Today, Trying To Move On

As I said in my previous post, I was a taken aback at how much Michael Jacksons life and death had consumed me lately. Today, was the big memorial and of course, final resting. I watched every minute, glued to the tv as I cried, laughed and re-lived memories and learned new things. I hope that this has put closure to this sad, empty feeling I feel. It's not as if I have any of his cd's or been to any concerts. In fact, at I think 15 years of age, my sister gave me tickets to one of his concerts that I turned down! But I've always loved most of his music, not all, but most. I suppose I could sum it up as 'you don't know what you have until it's gone'. I hardly realized how much he was a part of my entire life, a constant, until he was gone. So, yes...it was a beautiful memorial, I'm still in shock and perhaps his early death will always haunt me and most everyone else.
Well, I did have pictures to share of our 4rth of July, but the camera cord must still be packed somewhere, I can't find it! So, my 4rth pics will be a little late ;) It was a VERY beautiful and moving night down at the lake. Our plans changed slightly. We ended up walking down one of the paths that I thought was gated and found a spot right on the lake to watch the blaze of fireworks. It was clear and the temperature was perfect, the moon nearly full, shining through the pines...it was beautiful. Again, me, all teary-eyed...geeze, people might start painting a picture of me a some kind of cry-baby! :) Really, I'm not...I'd say more emotionally passionate, moved by nature and music...and loud, booming fireworks :) But I'll get pics as soon as I can. I think a blog needs visual as well as written to really convey all the feelings. Some are such excellent bloggers though, I rarely notice they don't have pictures! But Life is busy at the moment...still trying to get the house together, taking the car to the shop, picking up the car at the shop, taking Bunny to the vet...yes, again! This was her dental visit when at her last visit (for the 'flying Piglet'), her vet spotted tooth decay. 3 missing teeth later (4, if you count the one lost on the scaffolding fall!), now the day after the extractions, she's barely coming around. She was under pretty heavy painkillers yesterday. She came out from under our bed this morning, looking a little more coherent and a little less trusting :( I feel terrible, she's always been a bit cautious and fearful anyhow. But I bought her some special soft treats of the salmon variety and she's coming around :)
As for 'moving' but moving farther abroad, I received an e-mail the day before yesterday from Skillclear, a UK site that deals with UK immigration and similar things. I signed up to receive news when UK visa requirements change back (if they ever do) so that we can begin the process of moving over. When I saw that e-mail in my inbox, my heart jumped!!!! This is it! No, maybe not. The were informing me that nothing has changed. Gee, thanks, haha! Oh well, at least I know it's working! :) Well, friends, I will end this rambling blog here and will be back soon with pics of this and that. One of these days I will have time to read your blogs from the past week! Never a dull moment...
Blessings, friends
~ER~

Happy 4rth of July!!!

I feel I've been away from Blogger, the computer, for so long (it's only been a week, give or take a day!), that I feel like I'm all rusty and have lost my touch for blogging. Well, I've only come on to give a quick 'Woohoo! Happy 4rth of July!' (American friends, that is...obviously) because I am sitting on the bedroom floor with the keyboard and monitor uncomfortably sitting on a plastic storage bin and the mouse on a stool so that my hand loses feeling and goes all 'pins and needles'....now my leg has fallen asleep! Most of the house is unpacked and put together but the reason the computer is on the floor is that the college kids (bless them!) that we hired to help us move, demolished the computer desk (along with a couple other things, haha!). It's been an excruciating move for some reason. So much so, that we vowed to die in this house rather than move again. We are beginning to get a feel for the house now and we really like the neighborhood and have had several friendly neighbors come up and introduce themselves and welcome us. That, to me, is a great sign. Once I've finished obsessing over silly details in the house (like I do), I will put up my before and after pics.

The day before the big move was the day that Michael Jackson died. I was shocked but did not realize how much it would affect me until I had a moment to breath, several days later once we started unpacking. I am utterly and totally saddened...more than I thought I would be. I have promised myself I will not watch another biography on his life because it puts me into such a strange place. Not just depressed but such an empty sadness...well, I guess thats being depressed! As I type, a car just drove past, blasting Michaels music. So strange but as PG mentioned, he IS in a better place...may he rest in peace and his legacy will live on.

