Rebel

          My birthday present from my man was something I've wanted for a very long time. We have both been learning how to use it. This is one of my passions and I can't wait to see how I can improve my skills over this next year. It's great fun to experiment and here are some of the results so far.

Photography is such an art and I realize the more I study about it how much I have to learn!
When I post pictures please feel free to give any advice or comments because I am eager to start taking better photos!

Goodbye Christmas!

Goodbye Christmas, see you next year!

As I'm taking down the lights and decorations from the tree, carrying it outside and sweeping up all the needles that it left behind I think of what this new year will hold. I wonder what experiences and adventures I'll have before Christmas comes around again.

Christmas 2009 seems so long ago. In this last year we moved, left behind good friends, drove across part of Europe, and began a new period of life here in Estonia, met new people, and each experience has left us with something to think about, a new life lesson, leaving us older, and hopefully wiser. :)

It's good to look back on the year and remember the good. So maybe I'll post about my best memories of 2010 next time. 

For now I'd better get busy shoveling snow and work on adding to the already 5 foot tall pile of snow along our driveway.

  We took the tree outside and stuck it in a snow drift last night. After another snowfall overnight I'm pretty sure it looks better outside than inside!

Hello Euro

The new year has begun and so has a new system of money here in Estonia.  On 1-1-11 we welcomed the Euro (some more enthusiastically than others) to this country. At last my hubby knows what I went through when I first came here (and still today) to convert all the prices in my mind to figure out if an item is expensive or not. Truth is, now I'm doubly confused but I'm hopeful that someday it'll all make sense. :)

Estonian Kroons

It is a bit sad to say goodbye to the Estonian Kroons as they are very colorful and much more interesting and unique than the euro. But I think the hardest adjustment will be having all the coins to carry around now. Thank goodness for bank cards right?!

December Days

What does December mean to you? A few things we often think of: cold, snow, fires, hot drinks, cuddling under blankets. They all sound so warm and fuzzy and nice right?!  But it can be so cold that it hurts to breath, the snow can stop travel plans, the fire can be tiring to start each day, the hot drinks can burn your tongue and sometimes you are by yourself under the blanket. December also means Christmas and all that comes with it, the tree, the lights, the food, the family. And yet sometimes Christmas disappoints those who have fond memories of childhood Christmases.
It is not a magical time of year. It is a time of year, just like any other time of year when we can make a choice to see the beauties around us that remind us that there is always something special in each day.

Props to Evelin the photographer of this one :)