Sometimes you just need a little someone to lean on.  Someone who's taller, and stronger, and will be there when you need them.  

Any volunteers?

Do this and Never do that!

My grandmother used to tell me to never leave the house in curlers.  What a wise woman she was and I miss her tremendously everyday.  Not that we all don't know this but I guess the really question is, do we follow this wisdom?  I personally haven't put curlers in my hair since my wedding day and look how that turned out.  However, I have worn sweats to the grocery store, forgone the boulder holder, and left the house looking much like Montezumas revenge.....and on several occasions.  Inevitably 'IT' happens.  I run into somebody I know and it's never the somebody I want it to be.  A long time ago, a certain woman (the name and date have been changed to spare anymore embarrassment) had been swimming laps at the pool.  She hopped out, stripped off her suit, and decided to take a shower at home vs. the locker room of the rec center  With chlorinated dripping hair, suction cup marks around her eyes,  and mascara smudges to zoombify the effect, she trekked to the car hopping to make it from point A to point B unnoticed.  For heaven sakes, it was only 200 feet away.

I'm sure you know how this story ends.  It involves a past boyfriend, his beautiful wife and children, and the small talk that goes along with not having not seen each other for over a decade.  These moments of insecurity are wracked with horror and haunt us for days.  They are filled with the 'should have done's, and the 'only if's and the ever daunting 'why me's.  And then my thoughts return back to my grandmothers' words.

Never leave the house in Curlers!  or anything like unto it.

The finer things in life

The Widows Mite

This last Christmas I discovered artist Annie Henrie at a local exhibit.  I loved this picture of Mary and the Christ child and snapped a picture with my phone thinking that I would remember her name.  When I arrived home, I found myself frustrated that I didn't write her name down and it was yet another realization that my memory is not what it used to be.  However, while walking through Salt Lake City recently, I came across this other picture and I instantly knew it was the same artist.  It had instantly struck a chord with me.  Upon further research, I learned that Annie was voted one of the great new talents under 30 for SouthWest Art Magazine and was receiving additional recognition for her talents.  There were several original pieces of work to admire that day but the $4000 price tag of The Widows Mite didn't quite fit in my budget.  Thankfully, they had a smaller giclee that I am now the proud owner of.  I am grateful for the inspiration that this picture now offers me.

Rejoice

Recently, a friend came to me with good news.  Her desire to share this news was half of the excitement. Her countenance was bright and you would had thought that she had the winning lottery ticket for $365 million.  Later that night I received a text from her telling me that her spirits had been dampened after talking to friends who told her to not get excited about a book deal until she saw the contract.  This had brought her back down to earth and she apologized in having shared her delight.

Bah Humbug!  (or anything replaceable for the load of bull just dished out by her "friends")

My reply back was instant and opinionated.  It doesn't matter what your friends say!  Don't let them rain of your parade.  It may be the shortest main street in history but these are the moments that let us soar!  The moments that let us feel the confidence that enables us to make it through another day.  I don't know about you but I don't receive good news daily and when I do I certainly want to make that feeling and joy last as long as it can, even if its not practical.  There is so much sorrow, too many downtrodden hearts and not enough rejoicing in our every day accomplishments.  For heaven sakes, its a book deal!  I would have broke out the champagne for completing a haiku.

So the next time someone shares good news with you, be happy for them! Share in their excitement and REJOICE in the moment.  Even it you know that their newly refunded $1.27 from the IRS, will not fund the vacation they have been planning.  Let those details come to fruition in due time.  You may just be surprised at how well they could budget that $1.27.

One thing that I am not is Polished.....and that includes even my nails!

I read somewhere that people make snap judgements about other people depending on the look of their fingernails.  We assume somebody's profession and even wealth within our own society. If ones nails are unkempt that is a sign of a lower class.  Even the color on a women's nail supposedly creates an image of our mind about their personality. 

What must people think of me?  My nails are atrocious and I'm not even an auto mechanic.  They peel, grow crooked and the left hand is always cut short with the intention that I will practice the guitar daily (and of course I never do).