Well, I'd love to stay and blog and read blogs but both of my hands have fallen asleep on the keyboard and I have to get ready for the upcoming evening of fireworks and festivities :) All the miles around the lake, people stake out their spots in the morning, as close as they can get; you can't actually get down to the lake unless you have a pass, it's all gated and private and there are hundreds of million dollar homes between the main road and the lake. Either that or you fight the bursting crowd down at the Lake Arrowhead Village....and plan on walking miles from your car to get there! So, this year, being that we now live much closer to the lake, my husband followed me in his car this morning as I left my Jeep on the side of the road to stake out our spot to go down to later. My plan is to drive down as close as we can get to my Jeep, park on a residential side street (which is pretty near our house), then walk the rest of the way down to the Jeep and lay out our blanket in the back and eat snacks until the show begins! Sounds complicated and I don't think my husband is too confident it will work, I'll let ya know! Hope everyone is doing well...be safe and I'll be back soon!

P.S.

Did I say this was going to be a quick post???

A Sad Day...

No matter what your feelings are on these two major personalities, there is no denying that they made their mark on those of our time. I grew up listening and watching both personalities as they shaped many of my memories. Today, a very, very sad day for those of us who share those memories. I'll always love Michaels earlier days with the Jackson 5, as we used to watch them every Saturday morning and the music he made in the late 70's/early 80's. Despite his troubled and strange life in the end, there is no doubt today will be a day in music, television and film history.

Rest in peace Farrah and Michael, what a sad day...

~ER~

**~Blessed Summer Solstice!~**

Saturday was spent packing up the house some more with breaks of laying on the floor, looking out the window as the clouds flew past. I listened to the entire Ray Noble Orchestra featuring the vocals of Al Bowlly CD as I lay there. The melodies of the early 1930's were haunting. Listening to the past being transported through my speakers, I couldn't help but think the clouds resembled ghosts. It gave those old 30's tunes an even more haunting effect. I loved it.

Sunday, the day of the Summer Solstice, I did not rise with the sun. Shame on me. I was exhausted from all the packing from the day before. I know the God and Goddess will understand :) In between more packing, I spent my breaks on the sunny deck, listening and watching birds, watching the oak sway in the breeze and letting the sun infuse my water with health and abundance, thinking of the new start that lay ahead in a new house and new ideas and plans for our future. A beautiful day here, but hopefully I'll get to experience the Stonehenge Solstice at least once in my lifetime.

Good Health & Blessings to you all!

Mom and babies under my deck
My gargoyle fountain with my holey stones from a beach in Rye, Sussex
My 'Grandpa Ott' Morning Glory
Hollyhocks and Nicotiana growing like weeds!

I Have a Hideous Problem and Need Help, Please!

Would you just look at this wall?! For those of you who say, "Yeah...what's wrong with it?", I apologize for offending you. I think this wall is hideous! I hate it and it needs to be dealt with. I was going to describe it as something out of the '70's but that's not even an excuse; the house was built in '86! So, my dilemma...I need to cover it, affordably and easily. It is at the end of the living room in the new house. The two stairways lead up to the kitchen. If I could, I would take all the wood off and have a large, arched opening-like a window- and then just drywall the rest, but that isn't do-able at the moment. If anyone has decorating ideas or advice, they're more than welcome! By the way, the fireplace is electric and came with the house. I don't know if we intend to keep it there or put it in the garage for now, but it's nothing permanent.

There are a few more things about the house that we don't like, but hopefully that will all change in time. This wall, for now, is the biggest eyesore and possibly one of the easiest fixes. I'm amazed that I have time to blog...well, I probably don't, I should be painting. I worked myself to exhaustion yesterday and need a few minutes of 'me stuff' to keep my head balanced. This is what I tell myself to keep from feeling guilty for not working. But there does need to be a balance in ones' life, yes? I agree! Soooo, speaking of keeping a balance....while I was out at the thrift store yesterday, dropping off my husbands old skis and picking up old sheets to put on the carpets when we move in next week (!), I had to do a little balancing for my aesthetic side. I bought stuff! My husband is definitely not a thrift store/yard sale person. He can't get himself to use other peoples things. I say, "What's the harm? You wash it or clean it off and it's yours!". No, he cannot get around it. So, thrifting is something I usually do alone or these days, with my youngest son, Daniel. He loves it too! It's like a treasure hunt and what better treasure hunt if you get it at a bargain price? Instant gratification! : ) The other part of this particular 'treasure hunt' my husband will not agree with is buying more things = moving more things. Yes, true but I do plan on moving these myself so that there is that balance :) I added to it, so I will subtract. Here are my treasure hunt finds...

One in a set of four...

