The exquisite beauty of the Irish landscape
Posted by msterilinn on Oct 6, 2008
What I find most interesting on this planet is the natural scenery. For some reason I am fascinated with the beauty I find all around me in nature. Perhaps this is why I find it so distressing to see such wanton disrespect for the natural world. When I travel through the forest and river paths I am filled with such wonder and a certain exhilaration. To think of the scope of brilliance and imagination that went into creating this earth is absolutely amazing. The science in nature is abundantly brilliant! I just wish to capture each breathtaking scene to the smallest detail. First with my eyes and my senses, then with my camera to share with others, and to remind myself at a later time of my finest moments traveling along the Earthly paths.
One of my dreams is to visit the homelands of my ancestors… Ireland. I want to visit the green Isle and really see it from the locals point of view. Tourists may visit key attractions, but I am an explorer by heart, and wish to adventure ‘off the beaten path’, so to speak. I believe I would have to actually live there for a few years to see for myself what wonders the lands hold in store for me, and to even come close to satisfying my curiosity. Ireland is a land full of mystery, as well as a rich culture and history. I know for certain that I will attain my dream of visiting the mysterious places of my ancestors in this lifetime, and I am very excited to hold this dream close to my heart.
For now, I will indulge in viewing the stunning countryside through the eyes of a friend, and brilliant photographer, Jordan Clemments. The images in this post are courtesy of Jordan from his website at Irishviews.com.
Truly a Halloween Adventure to Remember
Posted by msterilinn on Sep 17, 2008
For some reason people just love to dress up and make believe they are someone or something else. Although the origins of All Hallows Eve have a deep spiritual connection which continues strongly to this day, people just love to dress up in fantastic and imaginative costumes, either home made, or created by masters. This is all in the spirit of having fun, and possibly attempting to blend in with those who have crossed to the other side. Because we all know this is when the veil between the realms of the living and the deceased lifts, to allow our loved ones to visit the the earthly realm.
So, as the hallowed time approaches we fire up our imaginations to create fantastic costumes to suit our tastes. If we cannot come up with great home made ideas, as I love to do, then we must seek the best halloween costume stores with unique, totally cool, and realistic outfits. Personally, I prefer to be a little different, and one of my favourite memories was the year my little S dressed up as a hobo and hit the streets in search of treats and goodies. People must have felt quite sorry for the little urchin, as she collected more candy and such than any other year, and folks commented upon her sad demeanor. I was a wicked witch with a cackling laugh, so we most certainly left an impression of darkness and despair along our trail. It was such a grand adventure, and one we shall always remember fondly. Of course there was the year my dear S was a Gypsy… that was great fun, and a story for another day!
Perhaps others have not the time or resources to create their own fantastic costume, and would like to spice up their own Halloween adventure with a custume created by true Masters of Masquerade. Any time is a great time to dress up and enact our most desired fantasies, especially this time of year, as parties and masquerades rule the festive season. Truly, can we really know if this is the real world or the virtual one?
Psssst… This is a copy of a post I created over at my other blog This Virtual World, and I just wanted to share!
Venturing into the Spiderwick Chronicles
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 17, 2008
Today I just have to give a glimpse into a personal adventure, in which is shared by my daughter and myself. We just so happened to read the Spiderwick Chronicles together a little over a year ago. At the time, we had just discovered a new trail by the Clackamas river, and we took turns reading out loud after finding an absolutely lovely tree filled and flower strewn spot perfect for such adventurous imaginings. We both absolutely love tales involving the world of Faerie, and this particular tale fit perfectly into our adventurous natures.
The reason I mention this today, is that we celebrated my little Stars birthday with our annual tradition of hitting the movie theatre, with a glimpse into the Spiderwick Chronicles. And we were not disappointed! From the ancient and mysterious old house, to the resident house Brownie named Thimbletack (who, incidentally, turns into a nasty old Boggart when upset, so beware of misusing this little creature), this fun little movie draws one right into the intrigue and mysteries of the invisible world of Faerie. We were especially impressed with the giant Ogre named Mulgrath who, by the way, experiences quite a fitting ending.
Alas, this enchanting story shall always hold a special place in the hearts of both my daughter and myself, and we highly recommend it to those adventurous souls who love the world of Faerie as much as we do. With Goblins, Trolls, Elves, Sylphs, Fairies, and even an unlikely ally in the form of a flying Gryphon, and so much more. I have no wish to give away any secrets, so I will just leave it up to any visitors to enter the mysterious realms of the Spiderwick Chronicles at your own risk.
Enjoy!
The Lion and the Rose.. the “Jewel of Montford”
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 13, 2008
Ever since my daughter and I stated our intentions to travel, as she is older now, we have had so many great choices presented to us. We are quite adventurous, and both enjoy a bit of old fashioned atmoshpere to balance out our natures. So when we journey forth, we shall seek that which fascinates us in modern convenience, along with a bit of Old World style. There is just so much to be said about the quaint charm of a true Bed and Breakfast such as I have found in The Lion & The Rose.
