the long road back to catching up ...

BOY HAVE WE CHANGED ... but then again .... maybe not all that much (?)

a few days ago .... I made solid plans to meet up with a friend from high school. It's been a V-E-R-Y long time since we have seen each other. (at our 20 year class reunion) We've both been thru a lot, some of which was not so good .... but we have come out of it in happy places and we shared some of that with each other today at breakfast/lunch. I would have recognized her easily even though you can see we have both changed a little. She gave me a bear hug when I arrived, and we took a moment just looking at each other ... letting it sink in that we FINALLY made this happen. It was probably an hour & a half before we looked at the menu to order. (and during our chat, we had more than one table comment on our "reunion").
I don't know about Charley .... but beforehand, I was feeling a little trepidatious. We'd been really close at one time, particularly our senior year of high school. We were in each others' wedding parties (the first time around), & we were pregnant at the same time, but ... these were milestones more than a lifetime ago. A lot of water has passed under MY bridge! We began talking & our stories poured out onto the table & spread like syrup. A couple of times, Charley described chapters in her life & it was as if my own experiences were on her pages. Yes- much had changed for each of us & yet the journey along the way had often mirror'd the other and, at times, nearly crossed paths without knowing it.
The first time I looked at my watch ... it was 3 & a half hours later, and it seemed we had but scratched the surface. So, there will be more stories to share & more reminiscing I'm sure in the not-to-distant future. It seemed fitting to post our current pictures as well, because we agreed that we are the happiest we have ever been and we "look it". And I'm sure, before I drift off tonight, a memory will pop up that I will want to ask her about or remind her of ... when next we share the same space. :o)

Living with Passion

THAT's the way I would like to look back years from now (and I hope there are many of them) ... and feel it was the way I lived. I have passion for my husband & family & home ... but that's not quite what I mean. I would like to push away some of the fears I have that hold me back. I would like to step outside my own "box". As I get older, I seem to be getting more cautious, and in doing so- I could be missing out. I want to take the butterflies of fear, line them into formation and let them soar. And not just once .... I want to do it again, and again, and again.

when "almost" is far from enough

I arose earlier than usual, had less coffee than I would have liked, stuffed my feet into shoes that I wore for over 8 hours, stood for 3 hours straight while being told what to do, ate amongst strangers, stood for another 3+ hours, being asked time and again for more, more, more .... and came home - back aching, feet throbbing, empty stomached and ..... with a smile on my face.
I guess I'm thinking PINK!

yippy skippy, my roof is drippy!

and this household knows how much I LOVE the rain!!

true .... it's more likely to keep us in doors (and in my design studio ... wooo-hoooo), but the Captain has reminded me that

it also means no kayaking, or hiking, or patio cocktails :o( THEN I reminded him ... no gardening or car washing and HE perked right up! SO- while the rain is filling the water barrel, I am filling my senses with apple pie (via Yankee Candle tarts), adding anniversary #11 to my Hawaii Fairy Tale album, listening to CCCC rehearsal tapes, & munching on the mandarin orange the Captain peeled for me this morning!

ahhhhhhhh the life of a princess!

recipe for a PINK dessert

mix 1 part section leader ....

5 parts wanabees ...

1 part newbie ...

gently blend each part together til smooth, & place in warming oven to "set"....... ....... .......... ......

repeat as needed til done.

...............

LOW calorie, high energy solution to a quiet, run -of- the- mill, Wednesday evening at home! TRY IT

the long & short of Tuesdays

I'm NOT kidding - but I'm perplexed .... how can a day be long AND short??

get a hobby.

SERIOUSLY. If you have a hobby, at least half your time seems spent- before you even get to it.

I have the joy of RE-entering the world of Sweet Adelines. This is especially meaningful because my departure a few years back was under painful circumstances. Being a part of this talented & amazing group of women makes my life busier & adds some minor anxieties .... but mostly ... it makes life (more) well rounded.

THAT BEING SAID ... our "regular" rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings, lasting about 2.5-3 hours. Doesn't sound like much time right? BUT- bear in mind that it is a rehearsal ... NOT a practice. Therefore .... one should have practiced at home already ... then show up at rehearsal to perform. For some - that might mean an hour or so a day, but for me- joining the chorus just a month from regional competition .... it's more. It's learning notes, memorizing lyrics, figuring out choreography, and .... loosing sleep. Dreaming about performing, thinking about words and facial expressions, over (and over and over). sooooooooooooooo ......

