back door daydreams

mob part two

2011-06-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

Being an MOB is a complicated thing. One must be kind, gracious, organized, generous, and patient. I'm not sure that at my best I am that way, but lets add the life events of this spring.

Bride to be has a bad tummy ache that results in surgery.

Graduation of last child from high school. So long Monte Vista I bid you a bittersweet goodbye.

Plan a wedding for second to last child. Send out 500 invites (handwritten, of course, by ME)

Graduation of bride from Davis (teaching credential/masters to follow in March). No bittersweet and no goodbye.

Receive an order of 350 berry baskets for the wedding that are the wrong size. Send back/order new.

Announcement from third to last child that she and husband are expecting in Dec... Am I old enough for this?????? Of course I am. Though I'm sure while not wearing my contacts that I don't look old enough! Blindness does have its advantages. Need a crib, high chair and rocker. Pray for safety of Mommy and baby.

Start waking at 3am every morning. Get up in the dark and do things like rearrange the pantry and fridge.

Take FOB to the hospital in the middle of the night with pain. Add prayers that the kidney stones pass before the "big day" to the 3am routine.

Have 400 rsvp YES to the "big day" I'm not sure who all of these people like, but I'm pretty sure its not me. Re-adjust all of the orders to reflect the new total.

Take youngest child to Seattle to do orientation for her school. Learn to use the gps on my phone. Go on adventures by myself and discourage the advances of one creepy guy.

Have a large piece of wood fall on my baby toe. Ignore the swollen and sore toe for two weeks. Go to hospital and have the baby taped to its little friend. Waste of time and $$.

Pay vendors! Least favorite part of the mob job.

If you could see me you'd know. I'm a little pooped. Ten days til the big show!!

Its going to be GREAT! The bride and groom are lovely. The venue is charming. The food is wonderful. The love expressed by all of our friends and family is overwhelming.

WE ARE A LUCKY FAMILY!!!

Robinson wedding--its all in the details

2011-05-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Lenny's son Doug married a beautiful girl last weekend. This family is so special to us. We first met them when my husband was assigned by our church to visit them once a month. Doug was about 7 and was intrigued with his middle finger. Pointing it up and down and asking his Mom what the implications might be. Much to their horror and our delight he decided to peek around the corner and try his finger out on their new home teacher. In addition to being a great Mom, friend, and teacher Lenny is very talented. Look at the fab couch I found for her on craigslist (my fav). Lenny made some terrific pillows and it was quite the statement at the entrance to the reception venue.
Game tables were set up and were quite popular. Competition, candy and conversation.
A lovely table was set up filled to the brim with little brass bells. As the bride and groom departed we all rang the bells and sent them on their way.

The wishing tree was a wonderful place to leave a note and read all of the others. Quite entertaining!

Lenny made these centerpieces with a candlesticks and plates from the dollar tree. Yes, girls, with paint and glue we might be talking about $2.26 per centerpiece before flowers.
Lenny's husband Ron is a collector of old cameras and they were on display next to some romantic pictures of the lovely young couple.

What an inspiration Lenny is. I love the details. I love her use of personal items. Mostly I love and believe in the use of items made by the hands of loved ones.

wedding season

2011-05-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

Wedding season is upon us. In addition to our daughter Courtney's wedding we have about 12 more this summer. What fun. This week I, along with some dear friends, hosted a shower for the soon to be Bri Robinson. I got a bunch of white roses (is there anything better) and filled the room.
I made these love bottles using stencil, tape and paint. I used the word "love" but you could send any message you like. I'm thinking about "Its a Boy or Girl" and using a different colored paint. Really the possibilities are endless. I put a line of ten bottles across the food table. It turned out really cute.

We served french bubbly lemonade. I think I could drink one bottle on my own.

I broke out my depression era luncheon plates and cups.

Lastly, I made this wonderful lemon cake and was amazed with my success at recreating the rose effect I learned on an on line tutorial. There were lots of yummy deserts...some of which we are still eating. Great company, a beautiful bride, and fabulous gifts.

Happy Easter to some special Peeps

2011-04-22T17:14:00.001-07:00

Naked Peeps...I don't know there's just something wrong with naked peeps....

Dip your peeps in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with a rainbow of Easter colors.

Mount your properly clothed peeps on a skewer and arrange them in a vase filled with jelly beans.....

love love

Local girls strawberry cake giveaway!

