communal global

Tuesday Around the World

2012-02-27T16:08:00.000-08:00

TINA, SWEDEN Loving his LEGO! CAROLINE, ENGLAND First outside load of the year :D ~ feels good!! WANDA, MONTREAL After what looked like the end of winter, we received a healthy dump on the week-end...sending us outside to frolic in it. LOLA, UTAH MAY, GERMANY MADDY, NEW JERSEY/NYC BECKY, PHILADELPHIA BUCKEROOMAMA, HONG KONG Fireworks by the beach.

Are You Ready to Start the Week?

2012-02-26T18:00:00.001-08:00

MADDY, NEW JERSEY/NYC There goes the diet! BECKY, PHILADELPHIA MAY, GERMANY In a month's time, the grass should be pretty again!!! WANDA, MONTREAL Downtown Montreal TINA, SWEDEN Making a snow man - just eyes and nose left! CAROLINE, ENGLAND "Happy Birthday!" ~ Thai Style :D Today is my OTHER daughter's birthday ~ my oldest girls are a year and 17 days apart! BUCKEROOMAMA, HONG KONG

Remember to come back tomorrow and link up with us for Tuesday Around the World! We look forward to seeing your pictures every week.

Last Look Around the World This Week!

2012-02-24T04:24:00.006-08:00

Wanda, Canada

I thought this made an interesting shot - downtown Montreal.

Dahlia....rolling out the cookie dough.

Tinajo, Sweden

I'm loving my books!

Playing board games with youngest son - fun!

Salma, Canada

May, Germany

Inside my home, it is spring!!!!

I do not know why but off lately I have been thinking about Italy A LOT!!!

Maddy, New Jersey/NYC

My sister helping me chip old paint off the walls.

We've got a bit down and A LOT more to go!

Katie, Indonesia

Playing cards on the beach. (Salalah, Oman)

Happy Friday! (Oman)

Caroline, England

First Shoes!

Is SO nice to be outside at last

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

We had fun kayaking! (We spot you, Buckeroomama!!)

Fun at the pool. Josh managed to dive between Chris' legs with his eyes closed (we forgot to bring goggles, duh!

Becky, Philadelphia

Happy Friday!

Dear Self: Today will be a good day!!

2012-02-22T04:14:00.000-08:00

Becky, Philadelphia

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

Caroline, England

This little man hardly needs this gate now, but it helps 'contain' him just a little! ;D

Katie, Canada

Heaven help me - I lost my SD card. *cry* I'm ordering a new one on Amazon but that makes this week another trip down memory lane back to Oman.

I LOVE this tree! It is a variety of baobab which originate in Africa. (Salalah, Oman)

Maddy, New Jersey/ NYC

Behind the scenes of a NYC photo shoot: I could never look this good carrying all these bags.

Salma, Canada

Date night with hubby. The colours in the sky just took my breath away.

Tinajo, Sweden

Who said you shouldn't play with food..?!

Baking a little Focaccia - yum!

Wanda, Canada

Some recent fun in my studio. How did I get so lucky? They loooove having their pic taken. (I set it all up and hubby clicked the button.)

Downtown Montreal in the dead of winter.

Tuesdays Around the World 2.21.11

2012-02-20T18:31:00.000-08:00

Becky, Philadelphia

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

Proudly displaying their projects: Hat decoration and sand art.

Caroline, England

Flowers that Paul bought for my Nanna & I for Valentines ~ He's amazing! :D

Katie, Canada

Traditional singing and dancing (Muscat, Oman)

May, Germany

Today is Rosenmontag or Rose Monday in Germany. It is the highlight of the German carnival, a day of celebration which includes dressing up in costumes, parades and heavy drinking!!!

Salma, Canada

I took a few shots of some of the art in one of our favorite restaurants.

Tinajo, Sweden

Taking a moment with my sweet dog

Wanda, Canada

"Hey look Sis....a pigeon..."

Maddy, New Jersey/ NYC

Finally got around to sending moving announcements to our family and friends - address removed for the web but it's somewhere in New Jersey ;o)

Today...Friday

2012-02-16T19:15:00.001-08:00

SONYA in the Netherlands

Lemon-Blueberry Oat Muffins

JENNIFER in Germany

I can't believe that this is the first time I've let Tennyson lick the beaters after whipping up a batch of cream cheese frosting! But alas, it is so. {And just for the record: he loved it.}

LOLA in Utah

Pancake breakfast with some friends from school! Man, teenage boys can eat a lot!!!

