tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14462473975755405822024-03-13T08:26:16.802+05:00Roller Coaster RideBallerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.comBlogger539125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-74798248675490427792013-09-29T11:16:00.001+05:002013-09-29T11:16:53.940+05:00Interesting sign<div style="text-align: center;">
For my birthday yesterday, a group of friends joined my husband and I to celebrate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The first restaurant was undergoing construction, the second restaurant had a private, corporate party, the third restaurant was completely dark, so we figured it must be closed.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the fourth restaurant was a go...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is of course if you pass the test:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BNZ-QqA_Us/UkfC9gHDjRI/AAAAAAAADCY/IOfF0JiPM7w/s1600/IMAGE_98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BNZ-QqA_Us/UkfC9gHDjRI/AAAAAAAADCY/IOfF0JiPM7w/s320/IMAGE_98.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, that is a sign outside of the restaurant for when it turns into a nightclub/bar. I guess they have very specific requirements for what one looks like and dresses like, before you can enter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We all were allowed in....but it was before the bouncers were at their post :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Birthday to me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeFW_Mnq_j4/UkfDRtlfLrI/AAAAAAAADCg/4jvH4rrc7X4/s1600/IMAGE_99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeFW_Mnq_j4/UkfDRtlfLrI/AAAAAAAADCg/4jvH4rrc7X4/s320/IMAGE_99.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-63833667127339440562013-09-21T08:34:00.001+05:002013-09-21T08:34:19.001+05:00Easy spring rolls<div style="text-align: center;">
We are trying to enjoy the beautiful, last days of warm sun around our camp. Soon us old timers know that the crisp air, which is a delight, will turn icy cold and we will all be semi hibernating!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So a friend and I had a get together by the pool, where we enjoyed each other's company, met many of the new faces we see around camp and caught up with familiar ones as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made some really yummy and easy to make spring rolls.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They were simple enough, yet it does take a little bit of time to prepare the ingredients and put them individually together. Well worth the time!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Simply, quickly boil the vermillion rice noodles and rinse with cold water.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chop your favorite ingredients...mine were filled with shrimp, carrots, cilantro, mint and basil.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Other options are cucumber, avocado, chicken, red pepper....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fill a large enough shallow bowl (I used a pie dish) to soak the rice paper for about 3-5 seconds. They still feel a little stiff when you take them out, but they continue to soften as you fill them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lay the ingredients across in a line, fold the sides in and then roll.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Voila, yummy spring rolls for a refreshing and light treat!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oQUcI7ldoM/Uj0RksSw5-I/AAAAAAAADBg/6_it-IVR-K4/s1600/IMAGE_69.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oQUcI7ldoM/Uj0RksSw5-I/AAAAAAAADBg/6_it-IVR-K4/s320/IMAGE_69.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-65179066567700421332013-09-13T14:29:00.001+05:002013-09-13T14:29:50.550+05:00A beautiful day in the neighborhood <div style="text-align: center;">
What beautiful weather we are having right now. The air is crisp, the sun warm and just the slightest of breezes passing by.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I went on a long walk today with a friend. We call it our bridge to bridge walk.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is around 5 miles long and we walk from our homes around the Ural River. We cross over two bridges. They were recently painted for the President's visit to Atyrau.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They tend to spruce the city up by fixing sidewalks and painting buildings and bridges for his visits.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is the pedestrian bridge, newly painted in the traditional "Kazakh blue"!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg9hd8Jk6ug/UjLZGa_R_II/AAAAAAAADA4/8WZeWZ1NkLM/s1600/IMAGE_64.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg9hd8Jk6ug/UjLZGa_R_II/AAAAAAAADA4/8WZeWZ1NkLM/s320/IMAGE_64.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy your weekend!</div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-39015774334193548702013-09-11T14:34:00.001+05:002013-09-11T14:38:20.546+05:00Corner view~ for lunch<div style="text-align: center;">
