Awesomeness .... and, How Vas the Vod-ka?

A HUGE congratulations to my sweet friend and writing club partner, Rachel ... who just finished the first draft of her novel!  Such an incredible milestone!  She has turned a fabulous idea into a future bestseller, I'm sure of it!

I first met Rachel in Vienna, Austria, of all places.  We were exchange students ... she was from Texas; I was from Washington.  I have such fun, fond memories of our adventures there.  In her honor ... I'm re-posting "How Vas the Vod-ka?" below, which recaps an exhilarating and equally hilarious hike we took together in the Alps. 

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How Vas the Vod-ka?

One of my favorite memories of my exchange student days in Austria involved a trip to Innsbruck, Austria.

Admittedly, I’d label the majority of Austrian towns as ‘gorgeous and amazing’, but - oh my - is Innsbruck ever cool. It’s situated right in the midst of the Austrian Alps, which makes for great hiking, especially when you’ve been blessed with stunningly beautiful weather.

We visited the Alpenzoo first. Situated 727 meters above sea level and nestled into the mountain, it is the highest zoo in the world. And, as its name would indicate, it is home to animals that originate from the alpine region, showing them in their natural habitat. The Alpenzoo, in and of itself, could be considered a hike for many.

After visiting the zoo, our group split into two and my dear friend, Rachel, and I decided to hike up into the Alps. It was my absolute favorite day in Europe … exhilarating and incredibly beautiful.

Halfway up the mountain, we were joined by Marco from Germany (I couldn't resist snapping a picture of him during one of our hiking breaks ... he's the one on the left, in the bushes!).

We had no clue who he was, but he stayed with us for the remainder of the hike. He seemed nice enough, as did all our fellow-hikers that day. I guess back then crazy stalkers weren’t as prevalent on our minds. I’m still quite certain he was a bit enamored with Rachel!

We made it above the tree line and, after a few moments of sitting and taking in the beautiful view and brilliant blue sky, decided to commence the joint-pounding trek down the mountain!

Towards the end of our descent, we passed another hiker who was headed up the mountain. As he passed, he greeted us and asked, “How vas the vodka?”

You know how you respond when you don’t really know what someone has said, but you still want to reply in a friendly and jovial way? You kind of do a hearty laugh and throw your head back like you ‘get’ the joke or the funny comment even though you haven’t a clue as to what they actually said?

That’s what we did. And, I think we added something like, “Gut … sehr gut!”

We giggled as we tried to figure out what had possessed him to ask us about vodka. I mean, we knew these particular hills were alive with music, but not vodka-drinking hikers.

It wasn’t until a few laughter-filled minutes later, that it dawned on us what he had really asked.

“How was the walk up?”

To this day, Rachel and I still laugh about that story. And, it just goes to show that the hills are alive … with music, yes … but also with fresh air, exhilarating views, and very friendly German-speaking hikers. No vodka required.

Wind ...

I'm having a little photography fun today, and entering a contest with ...

This week's photo challenge theme is “Wind", and this is one of my all-time favorites ... a windy Easter Egg hunt.  I love her serious expression, the wind-blown hair, and the bright colors of the eggs.

A Different Kind of Beach Experience ...

I've written before about my love-hate relationship with deep water (http://crossyourts.blogspot.com/2010/05/deep-water.html).  Add in the fact that - after the Japan tsunami - news in our region focused repeatedly on the fact that our beautiful coast was in the same geological boat as Japan - but less prepared - and I must admit to some lost sleep in the nights leading up to our coastal Spring break vacation. 

So much for relaxing. 

Instead, my head was spinning with all the possible ways my hubby and I could quickly get the children out of harm's way in the 15-20 minutes before the big wave hit, if an earthquake were to happen.

It's not that I think I have control over the situation ... I know I don't.  But - as a mother - I need to at least feel like I have some semblance of control over how our family would respond.  As in ... "Kids, if you feel the earth shaking while we're on the beach, don't worry about your toys. Leave them there. Grab Mommy or Daddy's hand and run as fast as you can."  I didn't want to freak them out, but I wanted them to be prepared for how to react ... just in case.

