Love, photos and other important things

The Mae Bird Takes Flight

2009-01-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

Goodbye.
Time for change, and it's a good thing.

I started a new blog, with a new name, which will have photos from my new camera. It's a new era, a new stage in my photography and in my life. It's good. It's a good place to be. I've been trying to figure out what I like and what makes me happy. I am getting there and I am realizing that I don't need to over think it, I just need to do it and let it be.

With my new camera comes new photos and fun. Also comes new opportunities. I want to put myself out there for photo shoots: people, scenes, food and things. All of it. So,

Hello.

Memorial Park

2009-01-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

Thanks Hannah, for being my first model. This new camera is going to take some getting-used-to, but I am loving it already.

Tomorrow is 5D-Day

2009-01-14T18:11:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the day I get my camera. I'm itchin to get it, I'm practically counting the hours. My heart just might be crushed if it doesn't arrive tomorrow.

I have so many adventures already lined up. The next day I have my first photoshoot... There is a wedding on the calendar, and engagements. I plan on taking a photo of every dish I make (little obsession with food photography). There is an obligated trip to Eaton Canyon as soon as UPS drops the thing off... So much to do, so exciting.

If I had the thing already I would have had lots of tasty photos of our recent food creations. We've made, Chipotle White Beans, Lentil Soup, A Blueberry Version of this, Chewy Snack Cake, even made tamales! {photo above - taken on my mom's camera.} It's been fun trying to use up the veggies in our CSA box - we are getting pretty good at it.

Happy 2009

2009-01-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

We spent it with friends, making noises, parading around and having a good time.

Tradition

2008-12-17T21:25:00.000-08:00

2008

2006

2004

I love traditions.

We've been going Matt's house for at least 5 years for a Christmas party / White Elephant Exchange... As I remember past years a few things come to mind: over-sized Homer dolls, reappearing toilet seats, dancing to the record player, eatable crickets, Nana, Tuesday night friends, the fire place, and friends have come and gone... Good times.

Do you have any holiday traditions?

Cold Shoulder and 7 Minute Commute

2008-12-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

I've been silent because I have been busy and ... you ready for this ... because my camera is broken! I am lost without it, I don't even have a small pocket camera to get me by. I can't tell you how many times I've wished I had a camera, any camera, and how many shots were missed. Especially today, with the mountains lightly dusted with snow...

But there is some good news. Goodbye trusty camera, hello new camera. That's a premature hello... I'm in the process of finding one and I am very excited, any recommendations?

In other news: we moved!

What I love about our new place so far:

the fireplace! ... with no heater in the house, the fireplace is heaven AND essential
living communally - I really enjoy it!
our great meals together
our CSA box
the compost
Oscar
our plan to get chickens!
the yard
the patio
the neighbors
5 minute walk to the Goldline

... all this more than makes up for the fact that I know how a whole SEVEN minute commute to work.

Nectar & Light Trade {One}

2008-12-03T08:05:00.001-08:00

Another December 13th

2008-11-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

More info here.

Peanut Butter

2008-11-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

I have an obvious obsession with www.101cookbooks.com ... These have been on my list to make for a while now. After much procrastination I have chosen the busiest time to finally make them; with all the moving, holiday stuff and freelance work, all I want to do is bake and eat, and eat. But these little distraction cookies were great; whole wheat flour, maple syrup, no white sugar, no eggs and really tasty... So, make them.

Holiday Sale - December 13th

2008-11-24T13:58:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday some of us gathered at Zephyrs to sell some hand made items. We sat around and chatted while customers perused, it was an enjoyable time. The very talented Lisa organized the event; she brought with her her collection of pottery and some Antibody fair trade products to sell. Jen brought with her her cool bags made out of vintage fabrics. The photo above shows some of what we sold:

the vintage fabric bag - made by nuf
the succulent pot, peace sign magnet and necklace - made by lisa
the postcards - by me

If you were unfortunate enough to miss this holiday sale, fear not, we are having another one on Saturday December 13th from 11:00am-2:00pm. Stop on by.

The Flowers

2008-11-24T12:17:00.000-08:00

I love this time of the year for many reasons... one being that I get to take lots of family photos.

I learned a trick to photographing 3 year old triplets... put them on a wall, so they can't move.

Comfort Food

2008-11-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

I love comfort food. I went on a 5 mile run yesterday, came home, and craved something filling and warm... I love this cool weather. So, I made spaghetti with a lentil-tomato sauce... and it was amazing. Justin and I sat on the couch making noises as we ate it. Justin makes these funny moaning/eating noises when he enjoys what he is eating. At first, it would drive me crazy, now I take it as a compliment.

I have one more run tomorrow before the big day on Sunday... Am I ready? ... No. But I will do it, and dang it, I will have fun doing it.

Lentil-Tomato Sauce:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups lentils, rinsed
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes in puree
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 1/2 pounds spaghetti or linguine
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add lentils and thyme; cook, stirring, until lentils are coated, about 2 minutes.
Break up tomatoes using your hands or a spoon and then add along with puree. Add 4 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover tightly, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and starting to break down, about 45 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. If eating right away, stir in yogurt.
Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions; drain. Toss with sauce and top with grated Parmesan if des

It's a long, long drive up the 5...

2008-11-11T06:45:00.000-08:00

Almonds, pistachios, lemons, cotton, carrots, onions... and more almonds...

Rolling hills, wind mills, brown grass, trucks, and powerlines...

Good Times, Good Friends, Good Place

2008-11-10T19:10:00.000-08:00

A few images from today...

2008-11-04T23:01:00.000-08:00

A symbol of today:

Our next president...

We had an election night dinner with friends. Maybe I should rename my quinoa soup: "Obama Soup" "Quin-bama Soup" "O-quin-bama Soup" ...

Sunrise

2008-11-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

I think this is the last time I am going to see the sunrise on my walk to work for a while (time change tomorrow).

heaven...

2008-10-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

in the form of a granola ball?

(no bake) Granola Balls

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/4 cup nuts (pecans or walnuts or almonds)
1/8 cup dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup crunch peanut butter

Melt peanut butter, coconut oil and honey in small sauce pan over low-heat.
Remove from heat and stir in the rest of the ingredients (its ok if the chocolate chips melt).
Drop mixture by the tablespoon into mini paper cupcake liners. Place on a plate or baking sheet, and refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes. Can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 week.

Variations:
Add rice cereal, dried fruits or use almond butter instead of peanut butter, endless possibilities.

I've made this at least 4 times in the last week... a little overboard? Probably. But they are so good, and good for you, I can't stop. I had to share; try it, you'll like it.

Mt Baldy - San Antonio Falls

2008-10-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went camping in Baldy for a night. It was a nice quick getaway. The adventure started out kinda funny, with being pulled over, lost looking for firewood and witness to a car accident... then lots of fun traffic. But once we got there things were just right. Dinner and beer by the fire; nice cool evening. We relaxed in the morning by the fire and went on a nice little hike to a waterfall...

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera. HOW? I don't know, I really don't. But Audrey was nice enough to take the second photo below. And I have lots of photos from previous trips up there, so I definitely won't forget the place.

2006

2008

I love Fall

2008-10-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

Unexpected Henninger Hike

2008-10-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

Love the flare

La Familia

2008-10-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since we've been together. The times are so far and few between right now that I treasure our gatherings.

A Quick Retreat Up Lake

2008-10-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

World Vegetarian Day

2008-10-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

Happy World Vegetarian Day.

So, I am not a full vegetarian because I eat fish. But other than fish once or twice a week I don't consume other meats - I have a many reasons for this choice (health, environment, animal cruelty, solidarity) but I will spare you my soap box. I will just share one of my favorite vegetarian recipes. Cheers to World Vegetarian Day!

Spicy White Bean Chili

Olive oil
1-2 onions, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium zucchini, diced
1-2 red bell peppers, diced
1 jalapeño pepper, minced
1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes (with juice)
1/2 cup red or white wine
1 tablespoon chili powder (what you have on hand)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 cans of cooked white beans (or kidney)
1/3 cup chopped
fresh cilantro
Zest of one lemon
Juice from one lemon
Salt and pepper to taste Garnish w/ a spoon of greek yogurt

Heat oil over medium heat. Cook onions for 5 minutes than add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add zucchini, red bell pepper, and jalapeño - cook for 5 more minutes.
Add diced tomatoes and their liquid to the pot. Add wine, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and fennel seeds, simmer for 20 minutes.
Add beans, lemon zest, lemon juice and cilantro. Salt and Pepper to taste and simmer for 5 minutes.
Serve with a spoon of greek yogurt on top.

The Photo Trade: Eat Well

2008-09-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is the photo I submitted to the Nectar & Light Photo Trade for August, Eat Well was the theme:

The cake on the right is this recipe from 101cookbooks.com (my favorite blog, hands down).

September Photo Exchange :: Fleeting Moments

2008-09-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all those who participated.

Here are my Fleeting Moments in Eaton Canyon:

I really enjoyed the photos this month, there is a good mix of interesting, story-telling moments. I feel like I get a little glimpse into each one of your lives when I see your photos, I love that:

A Few Good Things This Week

2008-09-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

• I wanted to run last night, ... so instead I made these cookies ... Hm. I need to get on the ball. But these cookies are "healthy" ... so that should count for something, right? It's almost like running... Well, nonetheless, it makes me happy.

• I went with some good friends to a spa to unwind on Wednesday. We bathed together, relaxed in the sweltering saunas, frozen in the cold pool and laid on the heated jade floor. Afterward we went for a beer and fish & chips, we enjoyed each others company, and laughed a lot ... It was a great evening, we weren't in a rush, the traffic in L.A. didn't stress us, it was refreshing.