Adding this to the To-Do list of beauty regimens is definitely a must.  However the more I starting thinking about this the more I realized there is something else at play.  Why haven't I maintained my nails in recent months?  Could it be that the lack of luster in my nails is directly proportionate to the lack of handholding going on.  Or does that statement need to be reversed.  The lack of handholding is directly related to the look of my hands and that no individual would desire to hold it after seeing such hang nails.  (I will refrain from posting exhibit A)

It does leave me in a quandary as to how to remedy both situations since a connection seems to have been established.  A nail file, cuticle cream are of course top priorities. But what about that hand holding? What is the solution for that.

I might be a little late to score a valentine for 2012 but my nails will look PDG when I pass out those valentines' out to lucky individuals.  However, yours might just come in the mail if I don't see you on a regular basis.  So please, imagine beautiful nails and pass the word.  There is hope for 2013!

2012.....for one more Month

Life has happened.  It took over, monopolizing all of my time.  The End.

How is that for an excuse for not writing or being productive.   I know, I feel the same way.  It's not much of a sob story if everybody can relate.

However, something big is coming.  A change, an epic adventure and a story to tell.  Something that will push all my priorities through.  I'm excited....Finally.....I control my life once again.

...and did you see my brothers Christmas video!  Click the link below to view.  Hopefully you'll love it half as much as I do.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fztm1yg8pxI&feature=colike

Catalog Tear of the Month

I often tear pages of outfits I love out of catalogs.   I then post them in my closet so as I'm getting dressed I remember the looks and styles of the season and more easily dress 'my style'.  I have imitated so many looks through the years that I feel as though I'm a walking catalog page but without shimmer, shine, and oh....I won't be wearing a size 4. 

I'm loving this look by Garnet Hill.  It's casual chic and the double wrap scarf makes it all the more stylish.  The dress is a whoopin' $98 which deems itself pricey for a cotton dress.  However the reviews are great for this Eileen Fischer Dress and I will be watching for it on sale.  Hopefully it will go down to 75% off (and that's still a lot if you're unemployed and your ex is petitioning to not pay alimony anymore)

In the mean time, its a good thing that this look can be copied from most any closet.  Leggings are wardrobe essentials, the scarf is duplicable, and the dress only needs to be a solid color.  You can belt yourself for an entire different look.  It seems accessories make all the difference and when the scarf, also at Garnet Hill, is another $108, its easy to see why I'd want to reproduce this look.  

Time heals all wounds

After 8 months of x-rays, MRI's, catscans, surgeries, and a numerous trips to physical therapy, I have gone and done it again.  Saturday was the first time I ran since the morning of July 27.  On that morning, I headed out on my family reunion after a run, for a day of water skiing on our local lake.  The next morning I was still sitting in the ER wondering if they were going to amputate.  Okay, maybe that's a little exaggerated but I had seriously screwed up my leg and have wondered during these last months if that would have been a better solution.  A week ago I was wondering if I would ever resume my normal lifestyle and this week I feel like I can conquer the world.  All with what stated out as a five minute treadmill experience.

Don't misread my running capability.  My goal was a mile, as I still only have 50% of strength in my left leg.  But running through the pain was the biggest hurdle and my doctor said Go and Do.  So I did, and I feel like I can put this behind me and stop using it as an excuse.   HIP HIP HOORAY for our bodies amazing ability to heal.  HIP HIP HOORAY for the patience in dealing with it. 

Now the trial begins to get back in Shape. I'm thinking my goal will be a triathalon come June. 

Hands off the ChaCha

Since the extra calories I've burned by not having a remote (you can read about the case of the missing remote here) haven't taken any inches off my waistline, I decided to invest in an all in one remote control.  It's not an expensive one or the one I hoped a manly man would buy me to redeem himself, but I'm hoping that by buying a cheap channel changer, nobody and especially movie watching dates will never be tempted to steal it again.  I'm also so relieved that I never have to get up to change the volume only to return the five feet and find out I still can't hear it.  That's like 20 feet round trip and then to regain energy another 40 to the refrigerator to regain energy for sitting on the couch again. No wonder I haven't slimmed down any.

But this is what I have to say to all my future dates and visitors who might be eyeing my possessions.  Hands off the ChaCha! (the alter ego of a remote which is short for Channel Changer) I have to lay these ground rules from the beginning or I might just end of violated again. 

The read orginal post explaining it all.  He gone and done it.