Okay, about these pictures...months ago while blogging, I was looking for 'London' themed art for a post. I ran a search and this London picture came up (on the far left). It also showed thumbnails of the rest of the pictures. I clicked on all of them and loved them! They reminded me so much of my daughter, Christina. She was once into those 1950's style fashion and model sketches and has wanted to go to New York and Paris since I don't know when. I instantly thought of her and saved all of these pictures in my 'art' folder. I couldn't believe these framed, high-quality prints were at the thrift store. Brand new with a couple of miniscule blemishes on the frame. I looked them up on Art.com, $70.00 each! My lucky day...

I couldn't pass this up. This is one of those tiny oil paintings, painted in front of you and sold to tourists. This one came from Poland. The older I get, the more I love oil paintings. This was cute and quirky, I loved it! I also once had a very close, best friend from Poland that I lost touch with years ago...'Isa, this one's for you!' :)

A huge Sharif tote, presumably from the Home Shopping Network. It retailed at $132.00 when it sold, I think now they go for $20.00 on ebay! haha! I really don't care what the label says or how much it retailed for, I only take note of these things so that I feel victorious in my bargain hunting! heehee! It'll come in great for travelling and hopefully as a carry-on.

Oh! Another picture! And a cat tail! Mi-Mi! I have always wanted Van Goghs, Starry Night. It's a good sized picture and look...someone's already matted and framed it for me! :) Well, I'm sure the reason it was at the thrift store is it looks as if it had gotten wet. The paint on the frame is peeling from moisture and the matting and picture are a little warped on the right side. I pressed the back of the picture-ta-da! Warping gone! As far as the peeling paint, I don't like the glossy black frame anyhow, I'm looking for something of a warmer look, so I will sand it and stain it a warm tone.

I haven't shown any of these finds to hubby yet. This one in particular will have him shaking his cute head. He'll see junk...other peoples junk, mind you. I see a cute spice cabinet waiting for a new life. It has a country look and besides I planned on doing the new kitchen a kind of French country look with a bit of warm red and yellow. He just needs a sanding and a paint job :)

Whats this? Another picture? This is a medium sized oil on canvas. Some art student who wasn't happy with their work. I like it; ocean, cliffs, trees, a little dark in the sky, yeah, I like it.

Well, hope you all enjoyed my little finds...oh! I almost forgot! I was so happy when I got up front to pay. Nothing in this store is marked with a price, they give you a price or you may be able to haggle a little, depending on who is there that day. Oh, lucky day! A high schooler...I felt like I stole from the poor kid, he had no idea how to price things. I had two $20 bills in my purse, it was like a showdown waiting to hear what he sized it all up to be as I waited, ready to haggle, "How about $10.00 for everything?" he says. "Deal!" I say and even gave him a thumbs up, haha! Okay, that was my fun...now for that balance, I must go spackle and paint the downstairs.

~ER~

My Saturday In Pictures

We were up at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, getting ready and preparing to drive the hour and a half to Pomona for our oldest sons graduation from Cal Poly Pomona, where he graduated with honors amongst other achievements. We're so very proud of him but I cannot take the credit for this outstanding boy; his father raised him (with occasional help from his parents) entirely on his own. My husband was a young father (an intentional young father) and gained full custody of his son while he was still putting himself through college. His son even walked across the stage with him at his graduation. So, now to see him walking across that stage as a young man, brought tears to my eyes. Next, will be our daughters turn! :)
All dressed up

The stage from our distant view

Here they come and there he is! Furthest to the left (and tallest!) with the white stole...

Quickly pose for pictures...

After ceremonies with his girlfriend (that we all love :)

Initials of the accounting firm he will be employed by this Sept.

Beautiful Jacaranda trees on our way to lunch (2 carloads of family)...

After a delicious Italian lunch (I had the best pesto ravioli!!!), I made this friend along my way down the street. Isn't he gorgeous? Great personality too :)

Store front I couldn't resist ('Barbara Cheatley's', I must go back and spend 2 hours here!). You can see my camera-shy husbands reflection on the right...heehee!

Part of 'Barbara Cheatley's' patriotic Fourth of July goodies display...

same store, next window...

The graduate took us to a very cool record store...with actual records and hard-to-find everything the music enthusiast would want. I liked the 'employees only' door :)

Down a corridor in between buildings, Spain! A tapas bar visited by our son and a future visit we are all planning on this summer...can't wait! Yummy tapas and live Spanish guitar in a lively and cosy venue...sounds like another post in the making :)

The freeway ride on our way home; this guy looked a little out of place but very cool. He waved after I took the picture! A nice ending to a really nice day.

