Happy Birthday for Almost Wordless Wednesday

HOLY

IS

Adventures in Car Selling

We are selling our used minivan and I am still perfecting the art of telling insulting potential car buyers to politely go to H3LL.

I've had numerous callers who immediately offer less, sometimes half our asking price. How can you make an offer on a car you've never seen? Maybe the car you're thinking of doesn't have an engine?

If all you have to spend on a car is $4000, why are you looking at car that is priced 30% higher? How is, how much money you have to spend, OUR Problem? Do I go into the grocery store and tell them, "Gee, all I have is a dollar for this 3 dollar loaf of bread?" I DON'T Think So!!!

Don't call it Transmission OIL, Moron, it's called Transmission Fluid.
And yes, I have every receipt for this well maintained car because I transport the most precious cargo of all, my family and friends in it!! I know the concept of maintaining your car properly can be strange and foreign to some folks, But just like for people, same thing for cars, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, or in this case, being stranded and a Big repair bill.

Please don't tell me a car with 10,000 miles per year is "High Mileage". Do your research and go bother somebody else who needs this nonsense!

Thank you, I feel better now.

Perfect Moment Mondays Out and About

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday hosted by Lori of Weebles Wobblog. Perfect Moment Mondays is a place to celebrate the art of appreciation and I was blessed with several perfect moments while just going about my day.

-Seeing a falling star with my 14 y/o son while driving home and then having him explain that a falling star is actually a meteor burning up in our atmosphere. (I was reminded of the verse, They'll learn much more.....than I'll never know, from the song, What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.)

-During the boys' annual physicals, I had my 11 y/o son show our Pediatrician his "Tickets to the Gun Show", (which means flexing and posing your biceps), and all of us sharing a laugh in the examination room, especially the doctor doubled over from laughter. (Gee, Doc, you gotta get out more...)

-Sharing a lovely birthday dinner with my 80ish parents who are still active, independent, and support and love me and my family in so many ways.

-Having my hairdresser tell me that my hair is So Much Lighter since my last haircut and it's not because it's bleached from the Sun, but because of GREY. And after a few minutes, it didn't bother me. (I would be lying if I said it didn't bother me at all, but then, meh, it's free highlighting and when it bothers moi, I'll do something about it!!)

Thank you so much for sharing in my Perfect Moments, and I wish for you Many Perfect Moments to share and savor.

Pretty in Pink on the Soccer Field

Welcome to Pink Saturday where Pink Reigns!

I spent last weekend watching our boys play soccer and I was delighted to see lots of Pink including this colorful umbrella.
This Neon pink jersey is a fun and glowing shade of Pink.
Of course we have Hawaiian Shave Ice available from the snack cart with another colorful umbrella and its cheerful stripes.
In addition to Pink Bubblegum and Pink Lemonade flavors, you might want to try the Lime Grade, Tiger Blood, or Vainilla.
Aren't these little girls in their pink uniforms the very definition of Adorable?
Let's All Raise Our Arms and say, "Yeah for Pink Saturday!!"


Thank you for sharing in this Rosy Tour of our local soccer fields and to Beverly, our host of Pink Saturday. Also, recently I visited a new blogger, Ruth at Everyday Life of a Suburban SAHM, and I invite you to do the same for Pink Saturday. Thank you so much!

Hot Dog On A Stick for The Color Carnival

Welcome to Hot Dog on A Stick whose menu includes hot dogs deep fried in corn batter and fresh squeezed Real Lemonade served by people in funny hats. I love Cool Signs especially neon ones.
Thank you to Martha for being our Colorful Host of The Color Carnival and you for stopping by!

Kids say Cute Stuff

Our Older son, D., is a 14 y/o in his first year of high school. One of the clubs he joined is Academic Seminar where they field a team that competes in academic competitions. The faculty advisor quizzes the students with questions checking their knowledge of various subjects and ability to use the buzzer and answer questions under pressure.

The instructor asked D., "Who wrote Winnie The Pooh?"
He answered in the style of one of our family's most favorite TV shows, Jeopardy, "Who is A.A.Milne?"

D. has alot of insight, he was talking about "people need perspective" and not just think about themselves. We talked about the developmental tasks and stages of teenagers and young adults including the traits of self centeredness and the attitude of immortality. He confirmed it, Wow, Mr.Maturity.

S., our 11 y /o had his school pictures done last week and he wore a nice shirt and combed his hair unlike last year where he wore a well loved NY Yankees tshirt and sported his usual tousled curls. S. got a kick out of the school photographer calling everyone, "Babe". "Here, Babe, line up here." "Please stand up straight, Babe." Smile Babe."
S. also said he felt like a statue or a model or something equally unpleasant about having to pose and stand still for the pictures.