Corner view is a weekly appointment created by <a href="http://spaindaily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jane of Spain Daily</a> and hosted by </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fuoriborgo.com/" target="_blank">Francesca of Fuoriborgo</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This Wednesday I was invited with three women to a lunch at a favorite coffee/tea spot called Booblik, here in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, go ahead and giggle at the name...we all do when we first hear it....and still three years later, I giggle! Sometimes we all get lost in translation, but it is a lovely, upbeat little restaurant with yummy food and warming teas and coffees.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here, I remembered my corner view theme of lunch a little late! So here are the remnants of my delicious chicken and veggie quiche</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F574U3_QgNU/UjA1DGU_clI/AAAAAAAADAE/ZZZ15nJnXgM/s1600/IMAGE_60.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F574U3_QgNU/UjA1DGU_clI/AAAAAAAADAE/ZZZ15nJnXgM/s320/IMAGE_60.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ginger tea</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVD3HkxA77c/UjA1E2M7lfI/AAAAAAAADAQ/opGd-Olr6FI/s1600/IMAGE_61.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVD3HkxA77c/UjA1E2M7lfI/AAAAAAAADAQ/opGd-Olr6FI/s320/IMAGE_61.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and dessert...which I remembered to take the photo of before I ate it! These are a type of Florentine cookies, I believe. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xBXhhZA0beM/UjA1GLot6qI/AAAAAAAADAY/q2o0lObAk-M/s1600/IMAGE_62.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xBXhhZA0beM/UjA1GLot6qI/AAAAAAAADAY/q2o0lObAk-M/s320/IMAGE_62.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again, translations are sometimes lost here in Atyrau, but the lunch was just as yummy, no matter what we call it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Surrounded by good friends and great food, it was a great midweek treat!</div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-3525953128538834702013-09-10T14:28:00.001+05:002013-09-10T14:28:11.598+05:00The gift of<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Parenthood</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Growing up, I always counted on my Mother and Father. They were there for me at any time of the day or night....no matter how big or small my needs were. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a younger person you tend to take that for granted a little. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course your Mom is going to make you pancakes...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of course my Dad will drive me to the ballet class...the picnic...the party...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What I have found as I grow older, as I have become a Mother myself, is that it really never goes away, and now I understand my parents even more than I thought I had.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Motherhood has been such a blessing in so many ways.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My days have been filled with lovely memories of babies in my arms and having the privilege of watching them as they grow older. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The beautiful first steps and first words...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The amazement when sentences start forming...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Interesting questions...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Intelligent answers...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Challenging questions...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and even the occasional "disagreement".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All of this while trying to be the best parent I can be, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with patience (yes my kids may giggle at this word being associated with Mom), kindness, understanding, some tough love thrown in there... in the sense of making them responsible, caring, understanding and compassionate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is all a process that sometimes feels like it takes forever to happen, and as I grow older, seems to be like it just happened yesterday. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cherish all the different phases of my children. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I adored the cuddly babies in my arms, the deep connection one feels as you whisper into their ears, though their understanding is only of their Mother's calming voice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, as I have one away, and one still with me, I feel like I only want to hold on a little longer. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I miss my son, though he seems happy and strong. We did that...my husband and I. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our daughter that is still with us...I want to give her my all, but on some days I feel distracted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No one is perfect, that is what we have always told them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to cherish my Motherhood and I know they are a precious gift given to us...and though they go on into the world, I love knowing that I will always be their Mother. They can always count on me to make them pancakes when they need them, drive them somewhere...even if I am not next door, I am with them in their hearts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so proud of our children. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am blessed to be a parent.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-53319254027014342362013-09-05T16:23:00.000+05:002013-09-05T16:23:22.069+05:00Corner View~ away<div style="text-align: center;">
