Giving ~ Days 28 & 29

This Monday morning finds me wallowing a bit in a blurry exhaustion. I have played more and cooked more and eaten more and slept less in the last few days than I'm used to. I have feasted with family, listened to cousins giggle into the wee hours of the night and decked the proverbial halls... so much goodness. And, yet, this morning I was smacked with a wave of sadness. Not sadness, exactly...more like anguish. A very dramatic word, I know. The definition of the word? "Severe mental or physical pain or suffering" ... seems too strong. I looked up the origin of the word: it's roots are Latin and combine two words, one meaning tightness and one meaning narrow. That feels just right. A tightening of the heart and the pathway to the emotional release I'd like is just too darn narrow. Thus the wallowing. Thus the blurry exhaustion.

Over the long weekend, we took our out-of-towners on a tour of our beloved Fenway Park. It's a place full of history and memories and possibility. I love being inside the ballpark - no matter the time of year or the occasion. I had to laugh this morning when I was looking through the photos I took and I came across this shot...the focus is on the fence behind the green monster seats that are high above the outfield... Focusing on the fence left the iconic Citgo sign blurred in the background ~ and for some reason I just thought...THIS! This is how I feel today!!

Tuesday morning finds me ... still exhausted, still blurry-eyed. But feeling less fenced in. Sharing my feelings, accepting a few warm hugs and getting back to the journal have eased that *anguished* feeling. There's still a tightness in my heart and a blur of thoughts and feelings running through me, but there isn't that 'stuck-no-way-out' feeling. Instead, I'm longing to walk through - process - and learn from whatever this wave of emotion is bringing to the surface.

From the journal:

Give away; The temptation to dismiss. To diminish. To take my feelings and make them less than - less important than, less crucial than...less meaningful or substantial than someone else's feelings. I give away my go-to habit of swallowing, stuffing and discarding....

Give access: Today I want to learn from walking through. I want to acknowledge and accept what is surfacing. 

Give thanks: Ah-ha moments. Today I am giving thanks for those paradigm shifting moments that may seem isolated, but that add up to real and lasting change. Yes, today I am giving thanks for the power and process that is change.  

Joining Tamar and Lisa

Ball Park Reflections

Baseball.

Connects me to my childhood.

To my father.

There are sights, sounds, smells....

and that fresh air feeling of sitting in the ball park...

that transport me.

I remember sitting on the bench at my brother's little league games

and knowing all the abbreviations

so I could fill out the score card for my dad.

I remember the first time my son saw a baseball game

with my dad.

I loved watching him begin to pass down his love for the sport to his grandson.

The first time I was in Fenway was with my dad.

I was in college, and he was up for a visit.

It was his love for the old ballpark,

his appreciation for the uniqueness of the place,

that first opened my eyes to its rich history.

If you visit me here often,

you already know I love this game.

Especially when I can watch it from one of the old seats

in Fenway Park.

Joining James for

Weekend Reflections

Love That Dirty Water

"Well I love that dirty water

Oh, Boston, you're my home"

Dropkick Murphies

Yesterday I shared about the thing I've loved the most about our current home...

Today I think I'll share the strangest thing about the move we're making this weekend.

We will no longer be living in Massachusetts.

Let that sink in a minute. 

I will no longer be a Massachusetts resident.
I will have a New Hampshire license. And New Hampshire plates.
Yes, I will have a New Hampshire address!!

None of this is bad, mind you ~ it's just kind of hard to wrap my head around. I'm looking forward to new discoveries. Of course. And my husband really likes "their" state motto ~ Live Free or Die. {I can say "their" for a few more days...then it will be "our" state motto} See. Weird. At least I think it's weird. 

Now, we will be right on the MA border in a town FULL of people that commute to Boston every day for work. So I am being told that it's still OK to call myself a Bostonian. Which is a good thing. Because this city, as you know, has my heart. Truth is the new house is hardly any further from down town Boston than where we live now.......it's just that pesky "in an entirely different state thing" that has me a bit, well, nervous. 

Whatever the case....here we go! Off to a town where we don't know anyone. Yet. To finally "settle down" in a home that our friendly bankers will soon allow us to say we "own" ... Yup. My head is spinning! 

When all is said and done, there is one thing I know.
When the moving dust has settled, I will {happily} call New Hampshire my home state.

But Boston will always be My Home Town.

Sharing with Kathy for
Song-ography

I Couldn't Resist

"I'm gonna swing from the chandelier, from the chandelier

I'm gonna live like tomorrow doesn't exist, like it doesn't exist

I'm gonna fly like a bird through the night,

feel my tears as they dry

I'm gonna swing from the chandelier,

from the chandelier."

