Wide Open Skies in Santa Fe

This past week, my daughter and I were able to take a magical trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico and write about our experience for Matchbook Magazine. This was such an honor - Matchbook has quickly become my favorite on line magazine to read with such quality in both the writing and the subjects written about.  Our trip was so much fun and having to write and photograph the trip meant we somehow spoke to local folks in a more meaningful way. In the end, we met some amazing people and saw so many incredible places.  If you have a chance, pop over to Matchbook and read all about it (page 36)!

photos: caitlin flemming 

I apologize for my long absence.  I needed a break to catch up with work and life!  I missed my blog community and look forward to getting back into the rhythm! 

Summer is Close - Time for a Trip

As a teacher, I look forward to a great perk - summers off!  My mind is racing with a thousand different ideas for possible adventures.  My first trip will be a road trip to San Francisco to deliver wedding gifts to my daughter.  I will have a week in the city and will be helping her paint her flat.  I am so thrilled to get moving!

{photo: Ruby Press }

Live With Your Eyes Wide Open

I just finished watching the film September Issue.  One great bit of advice that I took from the film was to always keep your eyes open and take in the world.  There is so much beauty to be seen all around us.  And when traveling this is especially true.  Absorb the world around you - using all of your senses and it will somehow become a part of you.

{photo: Oliveaux}

Oh the Joy of Traveling

I'm so excited for my adventures in San Francisco.  I leave tomorrow and we already have a very long list of things to do.  Every errand is fun with my daughter - she has such a lovely spirit and knows how to make everyday things special.  I also can't wait to see my sister and niece.  I haven't seen them since Thanksgiving in Carmel.  I'll keep you updated on all our activities and adventures.  Think good thoughts for me as I bring my daughters wedding dress with me on the plane.

{photo: sfgirlbythebay}

Weekend Adventure to San Francisco

I'm busting out of the chains of work and home, to visit my daughter, sister, and niece in San Francisco this weekend. My daughter had a free ticket and has given it to me.  We will be getting all sorts of wonderful wedding errands done for her wedding in April.  I'm actually delivering the wedding dress!  I know I will have all kinds of adventures to share with you when I get back.  Most of all, it's just going to be so nice to be with family again. And best of all, a great friend will be house sitting for me while I'm gone.  What luck for me!

{photo: Caitlin Goebel}

Atelier...In Paris...

My niece in California sent me this photo today.  She took it while we were in France last summer.  I adore it!  I have always loved the word "atelier" meaning "workshop" in English.  I dream of having a little atelier to work my design magic in.  It never ceases to amaze me how many little shops, parks, streets, and of course interesting people there are in this world.  So much to discover - what an adventure this life is!

{photo: Patricia & Claire Giffen}

Time to make travel plans

I can't wait to make plans for upcoming trips.  Today I need to book hotel rooms in San Francisco for my March trip.  This will be my last trip prior to heading down there for my daughters wedding in April.  The trip will be a great one - San Francisco and Calistoga. I'd like to try a new hotel this time - something that is relatively close to Sacramento Street and filled with charm.  In addition, we will be going for two days to Calistoga to take in the amazing mineral baths.  Since my daughter went to the University of San Francisco, we have been going to Calistoga as our quick get away trips.  One of the things I love most about the wine country is the smell of the air.  To me it smells like grapes, rosemary, and bay leaves.  It immediately calms me and makes all of my troubles quickly slip away.

{photo: la dolce vita}

Deciding on the Right Bag

Whenever I start planning for a trip, there are two main items I spend a great deal of time trying to get right: my bags and my shoes.  Lets face it, the right travel bag or purse can help you have more carefree trip with less worries.  You don't worry about the long walk to arrive at the hotel if your suitcase is in good shape. Right behind the perfect bag is the perfect pair of shoes.  They need to be fashionable so as not to look like a tourist but at the same time it is vital they are comfortable for long days on your feet and slow walks through museums.  I'm already on the search for the bags and shoes I'll take on my trips this summer and I'm not even sure where I'll be going yet.  All I know is that with the right bag and shoes, I am sure to have a trip of a lifetime.

{photo: Apartment 34}

Notting Hill

Photo Courtesy: flickr

I have always wondered why I love to travel so much.  At times it can be difficult (especially airports these days!) but even with the hardships that come with it, I have to say it is something I love.  I look forward to every detail of a trip - packing the suitcase, watching people in airports, seeing a new place for the very first time.  And it's usually when I am traveling that I find the most inspiration for looking at how I live at home.  The way people dress, the display windows at stores, and of course museums filled with art are all inspirations to keep my way of living fresh and alive.  But it is usually the smaller aspects of a country that I gain the most from.  Conversations with strangers, a smile on the street, and best of all - being mistaken for a native. 

This summer, while in London with my daughter, I was especially inspired by the neighborhood we stayed in. We were in a home in Notting Hill.  I instantly fell in love with this section of London.  To begin with, we found amazing restaurants, including one called deslesford organics where we ended up eating most of our meals at.  We also found a Mexican restaurant with excellent food.  And we are quite particular about our Mexican food since we lived in Mexico City for four years. We stayed in a beautiful home close to Portabello Road and the owner was so good at mixing old antiques with modern touches.  She would have beautiful pieces of old furniture and then use modern accessories such as acrylic tables and chairs.  I couldn't wait to get home and make a few changes in my own home.  Below are a few photographs to share with you.  Enjoy!