Grellstraße 14

I couldn't sleep last night. I tossed and turned for hours waiting for dawn, watching shadows on my ceiling, thinking about my life, my past, my future. 

Once the sun rose and I felt the day begin, heard the birds sing and the giggles of the children downstairs on their way to kindergarten, the troubles slipped away as usual and I got up with a smile. I love my room and my apartment. Im so happy and blessed to be here in Berlin. What will today bring?  

Off to a good start, with a serious case of Bead-Head ;)

Aruba: Queen's Day

Queen's Day is a Dutch holiday commemorating the Queen's birthday. Essentially, everyone dons their favorite orange garb (the queen's favorite color) and celebrates in the streets all day.

 Sounds fabulous to me! 

Local kids cruise around trading wares for money and candy.

Bas and Lucille rocked the "Kissing Contest". 

 

That looks like one happy man to me!

Farewell

My last day in Germany was spent lunching and relaxing with family in Birndorf.

I love this adorable shed in the backyard. It was built to house the lawnmower and other supplies, but gets cleaned out on occasion and is turned into a bar for garden parties. 

 

Nothing says "Frohe Ostern" like black combat boots. 

This way to the best schnapps in Germany. I couldn't possibly leave the country without a bottle or two. My favorite is their Rosen Bluten Likor made from rose petals. Adding a bit to champagne makes it smell like roses and taste like heaven. 

Netti's homemade creme-puff raspberry cake. 

These past three months have been quite a blessing; a time I wont soon forget. It's all passed too quickly and I hope the coming eight months of work will pass just as fast. Before I know it, I'll be back here in Germany, enjoying coffee and cake with family... 

Until then, I look forward to get back to my studio in California and prepare for my art exhibition in September. 

Stay tuned, next up: Aruba for Baz and Chrissta's wedding!! 

A case of the "Mondays"

I woke up this morning feeling a little melancholy. My mood matched the day: cold, pale and hazy from the intermittent snowfall. I decided to snuggle up on the couch, look up flights to Paris and catch up on my "Gray's Anatomy". But after a few cups of coffee and a handful of likor-filled chocolates, I had a new zest for the day. Carpe diem! So I bundled up and took a walk.