Out there

Near Crescent Bay

Last week we traveled to Washington's Olympic Peninsula. It's hard to describe the otherworldliness of this place. Sweeping vistas of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Old-growth fairy forests of towering cedar, hemlock and fir. Wild flowers, green mosses and lacy ferns. Coastal tide pools revealing miniature worlds of marine life. Hidden waterfalls and secret coves. Come see..

Ships on the water...

A ship travels along the Strait of Juan de Fuca

Tall trees..

Sentinels

In a coastal forest...

A fern path

Prehistoric plants

Birds on the water...

Sea gulls

A bald eagle

A waterfall...

Water travels to the sea

Wildflowers...

A wild daisy

A wild rose

Intertidal gardens

Sea plants...

...and creatures

A good way to start the summer.

The Incomplete List

I've caught the virus, the one that's been going around.

One of my favorite blogs, Houzz.com recommends you make lists when you're sick, something to pass the time on the couch, between raspy coughs and itchy sneezes.

My list will be visual, I thought. I can post a listing of my favorite photos from 2013. You know the photos I'm talking about, the ones that capture that moment, that special line or color that catches your eye, that shadow, that reflection, that singular texture.

Starting with my most recent photos, I worked my way backwards through time, skimming all the days past, the people and places I had encountered.

It wasn't long before I had exhausted myself. I've taken over four thousand photos in 2013! I had barely reached my way back to August when I had to give up.

So here is my visual list, which begins in August in Vienna, Austria...

A last visit to The Leopold

Then moves to London, England in September...

A London bus in Kensington

The Underground at Notting Hill Gate

Then to days at sea and arrival in New York...

On board the QM2

And to a visit to the California coast...

Moss Landing and the Salinas Valley

And finally to discoveries in Seattle in October...

Products of the Northwest

This is a recent photo, taken on one of many sunset walks this fall...

The Sound at sunset

Pretty amazing life, this.

I'd better get myself well soon. I hate missing out. :)

A Leiter view

Harlem by S. Leiter

Saul Leiter, the New York based photographer and artist, has come to one of my favorite Viennese museums, Kunst Haus Wien. Yesterday some friends and I paid a visit.

It's hard to describe Leiter as his work spans 60 plus years and covers many genres of photography - from street photos and still life shots to portraiture and fashion. Leiter not only takes photos, he paints.  His paintings are whimsical and unashamedly pretty.

Many of the items you see here are from the late 1950's and early 1960's.

Painting by S. Leiter

Leiter's photos are often provocative, like this street shot of a man facedown on a metal staircase.

Street photo by S. Leiter

Or this fashion photo...  one of my favorites in the collection.

Fashion photo by S. Leiter

Leiter's paintings offer a great contrast to his photos. The paintings, often created with gouache and watercolor, are light, fluid, and playful.

Painting by S. Leiter

Perhaps most interesting is Leiter's fusion of painting and photography. It's exciting to see the two mediums come together to create something that is both seductive and fun. Here is an example...

Leiter's painted photo

The Saul Leiter exhibit is at the Kunst Haus Wien until May 26, 2013. I encourage you to experience this inspiring collection! Now it's time for me to take some photos of my own... :)

Many thanks to Karen for inviting me to join her on this visit and to Kunst Haus Wien for allowing me to take these flash-free shots.

Expressions of rhythm and color

Tulip and Willow designed by William Morris, 1873

I am a big fan of the decorative colors and patterns from the Arts and Crafts period - swirling vines and twisting leaves of sage green and prussian blue, stylized flowers, birds, and fruits. So when Vienna's Museum of Applied Arts - the MAK - opened an exhibit on English textiles from the period, it was only a matter of time before I was there.

Wandle designed by William Morris, 1884

The exhibit is down in the MAK's basement, where the pieces are protected by glass and low light. The rows of fabric panels are breathtaking. Each piece hypnotizing.

Decorative fabric by Silver Studio, 1898

What an extensive variety of English textiles the MAK has collected! Most of the pieces were acquired during the very period in which they were produced, the late 19th century. Back then the MAK was called the Imperial Royal Austrian Museum of Art and Industry (or die k. k. Österreichischen Museums für Kunst und Industrie).

Decorative fabric, unknown

The MAK's textile exhibit is open until October 13, 2013. If you love textiles and are in Vienna this year, I encourage you to visit the MAK.

Exhibit entrance

See you soon!

When it's Silvester

You know you're in Vienna when… it's Silvester, and the eve of the new year.

"Prosit Neujahr!" in Vienna by Emil Stefanov

On this last day of the year, I have much to celebrate. My family is healthy, my life is full of love, and I have opportunities to learn and grow every day.  

The Austrians call New Years, Silvester - as it falls on Saint Sylvester's Day - and there is no better place to celebrate the new year than in Vienna. 