With Tuesdays being wrapped around chorus for a while (3 songs for now .... probably 7 more over the next few months) .... I'm thinking about using an older photo for my project 365 on these days, then journaling about why I chose it.

so I started with a really cool pic .... of my mom. I printed the picture out as 7X9, embellished it slightly, and journaled on the back of it- and slid it into a page protector :o)

AND THEN ..... I went back to practicing my music!

and then she said ... "I love you both, but I like her more"

I cannot even imagine the pain that sentence might bring to a heart.
Especially hearing it from a mother's lips.
Honesty ... is HIGHLY over-rated!
This moment- fortunately was from a tv show. But words, perhaps not exact to these, but hurtful yet ... have been uttered.
in anger.
in error.
in selfishness.
When I heard it said, the air caught in my throat .... and I pondered ....
Have I ever hurt someone in this way, however innocently or unintended? Would I have seen the wounded look on their face or in their eyes?
I pray not to the former, I hope so to the latter.

as the night grows late ....

It's been quite a while since I stayed up late into the night after the house has become full of sleepy sighs and quiet breathing. The TVs are silent and every room has been invades with darkness, save for the of my computer screen here. A slight breeze tickles thru a windchime now & again and I can hear the hum of the refrigerator, the swaying of the clock pendulum, & kitty snores. These things comfort me. I'm "chatting" with a couple of people on Facebook, and considering a cup of coffee, but I don't want to get up. I'm comfortable. I'm content.
Times eludes me. About an hour ago, I went to tell the Captain good night, hoping to catch him before he finishes tonight's Twilight Zone story (that he's reading on his phone) .... but he's already snuggled deep into the cavern he creates under the electric blanket. I know that even if I should crawl daintily into bed 2 hours from now, he will want me to give him a kiss goodnite. It's as if he's not totally asleep til I do so ..... the way "moms" are when their child is not yet home. sweet.
I've cleared my design table of clutter, made a short to do list for tomorrow, taken something out of the freezer to thaw for Monday's dinner .... and painted one fingernail with Flamenco Pink. And now .... I'm thinking about the book I started reading on my Kindle last night .... sitting on my bedside table..... beconning to me, as I begin feeling the fatigue of the day.
and hoping- that when I get up tomorrow ...
1. my coffee will already be brewing
2. a mango will be freshly cut
3. the sun will be shining
and ........
it will be my turn on Words with Friends !

banishment of da bacon-ator

the Sunday morning plan .... (as I was informed) ... fresh fruit, grilled bacon & a veggie & cheese omelet, ala the Captain. WELL, I guess 2 out of 3 ain't bad!

As you can see- the bacon was just a wee bit overdone. Since it was the last of it .... the Captain was mortified. And you would think it was a prescribed medication by the way he was affected!

Lo & behold .... the remainder of the breakfast was GREAT of course and while grocery shopping later in the day- he made a B-line for the pork section!! But the Captain has already announced that there will be a grilling chaperone at all times when it comes to his precious bacon!

waves (not the "queen" kind)

with the storms looming yesterday .... the Captain and I headed over to the beach at high tide (8:30am), to get in a walk and some wave watching before the rain was due. The picture opportunities were abundant & the waves, though not as big as forecasted, were pounders and we spent over an hour walking the sand & listening to the constant roar of the water. The 51 degree temps kept foot traffic thin, so the only people we saw were those out to walk their dogs.

With Starbucks in hand, a full camera battery, & the Captain to chat with- it was an invigorating and interesting way to start the day ..... and I wish I could get my tail in gear more often to do this. Hmmmm .... maybe I can!

birds of a different color?)

I TOTALLY agree .... pigeons are NOT our friends when it comes to the damage they do to our local pier & boardwalk. If interacted with properly ... it wouldn't be an issue, but it's just too easy for people to hand a cracker or piece of bread to a toddler & listen to them giggle with delight while feeding the birdies! I confess, I did it myself MANY moons ago- before I was paying taxes to help keep the damage under control! (before I was educated about it for that matter). In our walk to "chat" with mom on her bench yesterday .... I noticed that while 97% of the birds were the "typical" grey version of the unpopular fowl .... there are some variations that are cool looking. NOT attractive enough to want hanging around on the light pole above me mind you- but .....