2011-04-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

A favorite spring cake. Prepared on Sunday, gone by Tuesday! Leave a comment --tell me about your favorite cake. Because next to making and eating sweets, I love to hear about them! Random drawing will be held on Saturday. The winner will get this beautiful cake prepared by yours truly.

love love

Vera Wang stationary and wrapping paper

2011-04-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

There was a day when people ran to the mailbox with hope in their hearts anxious for news from loved ones far away. My Grandma Helen wrote to her sister weekly. She saved all of the touching letters she received from my Grandfather while he was away. What a treasure. I still have sweet notes written by those I love. The written word is so powerful. A well written note on quality paper asks to be saved. I found these beauties marked down considerably on ONE KINGS LANE today. Click on the link and sign in!!!

love love

Mother of the Bride or MOB for short

2011-03-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

All of you know (the all three or four who read this blog) that I am an MOB again. This time for our beautiful daughter Courtney. Read all about the romance and details of the engagement here. I have thrown myself eagerly into the grand production of a wedding. I really love bringing my daughters dream to fruition. I wish I could show you all of my creations.....but that will have to wait. Thoughts of late have turned to what to wear...hmmmmm. I could wear the traditional suit. (above).....or

If I were Stevie Nicks......I could add some scarves......belt out "landslide" or

Yes, its true this is a google image for MOB...PROMMMMM....AHHHHHHHHH

some sort of hybrid...prom, suit, and dead feathered animal...oh yeah, with a touch of sexy????

Please notice the use of coats. You'll understand it when you get MOB arms.

VERA WANG WHITE FOR DAVIDS BRIDAL

2011-03-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

This is so pretty and classic. Reminiscent of our beautiful first lady Jackie Kennedy. By the way is affordable at $1300.00. Silk organza over satin. Lovely. I'd adore it tea length. You can change out the sash to one that matches the dress--which is available at David's bridal too!

Beautiful things at wonderful discounts

2011-02-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

If you are like me, you like to get value to every dollar you spend. One Kings Lane is a beautiful site that offers just that. The products they sell are quality. You will recognize them. The prices are amazing. This is a terrific site to pick up a lovely gift for a birthday, wedding, Christmas, or house warming.
sign in on their site here---its easy. Just enter your email and a password and they will let you know what the weekly specials are.

Anthropologie unveils their wedding site

2011-02-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

AHHHHH. So excited to see what antro can do with weddings. I caught just a 5 minute glimpse of this beautiful site before it went down this their debut morning. Even with such a short look I found reasonable prices (by wedding industry standards), soft colors and trendy retro jewelry.
check out this new site here

Shopping with my girl Shmeco

2010-12-01T16:36:00.000-08:00

So you're sittin at home wondering what you'd look like in a new pair of boots. You just can't decide which pair you'd like. You remember your girl Shmeco is handy and really knows how to pick out just the right merchandise. She's a great girl to bring along, cause she can really hold a lot of stuff.

see the whole story here

The Mayhem that makes one forget they just turned 49

2010-10-23T21:59:00.000-07:00

A table covered with newspaper. Knives wielded by young adults, sawing the tops of every pumpkin off directed by their younger companions.

Hands thrust deep into the tangle of slime and seeds.

Two men, a sawsall, and a pumpkin. The men won...the pumpkin put up a good fight.

New friends bonding over one the the traditions of Halloween.

A pretty girl and a cute kitty.

The toughest pumpkin in the world and a little girls vision carved into the tough skin of this gourd.

A disco ball for someone who thinks outside of the box.

If all of that doesn't make you forget how old your are....I don't know what will.

You'll like um, you'll love um, you'll want some more of um

2010-10-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin muffins
3 1/3 cup flour
2 tsp baking soda
3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Mix dry ingredients and add:

1 cup oil
4 eggs
2/3 cup water
2 cup pumpkin

Pre heat oven to 350 bake for 20 to 30 minutes

Top with cream cheese frosting
or
lemon glaze

Happy Fall
love
love

Nuttin like an old fashioned book burnin

2010-09-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 25, is the first day of Banned Books Week, a national celebration of our freedom to read; it was launched in 1982 in response to what organizers describe as "a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries." In anticipation of Banned Books Week, GOOD scrolled through the American Library Association's list of the 100 most frequently banned or challenged books from 2000 to 2009 and selected our 10 favorite entries.

Check out the list here

There are some great titles that Ive read and some new titles Im planning on reading. Enjoy

As always she breaks my heart.

