Perfect Moments Monday - Another Birthday

Thank you for stopping by for Perfect Moments Monday. Tomorrow is my 47th birthday and it reminded me of a Most Perfect Moment that occurred two years ago on my 45th birthday.
Our sons participate in Scouting and I was asked by my older son's troop leader to conduct a First Aid Skills challenge for 250 boys over the course of a weekend that just happened to fall on my birthday. (Birthdays aren't such a big deal when the years go by so fast that sometimes both you and your parents forget your age!!) I agreed to spend the weekend with a bunch of smelly preteen and teen boys and no flush toilets even though I was disappointed I would not be with my husband and younger son on my birthday. We planned to celebrate as a family when I got home.
So my older son and I packed up the minivan with camping gear and a few more boys and off we went to Camp Jubilee in the Kern Mountains 100 miles away. I spent the full day until evening on Saturday working with scouts from all over Southern California on learning life saving skills such as a two man carry or responding to a choking emergency. It was alot of fun and very rewarding for me despite the hot and dusty conditions. After an enjoyable and exhausting day, I was looking forward to relaxing around the campfire. I had finished packing up my medical supplies and equipment and was walking into camp when I looked up and saw my youngest son! I said, "Son, what are you doing here?" as my jaw hit the ground. I then saw my husband by our tents with a huge birthday cake! He went to the bakery and then drove 100 miles one way to spend the evening with me on my birthday. That single act of love was absolutely one of the best gifts I have ever received. The joy of that moment and the demonstration of my husband's love takes my breath away and brings tears to my eyes even now two years later. Okay, off to get more tissues. (I'm going to start calling this "Mess Up Mascara Mondays.") I hope you too have a memorable perfect moment on your birthday and when you least expect it.

(Dear Mom and Dad, Thank you for everything. It all started with you. xoxo M)

Show and Tell: Iron Commenting

Commenter is the correct spelling for someone who comments, but Iron Commentor is what I received and I’m proud and humbled to post the ILCW (International Comment Leaving Week) button. I’ve learned and been touched so much by reading over 122 blogs this past week. (Yes, I can speed read and I woefully neglected my chores.)

A blog can be a therapist’s couch, a clinical journal, or a recipe or book review club, among many other configurations. It moves me to see a small glimpse of others’ lives and journeys and some I hope to revisit. It has been another lesson in the brutal and beautiful life that I claim as my own; warts, rainbows, and all. It also helped me define my mission statement for my blog. I want my blog for the most part to be a tea house or saloon (depending on your time zone or mood) where you can put your feet up, have a cuppa, or a crisp, cool California Chardonnay, or shot of Patron Tequila, and share a smile, tissues if needed.

I thank you sincerely for participating in ILCW and inviting me into your homes, thoughts, and dreams. Thank you for visiting my blog and I hope to see you soon. Wishing you a Great Rest of your day and weekend,
Martha

From dictionary dot com

verb (used with object)
9. to make comments or remarks on; furnish with comments; annotate.

—Related forms
com•ment•a•ble, adjective
com•ment•er, noun

Post Script- Rest In Peace, Mr.Newman, Thank you for "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid" and "The Sting". Thank you also for The Painted Turtle Camps and your family charities. Godspeed on your journey, I consign you to the stars.

Axioms of Beauty and Fashion

"Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes."
Henry David Thoreau

Please fear for me and pray for me if you are of a religious bent. I am going to a Ladies Charity luncheon this Sunday and am contemplating what to wear. (I haven't worn anything but jeans, tshirts, and sneakers for like, oh, 6 months.) This upcoming event inspires me to share my Axioms or Truths of Beauty and Fashion.

The bigger your hurry, the bigger the sneeze will be that messes up your mascara.

The bigger the occasion, the greater the likelihood you will get the biggest zit of your life.

The cuter the jeans make your butt look; the more quickly they will be discontinued by the manufacturer. The shoe corollary to this truth is, the more comfortable the sneaker, the more quickly it will be discontinued.

