Thanksgiving Weekend

Vale, Colorado

BreckenRidge, Colorado

European Art ( London, Paris, Rome)

A few of my Favorite postcards and paintings found throughout England, France and Italy.

More photos and painting will come throughout time. I have not put all of the ones I wanted on this page yet. Many are in books or postcards that I have not yet got to.

December 29th 1940 St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England escapes Londons persishing fire bomb raid from WWII's German Troops.

Piero Moschi
Florence, Italy

Piero Moschi
Florence, Italy

The Graham Children
William Hogarth 1697-1764
London, England
Museum of Modern Art

Coastal Scene by Theo van Rysselberghe 1862-1926
London, England
Museum of Modern Art

The Creation of Man by Michaelangelo 1475-1564 (vault)
Sistine Chapel: Vatican City, Itlay

The Delphic Sibyl by Michaelangelo 1475-1564 (vault)
Sistine Chapel: Vatican, Italy

The Last Supper by Leanardo Da Vinci
date unknown most likely 15th to 16th century
Vatican, Italy


Is it Mary kicking it beside Jesus? Look closely I think Mr. Brown might have one actual point. Does the bloodline extend to the present day? Is it really possible that Jesus was born by a pure mother? Oh the questions, personally I'm thinking it's not too emmaculant, but I also think Mr. Browns book is a little fictional yet interesting.

Ulysses deriding Polyphemus-Homer's Odessey
Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775-1851
London, England
Museum of Modern Art

Bathers at La Grenouillere by Claude-Oscar Monet 1840-1926
London, England
Museum of Modern Art


Photo's below are considered my favorite. I'm a huge fan of art from 16th and 17th centuries particularly the colors used, lighting and emotions that are stirred up. They evoke conversations and debates. In addition Caravaggio, Rubens and Boticelli the ones I consider greats, next to the obvious Michaelangelo or Da Vinci.

The Massacre of the Innocents 1611-12 by Peter Paul Rubens 1577-1640
Painting in the Louve of Paris, France

Samson and Delilah by Peter Paul Rubens
Painting found in the Louve of Paris, France



Salome recieves the Head of Saint John the Baptist 1607-10
By Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio 1571-1610
Painting found in the Louve of Paris, France

Mona Lisa needs to be recovered from the print shop. They over-exposed her. More pictures will come after some time. Like when I get my stuff from storage.

Side note: I have a photo of the statue of the Virgin Mary and Christ after crusifiction, seeing it in real life is an honour as Michaelangelo was certainly a master of sculpting in addtion to painting. Story behind the statue follows as this: The statue was exposed to visitor within St. Peters for decades untouched and gazed upon adoringly. In the 80's or possibly 90's (I have to ask Mister for proper date) an individual that had issues with the Roman Catholic Church came inside St. Peters and vandalized the statue. I'm not speaking of graffiti put he literally broke the statue into pieces. The statue is solid marble like that of David. To this day you can see the scaring of the Virgin Mary and Christ, yet the piece still stands as beautiful as it most likely was when completed by Michaelangleo. It now resides behind a glass wall for vistors to see. It seems this is the only statue that was damaged as others including Christ and his worn foot from people petting and kissing it are in perfection.

One of my favorite pieces of art work next to the mosaics in the basillica is one that has both life and death posing in contradiction with the world at their feet. Its made of marble and gold and is massive when standing beneath it.

Italy 2004

St. Peters Basillica, Vatican, Italy
Photo (left) on the roof of the Basillica, for viewing of at the base of the dome or one can climb to the top of the dome which is roughly under 400 steps of tight and narrow passages. I climbed to the top which is rather clausterphobic, took about 20 minutes of breathing heavy. lol. Photo (right) is Mom, Myself and Gran inside St. Peters. I personally am not religious but adore the architecture, paintings and statues, however visiting here there is an awe that comes either from the lavish art work or that maybe there is some pressence there. Something definetly moves you. A must see if ever in Rome.

In front of St. Peters which opens with its arms streched out for visitors, the arena or plaza here can hold over one million visitors. This is the weekend prior to Easter. Preparations for Easter are being done as we visit. This is the last Easter for Pope John Paul II (2004). Following year Pope Benedict becomes the new Pope of the Roman Catholic Church (2005).
Interesting fact St. Peters and the surrounding Vatican is about square mile, it also took over 18 centuries to be built, meaning shortly after the death of Christ and the time of St. Peters death. St. Peters tomb rest below the actual dome. As do other past popes, some you can visit others you have to visit the catacombs beneath the basillica as other devout priest, monks, cardinals, etc. are burried under Rome in catacombs throughout the Roman walls.
Oh if you ever see me ask to see my beautiful first ever rosary blessed by the pope and handcrafted by nuns in swartz .crystals. and silver. Thank you Mister, as I bat my only child eye lashes. Needless to say I did not buy it and was blessed to recieve it as a gift. When I say its beautiful it is ungodly beautiful.

