Prague Part 3 - Time to get my Goth on!

Tuesday the wake up call did not come and we woke up at 7:50 and Steve needed to be out the door at 8 so we rushed around and I helped Steve dress and get his laptop and documents together and out the door he went! After he left I 'layered on' again and headed out. One thing I love about Prague is that it is an 'early city' and their day starts early like I do....none of this 10'ish stuff you see in Paris and St. Petersburg....these people are on it! I really wanted to focus on Gothic architecture and art today. The Concierge was busy that day and I just used my own plans and took the Metro into Prague castle (found a better way a few days later) and walked the 'old castle step' which were steep and all rock and wide...it was a good workout but way too long and out of the way.....


First - I wanted to share this shot where it really shows the contrast in architecture in Prague....Baroque (Dome) on the left and Gothic (Spires) on the right. This was taken crossing the St. Charles Bridge into Old Town....



So inside the Castle walls is the most beautiful Gothic structure - St. Vitus....it is amazing. St. Vitus is the one that dominates the city skyline and is visible from far and wide.
St. Vitus is the spiritual symbol of the Czech state. Work on the cathedral was commissioned by Charles IV and began in 1344 upon the site of an earlier 10th century rotunda. In all, it took nearly six centuries to complete.
Its first builders, Matthias of Arras and later Peter Parler, built the chancel with a ring of chapels, St. Wenceslas Chapel, the Golden Portal and the lower part of the main steeple.
The final phase of construction only ended during the period 1873-1929.
As well as being the largest and most important temple in Prague, St. Vitus Cathedral also oversaw the coronations of Czech kings and queens.
In the chancel of the cathedral, in front of the high alter, is the royal mausoleum. Below this, in the crypt, there are the royal tombs. Czech kings and queens and patron saints are interred here.
St. Wenceslas Chapel is decorated with frescoes and semi-precious stones. A door in the south-western corner of the chapel leads to the Crown Chamber in which the Bohemian Coronation Jewels are stored. If you get a chance read about St. Wenceslas who was killed by his brother while heading to mass, it was a coup and the monks were in on it.


First I walked around the outside to capture the amazing structure and marveled at the thought of this being built without any industrial tools - all by hand and no computers - have we dummed ourselves down?

These pictures do not due it justice - but look at the carving in stone.....wouldn't you have loved to watch the masters work on this?

Time for some inside views - it was dark inside (perfect for Goth!) and again I had the place to myself and was able to take time to enjoy and soak it all in. Note the 'flying buttress' arches - way ahead of it's time. The incredible stained glass windows reminded me of my cousin Connie and her love and knowledge of stained glass. I wished I could have had her right beside me telling me what the images represented, I mean, I could tell it was certain things, but she knows the meaning if a lamb has one foot up, if a head is turned left, etc - all the artists nuances.....

The inside shots were so dark, so if you would like more info and professional shots - here is a good link: http://www.prague.net/st-vitus-cathedral

Stopped by to say hi to the Infant and then walked over the St. Charles Bridge and into Old Town for some more Gothic gazing.....

The beautiful 'Our Lady Before Tyn'....we are talking 12th century here....not allowed to take pictures in here - not sure why, was the only place they did not want cameras.....here is a good link that actually has pictures: http://www.prague.net/church-of-our-lady-before-the-tyn

After all that I went back into the Christmas Markets and all the outdoor vendors were cooking....today's lunch - Czech Pasta with sausage and tomatoes and cabbage.....warm and hearty! I purchased some and stood by the Astronomical Clock and watched that and shopped around a bit.

Around 2:30 I headed back to the hotel and regrouped....Steve came in and changed and headed out to a working dinner and I did room service and studied up for my Wednesday plans!

