Rebound Trip

After a couple of days in a funk caused by my canceled Thailand trip, decided to look into other warm places that I've wanted to visit - essentially a "rebound trip". Why not? My bags were already packed and 6 weeks suddenly opened up in front of me. I love to travel and have the time. If not now, when?

So heading off to the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico for 2 weeks. Great beaches, Mayan ruins, excellent snorkeling. Never been - wanna go (remember the jingle about Mexico?). Onward.

Uniformity

This completes my 5 photos on this months theme. I find it interesting that all of my photos for this theme capture details.

Dreams of Thailand go Poof

I'm not even sure where to begin. To say that I am disappointed is an understatement. The situation in Bangkok continues to escalate with no real end in sight. Called the airlines yesterday (since we were scheduled to leave tomorrow) only to find that the flight was canceled. On the positive side, they gave us a full refund, and I can always re-book for later this winter.

Needless to say, all the books I've been reading for the past 2 months have been about Thailand - travel guides, travelers tales, etc. At least I'll be ready for the next time we book a ticket - I so want to go.

Gratitude

We are celebrating Thanksgiving here in the States - a day to get together with loved ones, eat till you are stuffed, watch some football and be grateful for the things (never really things are they?) for which one is grateful.

It is so easy to take everyday miracles for granted. For example, when was the last time that I was truly awed that fresh, potable water came out of a turned tap? So many millions of people do not have access to clean water - something so essential to life. Yes, I have much to be grateful for.

It's sad to hear the news from Mumbai. And the folks stranded trying to get in and out of Bangkok. And all the other tragedies, global and personal in the world today. In the midst of all the suffering, I try to hold on to how very lucky I am, and send peace and love to all.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Tradegy in NJ

Tragically, stories of victims of domestic violence on the news are common. Today's news story stunned my family - the victim is my fathers cousins daughter. Our grandmothers were sisters.
Reshma was only 24.

2 others were shot trying to help her; one died today. The thoughts and prayers of the entire community are with their families.

You can read the articles here and here.

Moments

Often we are in such a hurry that we miss the details. When did life get so hectic? Everything seems to simply fly by. I try to remind myself to slow down and notice the little details - moments are what we remember.

Uniformity

My buddy Pam invited me to join a group that creates themed photos each month. This month's theme is "uniformity".

Visual Journal

Thailand on my mind

Inching closer to getting the tix - hope to have that done tonight - am rather crossed eyed from comparing all the options out there in cyberspace. Might bring up the departure date by 2 weeks - yikes - there is much to do to get ready. Am so excited - barely got 3 hours of sleep last night.

Recent Reads

1. The Art of Pilgrimage
Loved this book. I'm going to have to go out and buy me a copy - there are just so many gems in it. If you like to travel, you simply have to read this book.

2. Meridon
Another 600 pager that I wolfed down in less than 24 hours. This is the final book in the Wideacre trilogy - a set of books that I really enjoyed.

Pilgrimage

When one thinks of pilgrimages, a religious site often springs to mind. However pilgrimages can also be made to secular, literary places. While exploring Walden Pond, I came across offerings that pilgrims had left behind.

Nephews

Luke and Jonah dressed as Mario and Pikachu.

Recent Reads

1. Book of Lies
A quick read that got rave reviews, but in the end, did not really like the book - empty calories. Set up as a thriller - but the story does not really hold together well. Maybe good for middle school readers.

2. Galileo's Daughter
If there is one book I would highly recommend from my recent reading list, this would be it. Talk about history coming alive - the story is based on letters his daughter wrote - and though you think you know the ending, there is a delicious twist. The book reads like a thriller and I simply loved it.

3. Peony in Love
My book club selection for the month, this was not as good a read as Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Interesting story line and characters. Did love the historical context, but in the end, not a book I would recommend.

4. Note to Self
As an avid journaler, I'm always interested in why/how/what others write about. I do like the glimpse into the authors life, and there are some gems, but on the whole was disappointed by the book. Then again, the author is so young, and this might have more of an impact for people in their 20s or those who have never journaled before.

History - it's alive

I was simply blown away at the MFA today - I went in to see the special exhibit: Art and Empire - Treasures from Assyria. If you have not seen this exhibit yet, you have gotta go. It simply takes my breath away - how is it even possible that this art has survived 3000 years? I loved all of it, but what blew my socks off was the actual VI tablet of the Epic of Gilamesh.

How is that history is often taught to us as such a boring subject in school. It's captivating, fascinating and such a thriller of a ride. Remember learning about Mesopotamia and Cuniform writings? I was surrounded by art of that time and was filled with wonder.

GOBAMA

What an incredible moment in our history. I've not had enough sleep and have been on an emotional ride - but what a day.

• We have the first person of color in the white house (not a woman, but still pretty amazing)
• States that have historically been red turned blue
• Record voter turn out
• MA and other states said no to eliminating the state tax (where exactly would these funds come from if we did?)
• Greyhounds everywhere can breathe easier now that we have banned dog racing in MA
• Possession of less than an ounce of pot is no longer a criminal offense in MA (about dang time)
• OR passed doctor assisted deaths (about time we cared more about a person's dignity and right to choose)
• CA banned same-sex marriage (sigh - what does that mean for those who did get married?)
• Kenya declared today a national holiday (shout out to my peeps)

Obama has created a movement - yes we can.

Diwali

We went to a Diwali celebration at the Revolving Museum. You can see more pics of the afternoon here.