KATIE in Canada

In this week of love here are some things I love...my girls. They make smile everyday a million times. My sweet little munchkins!

CAROLINE in England

Morning frost. There is something quite beautiful about the frozen jewel-clad foliage. But beautiful as it is ~ I'm looking forward to spring time now :D

BECKY in Philadelphia

WANDA in Montreal, Canada

........and the ladies of Communal Global

wish everyone around the world

a beautiful week-end!!!

Today.....Wednesday

2012-02-14T19:30:00.001-08:00

KATIE in Canada

In this week of love here are some things I love...my hubby! (Of course!) I miss him everyday and look forward to when he comes home from Baghdad.

MADDY in NJ/NYC

I was given this beautiful orchid. Any tips of how to keep it alive an healthy?

TINAJO in Sweden

I pretend it´s summer - it almost works..!

BUCKEROOMAMA in Hong Kong

LOLA in Utah

My niece Jojo's friend had to care for her own "baby" as part of one of her high school classes. So she brought "him?" over to our house and Tentens was intrigued! He even patted the doll when it started to cry.

MAY in Germany

Sonny boy tried out ice skating for the first time.

BECKY in Philadelphia

CAROLINE in England

Deep WInter Fog ~ we are embraced in the arm of ice, frost, and fog ~ it's minus zero everyday and it's quite simply a little gloomy out there! Even snow would be more cheerful than this!

SALMA in Canada

SONYA in The Netherlands

WANDA in Montreal, Canada

Hoping everyone ate chocolate and had enough love to their hearts content.

Happy Wednesday!

Tuesdays around the world

2012-02-13T18:29:00.000-08:00

Be my Valentine, my love,

As I will be for you,

And we will love the whole day long,

And love our whole lives through.

For love has no parameters

And does not end with time,

But is the gift of paradise,

A pinch of the sublime.

So let us take this holiday

To resubmit our love

To those within that know no sin

And with the angels move.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

WANDA in Montreal, Canada

......wishing everyone more love than you expected today.

TINAJO in Sweden

Let´s skate a little!

SONYA in the Netherlands

Happy Valentines Day!

SALMA in Canada

MAY in Germany

Happy Valentines Day!!!

MADDY in NJ/NYC

LOLA in Utah

JENNIFER in Germany

CAROLINE in England

Birthday Lunch.

Sometimes we show love to the ones we love by spending time with just them. Minnie and I had a great shopping afternoon and a delicious lunch ~ just us two :D

BECKY in Philadelphia

BUCKEROOMAMA in Hong Kong

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Monday

2012-02-12T21:50:00.001-08:00

BECKY from Philadelphia

BUCKEROOMAMA from Hong Kong

Having some fun with light and shadows.

CAROLINE in England

Minnie turned 11. I can't believe my little girl, is such a lovely young lady already. The years pass too fast.

KATIE in Indonesia

LOLA in Utah

We made, decorated, and devoured cupcakes instead of watching the Super Bowl...and we feel pretty good about that choice ;)

MADDY from NJ/NYC

A bit of winter and spring.

MAY in Germany

The last of my orchids bloomed...

SALMA from Canada

SONYA from the Netherlands

TINAJO in Sweden

Good morning!

WANDA in Canada

A perfect rose for Valentines!

So....let's get ready to spread some love tomorrow............

The moment we break faith with one another, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out. ~James Baldwin

2012-02-11T06:24:00.000-08:00

Do you want to know more about the girls that post pictures here?
Feel free to follow along on their individual blogs.
Here is a recent post from our founder, Lola!
Get ready to laugh!

Maddy, New Jersey/NYC

Lola, Utah

Katie, Canada

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

Becky, Philadelphia

Rikako, Japan

Rocio, Mexico

Sarah, Atlanta

May, Germany

Tinajo, Sweden

Caroline, England

Wanda, Canada

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." ~Erma Bombeck

2012-02-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

Maddy, New Jersey/NYC

Maddy's Father-in-law is a diehard Giants fan.

