Where the Sidewalk Ends

There is a place where the sidewalk ends

And before the street begins.

And there the grass grows soft and white,

And there the sun burns crimson bright,

And there the moon-bird rests from his flight

To cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black

And the dark street winds and bends.

Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow

We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,

And watch where the chalk-white arrows go

To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,

And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,

For the children, they mark, and the children, they know

The place where the sidewalk ends.

-Shel Silverstein

{Recorded from memory.}

In 2011, I want to spend more time where the sidewalk ends.

I think I'm off to a good start.

Extraordinary Machine

I’ve decided to start doing the occasional music blog post. I mean, I know a ton of people do this—I’m not trying to pretend I’m being revolutionary. But I love music. You probably love music. So why not?

My taste is all over the place, which I love. This means I may be sharing songs that are just fun to dance to, songs that really move me, songs I think describe me, or songs with lyrics I adore. Some songs may be new to you, some old, but I hope you’ll enjoy the occasional listen.

First up: Extraordinary Machine by Fiona Apple

I just love the whimsical feel to this song. I was listening to it on the bus ride home from Córdoba today and it always makes me feel light and resilient.

“If there was a better way to go then it would find me
I can’t help it the road just rolls out behind me
Be kind to me…or treat me mean
I’ll make the most of it
I’m an extraordinary machine”

Baby Shower!

I mentioned how wonderful my last weekend was, and it wasn’t just because of my fantastic Sunday.

Last weekend the weather was gorgeous and warm. I spent some time on Friday reading outside and hanging out with friends. On Saturday I sat out at a café by the river for hours just philosophizing, laughing and drinking wine with a friend. But Saturday night was the best of all…

Saturday night I attended my sister’s baby shower! My sister was able to fly home to Colorado for the week and enjoy a shower thrown for her by my dear Mama. I think she had a superb time catching up with friends and family (she even had a friend fly in from Texas!) and showing off her baby bump. Now you might be wondering how I made it to a baby shower in Colorado and then went to Córdoba, Spain the next day. Easy:

I apparated!

Ok, I wish. Really I attended the baby shower on Skype!



Isn’t that pretty darn cool? It was so wonderful to be a part of it. Jen & co set the laptop up on a table so I could observe the comings and goings. I felt a little creepy at times, especially since not all of the guests originally knew I was on the computer—but it was also really fun. I got to overhear some guests complimenting the fun baby-themed décor my mom did for the shower which made me so happy. It was fun having guests pop by the computer to say hi to me. I finally got to “meet” the sweet babies of two friends, both about 3-4 months old.

{Dear Libby with sweet baby Willa came to say 'hi' to me.}

My mom and my sister’s bestie Jen (same name) put together a great shower! I loved the little baby-themed touches all over the room. I am snagging photos from Jen’s facebook to share:

Baby Jen and Baby Chris (my brother-in-law) along with Jen’s growth chart

This picture makes me laugh. Jen U. cleverly labeled it “say what? Babies come from where?”

Don’t you love the clothesline? Later on in the party all the cute clothes Jen got where hung on it. The clothesline idea was my contribution…but the truth must come out. I stole the idea from my friend Shannon.

Do you remember that time I told you all about the tradition my sister, Jen U. and I have of taking pictures in a certain pose? This may be the most hilarious version of that photo ever:

I love it!

I am so thrilled that I got to attend my darling sister’s baby shower. Now I just can’t wait for the little Mr. to come in April and then to get to meet him in June!

(Pictures all stolen from Jen U. on Facebook)

Sunday in the Campo

{Sunset in the campo. 1/16/11.}

This past weekend was one of the best I’ve had in a long time, even though I’m still a little sick. I have stories about Friday and Saturday, but for now I’m going to skip ahead and post about the phenomenal Sunday I had.

Yesterday, I made a new friend! Now let’s just hope I don’t scare her away with the enthusiasm in this post.

I actually “met” the delightful Irene via the internet back in September. Irene spent last year working as an auxiliar (what I’m doing now) in France. She taught Spanish in a very small town there. She originally found my blog thanks to the one and only Busy Bee Lauren and when she saw my posts about having a difficult time adjusting to small town life without friends all while trying to converse in a foreign language, she empathized and reached out to me. I’ve had the pleasure of exchanging emails with her for the past several months but it wasn’t until yesterday that we were finally able to get together.