2010-09-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

I love to listen to this woman sing. My favorite of her songs CRAZY was written by Willie Nelson of all people. At first she didn't like the song because the beat was too fast. She slowed it down and found beauty in each sad word. She died when I was three in a plane crash. Somehow she transcends time and moves me today. Listen to her beautiful voice here

Local Girls-- Applesauce anyone??

2010-08-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

I start with free apples from my Mom's tree. I love the way they look in this old pail.

I use my Grandma Larson's apple slicer to core and slice all of the apples. It works like a snap and I like to think of my beloved Grandma's hands holding this tool.

After cooking a stock pot full of apples with a little sugar and cinnamon, I fill the sieve with apples and push them through the holes of the sieve with the wooden paddle. The hot apple sauce drips from the outside of the sieve into the bowl. At this point, Im already imagining a pile of pancakes topped with this deliciousness.

Finally, there it is. Apples to apple sauce.

HIKE HIKe HIke Hike hike

2010-08-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

I went to this place...

by walking through beautiful meadows....

with these amazing women.

It was pretty special.

Fourth of July...It's all about

2010-07-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

Its all about saving a spot on the street with tape and patience from 12 noon on the 3rd so that we can have a giant spot in the shade to share with those we love.

Its about the vision of a full size copter rolling down Hartz Ave.

followed by a 1950's police cruiser

its about taking pictures with characters like Funnel head...

capped off by, whether you like it or not, the Devil Mountain Brigade

followed by REST and EAT....so mad I didn't take any food pics..arg! We had pulled pork sandwiches, fruit salad made by Mama Margarita, potato salad prepared by uncle, chips, salsa and homemade guacamole. Dessert--cupcakes by courtney tara and terri and apple pie with homemade caramel sauce.

The big finish! Fireworks exploding overhead leaving trails that you are sure might reach down and dust your face with magic.

A Happy Fathers Day

2010-06-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite picture of my Dad. He found Tara sitting on a bucket talking to the lake at the end of the dock at their summer lake cabin. I snuck up on them and captured this unforgettable moment.

My Dad was a great teacher. He shared his thoughts in what I call DADISMS. here is a small sample.

"If you fly with the crows, you are a crow." A cautionary DADISM I heard him tell me as I waked out the door in high school.

"You can learn to be good from watching bad examples" This DADISM is tried and true. He practiced it in his own life.

"She looks like she's been pulled through a knot" An apt description of someone who is living fast and loose. Note to self don't get pulled through a knot.

"I'm a dollar waiting on a dime." Yes, my Dad was the dollar, I was the dime.

On Marriage......"I realized we'd be happy as a couple when I just made your Mom comfortable." Love this.

love love

Courtney Graduates from Cal Poly SLO

2010-06-12T21:45:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling really happy today. Little Courtney, the rollie pollie baby who I snuggled in my arms....little Courtney who loved to read Little House on the Prairie, cook, and do crafts as a child....little Courtney who has persevered against all obstacles.....has graduated from college. She is off to Davis for a Masters Degree and teachers credential in the fall. I love seeing my kids become the people they are meant to be. What a beautiful thing.

love love

This Reader's Recommendation

2010-06-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things in the world is a good book. I'm addicted to the slow seduction of words that draw me into a world filled with new friends, enemies and cultures. For those of you who feel the same way, pick up this wonderful book. Prepare now for dishes unwashed, dinner not cooked and clothes unwashed. Don't feel bad. Comfort yourself with the knowledge that it's good for your family to learn to take care of themselves. Oh, and don't forget the tissue. You'll need it at the end when you bid your new found friends goodbye.

love love

30th Anniversary

2010-06-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

I'd show you the before picture.....but I'm not sure I could take the shock.

love love

GO HOME

2010-05-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

I've been ranting for a few days. This guy has to go home. He's like a rude dinner guest who complains he hasn't been treated well enough after gorging himself. If he wants to comment on policies in our country, I suggest he immigrate legally, learn to speak English and pay taxes. After all it is illegal to protest anything in Mexico unless you are citizen.

