Searching and Discovering

Well, friends...it's been awhile. I have to admit, a few of my reasons for not blogging much anymore are my struggles with Blogger. Although, I shouldn't complain because I haven't done anything to resolve the issues (difficulty posting, pictures not appearing) but sadly, blogging has fallen to the wayside. When life gets full, something has to give.

Life has been full and varied, nontheless. That seems to be my path, either handed to me or created, my life continues to be full of surprises and upheavals...good or bad. Yes, such is life but I've had too many, what I thought were casual conversations about my daily life with a friend or aquaintance, only to look at their face during my conversation and see a look of shocked disbelief or amazement! Of course, my life isn't a roller coaster on a daily basis but I'm assuming more energy and change than most people find acceptable :) I find, the more open to the universe I am, the more change, chance and opportunity enter my life but...

at the moment, I've gone inward...searching for my sprituality again, my true self. Tracing my ancestors and finding great connections with them. Finding my way back to the land they originated. So far, it's lead me to Navarra, Spain...a destination I will visit year after next and will take my son, out of importance to his heritage...and his soul.

My great uncle, Senor Cardon (French~Spanish) B. 1875

Not only have I spent hours upon hours upon days researching my familial Spaniards, I've had to get another Spaniard ready for school...

My handsome son, first day of school :)

I've spent time at home, collecting pieces of this and that, resembling northern Spanish and southern French influences (where my mothers family originated). Trying my hand at authentic Spanish recipes (not Mexican, there's a difference). Trying to brush up on my Spanish (the only language my mother knew as a child) and learn little bits of French (not going so well at the moment ;).

I've also had my mom, sister and two neices up for a 4 day visit that was full of talking, talking, talking and laughing. A well-needed and long-anticipated visit.

I've had a new appreciation for the summer that I hadn't had since I was a teenager. For years, I've loathed summer and the heat. Now, I can't get enough of the sunshine and activities. Being on the lake was my most favorite place to be this summer! It helped, being that we didn't do any traveling this year...something that we're definitely feeling the repercussions of. Both of us itching to get away...

Reminders of travel (and England) last night when I received this gift from a traveling friend. Chocolates from Stonehenge...strange combination but, who cares, it's chocolate :) and it's still my beloved England...

But we've pacified ourselves with little weekend travels. A couple weekends ago, we stayed over in Old Town Pasadena. Explored alleyways, bustling with pubs and restaurants, shopped in little hole-in-the-wall shops with goods from Tibet or India...and then did a little more serious shopping in Pottery Barn and such.

I drank Spanish cerveza (I'm a beer lover ;) and nibbled on tapas.

...and wandered the town all the next day. Yes, I can feel life taking another turn...in a different direction. Who knows where it'll lead. I know I'll be in Spain in a little over a year and that may make all the difference in my life...

Until next time (or until I get Blogger sorted!)...adios, my friends ;)

~ER~