TERI REES WANG

Sink or Swim

2012-01-13T15:01:00.000-08:00

So neglectful I have been
Busy pondering other things
Dove down and kept going
Buoy up and remember to swim

Self preservation out at sea
Setting sail to the stars
Focus on bold intentions
Set on the horizon line for me

So now so long
Still testing the waters
Wind is warm
Sun is strong

Keep me in mind
Follow along
Knowing it has been
Far too long

Cheers! -Teri
My new years resolution is to keep up with making the rounds.

Happy Halloween x 3

2011-10-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

HAPPY.... ;P

Pretty Platinum Pumpkins

2011-10-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

Strangely, I have felt a shift.
Pretty is a pretty does.
Creative genius is as creative genius does.
I was stuck in the mud literally, and figuratively, both.
I wiggled my Self out and began digging in the dirt, turning over the soil, pulling weeds, and replanting. This began a new-again path to stir slowly to a faster pace of creativity. A bounty of blooming has begun. And, now I have proof.
These are my latest little poufs, made for a Hollywood Regency house
for Halloween. May your own inner or outer 'Creative Genius' get a boost.

Cheers! -Teri

Heal the Bay in the Hood

2011-09-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

We had just come home from a two week road trip.
Open the paper a found a crowd surround some art,
and then realized they were all right out side,
and down the block. So we walked.

We found some some old friends and now some new.
We made our way to camera and microphone, posing
and promoting the right for art in our hood.
Rows of otherwise camouflaged homes,
and now one standing out in full view.

A neglected property that is getting some attention.
An eye sore before, but now seems full of intention.
A backdrop for an impromptu Holiday card,
a couple came, complete with ladder and ornamentation.
Happy to be part of a local stage.

Lights and cameras, reporters and restraints.
Documenting both compliments and complaints.
Though only one showed resistance, but he always does.
Everyone else thought it was great big fun.
Knowing of course this display will not stay.

How nice it would be, when all building sites
show off their more colorful side, in the meantime.
A curtain, a bill board, a show of a submission.
A story in stripes, a statement of mission.

The city has stated issue and sited the builder.
Guess they missed out on collecting revenues,
so they are attempting to make up for it in fines.
Bloated red face, blowing hot air only proves that
they hold on to out dated views, and have forgotten
to fawn and stroke the local muse.

Creative genius always prevails.
Stepping up to the scene of prevention.
Contending with pop-up circus tents for termites
Collectors and curators waving their paddles
Bidding has begun in favor of preservation.

Artist: "Risk" aka Kelly Graval

Artist: "Retna" aka Marquis Lewis

Adam Corlin of Corlin Construction, and Oceans@Risk

Articles of News:

The Huffington Post: Oceans At Risk House Raises Eyebrows

Arrested Motion

Heal the Bay

CBS news reporter Serene Branson

Who Me?

2011-08-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sweet pink
Flush cheeks
Change me
Have me weak

More more
Give me more
All I adore
Open door

Take it away
All away
Toss it out
Make me stay

Coco + Kelley = Teri's Orange You Glad it's Strawberry

2011-08-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

This is a Re-post:
Yes, I am having way too much fun in the sun.
...'tis the season.
All I want to do is find some breakfast,
wander the coast, ride every wave,
sleep in the sand, forage for a feast, boogie some more,
and never leave before the moon is hung.

But, if you choose to stay home, inside or out, this is a sweet treat to swirl up some of your own Summer ...cheers!

Strawberries + Oranges + Ice + Honey = Summer Time Party Slushy.
Blend. Pulse. Blend. Done. Cheers!

Here I am... look up!
Hit the title or copy and paste this:
http://cocokelley.blogspot.com/2009/06/style-escapes-afternoon-inspirations.html

Be well.

Color my Mask

2011-07-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

Mirror my mask
Manage my view
Savor my thought
Favor my news

Walk my path
Wander my tasks
Pioneer my road
Ponder my quests

Rebel my tribe
Reveal my vibe
Risk my wows
Reap my vows

Paint my past
Point my last
Stand my post
Swear my most

Inspired by Philippe Stark via 1st dibs:

"I walk alone and think alone, because all the exceptional and original people I have met live in silence. When you live in a tribe, you repeat what the tribe does. And the world is not built by people who repeat, but by those who create."
-Philippe Stark

Photo 1:David Sims, Paris Vogue, April 2011
Giorgio Armani blazer

Photo 2: Hans Fuerer, Paris Vogue, April 2011
Photo 3:Inez Van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, Paris Vogue, April 2011,
Barbara Bui parka, Aridza Bross backpack, Ralph Lauren bag.
Photo 4: Martyn Thompson, Departures Magazine, July/August 2011,
Bottega Veneta python sandal.

Summer Lover in Slumber

2011-07-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

It has become rare that I share, all the fun that my hands dare to do with out an audience to view. So, here I am posting in possible repair.
As soon as the heat wave strikes, we head down the stairs, dragging blankets, pillows along, roll out the futon out on the floor, and begin a sweet chorus of snores.

I have given up my high thread count linens,
for some thing with more tactile memory of marshmallow.
Though still, I thought that I might mix up the scene a bit more,
by spray painting, instead of tie dying the usual score.

Totally 80's surf punk, on the brain, in hopes of keeping me sane.
I love trying out old stuff in new ways, knowing that nothing stays the same, and feeling fine about towing the creative line.

Now things seem so much simpler than before.
No dipping, no dripping, no hanging, no staining, no pinching.
Lay it all across the lawn, tape and spray it.
Just swing in the hammock sling, trying to remember how to sing.
So I sway, in the soft wind, waiting for my sweet dreams to begin.

Tulip Fabric Spray paints

Cotton Modal T-shirt Jersey knit bedsheets

Scotch Blue Tape, Advanced for delicate surfaces

Yes, it is as easy as shown, should you choose to play this way.
Tape it. Spray it. Let it rest. Wash it. Dry it. Take it away.

Another post from newbie bloggger Alexandra via Becoming Audrey, who speaks in similarity and synchronicity to me, and my Summer Lover...wanna-be's...

White Hot Sweet Spot

2011-06-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Muddy waters
Hot springs
Tawny hues
Rope strings

Kick splash
Bubble up
Birth control
Panties drop

Salty sweet
Toast points
Orange jam
Rib joint

Surreal art
Dream state
Moon swing
Real life

Notes: Images: Paris Vogue April 2011
Photographer: Hans Feurer
#1: Jewelry: Patricia Von Musulin
#2: Cover up: Celine
Jewelry: Pamela Love, Maison Martin Margiela, Tabor Silver, Judy Blame
#3: Clothing: Dior, Vintage,
Jewelry: Patricia Von Musulin
#4: Pant jumper -Junya Watanabe, Platform shoes, Prada

P.S. Pay a visit to a proud and pretty porch via Becoming Audrey via Alexandra Stayer, give her some cheer!