So, with that ... we went to the beach.  It was cold (thank goodness for extra hot mochas!), but gorgeous.  I took lots of deep breaths.  I enjoyed myself immensely ... especially once we broke out the baseball, mitts, and our trusty beachwood bat! :-)  I even felt some tension slip away. 

But ... it was different.  That feeling of needing to be on alert and prepared was constantly tucked away in the back of my mind and, sometimes, it was right at the forefront of my thoughts as we drove by signs that read "Tsunami Hazard Zone".

I would never want to deprive my family of experiences because of fear or because of my desire to protect them. The coast is one of our favorite family destinations and always will be.  For me, though ... while the ocean has always been awe-inspiring in its beauty; I am now so very awestruck and aware of its destructive power.  Maybe that feeling will soften with time. Maybe it won't ... and that's OK. Either way, my choice will be to enjoy the experience, appreciate the beauty, and - knowing that each member of my family is on the same page with how to respond to a 'just in case' situation - trust that all will be well. 

{I Heart Faces} Slice of Life Photo Challenge

I'm having a little photography fun today, and entering a contest with ...

{I Heart Faces} Slice of Life Photo Challenge

This week's contest theme is “Slice of Life”.

A slice of our life is checking on our kids before going to bed each night. And, with our daughter, we never know what we're going to find!  Usually, she has surrounded herself with stuffed animals and books and toys, and adorned herself with jewels.  We often find things hiding under the blankets as well.  On this particular night, she was wearing the Simon Chipmunk glasses she had received at a birthday party earlier in the day.  This shot brings a smile to my face and - even though she's sleeping - shares a bit about her "I'll do things my own way" personality!

Little {and Big} Things ...

Sometimes, it's the littlest things that succeed in bringing a smile to your face and making your day out-of-the-ordinary and special.

Like, finding these fluorescent post-its on our bedroom door.  Little notes from my 5-year old, learning-to-read-and-write-words daughter.  No, they do not match the decor. But, I will let them hang there until the magical stickiness wears off, because they make me happy.

And, walking into our local Starbucks to find this sign!  Yes, that is my drink.  Yes, it is long.  So long, in fact, that they had no room to list my hubby's drink. :-)

Of course, every once in a while, there are the BIG things that make you smile ... like this sweet thing:

My new niece, born last Saturday to my youngest sister.  I'll be heading to Missouri in just a couple weeks to meet her.  Can't wait.

What little (or big) things are bringing a touch of special to your day?  

Sweet Spring Surprise ...

I've gushed about my neighbors before ... and here is just one more reason.  Two of these sweet, little spring treats were delivered to my kids today. How clever and creative is that ... a little Peeps Chick guarding its eggs in a nest made of chocolate-covered noodles! So very thoughtful. Such kind gestures are one of the little things in life that I treasure - whether giving or receiving.  They never fail to bring a smile to my face {and guaranteed squeals of delight from the kids!}.

Sun Flare

This week's 'I Heart Faces' photo challenge is titled 'Sun Flare'.  When I read that, I was thrilled ... and immediately went to my two favorite sun flare pictures ... before it dawned on me that neither of them shows a face (one of the main criteria!).  Ah well ... I still like them and thought it would be fun to share them despite their not being challenge-worthy!

Both were actually just shot with my Droid phone. 

This picture does show a face ... it's just not human! :-)  We came upon this dove while we were out on a walk in our neighborhood.  I was dumbfounded as to why a dove was wandering our streets.  And to capture a dove with those brilliant rays raining down from the sky ... it's as if I planned it that way.

With this next picture ... again, no face.  Well, sort of ... I can see the side of my son's face, but it's mostly the back of his head.  This was taken in Cannon Beach at sunset.  We had just finished dinner and I didn't have my regular camera, so I took a quick shot with my Droid, and loved the way the sun's rays surrounded my son.

Do you have any favorite sun flare photos or memories?

A Glimpse of Spring ...

I resisted this table at Al's Garden Center in early February (except to take a picture ... how could I not take a picture of all that gorgeous color?!).  I just couldn't justify purchasing spring flowers in the winter when the threat of snow still loomed large (well, I could ... but I resisted the justification too!).

But, this past weekend, I had to give in and buy a few primroses.  Sure, it did snow just two weeks ago ... but, Spring is now just a couple weeks away.  It's totally justifiable.   

Don't you think?

Favorite Things ...