Prague - Part 2

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Steve had all day meetings so we fell into a routine whereby every night I would 'study up' on what I wanted to see the next day, Steve would leave for his meetings around 8 a.m. and then I would go to the hotel breakfast buffet (which was really nice for a hotel) and then 'layer on' to stay warm and head out on my own. I would stop by the Concierge (who was the only one at the hotel that spoke English) and talk to him about my plans and the routes I had figured out....he would comment and was really intrigued on many of the things I picked out and he would offer alternative suggestions on some of my routes. Primarily I used the Metro and Tram (the mass transit is impressive), plus A LOT of walking which I loved). Since it got dark so early there (around 4 p.m.) I would wrap up my sightseeing about 2:30 or so, head back to the hotel and take a really hot bath so I could warm up. The combination of cold weather (30-40 degrees) some rain and hours of walking on mostly cobblestone really took it's toll! Those afternoon baths were rejuvenating! Then Steve would come back around 5 and we would go to dinner or he would go to another meeting and I would stay in.

One thing I always have wanted to see is the very famous 'Infant of Prague'. I have always been fascinated with the details of him, his wardrobe, the pageantry of the parade and the history and how he has been treasured since 1556!!! Here is a really good link about him if you are not familiar:http://www.pragjesu.info/en/history_infant_jesus.htm

This picture is not one taken by mean; but shows the details....

So Monday I wanted to see the Infant and St. Nicholas Church. These two places were in the Mala Stranda area which has the most limited transportation and the Infant is at 'Our Lady of Victory' church. That is about all I knew. So when I mentioned to the Concierge I was going to take the Metro and walk he suggested I take Tram 22 and go 6 stops and I would be closer. I was up for that so I headed out to the tram station, just across the street from the hotel. I waited for a bit and no tram came so I waited a bit more and one stopped and I got on. It was like a sardine can but I did not care....I counted my stops while watching the hustle and bustle of activity on each and every stop. When we got to the 3rd stop everyone got off so I thought it was some kind of break and I just sat there. Then the conductor came out and said something loud and angry in Czech and waved his arms at me. I still sat there and a few minutes he came back and did the same so I figured he wanted me off his tram!!! So I got off and I was in the middle of nowhere - I have no freakin idea where I was, but I was not afraid or worried and it was raining a bit and cold so I just started walking towards where I thought was where I was suppose to be....after about 30 minutes I saw what looked to be a police station and a policeman talking to someone out front. I thought for sure the police would speak English and approached him and asked him and he said he did not speak any English however the guy he was talking to spoke excellent English and was very helpful to me. I told him where I was going (he had never seen the Infant) and said I was quite a ways away however told me where the next tram stop was and thought it was 4 or 5 stops from that point so I headed out that way. I made on to the tram and then counted more stops and saw a huge area that looked like a central point that I could regroup and figure out where I was going and I thought about getting off there but decided to wait one more stop and then walk back to that area. The Tram had to stop prior to the next stop as someone pushed the stop button so I decided to just get off as the walk back would be closer. So I stepped off and looked up and like Divine order this is what I was looking at:

This is the front of 'Our Lady of Victory' where the Infant is....is that not amazing that after my wrong tram, no English speaking assistance, vague directions and my lack of knowledge that the Tram doors would open and this is the sight I would see....was I not destined to this????? Later I realized I was on the wrong tram for the first ride - I was more careful after that.

So I opened the door and Mass had just started....there were only about 5 people beside me in the church and I quietly took a seat in the beautiful carved pew and enjoyed the pomp and circumstance of the Mass in Czech....

This picture does not do him justice; however when I looked around from my pew during Mass, look who was on my right looking down at me.....I think I heard angels sing!

After Mass I walked up to the Museum....3 stories up in the rotunda on old wooden steps and every step you took you were able to see beautiful pictures of the Infant and his incredible gowns.