Glam Tram

2011-05-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

Glam tram
Party train
Purple rain
Social strain

White trash
Recycle me
Back alley
Cat walk

Lip lock
Vamp tips
Straw sip
Slow drip

Cat walk
Trip drop
Fawn fall
Faux pas

Fat girl Fast car

2011-05-09T21:30:00.000-07:00

Fat girl
Fast car
Corner turn
Steer wheel

Smokes tires
Hog wild
Sponge curb
Rims wail

Frenzy feed
French fries
Greasy salt
Sticky thighs

Chubby stick
Gear shifts
Lick lips
Hot chips

See the Signs

2011-05-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

Love case
Head case
Open road
Prince toad

Hold me
Told me
Find self
Seek help

Plate lunch
Fruit punch
Stand up
Paddle out

Sip some
Share some
Work fun
Travel on

Time Travel

2011-04-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hold on to all
My heavy thoughts
Bold and blue and
Shoulds and oughts

Pedal to the metal
Peel out full smoke
Window pane rolled down
Mane flowing out around

Fortify a new place
Gunning for open space
Clear out smog and soot
Chrome pipes billow clouds

Savor views ever change
Running for an open range
High minded story prose
Akimbo yoga super pose

Pull over waiting spot
Stall out soft shoulder
Freedom found road block
Scene setting rock boulder

Hello Black and Yellow

2011-04-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

Set my sights
On dramatic delights
Having faith for fun
Reminders not to be dumb

Rest to pursue
Rev to reveal
Yawn to roar
Rise to soar

Step into the Sun
Just cannot wait
Stride without effort
Centered with a kick

Race to caution
Idol to rush
Double yellow rows
Black top stops

Notes:
Sunglasses: Fendi
Shoes: Prada
Interior: Sunny Disposition, Elle DECOR, April 2011, Photographer Simon Upton.
Exterior: Shifting out of Neutral, Elle DECOR, April 2011, Photographer Simon Upton.

Re Start Spark

2011-03-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

Spark my art
Sexy restart
So smart
So tart

Shed the fears
Drop the doubts
Stop the itch
Trip the bitch

Scratch the list
Dig a ditch
Drop a seed
grow a weed

Slither in the Sun

2011-03-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

Yes I see
You startled
Stumbling and run
As I slither in the sun

Yes I shed
You shriek
Stutter and squeal
As I wiggle in the warm

Yes I move
You stall
Stagger and fall
As I aim for some shade

Yes I stop
You swoon
Stammer and drop
As I simmer into a curl

Ride That Wave

2011-02-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

Talking and walking
Take me only so far
Thoughts are swelling
Footprints marked in tar

Bouquets fill for a while
Petals fall pink and yellow
Chocolate rush survival
Switching gear more to mellow

Tease with the telling
Sell me on the giving
Promise me another start
Better to chase my skirt

Strutting the black top
Straddling the highway
Double lines track the path
Scenes of stars that shoot and drop

Cha-cha-Cha-Cheatah!

2011-02-08T16:15:00.000-08:00

Forgetful lovers
Let them roam
Soul search forever
Hearth and home

Spots and paws
Patterns and paths
Plots and pause
Mapping and maths

Settle into surrender
Speak soft and tender
Rise swell above style
Heart race a mile

Follow my blog with bloglovin

A Softer Gentler Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

Safari surround sound
Car windows rolled down
Ready to pounce big cat
Tap that black magic hat

Birthing softer patter paws
Bursting with quiet applause
Be still a nervous flutter heart
Begin a sweeping clean start

Fluffy baby bunny soft and warm
Finding money with ease and charm
Playing it up for fun and for free
Producing a bounty of plenty quietly

Catch a tiger by the tale
Thick fur and heavy purr
Whiskers tickle prickly lick
Rollover show us a new trick

Watch that Wants

2011-01-26T08:26:00.000-08:00

Ravishing wants
Raging cravings
Eyes rolling back
Ever salivating

Waste nothing
Want watching
Belt pull tight
Best full night

Sinking sand
Standing still
Step on out
Stage a shout

Hey Soul Sister

2011-01-18T11:56:00.000-08:00

So many times I think you're here
So often I feel you might be near
Charmed that I'm your sister
Chase me not your mister

Voices send surrender
Colors bring us center
Toasting our intentions
Testing our preventions

Push my limitations
Punch my expectations
Trust your intuition
Trump your aspirations

Keep me on my stride
Comfort my silly pride
Set my step to thunder
See my dreams down under

Wow O Wow

2011-01-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

Wow O Wow!
Wild wonder filled
When did this begin?
Waltz widening out now

Welcome to my beholden
Wanton waifs awaiting
Walk into my head
Wary away from the warden

Hypnotic scents seeping in
Hostess hovers table side
Hydrangea petals turning teal
Hush hyenas flushed with sin

Heidi Heidi Ho!
Heavy, heavy head
When will it end?
I just don't know

The Women on The Web:

See Me Listening

2010-12-06T22:53:00.000-08:00

See me listening
Sense your relief
Scent of Sun on leaf
Sounds of bittersweet

All that you want
All that you need
All that you have
All that you feel

Thumping beating
Memories meeting
Swelling blinking
Stresses fleeting

Cups clinking
Toes tingling
Closer leaning
Calmer meaning

Feathers and Fox

2010-11-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

Feathers rustle
Fluffed and ruffled
Feeling full and warm
Fallen leaves swirl around

Wiggle and waddle
Wandering lake edge
Wavering so many options
Wondering and wanting them all

Finding a solid rock
Feet folding in on spot
Fringe of reeds hooded roof
Frenetic fox paces past in trot

Wind and Water and Wait

2010-11-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

Swept away
Sailing off
Feeling fine
Horizon line

Sinking slow
Hovering below
Dropping anchor deep
Underworld savor sleep

Open door
Ocean floor
Search around
Seaweed ground

Center bowl
Seating soul
Savoring time
Bottom line

Light a Flame Set a Glow

2010-11-11T18:54:00.000-08:00

Giving good
Delicious food
Being gracious
Getting gorgeous

Diving in your depths
Dodging your critiques
Fishing for compliments
Wishing for wonderment

Jumping through hoops
Driving through loops
Dragging the tracks
Slamming the breaks

Praying for peace
Granting me grace
Accepting our state
Managing the answers

She Got Grill

2010-11-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous gap toothed
Shiny new grill
She got good game
She lights up a room

She so fine
She so cool
She on fire
She top da pile

Tells no lies
Smiles with her eyes
Includes everyone
Offer up all kinds of fun

White Corn Whole Wheat

2010-10-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

Cooking class
Commence again
Corn maze
Steam haze

White corn
Whole wheat
Green onion
Warm plate

Salt cellar
Taste stellar
Chop chop
Sizzle sizzle

Gather round
Wood table
Sharing giving
Serve receiving

La Tortilla Factory: White Corn - Wheat Flour
+ they also offer a gluten free wrap

Real Salt: Redmond's Real Salt, Utah. Contains naturally occurring iodine, and other trace minerals. It makes everything taste swell.

Steps to simple feast:

> steam corn (wrap in wet paper towel, microwave for 1 minute)
> chop shallots and scallions
> warm pan with olive oil and real salt, add shallots, scallions, and corn
> chop cilantro and warm tortillas over low open flame
> layer all that you love on a plate and serve it up to your mate
> top it off with fresh cilantro and smoked chile oil Chinese salsa

Room to Grow

2010-10-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

Green peace
Head space
Wood knot
Tree top

Peace out
Branch out
Olive branch
Forgive breech

Solid oak
Heart wood
Cork bark
Thick trunk

Leaf pile
Carpet soil
Root rake
Earth quake

Lemon Drop

2010-10-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

Sweet Spot
Sour Note
Lemon lime
Drop that line

So tart
Smart talk
Butterflies
Tell no lies

Kaleidoscope
Scope eye
Dial up
Drop a dime

Call again
Another time
Speak truths
Mirror mine

California Harmony

2010-09-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Sweet little thing I see
Shall I marry Me?
Share her
Save her

Tell her all she needs
Take her back to dreams
Pull her
Push her

Give her all she wants
Gift back all her taunts
Shake her
Wake her

Promise her all I can
Praise her for who I am
Choose her
Chase her

Winners and Sinners

2010-09-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

How busy we make believe
Us Winners and Sinners
With our drunk and dirty attitudes

Spinning on high
Up since five
Lacing up our running shoes

Chitter chatter
Mind not matter
Sprinting for some home brew

Pastry tucked inside
Hooded pocket pouch
Spread limb to limb
Across my wide striped couch

Shaggy Safe and Warm

2010-09-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

Soft sand
Shore strong
Sun low
Shadows long

Dry off
Warm up
Get cozy
Pet Shaggy

Grab another
Gather round
Safely mellow
Breath shallow

Toasty warm
Thunder storm
Blanket share
Hug closer Bear

Sweet Siesta

2010-09-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

Come to carry heavy load
Canyon curve on open road
Cruise along the center line
Catch a glimpse of horizon line

Savor ways to ride the waves
Sounds of flight and solar rays
Soothing breath and beating hearts
Scents of breeze evolving starts

Travel paths unlike others
Treading waters ocean otters
Timing plans and tending place
Tender thoughts step in space

Alarming love sparks an ember
Allowing us a chance to enter
Afford time to chase a flame
Amazed to share another game

Sweet Tea

2010-08-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

Sweet Tea
Turns me pink
Rustle in the breeze
Time the think

Motor puts
Tires screech
Horns honk, beep-beep
Curb side speech

Hedge row
Buffer screen
Toes dipped
Ice clink

Lean back
Stage scene
Cool sip
Hammock swing

Santa Barbara Magazine
Alexander F. Rodriguez The runaway groom in Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold" video

Patio, by Kathryn Ireland

Speed Away Sleep Away

2010-08-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

Speed away
Sleep away
Going my way
Try a new way

Sun down
Slow down
Go two miles an hour
Roll up on Happy hour

Sun up
Round up
Two heart beats
Between the sheets

Stir up
Saddle up
Buttercup
Coffee cup

Palomar Inn Hotel, Old Town Temecula, California

Home Town Road Trip

2010-08-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

Suit up
Pack up
Rev up
Set up

Map quest
Scenic view
Wild safari
Treasure hunt

Eyes round
Windows down
Horizon bound
Get outa town

Cruise control
Share the road
Sleep anywhere
Farewell view

Shadow Queen and the Light

2010-07-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

Shadow Madness
Shake arrogance
Share Confidence
Some profoundness

Test me
Rush me
Push me
Rest me

Sit still
Top hill
Free will
New thrill

Step into Space
Step into Peace
Step into Power
Step into Grace

Winery Wedding

2010-07-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Love blooms on the way to the Honeymoon
Love blooms from July to June
Love blooms wherever, whenever
Love blooms way past noon

Give it away freely
Give it some room
Give it a score
Give even more

Save some for forever
Save some for you
Save some always
Save some for me

Make it ripe
Make it bloom
Make it right
Make it move

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa
Owner Jim Carter, and his new bride Dawn!

Good Grapes!...Let's Go!

2010-07-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

Green grapes great escape
Getting gorgeous get it straight
Jeeze Louise!...juicy fruit
Jump in big, swirl hoola-hoop.

Sun kissed cheeks bursting ripe
Summer Sun seems super bright
Plastic blow ups do us right
Pleased as punch and so sprite

Better days are here and now
Best behave before...Holy cow!
Firecracker strike a match to glow
Fire! Fire! sit still watch it grow

Walk away so know one knows
Strut up the curb make a show
Step inside find some fresh catch
Slap cash down and strike another match.

Hot Pink White Hot

2010-06-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

Hot pink white hot
Super strong then not
Take it to the sweet spot
Trail blazing horse trot

Scale the wall, take a peek
Try to reach the peach tree
Lightning hits, tricks our treat
Thorns prick the path at our feet

Bodhi tree shelter I'm not
Cherry stem tied in a knot
Spit the pit, we might be lost
Rough and tough then petal soft

Dream walker finds our sights
Lady Lightning sets new heights
Subtle surprises eyes of white
Paradigm shifts shock and delight

Lucite Lucia

2010-06-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

Lucia likes to keep it light
Lazy days and bright nights
Lucite frames of rosy views
Looks like these are made for you

Lolita says she means well
Licks her lips she likes the smell
Little smears tell a small tale
Let's us know she shakes her tail

Lexi makes it all work out
Lifts and lunges make her shout
Late lunch and volley ball set
Lasts through sunset hammock net

Lovely moments set the stage
Little tantrums show her age
Light weight tip toe baby jumps
Laughs of thunder rise and stomps

Scrub Me Raw

2010-05-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Rock'em Sock'em
Robot wives
Take at hit
Don't be shy

Threading eye brows
Trim and clean
Sewing kit
Cruise your buy

Lather up heavy creams
Lightning smooth
Lay it thick
Thunder thighs

Fish net cages
Slough it off
Oven mitt
Sun soaked ride

Indian Eye brow threading at Ziba Beauty at Westside Pavillion, West Los Angeles.
Organic fruit based facial treatments and LED light therapy offered at Arcona Studio

Heidi Klum's anti-aging beauty secrets interview with Allure Magazine.

Foto-Facial offered at Studio City Wellness Center usually well known for the Nutritionist guru Feline Butcher who gladly confesses to her own vanity.

Heels: Sergio Rossi Fishnet Bootie with Crystals
Spring Summer 2010 collection - Boots
Powder Suede and Nappa Silk Fishnet Bootie with Crystals.

AURA by Laura:
beauty blog on the latest and greatest in products and procedures

Golden Shade of Home

2010-05-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

Hot honey gummy bear
Salty sweet straw hair
Wicker seat sticky thighs
Sesame seed crunchy bites

Lattice tossed across the top
Happily baked as apple pie
Sunny window shutter shades
Cooling across an alter spot

Waffle butter rich and warm
Waiting out a desert storm
View through the Golden gate
Chocolate bar dinner date

Bronze Age and licorice heels
Books of glory make meals
Victory claims those who find
Wild ways to stir the mind

Last photo:
Leather artist Colleen Cordero and
Make-up Artist Kerry Malouf teamed up to create this bronze age skin tone and ancient metal mania. Kerry is now the new beauty editor for the newly re-vamped Malibu Magazine.

Sweet Violet

2010-05-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

Cream puff wishes and Unicorn dreams
We create our treasures by any means
We just keep traveling and gathering our supreme lot
Circling our tribe around the May pole tying a knot

Sugar spun twirling on our tipsy toes and wobbly heels
Taste is a state while Grace and Love are our preferred meals
Skinny girls stand tall in beaded circus tent dresses
Hiding surprises under skirts, showing of our hot messes

Soft petals bursting and spiraling to our plates
Peacock tails sweep, trailing of the table-scapes
Plum ostrich plumes stretch up to the ceiling fans
Babies in wait alter all our well expected plans

We leap off our pedestals without any prompting
We land on our wedged heels without even stomping
We cherish the getting where ever our journey path turns
We follow the flicker of flame as our intuitive candle burns

We settle our selves and breath in slow
We tell of moments then spring up to show
We welcome with toast and boast and cheer
Soon to be blooming, our own sweet Violet is near!

