Albany XXX

What’s up with that title, right? Is it porn? Extra large? Nope...Roman numerals - thirty, as in thirty years since I first moved to Albany. In August of 1988 I was 21. I moved here knowing not a single person, other than Mary Panza who I was lucky enough to meet when her roommate tried … Continue reading Albany XXX

Coming clean

Welcome to one of the saddest days of my life year. Even though it happens every year, if I’m lucky, the final morning on Cape Cod always leaves me feeling melancholy. There’s something about knowing that it’s the last time I’ll be seeing the ocean and smelling the salty air that punctuates my summer in a … Continue reading Coming clean

In pursuit of perfection

When I instruct 6th graders on bibliographic formatting I always tell them that perfect is never my goal, except for in MLA citations. Beyond that, perfect is not my expected, or even necessarily desired, outcome. I don’t need perfect.  Authentic and true is more than enough for me. This year’s Cape vacation has come with … Continue reading In pursuit of perfection

Stop this train

Sitting in a screened porch, dog at my feet, listening to John Mayer and staring out at the moody, foggy pond across the dirt road and I completely concur with his plea - stop this train. At this moment in time, despite a lack of sunshine or resolution to a heartache, my world is so … Continue reading Stop this train

The art of Vienna*

After taking in a fair share of dark history, when we hit Vienna I was ready to indulge in a little beauty. While I was in Salzburg, I had read something which said “go to Vienna for the art and Prague for the architecture.” Seemed reasonable to me until I arrived in Vienna and was … Continue reading The art of Vienna*

Down by the river

When I was traveling recently I was really impressed with the integration between city and river that I experienced in Salzburg and Prague. In both places the river was the center of the city rather than a divider and it felt very natural to make your way to the shore for walks, dining, shopping and … Continue reading Down by the river

Introducing the doors…

Not the rock and roll Doors from L.A.* but the equally incredible and ornate doors of Austria and Prague. I couldn’t stop myself from pausing to capture photos of as many wildly beautiful doors that I came across during my recent trip. Check these out!     *maybe Roadhouse Blues came to mind for you … Continue reading Introducing the doors…