Of course, my four legged kid, the Dog, Charley also does an abundance of cute stuff including being the official greeter at the local dog park, Central Bark, and rolling over to scratch his back. He also specializes in stealth, drive by licks where when he walks past you he kisses your leg. Very Sweet.

For more sweet stuff, please visit Cammie at the House of No Sleep, Thank you.

My Gardening Companion for Almost Wordless Wednesday

This California Fig Beetle was my companion in the garden for a little while and was hatched in our compost pile. When this beetle flew, I thought it was a hummingbird, it was THAT LOUD.



I've always liked beetles and agree with the Ancient Egyptians who see them as Good Luck.

P.S. I am the host today over at The Motivation Station, the place to go to get your GIT HER DONE On!

Thank you and my best for a Lucky Day!

But In Gear

I've been too busy to meaningfully blog today, (Oh, the Horror!). But*, and that's a Big But, (I like big butts and I cannot lie, Oh sorry about that), But if you would like to see what I've been up to today, please check out my new blog adventure, The Motivation Station and today's comment thread. Many thanks and off to get back on board!

* I apologize to all the grammarians for starting this sentence with a preposition which is the only grammar rule I can consistently remember besides "I" Before "E", Except after "C".

Santa Monica Beach House for The Color Carnival

I hope you enjoy these pictures of the Santa Monica Beach House where our family spent a relaxing day a few weeks ago.

In the center of this photo is The Marion Davies Estate (which served as the Guest House) at the former William Randolph Hearst's Beach Compound. The building is newly restored and open to the public for tours.

This is the newly built Santa Monica Community Beach House built on the footprint of William Randolph Hearst's mansion which is represented by the tall white pillars that are the same size and configuration of the pillars of his mansion.
(I just love these orange umbrellas, market umbrellas make me inexplicably happy.)

This is the view looking west onto the Pacific Ocean.

Thank you to Martha for hosting The Color Carnival and you for your visit. My best to you for a great weekend and week too!

Pebble Mosiac at Huntington Beach for Pink Saturday

This pebbled mosiac is at the beach near the pier in Huntington Beach, California. Fun, unexpected art is such a treasure.


Thank you to Beverly for hosting Pink Saturday and to you for your visit.


In keeping with the host of Pink Saturday's request and thinking this is a fun idea, I visited a new blogger last week, The Shabby Tiara, for Pink Saturday and invite you to do so also, her blog is as cute as its name.

Happy Pinkaliciousness or Whatever your favorite color may be. (Orange you right, Yaya, ;oD)

I'm a host at a new blog, The Motivation Station

I was happy to be asked by a most dear blogger friend, Martha at The Menagerie to be part of the team for a new blog, The Motivation Station. I will be hosting on Wednesdays and the focus is to share, support, and inspire each other to reach a variety of Realistic and Rewarding goals whether they be personal goals like improving fitness, or home and family goals such as decluttering, shopping, or cooking, or planning fun in your life with travel and nature. Also, I welcome your suggestions and input including any tips or topics which are most appreciated.

Thank you so much and I hope you get a chance to stop by to share some inspiration, frustration, and of course, Motivation!

Thrift Store Thursday

A couple of commenters asked about my purchases from my recent thrift store forays and I thought I would share some of my finds. (Please double click photos to enlarge if you like, thank you.)

I enjoy baking and was delighted to find this pretty latticed cake stand and Brand New, Still with the store Price Tag On, 3 gallon sized glazed bowl which is big enough to wash a cat. (Not that the cat would enjoy it or this is the recommended use, but you get the idea, very nicely sized. :oD)


Here are some other goodies I found including this striped Ralph Lauren shirt which fits perfectly and was purchased for $3. Also, I found some vintage bead pearls and jewelry to use in my sewing and jewelry crafts.


I am always so happy to find jewelry parts to make over into new things and was thrilled to find these NEVER REMOVED FROM THE PACKAGE Vintage Pearl Beads labeled from 1970!!!! At 50 cents each!! I don't think I am going to use these, it seems sacriligious to open the packages. I know, I know, it's kinda crazy, ah well, just the product of being raised in the Art and Antiques business where NRB (Never Removed from Box) is The Holy Grail. I also picked up a fun butterfly necklace and a couple pairs of earrings to embellish some tank tops.


This eagle pendant caught my eye, it looks like someone added precious gemstones to it. I have to get a new chain or ribbon for it and also take it to the jeweler to identify the stones. Regardless of the type of gemstones, it is a nice piece, especially for $3. (That's a popular price point at the local thrift stores.)


Thank You to Homebody Holly for hosting Thrift Store Thursday, a fun meme that I just discovered. Also, thank you for checking out my loot. Have you scored any bargains lately??

The Cat at the Eiffel Tower for Wordless Wednesday

Multiple Perfect Moments

A surfeit* of perfect moments this week-

- Seeing the Firetrucks from cities and counties all across California packing up and leaving now that the wildfires are contained.

