Sunshine in the City

It's been so long! When I started this blog my intention was to blog on a regular basis and here I find myself weeks from my last blog. I was fooled a few nice days in Pittsburgh and I was lured by the sun and warmth. I find I can't seem to get anything done on the first nice days of the year. I eventually settle in but the first nice days, I totally develop A.D.D.

I love Spring in the city. The trees flowering, the river trail packed with people out enjoying the weather. But typical Pittsburgh, a few nice days of sun and you are reminded you still live in the North, and the sun disappears and the rain and the cold hit and all I want to do is hibernate in the house.

I have to admit though, I love the city when it's like this, the sunny part that is. I love being close to the trail along the river and walking with Murph, walking to the grocery store, just enjoying being out of the house. The walking part is awesome as well (especially with gas prices at $4/gallon) but the real sign of the nice weather being here (to hopefully stay) is the return of the Farmer's Market. I LOVE the Farmer's Market and the Farmer's Market on the Southside is FANTASTIC! And it's back tomorrow.

I love being able to support local farmers. When I was growing up, one of my best friend's family had a farm. I remember going over and running in the fields, helping to pick crops, and playing in the greenhouses. I have a lot of respect for how hard it is to farm. And let's not forget the chance to get FRESH vegetables. I can not stand canned vegetables and can moderately tolerate frozen vegetables.

I am definitely planning on visiting the Farmer's Market a lot this summer.

Here's to the start of sunshine and nicer days, and I promise more blogging even with the sun calling my name.

Puppy Love

So last September in a fit of insanity between travels, I decided I had to have a dog. I've always grown up with dogs, but I can't honestly say that I never thought of myself as a dog person. I've always considered myself a cat person. Dogs have always seemed like too much responsibility for me. Until that point I was always the last one to leave the office each evening and traveling quite a bit between work and personal trips.

So while visiting my sister for the weekend we stopped to look at puppies at a local nursery and I fell in love with the sweetest Yorkie-Poo. He was so adorable and best of all would fit in a carry on and be ready for travel. However, the price wasn't ready for my budget, $1,000.

So I said goodbye with the hopes of someone fantastic adopting him and went back to my slightly saner thinking of, I don't have time for a dog. Then my sister forwards me a picture of a puppy her friend is looking to place. A fluffy white ball of fur. And somehow along the way I found myself driving to DC to pick up my newest addition, a Pomeranian Poodle. Murphy, the tiny terror.

I do still travel alot however, so does Murphy. He's a frequent traveler on the road to Chicago and when it's not Chicago to Grammy and Pappy's house to stay. He'll be taking his first flight in May. (Let's hope he doesn't decide to whine the whole way)

So the crazies took hold again last week and I decided I needed another dog, Murphy needed a friend, not that he doesn't have Brooks the 70+ Weimaraner and Hank the 70 pound mix that are our neighbors. Did I mention Murphy is all of 9 pounds? Anyway, online I went and found the cutest Yorkie-Poo. And thankfully my mother talked some sense into my this time and instead decided to adopt him herself. So tomorrow we head to Ohio to pick up Magee (our family has a thing for "M" names for our dogs.) Pictures will definitely be coming.

So for now it's just Murphy and I. Which is likely for the best, because as Jason, my wonderful co-worker put it, "You don't want to be the crazy dog lady."

Ordered Spontaneity

I know, ordered spontaneity, doesn't exactly make sense.

Its been a crazy week. Getting back to work and every day life after spending most of the month of March traveling has been a little stressful. I realized something about myself however, my coping mechanism for stress is best described as ordered spontaneity.

In many ways I am a creature of habit. I have a certain parking spot at work, a certain seat at the conference room table for meetings... My co-worker while walking out last night commented on the fact I always park in the same spot and asked what would happen if he parked there? And I will be honest, it would totally stress me out. I know that seems ridiculous but I have a routine for work. I'm a total control freak. I like things ordered and according to plan.

I'm routine at work but when it comes to my personal life, all bets are off. Well, I do still tend to be a little bit of a control freak. I'm used to being the one doing the planning, it comes for being an event planner in my past life. However, I like the spontaneity of a good last minute plan, something that was so unexpected and unplanned being the highlight of the week.