Irene invited me out to the campo (countryside) of Córdoba capitol to spend the day with her and her family and enjoy some delicious authentic Spanish cooking. To say I had the most joyful day would be an understatement. I was a little nervous getting off of the bus in Córdoba but both Irene and her Tía Teresa immediately put me at ease. Irene is instantly loveable with a huge contagious smile, a willingness to laugh loudly and brightly, and an easy-going manner. And I adored her entire family! They made me feel completely at ease, welcome and not (too) intimidated to speak Spanish with them. I loved walking around Irene’s abuela’s casa and seeing where the animals used to be kept, meeting the pups, and chatting with her family while eating a sweet orange right off the tree! (Usually Andalucían oranges aren’t actually edible because they are bitter, but I guess this tree was the exception. Her tía let me pick my own orange off the tree.)

I had such a good time helping out in the kitchen while Irene and her mother cooked and sitting around the brassero chatting with other members of her family. I loved sitting back and enjoying the flow of the conversation and the constant laughter during the meal. I’m sure I made a ton and a half of mistakes when I did chime in but what I loved was the feeling that I could make mistakes. Sometimes I feel so nervous with certain people that I don’t even want to try to speak—Irene and her family made me feel so comfortable that I was able to put myself out there.

After lunch, Irene and I spent several hours just chatting and getting to know each other. I love this girl! I was so excited to discuss all the things we have in common and like. Irene also likes: chocolate, Harry Potter, How I Met Your Mother, Taylor Swift, and Glee. She even had Glee on in the car and I may have been unable to resist singing along a little. She’s also just plain adorable—I wanted to steal her stylish white hat every time she put it on.



Irene, thank you so much for inviting me to spend the day with you and your family. It was just what I needed! I hope we can get together again very soon. Una abraza muy fuerte, xo Kate.

Christmas Blessings

Dear Readers,

You may be under the false impression that because it’s January 14th Christmas is over and won’t be celebrated again until December. Well, you are incorrect. I’m sorry.

Today I received a Christmas miracle. One of my good friends Shannon sent me a package back in early December. It was intended to bring Christmas to Spain. We both kept waiting for the package to come but it never did. When I got back from my holidays and there was still nothing we both pretty much gave it up as lost. But today I headed to the post office and brought that package home with me! I put on Christmas music, made peppermint hot chocolate and opened it up. It was full of Christmas. Shannon thought of everything—candy canes, a full size paper Christmas tree, ornaments, a star, and even some gifts to go under the tree: an amazing bracelet that I highly suspect she made herself and some raspberry propel aka raspberry cordial (an inside thing).

So that’s it, I’m calling it. It’s Christmas. Throw away the calendars and think outside the box. I am going to hang the tree up in my room and decorate it and this weekend I am going to soak up the seasonal spirit.

Santa has stopped by my piso an overwhelming number of times this season and I have laughed and cried happy tears over how kind, thoughtful and clever my friends and family are. I am beyond touched. I wish I could express it as well as I feel it. I mean it when I say I was overwhelmed by how many of you sent cards and even packages so that I felt closer to home while spending Christmas away from family and friends in a foreign country. Guys, you filled up the mail string. You overflowed the mail string! I’m still brain storming how to display all of my lovely cards.

Dear Jen,
Books=life. Thank you so much for making sure I had plenty of holiday reading material. And of course thank you for the Eclipse download—it is the best guilty pleasure indulgence ever!...even if it makes me miss you terribly. Marathon in June, ok?

Dear Tina,
Your package(s) made me giddy with glee. Each item was just what I needed and showed how well you know me. My Belle ornament is hanging up in my room and makes me smile daily.

Dear Patti, Jim, Anna and Jane,
I loved opening each and every one of the delightful and perfect gifts you sent me for Christmas. Each one showed how well you know me and made me fell truly loved and understood. Beauty and the Beast! A teapot! A shirt from The Elephant House! Lavender soap! I was in awe as I opened a gift a day. Each one was equally as touching and perfect for me. Thank you so much for taking the time to send me such beautiful gifts.

Dear Ivy,
You were the first to go so far out of your way to try to send me a care package back in early November when I was struggling quite a bit. Although Spanish customs decided to spite us both and keep the goodies, I hope you know how much I appreciate the thought and effort. I am very sorry for the trouble, but please know how much the package means to me all the same. And I’m not giving up on it yet!