The prettier the dress in your perfect style and color, the higher the likelihood is, that the store won’t have your size.

The sexier the dress, the more uncomfortable are the undergarments required for wearing it. The shoe corollary to this truth is; the sexier the shoes, the more uncomfortable they are.

Any others I missed or forgot in my fashion ignorance? Many thanks!

Prize Winner/Political Junkie

Thank you all so much to those who played along with my goofy guessing game. I appreciate the laughs and some of my favorite guesses were "bird flying overhead", (yes, Sara, waaaaay off) to squished caterpiller or moth, ugh. Oil stain was a good one too, so Thank you for your participation. I'm pleased to announce our Winner...

Congratulations to KCCat, who correctly guessed "Old gum". She was our First Runner Up but will receive the prize as the First Winner, Liam, declined it. (I guess Lavender or Tuberose Organic Shower gel doesn't appeal to him? My first male commentator btw.) Liam guessed the right answer within one minute of me posting. How creepy is that? Anyway, I'm delighted to announce our Winner, KCCat and again, thanks for your participation. (I feel a little like Ed McMahon and The Publisher's Clearinghouse Sweepstakes, except of course, my Beverly Hills Mansion is Not in foreclosure.) Disclaimer- I Do Not Live Anywhere Near B.H., like 30 miles away and on the other side of the "Hill". (Santa Monica Mountains) (Like my reverting into Valley girl talk? It's a second language or maybe my third after Brooklynese.)

I don't know if anyone is paying attention to the US Presidential Campaign, but regardless of your political bent or where you live, these are some crazy times in US History. I used to consider myself somewhat apolitical as most Buddhists do, but now, I'm a Political Junkie, clicking on cnn or google news to get my fix multiple times a day. I will be so totally bummed if the first Presidential Debate does not go on tomorrow as scheduled. I think that would be a Huge Mistake for the Republicans, but last time I checked, the McCain and Palin campaign advisors weren't calling me for my woman on the street opinion. (Actually woman in the Burbs). Neither is Obama's campaign, but sounds like "It's Game On" for the Democrats. Anybody else looking forward to November 5th so we can get back to our regularly scheduled country? That's assuming there is a clear winner, if not, it could be Thanksgiving until we know who takes home the Prize of the US Presidency.

Here's wishing you a winning day to you and yours. Thanks for clicking over.

Almost Wordless Wednesday/Beauty in Unexpected Places

There is a prize for the first correct guess about what this heart is made of. (I apologize that I can't figure out how to write that sentence without ending it in a preposition, a big No-No! Help me, Mrs.Spit!) Thank you and may you find beauty in an unexpected place.

Thrift Store Shopping in Los Angeles

I grew up going to flea markets and auctions with my mom, an Art and Antiques dealer. Things with a history and that show their use and wear appeal to me. Shopping at a flea market or thrift store is a form of recycling. I am on a constant decluttering mission, trying to get rid of something after I get something new, (well, new to me). So, I not only shop at thrift stores, but I also donate too.

There are some wonderful thrift stores and flea markets in my neighborhood and Los Angeles. Everytime I drop off things to Goodwill, I like to take a look around, especially since Halloween is coming. Some wonderful finds I have found at the thrift store include a full length leather coat for a play costume, a wool Irish walking cap, and a set of Calphalon cookware and chef's bowls.

The mother of all flea markets in Los Angeles is held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena monthly. Just imagine acres and acres of stuff, antique hardware, vintage clothing, costume jewelry, religious artifacts, horse tack, old pictures, books, and vinyl records. I've been to the monthly flea market at the Santa Monica airport too and it's smaller with lots of furniture, but I was happy to see Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic fame there.

Also in Los Angeles is a hidden gem of a thrift store, St.Vincent De Paul Society. This place is huge, probably the size of a Home Depot. They have a great selection of used furniture. I've gotten a very nice sleeper love seat and a wing chair which was reupholstered and Voila, Brand new furniture for a third of the cost. Plus, I got to pick out the fabric and they were well made with a solid wood frame.

Another fun stop on our Bargain basement tour of LA is Magnolia Street in Burbank. There are some fun antique shops, thrift stores, and one of my favorite stores, "It's A Wrap", which sells the wardrobes used in television and movies. My niece bought gorgeous jewel encrusted sandals and full length hot pink gloves worn on General Hospital. My son got a black fedora from "The Mark of Zorro" which is the closest I will ever get to Antonio Bandaras, sigh.

That concludes our tour for today. Next time I'm in the mood to shop (not too often, fortunately!!), I'll give you the lowdown on downtown LA including our wholesale flower, jewelry, fabric, and fashion districts. Also, my husband is taking me to Little India soon where I expect to find new treasures and bargains galore! Thank you for your time and may you find your treasure at a very good price!

Perfect Moment Monday/Warning Sad Post

I have a Perfect Moment to share this Monday, that truly was just a moment. I feel my heart quicken and my chest tighten even now as I recall this moment. It is a perfect moment with a horribly imperfect beginning or more accurately "ending".

My 10 y/o son has a best friend who we have known ever since they were both infants at the same daycare. As often happens, your children's friends and their families become your friends. Such is the case with this family. The dad of the family, (E), was a landscape contractor we hired to help us redo our backyard 4 years ago. (Don't hire your friends or family to do work but that's another post for another time.) The backyard turned out great with the associated blood, sweat, and tears. Both families are really proud and happy of the result. Flash forward 18 months, (E) is fatally injured in an accident and dies in the Emergency room leaving his wife and two school age children. I remember sitting at the stop light while an ambulance raced by and when my boys fussed about being late for baseball practice, I said, "That might be someone we know or one of us", little did I know how right I was. (E)'s death stunned and grieved us all, but of course none more so than his widow (my dear friend) and their young children. She was worried that friends and family would abandon her, but we have been, are, and will continue to be there for this family. They are now part of our family, the best kind, the kind we choose.

I apologize for the lengthy background, now onto my Perfect Moment which touched my heart so deeply. My son, his friend, and I were in our flower garden where I recently installed a drip irrigation set up for my sprinklers. (I am a woman of many talents, what can I tell you?) My son was showing off my handiwork to his friend which quite amused and flattered me. I said to our friend, this sweet child, "Yes, your dad showed me how to do this, I learned so much from him." The look of joy that suffused our little friend's face filled me with so much happiness and sadness all at once. I realized by talking about his dad, that his father was alive for him once more, if only for that fleeting moment.

So for those few seconds, I had the privilege to take a little of the burden from this small child. My offhand comment affirmed to this boy, "I will remember your dad and he will always be a part of our lives and family."

I have to get some tissues, I'm a teary mess over here. I hope you have a great rest of your day, thank you for listening.

Show and Tell Sunday/Sign Misspellings

Happy Show and Tell Sunday to you! I am most pleased to show you a splendid example of one of my hobbies, finding misspellings in signs, menus, and other printed and allegedly proofread items. (Hey, everybody needs a hobby, right?)

This sign is from the Food vendor or "Roach Coach" stationed at the local soccer fields. I'm leary of Tiger Blood flavor, but can't wait to try a Lime Grade or Vainilla Hawaiian Shaved Ice. Thank you for stopping by and Happy Sunday!

The "Isms" of American Politics

It is great to see people of all ages and stripes so enthusiastic about discussing the upcoming United States Presidential election. I think there are a couple of "elephants in the room" or Donkeys, whichever you prefer, that people don't discuss. Sarah Palin's nomination for Vice President thrust the issue of Sexism into the fore that Hillary Clinton's candidacy did not. Republicans seem to be exploiting sexism when it suits them as all good politicians should.