Each Wednesday, Francesca from Fuoriborgo <a href="http://www.fuoriborgo.com/fuoriborgo/">http://www.fuoriborgo.com/fuoriborgo/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hosts Corner View.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This weeks theme is <b><i>away</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our son, as many who read my blog know, is away at his boarding school....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XguNoPdnHHE/UihoGy_urjI/AAAAAAAAC_U/B2G1GfCpVlA/s1600/IMAGE_56.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XguNoPdnHHE/UihoGy_urjI/AAAAAAAAC_U/B2G1GfCpVlA/s320/IMAGE_56.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is beautiful there....but so very far</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><u>Away</u></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-52150434341415329552013-09-02T02:21:00.001+05:002013-09-02T02:21:05.378+05:00Mixing it all<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, the first of September, I start my journey back to my husband and daughter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday, I settled our son into his boarding school.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlYxQgFcdi4/UiMvYp6oMxI/AAAAAAAAC7k/19XInh7YkL0/s1600/IMAGE_43.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlYxQgFcdi4/UiMvYp6oMxI/AAAAAAAAC7k/19XInh7YkL0/s320/IMAGE_43.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It started off exciting and filled with so much anticipation. We had many items to check off the list they give you upon arrival. We settled bags and items into his dorm....actually, first we had to <i>find </i> his dorm, then we settled in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then off to put those checks next to the list....the health services, the business office, picture ID, receive books and find his mail box. Back to the room to unpack, unload, change the furniture around, etc..off to lunch, back to the room to finish up, a little shopping at the bookstore, then a speech by the head of school.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then it happened. After running around most of the day, we had to say farewell. I have never experienced anything more heartbreaking. It was so hard to have my son hug me goodbye, with heavy hearts and tears in both of our eyes. It makes me question the decisions we made, it makes me worry that he is only doing this just to please us, yet, I found his strength. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He knew he couldn't take being with me any longer, so he asked me to leave a little earlier than necessary. He knew what he needed to do, in order to pull himself together to go to his next stop...meeting with all the new students.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He apologized (unnecessarily) later in a text, for leaving a little early, but he couldn't take being any more sad.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It made me proud and a little smile came across my sad face, knowing that he knows himself. He knows what he needs to do in order to compose himself and get himself ready for the next step.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm sure there will highs and lows, and good days and not so good days. I think he will learn so much about himself, others and the community that surrounds him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yet, I drove away today, in fog and rain....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1a4g-B_LPk/UiOr0VxrwkI/AAAAAAAAC8k/tT8V3r75o1U/s1600/IMAGE_50.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1a4g-B_LPk/UiOr0VxrwkI/AAAAAAAAC8k/tT8V3r75o1U/s320/IMAGE_50.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took pictures of the beautiful pond on the way that I commented to him that ...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I should stop and take a picture of this beautiful pond" and never did...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, I took these pictures and sent them to him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-be-xYe8uEVc/UiOrv44VnZI/AAAAAAAAC8c/AcT7SV0jGBA/s1600/IMAGE_48.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-be-xYe8uEVc/UiOrv44VnZI/AAAAAAAAC8c/AcT7SV0jGBA/s320/IMAGE_48.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5PdL4vMzMcQ/UiOryjBfYbI/AAAAAAAAC8o/8L2560jNkaA/s1600/IMAGE_49.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5PdL4vMzMcQ/UiOryjBfYbI/AAAAAAAAC8o/8L2560jNkaA/s320/IMAGE_49.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know he is staying busy, he was doing better last night, and our lives, though forever changed, will only bring us closer together and cherish our moments together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so happy to be going back to see my husband and our precious daughter, even though all of our hearts our heavy without our son.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It will be five weeks until we all travel to visit for a Parents Weekend. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I am counting every hour that passes, hoping those five weeks pass by quickly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-42799849641856532722013-08-28T15:31:00.001+05:002013-08-28T15:31:22.450+05:00Wordless Wednesday~ a farewell sunset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oubx-OjJHKM/Uh09hwdI2cI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/AMxNIW1zYMs/s1600/IMAGE_27.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oubx-OjJHKM/Uh09hwdI2cI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/AMxNIW1zYMs/s320/IMAGE_27.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGG5Rvp-dJ4/Uh3RUUSLagI/AAAAAAAAC6U/cT-rM6z3cZU/s1600/IMAGE_32.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="69" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGG5Rvp-dJ4/Uh3RUUSLagI/AAAAAAAAC6U/cT-rM6z3cZU/s320/IMAGE_32.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-73099491531170410772013-08-26T19:22:00.001+05:002013-08-26T19:22:31.754+05:00Rainbows<div style="text-align: center;">