I love a good last minute trip. Stressful week? Why not head to Chicago for the weekend, or Savannah, or Dallas? Which by the way Dallas is the trip of choice this weekend. (thankfully I have flight benefits so these last minute trips don't cost me my next 3 paychecks)

I love coming home and deciding that getting together with friends for Indian dinner is so much better than what I was planning to cook or Friday night Karaoke bowling is the best way I can end my week.

I like the balance I have created of order in my work and spontaneity at home. I think too much one way or another would be a disaster. My co-workers would murder me and my friends would disown me. My family, they are unfortunately stuck with me. :)

The Man Chair

Okay, I'm going to admit, I totally don't understand the recliner. A group of my friends and I were out last night, enjoying the Pens game (which was a victory, I might add) and somehow we got to talking about recliners.

I really think they are a guy thing, They are just not something I can say I am dying to go out and purchase. I don't think having a recliner will make my house complete. Brian, tried explaining to me last night, it's a chair you can lay in and watch TV. What I think he means is it's a chair you can fall asleep in, which is evidenced by the photo his wife takes of him every year at Christmas time. (sorry Brian)

Give me a nice sofa or even a Chaise lounge and I'm happy. A recliner? I'm just not so sure about it. My father, after wanting one for years, finally went out and bought himself one. And make no mistake that's his chair. I think in the month he has had it my mother might have sat in it twice. I really think he thinks of it as his throne. He who sits in the armchair rules the house.

Who knows, maybe someday, I'm going to see just the right one and have to have it but for now, I'll stick with the more traditional sofa/loveseat combination.

April Fool's

So it's April 2. The day after April Fool's Day. And the joke is on us, it's snowing. In April.... There were actually plows out on the roads this morning. I am so ready for warm weather. Come on! Phil did not see his shadow this year, I thought we were supposed to be done with this.

I'm dreaming of outdoor picnics, bonfires, hanging on the deck with the grill fired up, flip flops and sandals, hiking, all the fun summer activities I miss during the cold winters.

I'm not one of those people who thinks it needs to be in the 80's and 90's all the time, I actually love the change of seasons. I love the fall, the first smell of cold in the air. (And yes, cold has a smell to me) but I think it's time, time for sunshine and warmer weather, time to put away the sweaters and coats (not that I usually wear a coat)

I've even been dreaming about going to a baseball game. And I don't generally do the baseball game thing, I'm a hockey fan through and through.

So please, Mr. Sunshine, come out to stay. Pretty Please!

Never the Same

I got home yesterday aftenoon. Well actually truly home to my house last evening after a stop at my parents for dinner and to pick up Murphy, aka the Tiny Terror.

So last night I finally made it to my house. Hulling that much luggage up two flights of stairs not fun. I need to learn to pack lighter. But it was good. Some friends came over and we just chilled and hung out and caught up. Nicole asked, "Would you still want to go back again" and without hesitation, "yes, I would go tomorrow if I could." I LOVE Israel. I love the people, the culture, the connection to my faith. It's incredible. Having been once before, I still saw and felt experiences different from the last time and I know there is still so much to see.

One thing for sure is I traveled with and incredible group of friends. And I really do think of them like that. Each of them (Beatrice, Laura, Gloria, Jonathan, Darrell, Jamie, Russ, Meg, Di, Steve, Marcie, and Colleen) are so special to me now. They made the trip amazing.

And our guide, Marion, and Eli our driver, the trip would not be the same without them. I love them both!

What an amazing journey. I went for work, however, I gained friendships and more importantly was drawn closer to my faith. Israel, truly is a life-changing expereince.

Garden Tomb

Inside the Gates

Our last day in Israel.... I can't believe how quickly the week has gone! What more appropriate place to spend our last day than in Jerusalem. Entering through the Jaffa gate we walked the Via Dolorossa (backwards) Walking quickly to the church of the Holy Sepulcher we started our day there. Being the former Catholic girl that I am, the smell of candles and incense brought me back to my childhood. Many believe that it's here are the site of the church of the Holy Sepulcher that Jesus was buried.

