All For Love

For you, with love, on this Valentines Day ~ XO

"Have you never met a woman who inspires you to love? Until your every sense is filled with her? You inhale her. You taste her. You see your unborn children in her eyes and know that your heart has at last found a home. Your life begins with her, and without her it must surely end."

"There are only four questions of value in life. What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made of? What is worth living for? What is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same. Only love."

~ Don Juan DeMarco

"I have crossed oceans of time to find you." ~ Dracula


"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind." ~ A Midsummer Night's Dream


"If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss."
"Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night!"
~ Romeo And Juliet

How did it happen that their lips came together? How does it happen that birds sing, that snow melts, that the rose unfolds, that the dawn whitens behind the stark shapes of trees on the quivering summit of the hill? A kiss, and all was said. ~Victor Hugo

"I want to crawl to her feet, whimper to be forgiven, for loving her, for needing her more than my own life, for belonging to her more than my own soul."

"If he loved you with all the power of his soul for a whole lifetime, he couldn't love you as much as I do in a single day."

"...he's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."

"If you ever looked at me once with what I know is in you, I would be your slave."
"Be with me always. Take any form, drive me mad, only do not leave me in this dark alone where I cannot find you." ~ Wuthering Heights

I can no longer think of anything but you. In spite of myself, my imagination carries me to you. I grasp you, I kiss you, I caress you, a thousand of the most amorous caresses take possession of me. ~Honore de Balzac

"I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach." ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

"I will have poetry in my life. And adventure. And love. Love above all. No...not the artful postures of love, not playful and poetical games of love for the amusement of an evening. but love that...overthrows life. Unbiddable, ungovernable, like a riot in the heart, and nothing to be done, come ruin or rapture." ~ Shakespeare In Love

"He felt now that he was not simply close to her, but that he did not know where he ended and she began." ~Leo Tolstoy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

...and for Jack, whomever and wherever you might be, I am waiting:

"The man of my dreams has almost faded now. The one I have created in my mind. The sort of man each woman dreams of in the deepest and most secret reaches of her heart. I can almost see him now before me. What would I say to him, if he were really here? Forgive me, I have never known this feeling. I've lived without it all my life. Is it any wonder, then, that I fail to recognize you? You-- who brought it to me for the first time. Is there any way I can tell you how my life has changed? Any way at all to let you know what sweetness you have given me? There is so much to say...I cannot find the words. Except for these-- I love you! Such would I say to him, if he were really here." ~Elise, Somewhere In Time

Healthy & Wise

It seems standard fare that at the beginning of a New Year we tend to focus on revising ourselves and our lives. A new us, a new direction, new ideas... a fresh start.

Here's some food for thought, so to speak.

Think about all of the products that you use on your body every day, from the moment your feet hit the floor until you go to bed. Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, cleanser, shaving cream, perfume or cologne, make-up, nail polish/polish remover, hair styling products, and on and on.

Fact: Everything we put on our bodies penetrates through our skin, nails and hair and is absorbed into our bloodstreams, spreading to every part of our bodies.

Now... think about all of the chemicals that are in each of those products, not only as a hazard unto themselves, but when combined with all of the other chemicals from the myriad of products we use; the thought of that fusion is quite disconcerting.

Not sure what those chemicals with a mile-long name are? Not sure what their effects on the body are? Check out this data base that will clear the air for you:

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php

Enter your favorite products in the search box and it will show you on a scale of 1-10 just how toxic the ingredients of that product are to you. Underneath that, it will list all of the ingredients and tell you how each one is harmful to you and whether or not they are carcinogens, among several other dangerous health concerns.

I started searching for products I use in the "zero" category.

This new year has found me restocking *everything* in my bathroom cabinets and kitchen sink cupboards.

Wishing good health to you and yours.

The Day Of Dreams ~ Dream Of Change

It is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a day that I look forward to every year as 'The Day of Dreams'. Every year I write a message that is sent out to many. I write about life, dreams, hope, perseverance, faith, and love.

