Monday, September 4, 2023

Breathtaking Beauty

I visited the dahlia garden at Volunteer Park one day last week after dropping Sofia off at school.... yes, back to school already! 

The beauty of the colorful blooms literally took my breath away. So here is my annual dahlia post. I hope they delight you and maybe even take your breath away!

Enjoy!



































RELATED DAHLIA POSTS 

It's fun to revisit my past posts about these dazzling dahlias!

2011: Spring Meets Fall

2012: Nature's Colorful Gifts

2015: Showing Their True Colors

2018: Dahlias in Living Color

2019: All the Colors of the Season

2021: The Bees are Back in Town

2021: Beauty Walk

2022: Delightful Dahlias

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Peonies and Possibilities


My sweet daughter Sofia turned “sweet 16” a couple of weeks ago. She was born on May 26, 2007 – a day that changed my life. Actually, the months leading up to her arrival began my transformation. Due to some (unactualized) health concerns in utero – my doctor put me on bedrest for two months… I won’t go into the details but suffice it to say “it stopped me in my tracks” and ended up being just the transition I needed from my demanding full-time career to motherhood.

AND, I had peonies in my bedroom while I was on bedrest and the days following her birth. To this day, the sight and fragrance of peonies remind me of this life-changing period of my life.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, my wonderful, wise friend Sally Fox wrote an email for Engaging Presence entitled “The Flower that Changed Me (A Pause for Peonies).” Great click bait for me – ha! Of course, I read it right away, and not only was I immediately transported back to Sofia's "birth season" in 2007 but I learned something I didn’t know I had in common with Sally – we both LOVE peonies, and peonies changed both of us!  

Sally wrote, which I love, “When the (peony) flowers appear each spring, they instantly become the stars of the garden, grabbing the spotlight if only for a few weeks.”

Another friend who I was exchanging peony pictures with, referring to their short season, commented: “That’s the trouble with peonies! But they are so beautiful while they last.”



A few days after receiving Sally’s email, I wrote a peony Haiku during my “Morning Pages” writing practice while gazing at the hot pink peonies on my kitchen table in the picture above. It’s short and sweet – just like peony season. Here I share it with you, along with the “stars of the garden” I’m currently enjoying in my house!

 

Peony Haiku

It’s peony time

 Bold beauty that’s so fleeting

 Gaze and savor now




I’ve come to realize that is one of the special things about peonies—their “lifespan” is very short, reminding us to savor their beauty, and that life (in all forms) is fleeting. They also remind us of the stages of a beautiful life – which I’ve captured below. I have to say the last picture feels like really "letting my hair down!" I don't usually tolerate a "mess" like this in my house, but I really enjoyed watching and capturing their beauty throughout their short and sweet life. And it helped me think of beauty differently and see the possibilities of a life well-lived. 










The Meaning of Peonies 

And then I got curious about what peonies represent. So, I turned to The Meaning of Flowers: Myth, Language and Lore. 

I was surprised to learn that “the peony grants its recipient the power to keep a secret.” Well, that’s interesting! I also learned the peony is a “deep-rooted plant that stands firm in the earth. Because of this the peony was reported to enhance the power of a promise.” I like that! 

It goes onto say “Peonies have been cultivated in Asia for more than a thousand years. Requiring such careful cultivation, they were flowers that only the rich could afford to grow in Japan. Therefore, the peony symbolizes prosperity for the Japanese.”

I bought these beauties along with the Calla lilies at Pike Place Market this weekend. I just love the combo! Even sweet Sofia exclaimed "WOW!" when she saw them together. 

 


On a recent afternoon I played around with the possibilities of peonies around my house. Here are a few favorite shots.







This past Monday marked the 5th anniversary of Kate Spade's death. I didn't know her, but I know she loved peonies, and all things pink and green. So the photo above is a tribute to her. After she passed away I wrote a post entitled "BE LIKE KATE" that was fun to revisit today. 

POSSIBILITIES… WHAT IF?

Finally, I leave you with a poem I’m loving right now by my dear friend Kathryn Carole Ellison from her book of ‘poems of life and love’ aptly titled POSSIBILITIES.

 

POSSIBILITIES… WHAT IF?

The mind is an amazing, wonderful thing!

What people can think about can be most exciting...

Or not...it depends on what their hearts can hold.