• I have obsessively been watching Take Away Shows on Blogotheque... They are good for the soul. When I watch them it makes me want to play music so bad that it hurts. More than a show these are like expressions; they are enjoying themselves and really feeling the music. I wanted to share one, but I couldn't decide which one, so I will share two:

Beirut on the streets of Paris:

Justin really likes Architecture in Helsinki playing in Paris:

(...and so many more like Lykke Li, Yeasayer, The Cold War Kids, Jose Gonzales, and our friends Bodies of Water.)

Enjoy your weekend everyone.

One More Cup of Coffee

2008-09-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

One more cup of coffee before I am over my bloggers-block?

Something that made me happy today:

Wish Tree:: Pasadena

2008-09-02T20:06:00.001-07:00

Justin and I went to this art exhibit in Old Town Pasadena on Saturday, its worth a visit: Yoko Onos Wish Tree :: Pasadena

Guatemala: What a Long Strange Trip It's Been

2008-08-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

We are back! ... And we have lots of stories, maybe someday I will share them here, maybe.
Here is a video Justin took on one of the hikes:

July Photo Exchange:: Summertime

2008-07-29T10:38:00.001-07:00

My photos:

Once again, everyone submitted amazing photos! ... It's so fun looking at everyone's submission. Here is the album from this month:

We are skipping August and will resume in September, email me if you'd like to participate.

The Weight

2008-07-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

A little something that made me happy today:

Gillian Welch, Dave Rawlings and Old Crow Medicine Show singing "The Weight" by the Band. Watch Willie Watson who sings the third verse, I love his voice....

" ... I said wait-a-minute-Chester, ... you know I'm a peaceful man... "

Ice House Canyon, Buckhorn Lodge, and No Camera?!

2008-07-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I don't want to take my camera with me because its so big and heavy... and every time I regret it. I have no photos to remember Saturday by. Well, I have my memory, but that fails me sometimes. Can words really convey what an amazing day it was?

We hiked the Ice House Canyon Saddle Saturday afternoon, and I won't lie, it kicked my butt. I am completely humbled... I was lagging far behind everyone. It was 3.6 miles uphill to the saddle; I mean, steep uphill, lots of long switch backs. The kind of steepness that makes you push down on your knee for leverage as you're walking up. The first half is along a creek, its nice, shaded and cool. The second part is more rocky and in the sun. But there wasn't much sun Saturday, we heard the looming thunderstorms for most of our hike. It was nice to stop and just listen to the rolling sound. Switchback after switchback we finally made it to the saddle, and not a minute too soon for me, my legs were shaking, my hips were cracking.

The way down was a lot easier... My brother and I ran some of the way. It was so steep that it was more comfortable to break into a run then try to catch yourself. The sun was setting, the wind was blowing, and the clouds kept rolling in. About 30 feet from our car, we felt the first drops. As we got closer and closer to the car the rain started to pour. We made it by seconds.

To celebrate our achievement we stopped by the Buckhorn Lodge. We sat outside on the patio and watched the lightning and listened to the storm. Bolts of lightning lit up whole mountainsides. We tired to count in-between lightning strikes and thunder, but sometimes there was lighting and no thunder, or they would happen simultaneously. When the rain was falling so hard that it began to get us wet, even-though we were under a patio, we opted to go inside. Going inside literally makes you feel like you're stepping back in time; it's rustic, western, and old fashioned. Inside, we enjoyed our lodge food while listening to a country band: The Buckhorn Boys. It was the perfect weather for a lodge visit. If only the fireplace was roaring, that would have topped the experience.

I guess I have the sore muscles as a token of that day... but I am sure those will heal and be forgotten.

_______________________
I guess my memory does fail me... I didn't remember this, but I wrote a blog the last time I did this hike! I mentioned that its a butt kicker, guess I forgot that this last time, I wasn't prepared for it. I even had a picture last time...

Part Three: Saturday - to the end

2008-07-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday we woke up on the coast and decided to enjoy it for a while... we stopped at Harris beach to play... Lori Jo and Brian were married on Harris beach, so its special that we got to go here:

... Justin and I found some tide pools... I love tide pools.

... Lori Jo flew a kite... and then made me a shaker out of a piece of seaweed.

After our beach fun we decided to stop and get some seafood... I was craving clam chowder, how could you not when your on the chilly beach? ... Well, we went to the Hungry Clam - they were busy but we didn't expect the long wait ... 90 mins later, we got our food, we were hungry, grumpy and off schedule.

On our way home from the coast we stopped by this place: Its a Burl... this man is a wood craving genius. I wanted to buy a piece.. but I couldn't afford the $2700 wood couch.

Then we stopped by Troon winery for some wine tasting, a highlight for me.

After the winery we went to Jacksonville for dinner. Jacksonville was booming in the 1800's during the gold rush... I really liked this town, it had lots of charm.

The Britt Fest is in Jacksonville .. nightly concerts outside, under a beautiful Oregon sky. We saw the Punchbrothers, Chris Thile's new band, it was so wonderful ... we sat in the grass, drank wine and listened to beautiful bluegrass. Great way to end the night.

That night we spent the night at Lori Jo's parents house in Talent. The next day we hung out in Ashland, went to the park, had a picnic, went to a record shop, walked around.... Then we went back to Eagle Point and spent our last evening out by the yurt. It was perfect, we just wanted to soak in Eagle Point, the yurt, the country, the cows, the garden... a peaceful ending to a busy vacation. So long Eagle Point!

Part Two: and then there was the 4th

2008-07-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

Thursday we slept in the yurt and woke up to this view of cows and Mt McLoughlin. I could live here:

We took a little walk around the barn/yurt area:

Our friends are great builder and gardners. They built a green house and then planted upside down tomato plants:

They gave me this one:

Not only are they great builders but they are so resourceful and smart. They made planters out of old tires:

I love the chandelier outside their yurt:

We started off the morning participating in the Eagle Point Betty Ann Marlia Run. It is named after my friend Brian's grandma. The Marlias are a well known family in Eagle Point... One reason is because they are a HUGE family. Betty Ann Marilia had 13 children! ... Every year the Marlia's win the "largest" participating family award - this year the prize was a $100 to Hometown Buffet. {I wish I had a photo to show how many there were}

After the run we packed the Mercedes wagon and headed to the Coast.

On the way we stopped off at the Illinois River - about an hour out of the way! It is a beautiful river, so clean, crisp and clean - so worth it:

Then we got back on the road to the coast... Not that long after I noticed that we passed a sign saying "Welcome to California" ... I didn't expect that. We ended up taking a detour road and headed through the Redwoods:

After our Redwood fun we packed the Mercedes again and got back on the road:

We arrived at the coast, to our Ireland's Rustic Lodge, around 7 ... we were so exhausted from the day we had just enough energy to enjoy the spa on the beach for a while during the sunset. We were so wasted we didn't even venture out to check out fireworks. But the rest was worth it.

... and that was only day 2.

1432 Miles Later*

2008-07-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

(*does not include miles traveled within Oregon)

This will be our Oregon trip in parts.

PART ONE:
The last week has been a whirlwind, mostly a wonderful whirlwind. Our friends from Oregon drove down all night last Tuesday (to sell their car and drive back up with us) - they made it to our house Wednesday afternoon. After Justin and I got off work they talked us into packing our things and heading up to Oregon that night. So we did. We drove all night Wednesday, arriving in Shasta around 10am - driving 12 hours is much better if its spilt between 4 people:

In Shasta we went to the head springs and filled up a jug with some fresh water. I had never heard of this place, but lots of people were doing the same thing:

Then we headed over to a beautiful lake for a while:

Justin fell down because it was so beautiful:

After the lake, we stopped on the side of the road near a ranch, a lovely, lovely ranch:

Then we went to Stewart Springs - we bathed in the mineral waters, relaxed in the dry sauna and shocked ourselves silly in the coldwater creek. This is the only photo I have of the place, couldn't take photos there, ask me why later:

Finally, after a stop in Ashland, we made it to Eagle Point on Thursday evening. While we were gone Cielito broke his arm!

..and finally we met the yurt. I love their yurt, I love their yard, plants, walkway, tub....:

And I LOVE the view from their yurt:

And this was only the beginning...

Cool Love

2008-07-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

Were leaving for a few days... not that I have been writing much lately, but there will be even more silence till next week. We are very excited to spend a few days with our dear friends Brian & Lori Jo. They have some great adventures in Oregon planned for us.

For now, I leave you with this video. A friend recently introduced me to Wanda Jackson, and I love her. She is a cool rockabilly chick from the 50's-60's, love her. Here is Cool Love:

June Photo Exchange ::Black & White::

2008-06-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all those who participated! There were 19 people signed up, in 4 countries. I really appreciate the thought people have been putting into their photos and the stories they have to share. Here are the photos that were submitted so far:

Future plans for the exchange...

I am thinking about going ahead with July but the days might be a little different. There is a lot going on this summer, I am sure a lot of people are busy. I will send out an email about it soon, but let me know if you are interested in keeping it going.

If this little exchange goes for a few months, with the amount of people that have been participating, I am thinking about making a little book with all the photos. It will either be Booklet/Magazine type of thing printed at my work, or a real-deal book printed on demand. We'll see, I am just dreaming for now, but dreamin' don't hurt no one.

Urban Homestead & M.E.T.

2008-06-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

I came across this video... (through Ben's blog post today, thanks for sharing!) and it is AMAZING! ... This family is so great. I am sure some will think they are a bunch of hippies but I really think they have a lot of good examples and knowledge to share (and I love hippies!). I WANT TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS SOOO BAD. I wish we had more space, or at least a little yard. But, what this family does is challenge you to use what you have... So, I will try.

The Dervaes' Family grows their own fruits, vegetables, edible flowers, etc., (their goal for this year is 10,000lbs, and they do this all in a 1/10 of an acre!). They use alternative forms of energy: clay ovens, bicycle run blender, solar panels, solar heated outdoor shower, solar ovens, biofuel, etc. And they practice composting, vermiculture, permaculture and so on.

This is the sort of thing we were trying to accomplish in Tacna, Peru with the Moviemento Ecological project. We started a composting business using the deseschos from the juice ladies, and old grass clippings from the city. We built a green house out of recycled plastic bottles. We started a nursery business that is flourishing! (see photo below) An eco-park was created using reclaimed water. Over 3000 trees have been planted. **I say "we started" because we were there in the very beginning, but really its been the Peruvians who have made it into something incredible.

A small report from Jake's visit a couple of weeks ago:

"The park is green, full, and well taken care of. The plants continue to take root, transforming not only the look of the town but it continues to awaken community. The nursery business is slowly growing towards independence and sustainability.

The group has put together quite a proposal to obtain 10 hectares of arable land several miles from the project. The president of the land committee was so impressed with their organization and ideas that he was awarded them 20 hectares instead of 10—the only thing the committee is asking is $700 for documentation and processing (if you would like to participate in such a need, please let us know). What they will be doing with this land includes fish and chicken farms, olive, mango, and other fruit tree groves, and a great expansion of the nursery's capabilities.

..."

Native Plants

2008-06-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

Lately we have been getting into identifying the plants of Eaton Canyon. What might appear to be a normal plant becomes so much more interesting once you know it's name, family and potential uses, or toxicity. I didn't realize how many cool plants were in the Canyon! And I didn't know how many of them were edible or medicinal. If Justin and I ever end up stranded out in the canyon, maybe we can use our knowledge of plants to feed us. Although, knowing my memory I would get a perfectly edible plant confused with an entirely toxic plant.

On our hike the other day we tried a few of the plants, we ate a couple of berries, one of which had a tomato-y taste, not bad. And we also ate the seed of a yucca plant. It was ok tasting, sort of bitter.

White Sage
(great smell!)

Yucca
(almost all of this plant is edible)

We haven't identified this one yet, but it looks similar to a Sticky Monkey Flower, which happens to be my favorite plant name, ever.

Holly Leaf Cherry
(the berries are edible)

Haven't figured out what this is yet, but I really like it.

(If you happen to know the names of the missing plants, let me know, please!)

kodak Duaflex II

2008-06-09T17:26:00.001-07:00

I got a new / old camera. I am still trying to figure out how to use it. But so far, I love it.

Holy Cashews!

2008-06-05T17:31:00.001-07:00

I am so excited about this. Yes, a completely raw, vegan, sugar-free dessert, (sounds boring huh?) that is AMAZING! ... I was so overly excited to write about this that I haven't written the recipe down yet, but I will figure it out soon enough, and post if wanted.

The other day I tried making a raw peaches and cream pie. And, well, it came out ok. The ingredients and recipe were great, its just that I didn't blend the cashews enough so the texture was all wrong, and texture is important. The texture was so bad that I actually started to gag.

Well, then I found this recipe for Cashew Cream. Soaking cashews then blending them with water to make a heavy cream-like substitute, and its wonderful. I can't wait to put it in coffee... and other heavy-cream friendly things. It's creamy, flavorful, and slightly sweet.

From there I decided to try the peaches and cream pie again - with lots of changes, and no peaches. What came from that was a cheese-cake like dessert, that honestly, is INCREDIBLE. The crust is made with pecans, maple syrup, vanilla and cacao, the filling is soaked cashews blended with honey. And I am very excited about it, can you tell?

A highlight from our camping trip this weekend: The Pinnacles

2008-06-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

It had been 5 years since I've done this hike, 5 long years. I still remembered parts of it, I remembered how to get there, where to park, the rifle range, the duckies, the eagle rock, the markers, to take a left at the first fork.. etc. But I didn't remember how hard and long it was (about 6-7 miles)! ...

When I worked at Alpine I would get off work at 5pm at the ropes course, we would quickly grab some water and food then drive out to the pinnacles, fly through the hike to make it just in time to catch the sunset at the peak, and then hike back in the dark. We did this almost weekly. It was glorious, such a great time in my life.

This time the hike was just as glorious. Although, we kept thinking it was the nearest peak, "it's just at the top of this hill..." ... "ok, I am certain this time, its at the top of this next hill..." ... Three hills later we almost gave up, thinking that we had gotten lost. But sure enough, we had some good sports there, they wanted to keep going on this wild goose chase. Finally we reached the peak, and thank God we did, it was worth it. To go all the way there and not reach the pinnacles, how disappointing.

My Seven Second Video Tribute:

Sing it Massukos!

2008-05-28T08:15:00.001-07:00

We moved the TV out of the living room, and its been wonderful. It is now in our room, we still watch it, but later at night, and not so often. Last night, we tuned it to our trusty PBS channel, they do not disappoint. I didn't grow up watching PBS, damn cable channels, it is only now that I see how valuable it is.

Last night on Frontline there was a story about a man named Santos, from Mozambique. Santos, who with his band Massukos, sings songs about sanitation. Santos' motivation comes from the fact that he grew up in Niassa, one of the poorest places on earth, and contracted polio from drinking contaminated water. He has made it his life's goal to educate people about hygiene, and the proper use of latrines. Here is some of what he sings, in his local language of course:

Let’s wash our hands
Let’s wash our hands
For the children to stay healthy
For the uncles to stay healthy
For the mothers to stay healthy
We build latrines.

He is also helping to build these amazing latrines; they are ingenious really. They are ecological latrines that are brick-lined pits which prevent water contamination. When they are done using the latrine, they go get some ash from the fire and pour a few handfuls into the latrine, then cover it. The ash removes the smell from the air (and gets rid of disease carrying flies), and then reminds them to wash their hands.

But theres more! The ash also reacts with the waste and, after 6 months or so, creates a natural fertilizer they can use on their crops. Amazing! I have a new found appreciation for ingenious ideas like this since our trip to Peru. These things make sense. They are sustainable. The people have a safe clean latrine, it helps them to stay healthy, keeps things clean, AND they get fertilizer for their crops! Who knew a toilet could be so flippin' cool.

This story made me want to run to Mozambique. It's beautiful, the people are beautiful. They speak Portuguese, so similar to Spanish. Who knows, maybe we will end up there someday. After you watch this video, you'll understand:

:: May Exchange :: Daily Ritual

2008-05-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

:: My Daily Ritual :: I do a lot of experimenting with photos, almost daily. This is me sitting on my porch, experimenting with finding beauty in blur.

Here is an album with all the wonderful submissions for the May Exchange:

Man, my friends are the best. I really had a lot of fun doing this. So much so, that I am going to try again for JUNE. If anyone is interested, let me know by June 4th if you would like to be a part of the :: June Exchange ::

The theme will be black and white. As simple as that. And it is open to ANYONE.

Etsy:: Mae Photography

2008-05-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

I did it, I opened up an Etsy Store. I already have 4 prints / postcards up and available, I plan on adding more soon. Click below to visit. This is new to me, so as I learn I am sure things will smooth out and get better, but yikes, here is my start:

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
MaeCreative.etsy.com

Don't be afraid

2008-05-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

They are really good. These brownies have no refined sugar (sweetened with agave) and no flour (instead, a secret ingredient). I was a little apprehensive, but I was incredibly surprised at how good they are. So much so, that I had to recommenced them. Here is the recipe from 101cookbooks.com - one of my favorite recipe blogs. Ok, I will tell you. The main ingredient is black beans. There, don't be afraid, try them. They are soft and fudgey, melt in your mouth good.

A Couple Things

2008-05-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

My friend Jacquie did it! She just launched her etsy store Chalie Jo, she makes some great cards - check her out.

* * *

Last night we went to Mr. T's Bowl to see our friends No Little Kindness play - they were great as always. And another band, a friend of a friend, was also playing that night, Bodies of Water, they're amazing! Lo and behold, youtube has everything - here is them playing back in February - it's worth the watch.

SO

2008-05-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

Thankful.

What a wonderful 27. If the welcome into twenty-seven is indicative of how this year will be, then I whole-heartedly look forward to this year.

I am so extremely thankful for the love I feel. My husband did an amazing job at making me feel special on my birthday. He got up early, made me breakfast, picked me flowers, took me to get my present, wrote me a card, he is wonderful.

My co-workers took me out to lunch at Wholefoods, and if you know me, you know that is my Disneyland. Then that night we went to the Largo for the last Watkins Family hour before they move to another building. FIONA APPLE made an appearance, and I must say, I love her. She is an energetic, lovable, interesting person. You can tell she is real and has a lot of soul. She was really grooving to a couple of the songs, she looked free and happy, not worrying about what she looked like. I want that freedom.

I got to spend time with family on Friday evening, my grandma made dinner, we hung out. Afterwards, I went over to Jeff & Melissa's - smoked hookah, drank wine, ate cheese and had great conversations with great friends.

Saturday my cousin graduated from APU with her masters, congrats Michelle. We celebrated, hung out with family.

Sunday some friends piled into our little house like good sports. They brought the most amazing food. And the gifts, I wasn't expecting that, but I received the most special gifts. It is as if they read my mind and soul. I am so extremely thankful, and amazed at how well people know me and what I like! I am completely blown away and grateful. We all need moments like this, don't we? The ones where we feel overwhelming loved and we overflow with appreciation for our friends and family. This residual feeling will get me through future hard times. I will think about this time and be grounded in my community, family and love.

Thank you friends.

