handwritten on July 1, 2017
Dearest friends,
Every day I am priveleged to work with the children at Children's Hospital, I am reminded of two stark truths:
1. I have never really faced a "difficult time/a difficult obstacle" (at least, not like they ones they are facing)
2. Optimism is the key to a beautiful life. Some things are out of our control and as many of these children have taught me-you face every day with a new smile.
This past week, I had the opportunity to meet a kind little friend who needed some cheering up. He had the greatest laugh (of all time) and together we engaged in a lot of bubble wand magic. We made bubble soup, pretended to make a bubble bed and tried to make the largest possible bubble we...
handwritten on June 28, 2017
As the saying goes, all excellent things come to an end. However, the hope is that the end becomes a new beginning. As I awoke this morning, I looked out the window and noticed the raindrops on the window pane. It immediately brought me to the ending scene of the parent trap where the characters have also awoken to a dreary day in London and are now waving their fearful goodbyes. In the background, one of my favorite Ella Fitzgerald songs is playing "Everytime We Say Goodbye." Life is short. In fact as I read the lyrics to this song, I was struck by the news that another jazz great had left us by the name of Geri Allen. Nick had spent time with her during a jazz improvisation class at Pitt...
handwritten on June 26, 2017
The hotel we happen to be staying at is hotel 53. We are currently in the city of York and what a wonderful city it is! It's full of laughter and nice people and fabulous music! Thus, in the spirit of 53, I've attempted to come up with 53 snapshots of this beautiful city! Actually, I'm going to attempt to write 26 1/2 facts as I'm not confident I can make it to 53! Here we go!
1. The hotel rooms are quite minimal
2. 150,000 is population
3. Vikings lived in York
4. Whip ma whop ma gade mothers street shortest street
5. Margaret clitherow was a Saint martyred here- sentenced by death by crushing sharp stones
6. Shambles street ancient street of butchers of York named from stalls used by...
handwritten on June 26, 2017
Traveled the scenic views of Edinburgh yesterday. We explored the castle, The Royal Mile, the two coffee shops in which JK Rowling started the series of Harry Potter and climbed to the top of The Scot Monument.
Another Castle!: I enjoyed the castle and its cobblestone walkways. However, up at the top you felt like you were experiencing your very own personal Scottish winter. I was thinking about hot chocolate and winter coats to keep myself warm. Nevertheless, the views were lovely.
Coffee Shops: Many shops lined the great city of Edinburgh. It was definitely a tourist hub of the sorts. We managed to find two coffee shops both claiming that Jk Rowling wrote her first few pages of her story...
handwritten on June 24, 2017
As my attempt to make this blog a bit more interesting, I'm just going to give a few thoughts of today. These were questions I asked, things I pondered, etc.
Pondering thought 6:15: Ugh. I don't want to get up and run. I should get up though. You're in the Scottish Highlands. You may never be there again! Up I went chugging along. The air was crisp, I smiled a bit! The scenery I took in was breathtaking! Is there really that much beautiful green grass? Goodness, I'm running beside the sheep! The way that light reflects off the window... speechless. I'm glad I got myself up. No regrets.
Pondering thought 1:15 : Goodness that is one large Scottish Castle! I believe she is talking about the...
