Photo a Day Challenge - January 27: Lunch

I offered these little ones Mama a coin for another sandwich in exchange for a picture of the cuties eating their lunch. They happily obliged. 

Photo a Day Challenge - January 26: Colour

There were so many options for pictures of "Colour" today, but the moment I saw this scarf seller on the street I knew the search was over. 

Photo a Day Challenge - January 21: Reflection

It was way too cold to be wearing short sleeves today, but I pulled my jacket off for a minute because I wanted to feel the wind! 

Question: January 20 - Are You Holding A Grudge? About What?

I’m really not holding any grudges. Unless you can hold a grudge against inanimate objects like dusty floors or inhuman entities like rainclouds. 

Photo a Day Challenge - January 19: Sweet

The lovely lady in this storefront graciously allowed me inside her sweets case to photograph her pretty cake. 

Question: January 19 - List Three Foods You Ate Today

Today I ate real food. I spent the day at my parents house. 

• Cucumbers and Tahini dip
• Ravioli Stew
• Hot Chocolate. 

My kind of yummyness.

Question: January 18 - What Was Peaceful About Today?

Peaceful… is not a word I would use to describe today. Nevertheless, there were brief moments, sprinklings and teasing tastes.

When I rolled over in bed and opened my eyes this morning, and my sleepy husband mumbled “I love you”. When we were walking down a muddy road and conversation lulled while a lamb and it’s mama walked by with jingling bells. When I laid down to go to sleep and my husband plugged in the Christmas tree to cast happy twinkling light around the bedroom.

Those were my peaceful moments today.

Question: January 17 - What Is The Oldest Thing You're Wearing?

The oldest thing I’m wearing today, and in fact probably the oldest thing I own, is my engagement ring. I’m not exactly sure how old it is, it’s an antique estate ring.

When my then fiancé asked me what my dream ring would look like, I told him an antique gold ring with filigree and a tiny diamond. He nailed it. I adore my ring.

Photo a Day Challenge - January 16: Morning

Morning in Albania means bakery delivery trucks loading piles of fresh bread into the roadside shops. 

Question: January 16 - Do You Owe Someone Money? Does Someone Owe You?

No, not that I know of. We paid off my wedding dress in August, so although we have no money at all, we also have no debt. That’s lovely.

That said, I do feel like I owe other people. Not money, just… I want to do things for them to thank them for everything they have done for me. I’ll get right on that. 

Question: January 15 - On a Scale of One to Ten, How Was Your Lunch Today?

I'll call it a 2. I had crackers, and a multi vitamin. I know, that’s not a meal. No argument there. But the cabinets are empty, and the fridge isn’t even plugged in anymore. There isn’t any point. Eventually I’ll get hungry enough that I’ll wander over to my parents house and beg a little food off them. I know, it’s pathetic. 

But we’re doing our best here. We’re struggling, yes. But we have to make it a point to think about next year, and how much better things will be then.

 A year from now, when I answer this question again, we’ll have a feast. And I’ll detail every single dish on the table as I look back and remember the day when we were so poor that we only ate crackers. And I’ll throw my head back and laugh at the pathetic day that was January 15, 2012. And then I’ll eat.

Question: January 14 - Are You A Leader Or A Follower?

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I’m a leader. I always have been. I lean towards(and sometimes fall right into) the bossy side, if I’m comfortable with the people I’m with. I’ve never much cared about what other people think of me – if I’m happy with the way I’m living my life, I don’t care if everyone else disapproves.

I’m a dreamer, a planner, and a leader. I hope that means I’ll be a world changer, a leader of positive change. Maybe I can make it happen. Maybe I can lead the world into a better place. Or at least my little corner of the world.

Question: January 13 - Where Do You Want To Travel Next?

If I could walk into an airport right this minute and hand over someone else’s credit card for a ticket to anywhere, I think I would pick Antarctica. That sounds absurd considering how much I’ve been complaining about the cold lately, but my reasoning is that it would be the hardest and most expensive place on my list of places I want to go, so why not get it crossed off?

I don’t know. I guess if I knew I’d have opportunity to go everywhere else later, I would pick someplace like Morocco. I’ve always wanted to go there, and my hungry tummy likes the thought of red curry chick peas and falafels. I’ll bet it’s warmer there too, maybe even warm enough to let my toes come out of hiding in a barefoot beachy frolic.

And yet, if I’m being realistic… I’d really like to be in Michigan right now, signing my name on the job contract we’ve been dreaming about for awhile that will allow us to make concrete plans, settle down, and start baby making. Mhmm, that’s where I’d like to be right now. 

Question: January 12 - What's Your Favorite Accessory?

Oh, my precious scarves. You could call it an obsession at this point, probably. I wear them about twelve different ways on my neck, and about twelve different ways on my head.
Sometimes I incorporate a scarf into my braided hair, sometimes I use one as a headband.

I always wear one when traveling, and I've used my scarves as an emergency belt, luggage handle, eye mask in bright airports, mini skirt, covering the lack of a bra, as a tourniquet (just kidding. Although it could happen).

Scarves are beautiful, fantastic, useful, creative, just lovely. You should get one. Or twelve.