This is at the Largo, Fiona Apple, Nickel Creek, Jon Brion and Benmont Tench. This song is magical. Please watch.

Good Times

2008-04-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

Last night Justin and I went on a little hike before we headed over to hear No Little Kindness. We went to Eaton Canyon, the lower part, the same place we went to with a few friends on Sunday. On Sunday we went right at sunset, we were trekking through the tall grass with no worries, some were even wearing sandals; we left with plenty of stickers in our shoes and bug bites.

Last night Justin and I did the same hike... accept this time, half way through our walk Justin freaks out because I nearly stepped on a snake... luckily it wasn't a rattler, but nonetheless, cool! I am little bit oblivious when it comes to seeing-things-while-walking. But Justin on the other hand, he has an eagle eye! Which is ironic, because in our relationship, I am the detail-oriented person, and Justin... not so much.

After seeing that snake, we decide its about time to head out of the tall grass. I look down, determining to be vigilant, keeping a close eye out, focusing, and then:

Justin: "holy sh*t!!"
Amanda: "What! What's wrong?" ... "hello! What are you freaking out about!?"
Justin: "You just walked over a F-in rattle snake! Didn't you see it?!"
Amanda: "What! I am going to run back to the trail, ok!?"
Justin: "NO!"

Needless to say, under pressure, we crack. But we made it out in one piece, barely.
Eaton Canyon is so full of life! A lot of those being bugs, but we also saw a rabbit, and some really neat birds. Here are the creatures that stood still long enough for us to take a photo:

PS - Got to give credit where credit is due: Justin took most of these photos.

Joshua Tree

2008-04-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

Who knew the desert was so full of life?

I LOVE Joshua Tree: Climbing the boulders made me feel adventurous. Watching my husband climb the steep rocks made me nervous, but strangely proud. The sun is powerful, burning my skin! But the golden light makes me feel alive and inspired. There were so many plants and life that I wanted to search and find each kind; they were so textured, I felt like I had to touch each one to know it.

And the friends, they completed the experience, you guys are wonderful and a true joy to be around.

Thanks for having a birthday Caitlin, and for choosing this way to celebrate.

Happy Earth Day

2008-04-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day. Here's to the Earth that our God created in His wisdom and intricacy. It is a speck in the infinite universe. It hold us, it sustains us, it contains life, it feeds us. And the Earth has been entrusted to us, we use it and take from it, but we try to do so in sustainable ways, in conscious of each other, our health, the animals, and future generations. Here's to you, Earth!

From something I read today, ways to make a difference, no matter how small:

Take the bus or train, or ride your bike
Plant a tree or garden
Compost
Stop using plastic water bottles
Don't use plastic grocery bags
Find new uses for old things -Up-cycle
Use green cleaners
Pass on paper towels
Spend more time outdoors

Our avocado tree... going strong.

April: "A Faerie Tale Told"

2008-04-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

April's Photo Trade was a little bit of a challenge, it was entitled: "A Faerie Tale Told"

I chose Alice in Wonderland - I think mainly because I was re-reading the book recently, and I love it. My photos aren't literal, just small tidbits taken from the story - and in my style of photographing nature... So, I made it fit.

"All in the golden afternoon
Full leisurely we glide..."

"...she was considering in her own mind
(as well as she could, for the hot day made
her feel very sleepy and stupid),
whether the pleasure of making a daisy-chain
would be worth the trouble of getting up
and picking the daisies..."

"...There was a large mushroom growing near her,
about the same height as herself;
when she had looked under it, and on both sides of it,
and behind it, it occurred to her that she might as well
look and see what was on top of it."

Sunday Evening

2008-04-13T21:43:00.000-07:00

It was a hot one, but the evening was just right...

About the last post, I am going ahead with it, I should be sending out an email soon, thank you for the responses! =)

March: Green

2008-04-02T18:09:00.001-07:00

I recently joined a photo exchange group. Every month we are given another person/address and we send them a photo based on the monthly theme - and we receive one in return. It's really quite fun - and it inspires me to get out there and take photos. This month's theme was "green", and I couldn't pick just one, so I did a series (above).

I am considering starting my own photo exchange community. So I am going throw this out there ... anyone interested in being a part of it? (No photography experience needed.) I want to do something similar where you send someone your monthly themed photo and I want to host a site where the photos for each month are shown. And I am possibly thinking too far ahead, but if this happens I would eventually want to print a book with everyone's photo over the months. Basically, I want to create an creative outlet, I want people to be inspired, have fun. Anyone?

Yosemite

2008-03-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

"To the body and mind which have been cramped by noxious work or company, nature is medicinal and restores their tone. The tradesman, the attorney comes out of the din and craft of the street, and sees the sky and the woods, and is man again. In their eternal calm, he finds himself. The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired so long as we can see far enough. "

~ Emerson

click for more photos of our trip

Five Years Later

2008-03-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

Today is marks five years for the war in Iraq. Time to Wage Peace. One of my favorite banners from the Palm Sunday Peace Parade was this:

Heart of Gold

2008-03-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

I can't explain what this song does to me... Songs have this amazing ability to bring up memories, vivid feelings, places, people. (Smells do the same thing, I love the smell of Sandalwood, Cigars, Jasmine Flowers, etc.) I love it, I think it's truly a gift.

I think of the old Dodge truck, the beast of a truck my dad used to have. The one my brothers and I almost cried over when he sold it to Henry in Mexico. I remember the cassette player, I even remember the cassette that had a compilation of songs (including this one). I remember driving to Mexico, our roll over accident on the 57. Camping on the beach.

Long trips to the Sequoias, to Seattle, to Canada. The way my dad would sing under his breath, in a sort of a Neil Young, shaky way. Trips to ... Glamis. Riding quads, campfires. I remember we would be hanging out at night listening to music and my dad would put on Neil Young and people would laugh in disapproval (we used to go with some young party people, they don't know what's good!).

It reminds me of being young and I can't put more words to it. It is my upbringing, my youth, my family. Our vacations, all the things we used to do, the good, the bad, the fun, the ordinary. The block parties, our neighbors, the hanging out and drinking on the porch, and the crazy fun-trouble that would come from that.

Sometimes I try to only listen to particular songs when I have time to reflect. I don't want those memories to be replaced. I want to forever think of those things when I hear this song. We all have songs like that, right? I sure hope so.

You Don't Even Know...

2008-03-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

... how good these brownies are. The texture reminds me of flourless chocolate cake. I made them twice this weekend, and I want them again. So, I have to share. They are originally from 101Cookbooks ... I just cut the amounts in half, and used whole wheat white flour, which worked great.

1/4 lb. butter (let soften, don't melt)
3 oz. chocolate. Melt, then let cool and set aside.
2 eggs
3/4 cup organic light brown sugar and or turbinado sugar
1/2 cup whole wheat white flour (or unbleached white flour)
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Optional
a small amount of chocolate chips and your favorite nuts (walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, whatever you like) to sprinkle on top before you bake

Cream the butter with the light brown sugar and eggs. Add vanilla extract. Beat in the melted, cooled chocolate and the flour. Mix well.

Spread into a buttered small baking pan, I used a 9"x5" bread loaf baking dish for this amount. Or you can bake them in cupcake tins, this recipe would make about four. Bake 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Eaton Canyon

2008-03-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

We are beginning to love Eaton Canyon. We go here often to watch the sunset, a couple of times a week. Right now there is water flowing through the canyon, last time we were there someone told us that water hasn't flowed through there in a few years. It's not our old stomping grounds, Mt. Baldy, but we love it, it's beautiful, and its only a few minutes from our house.

Nearing Spring... Last of Winter.

2008-02-28T22:30:00.000-08:00

Not the sun or the summer alone, but every hour and season yields its tribute of delight; for every hour and change corresponds to and authorizes a different state of the mind, from breathless noon to grimmest midnight.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am amazed at every season's change, I anticipate it. At the end of the summer I cannot wait for the season to cool our steamy, un-air-conditioned apartment. At the end of winter I actually look forward to that unruly hot summer.

Not only temperature changes, but other things as well:

The summer gets us thinking about vacations and fun, trips to the beach, being outside. The days are long, and even the nights are warm.

As we enter into fall, it is harvest, the vegetables change to sweet potatoes and pumpkins, we get ready for Thanksgiving, it is the beginning of the holiday season, the days begin to get shorter.

Into winter, the days are at their shortest, it begins to get cold (well, a California version of cold in my case). We imagine cuddling up at night drinking tea by the fire. The mountains are crowned with white. The holidays are in full swing. Some snowboard, ski, visit a cabin or play in the snow.

By the end of winter, spring is a relief. New life begins to grow. It is the time to start gardens, farmers markets are full of fruits and vegetables. The air is cleaner, the sky clearer. The birds are noticeably louder.

At the beginning of each season I enter in thinking: No, THIS is my favorite season. Winter is almost over, and spring is almost here (March 20th) and I am thinking: Spring is my favorite season.

Eat Well, Eat Responsibly

2008-02-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

I do not mean to stand on another soap box, or do I? ha! I just share what I am passionate about and what is interesting to me. How could I not write, right?

In wake of recent news, and a recent blog by Greg Boyd, as well as some of my own thoughts, I am reaffirmed in my decision not to eat meat (I have many reasons, this happens to be one). Admittedly, I do eat fish, but I try to do this responsibly. (note: I have decided to only eat meat when it is offered to me, but I don't cook or oder it)

I do not share my thoughts to convert anyone into being a "vegetarian," nor do I condemn anyone for eating meat - it is not inherently wrong or sinful. I only suggest we try to eat consciously.

