Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Grandma's Day


Today is the Grandma's Day in Poland, which means that all the grand kids call their grandmas, or give them handmade (hopefully) cards wishing them all the best in the world. I'm not sure if this holiday is celebrated in the US, I have never heard anyone mention anything about it.
This day is important to me because it makes me remember. I would remember regardless, but on this day particularly I think about all of our times together and how much about life I have learned from her. As a little girl I admired the way she looked, the smell of her perfume, her strength. It will always stay with me. A picture of her is sitting on my desk, she looks absolutely beautiful; she is reading something and smiling a little, while drinking a cup of tea. I look at it when I am in doubt or if I just need a minute of peace.
It was once written about her that as a "Renaissance woman she showed others how to achieve what you want. Therefore the joy of life. The joy that people who choose an easier path will never know". I appreciate the words of the article writer, because this exactly describes my dear grandma. She had to push away a lot of obstacles to get to where she did, yet she did it with grace. For that, she was a very respected woman, by her colleagues and certainly by her family.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Reminiscing... again!




The more I look at my pictures, the more I want to write about my trips back home. This wonderful picture was taken a few years ago in Krakow, when we met up with my old friends from high school and visited the Royal Castle. The picture here was taken from the road around the castle, and I think it is so beautiful. Seeing this I automatically imagine myself back at that castle, being a little cold and not being able to wait to go to the cafe next to the castle for some delicious hot chocolate, drinking chocolate actually, more so than just the regular hot chocolate. Look at the roof tops! No wonder so many talented artists settled in this place. Living there you would not have to be talented to be an artist - I imagine it just comes naturally from the surroundings.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

St Andrews






Have you even touched anything that was created in the 11th century? This is it. The St Andrew's Apostle Church located in Krakow, Poland. As many churches have, during the wars this church served as a shelter, including the Tatar invasions in 1300's. The architecture of the church also altered with the time passing, from medieval to Romanesque to baroque. It may have been partially destroyed during the WWII, but due to the age of the building it was difficult for me to tell what was destroyed by men, and was was caused by time.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Tea Party


I just had some delicious jasmine tea, straight from China, which made me think about the "tea drinking" custom in Poland, and all of the Europe for that matter. I imagine an average person thinks than only the Brits have the right to consume tea in unbelievable quantities! My Mom brings out the best porcelain cups and tea... every day! I miss the feeling of visiting my family, getting on the train and going to Krakow, one of the most beautiful places. And here it is...

The pancakes




Those oatmeal pancakes are a family secret and it took me years after marrying into the family to finally receive the recipe!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Christmas in Wyoming





We played games, ate delicious food, had visitors from the woods and certainly missed Aaron!

Let it Snow!