I am thankful that our yard feeders don't attract them ... otherwise they wouldn't be there! Today, we hosted a couple of bluejays that were dominating the pack .... but for the most part, ALL varieties were playing well together. (the kitty kats sure like the view)

Christopher PIZZA Evens

I happened across a dainty, marcasite ring last night. Nestled in it's sparkly center is a heart shaped, blue topaz ..... and looking at it- my heart went mushy.
It reminds me of my son.
Christopher Scott
Usually called Chris. Sometimes Chrisser, youngin', punkin, or cutie pie. And, a couple of times ... by his own admission claimed his middle name was pizza. On rare (VERY RARE), occassions, by his full name- because he was (and still is) a good kid. I was lucky in this way- since he was following in the footsteps of an older brother who had given me great joy as well. But Chris ..... well, Chris & I had more time alone together to become friends. Those years in his life when he already knew the difference between right & wrong. When he had the family values. When he still listened to his mama. Before he was ready to spread his wings to fly. That time solidified his trust in me, his love for me. Or at least that's the way I see it.
Chris is usually the first to call me on a holiday. He sometimes calls just to say hi. He has rarely ever broken a promise. And he's a great dad. He adores his wife, he works hard, & he's smart. He's had some hard knocks and taken them in stride. He learns from his mistakes & willingly admits when he screws up. He's loving, & funny, loyal & considerate ..... and hugable.
And now ... glancing down at this delicate, silvertoned ring. that I'm wearing ... I think of him, as I often do- from that special place in my heart where he always resides .... and a longing to see him & get one of his big bear hugs.

and my heart is STILL in the right place .....

the Captain .... in a not-so-feeble effort to avoid sitting down to write a love letter (which would have saved him $) .... made arrangements (weeks ago!!) for the 2 of us to spend the night at Sycamore Springs. And though romance flows freely here at our beach house ... it is ALSO groovey to have an intimate evening together every couple of months or so. Add to that, a private mineral hot tub in a woodsy setting and an amazing, candle lit dinner and ..... if you aren't feeling loved by then .... your heart is NOT in the right place!

HOWEVER, that is never the case in irwin-ville. Sitting on our lanai at sunset, having a glass of wine in front of the fireplace, floating on the still waters of San Luis Bay, or even making dinner side by side ..... are moments the Captain and I share on a regular basis. These are simple, everyday things that relax & remind us of the love we have for our time together.

SO, while I have no intention of returning the "heartful" necklace that greeted me on Valentine's morning (luv it, luv it!) .... it wasn't what filled my already overflowing heart on this day. It was, rather, knowing that I am unconditionally loved .... and ..... receiving a love letter on top of all that!!!!

and V-Day is 2day toooooo !!

as previously stated ...

Valentine'd Day is not for just 1 day a year (in my life)!! I am AMAZINGLY fortunate enough to have a hubby that believes in romance .... and romance to us, means plenty of PDA and verbal reminders. Add to this that a typical day includes things each of us do with the other in mind, plenty of laughter, & lots of hugs & kisses ... and what do you have?

365 Valentine's Days.

I agree that this is a day when a lot of people need to go above & beyond to validate how deeply they feel ... and let's face it, nowadays many people are so busy with their lives, they literally need a scheduled day to do this. If you happen to be one of these people, take a little extra time (& feeling) to tell that someone special what they mean to you!!

& Captain ... breakfast was amazing :o)

V-day .... by any other name is .... today

The Captain & I celebrate Valentine's Day .... nearly everyday.

For us (and we know how lucky and how goofy this may sound to some), it's not just a day ... it's a lifestyle. Sure, on the 14th of February ... you may hear 10 I love yous instead of only 3-4 .... there may be a pink or red ribbon on a box or a bag, there may be a dinner with candles and tablecloths but still .... it's just one day of the year and quite frankly- we declare, exhibit, & prove our love far more often than that. Sometimes more than once a day.

So- whether I am having an electronic breakfast in bed (today), or a spa treatment (tomorrow), or doing household chores (Tuesday) .... I am well aware of how much I am loved & adored, & appreciated .... nearly every-single-day!

a Valentine from a kind heart

as has been the tradition for the last couple of years .... pops presented me with a lovely bouquet of flowers for Valentine's Day.