This year, we look to the future. "Dream of Change". It's poignant for many reasons. We've put a black man in the oval office; he dreams of change. He's doing his best to make that happen, but it's a long, tough road. It will come, but not overnight. Not in a year. It will happen, though. I believe that.

When I dream of change, it is on every level. I look for change in my own life, day to day, as I strive to become what I want to be. I look for change in those areas of my life in which I have some personal touch or effect. I watch the horizon for change in my community, my city, state, and this great nation. I pray for change in the world.

I posted Dion's "Abraham, Martin & John" today. It’s such a beautiful song; one worth singing, if you believe what you sing. These men believed in change, and worked hard to bring it about. Mahatma Gandhi believed that we must be the change that we wish to see in the world. Mother Theresa changed the lives of many thousands of others, through her work & faith. The history of humanity is interwoven with the lives of people whose mission in life was to change the world we live in, because it is not what it should be, it is not at all the place that it could be if we all only tried like these few brilliant and peaceful guiding lights did.

On every level, every day, we have the opportunity to change this world, to change the way we live, the way we allow our society to live, and to make it right. We have the chance to love, every day.

These very good, strong people who've come and been taken away from us all too soon, are giants upon whose shoulders we stand. They've given all of us a better world, better in small pieces, in some places, and they've given us ideals to build upon and improve. They are the brightest stars in the dark night of the worst of humanity, and by reaching beyond what we believed; they have shown us what we could be, if we wanted to change. They have given us hope for something better than what we know.

We turn away from the chance to love others and change ourselves and our world much too often. We do not take up the torch that has been passed to us, that was so hard won. Would Dr. King be proud of where we've gone with his legacy? His dreams? I don't think so.

Racism is still rampant throughout the world. Hatred. Violence. Intolerance. War is still waged. We will never find peace if we do not act in love. Nothing else can bring it about... nothing else will make it change.

Dr. King's dreams are much more of a reality than they were, not because he fought with anger or violence for them, but because he protested in love and honesty; with integrity and righteousness. We all have that capability, if we so choose to live it.

I ask this of you: find the change in yourselves, and make it a lifestyle. Continue to love what is right, what is good, what is equal and strong, what grows and blesses all of us. Do not speak or act out of anything but love. Treat those around you with kindness and compassion; always. We can make this dream of change, this dream of a peaceful, fair and equal humanity, our own reality, if we choose to have it so.

Peace be with you.

A Little Kindness

"In nature there's no blemish but the mind; None can be called deformed but the unkind." ~Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

This also from Twelfth Night, as was the Passport Stamp that Viaggiatore and I posted recently, on Twelfth Night. There is a tender sweet irony, a relevancy to this wonderful work of Shakespeare's, and the celebration for which it is named. Twelfth Night is the eve of Epiphany; the day Christians celebrate the magi, or three wise men, finding and worshipping the Lord Jesus, twelve days after His birth.

This line from Shakespeare's comedy is a true and solemn thought to consider. "None can be called deformed but the unkind." The wise men were very kind indeed to Jesus and His family; giving gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold. One could reflect on the whole of the story and with some introspect, we find quite a bit more than just the kindness given.

We find faith. These men traveled vast distances, guided by a brilliant star and their unswerving faith that they would find an infant King. That faith brought them safely through a brief visit with the wicked King Herod and caused them to return to their lands via a different route so as to avoid further interaction with Herod.

We find hope. They were filled with such a strong hope that it compelled them to travel so very far from their homes to see with their own eyes the miracle that they believed had been given them, and the world. I believe that the only thing stronger than hope is love.

We find humbleness. Three wise men. Three kings. Three men of high estate, whatever their true titles may have been... kneeling to an infant of poor means. There is much to be said for that; wisdom in knowing that station does not define self, and that there are greater things around and about us which may come in unexpected forms- things that we might miss if we believe ourselves too great.

