Sunday Best, Mandarin Orange Monday

"And in the end,...

"...the love you make
is equal to the love you take."

The End (the Beatles)

So much love to share today.  From the superficial to the heartfelt.  Disclaimer:  I have no rhyme or reason in choosing which parts of my recent jaunt I share with you at any given time.  Story of my life actually, I go where the wind blows me at the moment.  And today it's blowing us to the Cinque Terre in Italy.  Specifically...the via dell'Amore.  Which means:  Pathway of Love.  

A VERY brief Cinque Terre primer.  Cinque (five) Terre (lands).  Yep, now you are up to speed.

Five hamlets along the northwestern coast of Italy that are so isolated they are accessible only by boat and walking trails.  The five towns are connected by an 8-mile trail.  The first part of the hike is by far the easiest section to traverse because it is paved (the remaining sections aren't so accommodating).  It is called via dell'Amore and connects the first two towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola in the Cinque Terre.

Manarola, Italy
(linked to: Shoot, Edit, Submit)

Riomaggiore, Italy

"Riomaggiore meets Manarola"
via dell'Amore

It's hard to imagine living in a village so secluded that one's whole life takes place solely within it's confines.  Not hard to imagine the delight of teenaged boys and girls when a path was opened, after WWII, between Riomaggiore and Manarola.  SHOCKER that it quickly morphed into a lovers' lane and meeting point to expedite expanding social circles (yeah, THAT was a politically correct way to put it).   I might be old(er), but we use to have the same thing growing up...the Willow Grove Naval Air Base!!!!!  I have to admit...much prettier here.  Now that I'm 52 I'm kinda interested in the scenery.

"via dell'Amore"
Cinque Terre, Italy

The slightly less than 1-mile via dell'Amore is strewn with chains, tunnels, love notes, graffiti messages and all kinds of love locks.  Tradition dictates locking your love onto a gate, and throwing the key into the Mediterranean to secure your everlasting love.  If not everlasting, at least until a cuter guy with a sportier fishing boat pulls into dock (preferably with a name like 'Marcello').

If your date doesn't  merit the financial investment in a lock...there is always graffiti and love notes that serve a similar purpose at a lesser cost.  But come on girls, let's not be a cheap date.  Proudly claim the title of "high maintenance" and make your guy pull out a few Euro for a bona fide lock!!!!...

"Tiamo"

via dell'Amore'

Cinque Terre, Italy

Or just a ribbon...

ORRRRRRR for the girl who has everything (AND everybody) already...

(Title suggestions???????)

It is said the Beatles got their inspiration for Abbey Road's "The End" from time spent in Cinque Terre and experiencing via dell'Amore.   

It's easy to see how John, Paul, Ringo and 'my guy' George could be so easily inspired by the stunning ocean views, stone beaches imbedded in the cliffside, and studded picnic areas, as well as the love offerings...

Time for a quick photo-op
Thing #2 and Moi

Irina and Stefano where for art thou today?  And if Irina is missing a pair of lace panties I just wanna say thanks for the laughs :).

All ya need is love folks.  And apparently somewhere to express it.

Ciao...


--Kathy

linked to:  This or That Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop, Shoot, Edit, Submit, Fabulous Friday, Friday Shoot Outs

Sunshine on my shoulders...

...makes me happy.  And so does capturing it with my James Dean.  I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.  Yes, I know James Dean wasn't in Casablanca.  But hey, they are both classics.

"Sunshine On My Shoulders"

Cinque Terre, Italy

(Kim Klassen's "Dream It" @38% multiply)

--Kathy

Linked to:  Our World Tuesday, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Texture Tuesday, Communal Global, 52 Weeks of Happiness, Tuesday Tips & Pics, Tones on Tuesday

Shadow Dancing...

"You can only come to the morning
through the shadows."

--J.R.R. Tolkien

"Morning Has Broken"
Aix en Provence, France

"Shadow Dancing"
Aix en Provence, France

The town was yawning.  Painted and peeling shutters had yet to be sprung open.  Yet the streets were fully awake in color.  Washed with painted streaks of ochre sun and deep caramel shadows.  There is magic in the morning sun and shadows.  A pity to sleep through the show.

Good morning everyone...

--Kathy

linked to:

Inspiring Photograpy

Scavenger Hunt Sunday (August 19, 2012)...

Happy Sunday peeps!!  I've been absent from Scavenger Hunt Sunday for a few weeks now.  Glad to be back in the swing of things.  But still busy, busy, busy...so this is gonna be short and sweet.

This weeks prompts are:  Morning Light, Forest, Touch, Coffee or Tea, and Newspaper.

On to the hunt:


1.  Morning Light

"Morning Ritual"
Barcelona, Spain

Boys will be boys, will be boys.  Anywhere and everywhere in the world.  Early morning hanging in an alleyway, dancing and singing.  It's fun to eavesdrop.

2.  Forest

Park Guell

Barcelona, Spain

Not too many typical "forests" where I was hanging out the past couple of weeks.  This is about as close as I could get.

3.  Touch

"Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me"

Philadelphia Airport

Philadelphia, PA

Yeah, yeah, yeah...at first the fam complained about a pre-boarding series of photos via the timer on James Dean.  Afterwards?  I'm sure each and every passenger at our gate was complaining about the possibility of being seated near us for the next 9 hours.

4.  Coffee or Tea????

"Up on the Roof"
Barcelona, Spain

No thank you.  I'm in Barcelona.  I'll take a glass of Cava at the rooftop pool.  Salut!



5.  Newspaper

"The Morning News"

Barcelona, Spain

The only reading I did the past few weeks were from my Rick Steeves travel books, wine bottle labels, and graffiti.  

If you get the chance, please pop on over to Ashley's "Ramblings and Photos" and check out all the amazing submissions for Scavenger Hunt.


--Kathy

linked to: