Weight of Lies

The Avett Brothers - Weight of Lies Pin It

London Experience: Synchronized Diving

The first event I got to go to in London was the 3m Women's Synchronized Diving Final. I've never seen diving live, so I was excited to give it a go. The very first thing I noticed was the spirit and enthusiasm of the British fans - they were out in droves to support their team.

A few of shots of these talented women in action. I can barely dive without belly flopping, so I can barely image the countless hours these athletes must have spent at the pool.

To make the day even better I got to spend some time with 3 friends who were working the Games - one visit was planned the other two I just happened to find while wandering through the park after the diving. Proof the world may be big, but also very small.

Have you listened to Milo Greene's 1957 yet? You should, it is amazing. Pin It

London Experience: The Park

Being in London for the Games was such a fantastic experience. I've been a part of this world for more than a dozen years, and there are times when, in the drudge of daily work, I forget how powerful it is to be a part of an event that captures the world's attention in such a positive way. Think about it - when the world comes together and focuses on one thing, that thing is usually negative: a terrorist attack, a natural disaster, etc. It is rare that we all come together for something positive and uplifting, but the Games can do it. We suddenly have something we share and we find ourselves inspired by the amazing dedication and spirit of the athletes.

The Park in the Stratford area of London was the heart of the Games. I only got to visit a couple of times, but I was blown away by not just the venues, but by all the people and the warmth and friendliness everywhere you went.

Some photos of the crowd at the Park - a great cross section of people everywhere I went.

Both of the events I went to in the Park were at the Aquatics Center, it was such a cool shape, and, lucky for my feet, very close to the entrance to the park and near the main stadium (and home of the cauldron, which sadly I never got to see!)

A few more photos of the Park venues.

For some reason, photos of crowds makes me want to listen to electronica, so here is a little David Guetta and Sia: Titanium  Pin It

Live Your Life

Yuna - Live Your Life Pin It

Istanbul: Eyup Cemetery

After leaving the cafe we walked down through a cemetery built on the hill. It was lush and peaceful - and peace is sometimes hard to find in a city as big and busy as Istanbul.

Some of the plots and monuments were incredibly old. We learned that during a certain period, the design at the top of the monument indicated the career or background of the person who was buried.

I was touched by the site of this man carrying water up to water the plants on the plot he was maintaining. I couldn't help but think of the love it takes to keep the plant life on the plots thriving in the hot Istanbul summers.

We eventually made our way to the base of the hill where the mosque was located. 

As I wrote this post I was listening to Jason Lytle's "Somewhere There's a Someone" and I couldn't help but think of the many carrying the water up the hill. Pin It

Istanbul: Pierre Loti Cafe

One lazy Saturday I made my way to the top of Eyup, a neighborhood in Istanbul, to the famous Pierre Loti Cafe. It was the perfect place to snap a few photos and enjoy a bit of fresh air.

I dream of having a kitchen with tile work like this in it someday. Isn't it amazing?

The perfect setting to spend a few hours visiting with friends or reading a book. The best part was, of course, the people watching. This cafe didn't seem to be a big tourist hang-out which is a big plus in my book (even if I am essentially a tourist!)

The very best part was the view of the Golden Horn - amazing!

The hours spent here were so relaxing - a bit like this Crooked Fingers song "Heavy Hours."

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Head Full of Doubt

The Avett Brothers - Head Full of Doubt Pin It

Zion National Park: Down the Path

We didn't have a ton of time to go hiking during this visit to Zion, so we just took a few of the shorter, easier trails, but even that much was amazing and made me more and more eager to spend more time in Southern Utah so I can make hiking in Zion a more regular part of my life.

My dad, taking the lead.

It was early spring when we visited and so all the paths were on the muddy side.

This set of trails leads to the end of the narrows, making it more of the more popular.

I set off down the main trail, hoping to get somewhat close to the narrows, but it was still early enough in the season that the trail was closed - just a reason to get back again soon.

I think this Colin Devlin song is so moody and rich: What Good is Love.


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Zion National Park: Nature's Art

Zion's National Park must be one of the world's most photographed places, I know I couldn't stop snapping while I was there. From the majestic cliffs to the individual layers and swirls you could see in the rocks when you got up close, every bit of is was fascinating.

Visiting Zion's always makes me wish I'd paid more attention in my science classes so I would better understand how the canyons and layers were formed and worn down over the years.

Have you fallen in love with Of Monsters and Men yet? I have, here's their Mountain Sound. What do you think?

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Freckles

Natasha Bedingfield - Freckles
This lyric is in honor of my niece - who turns five this weekend. She loves her freckles and we love her. Pin It