North and South, Battle Reenactment, Galena,IL

In the past, when I thought about people participating in any war reenactment the words: weird and  outsiders who have no friends and need somewhere to go and be weird with, came to my mind.

As a school assignment, my best friend had to attend one of these events for extra credit. She asked me to go with her. I decided to get a closer look and went.

How wrong was I!!

After taking some photos we started asking around. Everybody we asked answered our questions. They answered them with such passion and excitement. I have judged them without really knowing them. When they talked about wonderful family like community they have created, it was, in a way, to be envied that they have so many people to share their interest with. They were not weird and strange anymore. They were passionate, determined, and proud to be different.

What an eye opening experience it was for me. I enjoyed it very much and decided to never pass the judgment on anyone enjoying their hobbies.

Skull Chapel, Czermna, Poland

This is the place I have visited as a child while on an overnight camp. It left a lasted impression on me. I could not get it out of my mind and knew I will do anything to go back there again. At the time I did not have a camera. They were very expensive and I do not know a kid that had one back then.

About 25 years later I found myself planning a trip for my sister and my mom that included visiting this amazing chapel. I was ecstatic. This time I went “armed” with my camera, but was disappointed to find out you are not allowed to take any photos/videos inside of it.

Therefore, I am attaching the link for you all in English, so you can read about the history of the place, and see photos of the inside.

Here is the link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skull_Chapel,_Czermna

Field Of Dreams

Gooseberry Bush

Gooseberries were big part of my childhood. I remember sneaking into my grandmother`s garden and eating them right off the bush. 

They were used for making jelly and kompot (drink we had with Sunday dinner).

I still steal few gooseberries when I see them growing somewhere.

I took these photos when I went with my sister to her in-laws`s house, while in Poland. They have a beautiful garden full of delicious treats that scream “eat me!” So I did eat, a lot, and snapped some photos while doing so.

 

Basilica Of The Visitation, Wambierzyce, Poland

 

It was a place my mom wanted to see on our trip. She took mass in there, while my sister and I took photos (and later joined her by the end of the mass).

It is a sacred church and ground, worshiped by many.

I found this little piece of information (in English) on the internet:

“The present basilica is located on a hill, where in the twelfth-century, stood a wooden figure of Mary, the Mother of God. According to a chronicle from 1218, the blind Jan from Raszewo (Jan z Raszewa) regained his sight there. After the event, many pilgrims began visiting the area.”

…And they do to this day.

 

Girl With The Red Backpack

My sister finally got her dream camera.

This was the first trip I saw her being a fellow “shutterbug.” It was fun to watch her do what I was doing every time we have traveled together.

She had no idea I was taking these photos (at least some of them). She, definitely, had no idea I was taking them because I had this post in mind from the very beginning.

Well, she knows now. Welcome to my world sister 😀

 

Behind The Fence

Art Glass Factory

My mom, sister, and I went on a girls trip to Polanica Zdroj, Poland. It was a place that we all have been at some point in our lives, but never together.

My sister and I visited this place as kids for overnight camps.

My mother went there for a health retreat after my father died. It was a place that helped her recharge and go on as a single parent.

One of the stops, at my mother`s request, was this cool Art Glass Factory. It was surprisingly small, but if you love to take photos, you will find it very inspiring.

The coolest thing happened when people working there were on break. One of the man working there asked me if I want a cool shot. Of course I said yes. He led me behind the safety rope to the huge and very hot furnace.  He opened the door that leads to the inside, let me get as close as I felt comfortable, and take photos. Despite the incredibly hot air, I was able to take some amazing shots. I left the place happy and giddy.

 

Botanical Garden Near Chicago

Sausalito, California

Sausalito is a beautiful, short boat ride away from San Francisco. You can also get there by car (it will take a little longer). While we were on the boat, it was sunny. While we were walking around Sausalito, it was foggy and gloomy. My sister and I loved every moment of it, no matter the weather.