He cried tears of joy when they won the super bowl!

Becky, Philly
Shoshi's Grandparents got a dog.
I took a picture so I could tag Shoshi on facebook.
We really miss the great Shosh-meister!

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

Caroline, England

Emily, Canada

Emily's mom is 521 years old.

HOLY COW!

Not really...she is 53 but they didn't have a 3 candle : )

Happy Birthday to Emily's Mom!

Jennifer Bowen in Germany

Wanda, Canada
We love our kitty in our house. She is purrrrrfect!

Rikako, Japan

Rikako's little girl Ayako just before going to bed. Sweet dreams baby.

Salma, Canada

My little helper was not much of a help with this puzzle.

May, Germany

I love how a little bit of snow completely transforms our village.

Lola, Utah

Is there any better snack than this?

Tuesday all around the World Please join us!

2012-02-06T17:52:00.000-08:00

My son is a great goalie at hockey! I love to watch him play.

Sarah, Atlanta, Georgia

Every now and then I miss Summer at the Jersey Shore!

Maddy, New Jersey

My girls make every day a good one!

Wanda, Canada

This is one of my favorite bags. It cheers me up in the gray winter Utah days.

Lola, Utah

my 3 boybarians

My orchid is finally blooming.

Tinajo, Sweden

Jenn Bowen, Germany

Pretty blue skies.

Salma, Canada

Girls just wanna have fun!

Becky, Philadelphia, PA

The prettiest cauliflower I have ever seen.

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

Hoping for curls.

Caroline, England

Please indulge another picture of the view. What was also so stunning is that you are actually looking at a lake surrounded by mountains but it just so happened that it was covered in clouds. These clouds moved just like water over the forests on the mountains. It was breathtaking!

Katie, Canada

Leigh Vs. Laundry

I am taking advantage of the harsh winter by making pretty ice wreaths. What do you think?

May, Germany

The kids loved the movie The Magic Treehouse.

Rikako, Japan

Weekly Kodachrome

I can hardly wait to see the daisies pop up in the Summer.

Sonya, the Netherlands

Communal Global

Please join us for Tuesdays around the World.

A brand new week around the world!

2012-02-05T17:17:00.000-08:00

Went hiking this weekend and found BEAUTIFUL vistas on top of this mountain. (British Columbia)

Katie, Canada

Nothing like a little snow in the South.

Sarah, Atlanta, Georgia

I take my lunch walks in this cute neighbourhood.

Tinajo, Sweden

What could possibly be prettier than a pat of butter shaped like a heart? I was baking up some treats for my girls.

Wanda, Canada

I love taking my son on grand adventures!

Rocio, Mexico

My baby boy is growing like a weed. How does that happen?

Lola, Utah

I certainly eat!!!
Rikako, Japan

Over the weekend we had yummy blueberry pancakes for breakfast!!

May, Germany

Look what started blooming in our yard. A pretty bush. We can't wait to see all of the plants we have now that we bought our first house.

Maddy, New Jersey

Isn't this a pretty sight?

Emily, Japan

There are no menial jobs, only menial attitudes. ~William J. Bennett, The Book of Virtues

Today is the 15th day of first month in the Year of the Dragon... the last day of the Chinese New Year celebration.

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

Brand new

Becky, Philadelphia

My baby loves peek a boo!

Salma, Canada

Winter Sunrise

Caroline, England.

A Few Small Changes

2012-02-05T05:46:00.000-08:00

Hello to all our lovely visitors.

You might just notice a few small changes around here...

Sometimes things just need a little freshening up :D

So this is a little test post...

Please forgive me taking a liberty of posting a silly picture of my girls!

Please keep visiting ~ we love to see you each day :D

Happy Weekend!

2012-02-04T00:24:00.001-08:00

MADDY, NEW JERSEY/NYC

SONYA, THE NETHERLANDS

Fishing village in Hoorn,NL Apple Almond Whoopie Pie

SALMA, CANADA

TINA, SWEDEN

A little snow and sunshine makes the forest lovely. This is what I do to treat myself a little extra; a glossy magazine and candy in bed. My hubby and I have been working out a lot at the gym together - fun!

