Tuesday, April 20, 2010

IRELAND TRIP and 'Tree of Love'




This is an indian ink drawing I did that I am now adding color to...Title: 'Tree of Love'.
(I just added the finished picture to my sidebar and below - I love how it turned out...makes me
H A P P Y!!!



UPDATE on the IRELAND TRIP: First let me say thank you so much to everyone for your kind words about our cancelled trip! I sure appreciated the support over the past couple days.



We did head down to the airport to be met with the news that our flight was cancelled. I am so very disappointed, but equally relieved, because who wants to head over into that mess?!?


I actually feel blessed that we did not plan this trip five days earlier, or we would be over there with two toddlers wondering how to get home ~ not fun!


My daughter is quite disappointed too, but handling it like a trooper, and we have now decided to add Scotland to our itinerary when we attempt this again in the fall, so that is something exciting to research and plan for!


This is a cool reminder that we are not really in charge of anything in this life, and the best laid plans can be upset in a moment. I once read (and I sure wish I could remember where!) :

"The true measure of a man is not what he does when things are going his way; rather how he conducts himself when met with adversity." (may not be verbatim, but you get the idea.) I have always told my children this and it really hit home recently.

Throughout these past couple of days, I can say proudly that we have all managed to maintain our sense of humor, looking forward and beyond instead of steeping ourselves in self-pity. I am once again reminded of how lucky I am to have such a wonderful person in my life - Craig has been my rock and lightened our spirits at every turn, even tho he must too have been terribly disappointed. Love that MAN!

So we are off this weekend to Victoria for a mini-break, just Craig and me and the two little boys. Maybe we'll stay at the Empress Hotel, (http://www.fairmont.com/Empress/) and have high tea, and pretend we are on the green isle...Whatever we do, doing it together will make it memorable and precious.


Smiles All!

20 comments:

Dumbwit Tellher said...

You have such a positive attitude, truly admirable. It's great that your getting away to Victoria, I know you all will have a terrific weekend. I would love to help out with anything quote like and Celtic. I am a HUGE fan of Celtic music and I was thrilled to read you may take in Scotland on your visit to the UK. The name you gave me of M.C. does sound familiar. My father taught @ Snoho. High for 42 years & two of my children did graduate there. Lots of history! Hope you all have a truly great week ahead. Cheers ~ deb

Gigi Thibodeau said...

Like Deb said, your attitude is wonderful! I think keeping a sense of humor in such situations can be challenging, but it sure makes life a lot more livable! When you finally get to go on your trip, what a time you will have!! I'm so happy that you'll be going to Scotland, too. It is one of my favorite places on earth. My husband and I spent several days in Edinburgh a few years back and they were among the happiest of my life!

Susan said...

Love your trees Julia both versions! So sorry you couldn't make your trip, but again, like Deb said you have a wonderful attitude and a wonderful family - and Scotland - whoa! My Hubby and I were in the British Isles for our honeymoon for two weeks. Of course there was lots we didn't have time to see, but we did get to Edinburgh and it is amazing - have a wonderful and safe trip. Stop by my blog when you get a moment, I have an award for you!

BECKY said...

Hello Julia! Gosh, I'm away for a couple of days and look at all I've missed. I'm so sorry to hear about your cancelled trip, but as you said, it would be worse to be there and not be able to get back home! I would love to see Ireland and Scotland. I have a bit of Scottish in me! Oh, and your drawings are so beautiful. You have tremendous talent!

Alexandra MacVean said...

I just adore your Love Tree! Wow. And what a great attitude you have going about things, even when it doesn't go one's way. I try to always be positive and look at the better side of things. Doesn't always work, but for the most part!

And yes, I have been VERY, very ill. I caught a flu virus that landed me in the hospital on oxygen, meds, etc. I was not able to eat for almost 5 days!

Rising Rainbow said...

Just the thought of being stuck in a foreign country in an airport with two little ones would give me nightmares. Glad to hear you avoided that!

As for that saying, I've heard it to. I believe very much in it's meaning.

brandi said...

~your drawings both turned out wonderful...i am a fan of black and white...so l♥ve the original!! i am happy that in the end all this madness is working out in your favor and scotland...i wonder what other places may be added to your adventure!?! happy planning...warm wishes and brightest blessings~

lissa said...

love the drawing, wonderful colors, makes me want to smile

Jenny said...

I love your can-do attitude. And I like this drawing with and without the colors!

Hope all your dreams come true with this trip!

Coryanne Ettiene | Kitchen Living with Coryanne said...

Trust me, being over here with friends stranded all over the globe, a few of them on naval ships, you are lucky you did not make it here. But saying that, the ash has given us the best spring weather in years. Scottland has so much to offer, what month are planning? The best art festival in the EU is the last week of Aug in Edin. if you can make it, you will love it.

Tammie Lee said...

your tree is wonderful alive and so cheery!
I smiled as I read your post. Ireland must have been a wonderful dream and another time it will be, but it does sound challenging for people right now. Wishing you a wonderful time away!

Maggie May said...

I love the tree of love!

Donna Volkenannt said...

Hi Julia,
I'm a first-time visitor. I love your sketches--and your uplifting sentiments. You have such a positive attitude; it's contagious.
Best,
Donna Volkenannt

PurestGreen said...

After my trip was cancelled, I watched the news everyday as the time ticked down to Monday, when I knew you were supposed to be flying.

I am also glad I wasn't one of the poor people stuck and unable to make it home.

So sorry to hear about your trip, but equally freaking out with excitement that you will be able to add Scotland to your tour in the autumn. Eeeeeee!

Kristin said...

What a beautiful tree!!! So heartwarming and so stunning! I love everything about it! Thank you for your sweet message and so sorry to hear about your trip, Kristin xo

Julia Christie said...

Thanks everyone for your kind comments! I am feeling all better about the whole 'trip' thing and now getting excited about Scotland in the fall!

Smiles

Dear Fireflies said...

Hello Julia! I'm loving you Tree of Love...it makes me happy too! Yes, it's such a shame you have to cancel your trip...but Scotland?? Oh, you must DEFINITELY go!! It's probably one of the most enchanting places I've ever been to in my life... And please, blow Nessie a kiss for me when you're at Loch Ness, there's been a new sighting you know?? (^_^) ox

Anonymous said...

Julia! that drawing makes me happy too, and it's just what i need right about now!

thanks!

ciao bella
creative carmelina

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

Daily dosage of humor is essential!
You are so talented Julia~

Alexandra MacVean said...

Happy Friday!! :)