I think rainbows are beautiful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have the chance to see them often here, as there are many quick showers with the sun just on the other side. The thunder and lightening rolls in...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W87KLlQOfhk/UhtjtyLWwlI/AAAAAAAAC4w/PslOlmtf_IY/s1600/IMAGE_25.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W87KLlQOfhk/UhtjtyLWwlI/AAAAAAAAC4w/PslOlmtf_IY/s320/IMAGE_25.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then if we are lucky, we find that rainbow from the sun shining on the other side.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6WASaYazbk/UhiWYWDbjVI/AAAAAAAAC2k/MvZel7rjnBA/s1600/IMAGE_17.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6WASaYazbk/UhiWYWDbjVI/AAAAAAAAC2k/MvZel7rjnBA/s320/IMAGE_17.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It lifts me up and makes me smile at Mother Nature's beauty. I always feel like I am being smiled upon and given a glimpse into a magical world of colors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few more days and off we will go to mountains and colder weather for our son's new school!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-13145614073291532042013-08-24T16:21:00.002+05:002013-08-24T16:21:56.720+05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;">I am a morning person...though I enjoy my evenings as well. Yet in the morning, I feel so refreshed and ready to go. I like to start the day by sitting in my favorite chair, with a warm cup of coffee, watching the ever changing sky. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;">There are beautiful pastel colors one morning, and vibrant hues another. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;">Here are a few of my favorites to start you Saturday. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;">Enjoy this beautiful, gifted day!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFClNcN7MuU/UhiWZ1485zI/AAAAAAAAC2w/jytnGj48KMw/s1600/IMAGE_19.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFClNcN7MuU/UhiWZ1485zI/AAAAAAAAC2w/jytnGj48KMw/s320/IMAGE_19.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BahqgMBjYRs/UhiWco2pWMI/AAAAAAAAC3E/ViT9OBWuw_g/s1600/IMAGE_22.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BahqgMBjYRs/UhiWco2pWMI/AAAAAAAAC3E/ViT9OBWuw_g/s320/IMAGE_22.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-61370568381881607252013-08-22T16:51:00.002+05:002013-08-22T17:01:54.996+05:00Coming back to an old friend<div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just coming back to an old friend that never was quite lost, just a little neglected. I left because I was worn down by the feel that I needed to come up with something creative....something to entertain...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When really, all I need to do is write down a few thoughts. Share my memories being made.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer days are winding down to an end.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_776337470"></span><span id="goog_776337471"></span><br></div>
<a name="more"></a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JWaCHWLGm302BFCtZsgVuqq8ESLTUPY17YAHYp3JjuR7-Scp66FEsVranY9QtMgPH0NKs5QkW6xRKasBhwi_gQovirPaXPPDYKwjBhRgL4BoXCjJqf0nhwhzdl5Ss7AaLJVvQ7LiGWLB/s640/blogger-image--164257395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JWaCHWLGm302BFCtZsgVuqq8ESLTUPY17YAHYp3JjuR7-Scp66FEsVranY9QtMgPH0NKs5QkW6xRKasBhwi_gQovirPaXPPDYKwjBhRgL4BoXCjJqf0nhwhzdl5Ss7AaLJVvQ7LiGWLB/s640/blogger-image--164257395.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Summer has been glorious. Diving, dolphins, sharks, octopus,turtles....family visitors, special moments to treasure....it is everything our summers bring in our special house. We have new steps into our waters...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3JStlfpLfmagcP5ETsK7jhyphenhyphenZtjHAbuX8FqKMabDFtQxsxbQW-z-SGTm_ZYRCLAG7IJRHsLFqL7gB6T14_f9OpbfkSEzE5JwiKmWcU-uyVW10v4XeruiWdQW3YgfhU9DqmMhSVrjNB1r1/s640/blogger-image--2003229955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3JStlfpLfmagcP5ETsK7jhyphenhyphenZtjHAbuX8FqKMabDFtQxsxbQW-z-SGTm_ZYRCLAG7IJRHsLFqL7gB6T14_f9OpbfkSEzE5JwiKmWcU-uyVW10v4XeruiWdQW3YgfhU9DqmMhSVrjNB1r1/s640/blogger-image--2003229955.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just waiting for us to dive into the salty water. It is our refuge, our home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But alas, it is coming to an end...these sultry summer days. Our lives are taking a different path this year...one that is exciting and excruciating all at the same time. Our family will live apart while our son attends boarding school in the US. It will be a change that will be hard to deal with, yet, giving him an incredible opportunity. Lets take this path and see where it leads us.....but for now, lets just enjoy the sun setting and the last days of summer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSJtjeL14uUWLMFpcdsVGVxEFQyR484ledJ0PU5gZWb_T7XAqaeWN1MA2AhHAzSwCdbqv2vGu8EGx3IUhFGkjAe2k8YAAr12nltAimASyWh-sjI_3Xdc7XFJSRI8VA0JMGh2f2_qf_iK4/s640/blogger-image--2056015927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSJtjeL14uUWLMFpcdsVGVxEFQyR484ledJ0PU5gZWb_T7XAqaeWN1MA2AhHAzSwCdbqv2vGu8EGx3IUhFGkjAe2k8YAAr12nltAimASyWh-sjI_3Xdc7XFJSRI8VA0JMGh2f2_qf_iK4/s640/blogger-image--2056015927.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-22240613775065389392013-01-20T14:54:00.001+05:002013-01-20T14:54:50.821+05:00Icicles<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my favorite days to take pictures, during winter here in Atyrau, is when the wet fog has come in overnight, and left us with these beautiful icicles hanging off of the trees, branches and leaves.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCE5Bz53uGKKCYVMP4q8QHoSNgHNXSRYnDjN7Ljy1mqfaLOKwm5A_VIC766I0BHegziazVd0Ybz763sx-pGg0zrGdkeZ4TRJ8x3Tlag6lG__HmwUqDgDUFZPCCg0LAuMW_SX3IAm6XEB2J/s1600/Icicles.Atyrau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCE5Bz53uGKKCYVMP4q8QHoSNgHNXSRYnDjN7Ljy1mqfaLOKwm5A_VIC766I0BHegziazVd0Ybz763sx-pGg0zrGdkeZ4TRJ8x3Tlag6lG__HmwUqDgDUFZPCCg0LAuMW_SX3IAm6XEB2J/s1600/Icicles.Atyrau.