Walking through the old city Marion, our fabulous guide, took us to an unassuming, gate/door within the heart of Jerusalem. Who knew that after being buzzed in, we would enter a beautiful garden leading to one of the coolest places to stay in the Old City. The best part was standing on the roof and looking out at the Old City. Unbelievable! It was so peaceful standing and looking over the city.

From here we walked to the Western Wall. The Western Wall is such a moving place for me. People come from everywhere, Jews, Christians, Catholics.... all to bring their prayers before God. We were greeted by an archeologist friend of one of our press trip members, Russ. The archeologist is currently part of the dig that is happening in the tunnels. He showed us pieces from a clay pot from during the time of Jesus that they had just found. It was facinating.

Seriously, We Need AAA

So after a relaxing float in the Dead Sea and a mad dash to shower the mud off (we made it by 5 minutes before they started having water trouble and all water was shut off for the next 24 hours) we were on the road again. Eli, the driver with mad skills is zooming through the desert heading back to Jerusalem, when suddenly there is a loud noise and then thump, thump, thump. Which means, flat tire number 2. Unbelievable. Minutes before he was joking and telling us he could make sure we got a flat tire on the way to the airport so we could stay longer and next thing we know we have a flat tire. The irony. This time it was an inside tire so we were able to drive on it (slowly) for approx 20 minutes until we got to a gas station to fix it.

Luckily Eli, has friends everywhere so we got some help. Now what are a bus full of journalist supposed to do while tire number two is being changed? Camel rides of course!

Floating Away

Beautiful green gives way to the browns of the desert. Today we headed into the Judean Desert, however we did NOT wonder for 40 years. Just the day. :) After a quick visit to the Good Samaritian Inn to see some of the awesome mosiacs that have been preserved we were on our way to the desert.

Next stop Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. While Galilee sported beautiful flowering hills of green (Spring is one of the best times to go)Qumran was stark with it's tall stone mountains. Which don't get me wrong, to me both were breathtaking but the contrast between the two is amazing. I had to take my picture in front of where the first scrolls were found. Any time the Dead Sea Scrolls are mentioned I fondly remember Danielle's enthusaism from our Journey Group about seeing them when they toured the US for Scroll-a-palooza. (okay so we might have made up the name but they were on tour)

One of my favorite spots while visiting Israel is Masada. It's stunning. I have a picture in my office ready to be hung of Masada (maybe when I get in on Friday, I'll find the fairies have come and hung it), the picture is absolutely stunning. It's at Masada where a group of Zealots held off a Roman Seige for over 6 months. Rather than fall to the Romans to be enslaved the Zealots made the decision to kill themselves. Today, Israeli soliders who have finished their basic training are sworn in here. The ceremony ends with the declaration: "Masada shall not fall again."

After a quick stop to see the waterfalls of Ein Gedi, I know waterfalls in the desert, we headed to the Dead Sea. It was so much fun! You haven't bounded with someone until you have helped them smear mud all over themselves. We were like something out of the black lagoon. It was hysterical! After the mud we floated, it's the weirdest feeling, you just sit down and pop right up. (Pictures to come later)

Awesome day!

To Never Be Forgotten

So today was a day that was spent at many museums. I actually love to go to museums and wish I would go more often. I have a membership to the Pittsburgh Museums and the MoMA but never seem to find the time to go. I really want to make it a point to start going more. So Pittsburgh friends, who wants to go to the Museum? But I digress, It was cool to be able to spend the day walking through the museums looking at different bits of history and culture. We ended the day at Yad Vashem. I don't know that I would call it a museum as much as a memorial to the Jewish people and their suffering from the Holucost. This is sersiously probably one of the most moving parts of the whole trip for me. (it was last year as well) How anyone could even try to say it didn't happen or it is exaggerated I am not sure. Yad Vashem is such a beautiful memorial to such a black and ugly time. I weep for what those people went through. Hazy, our guide at Yad Vashem, who concidently I had last year when I was here, is amazing. She is an artful and engaging story teller, honoring those that were so tragically murdered. For me the most heartwrenching is the children and their mothers. I don't currently have children but to think what mothers and fathers must have felt not being able to care for their children as they wanted to. For the children, so innocent to suffer so deeply and never be given the chance to realize the dreams their parents had for them.... The old verse about First they came for....and I stood silent.... I would like to hope that I wouldn't have stood silent that I would have tried to help in some small way as so many men, women and families did. I would like to hope that I would have been on of the many who supported my fellow brothers and sisters. I believe that in honoring them and their memory we need to honor Israel. That we need to stand with Israel and show our support of her and her people. We need to pray, we need to educate ourselves but more importantly we need to come to Israel and show our support. Hazy, quoted today a man (and forgive I don't remember who and wrote so fast, I hope I got it right) "It's not the violence of few that scares me but the silence of many"