Fun times in the O'Connor kitchen

2010-04-28T22:02:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful week. I only had one day off this week and I spent it with these two beautiful ladies. Randi was the lucky winner of the Local Girls Pie Giveaway and wanted to learn to make the pie instead of just getting one. Don't you just love it! Aubrey is home for the summer, loves Randi (just like me), and wanted to get in on the party too! We all ended up with a decadent pie to share with our families.

love love

Local Girls Chocolate Pie Giveaway WINNER

2010-04-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

Tara drew the winner--and its RANDI. I'm so happy that I doubled my projected participants in this contest. I'm touched that you all stop by. As for the winner, she is beautiful (see above), smart (my mom her 3rd grade teacher verifies), a loyal friend, a person of high integrity, honest, a person who keeps confidences, and person Ive learned a lot from. She's also working her toosh off in Nursing school! So proud of her.

Local Girls Chocolate Pie Giveaway

2010-04-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

My walking buddy told me that this is national pie week....Funny we talk about food while walking. I can't find any verification...MAYBE SHE JUST LIKES PIE. Anyway I'm giving away a beautiful chocolate pie made by me! BEST CHOCOLATE PIE EVER!!

Leave a comment and we will pull a number out of a hat.

If comment history is any indication Aubrey, Courtney and Randi will be competing for this pie. I love you girls. Aubrey and Court, you can collect it when you are home IF you beat the stiff odds and win!!!! Ha ha!

Winner to be announced on Sat April 24

love love

Magnetic chalk board

2010-04-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

I bought this UGLY framed picture at a local thrift shop for $15.00--just for the frame, of course.

I used the mat to mark an outline on the sheet metal I purchased at the Home Depot.

I used metal clippers to cut the sheet metal. I think if I do this again, Ill go to the sheet metal shop and beg, plead and pay to have the metal cut by a pro because it was a nasty job. Im not sure my hands have recovered yet.

I painted the frame red and used chalkboard paint on the metal,reassembled the frame and hung it on the deplorably ugly row of cabinets that run across my kitchen. I HATE HATE HATE that row of cabinets, but that is another more expensive project for another more prosperous time. Stop by and leave us a message! Love Love

Lemon Layer Cake

2010-04-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh.....I made this cake once a week for two weeks and you know what...no one complained. I seriously LOVE lemon. I get an itch in the spring to whip up something with a little sweet and sour flavor.

My friend Lenny gave me the cake part of this recipe. She is a master baker. Just ask my family. They wait at the door during the Christmas holiday season in anticipation of her annual delivery of sugar cookies.

CAKE
1 box lemon cake mix
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup apricot nectar
3/4 cup oil
4 eggs
Mix cake mix, sugar, apricot nectar and oil.
Add eggs one at a time
Grease and flour cake pans
bake at 325 for 20 min.

LEMON FILLING
2 large egg yolks
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tbs unsalted butter slightly softened
pinch salt
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
1/4 cup heavy cream

To make filling: in a medium saucepan, whisk together the yolks and sugar until combined. Whisk in the lemon juice, butter and salt. Cook over med-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 5 to 6 min. Do not let the filling boil, or it will curdle. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a medium bowl. stir in the lemon zest and allow the filling to cool. cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

beat heavy cream til soft peaks form. Remove the lemon filling from the fridge-whisk til smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the filling. Cover and refrigerate till ready to assemble the cake.

LEMON FROSTING
3/4 cup unsalted butter,softened
3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
2tbs heavy cream
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest

To Make Lemon Frosting: Beat butter on medium speed until creamy, about 30 sec. Beat in the confectioners' sugar on low speed. Add the cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and lemon zest. Increase the speed to med-high, and beat for about 3 min, til the frosting is light and fluffy.

Go on..make it, share it, but by all means....EAT IT!!

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

My BABY goes to prom

2010-03-28T15:26:00.001-07:00

Friends since Brownies at Vista Grande

A friend once asked how we had three such beautiful daughters....I was kind of offended....but now when I look at them I wonder too.

The flower exchange.

Poor kid....the torturous, obligatory photos taken by the dates parents...

Proof that if you add enough sugar I LIKE BANANAS

2010-03-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

This banana bread recipe has been rattling around our family for a few generations and has been enjoyed by many. When Aubrey was about three years old I was making this treat while she was sitting on the counter watching. She looked at me and exclaimed Mommy, you look beautiful when you make banana bread. So cute, my heart melted! I added a streusel top because....you can't use too much sugar!

Banana Bread
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup canola oil
2 cups of banana (about 4 bananas)
2 tsp salt
4 eggs
3 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla
Mix the sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla
Add flour and baking soda
mix in mashed bananas

Pour into muffin cups
top with Streusel
1/8 cup oats
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup flour
1/4 cup cold butter cubed

Mix all ingredients until pea size balls form

top filled muffin cups with streusel
bake in muffin cups at 350 for 30 min

IF you have a dog

2010-03-10T15:08:00.000-08:00

I've had three dogs of my own in my life and this little beauty is NOT my favorite. She's the Monet of dogs....At a distance she's really cute, however, believe me up close she's a mess. Hyper, nervous, and needy. Not really my favorite qualities in dogs or people. Anyway, on to the really cute bed I made for her. Despite my feeling for the dog previously described, her old bed looked terrible and clashed with my kitchen. $4.99 Joann fabric paw-print fleece and 20 minutes later, the bed is adorable and the dog is still a mess. I'm thinking about a shock collar......

YUMMMMMMMM

2010-03-08T18:24:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this look good? My sweet daughter, Courtney just sent me a text from college. Isn't it great she texts her Mom. Ive been lucky with my girls. Anyway, she heard about a great site for recipes called Pioneerwoman.com. I LOVE this site! Lots of great recipes, clever commentary and beautiful photos. All of this deliciousness created by Ree Drummond. Check out her site here

How to organize: beads, rings and sparkely things

2010-03-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

WILL NEED:
scissors
foam board
pencil
old frame with mat
box cutter
glue gun
fabric

Disassemble your frame and mat

Use the inside of the mat to trace the shape onto the foam board. Keep in mind you want the foam board to pop out of the mat a little bit. Take your box cutter and run it over the trace line that you have created to fully cut the foam board. Take your foam board and place it on your fabric--cut that with enough extra to wrap around the back of the board. Use your glue gun to fix the fabric to the back side of the foam board. Glue the back of the foam board to the backing for your frame so it doesn't fall out the front. Use some cute pins to create a hook to hang your baubles.

A Place For Everthing

2010-03-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

Tara was cleaning her room last weekend and was going to throw away this frame. Never one to give up a useful thing...I decided to create a place for her to hang her jewelry. Above is the end product. I'll post the directions tomorrow. I'm happy with the way it turned out. I'm even happier it passed the TARA test! That girl has good taste!

A girl can dream

2010-02-26T08:11:00.001-08:00

bhg.com

This is my current dream. My 30 year old deck is falling apart. (booo) I would love this view from my back door.

PET PEEVE

2010-01-25T17:37:00.001-08:00

On Saturday the 24th I went to Costco—I know a Saturday….not too smart. It was in this decidedly not beautiful place, that I knew I wouldn’t be able to create a cheerful or beautiful post.

BRITTANY WITH HER SIPPY CUP

As I was waited for a parking place, I noticed a lady loading her car. It took her quite a while because she only had the use of one hand. The other hand was gripped firmly around Costco’s equivalent of a big gulp. She was unable to put it down and every few steps she stopped and took a sip. I took a look around and saw that many of the people leaving Costco were carrying drinks like iced coffees, smoothies, and sodas. I laughed to myself thinking about my Mom sending us to the hose when we begged to come inside for a drink. I know it WAS the 60’s but somehow we were able to survive and even thrive without a sippy cup at the mouth at all times.

NO COMMENT ON THE BOTTOM PICTURED

Once inside, I was thrown into the masses being pulled along by the smell of free food. Honestly, I think some people go to Costco strictly to get a no cost meal in numerous one bite portions. I guess it’s kind of like tapas for cheap people. It really makes me sick (literally physically sick) to see a crowd of humans gathered at a sample table like cows at the troth. Add the shrill call of the food barker yelling about her product, and it was amazing I stayed long enough to buy what I needed.

What has happened to us? Have we all become so comfortable in having what we need that we go in search of what we want? Of course, it can’t be a view from a beautiful mountain or the smile on the face of someone we’ve helped….it has to the immediate gratification of the MOUTH!!! ARGGGG!

Grandma's 70th birthday

2010-01-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

My Mom turned 70 this month and I decided that an adventure would be more fun than a gift. She is an avid quilter and though I don't have the patience for it, I sure can appreciate the work. All of the quilts pictured are at the De Young. They are part of a collection belonging to one couple who noticed the similarity between Amish quilts and modern art. Truly beautiful work. I love the use of black even for a baby quilt. These quilts are in such good shape because they were never used. The quilts were put on display on beds only on Sunday when they might entertain guests.