I can feel the energy rise this morning as the Viennese anticipate tonight's party. In Vienna on Silvester the whole city comes alive. Each marketplace, plaza, and square is a party. Stands and kiosks are erected to present music and food, and sell good luck charms. Lights and banners are strung along storefronts and across streets. Scents of sweet and savory treats fill the air.

New Year in Vienna - Nouvel an à Vienne by Gepat

It gets busy downtown as people gather to listen to music, drink Sekt - Austrian sparkling wine - and walk the narrow streets and wide plazas from party to party. There's pop, techno, and yes, waltz!

As midnight approaches the fireworks begin. The skies of the city come alive in a display of color, light, and sound.  I have never seen a city light up the way Vienna does on Silvester. Some say the Austrians light fireworks to chase evil spirits away.

It seems fitting to end this You know Your'e in Vienna When series on this last day of 2012. In the coming year I leave Vienna. It is bittersweet. I love this beautiful city, yet I am excited about discoveries that await.

So, here's to beginnings... Happy Silvester!

Links to You Know You're in Vienna When:

Introducing You Know You're in Vienna When
When excellent wines are but an hour away
When sturm is on the menu
When you don't carry a watch
When Turkenschanz turns crimson and gold
When dinkel's in your bread
When there's beauty in a regentag
When you've got the Gluhwein boost

Eight Dublin Discoveries

Facade of the Royal City of Dublin Hospital

December is a busy month. Shopping for gifts. Planning trips to visit family and friends. Decking the halls. You get the idea. In the midst of all this busyness I went out into the world, and discovered Dublin, Ireland. There is much to love about Dublin - friendly people, lively music, great beer.  Here are some of my favorite discoveries in Ireland's capital city.

Red brick buildings

Red brick contrasts with Dublin's ever-changing skies. Wonderful patterns add texture.

Along Baggot Street

Red brick patterns

Colorful doors

Dubliners love to paint their doors bright colors. Some say they do it to find their way home after a long evening in the pub!

On Pembroke Road

Red doors at sunset

Double-decker public buses

Tall blue and yellow buses run along the thoroughfares of Dublin.

Dublin city bus

Afternoon tea

Dubliners love their tea, much more than coffee. Afternoon tea at the Shelbourne Hotel is a particular treat!

Get out from the cold and have a cup of tea!

Treats from the Lord Mayor’s Lounge

Street music

Live music is everywhere in Dublin - at the pub, in cafes and restaurants, and on the streets. I found jazz, rock, soul, and traditional Irish sounds on the avenues.

A band on Grafton Street

Pubs

Pubs are everywhere too. Ireland may be in a recession, but the pubs are full, and you'll find at least a couple on every block!

O'Donoghue's on Merrion Row

Guinness

And in the pubs there is Guinness - dark, rich, and oh so smooth.

Guinness everywhere!

I have no photo for the best discovery of all - the Irish people. If you get the chance, I encourage you to visit Dublin.

Now back to wrapping gifts... Happy Holidays!

When you've got the Gluhwein boost

Warms inside and out

You know you're in Vienna… when you've got the Gluhwein boost.

When days turn nippy in Vienna, the Austrians have just the remedy… the Gluhwein boost!  This mulled wine is a special treat at outdoor Christmas markets during the winter holiday season.  It's pretty tasty!

A cup from Christmas market at Turkenshanz Park

Gluhwein goes down warm and sweet and a little bit spicy, filling you with good cheer - and even good will towards fellow market goers!

From lower left: Gluhwein hut, sweets for sale, roasted goodies, and Gluhwein!

What to have with Gluhwien?  So many choices.  You can go with sweets - gingerbread and waffles - or savory - chestnuts and roasted potatoes.

Want to try making this at home?  Check out this Austrian Gluhwein Recipe from the Austrian National Tourist Office.

Happy Holidays!

Links to You Know You're in Vienna When:

Introducing You Know You're in Vienna When
When excellent wines are but an hour away
When sturm is on the menu
When you don't carry a watch
When Turkenschanz turns crimson and gold
When dinkel's in your bread
When there's beauty in a regentag
When it's Silvester

When you don't carry a watch

Clock on Schönbrunn Palace

You know you're in Vienna when... you don't have to carry a watch to know the time.  Why?  Vienna has a clock on every block!

Clocks around Vienna

When it comes to the love of time instruments, the Swiss have nothing on the Austrians .  Street corners, bus and tram stops, historic buildings, and especially churches are adorned with clocks.

Church clocks

If you're not a clock watcher, no worries!  Just listen.  Most clock bells ring on the hour, the quarter hour, and the half hour.  Time to go...


Links to You Know You're in Vienna When:

Introducing You Know You're in Vienna When
When excellent wines are but an hour away
When sturm is on the menu
When Turkenschanz turns crimson and gold
When dinkel's in your bread
When there's beauty in a regentag
When you've got the Gluhwein boost
When it's Silvester