Inside the Museum all his wardrobe are encased in glass with information on the dates they were made and who provided the funds to make them. They were made of the finest silk and golden threads....the lace was incredible. There was also a video on how the Carmelite nuns dress him and when they take their vows in front of him and also the pageantry of the parade. Wow, what a humbling experience and one that I will never forget (I went back 2 times while I was there).....anyway, from there on to my next stop to St. Nicholas Church, circa 1273. That was a walk from Our Lady but one I enjoyed and again all on cobblestone. Here is some great info on this beautiful church: http://www.prague.net/st-nicholas-church

These pictures do not due it justice and I loved the Baroque style and guild and marbles....

Since it was a Monday I had the whole church to myself for over a hour!!! A bit later a group of 5 year olds and their teacher came in. They sat in front of me and listened intently as their teacher talked to them and she would ask a question and all the children would point in the same direction and she would ask another and they would all point to another area, on and on. I have to tell you I was quite humbled in my art history being less than an average Czech 5 year old!

So beautiful......

Marble, frescoes, masterpiece artwork, what not to love???

After my visit at St. Nichols I walked over the St. Charles Bridge and back to the Christmas Markets and shopped around and looked around and then decided to have one of those good looking brats they cooked on the streets....

mmmmmm it was so good. By then it was well past 3 and I ventured back to the hotel to meet up with Steve. It was 'St Nicholas Day' for the children and we went into Old Town later in the evening and the tradition is for the young children to wear angel costumes or devil horns (kinda of like naughty or nice) and we watched the St. Nicholas performance and then stopped for dinner - Goulash for me and ribeye for Steve....we walked back to the metro station under the stars and listening to the Christmas music...so wonderfully magical. While Steve did some prep work for his next day and I planned out my Tuesday plans....I could get used to this!

Prague - Part 1

Steve had the opportunity to go to Prague for a week for business and asked me to go along! I hesitated for half a minute (after all, it is December - busy time).....and with his offer to help on other things (decorating for Christmas!) I am so glad I decided to go along for this incredible trip.
Although a working trip for Steve it was all pleasure for me and we did have time together when his schedule permitted.

I knew a little about Prague and the Czech Republic and that it was the heart of Central Europe and a beautiful and historic city. The city is spread on both sides of the beautiful Vltava River in the middle of Bohemia. It was under communist rule until a little over 20 years ago.....it is one of the few cities not destroyed in WWII.


We arrived on a Sunday a.m. with a great tailwind that got us in an hour early so we had all day Sunday together....we took a cab to the hotel which was very close to the metro and headed out....

We walked to the incredible St. Charles Bridge a 14th century stone bridge linking the two sides of Prague. This pedestrian route connecting Old Town and Lesser Town and Prague Castle. There are 75 statues on Charles Bridge and the most interesting, as well as the oldest, is that of John of Nepomuk. Many of the statues have areas where the tourists rub them for good fortune and since they are covered with years of patina the rubbed areas are smooth and shiny. A lot of artists are on the bridge - marionettes, water colors, musicians - very enjoyable.

A view from Old Town near the River.....

We walked more into Old Town and saw the famous Christmas Markets - wow - I knew I would be coming back here!



More Christmas Markets - Old Town is more Gothic architecture.....

We also stopped at the The Prague Astronomical Clock or Prague Orloj. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working. We watched on the hour as the Apostles circled through the two open windows above the dial and the gold rooster crowed sounding the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Ghost) and the trumpeter blew from the roof - very entertaining! They sell warm wine (yuk) and you can buy it anywhere in any square....it was cold - like 40 degrees.

More Gothic buildings in Old Town.....

A splash of color in Old Town......

The Christmas Market was busy!

Then we walked to the famous Wenceslas Square in New Town. This area is mostly the business and cultural communities and many historical events occurred there, and it is a traditional setting for demonstrations (we saw some), celebrations, and other public gatherings. The square is named after Saint Wenceslas of of Bohemia. It was mostly large shopping stores and I am more of a Folk Art kinda girl.

After we walked and walked we ate at a traditional restaurant (no pics) and headed back to our hotel. We got Steve all settled in for his work week and I planned for hours my next few days!