Question: January 11 - Today You Lost...?

Today I lost... a few tears. Maybe a little more than a few, blended with a couple from my husband. We broke through something today that's been weighing on our hearts, mostly mine.
It's not all better. It won't be for awhile. But at least we have band-aids for our hearts for now, and at least now we can face it together. It's easier to face the pain with someone by your side. So those tears were not in vain.

Photo a Day Challenge - January 10 - Childhood

This little girl had her butterfly wings on sideways while frolicking in the park on an unusually warm day.

Question: January 10 - Write Down Something That Inspired You Today

A lullaby. Apparently from the movie "Dumbo". I heard it for the first time today, it turns out my husband knows it by heart. So he sang it to me.

Baby mine, don't you cry
Baby mine, dry your eyes
Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine.
Little one, when you play
Don't you mind what they say
Let those eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine.
If they knew sweet little you
They'd end up loving you too
All those same people who scold you
What they'd give just for
The right to hold you.
From your head to your toes
You're not much, goodness knows
But you're so precious to me
Sweet as can be, baby of mine.

Question: January 9 - Was Today Typical?

Meh. Can I skip this one? I don't feel like talking about my very typical, boring, depressing day. I'm ready for a change, for something atypical.

I'm tired of getting up at eight and going to bed at ten. I'm tired of freezing my fingers off trying to frantically wash dishes in ice water before the running water goes out again. I'm tired of spending 80% of the day in bed, just because I can't think of a good reason to get out of it.

I'm ready for a change. I want to get on a plane and go somewhere new where I can start over again. Preferably a place with mexican food.

Question: January 8 - What Song is Stuck in Your Head?

Oh, I'm a Gummy Bear
Yes, I'm a Gummy Bear! 
Oh, I'm a Yummy, Chummy, Funny, Lucky Gummy Bear.
I'm a Jelly bear, Cuz I'm a Gummy bear, 
Oh I'm a movin', groovin', Jammin', Singin' Gummy Bear


Oh Yeah! 


(Gummy Gummy Gummy Gummy Gummy bear) [Pop! ]


Bing ding ba doli party
Zing bing ba doli party
Breding ba doli party party pop


Oh, I'm a Gummy Bear
Yes, I'm a Gummy Bear! 
Oh, I'm a Yummy, Chummy, Funny, Lucky Gummy Bear.
I'm a Jelly bear, Cuz I'm a Gummy bear, 
Oh I'm a movin', groovin', Jammin', Singin' Gummy Bear

Photo a Day Challenge - January 6: Makes You Smile

Big fluffy teddy bears hanging on the street for sale. Wrapped in plastic to protect them from the dust and rain, I suppose. 

Our Wedding Day

It was hot and sticky, and I just knew that my makeup was melting. My heart started beating faster as my mind rushed through a checklist of music, notes, rings, steps, and my breathing started to rush and I felt lightheaded. “Tash, do you have your notes? Do you have the ring? Are the speakers set up?” She turned around, smiled knowingly and put her hands on my shoulders. “Megan. Everything is beautiful. You are beautiful. I love you.” She turned around and walked up the aisle, leaving me standing in the foyer with my parents. Her words sunk in, as did the reality of what was about to happen. The details no longer mattered. I was about to marry the love of my life.

As the first soft notes of my song began to play – Liz on Top of the World”, my parents started to lead me forward through the foyer but I held them back. “Not yet. Almost.” The song swung to a crescendo as we crossed the threshold, the music that had always made my heart soar. And I looked up. Looked up to see the smiling grey eyes of my soon to be husband blinking back tears. I couldn’t look at him, I would cry. I turned my eyes to meet my little sister, and was shocked to see tears pouring down her face. She never cries. I felt the tears starting to spring up and I turned my head away. Tash. There she was, standing calm and collected, a soft smile on her face. No tears. Beautiful strength.

I left my parents halfway up the aisle and continued forward alone. Gathering every ounce of strength I could pull from Natasha’s eyes I turned my gaze back to my love. Our wedding had begun.

Natasha stepped forward and welcomed the small crowd gathered in the chapel, then my soon to be sisters in law took their turns speaking. Natasha lifted her violin to her chin and played a song I’d heard her practice a thousand times during the time we lived together, a song that already had so many happy memories and now is wrapped up in even more beautiful  moments.

Finally, it was time. My love took a deep breath and began.

“In the last eight years I have learned to love you for who you have been, who you are, and for the many possibilities that lie before us. Thank you for coming so far with me and for always seeing in me the person that I strive to be, even when I have stumbled along the way. Thank you for being my sanctuary, my comfort and my light when life is dark. I promise you that though the world may change and we may change with it, I will always love you, always treasure you, and will always share my life and all that I am with you.

I love you because you remind me to always be the person that I want to be. I love you because your soul and spirit are as beautiful as you are. I love you because loving you gives me the feeling that the best is still ahead.

Because I love you, I promise to stand by you through laughter and hardship. Because I love you, I can’t wait to go where God leads us together. Te dua dhe per kete arsye une betoj para perendi te mbroj, dashurpj, dhe mbaje per jet.

