My inspiration for the day

Or should I say inspirations as there were many.

Sometimes we simply need to sit back and enjoy life; enjoy what we come across. Today was one of those days.

I set off to the new tearoom for breakfast, as is my want on the weekends, not knowing if M would join me (we often do have coffee together of a Saturday morning, but her husband was having the company’s yearly dinner last night and she might need to sleep in) or not.

I ordered a drink of coffee and milk that here in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, is called a “turned over” or “tipped upside down” and lacking my usual sandwich settled for a roll of grains with one pat of butter. Lovely way to start the day even if I was on my own.

Then it was pick up the mail and make a trip to the grocery store in anticipation of baking Christmas cakes and cookies. Looked at tins, but prevented myself from accruing any more as I certainly have enough for this year’s giveaways (they were very tempting though so there is no guarantee that I might not crack later in the week).

Lunch was leftovers after I un-thawed the upstairs freezer (see, feeling productive always improves the mood), then I had time – and the need – for a “pause” (my husband always refused to call them naps or siestas and he was right).

Then it was off into town for a lady’s coffee at I’s house: an occasion never to be missed – I would even return early should I be elsewhere as she is from Vienna and makes and bakes everything herself. I didn’t care to interrupt the feeling of friendship and joy as we first enjoyed a glass of champagne followed by canapés of all sorts, then coffee or tea and home-made strudel and a nut cake specific to Vienna covered in chocolate.

not my friends - her's was even better!

In amongst all that there were beautiful views of the Jet d’Eau – I got plenty of inspiration for continued enjoyment of life.

Dec.10 around 15:30

Dec. 10 around 19:30 Blue for the UN's day of Human Rights

Alone or…

On one’s own.

 

What a difference there is depending upon how one describes the state of being alone:

The first has a rather negative sound, like it wasn’t something to be wished for, even welcomed at times; the second a much more positive spin, something one perhaps chooses to indulge in – at least for a time.

Yesterday I was on my own and had a wonderful time!

The following pictures reflect unique objects that were also “alone” in their site: some we wouldn’t even every want to be multiplied!

 

the last one standing - nothing for miles around but this lone sunflower

couldn't quite make out what kind of hunting bird, but alone

one of the three chose to keep its' leaves

far away in the middle of a field - no others in sights

there were several "alone" along the lake

two suns or two Jet d'Eaux wouldn't have the same impact at all!

Stillness

Twas the day after Christmas

And all through the canton

Nothing was stirring,

Not even the fountain.

Its reflection in the lake

Tall and straight: no wake.

Whispers of air existed not,

Its beauty forever caught.

Jet d'eau, Geneva, Switzerland

Beauty and hope

Seasons change; people change; our lives can take an unexpected path; nature can be a beast or a beauty

A(nother) great meal; a philosophical discussion with friends or family; laughs tinted with sadness at times; one can always find hope in the beauty of flowers, family, friends, food and if all else fails: there is the beauty of a rainbow at the end of the Jet d’Eau.