"Eat Well,
Eat Responsibly"

In Boyd's last blog he discusses how "we have reduced farm animals to commercialized commodities whose only value is found in how efficiently we can produce and slaughter them for profit." The more I read and see documentaries (click here to watch - warning, its graphic) on how our meat is processed, it saddens and disgusts me. I know eating animals is a natural thing, but there is nothing natural about factory farms and way meat is raised here - it's cruel and revolting. Animals aren't consider life in this manner, they aren't considered creatures that are created by God. There are alternatives: buying and eating meat from free range animals - where the animals are at least aloud to be animals, instead of products, before they die.

My choice has been not to eat meat at all for these, and other reasons. So, there you have it, my soap box. I welcome any thoughts and comments. Or if you want to make fun of me, that's cool too - my family is the best at that =)

Lunar Eclipse

2008-02-21T08:42:00.001-08:00

This was my best attempt at capturing the eclipse.

Photoblog

2008-02-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

I haven't really jumped back into photography since my wedding... almost a year ago! After putting it on the shelf for a while, I'm inspired again.

I am going through a little phase with nature, flowers, plants, color, textures... and food. I still love taking photos of people, and hopefully I will be able to take more soon (anyone? anyone?), but for now my photography/cookbook has been my inspiration!

These photos are an ode to Justin's parents' backyard... there are some interesting plants back there.

Outlaw 'em - there I said it

2008-02-14T17:10:00.000-08:00

To tell you the truth, I haven't given gun rights much thought before. I don't know much about the debate, but right now I am so upset about all the shootings recently (below) it is making me ask: "Why are guns even legal?"

The old argument is: "Guns don't kill people, people kill people" ... I understand, but how are all these distraught people getting a hold of guns? What if they didn't have guns available? What is going on here?

All I know is I am leaning towards being in favor of outlawing guns. I know its the second amendment right, but I don't agree with it. We have the right to bare arms to defend ourselves, how many times are guns used as a defense? I know it is a sport for some people hunt, but that is a small percentage of people (and what is up with handguns and automatic weapons?).

How did these people get guns? (only a partial list):

April 16th: Virgina Tech - 32 killed
Dec '07: Nebraska Mall Shooting - 19yr old kills 8
Dec 24th: Washington - a girl kills her whole family - 6 killed
Dec 9th: YWAM & Colorado church - 24yr old kills 4
Feb 2nd: Chicago - Lyane Bryant Store - five women killed
Feb 7th: LA - 19 yr old killed his family and swat officer
Feb 7th: Missouri: Man opens fire in City Council meeting - 5 killed
Feb 9th: Louisiana College - a nursing student shoots and kills 3
Feb 13th, yesterday: Oxnard - 14yr shot a 15 year
Feb 14th, today: Illinois University - 5 killed

Sight: It's a beautiful thing.

2008-02-08T09:59:00.000-08:00

What happened now, right? I know.

Think about it: our ability to "see" is amazing! It can be one of those things you don't miss till its gone.

I think about this because yesterday I had an "optical migraine" - I think. After staring intently at the computer for a few hours, which I know I shouldn't do, I had a blurry wavy spot blocking my vision, causing blind spots. Then it spread on my right eye and my whole peripheral vision was blurry and moving, like wavy lines, like pavement on a hot day. Needless to say, this really freaked me out. It went away after about 15 minutes - it was a long 15 minutes.

I am a paranoid person, I will admit this. It's sort of humiliating to say, but it's true. Please don't judge me. Being paranoid, I instantly thought "what if I go blind!?" My future life started to flash before me, what would it be like? Would Justin and I still go to Cairo? I'd never be able to see a mountain again, or see my child's face. What about my photography? Would there be an element of fear involved, waking up late at night and not being able to see what is making a "noise"? I really do torture myself.

I went to the eye doctor. I pretty much "failed" the peripheral vision test (don't understand what that means as far as my vision goes), and I have a lot of floaters that could be blocking vision and pulling on my retina. But my retina isn't coming unattached, I guess I'm not going blind. What we do know, my job is hurting me! These hours of staring at the computer. They recommend I set an alarm for every TEN minutes to look away from my computer (and for those of you who spend lots of time on the computer, you should do it too!) ... so here I go.

For Me, this is Candid - My Dreams

2008-02-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

I had a dream this morning while I was in and out of sleep. It was wonderful, I was fighting waking up. I got to see someone I haven't seen in a long time, I wanted to enjoy every second of it. It was strange because I knew it was a dream. They were images that I miss, things I haven't seen in so long, and things I will never see again. And the fact that I knew it was a dream kept me from taking those simple things for granted.

Dreams are amazing. My imagination is not that vivid when I am fully awake. Dreams have been comforting and a way to hold on for just a little bit longer. They have aloud me to not forget certain things. The way he looked, where he sat, the way he talked, walked. It is the only way I can meet up with him. What a gift. Deep down my mind has remembered these things, just when I think I am forgetting.

Just like the movie Science of Sleep all the ingredients were right for that good dream. The last thought before I went to sleep, a song I heard earlier in the day, a conversation I had, a memory... Put them in a pot, stirring and the dream is cooked up.

08 Things

2008-01-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

In honor of the upcoming Chinese New Year (mainly because I am late on the "New Year Resolution" stuff): Chinese New Year Goals

... I am not big on resolutions, but after some thinking I have 8 things I do want to do in '08... more like goals - no particular order.

1. Hike up Mt. Wilson - I see her everyday, she says "CLIMB ME ALREADY!"

2. Do more yoga - in line with my less stress goals

3. Finish the cookbook - Hopefully sooner than later.

4. Develop a creative business - so many ideas, too many ideas, just need courage!

5. Put together another Sycamore Merger Show - No, really, I want to.

6. Try to not buy anything "new" for a few months (not including food & hygiene products, of course)

7. Focus on being healthy - on many levels

8. Use the ARTS bus - why not?

You know you've spent too much time together when...

2008-01-24T15:11:00.000-08:00

... you begin to look like each other...

In my office there is a wall, on that wall are photos, and there is a theme to those photos. It just might be Graphic Designer humor... But I felt inclined to do it again (you have to look closely):

Car-less and Fine

2008-01-24T08:57:00.000-08:00

Strange to think that it's freeing... it has been.

Last Friday we were on our way to New Dehli with J y H and the car died, just died, no warning, not even a cough, just dead. We push the car to safety, I call AAA, Jake decides to run all the way back up Hill Street to our house to get his truck. Those tow truck guys are fast, they end up getting there before Jake makes it to get the truck, so we just meet him at our house - poor guy ran almost 2 miles up hill, literally.

It's almost been a week, and we are going strong. We rode our bikes to church, to Mike's house, to the store. Though I am disappointed that we haven't taken the ARTS bus yet. For now, we are getting along just fine. In fact, last weekend was a great weekend, very relaxing. I finished the book "A Thousand Splendid Suns" in a few days - I really enjoyed that book, more so than "The Kite Runner."

We have several friends from our church that live in Pasadena without a car, impressive I think. Although, I do appreciate having a car so that we can visit our families and friends east of us - for that fact, I am looking forward to being restored our mobility, hopefully by Sunday.

For now, I am enjoying this weather; I love the cold, the rain, and the snow that I can see out my office window.

Loans that Change Lives

2008-01-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

A friend recently told me about Kiva. She received a gift certificate for Kiva from a friend. The gift certificate allows you to go through the website, choose a business to support in a developing country. And over 6-12 months you will receive newsletters and updates about this business, and when that time is over you will receive your loan money back. Either you can take it back, or invest it in another business. Genius!

It's more than gift certificates, anyone can go on and "loan" money to a business.

Another one. Yes.

2008-01-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

If you couldn't keep up with this blog, watch out, I got another one!
This new one is devoted to my design (and other creative ventures) http://www.creativecollaborative.blogspot.com/

So, check it out of you'd like.

PS. Anybody use Google Reader? It's great! I don't have to check all my friend's blogs, it lets me know when they post new ones. There is my google endorsement for today.

Obession with ... Food.

2008-01-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

Mecca is what Lori Jo and I call it... the new Wholefoods on Arroyo is our favorite place. We went several times while they were staying with us. There are samples galore, there is a juice bar (real juice), an olive bar, an artisan cheese section, and you can sample any cheese, they have a wine & tapas bar and wine tasting, oh... and so much and more.

Lori Jo loves to cook, and so do I, so when we get together, we eat GOOD. Homemade sushi with sushi-grade ahi tuna, talapia ceviche with a beet salad, mahi mahi fish tacos with a carrot salad. My goodness, I love to eat. And I love to cook. Why do I have a fascination with food? (Well, good food.)

My fascination has left me with a desire to go to either culinary school or to study nutrition.... I am leaning towards holistic nutrition. Which is far off from my current day time job as a designer. But what I have done to reconcile both is start my own cookbook. I worked on a cookbook last month with a client I met on Craistlist and I really enjoyed it. So I thought I would try it out myself. I am not looking to market it, just to have fun.

It's New Years Somewhere...

2007-12-31T16:38:00.000-08:00

Happy 08... The adopted slogan (I think by Jake) "Your life can be great in two-thousand and eight!"

We had a pre-celebration with our dear dear friends jake, brian, lori jo and cielo. What is better than spending good time with good friends good food good drink....? its great.

PS.. Martinis at 3pm on New Years Eve = friends asleep by 6:30pm = bad idea!

No Choice.

2007-12-27T21:29:00.001-08:00

I was looking forward to my break from work. I wanted to run, get stuff done, visit some people, clean our house, and so on. But now I can't, I have to go slowly, walk slowly, move slowly, sit down slowly, get up slowly, and sneeze very carefully. It's a bit frustrating.

What I need most is sometimes to be still, to do nothing, to think, to read, to sit. And, I am the kind of person who will acknowledge how nice that sounds, but when there is stuff to do, I will not make time to be still. I always have it on the end of my "to-do" list, but I never get to the end.

Right now, I have no choice. Even if I take my pain killers and muscle relaxers I am too out of it to even drive. Instead, I am forced to do nothing, to relax. Shouldn't this be a blessing (except for the pain, of course)? It is! I will soak this in while I can. I am sure in no time I will up and moving again. For now, I slow down.

Oh, You Watkins!

2007-12-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

We had reservations, we got the special booth, the booth we thought was typically reserved for the musicians friends and family. We were literally a couple of feet from the stage. To open the show: Willie Watson (Old Crow Medicine Show) and Mike Witcher (the duo also known as Tractor Beam) - Wow, Willie's voice... very soulful, he sang of drugs and murder in his twangy, yet melodious way. Good start.

Then came the Watkins, Sean and Sara (Nickle Creek), with Benmont Tench on piano (from Tom Petty), Greg Leisz on a slide guitar type of thing... And wow, they are so amazing. Sara has this voice, it's unique, it's high and raspy, it's soft and bluesy, it's delicate and loud. They sang songs by Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch, Jackson 5, a few Christmas hymns, and a lot more. They had a list of a few songs, but once they went through those they were just playing whatever came to mind. They would talk, tune, arrange, say "tune of A,... GO" ... and a song comes out. To me, a non-musician, it's magic. Sarah will sing, then tap Ben and he plays his part, then she looks at Greg he takes it away, Sean does a little solo and then back to her. I loving watching something like that unfold in front of my eyes. I can't imagine having that amount of talent. Not knowing a song, but someone tells me, play in the "key of F", they "hmm" the tune and off they go.

Like I said, I am not musician, I just appreciate. This is organic music to me. Nothing is processed. It's all natural and raw. It's better for you that way. It's more healthy. It's healthy for them to play that way, from their heart and spirit and we benefit from that medicine.

Half way through the night they call Jon Brion up, my smile got even bigger. Justin and I exchanged a gity grin. Jon Brion! ... They don't even discuss what they are going to play, he just picks up is instrument and jumps in. Then later David Graza comes up, plays drums, then Willie Watson and Mike Witcher come up and its music chaos!

This isn't last night but its Benmont Tench, Greg Leisz, Sean and Sara Watkins playing: "Different Drum"

LAist

Happy Birthday

2007-12-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 15th. He would have been 48 years old.

Every year my family goes out to dinner to celebrate his birthday, and we always go to Shogun, he loved sushi. It's our tradition. I like traditions. I like celebrating my dad's life. It's therapeutic, I need it, we need it.

It's Bungalow Heaven!

2007-12-14T13:11:00.000-08:00

So, I went for a jog today. All you marathon trainers have really inspired me. Not that I am training for a marathon or anything. My peak was when I was running 5ks. My heyday was when I received local city medals for first place (If you were there you would know how silly this was, I was the only one in my age division, therefore first place). I still feel awful about the first place medal I shamefully stole from Tara a few years ago when I lied about my age division, sorry Tara. ... I digress.

I went for a jog through Bungalow Heaven today (it's a historical district in Pasadena/Altadena). It's a couple of blocks from my house, it seems further. While running by these gorgeous houses with trees that had to be at least 50 years old I could smell the musky dirt on the ground and the sweet smell of foliage. It felt like I was running through a mountain village. The trees in this area are beautiful. There are palms hundreds of feet tall and ancient pines, olive trees, oaks and so on. I am talking about interesting trees; trees with twisted mangled branches that you see in mythical stories, ones that you dream about as a kid to build your tree house in.

Justin and I refer to a street by our house as the "Lord of the Rings" street. Some of the houses are mysteriously hidden behind overgrowth and greenness. Tall trees, vines connecting them, ferns and tall grass on the ground. It's a little eerie, but adventurously beautiful.

So, here I am jogging while Mozart in Egypt plays in my ear, as I admire my surroundings. I turn a corner in bungalow heaven and come head to toe with a squirrel right in the middle of the sidewalk, face down, legs sprawled out (like a flying squirrel), with it's eyes open, not moving, dead. I instantly became choked up, "the poor squirrel!" ... Though I was a little weary... Other than the fact that he wasn't moving, he looked fine. I felt like he was going to jump up and squeal "Gotcha!" and scamper away. But, he didn't. He just lay there.

So I gather my composure, and start to jog again while pondering the complexities of life and death... when this dog in a front yard, with no chain on, starts yelping at me, completely distracting my thoughts. Not only that, but he was commandeering the sidewalk. I didn't want to run near him, what if he lunged at me? I secretly wished that dog was lying on the ground in place of that poor squirrel. (Really, I value all life). So I make a long detour to avoid him... I keep jogging till I reach my neighborhood. Only a couple of blocks from Bungalow Heaven, but feels like the ghetto. Ah, I feel good. Expect for that poor dead squirrel, he makes me sad.

The Season

2007-12-10T20:56:00.001-08:00

I've been feeling extra festive this season. In November, we fit a good number of friends nice and cozy in our home for a pre-Thanksgiving meal. It was nice to share a meal with friends. Good conversation, good food, good wine, good time, special time. I loved it.

This Christmas I am really feeling the holiday. And I am not talking about the latest sale, or the latest and greatest Christmas gift. I am definitely not into fighting for parking spots or arguing with fellow shoppers. Not my thing.

I love the small things, the side notes. I love cold weather, the creativity that comes out when making gifts for friends and family. I love making food, baking, eating. I love eggnog and pumpkin pie. I love the smell of cinnamon, I love the snow on the mountains; I am in love with the mountains. I really enjoy traditions of white elephant gifts, dinners, getting a tree, lights, snuggling with a warm blanket. I even like some Christmas music (mainly Sufjan's album). I love all that I can see, smell, taste and touch of this season.

Maybe this is because it's our first Christmas married. We are in our own home, we are having our own Christmas. It's a new festive adventure. Whatever, I love it.

Lincoln in Dalivision

2007-12-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

“I am a genius who also paints.” ~ Salvador Dalí

Brand New!

2007-11-27T16:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, we did it. We got a new computer.

My laptop took a turn for the worse while we were in Peru. With no Mac store around I took it upon myself to jimmy-rig it to get us through our trip, and it worked! It has lasted us a while, but now...
We needed something more dependable for my freelance work and for Justin's school... So, on black Friday, we did it, we bought a new iMac.

... Why go on black Friday, why walk into that chaos? I about had to beg Justin to go, but it wasn't that bad. We went to the Mac store in Pasadena around 8pm or so. There were lots of people as usual. One of those people in particular was Zack de la Rocha, from Rage Against the Machine... he was tucked back in the corner talking with some Mac people. So, we admire from afar, we purchase our computer, our friend Jeff, who works there, escorts us to the door... and in walks Master P (not sure who he is, you're not alone). Phew, that was enough excitement for us for one day...

So, we take our baby home and we break 'er in... We love photobooth.

Nog-weeb Ma-fooz-who?

2007-11-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading the first book in Naguib Mahfouz's Cairo Triology: Palace Walk. This was one of those books that toward the end, I didn't want it to be over! Every time I read it I was transformed into the the world of this family living in Cairo... thats a good book, one that makes you feel like you are there. When you put it down you almost have to snap back into your reality.

Mr. Mahfouz is an excellent writer. I really enjoy the way he writes, he is very insightful and descriptive, as far as "tones" and "moods" go. He is a master of smilies... For example, he will say things like, "He chanted slogans with the demonstrators and was zealous with the zealots, but his mind was attached to life and struggled to resist this current, like a tree trunk in a flood, its branches torn off by storms." or "He was like a dog that eagerly devours whatever scraps it finds" ... There are countless smilies throughout the whole book.

Palace Walk takes places in Cairo during World World I. It focuses on one family with a tyrannical father. The book addresses the issue of sex-roles; domineering male, submissive female. ("My opinion is the same as yours, sir. I have no opinion of my own" ~Amina, the wife in the story.) If a man seeks wine and women, good for him, if a woman makes eye contact with a man on the street shame on her. Not only shame on her, but she is as good as dead.

One thing that really stood out to me in the story was how faithful this man's family was to him, no matter how awful he was to them. They were terrified of him and he treated them so unfairly, but they loved him nonetheless and they were all the more submissive. They hardly ever questioned their situation.

Mr. Hahfouz also has a very interesting story: from his books being banned in the middle east, to winning the Nobel Prize for Literature, to being murdered by an Islamic Militant.Here is a good link about Mahfouz

The Lost Art of Living...

2007-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

While in Peru we listened to a talk by Rob Bell called "Fully Present." It really struck a chord with me. In my/our venture to live a less stressful life, a deeper life this really made sense: being fully present.

How often do things fly by in our life? We look forward to this or that, but when it comes we hardly take it in. Or in the present, how many distractions do we have that deter us from the "now."

How often are we with people and we can tell they aren't fully there? When you're talking to them they seem to be a world away, "uh-huh"-ing through your conversation, and you wonder if they are even hearing you. I don't want to be like that. I want to listen and care about people, and be there with them.

The times where it is the easiest for me to be fully present are those times when I am outside and the view, the weather, the feeling is perfect and I want to hold it, to bottle it, and really absorb it. I am trying to bring that into my whole life, the good and the bad. Life is too short not to be fully present. Being fully present not only allows me to absorb, but also to think and to contemplate. I find that I don't have a lot of energy or time to "think"right now - and that bothers me. I spend too much time worrying, which we all know does no good-and it's an addictive train of thought.