(Left) Random alley in Rome (Right)The Coliseum in Rome

Piazza in Rome

(Upper Photo) Gran at the train station checking our departure for Florence (lower photo) Piazza Narvona

Three Pennies in the Fountain at Trevi Fountain in Rome. This is probably the hippest and most alive portion in Rome. Good touristy shops, good Gelato, probably the best resteraunts are found within the few blocks from Trevi Fountain, however tourist prices are in effect.

Coliseium. Holes found in the structures walls are where copper was pulled out of the building and then melted down and re-used. Also much of the marble that once existed has been taken down across the centuries for building other structures around Italy.

The area of the Coliseum. Aquaducts beneath the actual arena did show that the inside of the arena was capable of holding water (sealed within) to have naval battles for on lookers. In addition lifts for gladiators and wild animals would allow them to surface from underground. Awnings for shade were pulled over seats, bread and wine were given freely. Events went from all day to several days. It is said that this arena still today can evacuate 60,000 people within minutes due to it's sound structure and excessive exits at every level and every section. I think the evacuation count was 60,000 under 3- 5 minutes. Tough record to beat.

Next set of pictures below are of POMPEII
Pompeii is by far the most awesome thing I have ever seen and absolutely surreal to see, touch and smell in person. As many know Pompeii's Mt. Versuveus exploded around 70 AD. By the way it was two volcaneos not one, I can never remember the name of the mountain to the side and was a city that thrived during the time of Christ. This city was made of manly those from Greece and Roman individuals, not necessarily Italians. In Italy there is a distinct difference between Italians , Romans and what the Greek influenced or built let alone whom the people actually were. Greek were considered the elite of the three both in money and intellect (sorry to the itlians reading this) Pompeii was an elaborate city, with gildings of gold, marble, copper. It was a fully functioning city with market places, outdoor pubs, bath-houses, resteraunts, government buildings to whore houses. The whore houses I might add had inset cement beds with cement pillows, each room had frescos of positions that one might take pleasure in.
Homes were embelished with murals, fountains, atriums and I even saw a dog house for spot.
The actual City itself would take a few days to walk, when one visits you only see about a quarter of the entire city which is a rather large portion. Pompeii is about 20 minutes from Naples on the Western Coast of Italy just south of Rome by 2 hours plus.

(Left) Gran and Mister walking down a pathway of arches once covered in marble (right) solarium, I think this was the sauna. I maybe wrong and need to check my books.

Grounds of Pompeii: Government buildings were in this general area as well as the largest market place. Much of Pompeii is still under escavation and will be for decades.

(left) Parents back in Rome in front of the Parthanon, (right) Duke of An Jou fortress in Naples. This is probably one of like 3 whole buildings in Naples that is interesting otherwise Naples is a dump that apparently never came back after WWII. It is a filthy City that is in desparate need of caring for. The food here is the worst in the entire country of Italy.

Parents posing on the outskirts of Naples, Italy. This is a rather decent spot but the rocks below are cluttered with trash, I hid that in the photo.

This is enroute from Naples to Sorrento via the Almalfi Coast. This is by far the most beautiful part of Italy I have seen. In fact Sorrento is a cliff-side community, much like this photo. Each building hangs from the rocks. But the air is fresh of the mediterrean with drifts of lemons and oranges. Its the cleanest air with a hint of sweetness. Sorrento also I might add has the best gelato I have ever had: try the black walnut...you'll die.

The heart of FIRENZA aka Florence. This ornate structure is the Duomo (church), it is massively impressive on the outside and rather bare on the inside. Fun area to see. Florence I would say coming in via the train was going to be another Naples but soon as you leave the train station and walk a few blocks it is by far the most romantic and charming Cities with the worst food next to Naples. lol. Mister and I only ate gelato because we got food poisening the first night. Gran stuck to bruscetta the entire trip beause food in Italy is crap (sorry all you Italians but its crap) but as far as the City and its architecture this has the most attention to detail. Lots of little alley ways with cobblestones, huge wooden doors that if I could have put in my suitcase I would have. Piazza's at every turn, small markets to buy flowers, leather (home of the worlds best leather), silk/wool wraps, shoes. You name it, it's there. We also walked Hannibal's stroll through the market place in addition were Piatti is disembowled. Saw David. Saw Medusa, Saw the first Mafia's crime families home of the Medici's. Please note that the Medici's are known for one family memeber becoming Pope (he didnt have a very clean record, lets just say) in addition this is the same Medici family that Catherine de Medici belonged to (Queen of France, Mother in Law to Mary Queen of Scots) Ms. Catherine was the super power behind her lovely Francois King of France, ok it was like she was the manipulator of the kingdom. What she wanted she got. Hail to the Queen. lol Oh and apparently she was somewhat _itchy. Yet very intelligent.

Ah this is outside of where Piatti was hung and David statue stands. Statue in Piazza is a man holding Medusa's head. Another favorite thing in Italy is the statues at every corner, in addition to fountains, piazza's, shopping and gelato.
By the way who came up with the theory that the Itlians were the friendlist and the French were the rudest, sorry to say I had the complete opposite effect. Italians didnt seem to care for americans or any tourist despite we are one of their top incomes coming in. The also really hate Bush. I saw more graffiti on Bush in negative conitations then I did a protest in France or America. Poor man can't make a friend anywhere these days. lol

VENICE. Main canal in Venice. To get anywhere its either walk from island to island via bridges or catch the Vaporetto. Gran loved the vaporetto. lol. She hates water. Oops sorry Gran we picked the wrong place to go on vacation. But we did somehow manage to get her on a boat to Murano and then later on a gondola. You should have seen her face. Poor little Gran, so abused. We conquered her fear, or at least tried.