So many of you sent me gorgeous cards filled with valuable wisdom, cheerful sentiments, loving encouragement and humor. I ooh-ed and ahh-ed over each one. Often I held on to the cards I received and waited to open them until the moment I needed a friendly word the most. Please know that your cards meant so much more to me than you might imagine—they were never just a piece of mail.

Thank you Grandma De, Grandma, The Colliers, Mom & Dad, Jen U., Vanessa, Ashton, Sabs, Stephanie F., Amanda, Elyse, Samantha F., Haley, Ali G., Ja, Marci, and Kelley F. for the cards!

Dear Pilar, Eloy, Cristina and family,

I am so blessed and grateful to you for taking me in to share Christmas with your family. You were so kind to include me in the festivities and even to go so far as to give me gifts! My scarf and hat saved me in the cold Scottish weather and I can’t wait to use my travel bag.

Phew! Sorry if I overwhelmed you with this post, but it was overdue. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!

Now I’m going to go enjoy a little bit of Christmas in January.

Love,
Kate

111 on 1/11

I don't normally focus on followers and blog popularity and that kind of thing and I certainly wouldn't normal blog about it... but something undeniably awesome came to my attention today.

I realized that yesterday I hit 111 followers. 111 followers on 1/11/11. Come on, how cool is that?

Thank you, #111 (I think it was Esra?) for giving me a little thrill. I don't know if you noticed this cool number coincidence too and followed me just to make it happen, but either way, I love it.

{With all this talk of numbers you'd think I was a math geek; But no, I hate math and math hates me.}

In light of this topic, I'd like to add one more thing: I love followers not because I crave popularity but because I love meeting new friends. I noticed that at the end of the last year I gained quite a few new followers and was constantly smiling to see that more people wanted to read the random things I have to say. But who are you? If you feel so inclined, would you say hello and introduce yourself in a comment to this post? Or email if you feel more comfortable. This is not a ploy for more comments, I'm fine if you never comment again, I just wanted to say 'hi' and not act like I don't know you're there.

Here, I'll start.

Hi! My name's Kate and I'm a chocoholic. I squirrel away chocolate in hidden places so that when I need a hit the most it's there. I got this habit (and probably my addiction) from my mother.
I love music, reading, and travel (clicheclichecliche) but I don't like things that are lemon-flavored or theme-park rides. Except for those giant merry-go-round swings. I really love swings. There are lots of other random things I could say about myself but that would probably get boring, plus I mention lots of them on this here blog.

Your turn!

Cheers. :)

Edinburgh Part 2: The Tourist Experience

Edinburgh Part 1

Haley, my friend who I was visiting in Edinburgh, is luckily a list-er just like me. She is also studying and living in Edinburgh, so I decided to leave the planning up to her so she could feel free to show me her favorite things. The List she created became one of my favorite parts of the trip—it was always with Haley, even if we were just going down to the kitchen to cook. We had plenty of random fun things on the list like “bake pumpkin pie” and “wander through graveyards at night” (or we may have added that one after the fact), but we also had a good amount of touristy things to check off. On my first full day we took a really wonderful free city tour and then threw in other key “things to see” throughout the week.

1. John Knox was an important Protestant reformation leader in Edinburgh. Haley hates John Knox. John Knox wanted to be buried immediately next to Saint Giles church. They later relocated all the bodies from that cemetery in order to turn it into a parking lot…but out of respect for John’s request they left him. In spot 23.
2. There is a heart shaped stone in front of Saint Giles called the Heart of Midloathian. The tradition is that if you want to have a good night out in Edinburgh you should first spit on the stone. Honestly, Izzy our tour guide told more about the history of the spitting tradition but I’ve already forgotten. Yeah, my brain’s a sponge. (Sarcasm. You picked up on that right?)

3. Here is the impressive castle atop it’s hill in Edinburgh. Izzy told us excellent stories about the many times the castle was taken or attempted to be taken. She shared an anecdote about someone scaling the side steep side of the hill to sneak in and out of the castle. She called this someone “ninja scot” which became one of Haley and I’s favorite phrases during our own Scottish adventures. Izzy was a fabulous tourguide and I really hope I’m spelling her name right but it might be Izzie. Oops.