BUCKEROOMAMA, HONG KONG

Buttered drumsticks - ready for the oven!

An opportunity to give (and maybe WIN big) and help a child in another country with Down Syndrome.

2012-01-31T14:53:00.000-08:00

Our friend Patti asked me to share this. I think this deserves it's own post.

Can you help?

I read the words of a friend last night, and as is typical of posts written by mamas rescuing their babies from orphanages across the world, it cut me to the heart. I read it with my girl tucked safely in the crook of my arm, her golden head laying softly against my neck, and I gulped back hot tears trying to read the words out loud to Sam.

"You read it," I said, because I knew it was pointless to go on. There is something beautiful and powerful about mamas and daddies sacrificing finances, time, and energy to rescue a child who is going to require extraordinary amounts of care and effort once they are home. There is something amazing and rare about families who will put everything on the line, including and especially their hearts, for a child who by the world's standards is broken. There is something pure and noble and absolutely right about that kind of love- the love that says it doesn't matter what it takes, I am going to rescue this child, and nothing is going to stand in my way. The love that faces seemingly insurmountable costs and mountains of paperwork and risks what family and friends will think about traveling across the ocean to save a child you've never met before, one that many people might say wasn't really "fit for life" in the first place.So when I read this mama's account of the very first time she met her little girl- it didn't matter that I've read several dozen similar stories- they get me every time. I want you to read this account, that of a mama rescuing her daughter. I want you to listen to the words spoken by a five year old little girl......and if you're a parent, imagine your child saying them...About 5 minutes in, the door opened and someone pushed our girl in the door and shut it.

She was stunned. It seemed she had not been made aware of what was happening or why, and she regarded us quizzically at first. We were stunned. The picture had turned in to a person! My mind was literally swimming, I could not remember a.single.word. of Russian. I couldn’t remember how to greet her, or how to tell her she was absolutely gorgeous, or how to say I am your Mama. Nothing. Just complete shock.

Then I remembered I had a Disney princess doll in my bag to give her. I pulled it out, and she smiled. I asked if she wanted to sit on my lap, and she did. The director and doctor began talking again, but all I could do was stare at the sweet, brown pigtails swishing in front of me. Her little hands turning the doll over, as she began to speak a little bit. She began to realize what was happening.

We were there FOR. HER.

Our sweet little Vi.

She looked up and asked me “What is your name?” in Russian. I told her “Lora. Mama.” She looked straight to Dean, “What is your name?” He told her “Dean. Papa.” She looked to the director and smiled “Mama! Papa!”

Everyone was absolutely beaming, and perhaps had just a glint of tears in their eyes.

“I kept asking for you!! Mama? Mama? Mama? When will you come??” she said, according to our translator.

Five years is a long time to wait for this.Or this...

Or this...

I can't imagine Lily never knowing the security of having a mama to tuck her in every night, to hold her when she's hurting or comfort her when she's sad, never knowing how it feels to be desired and loved.I can't imagine what goes through a little girl's mind for five years, wondering when her mama will come take her home, waiting for the day she will walk through the doors of her orphanage, dreaming about that elusive, imaginary angel....Mama? Mama? Mama? When will you come??

Yesterday I received an email from a friend...another amazing mama who traveled last year to rescue not one, but two children. Patti,I wanted to see if you could help me out by posting on your blog about the Dirkes family. You see she contacted me today just heart broken and at her wits end. Her faith is shaken and my heart has gathered her burden. She leaves in one week. Yes, 7 days and she still needs at least 7k for this trip. Grand total is still about 17k. I am asking for your help because I was in her shoes not long ago and it is heart wrenching. It takes all you got to get through a day. The tears seem to never end. You pray there will just be one person who hears your cry. You pray until you have no words left just hoping someone will help. Patti, financially I cannot help her, I have made donations but not nearly enough to help. I have heard her cries and I cannot just sit back and hope she gets her funds. Her daughter Charlotte holds a special place in my heart; she was the one I would of chosen if we didn't choose Varvara. So, this leaves me to contact people who I know can help. Please go to her blog and see if you can help. Post a story, anything you can think of....Ann Plummer I went to Ann's friend's blog, and recognized a sweet little face I donated to a few months ago...and again a few days ago, in honor of another friend's birthday wish. Little Charlotte met her mama and daddy last November. They are traveling in six days to see her again, and go to court to make her theirs.