{Sia}

I just couldn't resist.

When Kathy posted this song for her Tuesday link-up,

I had to follow suit with these photos from the

Copley Plaza hotel.

Though the crowd at my husband's annual work gala

doesn't have a chandelier swinging person among them,

the hotel surely has many choices of beautiful old light fixtures

that would entice anyone with a hankering to fly!

And, I confess, I am probably the least likely of them all

to take to the ceiling.

Though I do try to,

as they say,

"live in the moment"

it must be said...I am a planner.

And I'd really love to know what tomorrow will bring.

Oh well.

Swinger or not,

these beauties are a treat for the eyes!

Joining Kathy for

Song-ography

Hotel Reflections

What is it about a stay in a nice hotel?
That pampered, don't have to think about much of anything feeling?
That change of scenery?

That 'do not disturb' sign?!!?

I do love a short stay in a nice hotel.

The Copley Plaza in Boston is an annual treat - one that I just adore.
For all the aforementioned reasons...

And {perhaps most importantly} the opportunities in this place for reflection photos are countless!!

I was glad to catch the old Trinity church reflected in the entrance doors to this fancy place...
And anything you catch reflected in these gilded, mirrored lobby doors is a treat ~ don't you agree?

Happy Weekend everyone ~ I'll be house hunting...how about you?

Joining James for

Weekend Reflections

Fluid Reflections

"The clock is running.

Make the most of today.

Time waits for no man.

Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Today is a gift.

That's why it's called the present."

from Sun Dials and Roses of Yesterday 

by Alice Morse Earle

The Trinity Church, completed in 1877, 

stands as a centerpiece of Boston's lovely Copley Square. 

In todays puddle of melting snow, 

I see a blend of past, present and future. 

I see the history of our forefathers, 

the weather and clothing of today and the bright spot ... 

the child in those bright clothes ... 

the bright spot that is the hope for our future! 

I love this scene

as it captures both the

passing of time

and the beauty of the moment.

Joining James for

Weekend Reflections 

Valentine Wishes

Dear Hubby ~
You are my valentine...today, tomorrow...for always. I love our adventures. The big, life altering exploits and the small day to day experiences. Here's to many, many more years of Valentine celebrations together! Love, me.

Dear iPhone Camera ~
I love you so. You're always there with me...faithfully answering those last second calls for a quick snapshot. Mostly, I love you because you don't annoy my husband like that big camera. He doesn't mind posing for you. And that's a small miracle!! Much obliged, Photo Addict

Dear Random Stranger Who Took Our Pic ~
I spotted you when we both stopped to take a photo of the same thing. Our spouses had no idea what we were taking a photo of...but we knew. Hope yours turned out well ~ and hope you find willing strangers who will help you when you want to be in the shot! Happy Valentines from a kindred {photo} spirit

Dear Rusty ol' Bike Rider ~
I wish you many bliss filled rides about town. I hope your beloved bike survives the Boston winter! I'm glad you left her out, chained to the tree, because this was a photo-op that my kindred {photo} spirit and I couldn't resist! She might like to be taken for a spin for Valentines Day! Stay Warm, Your Secret Admirer

Dear Reflection in the Window ~
I just can't resist you. You and your whole, huge, interesting family! I've never met a reflection that I don't adore! You've given me hours of photographic joy - and I will never, ever forget you or stop taking your pictures! Much love, Your Number One Fan

Dear Newbury Street ~
Thanks for being a little piece of around-the-world goodness right in the heart of Boston. You are a never ending feast for the eyes, the stomach and the imagination. If only my pocket book was bigger, I would visit you more often. Sigh. Until the next time...Your wanna-be bestie...

Dear Snow Covered Branches ~
I love you. You captivate me. Mesmerize me. You are the absolute best thing about any snow storm. You deserve all the love this Valentines day! Thanks for filling my eyes {and photos} with delight! Love, A Winter Wonderland Dweller

Dear Boston ~
O, how I adore you! I love all your old brick. I adore your fancy wrought iron fences, and gates. I'll never tire of gazing into your windows, walking along your history-filled streets and calling you home. I am Your forever Valentine!

Sharing some of my Valentine Wishes with Theresa, Kim and Kat

Black & White Wednesdays ~ A Dog's Life

"Just lead a dog's life
What a life, that's good enough for me
That's good enough for me!"
Elvis Presley

Meet Catie and Carly.

These lovely black labs live at the Copley Plaza in Boston.

How's that for a charmed life?!!?