~ER~

When Pigs Fly...

or rather, 'Piglets' (aka 'Bunny'), our tough, lovable little tomboy of a cat. I was going to post about my wonderful weekend earlier today. Oldest son graduated college on Sat., then off to a celebratory lunch and a little browsing and window shopping afterwards. A nice day and a lot of interesting pictures. Instead, here I am, trying to keep it short because the day is half gone and still lots to do, thanks to Piglet (we really call her Bunny now), who took a terrible dive off a scaffolding this morning. We have a 3-storey scaffold erected outside of our house to tear down and re-build and entire chimney and fireplace. Piglet/Bunny, forever being the adventurer, decided to try to jump onto the scaffolding from our top deck...and plunged all the way down, hitting the metal bars along the way and I assume, making it so she wasn't able to land on her feet. She limped on her front left leg and jumped in pain when I lightly touched her right rib-cage. So, off to the vet we go! The vet gave her a clean bill, but when I pointed out that we would bring her in soon for a dental cleaning and check-up, the vet opened her mouth and there was her only major injury; a tooth, a canine, hanging by a thread! Enough for the vet to lightly pull and it was out! Poor Bunny/Piglet...the toothless wonder! I'm amazed that she only has bruising and is of course, quite sore. She was given a mild pain killer and anti-inflammatory and told to stay indoors with plenty of rest. I'm so thankful she's okay, it could have had a very terrible ending. Maybe someday I'll post about the several 'lives' already used up by Piglet/Bunny, but for tomorrow, I will try to get my initial post up about the graduation weekend. ~ER~
The fireplace and wall where the tear-down will take place to replace the chimney. You can see the scaffolding slightly through the windows...

Side view of fireplace wall, other side scaffolding

Scaffolding outside. Piglets cannot fly....

Evening in Paris

"One day, one day..."

My blue glass collection

*song for this post is "Midnight, the Stars and You" by Al Bowlly on the Playlist*

I forgot to put this picture up of my 'Evening in Paris'. The funeral reception for my grandma, Fino a couple weeks ago was held at my grandma Evelyns house, who passed away last October. When my grandma Evelyn passed away, some family members were quick to grab her antique crystal, china and other, I'm sure, valuable items. Someone had asked me 'what I wanted'. You know, it just felt wrong. I don't want anything...but I do. When my parents would travel, I would often stay at my grandma Evelyns house. She had her own bedroom, separate from my grandpa's. She had a queen-size bed and a beautiful, old wood vanity complete with bench. She would sleep in my grandpa's room when I stayed, leaving me in the huge bed-or so it seemed to me as a child. I would wake up, birds chirping outside the window in the old orange trees and in would come my German grandma with a fresh squeezed glass of orange juice. She swore by it and I loved it. I felt like a princess waking in that big bed, being brought a glass of sweet nectar :) But my German grandma Evelyn was not one to wait hand and foot on a spoiled princess. It was 'up and at 'em' when the sun came up, wash up and be on time for breakfast! Well, she wasn't too strict but stern enough that I would never cross her. My grandparents had a very old, tiny house with one small bathroom, but everything you needed. I'll always remember that house and particularly, that bathroom. It had that 'old house' smell, not bad old smell, but good old smell. The bathroom was painted a pale pink and had a tall-boy dresser that was actually part of the bathroom; not built into the wall, but attached to it and painted as part of the bathroom and it had crystal knobs on the drawers. My German grandma was very clean and tidy and her bathroom had pretty vintage toiletries and minimal decor. The tub was the thing I remember the most. It. Was. Deep. It wasn't your standard tub. Like the tall-boy dresser, it was not free-standing. I'm assuming it had been framed in wood, then gone over with that old plaster you see in old homes, then painted like the rest of the bathroom. It was all almost 'seamless' in her little bathroom. But the tub was great as a kid! And she ALWAYS had a bottle of Mr. Bubble-bubble bath for me or my cousins staying. In that bathroom, as part of my ever-curious nature, I used to look in wonder at every strange, vintage looking thing she had. Things I never saw at home or in stores or at the houses of friends. Strange, curious things. My one favorite, hands-down, was this bottle of talcum powder, 'Evening in Paris'. I used to ask her if she got it in Paris. She would laugh. I would ask her if I could have it, she always said, "One day, one day...". Well, that 'one day' was my Spanish grandma, Fino's funeral reception. My sister, who I have not spoken with after my grandma Evelyns funeral in Oct., apologized to me at my grandma Fino's funeral and handed me the blue bottle of 'Evening in Paris'. She had set it aside for me once other people started grabbing things. I was so mesmerized by that cobalt blue glass as a child, that I started collecting blue glass once I was a settled adult. A 'settled' adult is different than 'an adult'. My daughter is 'an adult', according to society and people who make rules. But in my eyes, far from being a grown, settled, responsible adult as most kids normally are not, "One day, one day...". As for Fino's personal belongings, I say the same thing; I don't want anything...but I do. I remember her 'molcajete' that she used to make the best salsa with (it was even brought up in speeches at the funeral!). It was one of those things that I would stare at in wonder when she used it...what in the world is she doing?, I would think to myself. I would love that to remember her by, but I have a suspicion it has gone to another sibling, who teamed up with the other sibling and went through Fino's things, picking out what they wanted. Not nice in my eyes. I could go on another rant about that, but I won't!