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiorvkaCRqy9nGLOFL5jfUY0KboO1f2U8YAtBy4VXZhG8_JDkpPY4euHMT9x2qQTcyzqKITOUgBF66YYBPdcxX0G_oRM3fQyU2AQOiMXoOnL5wepnLJg9lhGnDFwE0JSGAVcgfMU1cOmn-/s1600/IMG_7825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiorvkaCRqy9nGLOFL5jfUY0KboO1f2U8YAtBy4VXZhG8_JDkpPY4euHMT9x2qQTcyzqKITOUgBF66YYBPdcxX0G_oRM3fQyU2AQOiMXoOnL5wepnLJg9lhGnDFwE0JSGAVcgfMU1cOmn-/s320/IMG_7825.JPG" width="259" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscdmUwZq2kt6oev9BxawgjvY_PFgeywvXmd2RhD2sl0BwfhLy1BnKGBRxxPrARTXLF0kmel85kY7TyAtL2GBLREoD14TFkgsGFmKjlxF65IKEoeEjCmHLCicEQx2OOFvXIe0Yh_Cn-53Z/s1600/IMG_7832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscdmUwZq2kt6oev9BxawgjvY_PFgeywvXmd2RhD2sl0BwfhLy1BnKGBRxxPrARTXLF0kmel85kY7TyAtL2GBLREoD14TFkgsGFmKjlxF65IKEoeEjCmHLCicEQx2OOFvXIe0Yh_Cn-53Z/s320/IMG_7832.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-28368639092326536942013-01-16T20:22:00.002+05:002013-01-16T20:22:45.468+05:00Corner View~ Morning, Noon and Night<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Corner View</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hosted by <a href="http://www.fuoriborgo.com/fuoriborgo/" style="color: #741b47; text-decoration: none;"><i><b>Francesca</b></i></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be sure to visit her and all the corners of the world that link to her blog!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This week's theme is:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Morning, Noon and Night</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is the same view, at the different hours of today, out of our bedroom window.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the Ural River, frozen over and covered by snow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Morning:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3QVYz5KzXORITPeWcvYgYbdKENZLMPSY53xprCeR495TFuj5oV294F769BxMgz1bvuthpFwwZ1iZXt0QBQg0ae1fLYuUsv9O9_VVsmXVVmJ3yspCNvBjnM1ddsAuQxGiLCmjwuhv8KvO/s1600/securedownload-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3QVYz5KzXORITPeWcvYgYbdKENZLMPSY53xprCeR495TFuj5oV294F769BxMgz1bvuthpFwwZ1iZXt0QBQg0ae1fLYuUsv9O9_VVsmXVVmJ3yspCNvBjnM1ddsAuQxGiLCmjwuhv8KvO/s200/securedownload-1.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Noon:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja07W_WHbm_2jFpUCSbxw0sNpmdM_B78vcHHnrl_wUnUg7Byn3qGSwXpGY4mZKlwosvE8PTdeZpT4aHaIqmy9rqNnjejSoTXf6GbHotALbFu-bq3qwEiSJbhjjyRed7iqMaVCF0cNybw3x/s1600/securedownload.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja07W_WHbm_2jFpUCSbxw0sNpmdM_B78vcHHnrl_wUnUg7Byn3qGSwXpGY4mZKlwosvE8PTdeZpT4aHaIqmy9rqNnjejSoTXf6GbHotALbFu-bq3qwEiSJbhjjyRed7iqMaVCF0cNybw3x/s200/securedownload.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Night:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTPWeoCzfzyH6Qe2kDFun9xBLRj5pk4oISrga5WV0MZihxxuGYOJeaxGsZfXCQlhyphenhyphenIB3ylr-7TO5o5o4Zrq3iDNhFcoxDeHkZVu6v0zqzi_prMue6HhYWpPF_Hf0gQSjQO-o-Bj_TPJF_/s1600/securedownload-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTPWeoCzfzyH6Qe2kDFun9xBLRj5pk4oISrga5WV0MZihxxuGYOJeaxGsZfXCQlhyphenhyphenIB3ylr-7TO5o5o4Zrq3iDNhFcoxDeHkZVu6v0zqzi_prMue6HhYWpPF_Hf0gQSjQO-o-Bj_TPJF_/s200/securedownload-2.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Viewing!</div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-35449954763946444252013-01-12T10:38:00.001+05:002013-01-12T10:38:26.022+05:00Having funOne of the positives of having a home in Key West is the funkiness of the quirky, little town.<br />
This past trip we went to the famous Duval Street to watch The Annual Key West Daschund Walk. Little dogs and their owners paraded down the street. Some were dressed in funny little costumes. Some weren't even Daschunds, or some were Daschund mixes...but it was something fun and silly to do. Our daughter adores dogs and she was snapping pictures of every little one she could find that would pose for her! This one is my favorite. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTsx81jNlfTRnFX7vOH2P6Onq2s7mQZej8Jic8fgB1pFdqrIkE0epzlIR6yX5muLfnSvQ4NO3RAce8_BWG7QIFdNrMkviUcRqDtAn5y7WfVoWQ1QsRMsAoDAYoZYhOVimYyfR8BzgG6Rn/s640/blogger-image-1910082444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTsx81jNlfTRnFX7vOH2P6Onq2s7mQZej8Jic8fgB1pFdqrIkE0epzlIR6yX5muLfnSvQ4NO3RAce8_BWG7QIFdNrMkviUcRqDtAn5y7WfVoWQ1QsRMsAoDAYoZYhOVimYyfR8BzgG6Rn/s640/blogger-image-1910082444.jpg" /></a></div>Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-16996330887634813622013-01-09T15:04:00.000+05:002013-01-09T15:04:01.957+05:00Corner View- Look, but don't touch<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="webkit-fake-url://C6465A3A-973A-423E-8539-B9541EDD3CE1/imagejpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Welcome to the first of 2013's</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Corner View</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hosted by <a href="http://www.fuoriborgo.com/fuoriborgo/"><i><b>Francesca</b></i></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be sure to visit her and all the corners of the world that link to her blog!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This week's theme is </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>Look, don't touch</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These views are from our home in the US.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sky, clouds, sunrise and sunset always fascinate me and inspire me to take endless photos of the ever changing colors, cloud shapes, patterns...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy this piece of paradise and remember,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look, don't touch!<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