The elephants in the room that We are Not Talking about are Racism and Ageism. If Harvard educated Barack Obama's name was Bill Owens with white parents, this election wouldn't even be close. (BTW, I'm skeptical of the polls since they only include land lines which alot of folks don't have in this cellular age.) The shame is people don't own up to their prejudices or the impact they have on their choices. It seems the people hurt most by the Bush Administration of the last 8 years are the most supportive. It's almost masochistic. I'm tired of the refrain about oooohh, Democrats raising taxes, Guess What? Americans have one of the lowest tax rates per capita in the developed world, we are grossly undertaxed, just go visit Canada or Finland to get a taste of high taxes. Not to mention with our current Financial Market mess, we've already mortgaged our children and their childrens' futures and will be digging out of this hole for a long time.

The other elephant in the room is Ageism, which I own up to freely and openly. John McCain is too old and often exhibits signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with his impulsive decision making and volatile temper. He would be the oldest first term president with a 15 to 20% chance of dying within the next 4 years based on his age and medical history. I visualize him golfing on one of his many properties. He just doesn't have the stamina or intellect to be My Commander In Chief and The Most Powerful Leader in the World. McCain proved this when he chose a totally unqualified individual, instead of considering what is best for our country. Another example is his attitude towards the President of Spain, one of our Allies. No, he is not smarter than a fifth grader, far from it.

Whatever the outcome of the election, I hope the results are decisive and unifying to our country. That's one thing we really need now in these tough times, a feeling of unity.
Thank you and I wish you the best in your democratic process this and every election season!

LA Train Collision Redux

The Los Angeles Train collision that occurred last Friday, 9/12/08, did hit close to home, closer than I expected. A young lady, a senior at the high school near my home, was killed on her way to work at her parent's restaurant. She was a friend and classmate of my friend's children. My heart aches for her family. I lost my brother as a young adult and it leaves a gaping hole in your heart, life, and family with the attendent scarring. A life full of promise and hope cut short with no warning is so tragic and sad, it is overwhelming to me to think of how much she and all children lost too soon and their families, have been denied.

I was brought to tears to read of the heroism and caring shown by passengers and neighbors in the aftermath of the train crash. Fellow passengers and the people living in the houses next to the crash site were the first responders, evacuating and treating the injured, comforting the dying, and providing food and water to the emergency personnel. Los Angeles has a reputation as being a big, uncaring city. Please don't believe it. I have seen people come together time and time again, after the 1995 Northridge quake, the Glendale Metrolink collision three years ago, and the Wildfires last fall. Our home doesn't end at our front door, my neighbors have picked up my son's prescriptions when we all were sick and walked my dog when we've been stuck in traffic. We look out for each other and my Nursing Shingle is always out to help with a dislocated elbow, broken ankle, or elderly neighbor who needs someone to listen.

Thank you for "listening" and I wish and hope you have a home that includes your neighborhood and community.

Wordless Wednesday brought to you by WRUF

Perfect Moment Mondays

I have a Perfect Moment that I would like to share this Monday. This "Perfect Moment" occurred during our weekly work team meeting. I am a Pediatric nurse care manager and I am on a team of ten nurses taking care of patients who range in age from premature babies to young adults. We care for patients with a variety of diagnoses; Asthma, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Heart Defect, and Diabetes among others. We provide education, support, and resources to families all over the United States and it is done all via telephone and internet. It is a unique and challenging job and one that I love. Well, onto my transcendent moment...

A nurse colleague has a patient, a young adult who has recovered from a rare and potentially life threatening form of Cancer. This teen was preparing to go to college this fall near his home in the Midwestern U.S. After receiving the patient and family's permission, my colleague contacted Make A Wish, a wish granting charity for children in the USA. He was encouraged by Make a Wish to "Dream Big". He considered a exotic trip as a possibility and listed it, but he also listed his true wish, the chance to attend college in a state where he could snowboard. My teammate was crying (as we all started to do) when she told us that Make A Wish had made arrangements for this young man to get a four year scholarship to a college in Colorado. It brings tears of joy to my eyes right now for this young man and his family whom I've never met, and also pride in the nurse I work with and the good work we do everyday for our patients and families. It truly is a privilege.