How wise is this wisdom

Yes this sign was taken at the world famous Crab Cooker in Newport Beach.  I have since adopted it as my motto...and I have also adopted the Crab Cooker as my new favorite 'must stop'.  My love of seafood must be growing because one shrimp skewer was just not enough.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

My green is in the form of a hat today.  A beautiful...not so spring...big yarn fedora, that has been scrunched in a suitcase and looks nothing like a fedora anymore.  However, I bought this at Nordstroms last month and absolutely loved it and wondered when I could sport it in southern California oh so sunny weather.  But today is cloudy and it is Saint Patrick's Day.  Out comes the fedora and voile!  I still love it.  Though Zoom and I have no big plans, and I'm not making cornbeef and cabbage because of my diet, we will probably venture out to find GREEN food. We're already had a green protein shake (thanks to Spinach and not food coloring :) 

..and I will always think of my nephew Seth Patrick today.  So beautiful and precious you were.  Your family loves you tremendously. 

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Rose Bowl Flea Market

Oh how I love the Rose Bowl Flea Market!  Utter joy is what I experienced yesterday as I walked aisles, dodged people and meandered among mid-century furniture and vintage dishtowels.  My favorite seller had this for sale and I absolutely went ballistic.  SOLD!

I also found a vintage industrial dolly that I could not walk past and will post pictures as soon as I find a big buff man to help me lift it from my car (I'm hoping to keep the big buff man when I do find him!)

My heart skipped a beat when Zoom tripped over these antique hand carved panels.  I apologized to the Chinese man as I gathered as many as I could while admiring their individuality and floral motifs. I'm keeping some as is and others will be sanded to the more natural wood color.  These as well will be listed on my shop site and my etsy store. 

It was indeed a good day at market. Pasadena in March makes you realize that spring has indeed sprung or at least is on its way

Akro Agate (and yes that's English)

The unearthing continues at my parents house and how I feel I've just found gold!  I came across a beautiful child's tea set stored with my mothers vintage dolls.  I have no recollection of them (translation - I wasn't allowed to play with them as a child) but my heart raced with excitement. Could this be love? A quick image search of brightly colored glass identified them as Akro Agate Depression Era Glass.  The colors are majestic and vivid and of course are highly coveted among collectors.  The question now is.......Do I sell or keep?  If I keep I'm having a tea party with all my mothers dolls this afternoon. 

A quick trip to the market

It's 6:42 am and my little boy comes to find and tell me that's he's hungry. A new constant in his vocabulary and he's not even a teenager yet.  With swimsuit season approaching and the mounting desire to get back in shape, I realize that french toast, sausage and eggs are way too tempting to be cooking him for breakfast.  Thank goodness he LOVES cheerios! 

With the realization that there is no milk in the house, I grab my keys and take off for the store.  It's raining out and as I hop in the car I realize my ankles are cold and wet.  The sudden understanding that I'm in my strawberry fields cropped pajama bottoms makes me ponder I need to be more self aware of time and place, style and fashion, and how I'll never be Audrey Hepburn with grace and style oozing out of my character. Comfort is comfort folks and there is no turning back.  I rush into the store, grab the milk and dodge all customers and employees stalking the shelves.  Of course with my luck it happens to be the pastry aisle I choose to scurry down until I get a marvelous idea.  How great of a mother would I be if I bring my son home a luscious something stacked with carbs and sugar?  Apple turners or cream cheese filled danishes! We don'tt have these very often so it's no big deal.  Of course they are cheaper wrapped in four packs......and my dad would appreciate this act of morning kindness too....and did I mention they are cheaper in eight packs?

Do I need to tell you the rest of the story or can you piece together the diet dilemma I just experienced?  My motivational Monday might start on Tuesday this week.  But since my record is already tainted..........I might just wait another week.  A tragic beginning to the same old story.  Spring is coming and I need to be reminded before these types of events occur.

The Best Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

My love affair with watching America's Test Kitchen (otherwise known as ATK) has significantly increased my waistline and taken 30 minutes out of each of my Saturday mornings.  Only because I now distinguish between the run of the mill products, methods and recipes and the superb, life changing, scream for more goodness than I ever have before.  Maybe I've been forced into public television (it's on PBS folks) and there are better shows on cable networks but I can without a doubt say I subscribe to ATK and some of the recipes I've tried have put me over the top in my convictions.  Below is one you must try.  I repeat, YOU MUST TRY.  If not, come over to my house and I'll whip up a batch.  I need someone there so that I don't devour all 12 of these little devils in one sitting. 