This brings us back to kindness. What is the cost of a kind word, a gentle sincere smile, the warm touch of a hand or an arm about anothers shoulders when the world is heavily laden with itself? It is nothing spent and priceless given. It is the herald of love.

It is in short supply, too, I think. Viaggiatore and I ask this of you, if you've read this, to give an unexpected kindness today, as many times as you are inspired to do so, for we believe that if you see the good it has done the first time, you will desire to experience that again, and we encourage you to do so... spread it. Like the warmth of the sun, let it flow from you without ceasing into the lives of anyone you meet, especially when it is done to answer an unkindness. Especially then.

If you can find no kindness to give, then let silence bind your tongue and stillness hold your expressions, actions and reactions so that an unkindness does not escape you.

It is a new year, a beginning; again, an opportunity to reassert to ourselves that we can be the people we want to be. It's really so very easy to do, and each step makes it easier and more delightful as we go.

May this Twelfth Night be the star that lights your way this year; a year filled with faith, hope, kindness, humbleness and above all, love.

Passport Stamps

DUKE: And what's her history?

VIOLA: A blank, my lord.

She never told her love,

But let concealment, like a worm i' the bud,

Feed on her damask cheek: she pined in thought,

And with a green and yellow melancholy

She sat like patience on a monument,

Smiling at grief.

Was not this love indeed?

~Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

A New Years Post, From The Bill Fiset Column

Bill Fiset was a columnist for the Oakland Tribune for many years... this is one of my favorite pieces from his years of satire and humor. Enjoy! Happy New Year!

Dear Betty and Joe,

First off, I want you both to know that I'm certainly not a bit angry that you ordered me out of your house at 3 am yesterday morning, at the height of your New Years Eve party. I'm not one to hold a grudge and I want you to know that I'll be happy to pay for whatever you consider to be my share of the damage that was caused.

I realize Betty and Joe, it will be virtually impossible to replace your cat, and it was certainly stupid of me to pour that saucer of straight bourbon for it, but none of us really thought the little thing would lap it all down and then run out through the French doors and throw itself in the swimming pool. Matter of fact, you probably noticed that I had quite a bit to drink myself, at your party. We live many miles apart, as you know, and there was NO way I intended to drive home on the freeway late New Year's Eve without getting bombed before-hand. It certainly is to my discredit I behaved as shabbily as you and the others at the party told me I did.

It's a credit to your bartending skills, Joe, that I even had the desire to mix those exotic rum drinks with the champagne and scotch, particularly after having all that wine at dinner, but I absolutely refuse to make that an excuse for my miserable behavior toward your niece, who I learned the next day is only 16. When I say the young lady has remarkable lung power, I do not refer to her size 38 chest, but to the intensity with which she screamed in the bedroom where I'd followed her by accident. Believe me when I say I had no intention of making any improper advances toward her, and in that regard, if you SHOULD happen to find a left shoe, size 10 in that particular bedroom, I would appreciate it's return.

I do want to apologize, also, for my erratic aim with your seltzer bottle, I was merely trying to water your hanging plant, which I noticed in your breakfast alcove, and it was only too late that I saw the stream was going into your microwave oven. That, I am certain, is what caused the minor explosion in your kitchen at that moment which short-circuited all the power in your house. Had not the lights gone out, I certainly never would have lighted the candles that accidentally set fire to your draperies, and I hope, Betty and Joe, you both will believe me in this regard.

It was only my effort, misplaced of course, to extend your hospitality that prompted me to stand out in front handing out drinks to the firemen when they arrived and I should not have done that. I imagine my actions were responsible for their delay in extinguishing the fire which unfortunately spread to your garage and consumed both your cars. Should you need temporary transportation until your insurance money arrives, I happen to have a 1938 Hudson that I would be happy to let you have for only $400.00, which is quite a bargain but one you certainly deserve.