"Today enough is enough - I don't need tomorrow and yesterday as well. We need to be aware of how rarely we are aware."

This song by Mason Jennings says it the way I want to say it:
"Be Here Now"
be here now
no other place to be
or just sit there dreaming
of how life would be
if we were somewhere better
somewhere far
away from all our worries
well here we are

you are the love of my life

be here now
no other place to be
all the doubts that linger
just set them free
and let good things happen
let the future come
into each moment
like a rising sun

Sabbath Economics: The Environment

2007-11-19T11:12:00.000-08:00

Justin and I are going through a book called "Sabbath Economics" with a group and I am very excited because it covers areas of great interest for me, and I can't believe it's all in one book... it seems to be almost everything I am passionate about right now (...almost)

Well first off, they do address Surplus Capital, Negative Debt, and Giving. Those are important and do interest me, but that's not what is getting me so excited!

I only have time to share about one chapter right now, but I will definitely share about the others later.

from the book:
"Chapter 4: The Environment
How can we make our households and lifestyles significantly “greener”?
Examples:
a. Do a household audit on waste, including recycling, toxic products, etc.
b. Look at energy usage, including driving, and aim to reduce by 10%.
c. Commit to growing something edible on a year round basis. "

~ This has been very important to me recently. Don't let the buzz deter you... "Global Warming" "The 11th Hour" "Inconvenient Truth" "Hybrids" "Green" "sustainable" and so on. Some people are already sick of hearing about it. Some people get so offended or annoyed by the this kind of talk. Why is that? Do they really think that this doesn't matter? or are they annoyed that they might have to consider changing their life style?

This became an even more important topic while we were in Peru. Our project was to restore a desert and provide life to those living there. We planted trees, started an eco-park, created water catchment systems, re-used old tires, composted, and much more.

It's a matter of thinking wisely, sustainably and caring about the environment in which our God has created. The creation is a revelation of God. Why would we not want to be good stewards of it? ... We don't have to worship nature, we don't have to be tree-huggers but we could think of ways to not exploit and rape the earth. We also need to think about generations ahead.

I am looking forward to reading this chapter ... we won't get to it for a while, but nonetheless excited! I am really glad that it is talked about as a serious matter in a Christian context. It is a common view that we don't need to care about the earth because "it will all burn one day" ... which I don't agree with. I can expand on that if need be. But for now, I'll end.

Esty... Handmade... Fairtrade.. Elephant Poo

2007-11-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

Esty::
So, my church has this listserve email thing... and I get about 25 emails a day, no joke, but this isn't the point. Anyway, one email was about this website:

http://www.etsy.com/

It's sort of like an ebay... but for handmade things. You can buy from the person who made the thing directly! how great! .. and for those creative people, you can sell your creations online, neat!
You can buy art, jewelry, bags, etc etc... Good to think about for Christmas. I really enjoy making things for people for Christmas... And I really appreciate when I receive a handmade gift. I love being creative and I love seeing other people be creative!

Handmade::

Fairtrade::
AND why not mention this place... www.tenthousandvillages.com (they have a store in Pasadena). They have fair trade products, as well as some recycled stuff, its a neat store.

Elephant Poo::
Okay, I had to add one more link. This site sells environmentally friendly gifts... made from elephant poo...that's so cool!! http://www.poopoopaper.com/

Tranquilo

2007-11-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel anxious. Sometimes I worry a lot and things really catch up to me. I don't like that. And, I don't want to be like that. It's taken a few anxious breakdowns for me to realize that is not how I want to live.

I've made it a goal of mine, actually Justin and I have made this a goal for ourselves, to try to live a life with the least amount of stress. Of course, we can't avoid all stresses, so we also want to practice things that help us deal with stress.

I want to be able to be completely tranquilo. I want to be able to sit in the quiet and think, not be worried. I really think those times will help me work on being a creative person as well. I am constantly busy or worrying and I don't have a lot of time to think, just think, and to create.

... I really like doing yoga. I really do feel a rush of calmness afterwards, physically and mentally. (I like using the yogamazing podcasts on itunes)

Another thing I've been practicing is not rushing. I am very time oriented person. I don't like being late, which isn't a bad thing, but I find myself stressing myself out to get somewhere on time, not worth it! ... I am going to take my time (I will try at least)!

I also like to do things that bring me a lot of joy, like cooking! I can't explain it, but it really does make me happy. I love to creative things in the kitchen. I love making my husband good meals. I love eating.

And.. of course, walking. I like to walk and think, or listen to music. There is something about being outside. We live in beautiful Southern California! Sure, the air might not be great, but we have some beautiful scenery. I love the mountains. I almost feel like I need that time, that time of being outside, the time to "connect to nature" - might sound hippie-ish. But it's not! ... It's true.

I often find myself worrying about things in the future, or thinking about things in the past. I really want to focus on the present. I often look forward to things that are coming up, but when they come I don't fully take advantage of that time. It slips away between the future and the past. What's the point of looking forward to something if I don't fully enjoy it when it comes?

Certain circumstances have made these things important to me. Couldn't we all use a less stressful life?

Mason Jennings...

2007-11-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

Tonight... tonight we are going to see Mason Jennings.. for the 4th time, maybe 5th - I don't remember. But I am excited. Mason isn't an exceptional performer or anything, not like Jon Brion. But he is amazing in his own way. He is a talented song writer. His lyrics really inspire me and I love his music, what can I say?

So, I am sure I will update this after we see him, but I am just so excited I need to share it. We are going to the Troubadour. We have seen him here twice before.

The first time we saw him there he was explaining the meaning of one of his songs and someone in the crowd yells "Just play the song, pussy!" ....

WHAT!!??! Oooh, that really made me mad. I mean, how freakin disrespectful. This person obviously paid for his ticket, he came to see Mason, why offend him?

Mason has this DVD called, "Use Your Van." Justin and I were watching the DVD for the first time right when it came out, and Mason is practicing before a show, talking with the other band members and he says "Someone in LA called me a pussy during the show last night." We were there! ... And Mason mentioned it, it must have bothered him. That guy was an asshole!

UPDATE -- November 9th.

... What can I say, I love Mason's music. I love his lyrics, I love his voice. Justin said it well last night: Mason has a clear voice and he annunciates very well, just so damn smooth! (I added that). He did a great job last night, had me in a complete trance. I was even able to zone out the half drunk crowd singing along and doing interpretative dances to every song. The highlight song for me was his new song. It was so funny and witty, I love it and I can't wait to hear his new album. I also loved the fact that he played a Neil Young song, "Out On The Weekend".
Great.

Here is a bad quality video of him play his new song somewhere else:
http://www.youtube.com/v/5SUZSCPVsD4&rel=1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SUZSCPVsD4

Tacna Memories - Qunioa Soup

2007-11-07T08:23:00.001-08:00

Last night I made a meal that we had in Peru a lot... Qunioa vegetable soup. It reminded me of eating meals with our friends Jake, Heidi, Lori Jo, Brian & Rene in our cold, sterile home.

Ingredients:
(it changes every time I make it, but here's what was in it last night)
1/2 cup quinoa
4 cups water
1 medium zucchini chopped into small pieces
1 sweet potato chopped into small pieces
1 onion chopped
1 jalapeño diced
1 red pepper chopped into small pieces
1/2 ts cumin
1 ts oregano
1 ts salt (or more)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 ts red pepper flakes
and this time, I added 1/4 chunky peanut butter

garnish w/
diced tomatoes, avocado, sourcream and cilantro

Sauté onions, jalapeño and red pepper in a heavy pot, 3-4 mins. Add spices, vegetables, qunioa and water - cook until vegetables are cooked. Taste and add more spices if needed.

The Resurrection of the BLOG!

2007-11-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have "blogged" ... I thought I was completely done with, I thought I would let my blog die and never return. Well... here I am. Sometimes I feel like I have a lot to say, but I don't think anyone necessarily wants to hear it. But this blog, it's great. I can tell it what I did last weekend, or I can show it my new design project, or I can share with it a new recipe, or I can share some photography, or talk about a new restaurant I went to.. you know, all that stuff. This blog offers me a release, it will always be here for me to speak/type this well of information that I have floating around in my head. So, I am giving it another try. Here we go.

So, speaking of what I did last weekend... Justin and I went to the Largo last Friday to see Jon Brion with Mike, Jeff & Jacquie. And, as usual, Jon Brion was amazing. Truly impressive. The Largo experience was very pleasant indeed. We waited outside for a couple of hours, but once we got in we got a seat at the bar, we ordered some food, ate, drank, talked, and before we knew it the show was ready to begin. The genius took stage and blew us away. He can just take requests, any song, off the cuff and play, and create this masterpiece. Beautiful.

.. Oh, and speaking of recipes. I am putting together a cookbook. No, I didn't write it persay, but I have collected and organized my favorite recipes. More to come on this later.

Freelance

2006-10-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

Starting more freelance is nerve racking! I do some freelance right now, but when times are slow, its okay because I have a full time job! But my goal is to work part-time here at the Center and do more freelance... its a big step for me!

... UPDATE (November 2007!) ... I have a newer look and a lot more freelance jobs! I have currently been working on a recipe book, a poetry book, and a few other typesetting jobs. I really enjoy it and it's very exciting!

Bye-Bye LA Fair

2006-10-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

So, the exhibit is over! It was neat to have my first photo displayed... it didn't sell, but thats okay.. I would have felt guilty anyway. I didn't frame it nicely, I was in a rush! For those asked, I didn't get a photo of me next to my photo... we forgot a camera! Oh well... so, well, it was fun.

Even Stevphens...

2006-09-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

Humor to this debate...

more thoughts to come on this...

