{quotable thursdays-postcards from Japan}

Hello! last week I was in japan, this week I'm in Chicago!

{beginning}

isn't that the way? it's really easy to start a project, but hard to see it through. as things are pretty crazy busy at the moment, I am feeling a little regret at starting so many projects, but I know I'll be happy when they're done!
A select few pics from my trip to Japan--more to come!

{ate dinner here in this beautiful bamboo grove to live geisha dancing and music!}

{the lights of Tokyo!}

{beautiful bento box for the conference lunch!}

x
L

{off to Tokyo!}

{packing}

Well tomorrow I'm off to Tokyo!
Really looking forward to it. I've spent time in Asia, but never Japan, so I'm in for a treat, I know!
I'll be giving a paper at the History of Consumer Culture conference at Gakushuin University. The conference organisers have some lovely dinners planned, as well as a sightseeing tour on the Saturday, including dinner at the traditional Ukai Chikutei, an idyllic hideaway in the mountains, where there will be live music and Geisha dancing!
it's of course cherry blossom season...so stay tuned for pictures, like this one:

{the kimono gallery}

follow me over on instagram for #postcardsfromtokyo

xo

L

{quotable thursdays}

It's international women's month, so today I'm choosing a short & punchy quote:

{she persisted}

That quote could simply read 'she persisted' and it would reveal the strength of so many women, past and present, who have persisted in the face of adversity. Whether it's famine, abuse, discrimination, or simply the challenges of everyday life.
Last weekend I had a group of amazing women over for brunch. We met through poppy loves bookclub in London and I invited them out for a 'day in the country'. We brunched and chatted and then went for a country walk. By the end of the day, I felt lighter, happier, and simply positive.

{all laughs!}

 It's wonderful what happens when you surround yourself with amazing women.
Thanks to all the inspiring women in my life!
xx
L

{postcards from Mexico-the highlights}

Well, I'm finally playing some catch up. It has been busy since my trip to Mexico for our Christmas reunion, and I've fallen ill a few times, and had a long trip to Italy as well...
So even though it's March, I thought I'd post the highlights of my trip to Mexico!
 We had a wonderful time--hosted by my sister Rachel and her family--we also managed to have a sisters' night out, a celebration dinner for my Dad's 70th (belated), and general fun times together. Veracruz is an important port historically, as it was used very early on for that purpose by the Spanish, so there are important early colonial buildings, but also very important indigenous sites too.
You'll have seen that I posted some pictures from my niece and nephew's first communion and party, or if you missed it, that post is here.

Without further delay, here are my favourite picks from the trip:

{ a visit to the nearby ruins}

It was here, where Cortez allied with the ruler, Xicomecoatl and together defeated Montezuma.

{these stones line up with the cardinal points}

{the church near Cortez's house}

{Cortez's house, the ruins}

We then drove to the Chapel of the Rosary, first church built by Cortez in the 1520s.

{oldest church in the Americas}

A highlight was celebrating my Dad's 70th birthday, where we took over an entire restaurant, the wonderful Silvestre

{our for dinner celebrating Dad's 70th birthday!}

 And then...we went on a boat ride!

{a boat trip through the Mangroves!}

{4/5 sisters of the 7 cs}

{mariachi, river side}

Old Veracruz is filled with charming buildings with lovely restaurants...

{traditional coffee house}

{the market in old Veracruz}

 & we made sure to carve out time for a sisters' night out, but were sad to be missing my fourth sister!

{sisters night out (minus one)}

& then it was Christmas!

{Christmas dinner!}

{the cooks!}

{the feast!}

{old Veracruz}

As you can see, it was a lovely holiday!
x
L

{quotable thursdays}

Hello blog land!
Despite my hope/promise to slow down for 2017, I have a to-do list that seems to keep growing...& they aren't small things. they are big things, like finish edits on a whole textbook, finish an article, finish two other articles, finish edits on a (monograph) book and seek copyright for 55+ images...and compile an index while I'm at it.

But it'll all get done... and if one day I congratulate myself on my accomplishments, it's not out of pride or vanity, but out of sheer happiness I made it.

and on that note, here's today's quote:

{success is hard work}

now back to the edits..
xo
L