Is it warmth and kindness, or bitter cold?


I choose to ponder the warmer, kinder heart

Which shows compassion and practices the art

Of working together with others for the benefit

Of an all-inclusive world... a dream I admit.


It's the possibility of having a dream come true

That makes life interesting... and to continue - 

When nothing is sure, everything is possible.

Every day holds the possibility of a miracle!


A Buddhist monk, by the name Thich Nhat Hanh,

Wrote about possibility - his words a voice of reason.

Clear and concise, the meaning quite intelligible:

"Because you are alive, everything is possible."


What if a transformation could take place?

What if... instead of confrontation face to face

Between two camps so divisive and stubborn...

They could come together and cooperatively govern?


What if... people wanted to take care of each other,

Coming together for common good, sister and brother?

What if... our beautiful planet could thrive,

And each and everyone of us could feel alive?


What if... our air could be breathable again,

And our fish in the oceans, in good health, could swim?

What if... all of us experienced good health?

What if friendship and cooperation were measures of wealth?


So many things are possible when we think they are!

Our possibilities are endless; imagination will take us far!

With possibilities, we begin each new day.

Let's get started on the possibilities straightaway!




Saturday, March 4, 2023

F-U-N in the Big Easy!


“There are a lot of places I like, but I like New Orleans better.” 

– Bob Dylan


In January, I spent a long weekend with two of my best girlfriends in New Orleans, aka NOLA and The Big Easy! It was incredible! 

In a way I'm writing this post as a travelogue to share my experiences and recommendations so you might be inspired to visit this fun and vibrant city. I'm also writing it as a thank you to my beautiful friend Jules - who hosted us in her adopted city and planned everything impeccably. It's also a love letter to New Orleans for being the most FUN, colorful, hospitable, resilient and friendly place I've visited in a long time - maybe ever! 

So where to start? How about with this: 

"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"

which is Cajun French for "Let the good times roll!" That is indeed what we did from the minute we landed! 

Our host Jules (left), me and Sienna (right) donning our fabulous headdresses
that Jules had custom made for us in our astrological signs! We were so surprised and delighted by this gift. They are truly wearable pieces of art.

This was my third trip to New Orleans. Each time it gets better. And to be honest I didn't love NOLA - or even like it much - on my first visit which was for work. But after this last trip, I feel like I've got the "bug!" It's hard to describe - but NOLA is 'slightly' addictive for its food, music, art, culture and overall vibrancy! It has such a rich history, and it's a city of extremes. The people "live out loud!" Everything is full on! Or as my friend Jules likes to say: "More! More! More!"

The people of NOLA are warm, open, and friendly - they exude a certain kind of Southern charm that is very welcoming. Expressions I heard quite often everywhere we went: "How ya doin' y'all?" and "Thanks y'all." 

In many ways NOLA feels like the complete opposite of where I live in Seattle. It was refreshing and the perfect way to kick off 2023 and set the tone for a FUN year ahead. My fellow traveler Sienna's word of the year for 2023 is FUN and Jules' word of the year is QUEEN! Themes you'll hopefully observe in the following post. 

So, without further ado, I invite you on quick three-day trip to NOLA with my friends Jules and Sienna!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FUN FACT #1: New Orleans' nickname "The Big Easy" was allegedly coined in the 1960s by New Orleans gossip columnist Betty Guillaud while comparing 'the Big Easy' to 'the Big Apple.' While New Yorkers were perpetually running around, laid-back life in New Orleans reigned, hence, The Big Easy. Although like make things in life, there are other theories. You can read them here


LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Our first night started with happy hour in the Paradise Lounge at the Hotel Saint Vincent followed by dinner at the hotel’s San Lorenzo restaurant, which was fabulous. 


This piece of art on the floor was half-way done when we saw it before dinner. We were delighted to see it completed when we stepped into the super cool Chapel Club at the Hotel Saint Vincent for an after-dinner drink.



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FUN FACT #2: NOLA is an acronym for New Orleans, Louisiana. Although NOLA first started to appear in the early 1900s, it was popularized in media coverage and by millennials following Hurricane Katrina which hit New Orleans in 2005.


THE NEXT DAY

Our first morning, we enjoyed a nice walk around the Loop at Audubon Park in the historic uptown district situated near Tulane University. 

Beautiful fountain at the entrance to Audubon Park.