4 & 5. Greyfriars cemetery was quite cool even without the knowledge that Tom Riddle is buried there. I loved the many rows of sloping gravesites and the really spectacular view of the city over the walls which I spectacularly failed at capturing with my mediocre photography skills and the grey weather. Oh well. You’ll forgive me when I tell you the story of the cute dog in picture number…
6. This is Greyfriars Bobby. Basically he was the adorable puppy of a graveyard watchman. One day, his owner died. Sad. But Bobby was a sweet loyal dog and he spent the rest of his life (fourteen years I think) guarding his owner’s grave. Every day! Now he has an honorary grave marker in Greyfriars graveyard. I think we can also file this under “reasons dogs are always better than cats.”

7., 8.&9. One day we tried to decide Arthur’s Seat, the famous hill that overlooks the city. We got started late, then we managed to take the wrong path twice and by the time we got ourselves situated back at the start we had lost the light and were pretty muddy and tired. Still snapped some nice photos from attempt 1.

10., 11, & 12. So we tried again on Sunday and HUZZAH we successfully got to the top. It was cold and windy and so we stayed only a few minutes before venturing down to Holyrood Park.

13. Perched above Holyrood Park are the ruins of a St. Anthony’s Chapel.
14. Down below in the park Haley made friends with a swan. We noticed that everywhere the female swan went, two male swans followed and seemed to try to distract her, each from the other. We drew a comparison between the two male swans and Jacob and Edward from the Twilight series. Naturally, we then compared the swan to Bella. And no, it wasn’t until I said “It’s Bella-swan!” that I made the connection…you know, Bella Swan. Oh gosh. Facepalm.

15., 16. & 17. We ventured to a few museums while I was in town. The National Museum of Scotland had an observation deck with the best views all around. But beware: The observation deck also hosts an overly chatty museum worker who, when you show the tiniest bit of encouraging politeness, will talk to you for an hour and insist on showing you her favorite artifacts in the museum before your clever excuses finally set you free. Yeah. {It turns out I am actually too polite…Haley later on questioned whether I was actually in fact in interested in the geography and artifact lessons the lady was giving us because I was that good at acting polite and interested. Gosh darn my parents for raising me right.}
18. Haley may have actually been wishing this thing worked if it would get her away from the friendly but overly chatty lady.

There you have it! Your touristy taste of Edinburgh. Next up: All the other random stories and photos I feel like sharing with no particular common theme. Woohoo!

Edinburgh Part 1: Harry Potter

Sometimes I have such an epically good time doing something that instead of it making great blog fodder I just can’t think of how to talk about it at all.

I spent about a week in Edinburgh, Scotland for New Years and it was one of my favorite trips ever. I fell in love with that city, maybe in part because it reminded me of the best of Salzburg, but on its own merit too. I am so indebted to my friend Haley for inviting me and being just about the best host ever. I had so many laughs with her and I have about a boatful of hilarious and wonderful memories from our week together. It was really good to be around a closer friend again so I could be myself…even if I may have overwhelmed her a little (read: a lot).

I’m going to split my recap into a few posts because there’s just so much to say/show. Naturally, I thought I’d start with…

Harry [James] Potter.

If you don’t know of my deep love and devotion to the Harry Potter series you don’t know me at all. Harry and I have been together since December of 1999. On the free tour of Edinburgh that Hales and I took the tour guide asked who was a Harry Potter fan, and while other tourists timidly raised their hand I shot my hand up and yelled “ME!” I have many guilty pleasures, but I will never be ashamed to pronounce myself a Harry Potter fanatic…even if others think I should be.

So if you don’t know, Jo Rowling was living in Edinburgh when she started penning Harry Potter. This means the city is full of things that are rumored to have inspired parts of the books. You better believe I was in dork heaven. I usually try not to be so touristy when I travel but I had to soak up the Harry Potter culture.

Our delightful tour guide Izzy shared lots of Harry Potter rumors with us. We went into Greyfriars Cemetery where she pointed out a private school seen through the back gates that has four impressive towers. Some people wonder if it inspired the four Howarts houses. In Greyfriars there is also a tombstone with both a father and son Tom Riddell…perhaps Tom Riddle? I like to think so.