Welcome to the first of 2013's</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
Corner View</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
Hosted by <a href="http://www.fuoriborgo.com/fuoriborgo/"><i><b>Francesca</b></i></a> </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
Be sure to visit her and all the corners of the world that link to her blog!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
This week's theme is </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
Look, don't touch</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
These views are from our home in the US.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
The sky, clouds, sunrise and sunset always fascinate me and inspire me to take endless photos of the ever changing colors, cloud shapes, patterns...</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
Enjoy this piece of paradise and remember,</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
Look, don't touch!<img src="webkit-fake-url://C73AAD1E-27D0-46D1-A553-BC4B99E605E5/imagejpeg" /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4bMNl-a-Ss8BTnJqQkOaocqFGJyfytPjKIpTEfrXf7vxo_V48GT4VBxtQaMCDRzV9MCTCKdh_XcOAxI3fYfkrBhUavrFAILqcVeM7y-J5E_U0evfJBKNW5WjefNvN9g5akhBnHdTN2kL/s1600/IMG_1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4bMNl-a-Ss8BTnJqQkOaocqFGJyfytPjKIpTEfrXf7vxo_V48GT4VBxtQaMCDRzV9MCTCKdh_XcOAxI3fYfkrBhUavrFAILqcVeM7y-J5E_U0evfJBKNW5WjefNvN9g5akhBnHdTN2kL/s320/IMG_1679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MfFPfyH6GhiBe8KqJrSg8SePRGg35jXGGznlb8KetPwVH2NiyRnnNwVhgKV_2IyexD_TTUbsM_qlCRTTQbZHjdS2l82b8xWi87WfBmekY8G4wk-dFBEExBZvMKtmYe1E4LnrZXYMmye1/s1600/IMG_1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MfFPfyH6GhiBe8KqJrSg8SePRGg35jXGGznlb8KetPwVH2NiyRnnNwVhgKV_2IyexD_TTUbsM_qlCRTTQbZHjdS2l82b8xWi87WfBmekY8G4wk-dFBEExBZvMKtmYe1E4LnrZXYMmye1/s320/IMG_1689.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="webkit-fake-url://C73AAD1E-27D0-46D1-A553-BC4B99E605E5/imagejpeg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="webkit-fake-url://C6465A3A-973A-423E-8539-B9541EDD3CE1/imagejpeg" /></div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-86417476231755457682013-01-01T00:28:00.001+05:002013-01-01T00:28:04.467+05:00Happy 2013!May the magic of the season bring happiness, health, and much love into your world. May we pass it on to others and enjoy the wealth that surrounds us in our homes and with our families. <br />
<br />
Happy New Year! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg894DYEKpKD8sbJdzfw0-46rpXT7yCf3LF0p4N-nSPVWP9279LxY9saH2X1GFcRnbZ4dHxFKO2oDKeJitMGZhkZHZQAjsBnGkm5THRvC4WA9RaSUK2jcE3LWyaqfX9ycMrVPdmHIfkZky6/s640/blogger-image--1948001148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg894DYEKpKD8sbJdzfw0-46rpXT7yCf3LF0p4N-nSPVWP9279LxY9saH2X1GFcRnbZ4dHxFKO2oDKeJitMGZhkZHZQAjsBnGkm5THRvC4WA9RaSUK2jcE3LWyaqfX9ycMrVPdmHIfkZky6/s640/blogger-image--1948001148.jpg" /></a></div>Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-86592803477872117522012-12-27T16:45:00.001+05:002012-12-27T16:45:23.667+05:00A beautiful momentIt was a wonderful trip to Pittsburgh. We spent time with our families, enjoying the city for an 80th birthday (from the same room where we had our wedding reception!) and spreading holiday cheer!<br />
<br />
We spent the holidays enjoying the children with their wide eyes, big grins, new accomplishments, opening the presents...always an exciting time for the little ones!<br />
<br />
I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday and will spend the New Year in peace and health. <br />
<br />
I wish you all love, joy and happiness in 2013!<br />
<br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hjTbAkuDX-wIA5rF6bakG4uKhPK0R5gPeIngxbNlREcSOQze1PchKZMWRnBJk5OAO6sYq9jf2eSA6X-YKdDN9u_XoKwdEKTKnedvQszR9ATngbq5lyUEb6Cv4x4ctB7I9n9-17fwzCaL/s640/blogger-image--1146049626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hjTbAkuDX-wIA5rF6bakG4uKhPK0R5gPeIngxbNlREcSOQze1PchKZMWRnBJk5OAO6sYq9jf2eSA6X-YKdDN9u_XoKwdEKTKnedvQszR9ATngbq5lyUEb6Cv4x4ctB7I9n9-17fwzCaL/s640/blogger-image--1146049626.jpg" /></a></div>Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-66103938354609778322012-12-21T19:20:00.001+05:002012-12-21T19:20:16.549+05:00Snowy weather ahead!Today we leave the warmth and sunshine of Florida and head to the snowy weather in Pittsburgh. I hope it is enough snow to last through Christmas! I hope it snows for the Steelers game we are going to on Sunday! <br />
<br />
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!<br />
(but not delay our flight!) <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiyufmxlwbdDQVO9BJLs6bCoVxxE1fYgSkAY4sX29KAtKP3ir9j5y-KCuiVra0NlGDmoTu1bOAb2ZO-gbFL8jKQSYtYpMkRkAP-G-VodlUBb2Ym_haRNZSjqVihY9W720_CEz0cMxQgds/s640/blogger-image-1725067699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiyufmxlwbdDQVO9BJLs6bCoVxxE1fYgSkAY4sX29KAtKP3ir9j5y-KCuiVra0NlGDmoTu1bOAb2ZO-gbFL8jKQSYtYpMkRkAP-G-VodlUBb2Ym_haRNZSjqVihY9W720_CEz0cMxQgds/s640/blogger-image-1725067699.jpg" /></a></div>Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-91118836360165008682012-12-19T16:54:00.001+05:002012-12-19T16:58:49.550+05:00Corner view Wednesday~LightsCorner View is a weekly appointment - each Wednesday - created by Jane, where bloggers from all corners of the world share their view on a pre-arranged theme.<br />
<br />
This week's topic is Lights...<br />
<br />
I wanted to share a photo from my travel day on Saturday. It felt like the airport, London's Heathrow, was glowing. Can you spot the Christmas tree towards the center? It is small in the photo, but looked so pretty outside the window. <br />
<br />