Thank you for clicking over, I appreciate it and I wish for you a Perfect Moment or two.

Show and Tell Sunday: Turkey Vultures hanging out

I hope you enjoy these pictures of my friendly neighborhood Turkey Vultures enjoying some downtime after a morning of scavenging carrion. The birds are big, they stand about 2.5 to 3 feet in height with a 5-6 foot wingspan. Vultures spread their wings out while perched to cool off. They are beautiful in an ugly, ungainly way while in a tree, but so graceful while in flight. (Please double click on photo if you would like to enlarge, it shows their faces, amazing!) Thank you for stopping by and I wish you and yours a great rest of your day and week.

Please send a prayer for Victims of Train Collision

I am sad and stunned today. I hope that you can please send a prayer to my fellow Los Angelenos who have been killed or injured in a horrible commuter train and freight train collision yesterday. I ride the commuter train (different line) occasionally and enjoy taking it with the boys into downtown LA. It is a "community on wheels", a wonderful thing in this horizontal and dissociated car crazy city. My heart breaks for the families who wait in vain for their husband, wife, child, lover, sister, brother, or friend to walk through the door.

Sorry for the depressing post, even though the accident is 15 miles away, it hits close to home. Whenever I think, "That could have been me, us", I am reminded of the fragility of life and how well we deceive ourselves it is anything but.

"Oh, what a world! What a world!" Wicked Witch of West, The Wizard of Oz

"People do not like to think..."

"People do not like to think. If one thinks, one must reach conclusions. Conclusions are not always pleasant."
Helen Keller

I am weary of people who base their decisions on shallow, superficial issues. I believe we are all smarter than the politicians and bureaucrats think we are. I am sick of the lies and avoidance of real dialogue among politicians. I am proud to be a citizen of this country and to cast my vote. I feel it is my responsibilty, we all have so much at stake, especially now.

If you haven't registered to vote, please do so, the deadline is nearing. If you "Don't vote, don't complain" is my motto. See you at the Polls!

100 Words - Memories of 9/11/01

The phone rang at 6:15 am in Los Angeles; it was my husband from his office. He asked me if I heard the news, "What news? That Michael Jordan is coming out of retirement?" I said glancing at the morning paper. "Turn on the TV" and I did and I saw the Twin Towers fall on the screen and our world change forever for our two sons and all of us. I remember how quiet it was that day with no airplanes flying overhead as if we were observing a sacred silence and sharing our grief from three thousand miles away.

Wordless Wednesday "Bad Table!"

Pictures from Lake Piru, Ventura County, CA

The Golden Eagle is visible on the right side of the photo towards the middle.(Please open in a new window to enlarge if you like, my DH and I call these, "small dot animal pictures".)

This is the first time I have ever seen a Golden Eagle in the wild. They are 3 feet in height, very impressive.
Outside The Sanchez Market, Downtown Piru

What a Dame!/Perfect Moment Mondays

I hope you enjoy the excerpts below from a recent LA Times interview with Shirley Maclaine; actress, author, and spiritual seeker. This struck a chord with me because I get tired of dealing with other people's BS and my own BS too. Gee, who doesn't?

"... If anything interferes with my inner peace, I will walk away. Arguments with family members. All that stuff. None of it matters. Before, I would try to understand or win the argument.

(Interviewer) Are you getting smarter as you get older?

No. I'm getting tired."


Also, I am going to participate in "Perfect Moment Mondays" whose purpose is to share a moment that brought peace and joy. I am fortunate enough to have two moments to share this Monday. The first was a bad situation turned very sweet. About a week ago, while the boys were getting ready for school, it got very tense with my 13 y/o. He left the house in a huff with the accompanying slamming of doors and pouting face. I hate starting the day (or finishing it that way, or anything in between for that matter) with negativity for both us and was sad that's the way it was. Two minutes later, my son came back to say he was sorry and he wanted a Hug. That was special, especially at this age, where it's All About Them. Really cool.