{This was our epic to-do list for the trip. I love that list.}

The Elephant House is a café in Edinburgh where JK wrote a lot of the first few books. Yes, I know, how touristy to go there (twice)! But in my defense I also LOVE a good café and I would have loved this place if it hadn’t been connected with Rowling. It features elephant décor and themed elements everywhere—paintings, pictures, books, chairs, figurines, etc. I love elephants! Oh extra cool fact: Right before I left for my holiday trips I received an incredible package from my Aunt Patti containing a shirt from The Elephant House (as well as many other splendid gifts)! I love the design on the front: an elephant holding a tea cup. Everyone who reads my blog should also be aware of how obsessively I drink tea.

If you’re a girl and you ever go to The Elephant House and you’re a fan—which you are right?—make sure to use the bathroom, first stall on the right.

The door is completely graffitied with peoples tributes to the beloved series. I didn’t read all of it obviously but I was happy that from what I saw there was nothing negative on the door. Lots of notes to Jo about how she changed lives and some funny comments like “I’d go sleezy for Weezy.”

I have never graffitied before in my life, but I had to leave my mark. If you ever go, see if you can find my little addition to the door. *wink* Normally, I would’ve said something about how Harry & Hermione should be together, but don’t worry, that was already covered:

{Ditto to this. But not my addition.}

I loved the atmosphere in The Elephant House and their gingerbread latte was delicious. To think JK Rowling might have written at this table…

The back room is definitely the place to be because there is an excellent view of the Castle. I failed at taking pictures through the window, but I kind of like the way this one turned out with the reflection of the inside and a partial view of the Castle outside. I promise if you squint it’s there.

Thank you so much, Haley, for humoring my need to do every cliche Harry Potter thing there was to do. It made all my fangirl dreams come true.

Alright, now that that’s out of the way I promise not to mention Mr. Potter in my next post.

P.S.: Haley also went with me to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1! I didn’t think I’d be able to see it ‘til I was back in the States so I was so excited to get to see it AND in Scotland. I know it’s old news for everyone else now, but I did really like it even if I found that, despite its length, it ended too soon. It’s sort of an awkward viewing experience, I think, for anyone who’s read the books and knows there is so much more to come. It felt like it stopped abruptly in the middle….you know, ‘cause it did. The cinematography and scenery in the film were beautiful and I thought both Emma and Rupert stepped up their acting and improved once again. I was pleased. I will look forward to seeing the last one on time with everyone else!

Happy 1st of January.

I've never been too into resolutions, but I do love lists and fresh starts. Recently there's been a thing going around on the blogs where you list things you want to do before your next birthday. For example, if you're turning 23 your list would be 22 things to do before 23. Well, I originally thought I wanted to make a list like this but then I got lazy when I realized my 23 things were not all simple and I would only have until August. Then I started to make a list of 11 things to do in 2011. But 11 wasn't enough. So I did a mash-up. Here is my list of 23 things I'd like to do in 2011. I tried to make them specific so that I'd hold myself more accountable, but some of them are general. (These are in no particular order and I reserve the right to change the list, ha!)

{23 in 2011}

1. Learn how to knit booties or a hat. Knit said booties or hat for my nephew.
2. Paint a picture.
3. Spend more time doing good deeds for strangers.
4. Spend more time doing good deeds for friends and family.
5. Have a job in the U.S.A.
6. Find a church to attend.
7. Visit Cristina in NYC.
8. Learn to love insane AZ heat by spending as long possible visiting my sister, brother-in-law and new nephew.

9. West Coast road trip.
10. Reunion with my Salzburg girls.
11. Take a dance class.
12. Go on a date.
13. Read 23 books (or more).
14. Become a regular somewhere.
15. Find a volunteer effort to join.
16. Get better at sending mail!
17. Write a poem.
18. Keep a daily gratitude journal.
19. Write something I like and let someone I love read it.
20. Move into my own apartment in the U.S.
21. Photo shoot on top of Pike’s Peak.
22. Meditate on a mountain hike.
23. Pick a cookbook and fix every recipe.

I hope everyone feels content leaving 2010 behind and ready to welcome 2011! May it bring us all happiness, prosperity and love. You know what it's for sure bringing me? A nephew!

Próspero Año Nuevo!

P.S.: I'm still actually gone on my exciting New Year's vacation. Check back soon for recaps of my trips!