Let's Talk Turkey!

Given the past two weeks (murder trial and sinus infection) I was in dire need of some fun with my boys.....we made these turkeys that I used to make with Adam and Kristen

Their mommy also designed these shirts to wear on TG day and I made them....

I think they turned out so cute!!!

Dylan putting on his turkey 'feathers'

Brody ready to decorate his apple turkey bird

Truth be told I think Brody liked eating the decorations more than decorating....check out how many Dylan has on his feathers and how few Brody has on his bird

It was fun to laugh and have fun with these two special boys

....and how fun to have new suitcases for a TG trip!!! Happy Thanksgiving all - I am Thankful for all of you in my lives!

Murder 1 She Wrote....and with Special Circumstances

I am often amazed at how things happen in life....it is entertaining, surprising, strange and magical all at the same time.....I have a random non-documented 'Bucket List'....and it is fun to achieve things and most of them are so random they would be almost impossible to accomplish them without perfect star alignment, but it is my list non-the-less.

One item that has been on there for a long time is to serve as a juror in a murder trial. About 2 - 3 years ago I was on a panel for a gang murder trial for 3 days and then excused by the defense on the 3rd day. I have to say, I was not disappointed and kind of put my bucket list item in a 'rethinking' status.

Fast forward to 11/7/11. Steve and I had both received jury summons. In CA you go for '1 day, 1 trial'. I was not to report until 11/18 and Steve on 11/8 however, with our upcoming international travel and TG plans we decided we would both go on 11/7 and be excused. We rode together and parked downtown and walked to the courthouse. At the standard announcements they mentioned they were polling for a 3 week criminal murder trial and if you wanted to be excused, to complete a certain section, which we did. Then after a bit they called us to the jury commissioner and when he reviewed our sections only one of us could claim work financial hardship and since Steve was preparing for a huge project he claimed it. I then claimed that we had prepaid travel and he said if chosen I would be completed prior to that travel. No problem, I thought, I will not be chosen as I did not think I fit the model of a juror for a murder trial (based on my earlier experience). A few hours pass and Steve and I were dismissed for lunch and went to eat and shopped a bit which was nice and back to the jury room for the afternoon. Next call and I was to report (with 64 others) to criminal court for selection. Off I went and in the random computer poll I was in the first 12 called to the jury box. All the obvious questions and discovery and then interviewed back and forth by the prosecution and defense attorneys. I was then called back for day 2 and was lucky enough to get a ride downtown with Shannie and Adam. Day two passed with more discovery questions and interviews and finally at 4:30 p.m. they swore us in as a Jury and I was Juror #9. Opening statement were Wednesday a.m. and every day full of witnesses (almost 40) and evidence (over 160 pieces). For some of the details you can read about it here:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/nov/18/guilty-verdict-la-jolla-mans-death/

however, this small article does nothing to refer to the intensity, the roller coaster, the emotions and the composure it took for this trial. I am still digesting it all...and these are some of my thoughts:

• I am really grateful for the opportunity, however on day 3 I was really questioning myself if I had the moxy to complete the task.


• I truly accepted the fact that the suspect was 'innocent until proven guilty' and it was overwhelming to me that he was, however, I was one of 12!


• I really did not think the diversity of our jury would be able to agree on all charges, however we were unanimous on ALL charges on all counts.


• There were two *uh-oh* moments for the prosecution that could have really been a show-stoppers; however they recovered with composure and grace (taser flash door; keys)


• In the jury room I was unnerved at some of the comments and attitudes - 'let's not vote tonight - I don't want to go to work tomorrow' (UGH!); 'Let's wear our Charger jerseys when we give the verdict' (OK - I had to speak up on this one and remind them the family of the victim would be present and this is a very serious moment for them. 'Let's ask for a read back just to show we are working' (UGH! - Altho one juror did think she heard more about cash and none of the rest of us did.....and she admitted the read back would not change her vote. I am really thinking of sending an email to the DA just to share the comments and approaches....not sure yet. Maybe it is just me and I am way too serious over things.