I feel like I have been lax on posting on this blog. I still haven't finished talking about yesterday and now I have today. It's the hotel's Hotel's "High Speed" Internet. High Speed being the operative words.

I'm pretty sure I have conveyed just how unbelievable, breathtaking, and inspiring Israel is. If not, Israel is unbelievable, breathtaking, inspiring and I could actually go on for another two hours about all the other things but I would probably fall asleep at the computer. The trip has really be amazing.

Part of that has been our group and our guide. This group has gelled from the start. They are all awesome. We are representing, Pittsburgh, Chicago (3 strong), Miami/Ft. Lauderdale (2 strong), San Diego, Kansas, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Albequrque, New York City and Winnipeg, eh? It's been great. No matter what has been thrown at them, they roll with it and are enthusastic to be a part of it. And our guide, Marion, she is truly a gem. She is such a wonderful, knowledgeable and enthuastic person. She has really made this trip.

Yesterday was such a memorable day for all of us. Yesterday, 5 members of our group made the decision to be baptised in the Jordan on our visit at Yardenit. First, Yardenit were amazing hosts. They were so warm and welcoming to us and so incredibly generous.

I have attended a number of baptisms and have always been so excited to share in such an awesome moment of faith with people. It's such an absolute joy to see someone commit their life to Jesus and be born again in him. The opportunity to share that with Russ, Steve, Gloria, Marcie and Colleen was so special especially knowing their commitment was a affirmation and deepening in their relationship with Him. And what better place than to be baptised in the river Jordan as Jesus was by John the Baptist.

Fantastic Day!

From Branson to Nazareth

What an amazing day! Do I keep saying that? I feel like I keep using the words amazing, fantastic, awesome.... There are just no other words to describe Israel.

Today we went to Nazareth Village. Nazareth Village was created from the vision and support of a couple from Branson, Missouri. It is a reacreation of what a village would have looked like during Jesus's time. It was so neat to walk through the path of the village and see the donkeys, sheep and the goats. To see how people would have worked in the vineyards, the olive press, with carpentary and weaving.

Our guide at the village, Rani, was so knowledgeable. In walking through the village and hearing about daily life, as well as what the cruxcifiction would have been like we really got a sense of how Jesus lived over 2,000 years ago.

I have always pictured the cruxification as it would have been in movies, Jesus high on the cross. Most likely this wouldn't have been the case, he would have been at eye level with people. Can you imagine being able to look into his eyes and see the agony and pain so close to you? His poor mother having to sit there and see her son hurting not being able to do anything for her son. It makes me want to weep all over again thinking of his scariface for me.

Today, definitely made me see aspects of my faith in different ways, and strengthen it even more. It's humbling his love for me.

Sailing on the Sea

One of things I always look forward to in Israel is the chance to sail on the Sea of Galilee in a replica boat from the time of Jesus. It's so cool. To be out on the sea and just look out over the water at the beautiful landscape and know that on this very water, Jesus taught, spent time with his disciples, calmed the storm,... It's unimaginable to me.

Our crew on the ship were great. Eyal was a one man show, he showed for us how fishermen cast out their nets, sang and danced with us.

