An Open Love Letter to Berlin

Paul Klee’s The Lover is obviously in the abstract and darn if all I saw was The Pink Panther.

“Berlin, remember my time with you back in the summer of 87′, then again the fall of 89′, and yet one more time on my latest visit of 2019?”

Arriving autumn 2019 late in the morning after traveling almost 24 hours, the Tegel International Airport looked frumpish and out-dated. So naturally Tegel gave me no clues to the transformation I was about to realize in Berlin. Determined not to miss anything, my eyes foraged around as I studied the environment.  No doubt, I was anxious how to fit in.

Berlin: Past,Present,Future

Hello from Berlin! To start off, I am wearing Peek&Cloppenburg’s Cashmere and a gorgeous scarf I bought on the Ku’damm, an avenue in the heart of the city.  When I think of fashion, we know the past definitely impact future clothing styles.  Peek&Cloppenburg is a German family run department store that has been in business 120 years! I like my classic look from them.

The National Memorial For Peace and Justice

I was born in Montgomery, Alabama on Maxwell AFB.  It was in 1963 I entered the world.   Visiting family annually is a usual tradition for me and I make it a point to take in a few of the sites when back to my hometown.  The city had begun a restorative process a few years back showcasing its rich history.   These are a proud people in a new generation wanting to bring truth to light.   The National Memorial for Peace and Justice does that and is quite sobering.

Island News

A winter holiday on Oahu could not come any quicker with our brutal rainy Seattle. I have arrived and am happy to be on island time. Since I lived on the island in the early 70’s, I find it comforting being on this tropical paradise.

I can tell you my time in Hawaii is always a favorite and try to visit annually. This year I toured the Iolani Palace for the first time. It was everything I thought it would be and highly recommend it with a tour guide.

In a majority of the 1900’s, the palace was utilized by state government for office space. It was practically ruined. Also, the original Hawaii 5-0 show shot scenes inside. Police Chief Steve McGarret’s office was the King’s bedroom.

In 1978 the palace was dedicated and opened for tourism. Here are a few shots to entice you to come see it. It was like walking through Europe’s fine castles. Much influence can be seen from the Victorian Era.

Read where this chair was found!

Whose Approval Do You Desire?

A kiss from my autistic son

 
Do not ask my son for approval. People stare at him sniffing my hair and he could care less.  The acceptance of God in our lives is not dependent on humans.   

Sitting at church today,  it struck me how critical humanity can be towards each other. I watched an elderly man act out.  He disgreed about some dialogue. I sat quiet. How many times had I opened my mouth? How about thinking it, but not speaking it?  Words spoken or not can divide. 

I travel a lot.  Getting out of my comfort zone brings me to different cultures and diversity. I enjoy meeting new people. Communication is key.  I find a smile is most inviting.  It is the best kind of approval. Maybe. I am happy.

I think upon myself and wonder how hedonistic I may be. That deep seeded place thinking only about being happy as my greatest approval factor.   Can you relate?

Hiking the Issaquah Alps!

Do I need to look to the skys for my answer? Yes, and I also know my approval rating needs to be more like how my son looks at being accepted. It is with no thought of what others might think. 

Let it go.  Close my eyes and sniff away like my Luke!  There will I find peace in God. 
  

Top Fun Spots of St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida is a well preserved city.   Along the Matanza River which is the main entrance into St. Aug., my friend and I saw extensive marsh areas where habitat can live.  As one who enjoys nature, I found this body of water a must see.  What makes it so interestingly dark is that its name actually means killings!  Since St Aug. is the oldest surviving european city, many battles took place where many people were slaughtered.  Chaos was nothing new to this area in its over 450 year history.

Photographing History

Photographing history is not all old buildings in Europe.  I spent a day in lovely Bamberg , Germany recently.  My family lived a number of years in the area so I have visited often. 

Arizona On My Mind!

The break is broken on WordPress!  I could not help to share some of the tranquil scenery that I have encountered. I came down to Arizona for spring training for my baseball team.  I think I may be falling in love with a Newport of America. I recently expressed to a friend that I do not need to leave America to vacation anymore.  This sure is proof, but I know I would go anywhere if the timing was right! 



Montgomery, Alabama On Tour- A Unique Perspective

I was born on Maxwell Air Force Base in 1963 in Montgomery, Alabama.  I guess you could say I was born in the middle of the Civil Rights Era timewise and location wise.  My father was in the military.  We only lived there a short while and moved again.  However, by the time I was 13 years old, my parents decided to retire there.  I ended up living in a town I was born in, but I never wanted to live there again.  Go figure. I was a teenager and my parents  moved me from Hawaii.  How would you feel?

Alabama grew on me and I still call it my hometown even though my home is now in Seattle, Washington.  Here are a few shots taken by myself and a great friend I went to school with in Alabama.  Donna Noble Burnett is an amazing photographer and gave me permission to share of her work alongside mine.  My BLOG is grateful. Enjoy:

Martin Luther King, Junior’s Church-downtown Montgomery, AL

This was Eastbrook. I grew up near this mall in the early 70’s.

Our very own Montgomery Biscuits. Can you believe a baseball team is a bunch of biscuits? lol

Riverfront in downtown Montgomery. A very nice renovation job has been taking place. It is nice to see.

Alabama Living. My mother’s home. Peaceful and Enjoyable. Always Love Coming home to MAMA!

You know every unque AlesiaBlogs Tour includes an animal. Here is Bella with my niece Kayla.

Alabama River. My sister has the Unique Pleasure of living near this body of water.

Until my next installment.  Thank you for stopping by.  Ya’ll come back now.