Well, that's my long story of a little bottle that means so much to me :)

Blessings friends,

~ER~

Rocky Mountain High, California

*songs for this post were "Rocky Mtn. High", "Country Roads" and "Rhymes and Reasons" by John Denver on the Playlist*

No, this isn't 'Rocky Mtn. High, Colorado' or the 'country roads of West Virginia', but this is the California mountain I've lived on for the past 10 years and respect it's nature in all it's forms and cherish it's beauty every day. The first 3 songs on the Playlist are by John Denver, in honor of my mountain memories (turn your speakers on). I'd forgotten how much I love John Denver. I grew up with his voice, over the 8-track stereo, riding in the top bunk of our well-travelled camper. I saw the beauty of the Colorado rockies and experienced the fiercest of storms while there and roamed lush meadows once the storm cleared. I fished in streams in the Sierra Nevadas, walked in the mountain moonlight in Wyoming and hiked mountain desert trails in Utah. I can't listen to a John Denver song, these 3 especially, without tears streaming down my face, unable to sing the words. I don't know if it comes from a longing of my childhood, a celebration of it maybe? My childhood was full of fun, wonderful memories, the way childhood should be. It was also filled with an equal amount of dysfunction and dark times. Camping is one of my most cherished memories, where life was happier, simpler. And that was probably my foundation for my love of travel and nature; the seed planted for a nature lover and an a clear understanding of Paganism. I felt safe in nature , even alone as a kid as I wandered because of a strong connection. Even growing up in suburban Orange County, one of my favorite places to escape to was up on our roof, with the towering Sycamore tree above me, under the moonlight, feeling the breeze. Here are some of my mountain and nature pictures from the past few years...I hope you enjoy them...
~ER~
On up to the Sierras
Misty-topped San Bernardino Mtns., Ca.
March Morning, Lake Arrowhead, Ca.

June Morning, Lake Arrowhead, Ca.

Rocky in the Oak

Grass Valley Fire, taken off our deck, Lake Arrowhead, Ca.

December Morning, Lake Arrowhead, Ca.

San Bernardino Mtns., Ca.

Lake Arrowhead, Ca.

Above the clouds, San Bernardino Mtns., Ca.

My 2 loves; nature and my husband, Sierra Nevada Mtns., Ca.

Sunset view off our deck, Thanksgiving, San Bernardino Mtns, Ca.

My husband next to a 'small' Sequoia in the Sierras

Our favorite 'secret' spot up the Sierras

Picture of a picture; Daniel and I atop Dome Rock, Southern Sierras, Ca.

I also wanted to include this video my friend, Sharon sent to me from YouTube. She sent me this during all the turmoil of my grandma Fino's death and amidst family disfunction (siblings, parents, etc.). She sent this to me, not knowing the scale of turmoil in my life and it hit the nail on the head in so many ways. This video made me cry because it struck such a powerful chord in me of my childhood, my grandmother passing, my daughter...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3SlsP130xY&feature=email

My Weekend

The mall! I feel 16 again ;)

Can I return the scarf for this? :)

South Coast Plaza

Sparkly things at Black, Starr & Frost

Mall go-ers awaiting the fashion show

Warm glow of Dior

I could swear I just saw this girl walk past me...

More sparklies

Mall shot

Donna Karan & me being 'inconspicuous' (window reflection)

LV and SoCal sky

Side trips down memory lane...or the 405 frwy.