(left) Gran and I (right) Mister getting fresh with that leg and Mom

(top photo) Gran at San Marcos Square (bottom) somewhere along the canal Mom, Gran and myself

Vaporetto: see Gran conquered her fear of water. Oh they say your supposed to buy tickets for these things. We did the first day then said F'it. No one asked for tickets and locals just walked on to the vaporetto. We saved money in the long run. Its like why have a booth with someone standing inside if your not even going to ask for tickets. Talk about poor management, and Italy wonders why it's in financial ruins. Heres one example. Venice, one of the world most top tourist destinations. Millions come annually, concept lets charge for shuttle boats and actually ask for tickets when boarding, this includes locals. Granted I appreciate the free-be myself and my family recieved but hello anyone home, here's easy money. Hence why the Greeks were consider elite in lifestyle and intelligence.

Narrow alley common in Venice for shopping. These were cool and a gondola. By the way gondola's are passed through generations. Many are centuries old. The colors and icons are characterized like crest of families. These things cost a fortune to rent for an hour, something like 80 Euro, suggestion pack it up with people split the cost and do not go at night, its far too romantic and the cost rises. Sometimes its know you can get the price dropped, that more in an off season. Also I hear Venice reaks in the summer months, the water is heavily polluted, which is notable when you see it, don't fall in you'll get some funky disease. Drink only bottled water because everything gets dumped back into the water to which is was taken if you catch my drift. It also doesnt help to have decaying buildings which are really awesome. Venice is a must see place, its like the rainforest go now before its gone in the next decade or two. Literally. Oh also bring lots and lots of money. If your a shopaholic or have issues in spending mass amounts of money on credit DO NOT GO HERE. This is a money City, you have to have the money if you want the merchandise. I saw a fully diamond studded watch at a retail value of 500,000 Euro's. Do the math, its a whole lot. All you see is designer clothing (nothing under 10,000 Euro), shoes, gold everything, diamond everything and paper mache (original design) mask. I bought two mask for about 210 Euro they were the least elaborate of the handcrafted ,one of a kind designs. I also bought a small sculpture in Murano that is about 8 inches tall, a statue of an elephant (soft sculpture not tacky) that is almost entirely of glass but will swirls or red and gold coming up the middle. You have to see it to appreciate it. Its very pretty and was carried on the plane by my bare hands and wrapped with soft tissue, newspaper and loads of bubble wrap. It was like 5 times the size of its actual self. lol. It managed back to the US in one piece and actually so far has managed 4 moves since. If it breaks I have to go all the way to Murano and figure out where I bought it again, if thats even possible. By the way Murano is well known for its glass making artisans world wide, it is impressive and beautiful. It can also be pricey so shop around. Some good deals some deals you need to put your home up for a second mortgage. Go in mind with a budget. I bought only a few things.
Oh before I forget Italy has the best bottled water around, I so wanted to bring a case back. It's a tall clear bottle with some blue writing on it. Very basic, Bottle size standard is like a large Pelligrino bottle. Strange that standing out in my head, but I love water and that was by far the best I have ever had to this day.

San Marcos Square, Merchantile Headquarters. Also notable for its world eldest cafes that noblest wrote the worlds greatest books. Don't ask I couldn't tell you, I was more excited that I was in the 2nd and 3rd oldest cafes ever established (Turkey having the first cafe). I sat in both, one being from the early to mid 1400's the other late 1500's or early 1600's. When you go there is not a cafe in San Marcos that will not treat you like a King or Queen. Live music at all locations. You very own private waitor(s) that carry everything on a silver platter including munchies come in silver. You can have some bubbly or lattes. The desserts are great here. All this a sturdy price, but who the hell treats you like a god everyday. Oh in 2004 at the resteraunt / cafe with the yellow awnings has a really cute italian waitor, he doesnt speak english...how perfect is that. LMAO

Mom posing infront of the very yellow awning resteraunt. lol. San Marcos Square, Venice Italy. Hi Mommy you look really cute in this photo..

I can never remember the name of this Church, I couldnt even remember its name when there and looking in a tourist guide. Terrible. Anyway the most fascinating thing about this church is the fact that is still has a huge bomb lodged into its walls from WWII. Like the same kind of bomb the blow up on the beach from the movie "Captin Morelli's Mandolin" This church is hard to miss its on the main canal as you enter into Venice and its so large that you can see it from a distance unless your in the labyrith of alleys.

That's my story and I stand by it. lol. I'm sure I can tell you lots more but I'm tired of writing and I don't have any of my italian fact books in hand. I told you what I can recollect, which is not much but live with it. Anyway CIAO

Not so hot looking day