Magnificent live oak tree in Audubon Park!


Meditation Walk anyone?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FUN FACT #3: Mardi Gras starts on the 6th of January every year and runs until Fat Tuesday which was February 21 this year. In New Orleans the majority of the Mardi Gras celebrations are held in the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday.


GALS LUNCH!

Next up on our Friday agenda, lunch at the infamous Galatoire’s restaurant, a New Orleans institution since 1905. Our “Gals Lunch” lasted 4.5 hours!! 

Our fabulous server Mignon (pictured here center) provided impeccable service, fun stories and lots of texture to our incredible experience. 

When in NOLA… I had Shrimp Creole for lunch at Galatoire’s! It was divine! Check out their menu here. Your mouth will water!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FUN FACT #4: The term Creole is highly debated and holds no official definition. Historians have defined Creole as meaning anything from an ethnic group consisting of individuals with European and African, Caribbean or Hispanic descent to individuals born in New Orleans with French or Spanish ancestry. However someone defines it, it is clear that many elements of New Orleans’ history, art, food and more are due to Creole contributions. (Source: Neworleans.com

THE FUN CONTINUES... 

On our way to see live music at Preservation Hall in the French Quarter, we stopped at The French 75 Bar for, well, a French 75 cocktail!

“In New Orleans, culture doesn't come down from on high -- it bubbles up from, the streets.” 

– Ellis Marsalis


Outside Preservation Hall, in the heart of the French Quarter. The “Hall” is a small, intimate venue that presents traditional acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts featuring ensembles from a collective of 50+ musicians.


Inside Preservation Hall with band director and trumpeter Mark Braud after the show. He told us he was in Seattle in December playing with Harry Connick, Jr. (Star struck!)

We ended our epic day at the famous Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone, a long-time favorite New Orleans hotspot and the city’s only revolving bar. 


It's kind of amazing all that we experienced in our first full day in NOLA. It was so fun and exhilarating. From here, we headed back to our fabulous flat (see below) for a restful night's sleep.   

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FUN FACT #5: The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. These are said to have been chosen in 1892 when the Rex Paradetheme "Symbolism of Colors" gave the colors their meanings. Purple - JusticeGreen - Faith. Gold - Power.


SATURDAY - KING CAKE, E-BIKES AND MORE!

Our Saturday agenda called for more fun - of course! First things first: we had traditional Mardi Gras King cake with our coffee. It was a big treat! And I got the golden baby in my piece of cake! Lucky me!

Our flat was stocked with a full set of gorgeous China! Swoon! 

Jules' favorite King cake from Dong Phoung bakery.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FUN FACT #6: King cake is said to have originated in Old World France and Spain and came to be associated with Epiphany during the Middle Ages. When it was brought to the New World (along with Catholicism and Christianity), the tradition evolved further. In New Orleans, King cake and Mardi Gras go hand in hand: The cakes can be found starting in early January and are available up until Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. (Source: Eater.com)


I got the "lucky baby" in my piece of King cake! Legend has it that the person who gets the symbolic bean or baby baked into the King cake is said to have good luck in the coming year and they must host next year's Mardis Gras celebration. 

NOLA BY BIKE

My favorite way to see New Orleans and learn about its storied and colorful history is by bike. This is the second time I’ve taken a guided bike tour of New Orleans. This time we were on e-bikes which was so much fun. Our guide Jeff from Buzz Nola Bike Tours was knowledgeable and entertaining. It was a blast! 



We started our tour along the banks of the Mighty Mississippi. As you can tell it was a gorgeous day. It was unseasonably cold so we bundled up.


Sienna and Jules listen attentively to our funny and fabulous tour guide, with the Mississippi River behind them. 


One of the highlights of our e-bike tour was visiting one of the largest cemeteries in New Orleans and learning about their above-ground burial practice of following the Spanish custom of using vaults instead of graves. 

Another highlight of the tour was riding through City Park. Pictured here, a famous stone bridge over a preserved section of the bayou in the City Park Conservatory.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FUN FACT #7: City Park is one of the largest and most visited urban parks in the U.S. It is 50% larger than New York’s Central Park. 


And yet another highlight! Cafe au lait and beignets at Café du Monde in City Park.


