Simultaneously a cradle of pomp, pageantry, and rich in history, England is a playground of education and inspiration to experience the significance and wonderment of the past. From London town to the rolling hills of the picturesque Cotswolds in the English countryside, the spirits of England past tell a magnificent story!

 

Deciding to go to university is an undeniably exhilarating moment.

For many prospective students, however, the promise of obtaining a degree in their own country simply isn’t enough – which is why growing numbers are heading overseas to study, whether for credit at their own university, or by direct enrollment in an overseas university.

In colonial times, the military usually took the best spots of settlement, you know, security and all that, although Governors and their ilk generally didn’t fare too badly, either. On the tops of hills where in the days before planes, you could see the enemy coming, by ship, foot or horse, there were often forts with tunnels to gun-ports.

Since moving back to Pittsburgh nearly a year ago, I’ve been exploring different places around the city with my husband, Fernando, and I can’t say enough how much I’ve enjoyed exploring this amazing place that I call home! I see this place with such a new perspective and appreciation, and often feel like I’m seeing everything for the very first time.

Malik Benchikh paints moods!

In some cases, this French painter’s work is dark and stormy with sharp, purposeful brushstrokes, while other paintings show light and colorful pieces with lyrical brushstrokes. In both cases, he means business and absolutely allows part of himself to flow upon the surface. He gives up a bit of himself in each painting.  

Wallace Stegner wrote a vivid novel with an equally compelling title: Angle of Repose. That title came to mind when I visited historic Holman Ranch, the 400-acre property in Carmel Valley, California. The ranch grounds themselves are in a lovely little valley of their own, sitting in an agreeable angle of repose among the oak-studded hills.