- Watching our sons practice magic tricks and make their own trick props, and then recount stories of amazing their friends.

- Having the boys clean the kitchen after dinner without being told. (I know, I am still picking up my jaw off the floor for this one.)

- Appreciating my husband's hard work and expertise to do the best job he can, whether it's being my partner, a warm and loving Dad, or a youth Soccer Referee and mentor.

- Looking forward to this coming weekend to meeting my blog buddy, Jason, who lives in the same city, going on a Girls Weekend next month with a few college buddies from Ohio, and then to Viva Las Vegas with the Spits in December. Anticipation... Happy Dance, tap, tap, tap!!

Thank you so much and I hope you are doing a happy dance too. A sincere thank you to Lori of Weebles Wobblog for hosting Perfect Moment Monday.

*Surfeit is such a great word, right up there with lacksidaisical.

I <3 Thrift Stores for Pink Saturday

I love thrift stores and grew up going to them, flea markets, and auctions with my Mom, an arts and antiques dealer. You can also always find fun pink items when you are out and about at the local thrift and antique stores.
This pink rose painting would really add panache to the right space.
These hot pink shoes really stand out on this display. Don't you want to know what motivated someone to buy them? Just a little?
There are some lovely pink floral china tchotkes on this display at Ye Local Antique Mall. (Tchotkes is Yiddish for bric a brac, which is what? What is bric a brac from??)
This scaldingly HOT Pink stuffed kitty cat and vintage jewelry box would delight many a little girl.

Thank you to Beverly for being the host of Pink Saturday in all it's pinkfabuliciouness! Also, Beverly asked us to link up a new blogger that we met last week for Pink Saturday and I visited My Thoughts My Voice and invite you to do so too. Many thanks as always for your visit and I wish you my pinky best.

Martha

In Memoriam 9-11-09

9-11-09

Peace Shalom Pax Paix

In Memoriam 100 word essay on 9-11-01

From ashes we emerge, to ashes, we return.

We Will Never Forget.

Seen on The Streets for Almost Wordless Wednesday

Crosswalk street markings in Chinatown, L.A., CA.


A Fork In The Road. (I am powerless against all puns, especially visual ones.)

Music Of The Movies at The Hollywood Bowl

I had the most wondrous of evenings this past Saturday night when our family went to a performance of Music Of The Movies at The Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by John Williams. Everything was delightful- the venue, the company, (we went with our son's piano teacher and her family who are also friends and neighbors), the food, (picnicking is encouraged and we brought a beautiful crab salad with avocado and tomatoes, teriyaki chicken burritos, turtle brownies with caramel and pecans, and a bottle of wine to share because with us it is all about the food too!), perfect weather, (cool enough for a sweater and a cuddle), and of course, first and foremost, the Music.



The Hollywood Bowl is a unique venue, it is outdoors and built into a natural amphitheater created by the Hollywood Hills. In addition to encouraging picnicking where you can bring your own food and drinks, they also allow cameras and for this particular concert, LIGHT SABERS!!!! Mr.Williams is the composer of the music from Star Wars and many of the audience bring their light sabers for when he plays music from Star Wars.


(Light sabers powered up during The Imperial March from Star Wars).

To share and listen to musicians of this caliber tampers with your sense of reality. While listening to the movie themes, there was frequently a video montage of the movie and I had to keep reminding myself, "This is Live Music, not the soundtrack".

For the first half of the performance, the orchestra played music from The Harry Potter movies including the main title theme song and also the music that signifies a particular place or character in the movie such as Diagon Alley or The Night Bus. Actor Lynn Redgrave provided the introductions to the music in the first half including how the music becomes an essential part of the character and action. The First Violinst played her violin in the style of a witch fiddling as part of the Diagon Alley theme. I could practically see the sparks coming off her bow and the cobblestone streets with Harry and Hagrid shopping for wands and brooms while she played.

(Red, White, and Blue lighting during the Superman Theme.)

For the second half of the concert, the Orchestra played "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca, jazz from "Catch Me If You Can", the "Superman" and "Batman" themes, and then concluding with Not One, Not Two, Not Three, Not Four, But FIVE, Yes, Five Encores with Star Wars Theme Music. That was when the light sabers powered up and the audience raised their glowing weapons in salute to the Orchestra and conductor. Live music touches me, us, in a way nothing else does and I feel privileged to share in this evening with my family and friends and now you. We can't wait to go again next year.


May The Force be With You.