• Felt so sorry for the family from the UK and the friend who insisted the circumstances were suspicious (they were ready to cremate him and would have lost the evidence of taser and strangulation - the accused almost went free!).....further confirmation that friends and family are the best things in life we have.


• That I am so grateful I don't work downtown and have to wear suits and high heels all day.


• The 'receiving' line after the trial where the attorneys, family and friends thanked us, tearfully, emotionally. The family gave me this button of John.




• That Murder Movies and TV shows can never compare with real life drama


• That this UK millionaire man lived simply and humbly and cared about the future of entrepreneurs in the US.


• That I think I have become and *expert* at Tasers!


• The press rushing in at the last minute, camera and crew - almost like a comedy routine.


• It was so very nice to car pool with Adam and Shannie and spend some time with them.


• I was so proud that I did not disclose any details of the trial to anyone!


• It was so cool to see the Secret Service and listen to their expertise!


• That I know this experience will change me forever for sure.

11 Grateful Things on 11-11-11

1. I am so grateful for these little boys....my grandsons and their buddy Luke....I have so much fun playing with them....this Friday- fort night, fire pit, marsh mellows, popcorn and movies

2. I am grateful for little life lessons where play also teachs teamwork and keeps little boys playing in the fresh air

3. I am grateful for this precious, precousis, particular and perfect little boy.....

4. I am grateful for this loving, beautiful, unique, athletic and brilliant perfect little boy

5. I am grateful for my dad, a true Veteran on this Veteran's Day and miss him so very much.

6. I am grateful that being in a downtown courtroom is a rare occurrence for me and that jury duty teaches me to be grateful and thankful.

7. I am grateful that my husband loves to stay home on Friday night with our grandsons and have family fun.

8. I am grateful my son and daughter in law are caring and loving people and are most considerate.

9. I am grateful my daughter and son in law strive to be the very best parents they can be and know the importance of family.

10. I am grateful for my friends and the time I get to spend with them.

11. I am grateful for my problems and challenges and stresses to teach me what I need to learn.

Happy Fall Y'all

I have ALWAYS decorated and love Fall and Thanksgiving the MOST...the colors of amber, dark and light green, golds, browns and of course my favorite *bittersweet*....when the kids were little they would help (anyone surprised to know that I still have the kids kindergarten holiday papers?) and as they grew up and started dating they would tease me with statements....when Shannon commented on my decorating Adam said 'you should see her Cesar Chavez and MLK decorations!'.....once when Brian brought Kristen home from a date he said 'It was Halloween when we left for the movie and now it is Thanksgiving'....funny memories that make me smile....so now besides decorating for all of us....it is also for my 2 beautiful Grandsons:


So in their Toy Room they have this Fisher Price Thanksgiving Set waiting to entertain them....

I changed out the garden window shelf and added their precious Turkey hand prints and a few of our pumpkins we grew and an apothecary jar I found thrifting filled with amber jewels.....

In the living room I put my Turkey Vintage S&P shakers and some pilgrims and Indians (er-Native Americans)

In the entry way I put those 'Friend or Foe' Pilgrims, a rag garland I made and a cranberry glass nesting turkey I found in Savannah.....

The fall table scape looks about the same as except I added some turkey pieces....

The mantle is full of my larger turkeys I collect, many Pilgrims and Indians and some other small turkeys (mostly 1/2 of a S&P that I find thrifting) on some fall greenery and with my rag garland with yummy fall colors....my bittersweet is hung on the fireplace screen

I love fall and it grounds me to feel thankful, grateful and hopeful. Yes, the audit continues, Yes work is still crazy, Yes stress is still omnipresent but I am choosing to soak in the colors and the feelings that Fall brings me....hope you are feeling good things too!