Six Days.

Six days to make a miracle happen.Do you think we can do it?With God's help, I believe we can.Charlotte's mama, Kelly, emailed me yesterday, after I said I would do everything I could to help.There are no words to thank you and the others who have stepped up and spoken out for us and for my girl. I knew this journey would give me the opportunity to learn a great deal about being a momma and about Down Syndrome...but I didn't know just how strong this community is.Well, Kelly- you're about to find out. I say that not because I have confidence in Lily's blog, or in my own words, but because I serve a BIG God. And I'm part of a faithful and generous community, one who rallies around its own.Charlotte is our own, friends.

She's been waiting for her mama all of her life, waiting and hoping for someone to come and take her home.“I kept asking for you!! Mama? Mama? Mama? When will you come??”

Lily's readers have responded so many times to the needs of orphans. You've given so much to help these families find and rescue their children. Will you help me again?

Will you help us make a six day miracle happen?Will you help save a little girl?Because Charlotte is our own.

I know Lily's readers, and I know it doesn't even take a giveaway to move you beyond compassion, and into action. I know the face of one beautiful little girl who desperately needs her mama is enough to move you to give.But a giveaway full of amazing prizes is always nice too:) (and thank you, Kelly, for letting me hijack your giveaway!)

Here's how it works....

1 chance=$10 donation

5 chances=$25 donation

20 chances=$50 donation

All donations are tax-deductible and go directly to the Dirkes's grant fund through Reece’s Rainbow. They can be made using the Chip-In at the top of my sidebar on the right.

Kindle Fire

Canon Rebel DSLR camera (with lens)

Petal Knot Dress from Willow Bean Creations

Custom made t-shirt from If You Say Sew

Starfish necklace from The Vintage Pearl

Pearl, bracelet, and earring set from Kay Jewelers

Insulated Tote from 31

Autographed copy of Alton Brown’s book “I’m Just Here for the Food”

Autographed “Hopkins” from Rachel Coleman of Signing Time

$150 gift card for Kimberly Wilson's TranquiliT (an amazing line of clothing for anyone who loves yoga...or comfort)

$50 gift card for Planet Jill

$50 gift card for Scentsy

$50 gift card for Hanna Andersson

$50 gift card for Target

$25 gift card for The Adopt Shoppe

$25 gift card for Wal-Mart

$25 gift card for Starbucks

$25 gift card for Olive Garden

A jar of Renee Tam’s famous toffee

A batch of oReshki, traditional cookies from Charlotte’s country

Kelly sees who donated on her chip-in, so you do not need to leave a comment to be entered to win. She will announce winners on her blog on February 6th, the day they leave to see Charlotte....

We need that chip-in to be at $13,300 for the Dirkes family to travel on February 6th.

We believe in miracles.

Please help if you can!

Do you????

TUESDAY AROUND THE WORLD

2012-01-30T17:37:00.001-08:00

TINA, SWEDEN Time for brotherly coziness after bathtime. CAROLINE, ENGLAND

Shark Attack!!

RIKAKO, JAPAN MAY, GERMANY

It's such a delight to simply walk around our little village.

BUCKEROOMAMA, HONG KONG Chinese New Year "hangings" hanging from the bare tree branches.... pretty! MADDY, NEW JERSEY/NYC

So lucky to have a handy hubby. Even though the weather was gorgeous, he spent his entire weekend inside installing moulding around the house....

SONYA, THE NETHERLANDS BECKY, PHILADELPHIA WANDA, MONTREAL

Come share your “Today” with us and link up below with Tuesday Around the World!

Happy Monday! 01.30.2012

2012-01-30T03:19:00.001-08:00

BUCKEROOMAMA, HONG KONG Chinese New Year jacket.

MADDY, NEW JERSEY/NYC Nothing beats pancakes on the weekends!

SONYA, THE NETHERLANDS

MAY, GERMANY Over the weekend we traveled to Würzburg and showed my sister around.

TINA, SWEDEN Crochet in front of the TV - bliss!