Thank you for sharing in Perfect Moment Monday, Mellow Yellow Monday, Ruby Tuesday, Midweek Blues, and The Color Carnival. (I'm multitasking this week. Can you say blogger slacker? Yes, I thought so, ;oD)

Gilded Rose Manor Tea House for Pink Saturday

A dear friend of mine and I took some "girl time" over the summer and enjoyed a Victorian Tea at the Gilded Rose Manor in Northridge, California. It was so hot we had our tea iced, but everything else was the traditional British High Tea with scones, devon cream, lemon curd, cucumber and finger sandwiches, hot savories, and petite fours and sweets to finish. It was a lovely time spent with my friend matched by the charming surroundings with lots of pink throughout. It's hard to believe this tea house is a tract ranch house in the middle of the San Fernando Valley!

This is the main dining room with its pink tableclothes and deep pink paint on the walls.

I found this indoor tree with multicolored "silk" roses to be very charming.

This is the private party room for large groups and special occasions. The pink against the deep blue walls is quite stunning.

Please let me know if you are ever out this way and in the mood for a "spot o' tea", my treat! Thank you so much for stopping by and to Beverly for hosting Pink Saturday. My best to you and yours for a week "In The Pink".

Rainbow Connection for The Color Carnival

A month ago I captured this image of two rainbows on each of our sons' bedroom doors while they were sleeping. The rainbows were created by a prism that belonged to my late brother, Jim. I had put it on my office window ledge a couple months ago and was delighted to see this. My sentimental heart thinks it is my big brother come to visit his nephews. And who is to say it isn't?

If you crave more color, please stop by the Color Carnival. Thank you.

For fellow lovers of the song, "The Rainbow Connection", I hope you enjoy the music video, (only one I could find with Kenny Loggins original recording), and the lyrics below.



Rainbow Connection Music and Lyrics - Kenny Loggins

Why are there so many songs about rainbows
and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
and rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it.
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Who said that every wish would be heard
and answered when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that and someone believed it.
Look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us star gazing
and what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

All of us under its spell. We know that it's probably magic.

Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that called the young sailors.
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me

Teen Revelations with Kids Say What?

D., our eldest son, 14 y/o, started high school a few weeks ago. He is enjoying school including not having to wear a uniform, (there is a dress code, no gangster or hoochie mamawear, exposed midriffs, spaghetti straps, inappropriate tshirts, the list is quite detailed), but it is much more liberal than his junior high uniform. He is very happy to be wearing his Beatles, Metallica, and National Sarcasm Society (Like we need your support) Tshirts to school.

D.told me after the first week of school that despite partially expecting the Seniors at the school to "stab me in the heart, they ignored me." He was relieved with this outcome.

He is taking Spanish and is also enjoying the class very much. He practices the Spanish alphabet with our dog, Charley. Charley is a very attentive student learning to roll his Rs.

D.also determined that my new car "wasn't new any longer after a month". Just in time for my first car payment.

Thanks for sharing in my reflections through a teen boy prism. For more Kids Say What?, please visit Cammie at The House of No Sleep.

Actually, it's the adults who say "What?", kids say "Huh?".

A Couple Befores and Afters for Almost Wordless Wednesday

I love Before and After pictures whether it's fashion makeovers or home renovations. So, in that spririt, I would like to share a couple of my little projects presented as "Befores and Afters."

Here are some broken, single earrings and chain that I made into a pendant necklace.

Black and white is a favorite color combination especially with this retro mod look.


Last Spring, I replaced a small strip of grass that was impossible to mow with a perennial garden.




The garden came out great after much back breaking labor, mind numbing planning, and too many trips to recall to the building supply and the nursery. All the perennials have filled in and are doing great.
Just call me "The Rock Whisperer", I swear it took longer to place the granite and rocks than other part of this project.

I hope you enjoyed these pictures and that you have lots of great Befores and Afters, In Betweens too, because that's where you spend the most time. Thank you for your visit and all the good wishes about the wildfires nearby.

Hazy with the Smoke

My Dad in San Diego, my sister from Philly, my brother from Florida, and a friend from New Jersey called about the wildfires. We are fine, not anywhere near a burn area, thank goodness. The air quality is poor and the skies have an eerie cast from the smoke and ash in the air. Outdoor activities at school and community sports have been cancelled, this is Southern California's version of snow days.

Last week was tough with processing our own little conflagration and stressful stuff with the boys. Plus, PMS, housework, and not enough hours in the day, have me feeling out of sorts and ready to whinge like Mrs.Spit says. (What exactly is a whinge? Is this a Canadian or European expression?? It sounds like a kitchen tool, "Honey, please pass me the whinge for the aioli.")

Anyway, here is my PSA, the Sense of Humors are great in North LA county in regards to the wildfires. My thoughts and prayers go out to our firefighters and the families who have lost their homes including our animal friends who are the primary residents of this urban forest.

(It's really tough to feel sorry for yourself for Any Length of Time when you think about this, so much for my whinge.)

Thanks, I will take a (Hug), Martha

P.S. I have two more slots open for the Pay It Forward Giveaway! Thanks so much.