What in the world is that!? Only in the Inland Empire! haha!
Back up the mtn....
Saturday was spent with a whirlwind trip down to Orange County, more specifically, South Coast Plaza Mall for a couple of returns that turned into a couple of purchases. Yes, we returned the Burberry scarf. It was beautiful but with the bad economy, our upcoming move and at least 20 other things up in the air at the moment, I felt guilty at such a luxury. There is a better time for that beautiful cashmere scarf in the future. Of course, I fell in love with a purse, a dress, another scarf...on the way out the store. No, I didn't get them, that would defeat the purpose of the return! My husband also needed to return a dress shirt at Bloomingdales, where on the way out, he treated me to a few Kiehls skin care products :), which I love! I suppose to ease my painful decision at returning the Burberry scarf. All the while, I tried to be inconspicuous and take a few pictures here and there, trying not to look like a tourist, haha! South Coast Plaza is special to us; it was a place that my husband and I used to hang out at quite often when we were teenage boyfriend and girlfriend...aawww. Although it was a short trip, it was nice reminiscing while we were there. After leaving the mall, we drove through So. Orange County where he grew up and another place we spent a lot of time together in our teens. Before heading home, we had a late lunch at a little Mexican restaurant called the Little Onion...I was surprised to see it still standing. It seems Orange County is built up and levelled down, then built up again every decade or so. It can be so trendy, it's nice for a native, old-timer like me to see something familiar. Once we left Orange County on our way home, we saw this monster-Frankenstein thing on the freeway. We cracked up as the eyes would light up when the driver hit the brakes! haha! I have no idea what that thing was, but it was a good laugh anyhow. My husband tried to get a picture of the eyes lighting up, bad timing with all the stop and go traffic, known all too well to Southern Californians. As we left a bright, sunny Orange County, we ascended our mountain a little over an hour later and noticed we were driving up to the clouds. It looked dark and stormy. It reminded me of 'The Memoirs of Elizabeth Frankenstein' where she was bought from the gipsy family to live with her wealthy Frankensteins and ascending the Swiss mountains, through treacherous roads, clouds and storms, at last saw her new home, Belrive. It's so dark and romantic, driving up the mountain, entering the dark clouds, like entering another world; my own Belrive.

That was our Saturday...Sunday was spent shopping, online. Just window shopping though! Stay well and spread your kindness today. Smile at everyone you pass regardless of how grumpy they may look ;) It may change their mind...or their life! You never know...

~ER~

What To Do...

on another stormy day? Strange June weather, but I'm not complaining. Strange is good ;)

(View out my kitchen slider)

A good day to shop online! I finally bought our two nightstands from Ballard Designs. Tables from their 'Terrific Trios' line; a table with hidden storage shelves underneath, a tablecloth and a glass table protector.

A good day to cuddle up in an ocean of blankets...

and to make a roast!

Stay warm...or cool, depending where you are in this world :)

~ER~

Hawaii & Guam and Young Love

Okay, first things first.
I have had this funny feeling about Hawaii lately. Now, most of you 'regulars' know me and my love of England. I am not, repeat, am NOT a tropical kind of girl. My parents had a timeshare on Maui when I was an adolescent aged kid and used to vacation there around that time in my life. It was beautiful, yes, but I have never made it my goal to get back. Then again, I would never refuse a ticket to Hawaii either. So, I guess I'm saying, I could take it or leave it. BUT lately, for some unknown reason (and this is so like me), I don't know why I've had an urge to go to Hawaii. I thought, 'Well, maybe because it's more affordable being so close and in this economy, it would be a more practical vacation', BUT as I said, I am not a tropical kind of girl. So, why bother? This is why my feelings of late have me confused. The other part of this 'feeling' is that I reeealllyyy wanted it to be a family vacation. More than ever, I wanted a family vacation, in Hawaii. I don't know why but it has struck a strong chord in me lately. So, paying little mind to it because I have more important things on my plate right now like MOVING. The move is looming big at the moment...
Now, on to Guam...
I don't know anything about Guam. I do know that my fathers' aunt married a wealthy man from Guam, they had children and have lived there for probably 40 years. I know nothing else... and I don't even know the details of that information! Have you seen Bridget Jones' Diary? Do you remember the scene where Bridget does not know the location of Germany and everyone has a good laugh about it (all except Bridget)? Well, you can have your laugh now because that's me. Well, I do know where Germany is, but I have never known or had an interest where Guam was located. I always assumed it was somewhere just beyond Hawaii! Okay, okay, laugh it up...but I'm learning! Now, I have a reason to learn.