BECKY, PHILADELPHIA

CAROLINE, ENGLAND Anticipation..., ...his favourite time of day :D

~~~

Do make sure that you come back tomorrow and link up with with us for Tuesday Around the World.

Hope you're enjoying the last weekend of January!

2012-01-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

Pineapple fried rice - What we had for lunch AND dinner on Sat. Too lazy to cook twice in one day!

Caroline, England

He's teaching us to gurn!! ;D

Katie, Indonesia

Daniel's home on R&R from Iraq!! So nice to have all the family together again, even if it is just for a couple short weeks. :)

Maddy, New Jersey/ NYC

After a day of rain, we were able to enjoy this gorgeous sky.

Sonya, The Netherlands

Today 1.27.12

2012-01-26T20:46:00.000-08:00

Becky, Philadelphia

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

Beef curry with fruit (pineapples, peach slices, cranberries)

Caroline, England

Kicked out & playing Bulldog :D

We have a generation gap in our house!

Katie, Indonesia

Baby Evie just turned one! What a wonderful year you have brought me baby girl!

Love shopping for antiques in Jakarta (Indonesia)!

Maddy, NYC/ New Jersey

Having a hard time believing we're in the dead of winter! Someone pinch me :)

Sonya, The Netherlands

Chocolate Chip Scones Anyone?

Tinajo, Sweden

Where wouldyou go...?

The first thing you see when you enter our home.

What's your Wednesday looking like?

2012-01-25T04:30:00.000-08:00

Sonya, The Netherlands

Maddy, New Jersey/ NYC

Cleaning the snow off the car of the short lived snowstorm we had on Saturday. Everything is melted by now.

Tinajo, Sweden

Frost can be so beautiful!

May, Germany

The kids introduced Monopoly to their aunt!! Apparently she always won...:D

Katie, Indonesia

Caroline, England

The skies can be so awesome this time of year :D

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

We took a ride on the subway

Becky, Philadelphia

It's Around The World Tuesday!!

2012-01-23T20:25:00.000-08:00

Becky, Philadelphia

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

Josh turns 7!

Caroline, England

Stitch got a haircut ~ quite drastic, but rather cute!

Katie, Indonesia

May, Germany

Rikako, Japan

Salma, Canada

Sonya, The Netherlands

Tinajo, Sweden

Starting his 7th year in the best of ways, with present opening in bed.

Wanda, Canada

My fortune cookie message today. Happy Chinese New Year everyone!!!

Maddy, New Jersey/ NYC

Today...Friday

2012-01-19T18:58:00.001-08:00

Tinajo in Sweden

What´s wrong with this picture? Oh yes - that cold and white stuff...

Warm blueberries and vanilla ice-cream... I love it!

Sonya in the Netherlands

Brown Sugar Spice Cookies

Salma in Canada

Hubby's birthday surprise

Rikako

My favorite outside hot spring. We happened to meet the deer this time.

May in Germany

Katie in Indonesia

Went to a STUNNING colonial estate in eastern Java for private "tea" with the owner. Words cannot describe! They also have a public tourist section. Check out the website: http://www.kaliandrasejati.org/EN/

At our "tea" they served all kinds of drinks including an amazing lemongrass, mint and passionfruit one!!

Caroline in England

He feeds himself already!

Buckeroomama in Hong Kong

Becky in Philadelphia

Wanda in Montreal, Canada

Pretty arrangement

Chocolate....oh heavenly chocolate.

Wishing everyone a week-end filled with....chocolate and children and laughter and joy.....

...and above all...

Love!!

Today.....Wednesday

2012-01-17T16:23:00.001-08:00

Becky in Philadelphia

Buckeroomama in HongKong

Mini bundts made with leftover batter from the blueberry cake I baked for hubby.

Caroline in England

My Bear ~ after the kids have taken his spot in the mornings!

Katie in Canada (and all parts global)

A sinkhole with great swimming! (Oman)

May in Germany

Indian Christmas sweets.

Rikako in Japan

Ayaka 's favoried noodles. She tried to eat all but it was too much for her.