CHOCOLATE CREAM CUPCAKES

(click here for complete instructions)

CUPCAKES

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon Salt

1/2 cup boiling water
1/3 cup cocoa powder

(don't use Hersheys!  Go for the good stuff.  It makes a tremendous difference)

1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon instant espresso

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FILLING

3 tablespoons water

3/4 teaspoon unflavored gelatin

4 tablespoon (1/2 stick) unsalted butter , softened
Pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups marshmallow créme

GLAZE

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

The complete recipe and Instructions can be found online here (email registration) and in Cooks Country  and the Best of Cooks Illustrated Magazines.

Who isn't full of 'S' and 'P'?

The unearthing continues at my parents house.  I found these yesterday....and yes to clarify, they are Salt and Pepper shakers.  They were shoved back in the corner of a very tall cupboard.  I'm sure my mom thought they were absolutely atrocious but worth a chuckle of some sort (hence her keeping them for over 35 years).  I'm trying to think of an occasion where you would actually pass this to somebody during a meal. But truly, is there any occasion that outhouses on the dinner table are appropriate?

Only Nuns Change Habits Overnight

I am 100% guilty of choosing books by their covers.  They are all so pretty and wonderfully marketed.  So when I walked past this book at the library, how could I not pick it up and check it out solely on its title.  It made me laugh and I hoped the contents would be just as witty and self helping as it promised

While she's no Steven Covey, I was very impressed by author Karen Linamen and her personable approach and insight to how we can make our lives better.   It's light, it's fluffy and it made me laugh.  It was just what I was looking for.  Categorize it as self help chic-lit and you can't be disappointed.  I can't wait to read her other books entitled Due to rising energy costs, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off and Sometimes I wake up grumpy....and othertimes I let him sleep in.      

Red Rocker of Love

I love this! And I'm selling this and I am really sad about this.  But I need to feed my child.  It's in excellent condition and did I mention it's a rocking chair.  A double wide rocker!  It's vintage and chic, so let's call it the Red Rocker of Love.  Maybe that's why I'm selling it because it makes me feel lonely.  Any volunteers?  To rock with me so I wouldn't have to part with this. 

How much do you think its worth?

Sacrifice required dedication

It has gotten out of control, become a daily indulgence....okay hourly indulgence, and I need to gain back my independence. All from a little bean from who knows where. And I'm not talking green, garbanzo, or even coffee. You Guessed it. CACAO BABY! (Said like Lightning McQueen of Course).

The new year brought new goals for lifestyle change. After six months of recouping on the couch I found myself out of shape, mentally soft and physically obtuse.  I needed desperately to 'right the wrongs' and focus intensely on what I knew would make me feel better about myself and my life.  First was and still is, to get back in shape.  Exercise is always a priority and guilt overwhelms me when I don't.  A long road for a much atrophied body but my sites are set on a triathlon in June. I can do it! Second was and still is, to lose weight.....again.  Granted not as much as the baby weight but still a daunting task at my ripe old age. It seems a weekend of detox just doesn't cut it any more. But, I can do it! Third is to eat well, to energize my mind and body and to focus on the nutrients of life.  I will do it!  But haven't been willing to sacrifice, until now.

Herein lies the problem.  None of this can be done when you're addicted to Chocolate. Mood booster, comforter and friend.  It seems that spoonfuls of Nutella (with a little peanut butter mixed in) can go along way in a crisis.  So can handfuls of Lindt truffles eaten like popcorn. It's everywhere, it's calling and it has taken over and clouded every aspect of my life.  I can't have the energy to exercise, I won't be able to lose weight properly, and won't feel clear headed if not eating right.

I completely understand and am aware that the problem is not chocolate.  The problem is me.  I wish I could revel in just one but it always is uncontrolled portion size.  I have an issue and I need my agency back immediately.  It must start with chocolate and the sacrifice and dedication with giving it up. It's hard, especially the first few days, but its completely worth it.  I've done it before and can do it again.  So I bid farewell with much fondness.

Good Bye Chocolate!  I love you and I'll see you again in a month. When you don't lead me by the hand as much as you do now. 

(and if I were really dedicated it would be longer than a month)