Sicilia

I had the pleasure of working in Sicily this week. My company is based in Italy, but our business is worldwide. So, this week, the International team met up at a resort in Trapani, Sicily. The team includes South Africa, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Argentina, Chile, China, Australia, New Zealand and USA. It was fun hearing many languages fill a room and meeting many wonderful people.

Sicily is a beautiful place. The people are friendly, the air is warm and breezy and the food is AMAZING! We spent time in Trapani and Marsala. The architecture mixes Roman and Greek influences and History runs quite deep there. I couldn't help but realize how very young the US is compared to this place. Time seemed to slip away and 24 hours wasn't enough to get my fill of Sicily every day. I can only imagine how much time I would need to explore the entire island.

Inspired through a discouraging circumstance

Sometimes, it is so hard to find motivation. For instance, today I locked myself out. I was so upset with myself at first. I was famous for locking my keys in my car throughout college...you know the times when you see the key in the ignition or on the seat and continue to shut the door? So, I had one of those moments today. In fact, I opened my door to leave and noted that I forgot to lock my door last night, but was able to lock the one person that has the freedom to enter whenever...ME!!!
My landlord was available to come rescue me in 3 hours. Defeated, I couldn't figure out what to do. I was very task oriented today. I had an entire project laid out in my apartment for work. What was I to do now? For some reason, I carried my Blackberry out with me. So, I walked down the street to the cliffs and started working remotely from there. My frustration was soon turned into joy. It is amazing how something so trivial can upset and then refresh me.

So, while I was 'trapped' outside, I made a list of things that motivate, refresh and inspire me...
-The ocean--seeing, hearing, feeling and even tasting it!
-Running. Nothing like a good run to jump start me.
-Reading something inspiring (The Hiding Place leaves no room for me to complain)
-Hearing 'writing' music (check out Explosions in the Sky my writing music. They just released a new album)
-An Amazing wine...the kind you can sip 1 glass forever because it is that good!
-My family and dear close friends. They keep me in check as well as love me unconditionally.
-Redwood Trees
-Mountains
-Lakes
-The Eel River
-Vineyards in the morning
-A new passport stamp
-My faith, it always seems to pick me up when I forget I have it.
-Learning new things. I never ever want to stop learning
-Meeting new people and hearing their story.

Spokane Sensory

Love

 I spent last weekend in Spokane with Jenny's family. Visiting Jenny, fills my senses like no other visit. One of the reasons is that she has 4 children who surround me with loving hugs and kisses. Another reason is hearing their sweet chatter and laughter. Then, Jenny makes amazing food and serves it with love. Finally, you can't visit their home without seeing the love that has grown in their home.

Inside Chaps

 Everything about my sister, is sweet. She is an amazing mom, sister, wife and daughter. She cares deeply and  is quite genuine. I am fortunate that we are close. I know many women who are not close to their sisters and I have 2 who are my best friends.

Swirl and Sip

 We did spend some sister time together and this was my favorite part of the trip. Both of my sisters are wonderful moms, but I know that that is only one of their roles. When I visit them, we try to go out, just as sisters and catch up. Jenny and I headed to Left Bank Wine Bar and spent the evening sipping wine flights, eating Gorgonzola bruschetta and chocolate truffles. There were many laughs and sister stories shared.

Boo-da-be-BOP!

 Jazz and wine go well together and luckily, these guys were there to set the mood!

Food Coma

 I was told to go to Elk Public House to eat because it was on some TV show. Since I don't have TV, I had never heard of it. Thank goodness I followed that advice. The food was AMAZING! This place was an old pharmacy and it even had an old PacBell phone booth inside...gotta love history!

Symphony Sunday

 On our final day together, we went to the symphony. My ears were so happy!

Sisters

Thank you Chissa for a wonderful visit! I love you!

Poppies, Pinot and Pismo

California Golden Poppy

Spring is here and with it comes the bloom of my favorite flower, the California Golden Poppy. I am sure they have been blooming for a week or two, but today seemed to be full of their orange vibrancy.

Poppies and Pinot

Poppies have exploded between the rows of Pinot noir in this vineyard. I am so grateful that I am able to spend time outside while working. This made my day.

Poppies and Pismo

When I came home, they were lifting their bright blooms to the sun and bowing to the ocean in the wind.

Home to me...

Current home: 80's movie scene

I grew up moving a lot. I can't remember living in a place longer than 5 years. This may be unsettling for some, but for me, it was fabulous. I have an inner nomad that yearns for travel, movement and adventure. As a little girl, I was always by my parent's sides, never wanted to go too far from home. Moving wasn't a big deal, because I always had friends in my sisters and brother. After I left for college, the moving never stopped. There was too much to see and experience. (thank God, for jobs that have allowed some travel!)

I would love to be closer to my family, I know I can always visit. However, I am beginning to feel the yearning to be closer to my loved ones a bit stronger than usual. When I was in Oklahoma to visit Liz and her sweet family, I was hit with the harsh realization that kids change at a rapid pace. Christopher was walking, had 4 teeth and turned 1...already! Blake turned 7, speaks articulately and his personality is maturing. When I returned home, I called Jenny and planned a trip to see her and her family. I can only imagine how much her 4 have changed since I last saw them in November.

With that said, I realize that the cheesy saying "Home is where the heart is" is true! Am I getting old to realize such things? Not even 5 years ago, I would balk at such things, never wanting life to slow down. But, the truth is, I miss being near my sisters. I miss my brothers, nieces, nephews and parents. I even miss family dogs! This is by no means saying I would like to be next door ;)...but I do want more hug time with them.

So, I am challenging this large group of people (my family) to get in gear and plan a reunion. Let's pick a place somewhat near Northern California, Spokane, Oklahoma and the Central Coast and get together. I don't think we have all been together since Lizzie's wedding and that was over 3 years ago!!

What do you say??

Texas BBQ and Winery Time

 I was able to visit one winery when I was in Texas, Driftwood Winery. The wine maker invited trade show participants out to his property for wine tasting and Texas BBQ. I'd have to say, after having Texas BBQ, I don't think anything compares. They really go all out. For instance, the spread included ribs, beef brisket, pork loin and sausages...then all the side dishes. The Salt Lick catered the event. Yummy! There is no way you could be a vegetarian at this event.

Now on to the winery...

scariest sign I've ever seen at a winery!!!

The winery is set in the 'hills' near Austin. They are the 'only winery with a view'. There were 3 tour buses that picked us up at the convention center and drove us out to the winery. While on our trip, they served Texas wine. Texas is fairly new in the wine industry so, the wine was lacking a bit. I am excited to see how their industry grows and perfects their wine making practices.

We did have delightful wine upon arrival. They served their Chardonnay and Syrah. I thought the Syrah went perfect with the meal. Then one of their State Representatives spoke about winery funding in the state. Lots of applause and whistling.

They say everything is bigger in Texas. I'd say the sunset proved that. This picture does not even described the light and span of color. It was absolutely breathtaking.