Salma from Canada

dinner is served...

Sonya from The Netherlands

Just the serious dose of color I needed in these grey winter days!

Tinajo from Sweden

Every time I bake sponge cake I get reminded of my childhood.

Wanda from Montreal, Canada

My frosty backyard

Have a great day....today!!

Tuesdays around the world

2012-01-16T19:31:00.001-08:00

Caroline from England

How we roll ;)

Tinajo from Sweden

Even this withered rose has a beauty - but how I long to see my roses in bloom again!

Sonya from the Netherlands

Salma from Canada

My little guy loves the outdoors...

Rikako from Japan

May in Germany

Selling Indian junk food ....yum yum!!!

Maddy in NJ/NYC

The best part of being an adult? Buying the sugary cereal my mom would never buy for us growing up!

Lola in Utah

Buckeroomama in HongKong

Becky in Philadelphia

Wanda from Montreal, Canada

Beautiful white lilies from my friends flower shop.

That's our Tuesday around the world. Join us and link up.

And have a lovely day!

It's a brand new week..............

2012-01-15T20:48:00.001-08:00

Buckeroomama - HongKong

The cake I baked for my husband's birthday. (I'd burnt the bottom!)

Becky - Philadelphia

Caroline - England

Baby has discovered sucking the flannel (amongst other things, including the dot painters from earlier in the week). I can't believe he'll be a year in just under 6 weeks!

Lola - Utah

Maddy - NJ/NYC

My new t-light holder..Feels as though there's someone with a crackling fire inside that german home.

Sonya - the Netherlands

My favorite road to bike on.

Tinajo - Sweden

My youngest has recently discovered the joy in making silly faces - and today is his 7th birthday!

Wanda - Montreal, Canada

Dahlia and Mommy made some cookies together.

Happy Monday everyone!!!

'Everyone has his day and some days last longer than others.' Winston Churchill

2012-01-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

I like winter, but we do miss the fall!

Wanda, Canada

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

Caroline, England

Going to McDonald's in a foreign country is something I like to do. Not because I like the food (because I generally don't) but because the local additions are fascinating! In Egypt there was the McRoyal (a variation on the standard burger), in Indonesia they served rice and fried chicken and in Oman one can buy the McArabia. It is what I'm guessing is the McDonald's take on a schwarma and ends up being a chicken patty with in a pita. Interesting? Very. Tasty? Not so much. Go for the real schwarma. Yummmmmmm!!!

Katie, Indonesia

My father-in-law is seen here carrying a few bags of goodies from the American Girl Store in NYC.

Special goodies for a very special little girl.

Maddy, New Jersey

We finally got some sun.

My hubby and I took our dog Elsa on a walk.

Tinajo, Sweden

I am not dealing well with my baby growing up at all.

12 seems so old.

Becky, Philadelphia, PA



ABC Wednesday

What does your today look like? Happy January 10, 2012

2012-01-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

Becky, Philadelphia (Guess who turned 12 years old? Love you forever little Kaish)

Wanda, Canada (Wintery days are bliss)

Sarah, Atlanta, Georgia (Who wouldn't want a Dr. like this?)

May, Germany (is actually visiting India right now. She tells us that many people in India ride motorcycles instead of cars)

Caroline, England

Maddy, New Jersey (painting in their new house)

Tinajo, Sweden (What a great place to take a walk or run)

Katie, Indonesia (at the camel races)

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

A beautiful day!

2012-01-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

Went for a walk with the kids and we saw lots of these by the roadside. Not sure what they are, though.

Caroline, England

All we need is love.

Emily, Italy

We miss Summer, how about you?

Katie, Indonesia