Again, I erred in rolling your new bowling ball, Joe, down that marvelous long hall in your house. I had no idea a bowling ball would sail right on through the wallboard and into the master bathroom, shattering the commode. It was bad enough, without the dratted luck that your mother happened to be sitting there at the time. Rest assured that whatever the insurance doesn't cover, I'll be happy to drop by to repair. And please extend to your mother my wishes that the scratches she sustained in such a painful area will heal quickly.

I DO hope, Betty and Joe, that in view of our friendship back over the years, you will accept my apologies, and I'll be looking forward to receiving an invitation to that dinner party I understand you have planned for next month.

Sincerely,
Bill Fiset

Favorites & Remembrances

Viaggiatore and I are wandering through our time together here on our blog. Reminiscing about old blog friends, laughing at funny moments, looking back at all of the time we've spent and places we've gone.

Instead of posting a New Years meme, we've decided to share some favorite stories and experiences with you. There is no rhyme or reason; only smiles and laughter as we wander back through the years we've shared together.

Read what you like, and comment if you want to; we'll be checking in.

Scarlett & Viaggiatore

All of the Viaggiatore stories: See links at right, they are chronologically ordered! Very important if you want to know who he is, where he came from and how he ended up here!

Where Do You Live - A look at where we've been

Killing Me Ever So Softly - A dark journey into the heart and soul

Dream Maker - An underdog realizes his dreams... heartwarming!

Armed and Dangerous - In which I embark on an unexpected and riotous quest

Armed & Dangerous II - The sequel... because I never do anything halfway...

Philosophy, Justification & Irony - The truly humorous story of a tea bags journey to my mug, and my justification of it

The 3 Men Who Walked On Water - Laugh out loud photo of the day...

Schmoozing With His Majesty, King Elvis - 30 Years Later - Funny story about little people and the King

The Earl of Gray & the Chocolate Kiss - A sensuously tasty poem

Reflection - A very sobering (brief) video that will astound you and possibly bring a tear to your heart.

Easter Chicken - Scarlett's shenanigans in the kitchen for a holiday dinner...

My Love - A letter to a soul mate

Wandering With Bay - I take a little girl on a big adventure!

Settling Matters of the Heart - The great debate on whether one should settle in love or not!

There's an Explanation For Almost Everything - Government hilariously defined

The Picture Worth a Thousand Words - Sarah Palin wearing the other teams colors...

Of Murderers & Journalism - I ferociously lambaste U.S. Rep Jared Polis for his cold and callous remarks regarding the death of newspapers

There & Back Again - Photo post of my journey with Mr. Black to Versailles and Paris

At Home in Scotland - Photo post of the trip Mr. Black and I enjoyed in Scotland

Twilight Reminiscing - I recount the stories of our journey to Paris

Walking Through Echoes of the Past - I recount the stories of our visit in Scotland

Traveling Tails ~ Boston! - Mr. Black and I visit Boston



We hope you've enjoyed wandering with us, on our shore and on all the distant shores we love to visit. Have a very Happy New Year! We'll see you in January.


Scarlett & Viaggiatore

Traveling Tails ~ Boston

Viaggiatore, Mr. Black and I have returned from Boston with several photos, some nice postcards, and some more memories tucked into our pockets. We visited for 4 days and squeezed in quite bit of fun...

Highlights~
Museum of Fine Arts
Harry Potter Exhibition at Museum of Science
Guitar Hero Laser Show at Museum of Science
Boston Ballet ~ Nutcracker
Afternoon Tea at the Plaza
Chinatown
Coffee shops
Charles St.
The Freedom Trail
Revere Beach (Atlantic Ocean)
Mike's Pastry Shop & Hanover St.
Cheers (both)
Boston Symphony
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum


Tails~

We had three hotel rooms in four nights. The sink leaked in the first one, the second one was a handicapped room with a drive in shower that resembled a locker room and there were teenagers a few rooms down who were seriously committed to hallway races at 3:30 in the morning. After a brief discussion with the management, we were put into a very nice room on the executive level for the last two nights.