I could go on and on, but here is one last highlight from our bike tour. French “Impressionist” Master Edgar Degas resided in this house in New Orleans from 1872 to 1873 with this maternal Creole family. He created 18 paintings here.

Degas' house is now a bed and breakfast and wedding venue.


To honor the 100th anniversary of Degas’ death, the Degas House unveiled a copy of his most famous sculpture, “Little Dancer of 14 Years” in the front courtyard for all to see! 



I couldn't resist of pic of Jules' Mardi Gras shoes!


All good things must come to an end. We concluded our
three-hour bike tour at Louis Armstrong Park.

But of course, the fun did not end there. The afternoon included another delicious meal and shopping at eclectic boutiques on Magazine Street. 


We enjoyed a delicious French-Vietnamese lunch and afternoon cocktails at Elizabeth Street Café, located on the beautiful Hotel Saint Vincent grounds in the Lower Garden District. It was unseasonably cold, but we loved sitting in the sun in the brightly-colored garden courtyard surrounded by palm trees.

 

Our perfect day ended with a special dinner at Coquette. This Lower Garden District restaurant serves contemporary southern cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and international inspiration. We opted for the 5 Course Blind Tasting Menu with wine pairings. It was fabulous! Coquette’s chef recently received a James Beard nomination. Very well deserved.


Coquette's take on the classic Negroni cocktail. 

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FUN FACT #8: Coquette means "a woman who flirts.” 


BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Our hostess with the mostess Jules is known for living life to the fullest. Her motto is "More, more, more!" So on our last day, we had more fun including a fabulous guided tour of the Garden District and a delightful poolside lunch at The Chloe Hotel! 

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FUN FACT #9: The Garden District neighborhood was originally developed with only a couple of houses per block, each surrounded by a large garden, giving the district its name. In the late 19th century, some of these large lots were subdivided, as uptown New Orleans became more urban. This has produced a pattern for much of the neighborhood: of any given block having a couple of 19th-century mansions surrounded by "gingerbread"-decorated late Victorian period houses. Thus, the "Garden District" is now known for its architecture more than for its gardens. (Source: Wikipedia)


GARDEN DISTRICT WALKING TOUR

On Sunday morning we met our guide from Two Chicks Walking Tours who led us on a tour of the Garden District which included opulent homes (many of which are owned by celebrities and featured in movies and TV series), fascinating stories and history, and a visit to Lafayette Cemetery #1. I highly recommend this tour!   

Colorful house decorated for Mardi Gras in the Garden District.

Magnolia tree in bloom in the front yard of a grand home in the Garden District.

Aperol Spritz and poolside lunch at The Chloe Hotel.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Last but certainly not least, our airbnb, Casabianca on Magazine Street, was PERFECT!! We loved the quiet location above boutiques and a coffee shop, its spacious rooms, deck, and beautiful art and decor. 

Spacious, comfortable living room. It even has a piano!

I loved this sitting area in my bedroom for writing, relaxing and
reminiscing about our fun-filled days!

I hope you enjoyed your virtual visit to The Big Easy! 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

IF YOU GO

Stay

Casabianca: Elegant Flat in Historic Magazine Row

Hotel Saint Vincent

The Chloe 

Eat

Breakfast @ La Boulangerie

Lunch @ Galatoire's

Lunch @ Elizabeth Street Café 

Lunch @ The Chloe Pool Bar

Dinner @ San Lorenzo Restaurant, Hotel Saint Vincent

Dinner @ Coquette

Drink

Paradise Lounge @ Hotel Saint Vincent

Chapel Club @ Hotel Saint Vincent

Carousel Bar @ Hotel Monteleone 

Arnaud's French 75 Bar

Walk

The Loop @ Audubon Park 

Garden District Walking Tour

Ride 

Buzz Nola Bike Tours & Bike Rentals New Orleans

Live Music

Preservation Hall


P.S. ONE MORE THING!

Jules (in front) leading us to our fun adventures!


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FUN FACT #10:  Jules is a quintessential Leo -- sunny, social, fun, big-hearted and full of bright energy! Hence her Lioness headdress, huge smile, colorful sparkles, and a cocktail for the road! I have absolutely adored Jules since we met in college. Her light keeps getting brighter and more sparkly! I love you, my fabulous Leo soul sister!! You are a Queen!


P.P.S.: I’ve decided to change my word of the year for 2023 to FUN!