The next perfect moment happened yesterday when we went boating on Lake Piru in Ventura County with our dear friends and neighbors. (In of itself, multiple perfect moments.) We were cruising around the lake looking for fishing spots when we came upon two Golden Eagles. One was perched on a rise 30 yards from us and the other was riding the thermals along the shoreline. Truly breathtaking. I will post pictures later this week.

Thank you so much for letting me share these things that remind me of how blessed I am and that all is not lost when it comes to parenting a teen and preteen. I noticed that perfect moments seem easier to find once I started looking.
I send my best to you and may your cup runneth over with perfect moments to sustain you.

WTF Wednesday Winner

Please join me in Congratulating ... Sara of Gas Passer aka UU'er as our First Winner of WTF Wednesdays with her closest correct answer of "Observatory". The picture is of the 35 foot high Swarovski crystal waterfall sculpture "Joie" that greets you on your way to the "Top of the Rock" Observatory on top of Rockefeller Center in NYC. This 3 story tall chandelier has 14,000 Swarovski crystals and fiberoptic lighting. I will be sending out the prize soon to Sara, a True Winner if ever there was one! I am also sending out consolation prizes to the wonderful contestants who guessed chandelier with a sincere thank you! I will provide a hint or two next time. Thank you again and best to all and hope you get to walk under a Waterfall of Crystals soon.

Rare, Albino Dolphins seen off Newport Coast

I apologize that the video upload feature of blogger refuses to cooperate in posting this video of an extremely rare Albino or "Pink" Dolphin seen recently off the Newport Coast in Orange County, California, USA. If you would like to watch this enchanting 4 minute video of this pink calf and its' mom, please cut and paste the link below into a browser window. Thank you and hope you enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qhs_mH9v6pU

Howdy- Updates

Hi there and hope you had a restful long weekend. We've been busy this weekend tracking Hurrican Gustav, having great political discussions, and celebrating my husband's birthday.

We've been watching Hurricane Gustav closely because we have family in both Florida and New Orleans. (N'awlins). Our niece and her husband live in New Orleans and evacuated last week. They are staying with family and are waiting to go back to the city. They went through Hurricane Katrina 3 years ago and needless to say, this is getting old. Really old and tiresome for them, especially since they bought their first home a couple years ago. Alex, our niece's husband, is an editor and writer for a music magazine based in New Orleans and just returned from Denver, Colorado where he covered the Democratic Convention. He is an incredibly gifted writer and has interviewed some fantastic musicians; B.B.King, Harry Connick Jr, The Neville Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, and on and on. We are also so thankful for Alex, not only does he make our niece happy and is a true friend, he took us to see Terrance Simien and The Lost Bayou Ramblers at the performance of the Grammy nominees for the Cajun Zydeco category last February. It was "off the hook". I am so lucky, I adore my DH's niece and her husband, (and not because of the free concerts and all that). We so wish they didn't have to go through this stress.

The Presidential elections have really caught the interest of our 13 y/o son. He had to watch the speeches at the Democratic convention and write an essay for history class. He is now downright passionate and has said how much he wished he could vote this election. I invited him into the voting booth with me while I vote and told him we could volunteer for his candidate. He seems to have a better grasp on issues than some grown ups, listing the qualifications of both VP candidates very concisely and thoughtfully.

We celebrated my beloved's birthday this weekend with a BBQ at the pool and home made chocolate malt cake. (It's delicious, especially the frosting which is made with whipping cream, chocolate, malt powder, and cream cheese. Only downside, the frosting melts quickly in the 90 degree heat, so you have to eat up quickly.) Sunday, we went to Zuma Beach in Malibu and hung out with another family. My husband took the boys to a Dodgers Baseball game yesterday. All in all, a Great Birthday Weekend! We aim to please, well at least the one day a year. ;oD

Well, it's back to work today, solving problems one patient and family at a time. I wish you a great rest of your day and thanks for checking in.