I hope everyone enjoys their Holidays, in all corners of our views! See you in January, corner viewers. Stop back throughout the holidays for more posts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjWxRjLaEYkKA2oecMFRzJ8gZlZvQ4QAyBGChgmEvy2LaZTCBaDGKzDA2TSWnPJ86eiafamNNYtcqZ-sK_OR0QGhad_YWC-j4CM-klMrS9_MjQkjv-pzSiGqtG6QbZa6CDeE5cvN7XYjv/s640/blogger-image--2063844551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjWxRjLaEYkKA2oecMFRzJ8gZlZvQ4QAyBGChgmEvy2LaZTCBaDGKzDA2TSWnPJ86eiafamNNYtcqZ-sK_OR0QGhad_YWC-j4CM-klMrS9_MjQkjv-pzSiGqtG6QbZa6CDeE5cvN7XYjv/s640/blogger-image--2063844551.jpg" /></a></div>Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-40481477227141110062012-12-18T03:18:00.000+05:002012-12-18T03:25:35.814+05:00Home sweet homeCould it be? Did I just find the APP for iPad and now I can blog from here?<br />
<br />
That means more posts...on the go, on my travels and just an easier way for me to blog.<br />
<br />
I like my iPad...a lot. I like the two finger typing. I like the new retina display. I just enjoy everything about the new gadget!<br />
<br />
So, the was another airport story....but it was just a 2.5 hour delay. It got us in late of course, but since I slept 8 of the 9 hour flight, I was able to drive the 3 hours to our home. We arrived at midnight to Denny's and had a late night bite before continuing the next 2 hours. We got in around 3 am and then we were all ready to sleep. Jet lag is tough coming here...less on the way back. I'm not sure why. We all went to sleep really early last night and all woke up by 5:30 am.<br />
<br />
Now we are enjoying our home, our family time and the deliciously warm weather!<br />
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-88360225568984334142012-12-14T06:00:00.000+05:002012-12-14T06:00:05.245+05:00Airport Story #1<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to this edition of</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Airport Stories...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It all starts in London.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The weather looks clear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All checked in and ready to board.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But wait....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There isn't a plane.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Delayed two hours.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I still could make the Amsterdam to Atyrau flight.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Delayed again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nope, better change it for the following day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Delayed again, and again, and again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was the story on Wednesday for my husband. No reason given, just kept being delayed. It was funny on my end to watch, because online, they kept delaying the flight by an hour, then two hours, then 15 minutes, then every ten minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so, he finally made it to Amsterdam where he at least got to enjoy his Papa Rellena, a delicious Peruvian stuffed potato!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He should arrive here Thursday evening around 9pm, and we leave for the airport for our Winter break on Friday at 7 am.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
10 hours...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to another crazy airport story!</div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-79012699672374973132012-12-13T07:05:00.001+05:002012-12-13T07:05:55.437+05:00Home for the Holidays<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, to answer a few people that have asked, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we are going home for the holidays.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For those of you that followed my blog from before, we added an addition on to our house. It is a new master bedroom and bath. We love it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokop6mXt8q_fXyiEjJq3-4KYBZ5jPlzVFKnqelZHE3ivEhmUwm1rDyIbKJ4Uuh-SoLlBl9dkt2sI2Xv2Gc9BI4-JDuFNwMyrkHfcH1YO2R-27YMQ2LHXXVEx7dMdTunivg8-fum6Wwk6r/s1600/IMG_7217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokop6mXt8q_fXyiEjJq3-4KYBZ5jPlzVFKnqelZHE3ivEhmUwm1rDyIbKJ4Uuh-SoLlBl9dkt2sI2Xv2Gc9BI4-JDuFNwMyrkHfcH1YO2R-27YMQ2LHXXVEx7dMdTunivg8-fum6Wwk6r/s320/IMG_7217.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From the chandelier in the bedroom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to the amazing bathroom (picture to come later, but here is the house from the outside!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioghsb88sjAWkixu3JOvzfIGZyQZOQgwfJ25IpYEHxT00aiqFvWXgY36CSN-Wdq34IZgwxVyccEQ8XQIWBRllnRw2ulirresQPx7kewNgEgRBbX1G-zeKh8yKy5gp6IlFOAYUuk2rn2MX0/s1600/IMG_7577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioghsb88sjAWkixu3JOvzfIGZyQZOQgwfJ25IpYEHxT00aiqFvWXgY36CSN-Wdq34IZgwxVyccEQ8XQIWBRllnRw2ulirresQPx7kewNgEgRBbX1G-zeKh8yKy5gp6IlFOAYUuk2rn2MX0/s320/IMG_7577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is seriously becoming a place we never want to leave! We look forward to the days when we do not have to, but for now, we enjoy it every chance we get.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We will be here for a week, off to the East Coast to spend Christmas with family, and then back here for the New Year...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but there's already an airport story, like old times, right!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's like I never left blog world!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Want to hear the story?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-10357159176217547112012-12-12T08:26:00.000+05:002012-12-12T08:26:32.987+05:00Corner view Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;">
