365 Breathtaking Moments

2012-01-23T17:42:00.001-08:00

There's something so exceptionally special about New Year's Eve. It is the time to be thankful for all the wonderful moments of the past year and it is a time to renew our hopes and dreams as we look forward to another year of blessed life.

As we get older we learn to value so much more than physical beauty.

Remember ..."life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!" author unkown to me.

Happy New Year to You all Enjoy your Ride!

What will you Give?

2011-12-02T04:35:00.000-08:00

The month of December is a commercial fest as people scramble to buy the perfect gifts and attend the best parties.
But, it should really be a time to stop and reflect on our lives and enjoy the company of family and good friends.
Be grateful for all your blessings. I know I am.
I'm grateful to the man who walks next to me no matter what. Everyday I whisper a prayer of thanks for my three beautiful children, my parents, siblings and my blessed girlfriends who keep me laughing.

Walk with your Eyes to the Sky

2011-11-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

Most children walk with their eyes to the ground.

Why?

They are focused on the small devices that they hold in their hands. Those electronic gizmos that have pulled them away from the parks, games of tag, community events and into their homes where they are held prisoners by technology.

Do they notice the sun burst across the horizon? Do they notice the array of colors in autumn or see the flock of Geese as they fly in a perfect V across the sky?

We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls. Mother Teresa

Where else can we feel a connection to something greater than ourselves?

2011-10-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.”

Crawford

Bitter Sweet Memories

2011-10-05T14:43:00.001-07:00

The cobble stone streets are quiet. The inhabitants of these homes are long gone, most of them buried in a small cemetery that sits on the main street leading into the town. When we were children this quaint village bustled with life. Farmers tended their flocks, the olive groves flourished, the fields were filled with sweet tomatoes, figs and so much more.

But time has no friends. It takes those we love, it replaces one life with another. But it can never take our memories; those sweet stories that fill our hearts with the warmth of yesterday.

As I meandered down the street with my daughter, mother, sister and nieces, I could hear the voices of days gone by and the tinging of my grandfather's tools as he fashioned a new pair of shoes for a fellow villager.

2011-09-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a cenote that we stopped at on our way to Chitzen Itza It was unbelievable to look down into the sink hole and see people splashing in the water. The story goes that long ago this sink hole was used in a sacrificial ceremony. A virgin was given a heady drink, her body laden with heavy jewels, she was thrown into the sink hole. Of course drunk and weighed down by her ornaments she didn't stand a chance for survival. Her death brought rich crops and good health to her village. Breathtaking sight!

2011-09-24T04:41:00.000-07:00

There are certain times in your life where your gaze falls upon something so indescribable that you know for certain that it is touched by the hand of God. The drive up the mountain ridge known of the Grand Sasso in Abruzzi is spectacular. The summit cannot be reached by car but Campo Imperatore offers a perfect spot to park your vehicle and from there you can take in the view. The warmth that you felt at the base of the mountains won't help stave off the cold up top; you need a warm coat.

The simplicity of life is marked by the timeless transhumant Sheppards who, as in days gone by, tend their flocks as they graze on the grass.

My daughter was more than happy to pose for these photos!

2011-09-20T14:10:00.001-07:00

Blessings

Momma what is a blessing?

A blessing is the feel of a newborn baby’s skin.

A blessing is the sunshine and the soft rain that touches the flowers and makes them bloom.

It is the song of the birds, the flight of the eagle and the roar of the tiger.

A blessing is the tallest mountain and smallest hill.

It is the day and the night, the stars and the moon.

A blessing is the first snowfall of winter and the rustling of the trees in the spring.

It is the beautiful colors of the sunset

A blessing is a word of kindness when someone is sad.

It is a tear drop and a gentle embrace.

A blessing is friendship.

It is the family that surrounds us and the people who love us.

It is the music we hear and the songs we sing.

A blessing is the dance you dance.

It is the food we eat, the water we drink and the clothes we wear.

It is a home.

It is the hand that feeds the poor, heals the sick and cares for the elderly.

It is the comfort offered in our darkest moment.

It is the courage of a soldier who goes to war.

