Thursday, January 12, 2017

Antigua...

...Guatamala
1.12.17

Antigua Guatemala Cathedral
One of the little perks about having a husband who flies for a major airline is every now & again he'll get a trip with a long layover. Sometimes, the stars align and he gets that trip when I'm on a school break. Then the planets align with the stars and there will be an empty seat that wasn't booked and I get to tag along as a stand-by passenger. Because those stars & planets saw fit to line up,  last weekend, I was able to spend 36 hours in the very vibrant Guatemala with my Mr. 
Antigua is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places to photograph~with it's cobblestone streets, Spanish Colonial architecture, and colorful buildings.

On a clear day, you can see the towering Volcan de Agua through the iconic 17th century Santa Catalina Arch. But on this day the clouds just hung around the 12,000+ ft summit and never cleared.


 We asked the locals where we could grab a cup of coffee to take in the view. Cafe Sky provided us the rooftop view of the dormant volcano. Even with the clouds, it didn't stop the view from being any less spectacular. 



Volcan de Agua is one of 37 volcanos that dot the region. 





Texture and color at every turn.




The church of Santa Rosa was built in 1570. Many buildings like this have huge cracks and are crumbling from earthquakes that devastated the region in the 18th century.


Ive already put the bug in The Mr.'s ear that I want to go back. 
There's way more to see and shoot.


 Endearing people, delicious food, full flavored coffee, and a rich history has made Guatemala a   country that has tugged at my heartstrings. Have you ever been taken aback and amazed by a visit to a foreign country that you weren't expecting? Did it tug at your heart like Guatemala did mine? Please share-I'd love to hear about it.

Happy (traveling) Snapping!
xo
Kelly 

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Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Magic at the...

...flip of page
Happy New Year!
1.3.17



There is just something magical about flipping that last page of my calendar from December 31 to January 1st. A new day, a fresh year, a clean slate. Even though technically you get a brand new day~every day to start anew...(which I'm grateful for)... it's that January 1st that gets me. 
The holidays have been over for a week now. That's when the 2nd half of my vacation kicks in. That's the half that's a week after Christmas/Hanukkah & a week before the 2nd semester at work begins. No running around like a maniac, no hurries or last minute mad dashes~just real down time. I'm not big on making resolutions but I decided I will make a concerted effort to create play time every single day...even if it's 10 minutes. I know it's only 3 days into the new year, but it's been fun setting me time aside. My creative side has come out to play and she likes it! I also decided not to choose a guiding word this year. Oddly enough, that word above "possibilities" has popped up several times...sooooo, I'm just gonna file that away someplace close to the surface and see what happens. 
I've had so much fun in the kitchen, finally trying several recipes I've pinned on Pinterest. 
Including this...


...homemade hot cocoa mix. I think it has quickly become a household staple for the rest of winter. At this point, I think Austin is just ready for me to go back to work! He has graciously been my taste tester but like me, when something is so scrumptious, there's a serious lack of self control. 
Except for the 
I promised Austin that I'm done making anything fudgy, pancake-y, or otherwise confectionery and I'm a woman of my word...until spring anyhow (big grin)

One of the gifts I asked my Mr for this year was a replacement ribbon for my vintage typewriter. He indulged me & "together" we replaced it. By together I mean I looked over the Mr.'s shoulder and he got his hands all inky! We took it into the garage and used an air compressor to blow out the dust, oiled the moving parts and I'm happy to report I have a old but new again working typewriter. I have to tell ya though, it takes some major Flexor muscles (I looked that up!) to pound those keys. 
But that clickity clack
 *swoon*

Did you ask for something special this year?
I  do hope you'll share.


Happy (clickity clack) snapping!
xo
Kelly

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