I hope all is well, I just had to check in today to say hello and to let you know that I'm now blogging from the other side of the pond in Germany. Let's just say that life here is a lot different for me from where we spend most of the year back in the states in New Hampshire.

Looking straight ahead from our balcony.

We live in the country usually (photos here) but now this country maus is a city maus again and I love it. It's like living in Boston all over again as I did when I was single, only better (sorry Boston) because well, it's Germany and everything here fascinates me despite that I've visited here 1-2x per year for the past 8 years.

Notice the late 1800's, early 1900's architecture, the art deco details, the brick roofs? I'm very fond of this style of architecture. It's easily one of my favorites. Plus these are standard apartment buildings here now, with soaring ceilings, huge windows, some with balconies, very Elle Decor UK or Elle Decoration for sure. :)

We've been so busy with family and friends since our arrival that my head is completely spinning so I'm trying to figure out what to tell you that would interest you about it here. Maybe you can give me some ideas, what questions do you have, what would you like to know, etc.? I will do my best to blog my finds and keep the blog focus on interior design and decorating, but I hope you'll forgive me if I weave in other finds as well, including fashion and architecture, photos of cool typefaces I find on signs, interesting crafty things I pick up from friends, etc.

Looking to the left... If you walk one block this way, there is the subway station - two stops (5 min) and you are in the city center. If you walk past the subway stop, you are at the entrance to the Eilenriede, Europe's largest urban forest spanning over 1,500 acres. With it's many trails, this is where I take my morning walks to clear my mind and relax. I also love to look for the red squirrels with the big ears. :)

Since we've landed here, I've already been all over the city, to the art museum (walking away completely inspired, again), and of course to the farmers' markets and little boutique stores and bakeries every chance I get. Whenever I'm here, I can't get enough - there's so much to see and do. I spent nearly two hours in the train station at the book store browsing books and magazines. There are magazines here from all over Europe, and to my surprise, a Russian Elle Decoration. Imagine.

Here's a few views from where I sit and blog each day. I'm usually out on the balcony , this is my view, or I'm seated at my desk overlooking the same street. It's heaven, isn't it? This is something I never tire of, a view of beautiful buildings, children laughing in the playground next door, and the church bells ringing quite often. :) It's all so quaint here. I want to take photos of everything, I held myself back at the farmers' market this morning - there were so many carts and tables overflowing with flowers and foods, many of which I'd never seen before. All the colors and textures completed inspired me.

Looking to the right. If you walk 1 block north from here, you are at my brother-in-law's house, another 2 blocks, and you are in a square with places to eat and a weekly farmers' market on Wednesday. If you walk right, you are 2 blocks from where my mother-in-law lives along with many of our friends. It's great. Also to the right of this photo there is a kiosk and playground.

Back in a moment with a few posts for today. And please, let me know if you are interested in learning or seeing anything over here - I am happy to share with you what I can. That's the beauty of the internet.

Psst: If you'd like to read an article about Hannover, the city where we are staying, here is one that I wrote in April of 2006 for a Canadian website.

(images from holly becker for decor8)