Our daughter, Christina has an ex boyfriend. They were young, they were in love (as much as teenagers can be or think they are!), he broke her heart, she broke up with him. Shortly after, he enlisted in the air force, like many in his family before him. He went to Texas for training, then on to Guam. For the past year, he has been trying desperately to get in touch with her. I don't know how it happened, but he finally did and they talked for hours. She is trying to be sensible (as sensible as a nearly 20 yr. old can be, I suppose). He wants to send for her this summer, to stay with him for a week in Guam. He's still in love with her and I secretly think she is with him as well. Aahhhh, young love. How exciting! How romantic! Soooo, I began looking up maps of Guam on the internet. When I saw exactly where Guam was located, I started crying. It's so much further than I thought! My excitement was replaced with fear and worry; I'm very concerned. Despite all my maternal feelings of concern, I am so very excited for her. I do hope that he has matured and has suffered enough after hurting her to have learned his lesson. He is the only boy we have ever liked for her.
Well, it didn't dawn on me until just a short while ago that my longing for a family vacation in Hawaii had completely disappeared or rather, was replaced by the excitement for our daughter, on a tropical island, hopefully with the Guy of her dreams ;)

P.S.

Christina is, by the way, a very tropical kind of girl :)

~ER~

Thunder, Lightning and Books

To me, this is a perfect day...and a perfect day for reading, listening to classical music and eating warm, filling food. As I sit here listening to Haydn's London Trio No. 1 on XM Radio, rain and hail take turns on the window, the lightning flashes, the thunder rumbles and the cats are stirred from their naps on the couch. Then out of the blue, it will stop completely. I have borrowed three books from the library to help with the all important 'what to do with the new house' decorating. Yes, I know, not a global crisis but a break from chores and such to do something I love; dreaming, planning, decorating. I have plenty of books to keep me busy for the next couple of weeks-even a magazine, brought home as a surprise from hubby on his Barnes & Noble trip. He always thinks of me, especially when I'm troubled. He brought me a 'Britain' magazine, perhaps to ease the pain of not being able to go over in the foreseeable future. Besides my borrowed library books and my Britain magazine, I have a couple of my own. Kind of pagan-goddess-Martha Stewart themed books, very different, I suppose like myself ;) Here are some of my finds (sorry about blurry shots)...
~ER~

My morning view, a beautiful and unsettled sky

Rain on my window

Books to read, goodies to eat, coffee to drink!

No words needed...

Domino...

has many great 'how-to's' and tips

Candice Olson...

helps me pull looks together with what I already have

Stronger shades of what I already plan to use, except in our bedroom. Lots of great tips...

Rooms To Inspire....is just that. Beautiful and over the top

I love these looks; homey, warm, antiques, well-travelled and wordly...

and drama! I love the passionate, dramatic colors and slightly Spanish-Moorish theme that has always spoken to me.

Without fail; if you have an open book, a cat will appear. A beautiful bathroom...

The Goddess Home

Filled with beautiful rooms, each represented by a particular goddess; Aphrodite, goddess of love for the bedroom, etc.

I love the range of styles in this book, something I need to satisfy my many different tastes. High end to country to ecclectic and everything in between.

A country kitchen

A casual and warm living room accentuated by art (I like it!)

Magic House by Teresa Moorey (one of my favorites)

Seasonal celebrations in a very decorative way (that just happens to be my way)

In this book, seductive rooms and even seductive spells ;)

Open a Window, a Gate, a Laundry Chute...Anything!

I don't want to give up. I'm still looking for a way to get there...

