DC: And Thoughts of Spring

Today, was the kind of day that put a spring in your step.  Looking out the window, I saw daffodils coming up in our backyard. And on the way to the gym, it was so sunny we had to squint as Stefan dashed off on his scooter to rock climb.  I had to think of whether I had put sunscreen on; something I hadn't worried about for months.

There is almost no city better than D.C. in the spring when streets are crowded with tourists anticipating the cherry blossoms. When people come out to Eastern Market to buy organic vegetables and so much more.  When the sunlight hits the row houses on Capitol Hill making them all even more majestic than usual.

Spring brings out the colorful in all of us.  Doesn't it?

DC: And Still Thinking About

I couldn't stop writing. I wrote for days. I wrote when I got home from work late into the night in my hotel. Words swirled in my head during meetings.  They were crowding into that space in my brain that hadn't been nurtured for a long time.

So, now the article on change in Serbia -- which I wrote after a five-year hiatus from visiting -- has been polished off. It's been sent to the Huffington Post. My fingers are crossed and we'll see.

I wrote about how things had changed.  The vibrancy of the city. The l'air du temps after lifting so much oppression and political malice. The spirit in the air. The streets and cafes. The art and the design.

Belgrade is a city that is part of me, you see.  The better part of 5 years spent focused on Balkan politics, the ills of the Milosevic regime and the fight for democracy.

DC: And my Secret Life

I snuck away today.  Away from the kids and my husband and into the crowd. It was a perfect sunny day to indulge.

And so I dug in.  Into several places to satisfy my fix on 14th Street. Muleh and Room and Board. And then Cork Market for a few bottles of wine and some chocolate mousse to take away.

It was enough of a fix for me for today.  

And now plenty to think about for our house in Vermont.  Yummy yellow velvet.  Cow hide stools. A fabulous yellow bookshelf/desk for Abby's room.  

Europe: Some Recent Stops

It's been a month. Oh so much has happened since then. Miles logged. Reconnecations with old friends.  Work, work, work.  Most significantly? A trip back to Serbia, my former hometown. Right now, I'm working on a small article and hoping to get it published but I'll give you some small highlights from my fabulous, inspiring, bittersweet week in Belgrade.

Like the Serbian design scene.  Designers like Aleksandra Lalic and Dragana O. are breaking new ground.  Women in NYC would die for these designs -- edgy, modern, oh so cool.

I came home with just a few new dresses and jackets. Oh, and a skirt and a blouse.  It was very hard to decide which of these unique designs to bring home.

I could not have imagined 15 years ago when I was promoting democracy there that such a scene would emerge. But I am so thrilled that it did.

Vermont: And Being Absent

Oh, so sorry for those of you who stop by occasionally. I have broken all of the rules of blogging.  I have been absent. I have not posted.  But now, I hope to be back.

Christmas already seems like a distant memory. Already, life in the city has overwhelmed me/us.  There are meetings to attend.  Lessons to attend. Schedules to juggle.  (It's no wonder I think I have an ulcer).

But vacation was blissful. Snow, fresh snow.  Lots of time with friends. Just the right amount of time with extended family.  Lots and lots of nights by the fire.  Evenings at home with Brad, Stefan and Abby.  Trips to Bolton and Stowe.

And oh, yes, plenty of cross country skiing right out the front door.

Vermont: And Happiness

This is happiness.

Happiness like 3 ribbons on a rainy day of a horse riding competition on Special Edition.

Happiness like singing holiday carols at a Christmas concert at the Atlas Theater.

Happiness like reading a book in front of the fire that your daddy built for you.

Happiness like going to bed early, and giggling with your mommy over something silly.

Vermont: And Enjoying a Day in the Nation's Capital

How we spent a glorious December day just a few blocks from home!