"Speak softly but carry a big can of paint."
Banksy
For today's post (#300 I might add since I began my blogging days), I wanted to close out our Arctic adventure with some pics of our wanderings in Reykjavik. The skies may have been gray at times, but the mood of this vibrant city is wow when it comes to colors and urban art!
Block after block, I was amazed to see the surreal, whimsical, pop art designs on the buildings. The urban artists show off their creations in grand style, keeping you mesmerized and enchanted during the town walkabouts.
In addition to the fabulous art, I loved seeing the vivid colors used to brighten up the facades! (Hold my paint can old-style graffiti) 👇
Even the store displays go all out!
Princess Grace and Prince Ranier make an appearance...
Along with a Viking...
And, even a polar bear or two...
The eateries and pubs get in on the action too...
At our hotel, the Hilton Canopy, the designing eye was alive and well...
The iconic, Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran cathedral is magnificent to see, inside and out...
The music center on the harbor with its angular, architectural mix of steel, glass, and concrete was breathtaking...
This tile mosaic by the wharf is fabtastic!
And finally, one more peek at my fav Viking sculpture on the harbor shoreline...
These eye-catching artworks and displays caught my eye and have inspired me to look for local renderings this summer. Do you have fav places you like to go to soak in the urban art scenes? I'd love to know! It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
#HoHoHo the Countdown is On!
Less than 2 weeks to go 'til Christmas in July breezes in! I for one, have the Hallmark Christmas movies lined up for a holiday binge. For readers, I'll have 4 books with holiday themes on sale at 99 cents during the month of July... Stay tuned! 🎀🌴📚
A family curse and a Highland romance this week from the writers of Twitter...
Author Cathleen Maza, Fated, 5 ⭐
Sisters Elise and Sarah's paranormal destiny's moment has come. Their sanity is being drained and destroying their families. The family curse as Soul Searchers--guides that lead the dead to the afterlife is about to take a deadly turn for one, or both of them.
When a local psychic from Savannah pleads for them to visit a haunted home in the ghostly town, the scene of a horrific tragedy in their past, the sisters know this is a do or die move. Will their journey rescue them from their spiritual fate, or hasten their journey to the underworld of the dead? Permanently.
Author Maza weaves a suspense filled tale of mystery and paranormal intrigue in this third installment of the Inherited trilogy. You'll be on pins and needles as their destiny is revealed. Read this one with the lights on! A haunting tale and series, highly recommended!
Author Sue-Ellen Welfonder, Highlander in Her Bed, 5 ⭐
When tour guide, Mara McDougall is enchanted with an elaborately carved bed at the antique shop, she dreams of owning it one day. Her blissful day of shopping is stopped when she receives a rather rude comment from a dashing, mysterious man. Their tempers flare as romantic sparks fly, surprising her when he disappears into thin air. Was their spirited encounter real, or a figment of her imagination?
When Mara receives a generous bequest and becomes mistress of a McDougall clan castle, her life takes a dramatic turn. She brings the enchanted bed from the antique store into her new home. Will the Highlander stranger from a rival clan make a ghostly return? The castle bequest has a clause which means she could lose everything--will her new life and dreams vanish? Or will she receive a spiritual, helping hand?
Author Welfonder pens a romantic romp that will keep you entertained. This is a fun, spirited read, perfect for a summer holiday, or just when you need a sizzling escape. Highly recommended for Highlander romance fans!
Next up in the reading queue:
Author Tonya Penrose's #NewRelease, Venetian Rhapsody
Author Agatha Christie, The Grand Tour, Around the World with the Queen of Mystery
Playtime at the Laguna Playhouse!
Huge snaps to the cast and crew of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Links production at the fabulous Laguna Playhouse. This was a superbly performed play and one of the most innovative presentations I've seen of a Dame Agatha book-to-stage production. It kept the little gray cells highly entertained!
Welcome to my world. Until next time, have a good one!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Our Iceland trip had some delicious culinary surprises for us during our stay. I'm currently on a mission to perfect the basil oil used in the yummy, gin & lemon juice martini, and the caprese salad consumed at the Tapas Bar next to our hotel. It was soooo good and made such a flavorful difference (not to mention the delightful presentation). This culinary quest is developing...Pssst, Gemma and Mama are now big fans...
P.S.S. Had to show a pic of the fireplace in the bar of the Hilton Canopy in Reykjavik, it brought back some magical memories. In 2018 during our visit, I sat at the table to the right of this fireplace and started penning Cast, Crew, & Carnage: The Filming of Castlewood Manor. What a journey it has been since then! 💖👑
