Ghana: And Everyday Life Captured in a Few Photos

We know we are much too selfish. We sometimes catch ourselves during the day complaining about the most mundane things. The Starbucks line was too long. We didn't have electricity during a storm for an entire....hour. Our flight was delayed.

But then for me, I travel to the developing world.  And I am reminded that these problems are oh, so very, very small.

There are people who must travel 2 hours on foot to get to work. People who suffer with malaria and malnutrition. Girls who don't get to go to school.

Mothers who have been widowed and are raising children on their own.  People living on less than $1 a day.

Today, I am pausing to think about just how incredibly easy my life is and how truly fortunate I am.

Ghana: And a Celebration of African Art

Today, I woke up to an article from the BBC about the growing popularity of African art.  The display of African artists at the Tate Modern in New York.

Wow.  Could the timing be any more significant?

Here is just one of the African pieces I saw yesterday at the Artists Alliance Gallery in Accra, Ghana.

Is it no wonder that these artists are making their names well beyond the borders of Ghana.

Ghana: And Wishing....for Something Else

Sometimes I have to get on a plane. And fly very far away. Sometimes, it the last thing in the world I want to do.

As it was on Friday night, my tenth wedding anniversary and Stefan's last day of pre-school.  As we headed off to Dulles International Airport, I wished instead that I was sitting on our front porch, as we did last Friday night, sipping a glass of wine and chatting with our neighbors on Capitol Hill.

Today, I'm in Accra, the capitol of Ghana.  I'm not feeling very happy about being here. I'm feeling a wee bit homesick.  I'm feeling a wee bit blue.

But this mother and daughter brought a smile to my face today.  And perhaps I brought a little smile to theirs, buying 18 yards of colorful, amazing African fabric at the Markula Market for my next project.

Washington, DC: And a Very Special Day

10 years ago today, we were in....Tuscany.  Bright eyed, freshly married, basking in the glow of our Italian wedding with a small group of friends and family.  As I flipped through photos last night to give to Brad today, it seems like a lifetime ago.

So, it was that we skipped off to school today for Stefan's last day of pre-school on our 10th wedding anniversary.  As I was packing for Ghana...and as I was planning a surprise anniversary lunch with prosecco for Brad. As I was packing our final suitcases for our July on Fire Island.

Such is our busy, crazy, chaotic, confusing life some days.

Sounds very trite but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy anniversary, Brad!  10 years?  Seriously?