Note: We hosted a Baby Shower for a Gyp-Set style Mamacita,
who will be naming her baby-girl-to-be "Violet Ray".
As usual, so typical, I was so crazy busy putting on this big Play production,
that I naturally forgot all about my camera sleeping in the car, out by the curb.
There is no proof other than my word, to tell you of all what really went down.

Who were our guests, our crowd of beauties?
All the wild girls who live on Planet Blue Malibu who no of now way, other than having big fun.

Marina Sail Away

2010-04-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

Marina shares she has been swept away
Marina stares as she takes her breath away
Marina cares for a shoreline far away

Marina sometimes stays then often goes
Marina swirls up swifts and even flows
Marina sails atop or drifts down below

Marina claims her own creative dish
Marina manages her abundant fish
Marina catches every far flung wish

Marina surprises and denies at attempts to stay
Marina encourages and challenges another day
Marina walks on water when you look the other way

Splish Splash Shake

2010-04-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

See Red Bentley fly

See Blond Luke swim

See three dogs pace

See two dogs wait

See Black Lucky shake

...all over me and my camera, trying hiding behind a post!

This is what happened to our family Easter get together, following the Mexi-Cali Quake.
Hope ya'll had a rolling good time, too.

Super Bright Poppy Light

2010-03-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Pastel petals spring bright
Cool sunny days feel right
Easy reads to keep it light
Lush greens for a better bite

Rock crystal rays of energy
Glass house full of buoyancy
Grace and clarity synergy
Peace finally no emergency

River husky winter white
Snow found dark of night
Sky blue eyes icy bright
Return home make it right

Seasonal Things

2010-03-10T16:55:00.000-08:00

How many times will I pass by windows
How many times will I paint my toes
How many times will I step out side
How many times will I come in and hide

Will I choose again to climb those steps
Will I choose again to fit in saddle and stirrups
Will I choose again to paint the view
Will I choose again to create anew

I will myself to whisper in an open ear
I will myself to find another frontier
I will myself to follow through
I will myself to make it true

Nail Polish: Rimmel London, 270 Steel Grey, Lasting Finish Pro

Heels: Xhilaration, Tabitha T-Strap, Peep-Toe Pumps, Grey

Boots: Frye, Paige Huarache Flat Boot, in Cement

Gems in View

2010-03-03T17:27:00.000-08:00

Look up
Look out
Make up
Make out

See you
Need you
Treat me
Right me

Guess who
Dress who
Who knew
You knew

Chase some
Taste some
Bake one
Take one

Swing up
Bling up
Walk away
Talk away

I had a birthday, barely better than boring but, that's about all I can handle these days. Besides my bunny "Anouk", I also lost both our family dogs. Two sister Akitas that have never been apart after 14 years. The smaller, darker, sweeter one,"Kiwi" past fast, and on her own terms, checked out. The other, my big alpha female "Kuma", so strong and stubborn, just could not find her way out of this world with out help.

I was pulled out of bed the other day, and was told what my job would be for the day.
I got all dressed in my best, put a work bag together, and headed out the door.
I dragged that big stubborn Akita out from the cold, hard, wet floor of the garage, and placed her in the hot sun. I found a rock and crushed pills on the corner edge of the concrete steps and laced her lips with the crumbs. I hosed her down, scrubbed her raw, took a pile of towels to her wet wool, brushed her rough, pulling piles of fur, torched her with the blow dryer, and anointed her with oils. And administered another round of relief pills, covered her worried eyes, so we could both rest just a little.

My mantra, repeating both load and low, re-telling her all day...
"No where else I'd rather be, than here with you, Kuma.
Nothing else I would care to do, than this for you, Kuma."

And then finally made the trek to the Vet, in the back of my hatch back Mini Cooper.
Still, while stuck at the street light, she bolts out a cry and a "hang man's kick"!

I had to stop and count how many family and friend pets we have lost just this year, so far, and last. And how many trips have I made over the years, with each one of them in the back of my little "Crack Pipe-Cream Puff-Clown" car.

Life has been a bit messy right about now but, still better than boring.

And, to another "Gem in View": a note to bless our dear blogging friend RENEE of Circling My Head, right out of this world, on her way to her final Graduation day.

Cheers!..Renee.
Bless....Renee.
Love.....Renee.

Shoes: Sam Edelman www.samedelman.com

Hot Sugar on a Sandy Beach

2010-02-23T11:55:00.000-08:00

Hot summer sugar sand
Take mine in your hand
Thunder beating open heart
Radiant sun setting the start

Layers of love surround
Under the covers bound
Beyond vision, taste and smell
Naturally surrender a deep spell

Sleep unstirred heavy head
Wanting not more than a bed
Dreams manifest a new truth
Lazy days bloom big with you

Sunny siesta brings much relief
On a warm sugar sandy beach
Malasadas baked fresh in a box
Makes each moment rise in stocks

Eco at The Super Store

2010-02-16T10:02:00.000-08:00

So I headed on down to the Super store
Looking for something to make me complete
I found some squeaky clean sneaks and
Some tunes that made those aisle sing.

The Sugar Hill Gang kicking in my brain
And KC tripping up the link
So I headed back home in my mono tone
Trying to think up something sweet

I trek on over to the gourmet store
To pile some more fun on my tongue
The Brownies, and pecans were calling my name
Then I spied the Sticky sauce, some black cherries
And a tub of Mascarpone cheese that got me on my game.

Sneakers: Faded Glory at Walmart, Eco = made from 70% post consumer waste.
Sticky Toffee Sauce: The Sticky Pudding Co. Los Angles California.

My Bunny Anouk

2010-02-08T12:59:00.000-08:00

I buried my little Anouk in the front yard, yesterday.
With sand and pebbles, and stone.
Burning sage, and incense and hay.
Where she can keep her eye
on all the dogs that walk by.

Cheers!..Anouk, my funny little silver bunny. <3

Simple Settings

2010-02-03T13:48:00.000-08:00

Simple settings we seek for retreat
We travel with a destination of intent
Yet we tend to meet in the street
We could live in the back yard tent

We cater, we barter, we crave
All for what we claim to see
We waver, we charter, we stave
All for what we think we need

We continue, we create, we compete
All in the name of survive
We talk, we sing, we fight
All for the game of strive

Color My Fun

2010-01-26T20:36:00.000-08:00

Stake claim
High atop
Come round
Trip me up
Slip a notch
Not by much

Batter up
Another batch
Whip up
Some more
By out
The store

Run wild
Swing about
Wind whispers
Scream aloud
Dream catcher
Life watcher

Game stopper
Dice tosser
Big drama
Simmer down

Skipping all the way to Serene

2010-01-20T12:50:00.000-08:00

Young school days
Delivered at chime
Manage our manners
Butterfly minds

Expressing ways
Finger painting
Stick writing
Smiles arise

Acting out plays
Story telling
Puddle jumping
Splashing some

Hazy Days

2010-01-13T12:27:00.000-08:00

Call me Crazy
Dial, ring, and waiting
Our communication is hazy
Resist all the chasing

Drive by and guess
Turn around pull over
Step up under duress
Knock, sigh, roll over

Walk away willing
Stroll, skip, run
Lean up panting
Go farther for fun

Cats cradle yarn
Games for one
Jacks to be worn
Creating days won

Please Your Self Mamacita

2010-01-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

Storing all these moments
Saving all these memories
Marking every movement
Savoring all our stories

Making all these tokens
Baking all our favorites
Churning everyone's emotions
Raking in every recipe

Holding all our hearts
Mending all our homes
Shaking out every doubt
Warming all chilled bodies

Raving all our starts
Ironing all our stops
Sticking every applaud
Embracing each with charity

Mexican Wedding cakes > Russian Tea cakes > Snowball cookies:

Oven: 300*F

1 stick of butter + 2 table spoon of sugar = blend to fluffy

Add the rest and mix well:
1 cup flour
1 cup crushed pecans
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons of vanilla

Scoop and roll into yolk size balls = 32 approx.
Lay out on vellum lined cookie sheet, one inch apart
Bake: 45 minutes

While still hot:
Set a bowl full of powdered sugar and roll each ball in, one by one and back to the cookie sheet to cool. A second coat of powdered sugar can be sifted across the top.