There is a little store in a small beach town on the Oregon Coast that, for the past two years, has displayed beautiful lighted blossoms in their storefront window. All colors of blooms ... vivid white, brilliant orange, stunning red.

Every time we would visit the town, we would walk by that window and I would comment how much I loved those blossoms. Sometimes, I'd stop and run in to check them out up close and peek at the price. But, I never purchased them.

Several months before Christmas, I discovered them at a local gift store in a gorgeous deep burgundy color (that just happened to coordinate well with our living room!).

Not only did my sweet hubby surprise me with them for Christmas (living room - check!); but, on Valentine's Day, as well (woohoo ... a set for the bedroom!).

Now, as the skies darken outside, these beautiful blossoms bring a touch of light, warmth, and charm to the house.  Love them!

Have you been surprised recently with something you've been wanting for a long time?

{I Heart Faces} Anything But A Face Photo Challenge

I'm having a little photography fun today, and entering a contest with ...



This week's contest theme is “Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes … Anything But A Face!”

This was taken at a little friend's birthday party, where the kids got to decorate their own cupcakes {you can imagine the excitement!}. At the time, I was playing around with camera focus, and my hubby encouraged me to get a shot of our son holding his cupcake, with the focus on the sweet treat! I have loved this colorful shot ever since!

Doesn't it make your mouth water?! :-)

Little Projects ...

Projects, sketches, and papers are always coming home with the kids from various places ... school, Sunday School, daycare, the gym, etc. Sometimes, it feels like we are drowning in little trinkets and half-finished art projects.

Other times, it feels like we've found a special treasure.

My son formed this bowl out of clay in Sunday school, and my daughter made the little heart during a children's choir practice break. They brought them home and each project went its separate way for a few days ... the bowl to dry, the heart to sit on the counter waiting to be 'mended' (two of the beads still need to be ironed back on!).

One evening, my daughter placed her heart in her brother's bowl and declared, "There! That's pretty!", and slid it into a place of prominence on the counter.

I have to agree ... it is pretty, and adds a simple splash of color and charm to the kitchen counter. So, this one will stay on display on the kitchen counter for a while. It makes me smile ... and who doesn't need to begin and end their day with a smile.

I Heart Faces Phone Photo Challenge

I'm having a little photography fun today, and entering a contest with ...



This week's contest theme is 'Cell Phone', and this is one of my absolute favorite pictures taken with my Droid ... to me it's a picture of absolute joy and fun (and a bit of surprise!). My last words to them before snapping this picture were, "Just don't get wet!" :-)

Valentine Love ...

Such fun yesterday ... Valentine's parties and kids dressed in red, pink, and white barely able to contain themselves as they peered into their Valentine's treat bags!

Our school's high schoolers sell Val-O-Grams as an annual fundraiser. Parents can write a sweet note to their child that is delivered during the school day, accompanied by a treat, balloon, and/or a song ("So Happy Together" by the high school boys Acappella choir!).

I thought my daughter's preschool classroom was a sea of red hearts, after the high schoolers made their deliveries. But, it was nothing compared to the school day's end. If only I'd had my camera ... kids streaming out of their classrooms to the carpool lines ... the majority holding red heart balloons! What a sight!

My son's class made Abe Lincoln hats to hold their Valentines, and learned a bit of a history lesson along the way ... apparently President Lincoln kept his mail in his hat!

Hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day, filled with smiles.

G. Williker's ...

Do you remember the charming, boutique bookstore owned by Meg Ryan's character in "You've Got Mail"?

I loved that bookstore. It made me want to own a bookstore. It was charming and welcoming and successful. Well, until Fox Books showed up! :-)

For my birthday, my family took me on a little weekend trip to Hood River, a charming little town nestled in the shadow of Mt. Hood and situated right on the Columbia River. Gorgeous!

The downtown area is bursting with unique shops and hip restaurants ... including our family favorite - G. Williker's Toy Shoppe!

I've never been so taken with a toy shop. Every inch housed something new to look at ... toys we had never seen before at other stores. It was completely enchanting. It made me want to own a toy store.

We decided we needed to schedule a quarterly drive to Hood River, armed with a list of all upcoming birthdays and holidays, to purchase gifts from this hidden gem!

Have you made any fun discoveries lately?!