To Kill a Mockingbird

2010-01-18T15:15:00.001-08:00

To kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite books of all time. Harper Lee said that she drew on her memories of her own life and an incident that occurred when she was 10 years old in writing the book. I found it to be a warm account of southern life, a look at the complexities of race relations and the depth of understanding that children have about the adult world.

Of course, the fact that I felt a connection to Scout really drew me to the story. Yes, I was a pixie wearing tomboy. (My Mom convinced me to get the hairstyle that meant no care for her by selling the idea that I would look just like Tinkerbelle. I think I ended up looking like my darling older bothers less attractive younger brother.) Hummmmmmm …..just like Scout. She adored her older brother and so did I. She was up for a little mischief and so was I. She believed there was not a better man on the planet than her Dad and so did I.

After Scout, l really loved the character Atticus, her father. He is solid, steady, honest, respectful, compassionate and fair. He could shoot a gun (at 71 my Dad still can and would) ,and hit a target to protect his family or community. He stood for what was right, not for what was popular.

If you don't want to read the book--take a shortcut to the movie. Its a wonderful account of Harper Lee's book.

brownie-peanut butter cup -cupcakes

2010-01-16T20:15:00.000-08:00

PREPARE BROWNIE MIX AS PACKAGE INSTRUCTS (I LIKE GIRRADELLI BRAND FROM COSTCO)
FILL CUPCAKE ROUNDS 2/3 FULL OF BATTER
PUSH A MINI PEANUT BUTTER CUP INTO BATTER
DROP 1 TBS OF BATTER OVER ANY EXPOSED PEANUT BUTTER CUP

BAKE AS BROWNIE PACKAGE INSTRUCTS.

golden gate bridge

2010-01-15T21:41:00.000-08:00

RAINBOW

2010-01-14T19:57:00.000-08:00

WHO KNEW THE POT AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW WAS THE FOOD MART. OTHERWISE KNOWN IN OUR FAMILY AS THE GAS AND SIP (GOOD ADVICE REGARDING THE GAS AND SIP IS THAT ITS OK TO GET GAS THERE OR EVEN A SIP---BUT NOT RECOMMENDED AS A PLACE TO HANG OUT--BAD THINGS CAN HAPPEN. ITS RIGHT UP THERE WITH 7 11) ANYWAY BACK TO THE POT OF CHOCOLATE AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW ....STILL SUFFERING FROM THE EFFECTS OF NOOOOO SUGAR, I DESPERATELY IMAGINE THE GOOEY GOODNESS THAT IS JUST BEYOND THE DOOR. IT'S ONLY ONE UNPLEASANT INTERACTION WITH A PERSON WHOSE FIRST LANGUAGE IS NOT ENGLISH AWAY FROM MY MOUTH....IN CASE YOU ARE WONDERING ABOUT MY RESOLVE AND DETERMINATION WHERE SUGAR IS CONCERNED--I RESISTED. DAY 5 NO SUGAR

CARTIER EXHIBIT AT THE LEGION OF HONOR

2010-01-13T21:06:00.001-08:00

TODAY DAN AND I WENT ON OUR MONTHLY ADVENTURE. THIS MONTHS CHOICE WAS THE LEGION OF HONOR. THE VISITING EXHIBIT WAS CARTIER JEWELRY IN AMERICA. THERE WERE A LOT OF SHINY SPARKLES. DIAMONDS, EMERALDS AND SAPPHIRES APPLIED TO PURSES, FRAMES, BROOCHES. I SUPPOSE IF YOU ARE RICH ENOUGH, YOU START TO DREAM OF WHAT YOU MIGHT NEXT BEDAZZLE. PICTURE ME HUNCHED OVER A JEAN JACKET WITH MY HANDY BEDAZZLER....NO DON'T THAT'S KIND OF SAD. MOST OF THE THINGS DID NOT APPEAL TO ME PERSONALLY. I MEAN REALLY I CAN'T ENVISION MYSELF SCRUBBING THE TOILET WEARING A TIARA. THERE WAS ONLY ONE DISPLAY THAT SCRATCHED THE SURFACE OF ENVY AND DESIRE. GLORIA SWANSON, THE WELL KNOWN DIVA, PICTURED ABOVE IS WEARING THOSE COVETED ITEMS. TWO BEAUTIFUL DIAMOND ENCRUSTED BANGLES. I THINK THEY WOULD LOOK SMART FROM DAY TO EVENING.