Note: These are traditionally made with walnuts but, I prefer the pecans. Mi familia recipe album recalls them as "Almond Christmas Balls". Make you choice your own.
My Mamacita preferred them to be rolled to the size and shape of your pinkie finger and then crescent bent at the middle, allowing it to be a little more "Lady-like" and a little less "Ho-bag" on approach. You never know who's spying while you pop one in.
Enjoy ;<>

Gratitude

2009-12-23T12:30:00.001-08:00

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order,
confusion to clarity.

It can turn a meal into a feast,
a house into a home,
a stranger into a friend.

Gratitude makes sense of our past,
brings peace for today, and
crates a vision for tomorrow.
-Melody Beattie

Pre Pear to Fall

2009-12-16T00:27:00.000-08:00

Pre pear to fall to our knees.
Surrender the urge to please.
Accept to our Self we appease.
Reveal and receive all we need.

Amber burnt and golden butter brown.
Fragrant stems lean in and surround.
Petals and leaves fall to dark ground.
Our ears flutter with humming sound.

Fire dancing under the harvest moon.
Drums of the warm night tell our tune.
An island rum bath soaking since noon.
Stir our tongue around a cinnamon spoon.

Wild and restless and quick to our feet.
We lean forward pointing to what we seek.
All that we want is with a willing reach.
We feel our thoughts falling back into our seat.

Winter Tropic Exotic

2009-12-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Winter Tropic Exotic Fruit Salad:
Pomegranate
Cucumber
Pink Lady Apple
Purple Grapes
Mango
Mint
Dressing is a squeeze of a juicing orange.

A Baked Beauty

2009-12-08T06:27:00.000-08:00

A Baked Beauty:

Hearty Country Bread
Brie or Camembert Cheese
Marmalade or Fig Jam or any Jam
Bake until golden brown
> broil at 400 for about 5-10 minutes
> or toast on high.
either way, watch it before the sugar burns.

Enjoy it warm, with a knife and a fork.

Feast Your Eyes on Our Feast

2009-12-02T15:52:00.000-08:00

We show up to our friends house to feast.

We know we are in for a blazing treat.

We spy our chef commanding the kitchen stage by stomping his feet.

We run to the table and scramble to our seats.

We sing "Grace"! in unison to give thanks for this amazing retreat.

We are delighted by the simplest dishes, our taste buds accede.

We devour everything, pouring and splashing, leaving nothing neat.

We stay amused by the company we keep.

We talk of fun times and try to recall screaming, "how did we meet"?

We scavenge and scoop and dip and dig as our spoons meet.

We cheer and clank and chatter on about what is still to achieve.

We cherish the sounds that abound as roosters and mules greet.

We never resolve to stay polite, and instead find each our own soap box speech.

We wander away upstairs in search of some quiet relief.

We spy the powder room mirror to see what might remain in our teeth.

We realize the bed is calling us over to carry us to sleep.

We cheek kiss and bear hug, and grab our keys.

We head out the gate, so thankful we found all that we came to seek.

Metal Art Work: Mark Silka

Fall in Love at The Getty

2009-11-15T21:56:00.000-08:00

There are so many ways to find and see creative genius.
With each Season brings a new perspective, another attempt.
We show up with one intent, and discover another.
We stand up searching the walls, and end up laying down and looking up, to an unexpected point of view.

Lucky am I to find my way to an ocean filled with a collective of high I.Q.
Learn as I do, the mind plays, and shares, and stumbles, and rebounds.
The super human real life heroes, travel with simple and humble egos.
Ambition abounds with delight and obsession but, never self right.

I peek around to see if there might be anyone else with eyes popping.
Anyone else with heart thumping?
Anyone else with pulse racing?
Around the corner I spy, something more than cake topping.

Spooning, cuddling and petting, smooching and touching.
Breathing and reaching, yawning and stretching.
Chinese, we say Ching-Ching.
Around here we say kissing.

There are more who are sipping, and tasting, and gulping.
Manners are flung, along with arms over head, and legs over another.
Mindful of nothing but time and space and sense of place.
Cups flowing, plates folded and napkins crumbled, ice slowly melting.

Freedom felt only surrounded by a crowd who is cooing.
Babies are strolling, and sucking, their parents wishing.
Wishing they could stay there longer too, just doing nothing.
Freshman taking photos, tourist listening, and still spirits running.

The Getty Museum, Los Angeles

Verandah, Ojai

2009-11-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

I want big color.
I need simple things.

I want an elegant hand bag.
I need a market basket.

I want a new roof.
I need a cozy corner.

I want a new view.
I need a new point of view.

I want to explore peeks and valleys.
I need to bloom where I am planted.

Tell me too, what is true for you? "Want" vs. "Need"

Verandah
Home Decor
305 E Matilija Street, Ojai, CA 93023
In the courtyard at the Arcade Plaza
805-640-7357 Helen MacGregor

How To Seed and Skin a Pomegranate

2009-11-07T18:11:00.000-08:00

This is fast and easy to harvest a fall of pomegranate seeds.
Lukewarm water bath. Place big bowl inside the sink.

Slice Pom in half, under water.

Turn flesh inside out and pop seeds out.

Anything that floats, gets pushed over the edge,
and discarded into the waiting sink below.

Transfer into colander and let drain. Voila!

A Novel November

2009-10-28T17:50:00.000-07:00

November is National Novel Writing Month.
It is a mean marathon of fifty thousand words in only thirty days.
Sam Van Hellgren, author and creator of this absurd feat speaks volumes when
he cheers, To chaos! To chance! To inspiration! All hail, NaNoWriMo!

My Magical Mukluks

Native American healer and soul coach Denise Linn of
Summerhill Ranch,
shares of the importance of her "Confidence Clothes Concept".
A radiant wardrobe made up more of just a thinking cap and magic wand.
Average, everyday articles super-charged with lightening bolt blessings.
The human psyche responds strongly to silly symbols of designated Super stuff.

Seeds of productivity

Sports psychologist Jim Loehr coaches on the theory of the
"Oscillation Method"in his book
The Power of Full Engagement, as a way to manage energy vs time.
A series of intense energy bursts followed by the very necessary,
gentle energy recovery of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual renewal.
This to him is the ultimate way to find a peak performance in any arena.

Blessings of anointment

San Miguel de Allende is a colonial town, high up the mountains of Mexico.
It is one of the most magical, and creative places on this earth.
People are drawn to visit in the act of language learning, painting, writing, Yoga, or soul searching Spirituality but, they all inevitably never want to leave.
This is the power of the "Teresa of Avila Method".

Clean Sweep of Dreams

Author Randy Ingermanson is the "Mad Professor of Fiction Writing".
He is also a theoretical physicist and the award-winning author of six novels.
He teaches us "Snowflake Method" as away to manage our creativity.
Starting small, and building up on the basic designs of our ever evolving,
and efficient mind, will bring us to the finish line that much faster.