A blessing is the mother who wipes your tears and tucks you in at night.

It is the sweet sound of laughter.

A blessing is you!

Tiziana Ciccone Copyright 2011

2011-09-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

Who were these children? What were their dreams and aspirations? Were their lives filled with happiness, love of family, and good health? No one will ever know. Time passes, memories fade and we are forgotten. But for a brief moment in time, we matter. We create our own history and leave a small impression in the lives we touch. And that is enough!

2011-09-06T11:19:00.001-07:00

Outside the Posta Hotel in Reggio Emilia, Italy sits a Piazza.The trickling water from the fountain lures you promising a refreshing drink. The splashing droplets of water sparkle in the sunlight. Surely a small sip will quench your summer thirst but you can't get near the fountain because it is home to flocks of pigeons who are busy feasting and bathing in the cool water. At the foot of the fountain is this little boy who finds pleasure in scooping bird seed off the ground. He tosses them at the pigeons and squeels in delight as they gather around to collect their fare.

And you wonder, "Why do children need toys?"

Days Gone By!

2011-09-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

The shoreline of Barcelona is lined with small villages, many of them are home to castles, keeps, quaint churches and small shops.

For a small fare you can ride a water shuttle that stops at the villages where you can enjoy lunch or light refreshments.

As you meander through the streets and into the castles, you can hear the sounds of days gone by. You can't help but wonder who the people were that once filled these spaces.

For the most part there are no plaques to mark their stories so you are left to rely on your imagination. Occassionally you might find a statue or a land mark that tells a tale of bravery, love or stife.

2010-10-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

"Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation."

www.papyrusonline.com

The Moment A Child Makes A New Discovery

2010-10-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

If only every moment was a wonderful as this one, when the simplest of things continue to excite us!

A Baby's Kick

2010-10-21T04:18:00.000-07:00

Sitting in the doctor's office, your baby gives you a great big kick announcing, "I'm in here!"

Simply Breathtaking!

The Power of One a Hug

2010-10-12T06:16:00.002-07:00

Do you believe that one hug can move a city?

Watch this video-It's breathtaking!

Just copy and paste the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=hN8CKwdosjE

The Colosseum

2010-10-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

The roar of the crowd has subsided and the gladiators are long gone; buried and forgotten.

But when you walk into the Colosseum you can still feel the pulse of the games and if you let your imagination run free you can still hear the clash of the swords as the gladiators fight for their lives!

Celebrating 50 years of Marriage

2010-09-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

How many people are fortunate enough to share a lifetime with one person?

My parents are blessed in this way.

This photograph honours their journey; the struggles, hopes, the caring and nurturing; it marks the trials and tribulations they encountered when they left their families behind and moved to a new country in hopes of starting a richer life to raise a family of their own.

And what fine life they have shared!

The "Bestest" of Friends

2010-09-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

The first friendship is the bestest!

We make no demands,

and give unconditionally.

We share our tears,

forget our sorrows.

We laugh and play.

We dress up and tell

silly secrets.

We expect nothing.

We embrace the joys of life together

and are filled with the promise of tomorrow!

Simply Delicious!

2010-09-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that the presentation of food is an art.

Sitting in a street side restaurant in Rome, on a balmy August night, this plate arrives at our table.

Bocconcino cheese, olives, salami, prosciutto, artichokes and crusty bread drizzled with peppers.

Simply breathtaking!

2010-09-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

In the seaport of Sicily the old and new blend together in a seamless line. A lone fisherman stands on the rocks surrounding his hut. He places the bait on his hook. Cruise liners, sail boats, motor boats and roadside traffic buzz by. He is unaffected by the din. I snap the photograph of him practicing one of man's oldest means of hunting and gathering.

Breathtaking!

A Child's Eyes see All the Wonders of God's Beauty. Why do People tell them It's Not so...