SWEETS LOVELY SWEETS

2010-01-12T19:07:00.001-08:00

IT SEEMS THAT I LOSE CONTROL OF MYSELF DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. LEMON BREAD, CHOCOLATE CAKE, GRANDMAS LOTION CAKE, HOMEMADE FUDGE, CINNAMON ROLLS, WAFFLES...YOU GET THE PICTURE. IT'S A DECADENT, DELIGHTFUL SELF INDULGENT PARTY.

AS OF TONIGHT I'M THREE DAYS OFF OF SUGAR AND ALL I CAN THINK OF IS CHOCOLATE. THE SEES IN THE CUPBOARD. THE LEFTOVER FROSTING FROM A CHOCOLATE CAKE AND YES EVEN THE HERSHEY'S SYRUP.

NIGHT SKY

2010-01-11T19:06:00.001-08:00

IT'S AMAZING HOW GOOD YOU FEEL WHEN YOU ARE ON YOUR BACK SNUG IN A SLEEPING BAG STARING UP AT THIS.

SOMETHINGS COOKING WITH COURTNEY

2010-01-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

I LOVE BEING IN THE KITCHEN COOKING WITH THE GIRLS. THERE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT SHARING THE KITCHEN WITH WOMEN WHO ARE USED TO BEING TOGETHER AND LOVING EACH OTHER.

ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE

2010-01-09T22:24:00.000-08:00

JEAN DE FLORETTE AND MANON OF THE SPRING. OK, IT'S TWO MOVIES BUT ONE STORY. THE FILM IS FRENCH WITH SUBTITLES SO BE PREPARED TO PAY ATTENTION. IT'S WORTH IT. I BELIEVE IT CAME OUT AROUND 1986 AND AFTER OVER TWENTY YEARS I CAN STILL SAY IT IS MY FAVORITE.

THIS SCRAPPY LITTLE GIRL

2010-01-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

THIS IS ME AT ABOUT AGE 8. I WAS A SKINNY TOMBOY WHO ADORED HER BIG BROTHER. DESPITE THAT, I LOVE THAT I'M WEARING THIS SCALLOPED PINK DRESS MY MOM SEWED FOR ME. I LOVE THAT I HAVE PULLED OFF MY HEADBAND AND THAT MY CURLS ARE GIVING UP. MOST OF ALL I LOVE THE LITTLE GIRL WHO DIDN'T TAKE ANY CRAP FROM ANYONE. I LOVE THINKING OF ME JUMPING ON THE BACK OF ONE OF THE DETMANN BOYS AND POUNDING HIM ABOUT THE EARS WHEN HE DECIDED TO USE HIS 6 YEAR ADVANTAGE AND JUMP MY BROTHER ON THE WAY HOME FROM SCHOOL. I THINK THAT LITTLE GIRL IS STILL HERE.

MORNING FOG

2010-01-07T18:40:00.000-08:00

MY GOOD FRIEND LENNY AND I WALK THESE STREETS DURING THE WEEK IN THE EARLY HOURS. BEAUTY FOR THE EYES, EXERCISE FOR THE BODY AND THERAPY FOR THE MIND.

GOOD BOOK

2010-01-06T14:00:00.001-08:00

A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO THE BOOK GROUP I BELONG TO DECIDED TO TACKLE LES MISERABLES. WHEN I FACTORED IN WORK AND FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES, I WONDERED IF I'D BE ABLE TO FINISH IT IN THE TIME ALLOTTED. I DOVE IN AND FOUND MYSELF DISAPPEARING INTO THIS BEAUTIFUL STORY. WORK WAITED AND DINNERS SUFFERED BUT WHAT CAN COMPETE WITH A TRULY AMAZING BOOK. THE CHARACTERS STILL FLIT THROUGH MY MIND.

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

2010-01-05T18:46:00.000-08:00

A WONDERFUL THING TO SEE THE FUTURE IN THESE LOVELY FACES.

A RE-BLOOM FROM AUBS WEDDING

2010-01-04T21:26:00.000-08:00

I'M SUCH A HOPEFUL AND YET TERRIBLE GARDENER. I PLOP THINGS IN THE GROUND EXPECTING SUCCESS AND DO ONLY WHAT I CAN, WHEN I REMEMBER, TO MAKE WONDERFUL THINGS HAPPEN. APPARENTLY THAT WAS ALL I HAD TO DO TO MAKE THIS LOVELY ROSE BLOOM. YAHOO TO THE FORGETFUL GARDENER!!

garden angel with mushrooms at her feet

2010-01-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

I love this garden angel my brother gave me. I think part of the reason I like it so much is that she has a worn finish. One day I noticed a mushroom sprouting at her feet. I liked the persistent way the mushroom pushed the soil aside. My Mom warned me that the mushrooms would drop spores and I would have more. Sure enough she was right. As it turned out, it looked like the mushrooms were in a waterfall from the angels feet.