Bless Me & Bless You: Mystical Healing Portal

A Room of Her Own: Writers Retreat in San Miguel.

Magic Mukluks: Hidden Treasures

Marathon: November is National Novel Writing Month

Are you sure?

2009-10-26T15:40:00.001-07:00

Are you hot?
Are you not?
Are you sure?

Are you high?
Are you slow?
Are you sure?

Are you dumb?
Are you numb?
Are you sure?

Are you lame?
Are you game?
Are you sure?

Are you...?

"Share Supply"

2009-10-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

Pick a pill, any pill.
Pick a card, any card.
Pick a color, any color.
Pick a book, any book.

Play a game, any game.
Play a hand, any hand.
Play a song, any song.
Play a trick, any trick.

Post a note, any note.
Post a bid, any bid.
Post a link, any link.
Post a secret, any secret.

Pitch a fit, any fit.
Pitch a ball, any ball.
Pitch a tent, any tent.
Pitch a script, any script.

So what you got?...and what you gonna do?

Planet Sark: for free sources

No Plot? No Problem!: for support

Daily Wisdom Pick: for a clue

Jump! Jump!

2009-10-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

Sit and spin on our own home gym.
Jump! Jump!
Pump! Pump!
Bang a drum to find our rhythm.

Ride that wave in our living room, hang all ten toes.
Left! Left!
Right! Right!
Breath in out the mouth, and in the nose.

Push all the tension our of our bones.
Up! Up!
Down! Down!
Tennis balls stuffed in socks for our muscle tone.

Pull our strength up, begin anew.
Front! Front!
Back! Back!
Aim for the Joggers with in our view.

Indo Balance Board
Excuses Be Gone!
Babe Bitzenburger

All Hail Kale

2009-10-08T00:27:00.000-07:00

Her violet eyes are no surprise.
Our Empress is rich and catered to.
She holds our attention without compromise.
We stare as she startles us straight through.

Dark and rich under the night sky.
We pluck our plum plump and ripe.
Smooth and cool, we take a bite.
Our teeth plunge through skin so tight.

We hold a Court of Honor for her generous Spirit.
She sports vibrant hue and a bolder heart.
Her enchantment is ours and we share it.
She has us held captive from the start.

Good, cheap eats: Veggie Grill: All Hail Kale salad

Good for you: How healthy is it? here.

Good for all: Women Thrive Worldwide
Money blooms where it is planted, when it is placed in the palm of a Woman.

Want Simply

2009-09-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

That's what we want.

Sunset at Sandy Point.

That's what he wants.

Island Brewing Company

That's what she wants.

Chamomile Cafe

That's what we always want.

Porch

Give them what they want: Living India

Black of Night: You Hypnotize Me

2009-09-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

A crystal ball spies in and refracts images to see.
Holding a scene outside of me.
Remembering and forgetting and guessing once more.
A future, a past, a present and no score.

A stair way to a surreal heaven
Expecting no faults, no regrets
A grand decent onto a spot lit stage
Seats of batting lashes, applauds and real attempts.

I see my Self stepping lightly in sequined slippers.
Though this seems to be only in dream sequence.
I step with intent, and knowing and yet still
Surprised about where and when I have slept.

I used to have a stalker named Ben.
He staggered by with his cowboy wink.
He was there as I came and went.
Where has been?..waiting Stinks!

Fashion sense: Barbara Bui, you hypnotize me.

Natural is Never Boring

2009-09-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria, California offers up proof that all our little lands are closer than we might imagine. It really is a small world.

Asian Garden

California Native Garden

Cottage Garden

Succulent Garden

Australian Garden

Grassland Garden

South African Garden

South American Garden

Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria

Our Small World:
Women Thrive Worldwide
Anytime we choose, we can be of service, easily.
Be well. Be kind. Be generous with our creative Self.

Blooming Hot Mess!

2009-09-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

It seems we are "hot mess" these days.
Enjoying every blooming moment that arrives.
Burnt crisp from the Sun, and revived by the Sea.
Splashing around with Sea turtles and Stingrays.

Under water seductive scenes, topped by strong and sultry sunsets.
Brilliance and Genius and Virtue all hard at work on our behalf.
Happily plowing along, paving the way for easy access.
We do appreciate the over abundant after-math.

Waterfalls of creativity, pools to wander, and view tops for wonder.
There is gold dust whipped in the air,
and juice squeezed from every prickly pear.
Generosity fills our soul to that point we might burst.

We dive, we float, we swim, we survive.
We swear that there is plenty more to share.
We produce and ponder and prove to our "Self", we are alive.
We jump from high expectations of happiness; and we dare.

Green Blades Be Gone.

2009-09-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

Here in Cali we ditch our lawns.
We compost and mulch and sandy loam.
We gravel and stone and soaker hose.
We river rock, re-pot, and ration up.

From the beach, through the desert
and up to the mountains we syphon each drop.
We are the water agents keeping vigil.
Saving stagnant puddles to feed our crops.

We force a futile attemt to top off our rain barrels.
We wait and watch and wonder
knowing that we'll collect not much more
than a stirring leaf stew.

We stagger our sprinklers to go off every other day.
We flush our grey waters out and on to our back yard.
Still, the forecast tells of a very wet winter.
So why the heck are we hoeing to hard?

We visit the grass at the neighborhood parks.
We make it a play date of the lounging and stretching sort.
We roll round, and itch and scratch and sneeze.
We play like dogs, wiggle and chase and bark.

We return to our own former play area
We find a new frontier of wild life.
We look, we spy and analyze this new arena.
We hitch our hammock and pitch our tent.

We light battery torches rather than flame.
We settle in and shuffle about reasoning.
We ready our thoughts for our nightly game.
We slice cucumbers and dip them in "Old Bay" seasoning.

Along The Surface of The Sun

2009-08-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

Riding that rainbow wave along the surface of the Sun,
we find the need for some serious fun.
Blazing color sweeping stop the wavy horizon of searing heat,
a radiant, tropical palette paints the days complete.

Turn up the flame.
Burn our desires.
Sizzle up the atmosphere.
There is no shame.

Sweet potato fries we share with friends.
Fry 'em up. Dip 'em and dunk them in.
Hot sugared Malsadas burning at our finger tips.
Tongues bouncing, hot-hot-hot, pop more in.

Burning sticky hot, we cannot stop.
Pinch hold our earlobes to cool them off.
Tricky tricky, sees our waitress.
Mama shakes her head and laughs it off.

Splash hot coffee with drop of a sugar cube.
Cinnamon sprinkle and a honey spoon.
Hot spring bubbles burst the surface.
Jacuzzi tub jumping at high noon.

Tuna Poke, soy and ginger.
Salmon skin sticks with Aioli.
Fireside, tiki torch, candlelight.
Roy's serving chocolate lava tonight.

Lover, lover.
Cool it down.
Mango, cayenne.
Pele come around.

Hot Summer Fun at Roy's Restaurant.

Purple Rays

2009-08-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

Tween for a day, basking in the intense purple rays of lazy day.
Remembering the way I swam in my own head back then.
Feeling like a fly on the wall, spying and glancing about, only to
find that bubble was at times inescapable. Stuck their in my own head.

Finding way to bloom and shine in my own way.
Newly exposed to the idea of social graces, wanting to now how to react.
Watching my Self rebel against my own sense of progression.
Taking mental notes, just to show them off some other day.

