London, Ghent and Stockholm

I spent the last two weeks in Europe.  

The first week in London was overcast, drizzly and hectic.  There weren't many photo opportunities, but when I look at the few images I captured, I realise they reflect the mood of the week. The first two were taken from a moving taxi, the next from a rain speckled capsule on the London Eye and the final one on Fleet Street.

My next stop was Ghent in Belgium.  In contrast to London, I had a leisurely weekend to enjoy Ghent's picturesque medieval beauty and refined pace.  

Ghent is a city of quaint and stately architecture flanking languid canals... 
















...eclectic shops on cobble stoned streets...

...a city whose weekend traffic is dominated by cyclists and pedestrians...

...whose cafes and outdoor markets draw the Sunday crowds...

...and whose surrounding countryside is iconically Belgian.

My final destination was Stockholm, which unfortunately consisted of a late evening arrival and an afternoon departure the following day, so the only photos I have, which are of my stunning room at the Grand Hotel, reflect the transient nature of my stay.

Fiery sunrise

The sunrise last Thursday blazed across the horizon with fiery intensity, it's reflection gradually turning the water to molten gold. 

Signs of Spring

My garden is responding to the first flush of Spring warmth.  In just days, dormant plants have stirred into life.

Magnolias

The magnolias are blooming in abundant glory, their profusion of ivory and pink flowers bringing romance to winter gardens.  They always remind me of Grandma and the stunning specimen she had in her front garden.

I was taken by this lovely standard magnolia while out on a morning walk.  It inspired me to prune my tiny magnolia stellata, removing the branches from the lower trunk and staking it to coax it into a standard form.  It will take many years to reach the size of the one I saw on my walk, but I'll enjoy watching it grow in its new classic shape.

Serenity

It's so important for well being to make time for reflection and find moments of serenity.

Hours often whirl past me in a kaleidoscope of frenetic activity.  Every thought and action has primary importance in its moment.  

When I started my morning walks to the beach, they had a dual purpose; to exercise for physical health and to clear my mind in preparation for the day ahead.  No matter what my preoccupations, I would lift myself above them to appreciate the unique beauty of each morning at the beach. 

Over time, without conscious consent, my very precious early morning quiet time for meditative reflection and serenity became work time.  One day last week I was out walking and I realised that all my thoughts were crammed with work.  I had been to the beach and I had seen it with my eyes, but I hadn't been fully present in the moment to appreciate it.

So now, I'll be switching my phone to silent and leaving it in my pocket until the walk is over and I'm home, feeling replenished and ready for the day ahead.

Balmoral Beach sunrise

This morning's sunrise at Balmoral Beach was a spectacular five minute display.  

Living the American Dream

I love New York.  It's my second home and I have the great fortune to travel there for work several times a year. I relish these opportunities to immerse myself in everything the city has to offer.

But last weekend it was a treat to escape from the oppressive summer heat of the city to my friend Fiona's home for a barbeque and overnight stay.

Fi's home is a reflection of her personality - warm and welcoming.  From the enchanting house with it's white picket fence and lush green garden...

...to the treehouse, fire pit and basketball hoop over the garage door...

...organic vegetable patch and country kitchen...

...her home epitomises healthy, wholesome living, American-style.

It was a wonderful weekend spent enjoying the pleasures of summer with very dear friends.