.

He has such a beautiful heart, & I adore how special he makes me feel ..... every day!

playing ketchup!

I have been playing so hard that some of my own honey-dos were falling behind. I was a couple of days tardy of the journaling for my 365 & DVR playbacks! On the agenda for 2morrow .... laundry, vacuuming, & music rehearsal .... but first off .... a leisurely breakfast with the Captain, followed by a stack of magazines over coffee.

I'm in the pink ... details to follow

kayaking 101 with a shot of Bengay

I had some new kayaking experiences yesterday .... which is always good on some level (right?)

It was my first outing with the Captain in "work mode". He had a couple from Southern Cal scheduled for a tour and I .... tagged along. The pros of such a decision is that additional strength building is good, being out on beautiful San Luis Bay is a wonderful thing, and time with the Captain is always "entertaining". The cons, on the other hand ... can creep into scripting of an event too. The weather forecast indicated some afternoon wind ... but from a direction that would likely be blocked (mostly) by the surrounding hills. Well- forecasts are (in my opinion) just tidbits of information put out by mother nature .... for her OWN entertainment! About an hour into our excursion ... it kicked up. More importantly, we were facing into it on our return an hour or so later. A little chop. Some splashing. And hard work. paddle, paddle, paddle .... and not much to show for it. HOWEVER, I have to say, it didn't ruin or even negatively affect my enjoyment of the outing ..... until around 10:30pm .... after I had spent 3.5 hours standing on the risers at chorus rehearsal. THEN I was aching, pooped, & needing some RE-laxation a plenty!!
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THIS picture, although flawed .... is actually a favorite from yesterday. I'm sure the "moon" is actually a water drop on the lens ... but I love it anyway!!

the grampa "gene" has kicked in!

a year or so ago- the Captain & I had a discussion about his "grampa role" in my/our grandkids' lives. I knew- by nature ... he's a little kid shy (and has been for a long time). He's like a father to my sons (and they feel the same) ... so it's only natural- that when the grandkids came along, I'd hoped he would take the role alongside of me. When it seemed he was staying somewhat aloof, I asked him about it- but only by way of reminding him that my sons may understand if he isn't real "grandfatherly" to their kids ... but that he should consider it a training ground of sorts- for when his daughter has kids. She WOULD be sad if he was still hands off by then. As usual ... the Captain took my words to heart and it was only a week or two later when we were with the rugrats again and ... OMG, his approach to them was 180 degrees different! (it was sooooo cool). And with every visit with them- it gets more amazing. He suggests visits, or overnite stays now. He takes on care & feeding at times, and when we were at the park with them yesterday- he was admirably protective of them! ever the watchful eye!! I think his attitude toward them (as loving as could be)- caused me to fall in love with him AGAIN !

begin with the beginning

I have a ton of pictures to check out from my visit with family yesterday but since that day ACTUALLY started with this amazing sunrise .... it seemed most appropriate to post it NOW and get the other stuff done between other chores today.

.

This would have been an amazing backdrop for a venti, carmel macchiato :o)

snow? NOT EVEN close!

With all the weather issues being experienced all over the US ... I felt a little guilty enjoying the amazing sunshine we had! well... for about 10 seconds I did .... then I went back to just enjoying it. We took off mid-morning for a bike rike, then returned for a few minor chores and lunch on the lanai. At that point, it was 75 degrees and clear all the way to the horizon. Simply beautiful.
I was supposed to do laundry.
I didn't.
oh well.
tomorrow ..... we're going to spend time with family!

The Captain will pick up a "line" occassionally that he gets attached to and uses until he finds one he likes even better. A long while ago, when asked how he was doing- he would replay "couldn't be better". Almost a mantra, you might say. He often still replies in that manner .... but I'm so used to it, that I don't really notice it. His newest response these days seems to be "it was as good as I wanted it to be".

THIS ONE, I adopt sparingly myself .... and it was how I expressed myself when the Captain asked how I liked today's outing! I nearly doubled the amount of time on the water from a week ago when I took my maiden strokes in the harbor, and I was happy about that. And what a surprise it was when we came around the breakwater to see Pa standing near the dock! Very Kewl indeed.