The enchanting gardens, and luxurious interior of this lovely and romantic Asheville Inn would truly make a wonderful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. There are five elegant and delightful rooms to choose from, and the gourmet breakfast is anything but standard, being the pride of resident inkeeper and chef, Jim Palmer. Jim and his wife Linda (and Harvey and Cedric) have created a beautiful atmoshpere sure to bring pleasure to our treasured time away from home.
And where might this delightfully sweet little Inn know as the The Lion & The Rose be found, one might ask? A place where we have friends that would love a visit from us, and that would be Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville is surrounded by the natural beauty of the oldest & most lush mountain range in the world. But natural beauty is just part of its charm. The city itself, often referred to as “the Paris of the South”, is packed with art, crafts, antique shops, music, entertainment, varied & unique architecture, and many excellent independently owned restaurants. The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast is four blocks from downtown Asheville and just three miles from the Biltmore Estate.
Well then, I would be most happy to relate the wonderful details after a visit in person to this most enchanting little beauty known as the “Jewel of Montford”.
Enjoy an Exhilarating White Water Adventure!
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 1, 2008
We have had some totally awesome spring-like days this week here in Oregon. Just enough of a taste to trigger our unlimited sense of Adventure, which has started us planning our Spring and Summer fun. Although we seek Adventure all year long right here in our own back yard, as our fun loving natures demand, there is nothing like the thrills Nature provides during the hot season in totally new places. So… what comes to mind when we think about hitting the river for more than just our favourite past time of trekking through the forest and swimming in Earths natural swimming pools? White water rafting of course! Now, this is a thrilling Adventure not to be denied.
Where does one go to book an exciting trip that is safe and fun for all members of the family from 5 on up? Lehigh rafting through Whitewater Challengers brings us whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River in the Poconos of northeastern Pennsylvania… this is rafting just the way you want it, with rafting trips ranging from easy to exhilarating. A visit to Whitewater Challengers means real fun, real rapids, and real adventure! Come rafting for the whitewater… or come for the scenery. Either way, the Lehigh River is the perfect close-to-home whitewater adventure that feels a world away!
Make this year’s whitewater get-away an eco-friendly vacation adventure! Lehigh rafting at Whitewater Challengers offers the following…
~ New dam releases - Spring, Summer and Fall - Lehigh River rafting at its very best!
~ The very best whitewater in the tri-state area!
~ Five whitewater rafting trips that are perfect for all ages … easy to exhilarating!
~ Spectacular river gorge scenery that’ll make you feel like you’re out west!
~ The best values anywhere — free trips, free camping, free gifts, free shopping spree!
~ Special discounts, hot deals and Raft & Stay packages!
~ The closest whitewater rafting to most of the mid-Atlantic region!
~ The best bus shuttles … no long hike-in / hike-out!
~ The most complete rafting and camping facilities at the Lehigh River!
~ The most environmentally friendly eco-vacation ever!
We are definately looking forward to some awesome Adventures as Life takes us, and a thrilling ride through Nature, with all the wonderful views uniquely accessed only through the eyes of those riverbound thrillseekers, is sure to leave us breathless and exhilarated! We will be looking further into Whitewater Challengers and their Lehigh River rafting trips, then we will be sharing our Adventures!
Enjoy!
A delightful Mediterranean Villa anyone?
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 26, 2008
Anyone who truly knows me can attest to how my eyes light up at the mere mention of traveling through the Mediterranean, exploring to my hearts content. Just imagine my joy at the thought of actually living there for a time, absorbing the culture and growing in spirit in oh so many ways! What adventures I could dream up.
I just spent a glorious hour or so dreaming of owning a sweet Villa along the coast of Spain. Searching through the spanish property for sale or rent in spain, depending upon ones desires, certainly served to bring about an irrestable desire within myself to travel to these exotic places in the Mediterranean. Whatever your Dream… simply to travel to an exotic destination on vacation, or a move for whatever reason, perhaps you too would enjoy searching to your hearts content. And perhaps you too shall simply fall in love with one of these sweet Spanish Villas which are loaded with charm and exquisite character.
I wish to share a site I discovered which has a really cool design and the search is smooth. I fouund more than 7000 properties for sale and rent in Spain, France, Italy and Cyprus. A feature I found to be quite unique is the web site is in 7 languages. English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian and Danish. All 7000 properties are 100% translated.
Not even the UN web site is translated 100% in all their languages. All pages at medhead.com can at any time be translated 100% to any 6 other languages. All properties are added once (by a private individual or an agent) and instantly translated into the other languages - this is 100% unique and not possible on any other web site. THIS IS NOT A MACHINE TRANSLATION! It is done by professional translators and all information is field based (you do not type in anything when you add a property - you only select fields that have all been translated).
I am definately looking forward to many exciting journeys in further exploration of our beautiful, sacred and bountiful Earth. Enjoy!
Simple pleasures.. cruisin’ along the beach
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 23, 2008
This simply has to be one of my most favourite past times… lots of sunshine, a fresh breeze, good company and a beach cruiser bike! Just imagine how wonderful and comfortable it would be to take a leisurely ride along the beach on one of these sweet bikes.