Being able to go out on the boat was a highlight of the trip so far. It was really cool the way it worked out as well... We hadn't had a boat scheduled in advance and out guide said their wouldn't be a way to get one at that late notice. I was a little disappointed but at least we were able to come and see the boats and be along the sea. That in itself was a blessing. As we were shopping and preparing to leave I turned around and there was Joanne. She and I met last year at a conference in Nashville. I had just seen her again at the begginning of the month in Nashville at the same conference. So I was excited to say hello. Joanne helps to run one of the boat companies and not only did she have room for us but she also gave the trip to us as a gift. She is awesome and definitly the hero of the trip.

New Friends

There's always those moments and people that you meet along your travels that have an impact on you. They could have been someone from a hotel or restaurant or any other number of places.... Today we met a group of men from Congo. They were traveling to Israel as a pilgrimage to their faith and were so excited to be here and profess their faith and love of God. They were awesome! They were so excited to meet us and talk and take pictures. Very cool!


While Congo was their home they were forced to leave it as a result of the unrest that has been happening there in the last years. They shared with us that over 7 million men, women and children have been masacred. They were amazing! They are now living in Dublin, Ireland, which warms this Irish girl's heart.

In Israel, you see so many people from different countries and nations around the world that come to see the sites of the bible. It's truly one of the most inspiring things. You hear so many languages all lifted in prayer and celebration.

Where do you take your Toms?

Okay so by now, I'm pretty sure everyone knows, I'm obsessed with my Toms. Toms has this thing on it's website, Where Do You Wear Your Toms? Let me tell you about where I have worn mine.

Today was unbelievable. We went to the Mount of Beatitudes this morning. I love it there. It's so incredibly gorgeous with the beautiful gardens, over-looking the Sea of Galilee. The beauty is almost too much (although for me that's how I feel about much of Israel). After we left, our guide, wanted to know how adventurous we wanted to be. We all agreed we would be up for where ever she would lead us. So we walked down a dirt path from the Mount of Beatitudes to the Sea of Galilee. I can't even use words to describe the walk down. First it was so incredibly beautiful and to answer where do you wear your Toms? through the mud. It rained most of the day yesterday. Sooooo, down the dirt/mud path we walked. We were laughing the whole time as we stop every couple minutes to retrieve our lost shoes or scrap the 10 pounds of mud that was sticking to the bottom of them. Johnathan spent the walk down holding his pant legs up as he kinda duck walked. It was quite the sight. We did finally cut off the path a little so we could get out of the mud and opted to walk instead through the forest of banana trees. We were rewarded near the bottom with a really cool cave, that I'm sorry Darrell, we didn't in fact discover.

The walk was truly one of those moments you won't forget. It was fantastic!

Up the Coast

So I was planning to get up this morning and blog about the day yesterday, honest I was, I was just so tired last night I couldn't do it. So this morning I get up take a quick shower, I sit down to the computer with my soaking wet hair and the power at the hotel goes out. Which meant, no blogging and drying the hair. So with wet hair my day started.

But this is about yesterday. It's hard to believe I am back in Israel. And let me say I LOVE Israel. I honestly think I could live here if it wasn't so far away from my family. The people are amazing and really so generous of spirit.

The weather wasn't cooperating and rained on and off most of the day but it didn't stop us. We visited Harod's palace on the Mediterrian, Caesarea. It is amazing the destruction that happened through the centuries yet so much of it still remains and gives you the chance to really see how they lived so long ago.

Moving further up the coast we went to Muchraka on Mount Carmel. I have definitely been to other Mountains in the US that we higher but nothing more peaceful and breathtaking. To look out over the Jezereel Valley and see so much of Israel while hearing the singing of other groups around us was awesome.

The day ended in Akko. This was my first time here. It's a port city that was at one time home to the Crusaders. Today it is recognized as a World Heritage Site. To walk along the streets and see the ancient halls was a great experience. The port today is still an active port with fishing boats coming in and out.

This has already started off as an amazing trip and can only get better.

AAA in Israel

Okay so anyone that knows me well knows I have AAA and I know how to use it. Sometimes too much although with the new automatic lights it hasn't been so bad, I wonder if my friends at road side assistance miss me....