2010-09-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

FLOWERS ARE RED
by Harry Chapin

The little boy went to his first day of school
He got some crayons and started to draw
He put colors all over the paper
For colors was what he saw
And the teacher said...What you doin', young man
"I'm paintin' flowers," he said.
She said, "It's not the time for art young man
And anyway flowers are green and red
There's time for everything young man
And a way it should be done
You've got to show concern for everyone else
For you're not the only one"

And she said........
Flowers are red young man
And green leaves are green
There's no need to see flowers any other way
Than the way the always have been seen

But the little boy said......
There are so many colors in the rainbow
So many colors in the mornin' sun
So many colors in a flower and I see every one

Well the teacher said...You're sassy
There's ways that things should be
And you'll paint flowers the way they are
So repeat after me...

And she said....
Flowers are red young man
And green leaves are green
There's no need to see flowers any other way
Than the way they always have been seen

But the little boy said....
There are so many colors in the rainbow
So many colors in a flower
And I see every one

The teacher put him in a corner
She said....It's for your own good
And you won't come out 'till you get it right
And all responding like you should
Well finally he lonely
Frightened thoughts filled his bead
And he went up to the teacher
And this is what he said...and he said

Flowers are red, green leaves are green
There's no need to see flowers any other way
Than the way they always have been seen

Time went by like it always does
And they moved to another town
And the little boy went to another school
And this is what he found
The teacher there was smilin'
She said...Painting should be fun
and there are so many colors in a flower
So let's use every one
But that little boy painted flowers
In neat rows of green and red
And when the teacher asked him why
This is what he said,..and he said

Flowers are red, green leaves are green
There's no need to see flowers any other way
Than the way they always have been seen

Celebrate

2010-09-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Breaking the all time scoring record for St. Michael's Buzzers.

Simply breathtaking.

The Perfection of Nature

2010-09-03T05:58:00.000-07:00

It is no wonder that artists turn to the natural world for inspiration.

Yet can any single human being ever replicate the wonders of God's paint brush?

She Scores

2010-09-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

It's the semi final game of the season and the two teams have been locked in a ping pong game of goals.

It's the last two minutes and they're tied. You hold your breath as your daughter stabs the ring.

Two defense men and one forward swarm her.

She weaves around them, her movements purposeful. The crowd is on its feet.

She raises her stick as she drops to the ice.She flicks the ring with two seconds remaining on the clock.

She scores!

Solitude

2010-09-01T05:04:00.001-07:00

High in the mountains of Toulon France sits a medieval village that dates back over 1000 years. Today its meandering streets are lined with specialty shops and quaint restaurants.

As you walk around you can hear the faint voices of the past; the mothers calling to their children; the rumbling of the horse drawn carts, and the tolling of the church bell.

The church is nestled on the highest point of the village. The beauty of this holy place lies in its simplicity. The stone alter that sits at the front of the church is not adorned with gold. A few statues are strewn in one corner and a single portrait rests on a wall. If you listen you can hear the fervent prayers of the past.

Breathtaking!

The Finest Wine is Friendship

2010-08-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

Some of us search a life time for special friends; the ones who love us when we are at our worst, who makes us smile when we are downtrodden, who sustain us with their wisdom and kindness.

Their greatest gift to us is the gift of laughter; that uncanny ability they have to make every moment funny -even when other don't see the humour they do!

And like a fine wine, as the years go by and the wrinkles set in, they become more unique and precious to you.

They are truly breathtaking!

The Heart of a Mother

2010-08-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

From the moment you are born you know the warmth of your mother's love; she gives you comfort, feeds you, wipes your tears.

She supports you as you take your first steps, say your first words and have your first temper tantrum.

On your first day of school she walks you to you classroom and leaves you, holding back tears until she is out of sight.

You become a teenager; learn to drive a car, go out with your friends, stay out past curfew. You tell her to stop being overprotective you when she warns you about drugs, drinking and driving and a world gone mad.

Then one day you get married and have a child of your own and in that exquisite moment; when you look at your baby's face for the first time, you think of her and all the love she felt for you fills your heart and you finally understand the heart of a mother.

Tortola-The Baths -Virgin Gorda

2010-08-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

This small beach is definitely one of nature's many wonders.

A 45 minute jet boat ride from Tortola, across Sir Francis Drake Channel, you will find Virgin Gorda-home of The Bathes.

This beautiful beach can be reached either through a densely foliated trail or through a series of caves.

