I Madonnari Street Painting Festival in Santa Barbara

On Memorial Day weekend, Suddenly Seven (a/k/a my daughter) and I had a magical experience at the I Madonnari Festival. This colorful festival is held at the Mission in Santa Barbara every Memorial Day weekend. By the way, for the record, Suddenly Seven loves nothing more than a good festival! Madonnari or madonna street painters trace… Continue reading I Madonnari Street Painting Festival in Santa Barbara

The Met Gala

On Monday evening, I had the goosebump Silver Lined experience of attending the Metropolitan Museum of Art Gala (a/k/a the Met Gala) in New York. The Met Gala is an annual event that launches the Costume Institute spring exhibition. The Costume Institute is a very special place that “houses a collection of more than thirty-five thousand costumes and accessories, representing… Continue reading The Met Gala

The New York Experience

I write this on my way home from New York after what can only be described as a quintessential New York experience. I’m still pinching myself, actually. I have never been one to take things in life for granted. Additionally, my hospice work taught me that nothing (including tomorrow) is guaranteed. Here’s the thing, post-FBC… Continue reading The New York Experience

Happy 4th of July!

To be in Santa Barbara on the Fourth of July, where there’s a parade on our village street and kids get pelted with candy, is to experience an America that’s hard to find these days…and we love every single minute (Silver Lining)! Happy 4th of July!

Silver Lined Adventure: St. Petersburg, Part 2

Perhaps two of my favorite parts of our amazing and extraordinary and magical trip to Russia were the time spent at Peterhof Palace and the Hermitage.  Truly beyond belief. And stunning. Did I say magical?  Ahhhh, yes. Peterhof Palace (or Petrodvorets in Russian) is nicknamed the “Russian Versailles” because it resembles…yes, the French Versailles. Peterhof is comprised… Continue reading Silver Lined Adventure: St. Petersburg, Part 2