Missus Bounty Basket

summer 2010 - Lyon My eldest turned 10 three days ago. Yes, she is the one on the red stroller alongside our youngest. One summer with only one rucksack and a medium size backpack we were good to go nevertheless we have struggled with strollers in the train.  Our travelling strategy changes from year to year as  they grow older and I get better in packing.  How I wish to travel light next year.

  Summer in Verbier will always be my family's favorite time. Here are some of the reasons why:   1. Family, friends and Swiss National Day  August in Verbier is not complete without our family and friends. We have seen our children from quietly sitting on the baby relax by the fire place to hiking, from tantrums to playing Mille Bornes and sleeping in the tent under the moonlight. Spending the Swiss National Day in Verbier is extra special because we got to enjoy the fireworks of the village and have our own (thanks to the Bosc) in front of the chalet amidst the shrieking children and adults alike. 2.Mountains  I have yet to memorize all the mountains we have in front of the chalet. Nevetheless, seeing them green with the blue sky, the clouds scattered all around all the while drinking coffee as the sun comes out with the birds chirping and kids sound asleep is just something a parent has to experience in La Pineta. Besides, it's our vacatio...

Though not a theatreholic, play and comedy musical fascinate me. It’s not only the décor or the ambiance but just being there, sitting and listening to the orchestra. Watching the artists make everything come alive. Then one magical afternoon I found myself once again in a theatre.  This was when  Grizabella made me cry . There's no denying the fact that this  CAT i s my favorite next to Rum Tum Tugger ,of course. As she started singing Memory I was transfixed by her pain. Her voice pierced into my being, as if I was part of her world and that the inner torment she was undergoing was also mine. Grizabella was eventually lifted up into another realm, I felt pain and relief.  Then it was the fi nale, applause, people slowly movi ng and heading out into a crispy late afternoon. T here was no photo-op with my fav orite cat but her voice was in my head, accompanying me from 50 street to 168 th and that's a lot of "memories". ...

Disney store, Times Square The city is slowly getting smaller as I look out the plane. Below,  long lustrous lines of lights stretch its way all around the busy streets. I stared at the buildings with all its glimmering lights &  from where I am, they look like stocks of gold – shimmering and sublime.   What a sight to behold, I turned to my husband and kissed him, thanking him of this wonderful experience. Then I closed my eyes, utter a prayer of gratitude all the while engraving in my mind the splendor I am leaving behind. You have captivated me, New York. I hope to see you again.

 How I (sort of) conquer my fear  Ferris wheel always bring me dreaded memories. The mere idea of being lifted up from the ground makes me cringe with anxiety. Sembrancher from atop I thought that I was safe from this. I was wrong. Most of our summer vacation is spent up in the mountain. Fresh air, wild flowers and tarte aux framboises. I love being surrounded by pine trees and seeing La Catogne every morning. We would hike and pick up wild strawberries and blueberries along the way. Enjoying fresh bolets and chanterreles. However, reaching the chalet requires taking the CarPostal or the cable car. As one of our daughters started having motion sickness, the cable car is the most sensible solution. My first ride with the whole family though filled with angst went just fine. I was quiet all the way up, fighting fear and anxiety. But being alone with two toddlers is a different story. I tried to be composed. "Please, sit still."     V E R Y.  CO...

Internet might offer me something, I've told myself. So I googled thank you songs. Listen to the top 25 Thank You songs, suggested. They are good to listen to but how can I show everyone my gratitude with all these songs. So I give up. Here I am now writing my heart out. Our vacation started a year ago--I planned in my head everything. From the letter to the principal to the things and places my children should and ought to do. Every minute counts so nothing should be wasted. It's not everyday that we got this chance to spend Christmas with the whole family. I have my agenda filled with everything and at last we paid our tickets. Our suitcases filled to the brim with things I thought my family would love. Excited. Anxious. I was to travel alone with two girls with the energy of two young elephants. Finally, home with family and friends. 27 days of memorable moments. 27 days of laughter. 27 days of being with the people we love. and we thank you for these moments. Shared t...