Which ever way you choose to go, it's well worth the trek.

This is perhaps one of the most breathtaking stretches of beach you will ever see!

He'll Never Let You Down

2010-08-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

High school comes to an end and you say goodbye to childhood friends as they go off to distant universities.

Nothing lasts forever.

You are overwhelmed with feelings of uncertainty and loneliness and then when you least expect it a new friend enters you life; soft, snugly and absolutely adorable.

Simply breathtaking!

Memories

2010-08-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

Where would we be without our treasured photographs?

Photos capture our happiest memories and immortalize them for all time. They carry us from one joyful moment to the next; leaving out all the hardships that fall in between. They move us, make us laugh and stir our senses.

Weeks before your 5oth birthday you rummage through an old tattered album and come across a photo of yourself as a child.

Breathtaking!

A Fountain

2010-08-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

I made my way through the lively crowd and street side musicians gathered in Campo dei Fiori in Rome.

As I left the hubbub I noticed an unassuming fountain sitting on the outskirts of the piazza; no one paid any attention to it.

I stopped and walked toward it. My sandals were quickly sprayed by water droplets. I looked at the date at the top of the fountain, 1872 and I asked a passing citizen, "Is that the year it was made?"

"Yes, it never stops. Many fountains in Rome have been spraying for hundreds of years." he smiled proudly.

Breathtaking!

2010-08-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

It's 104 degrees on the Island of Crete.

You climb the hill to reach Poseidon's Temple. The is no breeze, no shade, no reprieve from the pounding sun.

A quaint restaurant sits at the bottom of the Temple offering refreshments to weary travellers.

You order a cold Fanta on Ice.

You take a huge gulp and feel instant relief remembering why you like winter.

Breathtaking!!!

Sunrise on the Aegean Sea

2010-08-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

The cruise ship sails from Turkey to Greece across the Aegean Sea breaking through the water. It leaves small ripples behind, the only tell tale sign that it was even there.

The gentle motions of the ship lolls the passengeres to sleep.

The next morning at 5:57 a.m. you draw the curtains of your cabin balcony and are greeted by the most amazing sunrise.

Breathtaking!

The Simplest of Things

2010-08-22T04:57:00.000-07:00

A child finds joy in the simplest of things.

I watch as she claps her hands together sending a spray of whipped cream into the air.

The tiny specks float around her eventually coming to rest on her face and hair.

She is not concerned although she wiggles her nose acknowledging the presence.

Her attention is focused on her hands as she squeezes. She squints her eyes and smiles.

A single thought enters my mind "Childhood is wonderful."

I Will Hold Your Hand

2010-08-21T04:02:00.000-07:00

On a warm summer morning, in the quite hour before the sun broke through the sky 5000 women and men tied their laces and tugged firmly on their heartstrings.

They bowed their heads in silent prayer, each to his or her own purpose.

As I looked around me at the never ending sea of people I believed humanity could move mountains.

The music played as we pushed through the gates of the CNE grounds. The 5000 strong began their 50 k walk to end breast cancer, crying in one voice, "We can do it."

The Stain Glassed WIndow of the Vatican

2010-08-20T04:30:00.000-07:00

In the turmoils of life filled with the constant need to be doing and moving, I found a few moments of divine silence.

The Vatican in Rome is perhaps the greatest tribute to the greatness of what human beings can create. Walking through the threshold of the central doors my eyes were blessed with breathtaking visions of sculptures and paintings.

Turning to the immediate right my gaze fell upon Michelangelo's Pieta; the sculpture of Mother Mary holding Jesus in her arms after his Crucifixion. Centuries after his death Michelangelo's statue moves the people around it to tears. His words resonate in the space surrounding his masterpiece, "I am a poor man and of little worth, who is laboring in that art that God has given me in order to extend my life as long as possible."

With all this beauty one single stain glassed window at the front of the church, aligned directly with the central doors beckoned me. As I walked toward it I saw rays of sunlight pouring through illuminating the sculpture at its base. A dove, the universal symbol of all that is pure, innocent and good gleamed in the centre. It's message was clear, "Have faith!"