A Place Like This

Author: Valarie Budayr

  • Poppies, Poppies, Everywhere

    —

    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in

    With the Baltic Sea behind me, I faced the most glorious field of red poppies that I had ever seen. I just had to go run through this field. Ever present in the back of mind was that scene from the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy was in a field of poisoned poppies which made…

  • Right Where We Left Her

    —

    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in ,

    I've had a couple of weeks off and a few more days to go before we come back home to the States. It's been an incredible past year and a half or so, in the very best way possible. Even so, I've missed moments of myself and the life I have created, like leisurely blogging…

  • Land of the Midnight Sun

    —

    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in

    It's that time of year when we make our annual pilgrimage to the wonderful country of Sweden. Before heading to our magical island of Gotland, we're spending a few days in Stockholm. One can't really understand the concept of "The Midnight Sun" unless you have experienced it for oneself. This is 10'oclock at night. The…

  • Fountain Play

    —

    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in ,

    Ah it's time to grab a cup of coffee and watch the littles enjoying the perfect summer fun.  Fountain Play !!!!! I love sitting here watching two little ones trying to capture the fountain in a bucket and thinking it's a possibility. And my other favorite game, hold down the fountain. Both games are completely…

  • A Bout of Extreme Author Worship in NYC

    —

    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in

    Yes it's true. Last week found me in New York City. For the most amazing book conference called Book Expo America. Everything started off on a good note with Seth Godin greeting us at breakfast. He is such a dynamic and captivating speaker. What I really like about Seth is that he's approachable, an intent…

  • Left Wanting Biscuits

    —

    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in

    Meem and O are huge Alton Brown fans. When we heard he was coming to Knoxville, it was a no brainer that we would be going to see him. Is what I didn't know is that I'd find myself at the Tennessee Theater kicking off the beginning of The Southern Biscuit Festival. Who knew such…

  • The Summer Season Has Begun

    —

    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in ,

    Over the weekend it was time to:  Fire Up The Grill Try and get a spot on one of the spinning chairs. Play some music. E brought home is ukelele from University. They wanted to sing John Mayer songs and all I could think of were Hawaiian ballads or better yet , my Tiny Tim…

  • Katten at the Keys

    —

    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in

    It's no secret that every good piano has a katten at the keys. We are so lucky to have this little fellow who checks our hand positions so we don't injure ourselves. Or perhaps choose the wrong music. He complains greatly if we play too many diminished chords.  He gives the pianist a very uncomfortable…

  • Out Into The World: A Milestone

    —

    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in

    " Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."  Nelson Mandela Oh happy day to you our graduate. A gathering of family and friends celebrated the end of her five year journey and a first step into the next. With honors she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in…

  • More Celebrating than a Kettle of Fish and A Special Something For YOU!

    —

    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in , , ,

    It is an exciting day at Over Here ! Sound the party horns! Whip some confetti around the room or do a Happy Dance around the Old Oak Tree! Dish up the Birthday Cake! It's PARTY TIME 🙂 Why all the fuss? JIAB (Jump into a Book) and  Audrey Press have two reasons to celebrate…