Farewell my beautiful princess

Pepper
March 1996 - 26 June 2010
Words cannot express how much I will miss my beutiful princess.

Paris in July - winners (round 1)

As I promised last week, I have an early bird prize for 1 lucky (maybe 2) Paris in July participants who posted about the experience or put up the button. Of the, now over 30, participants registered, I found 19 have posted or put up a Paris in July button. Thanks to all of you who have done this.

All the posts were just so exciting to read, as you've talked about what you want to read, what movies you want to see, and even what exhibitions you'll go to... It's going to be a very diverse range of posts we'll be seeing during July - now only days away!!

Before I announce a winner, I'd like to mention a few of the posts that have some good recommendations for the experience.

• Non Such Books asked her readers for some suggestions - it's worth having a look at this great list
• The Literary Stew is already on her way to Europe - so watch this space - she's going to visit Shakespeare & Company
• Wishing I knew how to blog is likely to do something very creative with her post/s - I just cant wait to see it.
• Thinking About Loud! has mentioned some books and movies she will be fitting into July
• A Bookgirls Night Stand has listed books & movies, but also a Matisse Exhibition - I look forward to hearing about that...

So the winner (drawn from a hat) is Amy at Timeless Romance! and because I have another prize to give away - our second winner is Chasing Bawa.

Karen and I will be reviewing the blogs of all who have registered and anyone else who wants to join, each week. So we have more prizes to give away.... Bon Voyage!!

Friday Fill-ins

1. On vacation, I like walks by the seaside, tea and biscuits, and dining out.
2. I believe in the power in the ocean.
3. One of my favorite vacation spots has lots of dining out options.
4. Planting seeds can be done by full moon.
5. Up, up and away with TAA, the friendly, friendly way (was the promotion for an Australian Airline in the 70's).
6. Bananas are delicious when cooked on the BBQ or on the open campfire with chocolate inserted under the skin!!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to some time with my dog's watching TV with a glass of wine, tomorrow my plans include nothing eventful, and Sunday, I want to go for a walk with my dog, and have a drink with friends.

Visit Friday Fill-ins if you want to join in. See you next Friday :)

The Pilgrimage

After reading one of Coelho's more recent novels, Brida, last year - I decided I would like to read one of his earlier works. I wanted to understand more about his spiritual journey and beliefs. The Pilgrimage is the story of Coelho's journey along the legendary road of San Tiago across the mountains in Spain in search for meaning. The purpose of the journey was to search out his sword, which for him was the ultimate in his search for purpose. He was so close to getting his sword prior to the trip, when his Master removed it from him and made him take the road to San Tiago to find it, again.

Maverick posted his review in 2005, and I liked this summary:

Paulo's spiritual quest was linked to the idea that there were secrets, mysterious ways, and people who are capable of understanding and controlling things, which would be unavailable to mortals. His journey gave him great insights and experience, to which Paulo was transformed as he learns to understand the nature of truth through the simplicity of life.

For me, The Pilgrimage was like a reminder of the essence of God and People. We seek to control everything we are involved in, everything we want, yet there is a divine plan for which we don't know about, therefore can not control effectively how we want. However, if we learn to live humbly, respectfully and learn to listen - we can hear, see and touch aspects of life that others fail to grasp. I believe there is another dimension, perhaps a supernatural experience, that is not beyond our reach - if we put our faith in that unknown, and listen.

I find Coelho's writing style quite comfortable, and I think I'd be happy to pick up other books he's written. I like to open my eyes to spiritual teachings, and to be prepared to listen to what I can learn from them. Any recommendations on other spiritually challenging novels?

Paris in July - updates

Bonjour mes amis! C'est Fantastique!

It's now less than two weeks away - Paris in July. We now have over 20 participants preparing to blog about something that celebrates Paris in July. So here's a thought - while Karen's on holidays, I thought I would throw out a new challenge.

Here's the challenge - have you posted one of the Paris in July buttons yet?
As of today, I've counted 9 out 21 participants who've make a post about Paris in July, or posted a button on their blog. So, post about our Paris in July experience, or post one of our buttons by Friday 25 June and I will put you in the draw for an early bird prize!!
If you're already registered then I'll find you, if you're not yet registered, post your interest here. Merci!!

Friday Fill-ins

Temple in Japan
a happy memory of a holiday with my beautiful niece.

1. Oh my......I've slept in and missed my train if it's already 6:58.
2. It was the reason, of course, that I fell in love with him in the first place (but my reasons have changed since then...)
3. Keeping up appearances is something I no longer feel the need to do.
4. I have another errand to run, then I'm off to psychotherapy!(why can't I say no?)
5. Please don't act all grumpy and expect me to understand why, if you cant use words to say you've lost your wallet again, don't wait for me to guess...just go find it
6. What were once vices are now my very best friends!.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to nothing, tomorrow my plans include a bush walk with friends, and a party in Sydney, and Sunday, I want to get stuck into some Japanese literature and the garden.

For more Friday Fill-ins visit here

Finding Paris Here

Parisian Lamp

When Karen and I planned our Paris in July blogging experience, I dont think I had thought about just how much fun it could be. This weekend I have had a ball looking around the place I live and seeing bits of Paris. You might like to try this too, for one of your Paris in July posts. I'm a little sad, some of my photo's didn't turn out well - so Im going to do this again in July. :)

Alleyways

Archways

Cafes

Remember, if you want to join us let us know and we'll add you to the participant list and keep in touch.