The zoo with friends. Always a good time! Do you see the three monkeys in this picture?

Lola, Utah

Becky, Philadelphia, PA

Maddy, New Jersey

Ms. Personality!

May, Germany

Rikako, Japan

New babies are so perfect.

Rocio, Mexico

Salma, Canada

Let's celebrate a beautiful life.

Sonya, the Netherlands

Tinajo, Sweden

Wanda, Canada

Today 01.06.2012

2012-01-06T07:29:00.001-08:00

MAY, INDIA Hello from India!! TINA, SWEDEN Played with sparklers - fun! Have you tried? CAROLINE, ENGLAND Baby turned 1, on Dec 21st Baby had his first birthday. We did smash cupcakes and a big bowl of bubbles ~ he was pretty uncertain about both!" SALMA, CANADA BECKY, PHILADELPHIA BUCKEROOMAMA, HONG KONG I was chased by an emu when we were in Australia, so I made sure to keep my distance from this one when I took the shot! RIKAKO, JAPAN SONYA, THE NETHERLANDS MADDY, NEW JERSEY/NYC LOLA, UTAH WANDA, MONTREAL KATIE, OMAN A real oasis in the desert with a castle and fort to guard it. (Oman)

We hope this week has been a great start-of-the-year for you and here’s to more wonderful weeks ahead!

~Love from India, Canada, Japan, The Netherlands, Oman, the US, Sweden, Hong Kong, and England.

Today 01.05.2015

2012-01-05T01:28:00.001-08:00

SONYA, THE NETHERLANDS My Christmas Gift :) RIKAKO, JAPAN Ayaka played the pig of three piglets. KATIE, OMAN TINA, SWEDEN Me and my rascals! CAROLINE, ENGLAND Christmas Tree Cupcakes, I had fun making these ~ and they tasted divine! MADDY, NEW JERSEY/NYC MAY, GERMANY WANDA, MONTREAL BECKY, PHILADELPHIA SALMA, CANADA BUCKEROOMAMA, HONG KONG

Today 01.04.2012

2012-01-04T04:18:00.001-08:00

MADDY, NEW JERSEY/NYC

Visiting The Rockerfeller tree in NYC - a little holiday tradition of ours.

RIKAKO, JAPAN

At the French restaurant.

KATIE, OMAN

Mud brick city ruins (Ibri, Oman)

TINA, SWEDEN

WANDA, MONTREAL

BUCKEROOMAMA, HONG KONG

Wax apples... so pretty!

SALMA, CANADA

LOLA, UTAH

BECKY, PHILADELPHIA

CAROLINE, ENGLAND

35mm, I got a wonderful new 35mm lens for Christmas ~ and then 2 days later did a paid shoot and promptly left it on-location :(

Tuesday Around the World

2012-01-03T01:28:00.001-08:00

Our very first Tuesday Around the Word post in 2012; can’t wait to see what you have been up to! On our end…

TINA, SWEDEN

Our cat always wants to be in the middle of things when I try to organize something!

BUCKEROOMAMA, HONG KONG She got to keep two of the goldfish that she managed to catch!

WANDA, MONTREAL Joy to the world - cause they sure are to me!!

RIKAKO, JAPAN The organ meat is it it!

CAROLINE, ENGLAND Small Boys, Christmas is such fun in our house!

KATIE, OMAN Eating a traditional Omani meal of roasted lamb with a flat pancake like bread (Ibri, Oman)

SALMA, CANADA

BECKY, PHILADELPHIA

MADDY, NEW JERSEY/NYC

MAY, GERMANY

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T01:58:00.001-08:00

What a wonderful year 2011 had been, but now it’s time to look ahead to 2012. We’re excited to see what the new year will bring and we look forward to seeing more of your part of the world!

BECKY, PHILADELPHIA BUCKEROOMAMA, HONG KONG The chess set is always out these days. Josh is always after us to play with him. CAROLINE, ENGLAND SONYA, THE NETHERLANDS RIKAKO, JAPAN Skating on the plastic ice! TINA, SWEDEN Stockholm - love this sight! WANDA, MONTREAL LOLA, UTAH MADDY, NEW JERSEY/NYC SALMA, CANADA MAY, GERMANY KATIE in OMAN This week's pictures are from Ibri, Oman... SARAH, GEORGIA

May 2012 be a wonderful year for all of you! Please come back tomorrow and link up with Communal Global’s first Tuesday Around the World of 2012.

A Clean Slate

2012-01-01T23:58:00.000-08:00

Salma, Canada

Wanda, Canada

Tinajo, Sweden

Sonya, the Netherlands

Rocio, Mexico

Rocio, Mexico

Rikako, Japan

Maddy, NJ/NYC

Lola, Utah

Katie, Canada

Emily, Canada

Carolyn, England

Buckeroomama, Hong Kong

Becky, Philadelphia

Sarah, Atlanta

We wish you an abundance of Joy during 2012.