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION

2010-01-02T19:03:00.001-08:00

I have to admit I am not the most positive person. Lately, I've been feeling like the deck is stacked against me. I know this is not a good place to be and yet those thoughts sneak in. In an effort to re-frame my thinking, I've committed to posting a thing of beauty everyday this year.

THE BLUE MOON ON JAN 1

I LOVE A WELL TENDED NEST AND THE VISION OF THE MOTHER BIRD GATHERING AND CAREFULLY ARRANGING ALL OF THE TWIGS. I FOUND THIS ONE IN MY YARD. I ADDED THE BLUE EGGS.

LOVE IS.........

2009-11-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

A WELL MADE PIE

Apple Pie

6 to eight tart apples (granny smith) peeled, pared and cored
1 cup of sugar
2tbs all purpose flour
½ tsp ground cinnamon
dash ground nutmeg
2tbs zest of orange

Combine sugar, flour, spices and dash salt mix with apples. Place rolled pie crust and lay over the top of tin. Fill tin with apple mixture and dot with butter and sprinkle with zest of orange. Cover with top crust. Pinch edges. Slit top and decorate as you like.

Pie crust
1 ½ cup flour
¾ cup better or shortening
1/3 cup of water

Mix flour, salt, and shortening with blending tool til mixture forms little balls the size of peas. Mix water with 1 tbs flour and add to flour mixture. Let stand 10 min. Flour board and roll out dough to desired size.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

The only black man I let in my bedroom

2009-11-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

In 1971, I was 1o years old and I had the biggest crush on Michael Jackson and Donny Osmond. I didn't ever have much money but somehow I scraped together some cash and rode my banana seat bike to the seven eleven that was up the street from our house. I grabbed a copy of Tiger Beat magazine, slapped my cash on the counter and sped home. The next few hours were spent reading. What were their favorite foods? How did they spend their leisure time? What did they look for in a friend? Once the reading was done, it was time to cut up the magazine and decorate my room. Glossy 8x10s were posted around the room fixed with scotch tape. I thought I was so cool.

I watched with amazement in the years that followed at the transformation that occurred.

Last week Dan, Tara, and I went to see THIS IS IT. I was struck by a few things. First, that Michael Jackson was a musical genius. He seemed to feel the music on a physical level. Second, that he was really polite and gentle. Lastly, he had a childlike and inspired intuition about the artistic aspects of his show.

I'm going to put aside all of the weirdness. The fact that he named his child Blanket. The trials, the plastic surgery, the stories about his life at Neverland. Ill quote him from the movie, "It's all about L O V E. It's all about love." I believe that.

30 years

2009-10-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

What beautiful friends

Graduation day 1979

I think I characterized myself as apathetic. So apathetic that I planned on not attending my 30th high school reunion even though I live just 10 miles from my school. I in fact had let the organizer of the event know just that when she called my cell phone to beg me to attend. (How did she get my cell number anyway?)

If it were not for a dear, sweet, and positive friend (how we became friends I'm not sure) who conspired with other friends to get me to the event with a promise of just getting together with a few women, I would have had a nice RELAXING evening at home. After visiting with my good friends they dropped the noose and I knew I was going....lucky I felt it was important to look nice for old friends I hadn't seen in a long time.

I was really apprehensive as we walked down the steps of the Walnut Creek Marriott into one of their event rooms. Kind of like prom without the hassle of a date.There were quite a few people there who, like me, looked like a variation on the original of themselves. I searched name tags that luckily hosted a copy of high school grad pics. Some familiar faces stared back at me.

What an adventure. Marriages, divorce, illness, children, careers, people who looked just like they always did, people who were totally unrecognizable. It was a parade of the good, the bad, and the ugly!

I learned a lot about myself. I don't like crowds. I'm not outgoing, I'm shy. I'm very private. I have an easier time getting along with men in social situations--they just aren't that complicated!

After about three hours, I'd had enough. It was time to go. I followed the advice of a good friend and never once slipped back into who I had been, so long ago.