Shades of Gray

There are times when we all could use a little mystery.

You know me for my love of color, sugar and all things "super cute."

But I also love layers. I probably notice a collection of similar shades before anything else.

I took this striking photo years ago from my room at the Hotel Beau Rivage on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland.

The ironwork balcony, the rolling fog, the slope of the landscape was just beautiful. I think the hum I heard was the historic paddle steam boats on the lake. A moment like this gives you the freedom to think.

Just after this photo was taken, I went down to dinner and the waitress expressed her regret that I wasn't seeing the area at its finest. I smiled with understanding and assured her that it all looked beautiful to me.

When you are presented with a cloudy day, make sure to look for the beauty in all the shades of gray.

Make A Puzzle

This would make a great puzzle, don't you think? I absolutely love Switzerland. Everything's a picture, in my opinion. I took this photo in the little lakeside town of Weggis. I had left the hotel and was trying to catch up with my Dad, who had gone for a walk. I found him on the path, just past a wisteria-draped pergola, looking at this view.

We stood there admiring this little harbor and talking about how easy it seemed to keep a boat on Lake Lucerne. I could have looked at this view forever.

And maybe I should! If I made a puzzle of it, I could soak it up even more. Have you ever had a puzzle made from a photograph? I order them online from Kodak - it makes a wonderful gift. The puzzles are small, but the impact is big.

European Touch

I absolutely love this picture I took in Lucerne, Switzerland. This day I was on my own, scouting the town trying to find the best spot to photograph some of the painted facades. Take a look at the building's simple window frames and realize that every bit of trim, arch and column is actually created with paint!


When I entered Weinmarket Square, I stood waiting for this tour group to move on so that could have an unobstructed shot of the building.


Then the more I looked at them, the more I liked the appreciation and "interest in history" that they represented. I found myself rushing with my camera/lens to capture it all before the group decided to move on. Got it!


Don't you just love their hats?

Swiss Miss

In 1897, Mark Twain wrote of Weggis, Switzerland..."this is the most charming place we have ever lived in for repose and restfulness." I couldn't agree more. Set in the Swiss Alps on Lake Lucerne, Weggis is a lovely place to stay during a European vacation.
Travel from town to town via paddle steamer from April to October and end a day of hiking with a gourmet meal at the Beau Rivage Hotel. The entire area looks like a children's train set - lush green hills, lakes, mountains and picturesque villages. Oh, I must return to Switzerland...