Happy Thoughts

Roosters on the loose

Sun soaked plumeria. 

Squirt! Or maybe it's Crush?

A masterpiece

Can you feel the sand between your toes?

Well, if you're going to make me go...

Rainbow trees on Maui. There really is such a thing.

A cluster of beauty.

Keep Calm and Carry On

Spotting Narnia

Ambling down the streets in Oxford, we found St Mary's Passage

A lamp post, a Mr Tumnus cornice, and a door displaying an Aslan look a like. Could it be this is where CS Lewis first imagined Narnia?

CS Lewis is the only one who really knows. Obviously, he can't be asked. I'm loving the idea and so therefore, I'm going with yes. Yes, this is where the brainstorm began. 

Astounded

I've just returned from holiday in California. The week was packed with family, adventures, and places of interest.
I'll fill you in. But first, call me a ding-dong. Seriously. I had absolutely no idea how crazy driving on California highways could be.
There were times it took us thirty minutes to go three miles. 

If you live in California, you already know this. I salute you. Truly. I'm standing at my desk toasting you with my tea. To say the least, I'm impressed.     
How do you do it?

Our first moments in California were less than dull. You know that saying about not being in Kansas anymore? Yeah, that. 

Hubby and I dragged our weary butts off the plane at LAX.
We sprinted to an overcrowded bus which took us to an overflow lot, where we then shoved our luggage in a van filled with a family of five who snacked on a bag of Cheetos. Licking their cheese covered fingers, they turned to us and asked, "Want some?"

Were they for real? I turned my head away as I tried not to gag. First off, I hate Cheetos. Second, well, do I even have to explain? Gross!

The van driver swerved between traffic lanes driving faster than I have in my entire life. I closed my eyes. I'm not even Catholic, but made the sign of the cross and hung on to hubby's arm for dear life.
Somehow, we arrived at the car rental.

After waiting an hour, we signed our life away to a guy we'd only met through a computer screen (not kidding.) He managed to convince us we had less than stellar driving capabilities in LA LA land and would need more insurance, "just in case."

An attendant wearing a facial mask then handed us our keys.

We looked at each other and said, "We should have Ubered."

Finding the sun.

Found out this week I'm vitamin D deficient. Wasn't too surprised. I live in the tundra. A place where the sun has a personality all its own. A spot where it picks and chooses when to turn its high beams on.

Well, if the sun won't come to me, then I'll just have to go to her.

Next week I'll be off catching some rays. No vitamin D pills for me. Won't need 'em. I'll be soaking in the real thing every single day.

That said, I'll be away from the blog too. Meet me back here in two weeks.
The tales will be many.

Climbing the Tower

For some of the best views in Oxford, I highly recommend climbing the tower at University Church of St Mary the Virgin.

Off we go.

Our first peek.

The famous Radcliffe Camera.
Built 1737-1749 by Dr John Radcliffe, a royal physician.
I learned the word 'camera' simply means 'room.'
The building is home to a science library.
Notice the green...okay brown, grass.

Look at all those dreamy spires.

We were thankful not many were at the top when we got there. Hard to squeeze past each other!

Different views everywhere we turned.

So thankful for a sunny day.

What a marvel the stairs were. How did they make those? Incredible.

Louisa

Recognize this home?
I'll give you a hint.
It's famous.

Visitors come from all over the world to tour. 

Yep. It's the Orchard House.

Otherwise known as the home of Louisa May Alcott. Author of Little Women. 

I had the distinct privilege of touring the home last fall. It was amazing. Lovely.
You can't take photos inside. Bummer. Good thing I had my journal. 

Did you know Louisa loved owls? Owls. There is a sketch of an owl in her bedroom. Her sister May drew it for her.

Louisa wrote for up to fourteen hours a day. All with a quill pen. Oh the ache her hands must have endured.
The guide at the Orchard House told of how Louisa's right hand would get sore. She would shake it out, switch to her left hand, and continuing on with writing.

I saw Little Women in the theater over Christmas. The girls went to Little Women, and the guys, well they missed out.  They chose Star Wars instead.  Oy!

The director did a superb job with this rendition of Little Women.  It was excellent. I laughed and cried throughout the entire screening.

What profoundly hooked me were the times in the movie when Jo March was writing with one hand. She tired, stopped, and shook out her hand. Just like Louisa would have done. She then continued writing with the other hand.

I would have missed that bow to Louisa had I not gone to the Orchard House. 

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Hubby and I are going to see a movie. Guess which one? And no, it's not Star Wars. 

Quintessential Oxford

Cobblestone lanes and an umbrella.

A lamp post sighting. Narnia around the bend?

Bridge of Sighs. Did you study for that exam?

A walk on the streets of Oxford.

The location where CS Lewis first met Joy Davidman.