However, today we could have used it, too bad they don't have it in Israel. So we are driving along, personally, I think our bus driver thinks he is in a Camero and that the bus can corner like no ones business. Don't be fooled that's not the case. So we are driving (well flying might be more accurate) down this hilly road with some curves and suddenly we hit the mother of all potholes and the next sound I hear is the hissing of tires. A flat. On a downward hill, with curves and only two lanes.

So we all load off the bus and proceed to unload all the luggage to get to the spare. The guys, being the men they are all start trying to help. And the ladies? Used it as a chance to pick some flowers. I know insert a snarky sterotyped comment here.

With some help of some awesome locals (the Israeli version of AAA, help thy fellow man) we were finally able to get on our way and get some falafels.

Getting From There to Here

Well we finally made it. Two things the flight over here confirmed, most important, I love El Al. And really a really close second, I can not sleep on planes. I close my eyes but never really fall asleep, no matter how tired I am.

Typically, I'm a Southwest girl, I don't always get to fly them but when I have a choice, I definitely will chose Southwest, however if El Al flew domestically, sign me up!

We started the journey with passes to the King David Lounge. It's like a little bit of Israel in NY. There was great foods to snack on, soft drinks, wine, and beer. It was fabulous; it quickly became our dinner for the evening.

Two things from the flight that I totally have to thank my mom for, 1. the neck rest pillow (I have to admit, I have never been a big fan, but hello, her neck pillow was awesome!) 2. also her recommended read, Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. Let me just say, fabulous book! I flew through it so quickly. Definitely a great read!

So after some slight hiccups (mainly one of our guys was questioned extensively by security at customs control, which really confirmed to all of us how important safety is here and actually made us feel better) we are now all safely checked in to the hotel. We've been fed (really over fed) and now just preparing for a 6:30 a.m. wake up call. Yikes!

Tomorrow starts a full day of touring, Jaffa, Caesarea, Muchraka, Akko and Nazareth. For now I am going to get to bed, after I enjoy the awesome dates the hotel kindly left for me along with fresh apples.

Love at First Sight

Okay, I can't believe it's finally here! At this time tomorrow evening I will be on a plane waiting for take off to Israel! WOW!

There are so many things that I feel like I still need to get done, although amazingly the bulk of my packing is done. I just need to add a feel more things, which I need to run to Walgreens for, one of which is mascara. Thanks to my sister I have a plan to get in and do some super couponing quick. She's amazing, she works full-time, has two young daughters and still has time to coupon. I'm happy if I can get a good deal or even a little off.

But my exciting purchase for Israel is my amazingly cute Toms (above). When I am there I will be doing a ton of walking, I mean a TON. So I wanted something comfortable so finally got my Toms, and the best part of it is, I found a coupon on-line, Kathie should be proud, even though I know she could have worked a better deal somehow. But for now, I am loving my new Toms and anxiously awaiting the chance to take them for a test drive in Israel.

Hello Blogworld

I have been wanting to start this blog for a while. I guess I just kept thinking I don't have time today but maybe next week. But next week always gets replaced by the busyness of the reality of what next week is.

Okay, so I have to admit finally starting this blog is two-fold.

First, I've been wanting to so why not now? I wanted a place to share the creative projects I like, the ones I am attempting, and those that just plain inspire me and make me want to attempt. I love the moment of looking at something and seeing what it can be or knowing I can do that. I am fortunate to know amazingly creative people from my mother to my friends to my co-workers. I am proud to say most of the artwork on my walls at home has been done by friends and people I know.

My second reason and maybe right now the most important is I am leaving for Israel in 3 days. I still can't believe it's finally here! While I am traveling I wanted to be able to share my trip with my friends, family and anyone interested. This is my second time going to Israel. I was there last March, and it was AMAZING. Honestly, I think everyone should visit at least once (and let me say when you visit once you will want to go back.) And before someone comments that I should say that since my job is handling marketing, branding, and communication for the Israel Ministry of Tourism for the Christian Market, I really do believe it. My trip to Israel last year was truly life changing. I can not wait to go back! It truly was one of my best trips ever. So stay tuned for pictures and lots of thoughts on my trip.

As I move forward with this blog I would love to hear your thoughts, please visit frequently and let me know what you are thinking about things.