As the train left Florence, whisking us over the soft rolling hills towards Rome, my thoughts converged on this ancient city, home of the Vatican and the once great Roman Empire. I, like millions before me, wanted to undertake a Jubilee pilgrimage. All roads lead to Rome, as the saying goes. At least it was …
Instead of sun, I was seeking a pre-Christmas feast of Renaissance art by the magnificent artists of Florence, and then on to a special spiritual pilgrimage to Rome. There is budding research that viewing beautiful art can be a mood elevator. Feeling powerless to change a world plagued with cruelties of wars, injustices and moral …
Feasting on Michelangelo, Botticelli, Fra Angelico and lots of Pasta Read More »
Paris was cold and grey on an early October morning as my flight took off from Orly, heading towards sunny Crete. I was craving a deluge of Cretan sun to offset my annual slow descent into a seasonal mood slump. This usually occurs around mid-October from dwindling light. Fall is also the best time …
Crete’s Instense Blue Sea and Sun Was Just the Boost I Needed Read More »
I wanted to spend my birthday in a pretty setting not far from Paris. I could have chosen the beach, but since I am heading back to Greece soon, the Loire came to mind, when memories of lovely Blois blossomed in my thoughts. Last year, my birthday celebration was on the Seine, so why …
The sounds of waves roaring into shore and the energy of the ocean always beckons me, regardless of the weather. Good thing, as the sun disappeared for most of my beach trip after the first evening, while Paris strangely basked in the sun. Rain and blustery, howling winds awakened us the following morning. That never …
Look toward the Light when the shadows of life pull you down. Offer gratitude for your blessings and the breath of life. Bathe others in kindness and love and seek joy wherever you may find it. I am grateful I finally made it to Cauterets, a picturesque jewel of a ski village graced with …
Sun, Snow and Healing Waters High in the Pyrenees at Cauterets Read More »
Since holidays are always difficult, especially Christmas, after the death of my son, I chose a pre-get-a-way trip for some distraction, colour, and upbeat energy to soften my grief. Naples was just what I was looking for! A big plus was that I left a sub-freezing Paris, down to -5 C., covered up …
I started writing this post in February and then felt uncomfortable publishing it after the war in Ukraine broke out as I wanted to address that first. So here it is, my trip and reflections on grief. Very sadly this war continues adding thousands of others who will have to learn to live with their …
I have a beach obsession. Call it a call of the ocean perhaps. A need to feel and see the sea. To be right next to it. Especially falling asleep to the sounds of waves. The call is primordial and the connotations are spiritual. The fluidity, expansiveness, currents and continuity remind me of God, as …
As I saw the sun rising over the rooftops, I greeted my birthday with much gratitude. Another year to behold that would offer seeds of hope and joys to be gathered and shared. Birthdays are more of a challenge to me since I lost my son and with this year, I felt additional rays of …
After the strict confinement in Paris finally was relaxed to some degree, I found myself craving to flee to the sea. Oceans for me offer the most healing and revitalizing energy available from mother earth! I first thought of Biarritz in the southern part of coastal France near the Basque country and the border of …
My Mini Abbey Retreat By The Sea Near Saint Malo, Part One Read More »
I have been away on my annual February grief getaway. This time I chose to explore some Austrian Alpine spas sandwiched between a few days in Vienna. Getaway is a misnomer in so far as there is no getting away from grief. Yet, travel does offer somewhat an alternative distraction of sorts, not avoidance by …