Wherever our path leads us, it leads us together. I am proud, from this day forward, to be called your husband.”

The Albanian words brought an extra touch of emotion to his voice. This would always be his language, the one that he used in moments where English words would not suffice. He squeezed my hand and looked into my eyes, willing me to stay steady. Now it was my turn.

“Today I join my life with yours to share with you in all that is to come, not just to grow old together, but to grow together, as we have over these last eight years. I look forward to getting to know the man you already are and the man you are becoming, and falling in love with you a little more every day. I promise that although our path may take us into darkness and into the unknown, our path will always be one.

I love you because your undying faith and trust in me keeps me striving to be the person that you see in me. I love you because your heart and soul are always ready to stand by me, support, protect, and love me. I love you because loving you makes me look forward to the rest of my life with a beautiful excitement and joy.

Because I love you, I promise to stand by you and support you in any place, in anything, at any time. Because I love you, I am ready to go out into the world and spend the rest of my life working for God together with you. Because I love you, my world is forever changed.

Wherever our path leads us, it leads us together. I am proud, from this day forward, to be called your wife.”

His little sister and “best woman” stepped forward and slipped the ring into his hand. “I give you this ring as an outward symbol of the love and devotion I have for you as I join my life to yours. It is a visible and constant token of the promise we have made today. With this ring, I make you my wife.”

I turned and met Natasha’s smiling eyes as she handed me the ring and nodded. “I give you this ring as a symbol of the love and promises I have made to you today. Because this ring has no end or beginning, it signifies the continuation of true love. It will be an outward symbol of the inner commitment we have made today. With this ring, I make you my husband.”

My little sister straightened and turned to look at me for assurance. I smile and nod. “Yes, it’s your turn.” She wiped the last tear from her eye and steadied her voice. “This is a moment of celebration. Let it also be a moment of dedication. The world does a good job of reminding us of how fragile we are. Individuals are fragile; relationships are fragile, too. Every marriage needs the love, nurture, and support of a network of friends and family.

She turned to face us. “May the love you have found grow in meaning and strength until its beauty is shown in a common devotion to all that is, and the light in your hearts be visible to everyone around you. May the flow of your love help brighten the lives of many, and may the Source of all love touch and bless you as you begin your lives together.”

It was almost over. My other best friend, the one who had looked at me with raised eyebrows when I asked him to be my “bridesman” but then agreed and happily accompanied me dress shopping. The one who was even more surprised when I asked him to officiate our wedding. The one who was always there for me and agreed to every crazy request I threw at him. It was Luis’ turn.

“Do you…?”  We did. “Then by the power vested in me by the state of Florida, and because of the vows and promises you have made to each other this day, I am now happy to declare you husband and wife. You may kiss.”

And it was done. Sealed with a kiss. Together for all eternity.

While my memories of our wedding will always remind me of my husband’s soft grey eyes gazing into my soul as he read his vows to love me forever, I will also never forget the other important people so dear to my heart that made my day beautiful. My maid of honor’s calm reassurance, my little sister’s sweet tears, and my “bridesman’s” constant spirit of supportiveness and willingness to help wherever needed.  They are also irreplaceable elements of the beautiful memories of our special day. And for that, I am forever grateful. I love you guys.

Photo a Day Challenge - January 4: Letterbox

We've only just got the mailbox in Berat, up until recently you had to take your mail into the post office to send it. But not anymore! We've got two shiny yellow boxes right in front of the post office now. 

Photo a Day Challenge - January 2: Breakfast

The byrek (spinach or cheese pie) man offered to show off his goods for the photo. A traditional Albanian breakfast.

365 Questions to Answer in 2012 (January)

Someday when I look back at 2012, what will I remember?
I'll have my Frame a Day blog, with snapshots of daily life recorded in photos. But I want more then that - I want to see what I was like, how I changed through the years.
My best friend found a journal that asks 365 questions, one for every day of the year. It runs for five years, asking the same questions year after year so you can look back and see how your answers changed (or stayed the same) over time.
So I'm jumping into it this year, 2012. Here is the set of questions for January.

1. What is your mission?
2. Can people change?
3. What are you reading right now?
4. the best part of today?
5. What was the last restaurant you went to?
6. Today was tough because ____________
7. You are lucky; how so or not so?
8. What song is stuck in your head?
9. Was today typical? Why or why not?
10. Write down something that inspired you today.
11. Today you lost ___________.
12. What's your favorite accessory?
13. Where do you want to travel next?
14. Are you a leader or a follower?
15. On a scale of one to ten, how was your lunch today?
16. Do you owe someone money? Does someone owe you?
17. What's the oldest thing you're wearing today?
18.What was peaceful about today?
19. List three foods you ate today.
20. Are you holding a grudge? About?
21. What are you looking forward to?
22. Are you seeking security or adventure?
23. Do you need a break? From what?
24. If you were going to start your own company, what would it be?
25. What makes "you" you?
26. Today you need more ______________.
27. Which art movement best describes you today? (Surrealism? Modernism? Dada?)
28. How do you describe home?
29. What was the last TV show you watched?
30. What do you want to forget?
31. Who do you want to be?