I know my Self as I see my Self but have no idea how others might see me.
I would change my name to Sunny if I thought I could keep up the disguise.
My cheery disposition is so easily pulled under a wave of rip tide.
The dark depth of the bottom of the sea is the only place that does not mystify me.

I can hang out down below as long a it suits my version of Ariel
except for the fact that I feel my Self morphing into Persephone.
Reaching up with torpedo force, I crack the surface and reveal
what every version of my Self decides to show up for the ride of my Psyche.

Sensitive to the reactions of others, I will my way not to over act
but, keep my spinning mind tethered to my bursting heart.
Anxious to not explode into flames, I whirl my inventory of emotions
and check off the list of reasons and then revive a new start.

My aura wafts into the space before I do, and gives my Self away.
Keeping up the pace with so called friends, and non-friends is exhausting
and exhilarating in swirls through me in so many layers.
Vacuum my mind, manifest my heart, managing my hormones can be invigorating.

Road Trip : Honey Bear Brown

2009-08-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

On the road again, Sunday drivers trailing along...

We fuel up on a road side diner, for some old fashion breakfast special, and a hot pot of coffee served up in a mug.
I love waitresses; I do.

And, I am all about honey spoon stirred into my coffee as well.
If my chance I cannot find my Honey Bear, a pour spout of syrup will do.

And I love a big booth too.
I like the smell of dusty old cafe curtains to compliments the condiments.
I prefer the mix of low lamp light and natural light anytime I dine.

I like to read the laundry list of Specials up on the board.
I like to know I can show to do this by day or by night and all the way through.

We grocery shop along the trail leading back to home.
Fresh fruits abound, nuts and seeds, even eggs from the chicken coop out back.
Honey, honey, honey. Not far there is a "Honey Tasting Room" that you can find
in Piru. Piru Canyon Honey by Bennett Honey.

Francisco's Fruits along Hwy 126 is a necessary stop on the route back home. We peel in just before the close at 8:30pm!
Last time we ran in at 8:35, and they still let us in.

With our health and our happiness in mind, we gather up all our sources
and search out our hunt.

We stack up on our dried fruit treats.
Tamarinds are my personal feasts, tucked in glass candy dishes, piled high in mixing bowls, and more filed away in the pantry cupboard.

We find treasures other than the veggie kind.
I like to stick to the honey theme when it comes to my skin.
The Beeswax Skin Cream soaks right in.
The Ojai Valley Bee Farm has a full product menu to choose from including my favorite Cherimoya lip balm.

A Place in The Shade

2009-08-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness it is cooling off just a bit but, still I will take the time to sit inside, allow the hot asphalt roll by, and instead watch the faucet drip.

Some papaya to soothe my sore throat.

Some crisp fresh pears to to float my imaginary boat.

And then blend them together when I get bored, and spoon out each sip.

A book would be good. I might even make it through the entire pile.

I'll make a feline stretch and attempt to reach for a fork,
and file on in mounds of some dark-molasses-ginger-bread.

I'll search around for another spot...

..just to posture my Self for another view.

Mini Motoring Hearts for Meals on Wheels

2009-07-30T19:30:00.001-07:00

Every Friday a saddle up for my regular route.
I deliver meals to the home bound folks in my general neighborhood for
Meals On Wheels.
I figured that since I have an insatiable appetite, that others may too.
Through all my various jobs (paying and not), and layoffs and stay-offs and such, this has been my constant; my "pre-commitment" each week, always.
It is easy. It is instantly satisfying. It is a need filled on both sides = Win/Win.

Even my little "Cream Puff" supports my volunteering heart!
Mini Cooper offers up their own Motoring Hearts support system. Challenging and encouraging their owners to step up and step out by allowing our own interests to support our very own neighborhood.
Mini motto: "Let's all be a bunch of Good-for-Somethings"!
They'll even hook you up with what might be the best for you and your community.
No judgments. No doubts.

"That Guy" who I share space with every day and every night has been known to assist my on my route once in a while; Seasonally it seems. And I have fired him from his post more than once. He suffers from a bad case of Road Rage and that does not help.
He jumps in the drivers seat when he can but, he now knows it's no joke. His ass will be bouncing off that black asphalt soon as I hear even one Honk!
One his own time, driving his own big white dinosaur, he still managed to get cut off, and run off the road, and stopping short so as not to flatten any one. He wasn't having much fun.
He had chased down another driver right from our own driveway, out of principle he said. But, I know it ways to give them a scare and a shout.
If he kept up with these bad manners, he might not live another day.

So, I lent him my car, sent him away and told him he would have fun, all the way.
He managed the day free of any slow speed chase, it was a breeze, and he was pleased.
He suffered not one extreme. Even his co-workers, and clients treated him differently.
They asked "how did he fit" ...and .."was it true"..?!
Yes, he exclaimed: "I do. I do."
He was scared to go out on his own any more, guessing it was just the car, maybe a fluke, nothing more. So I smacked his Bitch up with big bumper sticker to fair warn.
"Yes, there is a decent character driving the big ugly dinosaur"!
His soul has been saved. No Road Rage. No more.

My local Meals-on-Wheels route has been assigned to me almost from day one. I lucked out. I took it over for a friend who had been doing it long before me, who moved away. She threatened then as her treads skidded the asphalt ahead, that this way my responsibility to take over now; and so I did. It instilled itself into my very fiber straight out of the gate.
These are my people, my neighbors, and maybe one day, even me..my Self; we'll see.
So, no this is no chore, nor hassle. It is just a day in the week. It's easy.

Rusty's is one of the first stops I make.
He too is awaiting nothing but my arrival.
He so too sweet.
He knows the sound of my car, and he knows to sit patiently again and wait until after
the meals get passed through the front door to my main priority.
There is an entire family who share this house, but just two tend to get ignored.
A full body rub, a quick lick, and I am back on my way.

My very own motto: Never be Hungry...from doubt.
A generous heart is all we need to feed our Self, and everyone else.

Have a heart. Give a heart. Starve no more.
I'm sure you'll be good at too; no doubt.
It's easy, you'll see.
Just watch me.

Road Trip : Blue and Beyond

2009-07-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

We start the day bright and cheery to better make
a good impression for the remainder of the day.
Blackberries and blueberries atop plain yogurt
...and drowned in honey is a light and easy play.

We pile in a crew of our most willing and waiting personalities.
We leave the "Maybe's" behind waiting for their life to unfold.
We rev it up, hear it rumble and then let out the clutch.
We cut it short, to run back in to grab that one last thing we forgot.
Again, we let it roll on out.

We stop for the view and take notice of the small
...and subtle surprises that surround.
We snatch a souvenir that won't get us a arrested,
...and grab another snack to keep us roving.

Where ever we wander we will always obey and respect the terrain,
being sure to show no trail of destruction or neglect.
We even bring along our own bags to carry all our sandwiches, salads, chips.
We even pick up other people's trail of trash if need be.

We finally settle into our designated scene
and tickle our toes in the cold sea foam.
We watch kids dig for sand crabs and listen to them howl
as the seagulls steal their new score for their own meal.
We see the locals strolling by dogs in tow both tiny and tall.
We spy dolphins skipping along, and flipping for fun,
...and we'll all swim out to try and greet them knowing
all along they'll give a tease and keep on their run.
Pelicans will dive from the sky for their dinner with pride.

We make the most of the day my staying put as long as the light will allow.
..and our bladders hold out!