Well, if you are looking to add a cruiser to your bike collection, you may wish to consider a place I found recently. CruiserStyle.com seems fairly new, yet I am seeing that they are adding some quality cruisers as they grow. Although I haven’t bought a bike from them myself, as of yet, I thought the 26″ Shimano 7-Speed Deluxe Beach Cruiser for Ladies looks like a mellow ride. I could definately see myself comfortably cruising along the beach to my hearts content on one of these babies!
Now, these cruisers are not for the speed demons looking for a thrill whilst out biking. Although some days I am out for speed and distance, sometimes my sense of adventure calls for a beach cruiser bike so I can just kick back and enjoy the scenery and daydream, while perhaps looking forward to a romantic picnic on the beach, or possibly exploring new places. It just depends upon my mood. As each day unfolds, I feel like a new person as I live and grow. So… some days I just feel like cruisin’.
Enjoy!
An Elegant Andalucian Country Mansion in Spain
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 13, 2008
It is my Dream to travel around this beautiful planet to see and experience all of Mother Earths wonders. At the very top of my list of exotic getaways is Spain! To visit the historical sites and explore the Spanish hinterlands would please me in no small measure.
I have discovered, to my heartfelt delight, a large villa in spain, an exclusive Mansion of Andalucian architecture dating back to 1492, a jewel set deep in the heart of the Spanish hinterland between the coast (1/2 hour’s drive) and Granada (1 hour’s drive). The Palaceté de Cázulas is the perfect place for small groups to get away from it all and relax in a peaceful and exclusive environment. Painstakingly restored into an outstanding country residence easily able to accomodate up to 24 guests. (The average group size is usually about 12 to 16 persons.)
It can be an exclusive venue for that special wedding in the private chapel, with a reception al fresco afterwards in the Moorish gardens. This lovely property is absolutely ideal for the larger family holiday with friends, as well. Just imagine this tropical setting for your special interest groups, such as artists and yoga clubs, or film schools, etc. It would also be a wonderful location for small business conferences and workshops.
If you are seeking a private getaway for you and your guests, the Palaceté de Cázulas is ideally located at the end of a scenic Tropical Valley. The Mansion is set in a private, quiet and peaceful setting totally away from the hustle and bustle of the coast and nearest towns.
The house has been elegantly and thoughtfully renovated so as to preserve its unique atmosphere and outstanding historical features, including some of the original furniture. Spacious entrance hall with 300 year old Sevilian wall tiles. Downstairs cloakroom, magnificent main drawing room with centre column, vaulted ceiling and original stone fireplace, library with telephone, fax and Wi-Fi internet connection available, day room/tv room with satellite TV, DVD system and VHS, timber panelled dining room with seating for up to 24 persons. Spacious country style kitchen with twin ovens, fridges, freezers, industrial dishwasher, walk in crockery cupboard, laundry, museum/ games room with pool table, ground floor bedroom (No. 10) with twin beds and ensuite shower room, inner patio.
The property features 12 individual bedrooms and each has their own private bathroom. After browsing through the images of this exclusive Villa, I find myself venturing back in time to a place of timeless elegance and exquisite beauty. This mansion has truly been restored with love and attention to detail. I would love to take my family and friends to such a lovely place as the Palaceté de Cázulas.
Enjoying the Beauty in Nature at Blueberry Lake
Posted by msterilinn on Jan 25, 2008
Thinking about taking a Vacation? I know I am! After the hectic Holiday Season, I am truly in the mood to travel to a place that will take me away from all the hustle and bustle of city life. My Love for Nature will naturally send me looking for a place that is comfortable, yet will leave me totally surrounded by the wonders and Beauty only Mother Nature can provide. I long to visit Canada, so if you are like me, take a look at what I have found…
25 minutes north of Mont Tremblant resort in Quebec, tucked away in one of nature’s most beautiful landscapes, scenic Blueberry Lake awaits you. A true country experience in a well-appointed Quebec-style log home, with first class client services. More than just an escape to nature, Blueberry Lake provides guests with accommodation in luxury log chalets, first-class service and all modern amenities, such as high-speed Internet and 42″ plasma screen TVs. In addition to the onsite fine-dining restaurant, gourmet chefs can be scheduled to prepare fine cuisine for guests in the comfort of their own chalet. Professional therapists provide massages both at the lakeside spa and in the chalets.
Nearby national parks, ski resorts and golf courses offer the perfect opportunity for guests who want to get out and explore the Mont Tremblant region in Quebec. Visitors who prefer not to stray too far from their luxury log cabin can take advantage of all the on-site activities. A game of tennis, canoeing, ice-skating or hiking on our private trails are just a few of the options available.
Whether your stay is short or long, the sense of peace that overtakes you from the moment you arrive will delight you, ensuring that from now on, this will be your first choice for summer or winter vacations. The charms of each season complemented by a wide choice of activities make Blueberry Lake the ideal place to spend wonderful times with family, friends or groups, or to inspire excellent results from corporate events and meetings.
Well then, what are we waiting for? A Tremblant cottage rental awaits us adventurous souls!
