Venice, Italy [Honeymoon Part Ten]

Venice was our last stop on our honeymoon and I can't even begin to describe how amazing it was in autumn.  The fog was rolling in at all angles, the air was crisp and fresh against our faces, the narrow streets were tourist-free, the sun trying to break through the mist creating a glow, and the colorful leaves on the trees in all their glory.  It sounds cliche to have Venice at the top of my "favorite places" list - especially considering all we saw on our honeymoon - but we really felt nothing but love and excitement for this city.  Maybe it was because we had beeen here before a few years prior on a backpacking trip through Europe.  This time we weren't feeling the pressure to see "everything" and so I enjoyed it ALL, every detail, every sound, every delight!

We had time to meander the streets, window shop, and relax at cafes.  Our only goal:  get lost!  I loved EVERY SECOND.

Tuesday Tune

I am shocked I haven't given much thought about William Fitzsimmons until now.  Amazing!  If you're a fan of the likes of Ray LaMontagne and Joshua Radin you will dig this guy!

"...we'll fall just like stars being hung by only string..."

"...I was scared to fix what I had broke, It's a lonely place to live with just a ghost..."



"I should not have hid where my heart can't follow, cause this grace gets so far, and too hard to swallow..."



What do you think?!

Endless Possibilities

"When nothing is sure, everything is possible."


[Margaret Drabble]

I found these gorgeous Ranunculus blooms at my local Trader Joe's.  I bought some for my desk at work and some for our house - such a simple way to brighten a space!

Lovely Libraries

I absolutely love libraries and these pictures of libraries from around the world have me wishing I could grab a good book, find a quiet spot, and read all day! 

From the top:  Moldova National Library, Suzzalo Library at the University of Washington (Seattle), State Library in Victoria, Australia, and below the stunning Real Gabinete Portugu's de Leitura in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

I haven't visited any of these treasures but there are some local favorites of mine:  McKinley and Ella K. McClatchy braches.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Chai Float

One of my most favorite comfort drinks is a chai tea latte.  Hands down!  I can't get enough of spiced-anything!  Add in some creamy vanilla bean ice cream and we have my new favorite dessert - a chai float!

And it couldn't be easier - just add a few scoops of vanilla ice cream and a splash of chai tea mix (or freshly brewed).  I like using Oregon Chai tea.

A cute mug from Anthropologie makes things that much sweeter!


What is your favorite dessert treat?

Ravenna, Italy [Honeymoon Part Nine]

Ravenna was such a gift.  I had no expectations of this city and I was delighted!  It was an especially crisp fall day with newly fallen leaves and a chilly breeze.  We meandered through the streets just enjoying the shops, churches, piazzas, and cafes.  Fun fact:  Dante Alighieri is buried in Ravenna (I had no idea)!  My humanities professor would be proud. 

I truly enjoyed all the great details we discovered on our stroll... wrought iron fencing, door knobs, old wooden doors, stone walls... What a fabulous city!

Tuesday Tune [PJ Harvey Part I]

PJ Harvey is an old favorite who was introduced to me by an old friend.  Songs transport us and re-listening to her songs takes me back to my early college years, orangey warm fall days, and memories of San Francisco.  She's been around for years and years (I even saw her at the Warfield in the City) and recently I've heard remnants of Harvey's music in others' works (think Florence and the Machine).

I've hand selected a handful of my favorites and I hope you enjoy her words and sounds!


"Threw my bad fortune off the top of a tall building (!), I'd rather've done it with you..."


"...a rooftop in Manhattan, one in the morning, when you said something, that I've never forgotton..."


"...still the question lingers, I twist it 'round my fingers, could you be my calling?..."


"...send me, please, his kisses, send them home today..."


What do you think of her music? She's not mainstream and chances are you haven't heard of her - I think she's an undiscovered gem!