empty frames...

empty frames
overlap against paneled walls

once held images of a life within
and now, weather worn without

they've seen better days
memories shaped, lives lived
and so remain

a patina
that ceases to tell individual stories
though volumes adhered
to every pore of their time worn wood

their vintage charm holds a sense of pleasure, pain,
joy and deep sadness

imprints from another place and time

empty frames overlap against freshly painted walls
in anticipation of new memories, fashioned, captured

then treasured...
by US


image source: google search

© 2010

just dreaming me some sunshine and mini travels...

With the holiday weekend behind us I find myself dreaming (what else is new ;) of traveling;
of seeking, searching and capturing with my mind's eye, heart and camera ~ LIFE. The sun will not shine today but I simply love days like this. Puts me in a dreamy state. The birds are chirping and the sounds of the season are among us.  I was going through photos this morning doing some research and came upon so many that inspire me to live life more fully;  to engage when my heart desires something new. I have been so one-track minded these days and so determined to wind down some projects, that I left my free-spirited bohemian soul-self, at the curb. She needs to spread her wings. She needs a good old-fashioned road-trip equipped with camera equipment, sandals and a cooler packed with fresh fruit, and other road-trip, hands-on-the-steering-wheel-worthy-food. That would include a pack of red licorice and let's not forget my thermos of coffee, preferably a StarBucks French Roast Intensely Smoky X-Bold blend. Warning: That stuff is wicked strong so you best love coffee enough to chew on beans themselves or not have an issue with growing hair on your chest ;) cuz you're in for an experience. Back to the road-trip. It's nearing time. As soon as the kids go on vacation with their Dad, I'm off to blue skies, my beloved Green Mountains and some serious fave spot hopping. The Desert was calling but I think I prefer New England travels this go around.~ Here's a lovely place that I hope hasn't changed one iota since I was last there. This is a gorgeous bistro with an old world ambiance. Many fond memories of this place. ........in downtown, Burlington, VT

Lake Champlain facing our gorgeous New York, Adirondack Mountains.

and once I hit the road and begin exploring maybe sweet surprises will be discovered along the way.  One never knows...;)

I'm mean let's face it, if we're not open to such experiences what is the use of living. I need to shake things up but my number one rule...Safety First! I am hyper-vigilant! One must be as a parent and as a single woman in the world.  I mean hey, there are a lot of sick and dangerous people out there.
 I need to take along a travel journal this time around. I always come across these little tiny out of the way charming towns or antique shops and then forget how I got there. I am never worried tho' about getting lost as the main roads are pretty easy to navigate but isn't that the fun of traveling when you can simply EXPLORE; taking the road less traveled, cliche' ? maybe, but true! While dreaming of Burlington, there was a time when I wanted to relocate there, more than anything. I think the only thing that stopped me was that my eldest daughter was still quite young and us being on our own after a wicked break up felt a bit overwhelming. I have always had an independent streak but at times, would not or could not attempt to come out of my comfort zone. But I just fell in love with the atmosphere there. Ideally, to live nearby in the country with Burlington just mere minutes away would be perfect. The first time I looked up at those lovely old buildings on Church Street, I saw an artist working at their easel at night with the light on and realized what a vibrant, lovely place to create; overlooking the quaint, cobblestone street with  eccentric mimes and street musicians below. It's so peaceful at night, couples walking hand-in-hand browsing store fronts, sipping cappuccino's on patio's of some very jazzy places, like the aforementioned Bistro;) ...Oh, and, the restaurants there are so great!There is a fantastic, palpable atmosphere which totally draws me in. You know that scene in movies where many friends, misfits and the like come together to share great wine and delectable food, well that is the atmosphere in Burlington. So inviting. So eclectic. Very diverse and many creative people. Right up my alley.  Perhaps, if I lived there it would lose some of its charm, but probably not. I have a country heart with the inner energy of a city girl and in Burlington, I have met my match. Ahh, to dream.  No other place has given me the same inner feeling of joy that I simply have never been able to put into words. Just the mere *thought* of this place gives me that feeling. It is a transcendental experience within and gives me a sense of knowing; of belonging, that I cherish.  Maybe when my youngest kids are grown? I never rule anything out. 

I hope all my American friends had a fun Memorial day and that all of our soldiers, past, present and future, heard our praise  and prayers.
God Bless America! 

Until next time...

© 2010
image source: theres_a_thunder_in_our_hearts_baby_tumblr