Over the holidays Mez and I went to Belize and Guatemala. It was wonderful! Here is a link to some pictures from our journey...

www.heden.org/mez/pics/Be...mala%202005/

As summer subsides...

That smell is in the air - the impending fall is upon us like a melancholy song.

The end of summer inspired me to write a poem called -

Parting Kisses:

The end of summer
Like soft melting kisses
Supple
Succulent

Languishing in the warm breeze
Entwined
Divine

As the seasons transform
The wind wallows,
Weeps,
and whispers

A song of the past parting
Dreams of yesterday’s courage
and tomorrow’s considerations

Illuminating today’s intensions
Of what is and will be
Into the future
…' Fall

Last week I returned from a wonderful trip to Europe (Italy and Amsterdam) and knew summer would be over upon my arrival back home. I should not complain, though, I took full advantage of summer while it was here.

Italy was wonderful, Tuscany has to be one of the most beautiful places in Europe (or at least in Italy) - rolling hills, colorful expanding country sides, vineyards abound, warm sun, old architecture, looming cathedrals, red tile roofs, cobblestone streets, outdoor cafes, cappuccinos, and lets not forget sexy Italian men and women - yum...

Amsterdam was equally fun, but has a different feel all together. It is less subtle; more in your face, but with deep secrets waiting to be found.

This is my second time in both Italy and Amsterdam and hidden memories flooded my mind, but each place tasted and smelled differently from the last time I was there. Perhaps last time I saw too much and by the time I got to Italy my senses were overwhelmed (I saw 11 countries in 3 months). I was also 19 when I was first there and I realize that I saw the world differently then. I definitely appreciate things now that I did not back then - but that is what the passing years teach us.

summer in Seattle

I must say, this has been a wonderful summer so far. I have been able to get out of town a few times, and I have a fulfilling job that keeps me busy through the heat of the day. I am also taking a fun and educational lab class before graduate school starts in the fall. To top it all off, my best girl friend is in town and we are definitely enjoying the time we have together.

Last night we went out with a couple girlfriends to a wonderful tapas bar called Sambar (named after a South Indian dal dish). The Tapas was divine (mmm twice baked asparagus souffle) and the drinks were even better. Some of the concoctions were similar to alcoholic smoothies; cool refreshing liquid poured over juicy bits of fruit (pear sour - yum). It was so deceitful one would almost think the drinks were healthy - if it were not for their intoxicating effects. =)

Wow, I sound like a sales woman, but really the place is delightful.

I would love to hear about other people's summers so far. Please feel free to fill me in.

Doing the Tribe thing

I realized that I have had a Tribe account since 10/03 and have done nothing about it, so here I am!