Arguably Boston's most famous dog, Catie Copley was originally trained as a guide dog with the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in New York. Nowadays, she's a passionate Red Sox fan, sausage connoisseur, and star of two popular children's books.

Carly Copley was adopted by The Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel from the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Sweet as can be, Carly enjoys catching rides on the hotel's bellcarts and following her "big sister" Catie around the lobby.

Join in and share your
Black & White photos!

I'm also linking up with
Song-ography
and
Wednesdays Around the World

Six Word Fridays ~ Hope

{Apple Store reflection in Gucci's Window}

Boston, MA

Some say it's a baby that

brings hope this time of year.

Others usher in hope each evening,

lighting their candles one by one.

And can't forget those who hope
to hear hooves on their roof.

For me, I think it's safe

to say that whether we exchange

gifts or not...whether we've asked

for hard drives or hand bags...

we're all really hoping and praying
for one thing this holiday season.

I can give some to you.
And you'll give some to me.
This one gift ~ the gift of
human kindness ~ can be offered in
our homes, our neighborhoods, our workplace...
Yes, it's the one gift I
hope everyone will give. Freely. Generously.
From one and all, to one
and all. Until this gift of
kindness reaches all around the world.

Join in the fun! Share your
story ~ just six words per line.
I'm also linking to Weekend Reflections

Black & White Wednesday ~ Down Town

Christmas lights.

City lights.

The old brownstones of Boston's Back Bay.

And the well loved Prudential tower peeking out from behind the homes.

Picturesque...no matter which way you turn your head.

Join us here and share a Black & White photo!

I'm also linking with

Wednesdays Around the World.

Hazy Shade of Winter

"I look around,

leaves are brown,

and the sky is a hazy shade of winter."

Paul Simon

I adore the hazy shades of winter!
And oh, the bare tree branches...I would rather gaze at them
than at a field full of colorful flowers.
Combine these skies and branches with my
magnificent home town and I find myself drowning in a small slice of winter heaven!



Joining Kathy today for Song-ography

It's beginning....

....to look {and feel} a lot like Christmas!

On Friday night I met some friends in town for dinner and a choral Christmas concert!

I got there a little early so I could wander around the Copley Square area and snap some Christmassy photos!

I really enjoyed seeing all the lights!

The concert was held at the Old South Church...
the same church that Samual Adams attended back in the day!
Such a beautiful old building ~ inside and out!

The company was delightful,
the dinner was delcious,
and the concert was moving and pleasant,
interesting and festive...
just what I needed to usher in the season!

Joining Tamar today!

Six word Fridays ~ Light

oh, the magic...the magic of

music and lyrics, memories and lights!

The marquee filled me with anticipation...

That single, grand piano greeted us

and the audience was all abuzz!

This show kept all its promises ~

as we strolled down memory lane, 

our guides were melody and verse...

and we caught a glimpse into

a beautiful songwriter's heart and soul.

Her story joins the many tales

these hallowed walls, mirrors and lights

can tell...just imagine all they've

seen and heard over the years!

For nearly a century, this gilded

Opera House has showcased the arts,

bearing witness to the changing culture

through the voices of our artists.

I'll take a ride down memory

lane in this place any time...

"If art reflects life, it does

so with special mirrors." Bertolt Brecht

I'm linking up to

Little Things Thursday, Mama Kat's and Weekend Reflections

If You've got a story to tell,

Six word at a time,

then please join us here for

Black & White Wednesday ~ State House

I had to do an errand for my boss in the city today and found myself in a building right behind the Massachusetts State House. Because most government paper work/licensing involves a fair bit of waiting, I was able to wander for a few minutes outside. My timing couldn't have been more perfect! The morning rains were ending, and the sun took advantage of the breaks in the cloud cover to highlight the beautiful gold dome. I love the historic architecture in my home town. This building was designed by Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1798. The offices of the Governor and the state legislature currently occupy these hallowed halls. Between all the down town, worker bee foot traffic and the buss loads of tourists, it was a bustling place. Such a stately, beautiful old landmark!

Please join in the fun and share your

Black & White photos!

I'm also linking up with

Communal Global

And now, in living color...

Designed by architect Willard T. Sears, Fenway Court was completed in 1901. Now known as the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum, this remarkable building is home to the only private art collection in which the building, collection and installations are the creation of one individual. The galleries of the museum surround this lovely, 15th century Venetian style courtyard and fill the first three floors. Isabella herself lived in an apartment on the fourth floor! Can you even imagine the pleasure of being surrounded by all of this art each and every day?!

{a few courtyard details}

{a few courtyard flowers and palms}

{and a selfie...looking through a side gallery with the courtyard behind me}

Joining Kim for

Little Things Thursday