As the lovely Ulla from Ullabenulla (ullam.typepad.com/ullabenulla/) recently reminded her readers in a post, 'when a door closes, a window is opened'. I feel like I'm in a window-less room at the moment and that UK visa door has slammed shut in my face ;) I'm trying to remain optimistic as I stare at my near-full plate of life at the moment. Full plates are good in life as long as they consist mostly of positive, happy or exciting things, but I know there must be a balance in life, so there must be negative, sad or boring as well. Full plates are also good if they're full of food :) Yes, I'm hungry and my mind usually wanders towards food and just wanders in general. I'll try to stay the course here...I've added the UK Border Agency feed to the right-hand column, hoping to hear some good news pertaining to visas, but I'm not holding my breath. Our only hope of going over now is for my husband to get sponsored employment which is a more difficult route and the chance is slim. Does anyone see an open window in this room yet?! I need air! The coming month I will be busy cleaning out closets and cupboards and packing rarely used items in preparation for our move. I can't complain about our Southern California weather; at least it's being kind to me. We've already had a heat wave or two (before summer!) but for now, it's as pleasant and as napping-in-the-hammock mild as it can be. The kind of days with chirping birds and lulling, soft breezes, aaahhhh. Friday was GREAT! We had a dark, stormy sky complete with rolling thunder all day. Later that afternoon, we had a beautiful summer storm, oooohhh, I loved it! Rain, thunder, lightning...it made my day. But here we are, Sunday and I'm taking it easy, planning my packing, keeping an eye on any visa news in our favor. In the meantime, I think I will have to build that window myself. Please check out Ulla's site, she's a beautiful spirit and talented! Wow, she is talented, creative and so artistic. She has a wonderful outlook on life, a truly special soul.
Be well friends and build windows where you need them ;)
~ER~

Memorial Weekend, Memories & 100 Years Today...

Bright, breezy Memorial Weekend...

Beautiful 'Chinese Lantern' tree I saw while out yard sale-ing...

Enedina Cardon or my Spanish 'Fino' (1914-2009)

Fino, my mom (5 yrs.) and uncle Richard (6 yrs.)

This Memorial Weekend couldn't have been a more beautiful way to start off the summer season here. The sky was a brilliant yet deep blue, the breeze was just cool and light enough to keep you cool and relaxed. Every bird chirped and every family with a weekender cabin (or sprawling estate!) was up for the weekend. It was packed full of people laughing, walking, site-seeing, convertible-top-down-driving, barbecueing, boating, water skiing, shopping, yard sale-ing. Did I mention yard sales? Nearly every street sign had yard sale signs pointing in every direction...heaven! haha! I love it, it's like a treasure hunt! Our first day of the 3-day weekend started with the oldest, nearly graduated son coming up for the day (Sat.) with his new girlfriend. Yay! We all agreed, she's a great girl...and cute! Personable, smart, funny, down-to-earth, easy to get along with...I hope it works out for them, she fits in well! Well, we thought we'd have our own yard sale that morning, when the kids came up for the day, they helped us pack up and we all headed out to one of our favorite sandwich shops on the mountain called Rocky's. If EVER you come up this way, make sure you stop along the main highway (18) in Skyforest for a Rocky's sandwich. It's a small place and can get very busy but it's worth it. I had my favorite meatball sandwich there, they also do a great Rueben; a close 2cnd to the Rueben I had in New York...now that's sayin' somethin'! :) Afterwards, we hung out at home and visited, ordered pizza's before the boys' much anticipated Lakers game. They went home that evening. A really nice day spent with family, laughter and good food...can't beat it. Sunday was my day for yard sales. Youngest son and I cruised around Lake Arrowhead and hit a few sales. I think we enjoyed the beautiful day and views more than looking for sales, another very pleasant day. Monday was a lazy day and also spent preparing for my grandma Fino's funeral the following Tuesday. The day of the funeral arrived and my dreaded visit with a family member ended in hugs and a very apologetic sister. There is still much to clear the air about, but to acknowledge you've made a mistake and hurt people in the process and to apologize for it is all I ask...oh, and please don't do it again :) haha! My grandma Fino's service was beautiful and family from near and far made the trip. It was so nice to see everyone and a few surprise guests showed up, some I hadn't seen since I was a child. That was great. It was a great celebration of my Fino. I even surprised myself in getting up to speak at the service. Everyone had great (and funny) memories to share. A very 'different' lady and a very special one. I think I follow in her footsteps of 'different-ness' :) Well, that was my 'Memorial Weekend' and my 'Memories' part of the post title. The other part of the title is the fact that today, my other grandma Evelyn who passed away a few months ago, would have been 100 years old today. Another great lady. They both had experienced so much and had so much to teach. I wish I would have listened. As the saying goes, "Youth is wasted on the young", so true ;) Well, I've been a busy one; house-hunting and no time for crafting, BUT the good news in that is that we are moving into our new house soon! Yay! The backyard is a blank canvas at the moment (in other words-DIRT!) and I'll have my hands full (and dirty) creating a little paradise for us and the psychotic felines once again :). I hope, my blogging friends, that you all are doing well and getting along with your family, friends and loved ones...I know it's a stressful feeling when you aren't, life is too short :)

Take care...

~ER~