We day dream as a group and make tentative plans that
feed our fantasies and float our expectations.
We breath in deep through our nose,
...and breath out slow as we can manage through our sun kissed lips.
We make mental notes to do this again.

Get The Goop Out!

2009-07-21T00:21:00.000-07:00

Really now, Summer is hear ...so where is my bikini body..?!
Fat and happy, yes I am but, I may make all in view look away...

And how did I skip over the whole Spring cleaning thing..?!
Is that why I cannot find anything that fits ?

And when, oh when, will I stop shoveling too much stuff including my foot...
into my Giant-Pie-Hole..?!..and in the end spewing out a little venom. Oops, my bad.
I will find my Game face.

Self promises of walking along on the soft sand to attain that bikini body,
have been replaced by the warm-and-cozy-make-me-sleepy-in-the-sun-soft-sand...instead!
I will stroll the shore line but, I will not run, nor jog; no doubt.

So, again I promise to my Self to make another attempt to be good, and start by
starting with small scoops of brown rice that will be my broom.
...with a little Nori sprinkled on top to help it go down.

And I do here and now promise that I will Grapefruit juice wash my sinful-cellulite away on the inside, while I scrub my Self raw with a dry brush then a shower & sea salt to rough that stuff up on my outside.
"Rough & Raw": this will be my new game.

Cheers!..to building a better body.
GOOP Guru Gwenyth has posted a complete and fair interview with the author of "CLEAN", Dr. Alejandro Junger.
GOOP

How Do We Do?

2009-07-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

Do we see the signs?
Do we listen to our body?
Do we listen to our heart?
Do we stop the chatter in our head?
Do we mind our thoughts?
Do we watch our language?
Do we mean what we say?
Do we share it right away?
Do we save it for another day?

Do we give from our heart?
Do we make a fresh start?
Do we create enough?
Do we expect too much?
Do we give it away?
Do we take the time?
Do we enjoy the ride?
Do we tidy up?

Do we toughen up?
Do we challenge us?
Do we eat right?
Do we chew every bite?
Do we savor with delight?
Do we walk?
Do we talk?
Do we write?

Do we read?
Do we take the lead?
Do we take the heat?
Do we ride the Sun?
Do we have much fun?
Do we make way for some?
Do we behave?
Do we act brave?

Do we waver?
Do we react?
Do we shout?
Do we tremble?
Do we tear up?
Do we absorb like a sponge?
Do we let it out?
Do we shed it like a duck?

Do we quiver in a heap?
Do we get it all out?
Do we resurrect?
Do we shake it off?
Do we stumble about?
Do we start with baby steps?
Do we make a fast run?
Do we jump the gun?

Do we wipe the slate clean?
Do we hold a grudge?
Do we mire in the mud?
Do we sabotage?
Do we ask for help?
Do we command respect?
Do we repeat our defeat?
Do we give our Self a reprieve?

Do we wreck our Self?
Do we check our Self?
Do we save our Self?
Do we save another?
Do we sore together?
Do we float to the top?
Do we touch the crest?
Do we swim along?
Do we carry on?

Do we...

Lazy in Laguna Beach

2009-07-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a quick drive along the coast is the easiest answer for an unplanned vacation in exchange for desperation. We found our slice of the easy life along the shores of Laguna Beach, coming complete with a European accent.

We stroll through the neighborhood every morning, late in the day, and again in the dark of night guided by the full moon, that is coming on fat and strong.

We stop by the Laguna Nursery for some gardening inspiration, for when we become ambitious.

We eat like never before at Sapphire Laguna where Brunch comes to us as a Surprise in a Box at Sapphire for those of us you are too tired to decide.

We skimmed through stacks of beautiful photo Books, and managed some good Summer reads.

Food + Art = Love

2009-06-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

Food is Love.

Art is Love.

Every little thing is Love.

An ugly black cigar is Love.

A ring from some obnoxious little king is Love.

In the words of Colette's "Gigi",
"Food is Love. Art is Love. Every little thing is Love."
"An ugly black cigar is Love. A ring from some obnoxious little king is Love"
..."I just don't understand the Parisians. Making Love every chance they get."

So there I am, finding my Self again, staring down into a cup, looking for Love.
Could you imagine my surprise, as a looked with my own eyes, what was staring back at me, as a took a sip!

So insatiable I am all the time. Looking around every corner, out the car window, in every unkempt drawer, for something more. I drank it all up. And of course, I still want more but, at least for a moment I took pause. I enjoyed the delight of every little bite, and watched as my glass caught the light.

May your world of art and words and food, deliver you Love and more.
Take the time to enjoy the delight of every little bite.

This is what I did:
Puree a few fresh apricots and pour in glass.
Puree separately a handful of fresh raspberries and drop in as two spoon fulls.
Food + Art = Love.

Chipotle Tacos at the Park

2009-06-21T22:57:00.000-07:00

I am all about accepting the easy way out and will take any window that presents it self to enjoy a possible unexpected view. So, when I began to make up a little something-something, and still searching for the one thing to make it all become one, I realized there was a single choice that could be fun. A cup of fresh chipotle salsa was what was left to wait in the fridge, and I just could not stop staring. Grabbed all the fresh stuffs that were lingering in the bowl and chopped them all up. I splashed on the salsa, stirred it all around and paused, while I remained craving more.
The tortillas were stacked high and warm in front of my eyes, so tossed a few on the stove. I turned the flame on high, walked away with a smile, and turned back to see my demise. I smoked up the place to no surprise to my guests, and I was reminded that I do it each time. No time to sulk, no reason to scream, I set my self on a plan. Whooshing about, I opened all the windows, packed it all up and let the door slam behind me. Off to the Park to get some fresh atmosphere and share what I could salvage. A flush of fish found us interesting, and so did the swans, as well as a couple of love-bird-turtles in tow. Our toes tucked in the cool grass, the sea air wafting around, the sun high in the sky, with a slew of soft clouds floating by. Together we shared in the moment of happy "mis-takes" that continue to make our creative impulses show up in disguise and forge a new path of brilliant rewards of surprise.

Here we go:
Chipotle salsa...No, do not make your own. Take it easy.
Phone it in to your local taco stand and call it a day.
I am really not that ambitious; I'd rather go play.

Cucumber
Radish
Red onions
Pink Lady apples
Cilantro
Olive Oil
+ Flour tortillas if you wish ;P

Be well.

Hoarding Quietly Among The Harem

2009-06-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

Any one who arrives at my desert tent is always waved in with a welcome and well fed.
A tempting buffet of fruits and nuts and spices lay openly about, available to all who may feel the hunger from their journey. Bowls and platters and jars remain willing and waiting for the taking with suggestions of more to follow.
Guests are invited to stay until they are fat and full and fall into snores, only to wake up aroused, yearning for...another round of flavors, and textures and more.

There is a time however, when I suspect all the eyes of the harem are distracted...
I sneak a bite.
I never share.
I would not think to pull out a plate.
I hover instead over the sink.
Over ripe peaches dipped in a hand full of Sumac, this is my private treat.
Sandy texture atop my fresh flesh and juice that tap dance on my tongue.
... it is the cinnamon on my breakfast toast.
... the salt rim to my virgin Margarita.
...the Nori flakes on my hot bowl of popcorn.

A simple pleasure I reveal... virtually,
so that you too may covet it for your private muse.

In exchange I request only that you shimmy over and offer up a similar,
soul-searching-source of satiable inspiration.

What secret-something-snack do you keep all to your Self and no one else?