All posts filed under: art and culture

The Constant…No More

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While in the countryside this past week, committed to unplug from all things electronic, I received news that her Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, had passed away. Which I knew had been long time coming, considering how delicate her state of being was in the past year. Nevertheless, I somehow felt it wouldn’t be in my lifetime. I felt choked up on my way up the stairs to a quieter part of the house. And there I sat on the bed, as if the world had come to an end…and in a way, it has. She was the constant in our world of elevated madness and chaos. A tender reminder of strength, dignity and resiliency, I admired, and often mirrored to endure my worst of days. What would the Queen do, I used to remind myself… featured image full credit

In Films and Novels

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What are you watching these days? Or reading for that matter? The other day I noticed a woman sitting in a secluded outdoor space, in between two stores in an outdoor mall. She was reading an actual book. Not a nook, or a variation of an electronic reading devices. But an actual book. I sat a few tables away from her and occasionally glanced in her direction, me mostly wondering what the squirrel that was inching towards her was intending to do. Two things that I admired that afternoon. Her being engrossed in the novel she was reading – Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney – which I had binged watched on television-Hulu a month or so back. The second, was the squirrel utterly unafraid to be inches away from her. Perhaps the squirrel knew her, I thought. Maybe the woman frequented that very spot and they became friends. From the corner of her eye, she looked towards the squirrel and smiled, giving the squirrel the encouragement it was seeking to approach – I can …

Childhood Reflection

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I have always paid attention to detail, even at the age of five or six, when my parents opted to take me along on a family visit. Which was customary in the Mediterranean upbringing – you visit with relatives for tea and trays of winter dessert, or for refreshments and servings of fresh summer fruits. The adults spoke, and the children listened. It was wonderful! But while I did much listening, I also paid loads of attention to the home decor of those family members who were cultured if you will, or wealthy enough to set up their home in French inspired decor trends. So when I stumbled upon this breathtaking mansion, I had to share what I was referring to: As this particular set up is a true reminder of days from my childhood, where I sat on an oversized sofa, watching the adults discuss whatever topic of interest. There, I simply nibbled on cake or ice cream and admired all the intricate details of my surroundings. Source full credit, referenced above for your …

Smile Worthy Oceanic Masterpiece

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I have to admit, I’ll always choose animals/mammals over humans any day. Sounds a bit harsh? Perhaps. But I feel as if I have a deep, and soothing connection with all things nature, and for that very reason, I want to share this spectacular creation. Which I replay on my laptop, the moment I feel overwhelmed or stressed with work. Enjoy Featured image source and full credit here

Topics of Interest

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It’s only Thursday, but for my post time-change-over-the-weekend brain, it feels like it should be a Saturday or June for that matter. Nevertheless, my day is filled with meetings. To the point that sitting still during a video call with a poker face is becoming more and more challenging. As I find my mind drifting off to the winding and narrow back streets of Cannes. Yes the one in France. That’s where I am inside my head, while perched on a ergonomic chair, looking at the camera. Why Cannes, I don’t know. But 20 minutes into a meeting, and I am whisked away to those streets. When the meetings are done, I walk from my desk to my bed and lay there for a second or two in an effort to clear my head or plan dinner. That is until someone pings me for attention… So in case you feel the need to escape from all things mundane, read on. For the love of Downtown Abbey, you’ll be glad to know the sequel A New …

For The Love of Autumn

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If someone were to ask what my favorite season was I’d probably change the order depending on the time of the year. Meaning: In mid-March I’d say Spring was my favorite time of year. In June I’d say summer, and nearing September I would switch to Fall/Autumn. But yesterday afternoon I stepped out to my garden, in the crispy cool-ish air to examine my plants, which were beginning to show signs of distress. Side note: I once had an amazing garden in another home. But for some reason I am struggling with my current nothing-but-sandy-soil. I realized that I truly adore the fall season and all of its glorious colors…why is it so? Go here for 40 fall recipes Here for fall desserts For the baker, this is your season

What Are We Doing…

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It’s Monday. Well, Monday night in some places. But you get the point. The beginning to a new week. Although most things are spilling over from last week as usual. Nevertheless, I have to say I had a pretty interesting weekend. On Friday, our company was gracious enough to give a mental health day-off. Which mean we had the option to unplug without using up a paid vacation day. So – free day is basically where I am going to with. I totally appreciated it and decided in order to get the full benefit of a mental health day. I would venture out from the city (San Francisco) out by 40 minutes to Muir Woods and immerse myself in all things nature. It worked, for the most part. Especially since we trekked away from the planked pathways and we went deeper into the woods, where my imagination took hold of everything. To the point I felt a bit panicked, being so far away from civilization with no cell service. I think the smoke filled air …