We stowed our gear and visited Portside Coffee, where we ordered freshly made panini sandwiches (wow, were they great) & gobbled them up at an open aire picnic table at the ocean's edge. This day was ..... even better than I wanted it to be. (thanks Captain).

my computer is quarentined :o(

but for tomorrow ...

I don't really care if I have all my "stuff" saved on

my back up hard drive- cuz I plan to create some

NEW memorable moments while kayaking with

my hubby. I dug out the waterproof housing for

my old point & shoot & we're gonna see how it does

with the movement. The weather promises a

really nice day and we are going to take full advantage!

THEN .... we'll take on whatever challenges the

computer offers up.

spring is comin, spring is comin ...

One is to believe ... with a forecast from a groundhog .... that spring is coming early this year. Momentarily we are having spring weather where I live, so it is of little interest to me what Phil says is acomin'. I am sure however, that many of the states across the US are hoping that the hairy little varmit is correct!!

The ONLY bearing this "announcement" has on us is .... the annual viewing of his namesake movie!!

I can hear the laughter already!!

them birthday greetings keep showing up!

and with it ... a beauuutiful card, & an ever-so-appropriate cup :o)

The card was handmade by my sissy LouLou & is lovely .... and thanks for the $$ Dad!!

I posed them atop the leopard minkie ... since that is soooooo LouLou!

To top off a busy & sa-weet day- I auditioned for CCC Chorus tonite and I am it's newest member. I (apparently) passed with flying colors. ahhhh - all that without a pink pill. GOOD FOR ME!

the feelings of guilt can be gold!!

THIS is what happens when "someone" is drinking red wine in the living room, sitting at the computer, where things are sooo scattered about that he opts to set the glass on the keyboard drawer. Picture .... moments later, pushing the keyboard drawer closed. WHERE does the glass go?!?
YOU GUESSED IT!

We are talking about a rich, dark wine .... on a creamy colored carpet. We are talking about carpet that is only a couple years old. We are talking about a spot that I do NOT want a little mat in front of "just in case this should happen". We are talking about a major (manly word saying) oopsy! Boy does SOMEONE feel guilty. Angry at himself, kicking himself in the butt, frustrated, wanting a huge slap to feel better, guilt!
And it's not the only thing that he feels guilty about.
Once upon a time .... there was a red-ISH colored car. It was closer to a bricky red, edging toward a deep burnt orange. A raw sienna with a little red thrown in. Definately NOT what I would call red. But then again .... I wouldn't call turquoise a shade of blue or green either. I don't consider maroon or burgundy red. It's a variation to be sure. But I digress ..... the fact is, someone talked me out of the UNred car because it was (dare I even say it?) red. Truth be told .... if I REALLY wanted it, I would have gotten it anyway .... but it wasn't .... ummm ... as red as I would have liked anyway!! The point I'm making is .... he hangs onto these feelings of guilt. He remembers them for a LONG time. (probably cuz he doesn't have many of them to think about). And I let him. :o)
sooooooooooooo ...... even though the aforementioned rug catastrophe appears to have been everted- I will let him stew about this one too. It might come in handy sometime, for teasing. For now- I have a feeling red wine will be partaken of in the dining room.
ahhhhhh ..... back to normal.

to die for (but in a good way)

I tasted a mango this morning that was ... to die for. I'm sure everyone has used this term from time to time in the same way I meant it. It was r-e-a-l-l-y yummy!

It's a level above being so good that I could spit .... and on the same one as tasting like I'm dying & goin' to heaven. I have no idea where these sayings started or how they were meant for use ... or even how I picked them up, but I do remember hearing them repeated by my son when he was eating ice cream. I developed a "taste" for mangos when we received them in a gift basket on a cruise a few years ago. The only issue was finding a way to eat them gracefully. What a PIA. And if you get ahold of a juicy one, it gets messy fast! I have since found that by slicing it (via the Captain)& not obsessing over the amount left around the pit .... it's perf. AND- the firmness or color on the outside is rarely any indication of the flavor. The tasting this morning came about as I was experimenting with my breakfast smoothie. This mango was waaaaay too good to mix with other stuff so it got sliced to be my breakfast tomorrow (if I can wait that long). For now .... mixed berry.