BEAR VEST & Hobos & Amazon woman

2006-09-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

on Saturday night a group of us went to the Mt Baldy lodge to see Hobo Jazz... Up first, before Hobo Jazz was this band Sugar Mountain Mama Serenade... while they were setting up the place looked pretty chill.. just families, hang out... then, around 9pm it was as if a bus full of hippies showed up. There were skirts, hairy arm pits, and dreads everywhere.
They really got into the Sugar Mountain mammas... they were dancing like crazy.... but honestly, they weren't that great. We couldn't wait for them to finish.... but Charles kept yelling "KEEP IT COMING, PLAY ANOTHER ONE!"
In order to pass the time we amused ourselves by people watching, and there were plenty of specimens for that. Justin spotted one he called "Bear Vest"... he amused himself by shouting "BEAR VEST!" and he even touched the bear vest... to my disapproval.

Finally.... Hobo Jazz came on.... and they were really good. They had a lot of energy, they sounded great (especially after the mammas)... and they made the hippies dance too... We ended up leaving toward the end of their set... and as we were leaving we watched from outside, trying to get a better view of the band (and less dancing hippies).. and in our plain view comes this amazon woman who starts humping the window... it was enough to scare us away... so we left...

I love Mt Baldy

HOBO JAZZ: http://www.myspace.com/hobojazz

Watkins Family Hour at the Largo

2006-08-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

Last night was the Watkins Family hour at the Largo... with Tom Brosseau.... It was AMAZING... so much talent and soul wrapped up in one show.

Tom Brosseau is quite the character... we couldn't put our finger on it, but there is something about him that we just love! He is funny, gentle, he has a amazingly unique voice... I just couldn't stop watching him. He is just one of those people you see, and you just want to be friends with...

And of course I just love Sara Watkins.. she is so cute, who wouldn't love her. And her voice, wow.

I wish I could have "tivo-ed" that performance in my head.

A good review of Tom Brosseau's music is on www.npr.org ... search Tom Brosseau, the review is called: "A Sweet Voice gets Louder" ... they describe him in all the words that I can't find.

Ice House Saddle

2006-08-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

Hiking... I say I love it... and I do. But its one of those things that, while in the moment, I begin to wonder what made me love it in the first place.
Last Saturday Justin and I, with a couple of friends, hiked the Ice House Canyon Saddle in Mt. Baldy. - It was beautiful, the weather was perfect.... It was uphill, my legs were burning, my butt still hurts. But I love it. I love the creek, the water is so clear. I love the trees, I love being outside; we saw a couple of lamas, and a few deer.
We have made it a goal to keep on this hiking trend.
In May we hiked to the summit of Baldy, a couple of weeks ago we hiked the infamous Bridge to Nowhere... next, we are thinking The Devil's Punchbowl...
Why are so many hiking destinations and trails referred to as "Devil" by the way?

45 miles South of Monterey in the San Lucia Hills...

2006-07-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

Michael, Justin and I headed up the PCH to BIG SUR this last weekend... The drive along the 1 is beautiful! (and long)

On the way we stopped off at Elephant Seal beach - The seals were just lying on the beach, they looked like washed up fish! They made this crazy deep barking sound that made us laugh... and the male seals would often fight... but of course Michael was more excited about the squirrels on the beach than the seals... so, he occupied his time by trying to catch them...

While driving up the 1 we blasted Mason Jennings (who has a cd with songs about the california coast on it)... we played the song Big Sur over and over and yelled the verse that says:

"45 miles south of Monterey and the San Lucia Hills the sunshine shone me to sleep and I dreamt I was alive... "

After a 7 hour drive we made it to Big Sur... I was blown away at how beautiful it was! I was also blown away that we got a campsite at Peifer State Park without reservations... we were very blessed, when we showed up there were only 5 campsites left, and we got one! The next day wasn't that easy though.. to get a campsite for the NEXT day we had wait around till 1pm.. which made us get a late start on our day..

Our camp had this amazing creek running through it... the water was so clear and crisp... at one part the water formed what looked like a little blue lagoon and it was deep enough to jump into a swim.. It was nice because it was so clean and clear and perfect looking...

We went to the most amazing beach in Big Sur - it was a little hidden. We had to take a 2 mile long, windy one way road through a canyon, and then we took a short walk between two mountains, and there it was!! It was so nice (besides the fact that the wind was sand blasting us) ... There were rocks in the water that formed little arches and holes that the waves would splash through, we saw an otter playing in the waves... the water was crystal blue.. there weren't that many people out, it was secluded, it was so nice!! We heard a rumor that this one of the top 100 beaches to visit..

We also went to Julia Peifer state beach to see a waterfall that was right on the sand.. The beach was unreachable, but it was still worth going to see.. it was a cool little lagoon with bright blue water and this little waterfall landing right on the sand...

Big Sur by Mason Jennings:

just let the disc play
this is a song to give you hope
i wouldn't have it any other way
this is a song to give you hope
when you say
honey i'm afraid to sleep at night, sleep at night
honey i'm afraid to sleep at night, sleep at night
well, i wish i had my arms around you
this is a song to give hope
just let this thing surround you
this is a song to give you hope
when you say
honey i'm afraid to sleep at night, sleep at night
honey i'm afraid to leave tonight, leave tonight
i said go, go on
go, go on
i said i, i love you truly
so go, go on
and get jump on the finer things
this is a song to give hope
you never know what the past will bring you
this is a song to give you hope
when you say
honey i'm afraid to sleep at night, sleep at night
honey i'm afraid to leave tonight, leave tonight
i said go, go on
go, go on
i said i, i love you truly
so go, go on
forty miles south of monterey and the san lucia hills
the sunshine shone me to sleep, and i dreamt i was alive
i sang myself a song, it went, know what you know,
stay when you stay, and go when you go
and i call it intuition, flowers bloom and hummingbirds fly
yes, i call it intuition, it gets me by
sailing on a silver ship out to the open
lonely and realizing that our friendship's been broken
and the funny thing to me is how quickly it slips away
and leaves you thinking of the things that were never spoken
and you know loving me is not enough
and i know future is as future does
sailing on a silver ship out to the open
lonely and realizing that our friendship's been broken
and the funny thing to me is how quickly it slips away
and leaves you longing for the things that were never spoken
and you know loving me is not enough
and i know future is as future does

Fun In L.A. (I love the office!)

2006-05-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

On May 20th some friends (Jamie, Charles & Jordan) and I went to LA... to explore, get to know our city.... We drove around then went to the LA Farmers market, by the Grove... had good Indonesian food.. then went to Hollywood and Highland... walked around, looked at the stars on the ground... and tried to avoid the creepy dressed up characters in home made outfits. You need to avoid looking them in the eye, otherwise, they will come after you. As what happened to me and Freddy Kruger... unfortunately he caught my eye, I tried to escape him by walking faster, but he came after me with his plastic claws- he ran then across the back of my neck... that made me yelp and run faster straight in front of a group who was taking a picture with Jack Sparrow.. . A big "Awwwww!" of disappointment came from the crowd because I had ruined there photo, now they are going to have a picture of my scared profile running by. Jack Sparrow wasn't so happy with me, he put his sword to my throat and told me I was to WALK THE PLANK.
by this time, I was done with the touristy part of LA... I want to go home.

Later that night on news, it turns out Freddy Kruger stabbed someone with a pair of real metal claws! Supposedly a homeless guy kept teasing him, the guy took Freddy's mask, and Freddy went to grab it back and stabbed the guy in the gut.. hMmMM?

This last weekend Justin and I decided to roam LA, no real plans or course... we ended driving straight through downtown LA, through the fashion district, then the flower district, then we happened upon, what we think is, Skid Row.. there were people EVERYWHERE, in the streets, sleeping on the sidewalk, there were tents on the street..
Driving through this part of LA made us think that we were in another country, it smelled like home made Mexican food, there were more foreign languages then English... the buildings had flat fronts, most in bright colors, like orange, turquoise and red...

We ended up at the Farmers Market, where I was the weekend before, and we ate at the Banana Leaf, where I ate the weekend before. (The Banana Leaf at the Farmers Market in LA has GREAT FOOD, YUMMMM) While walking around the Farmers Market, Justin grabs my arm and says, "Do you know who that guys is?" .... I look at the guy, and yes! that is that guy from the Office, our favorite show!! I tell Justin and he HAS TO talk to him. So, Justin goes up to him, says, "Hey, you're in the office!! You are my favorite on the show, YOU ARE THE BEST, THE BEST, MAN... " The guy seemed be a little embarrassed.. and his friends were smiling in the background, probably thinking that is funny that their friend is being "recognized" ... Well, he introduces himself as "Paul" Justin takes a picture with him, and then we part... it was enough to make us both very gitty... that is our favorite show... Toby is a great character on the show.... what a treat.

We continue to walk around, and then lo and behold, I spot... ANGELA from the office, she is talking on her cell phone in front of the Banana Leaf... We did not approach her though... on the show, she is some what stuck up... we know its only TV, but it left us feeling scared to talk to her! So, we looked at her briefly and then passed right on by....
We wanted to look around for more people from the Office, could Dwight be there?? That would have been the topper... but we left and didn't see anyone else..

We then drove to Santa Monica... went to the beach, the pier... where they had a Memorial... There were thousand of white crosses on the beach, representing those who have died in Iraq... It was pretty powerful... we then walked up the Promenade... we watched a few street shows... then headed home.. it was a LONG day...

The NEXT day, some friends and I went to LACMA, for the Gustov Klimt exhibit .. I really like his stuff... then we walked to the tar pits... that smell gives me a headache... THEN we ate the best Indian food ever.. at the New Dehli Palace in Pasadena, my favorite restrurant.. its "Hauntingly good"... it is.