As I started reconnecting with my blog, I was checking out a blog from a friend here in Atyrau.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is a link to her blog:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://comeonintoouryurta.blogspot.com/">Come Into Our Yurta</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would like to join her and other bloggers taking part in Corner view Wednesday.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Corner view is a weekly appointment- each Wednesday- created by <a href="http://spaindaily.blogspot.com/">Jane</a>, and hosted by <a href="http://www.fuoriborgo.blogspot.com/">Francesca</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's where bloggers from all corners of the world share their view on a pre-arranged theme.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This week's theme is </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
WHITE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This picture is from last winter and I thought it would be good for a cold December day here in Atyrau.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We do not have any snow yet, but I bet by the time we return from winter break in January, there will be some waiting for us!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77JAy0zIr3jPcZGwce-UDaPFME_HmrNoX1iYveyb3OAG3OsXf4fUlQs_v1sqvyHe_g9_OEPHMzQPTfoIxbq_c6ziPclJev4C2m3IHQyCWgNmcDBMtkw5P80IGZTFVc5d9B01ZRXEY3XCJ/s1600/IMG_5993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77JAy0zIr3jPcZGwce-UDaPFME_HmrNoX1iYveyb3OAG3OsXf4fUlQs_v1sqvyHe_g9_OEPHMzQPTfoIxbq_c6ziPclJev4C2m3IHQyCWgNmcDBMtkw5P80IGZTFVc5d9B01ZRXEY3XCJ/s320/IMG_5993.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><em><br /></em></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><em><br /></em></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-14221153766163072052012-12-11T14:59:00.002+05:002012-12-11T14:59:33.653+05:00am I forgotten?<div style="text-align: center;">
I could use the last post title, but why copy?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I could give you excuses, I could place the blame on a busy life...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but all of that is not me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just was not inspired to write.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now I am, again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't guarantee how often nor about what..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I am back.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did anyone miss me?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
:)</div>
Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446247397575540582.post-17918336791540153982012-05-24T14:25:00.001+05:002012-05-24T14:25:29.755+05:00It's been a long time....<div style="text-align: center;">
What can I say.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have no excuse...er, rather I have excuses which I will now list:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Spain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Traveling to Spain was never top on my travel lists, but I really enjoyed learning about this culture, the people, the cities and history. It is a beautiful country with gorgeous tile work, rolling hills, wonderful seas and just a great penchant for living the good life. We enthusiastically took part in tapas, flamenco, sightseeing, and just enjoying the relaxing qualities that vacation brings out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will post some of my favorite pictures from Spain soon...but that would make this post too long!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Florida</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After I returned with the children to Atyrau, I left two days later for our home. We are adding on a new bedroom/bathroom. It was so much fun to be there while walls, roofs, floors, joists, rafters and everything construction involves was going on around me. There were some very important decisions needing to be made while I was there, so it was a good time to go. For instance, the architect drew it two feet longer than it actually was...entry door problems associated with that, as well as shower and interior wall issues. He also gave the wrong pitch for the roof...luckily not much was done, but what was had to be taken down and rebuilt.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I ask why I paid him the money I did?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. Atyrau-Pittsburgh</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I returned to Atyrau to start having some serious medical issues. I basically turned around in 3 weeks and returned to my family in Pittsburgh to have my gall bladder removed! They thought it was acid reflux at first, but I knew something more was going on. Luckily they trusted me enough to run some tests and decided I needed to go ASAP. I spent two weeks in Pittsburgh. It was an easy surgery, laparoscopically, and the recovery was swift. I had a great time visiting with my family, so that was certainly a bonus!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. Atyrau</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here I am...back in Atyrau for the gorgeous weather and last two weeks of school. I am so happy to be back with my family, but ready to start the summer fun! Just a few more days and off we will go again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's where I've been and what I've done! I can not post from my ipad which is a shame. If anyone has figured out how to do this then please let me know. Maybe the posts would come more often if there was a way!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Ballerina Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14811994023341526944noreply@blogger.com4