Everything a Vacation Should Be

As promised, here are photos from last month's ski trip...during which no actual skiing was done by us. We did spend a lovely afternoon at Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein the only clear day during our time in Bavaria. Most of the photos here are from that day; the castles provided a superior view of the Alps and farmland around us. The rest of that weekend was spent napping as snow fell on the mountains looming outside our window, eating the best steak we've had in Europe (as well as some tasty pasta, soup, wine, and of course, creme brulee) three nights in a row at the restaurant in the hotel, playing cards, enjoying a couple pastries and lattes before perusing the shops and sidewalks of Garmisch, and working together to build the biggest snowman of our lives. It was everything a vacation should be: a change of scenery (a beautiful one at that), a little sight-seeing, a taste of the local culture, plenty of rest, good food, and lots of fun time together.

We Were Here

It's been a while, hasn't it? Over a month? Oh my. Our sincerest apologies. It isn't that nothing has been happening here, and it's not that too much is happening to find time to blog. It's just that we've been enjoying life day-to-day. But yesterday something happened that doesn't happen every day. We discovered a fine new musician: Joshua Radin. That is, he is new to us, though he seems quite accomplished. He has appeared on Ellen Degeneres' talk show, his music has been played on American Idol and Scrubs, and Rolling Stone gave his album "We Were Here" four stars. Don't be distracted by all the hype, however. Melancholy but hopeful, flawless but humble, perfect for a rainy day, a summer evening, a carefree afternoon, or a lonely night, his music will make you feel completely comfortable and content, and at the same time it might make you cry.

"Winter" was the first song we heard of his. Out of all of them, if any song really does bring tears to your eyes, it will be this one. It was brought to us through Scrubs. Of course Zach Braff would be responsible for this. Yes, sometimes hype can be worthwhile, even touching.

This is my other favorite. "Everything'll Be All Right (Will's Lullaby)" is just that--a lullaby. Look up the lyrics. According to his Myspace page, Joshua values words just as much as he does notes and chords, and it shows. This song will stir your thoughts, then soothe you to sleep with the promise in its title.

What a Wonderful Day to Start The Day

This morning, as I was finishing my breakfast of leftover chocolate cake, I happened to catch a glimpse of the vivid orange sky outside my window. Leaving the dirty plate and fork on the counter, I quickly changed into jeans, threw on my coat, grabbed the camera, and headed outside. The beautiful sunrise ended up drawing me to the fields not far from our apartment, but before I had reached my destination, I received the dreaded message from the camera: "Battery Depleted." This did a sufficient job of reminding me of my forgetfulness, as I left in such a hurry that I didn't bring the camera case that contains a spare set of batteries. I decided to enjoy the walk and the view with my own eyes; I could still appreciate the beauty without taking any pictures. In a spark of inspiration I remembered that the camera still has power for a few seconds after being turned off and then on again. Employing this technique, I managed to take some pictures to share with you, though I fear I missed capturing the best of the sunrise. It's clear that I need to learn a bit more about taking pictures of the sun and the sky, but I opine my little excursion resulted in a handful of pretty pictures nonetheless. The surprisingly successful ones I've posted are the work of God's creativity and skill, not mine. As I arrived back at the front door of the apartment building, the clouds above started to sprinkle. I didn't get wet, nor did the camera, and that I also owe to God.

This one is my favorite. The frosted puddle looked so cool.

Birthday

My birthday was yesterday. It was the best birthday ever. I remember when I thought that 17 was be the coolest age. My dad was right; I think each year has and will just keep getting better. That eases the anxiety of "aging," though that time when I anticipated 17 with all my heart and thought that 20 was too distant to imagine seems not very long ago. I'll not fear the passing of time, though. I'd rather savor it--like we savored this Devil's Food White-Out Cake!

Photography 101

There are certain subjects that I never would have thought I would take an interest in. There are others that, though perhaps I had a good supply of desire, I lacked the skills to pursue. Photography is just such a subject. When I met my husband, I was both intrigued by and jealous of his passion and skill for the art of capturing images, moments, and emotions on film. Now that we are married, I have the benefit of learning from one of the best photographers I know. First, I learn by watching him take pictures. Most of what you see on this blog are his excellent photos. He also gives me patient and loving instruction on how to use his camera; it is a joy to be entrusted with his knowledge and experience as I am utterly hopeless on my own when it comes to anything mechanical. But the most important lesson in photography I have gained from Sam is how to observe. His eyes are wide open all the time. For as long as I have known him, he has been able to see beauty in anything and everything. He daily thanks God for all that he sees--the inherent beauty of a tree, the functional and aesthetic value of a building, the endlessly unique personality of a human face--and acknowledges that everything is due to God's creativity; all is a tribute to God's glory. The ability he has to see these things is yet another gift from God, and a wonder in itself. This is why he seeks to capture pictures of the things that he sees and the events he experiences. He has influenced me to truly look at the evident glory of God that is before my eyes at any given moment. He has taught me to take the time to photograph that which I see as a product of God's vast creativity and abundant grace. He has helped me to understand that my photos are only imperfect images of the originals. Furthermore, those originals, as marvelous as they are, are still flawed and fallen versions of the initial creations, which are mere reflections of the full glory and blinding awesomeness of their Creator. Try to imagine that as you look at my most recent attempts at photography.

Letters on a Desk

Letters on a Desk II

Pears are one of the most delicious and photogenic fruits, even when, as ours have, they start to get a little too ripe.

For that reason, they are also one of my favorite fruits.

Self-Portrait

Green Tea

Green Tea II

Four Day Weekend

We just had a four-day weekend, in honor of Martin Luther King Day. We have yet to do any major traveling, though we do intend not to spend all of our time in Europe close to home. We have plans to go to Normandy and Poland sometime, and to learn as much history and culture as we can first-hand while we are here. There has been a lot of that within walking distance of our apartment. I am sure this is the case no matter where you live, you just have to keep your eyes open and your brain working. On this walk we ended up at a large cemetery. We have learned by observation that many Germans like solitude and privacy. We found the cemetery to reflect this as well. Many of the gravestones were surrounded by large shrubs, creating a strikingly peaceful atmosphere. The overcast skies definitely added to the somber feeling, as we wandered along the paths in near silence. We saw only one other couple in the whole place. In Germany it is very rare to see any hustle-and-bustle on Sundays; stores are closed, the streets are nearly empty, and especially in such a place as a cemetery there is little noise or activity.




We exited the cemetery by a back gate, and followed a path which led us to these fields, a favorite place for walking and giving the dogs some exercise.

"Boot, Poop."

Q: What's for breakfast the next morning?

A: Chocolate muffins, not quite as warm as they could have been because of the Better Homes and Gardens photo shoot. See?