Smithfield, VA

While on one of my crazy, happy go lucky drives on the coast, I decided to stop into Smithfield, VA. I heard about it and saw a booklet or two. Of course, I wondered what was all the hoopla about. I love all things old and antique.
I tell you though, when I rolled into town, it felt like time had stood still for like a hundred years...Amazing! The downtown historic district consists of beautiful Victorian homes, some remained as private homes, others turned into businesses. I saw quiet a few of them selling antiques. All well preserved and taken care of. Painted in the prettiest colors.

"I could live here"...
Yes, that is what came to mind while strolling down the street. 

This is a 1910 Maxwell in great shape. 

Oh, can you imagine who rode in this car, a cute couple all dressed up for Sunday afternoon drive. 

I love the couch lanterns and the tufted seats. 

Hmm, wasn't this car on the Titanic? I recall a certain scene... (wink)

A chandelier is, a chandelier... I just had to snap a picture.

I marvel in all the beautiful towns in that area. I could have a ball during Christmas time, visiting these places in all their magical twinkling lights and beautiful period decor. This town happens to be not very far from Williamsburg. Another amazing historic town in VA. Come Christmas, and I'm off to the coast to visit again.

See you next post.
xox

All Pink

I was a teenager, slept in a room of mismatched old/antique furniture, so one morning I decided I needed a change and went bought a can of Pink paint... The pink teddy bear is one I had since I was a baby.

Maltese bread.

It is really hot here in Malta!! No doubt I now know how spoiled I am in the US where air condition is more utilized. Here on the island, hardly anyone has central a/c since it raises a bill to the roof and people cannot afford to use it. You can find a/c's in some public places and establishments.

  
So I took the kids for a walk to the park downtown this evening as the sun was setting and it cooled off some. I was raised in a town called Hal Qormi, which is well known for all the bread bakers in town, especially those who still bake the traditional Maltese breads. They have been around "for ever". As I turned one corner I was hit with the smell of fresh baked bread and I had to step in.

Oven is marked with the 8 pointed cross from the Knights of St. John who operated  from and ran the island during 1530–1798.

Bread crust was still crackling as it was being pulled out of the large wall oven. It smelled good in there and the memories came back... of when I was a kid, I was the one who chose to do the daily run to the baker to get fresh baked bread. Sometimes I even had to wait while the baker was still pulling it out of the oven. Mom gave me either a 5 cents coin for a small loaf or 10 cents for a bigger loaf. Sometimes walking home I got started on my dinner (against mom's order, I always really just spoiled dinner), pulling the side of the bread and eating it. At times I got home with half a loaf then Mom scolded me and sent me back for another loaf....

In Hal Qormi

Traditional Maltese "Hobz biz-zejt"

Here is a sliced loaf with spread tomato juice or paste, a splash of olive oil, finely chopped onions, capers and  sundried fruit/grapes. 

This stuff is DIVINE!!

Below is Maltese Gbejniet (goat cheese), covered in grinded black pepper.


I think everyone knows that when one travels to special places, its hard to refuse to try things or in my case eat those foods that I grew up with and miss so much. I wouldn't step on a scale until visit is over with. I can deal with it then because for now, I am going to enjoy..... (wink)!!

Malta, Europe

Been in Malta for over a week and have so far visited, the city of Valletta, Mdina and a couple of other places. A few beaches in the northern part of the island. It is very hot here so the beach is a treat to cool off.

Historic buildings and architecture are magnificent.  

Valletta

 Lower Barraca, Valletta

L-Armier Bay

Ghajn Tuffieha Bay 

Festa traditional street decorations.

Balcony support and doorway keystones.

Mdina alleys and buildings.

The Wonderful Tune

Sometimes things just come together on their own and without even a thought and when I do notice, it is like it was meant to be. 

I went to a yard sale and I picked up what I thought was random old finds, an old fruit wooden crate, a couple of old hardback books and my favorite ballerina music box.

How true, the music box does play the wonderful tune... how enchanting!!

My mum had a similar music box in the master bedroom when I was growing up, so I used to sneak a lot to play the music and watch the tiny ballerina twirl. I was fascinated by the ballerina. My daughter has one now but when I saw this one at a yard-sale with light blue interior for 25c... I had to have it. I may have other plans for it. We'll see.

Europe

Cannot help not getting so excited about going back to mother-land this summer.

I miss Europe and I get to go back with my kids to visit family and friends for two months.

Here are some photos I found from my last trip to Malta, in 2007.

 An alley in my birth hometown of Hal Qormi, Malta

Church steeple in Mdina. 

Mdina

Will most certainly have my camera with me. I will be having a field trip shooting pictures to share here and Facebook. 

So... just going to continue counting the weeks....

Sweet!

Have a sweet day everyone!

This photo print is now in my etsy shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SoniaCrouse

From My Garden!

"Earth laughs in flowers."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pink Azalea

Heavenly scented Lilacs

More....Spring Blossoms

Spring is God's very own colorful masterpiece.

Nature brought my two most favorite colors together and a I had to capture them and cherish them as God intended.

The pink cherry blossoms and the blue sky!

Yes, These would probably be my favorite ever artistic photos yet. 

Bottom print is available in my etsy shop. I hope you like it too.

Enjoy the gift of Spring everyone! XO