We walked over the better part of Boston, taking it all in and enjoying it, but none of the walks was quite as good as the late night walk through a downpour rain under a shared umbrella. It was a bit of a long walk as I'd directed our path several blocks left when we should have gone one block to the right... but it was still very nice.

On the train to the Boston Symphony, I'd been sitting next to a rather shabby looking young man (whom Mr. Black is certain was a gang member), and when his stop came, he stood to get off the train and motioned with his head for me to follow him. I was shocked and tried my very best not to erupt in hysterical laughter. The boy was quite serious. He tried to convince me, without words, but to no avail, so he finally gave up and left me there with Mr. Black.

Mr. Black took over the Navigator duties after I discovered we'd been on the wrong train for half an hour; en route to the Museum of Fine Arts. Oops.

We drank 6 pots of different teas at our Afternoon Tea at the Plaza and visited with their resident tea sommelier, Cynthia Gold, who is a wealth of information on one of my favorite beverages and a wonderful lady.

I loved leaving footprints in the sand on Revere Beach, and slipping some pretty shells into my pocket, to touch when I am aching for the sea.

The rest of the stories will be saved for another day. It was a very nice trip, indeed.

Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas

Viaggiatore and I have put up the tree, woven with soft white lights and trimmed with treasures gathered over the years. The stockings are hung over the glow of a warm fireplace, snow globes adorn the mantle, and an army of Nutcrackers stand guard throughout the house. Candlelight dances and Christmas music plays, trays of chocolates and drums of candy canes sit waiting by the door, where the mistletoe hangs.

It is such a very special time of year, and we wish so much that the cheer and joy of the season finds you and nestles itself in your hearts and in your holiday.

Merry Christmas

On The Road Again!

Viaggiatore, Mr. Black and I are heading out onto the road again! We are going to visit Boston! I love Boston. I wish it was October instead of December... but it will be a delightful, albeit cold, visit.

We'll hit a couple of book stores, visit Boston Ballet, wander through little Italy in the North End, walk on the beach (weather permitting), check out China town, walk the Freedom Trail, enjoy an afternoon tea at the Taj, see the new exhibits at the Museum of Fine Art and the Isabella Gardner Museum as well as a few other surprises... and of course pay a visit to Cheers!

If you've been, what would you recommend we see and do?

Happy Thanksgiving

A very Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Just A Note Or Two

A: Viaggiatore and I are very glad to be back! It's been a long break this time. Too long!

B Flat: Congratulations to Michelle of Bleeding Espresso for winning the Wandering Expedition! We may have one again at some point in the future... Viaggiatore and I do love to travel! So does Michelle, as it turns out!

C: Scarlett was extremely lucky and got to do a photo shoot/story with Harrison Ford this last Saturday. His fiance Calista Flockhart and their son were there as well. I will not post all the really good shots, because those are for publication elsewhere, but here's a sweet hello from them to you:

D: There is another upcoming journey which Viaggiatore and I will be posting about soon! We haven't seen the ocean since April and it's time to go again; although I have a feeling it will be much too cold to put our toes and paws into the waves! We'll enjoy the creme pie and delicious Italian food from the little Italy neighborhood in the northern part of this old seaside town. We'll walk trails and beaches, see stunning works of art and even drop in on Harry Potter! Of course, we couldn't visit Harry without bringing Mr. Black along for the adventure! Photos and stories to come in a few weeks.

E: Viaggiatore and I are off to enjoy Turandot from the Met Opera tomorrow night; no photos but definitely comments from that, to come soon as well.

Until we wander back again!

Veterans Day

Thank You, Veterans

Passport Stamps

"There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye, keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends." ~Homer, Odyssey 9th Century BC