424 Purisima

It is raining

2012-02-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

If your house is really a mess and a stranger comes to the door, greet her with , "Who could have done this?
We have no enemies." Phyllis Diller

2012-02-13T02:35:00.000-08:00

To get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with. Mark Twain

Even when circumstances seem the darkest these little
guys make it bright again.

Dark Hours

2012-02-11T03:16:00.000-08:00

It is during my darkest hours that I miss my mother the most.
A word of encouragement:
a pearl of wisdom gained through suffering.

Camellia japonica

My mother referred to them as japons. I have not had
success with the lovely bushes but always feel a deep
longing it is much the same with hortensias.

Mediating on her favorite flowers pansies, geraniums,
roses and daisies.

Putting First Things First

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite shops in Old Town Tustin burned to the ground in December. The Vintage Lady was simply grand with a fairy garden in the back. When I visited it always felt like I belonged.
Grander still is Cathy, the owner, who has moved to Country Roads in Orange.

There in a lesson on having the spirit and going on.

Courage isn't having the strength to go on it's going on when you don't have the strength.
Gal 6:9

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33

If I have achieved anything in my life it is because I have not been embarrassed to talk

about God.
Dorothy Day

Inflammation is a Very Dirty Word

2012-02-09T22:03:00.000-08:00

My new rheumatologist said I presented with the severest
case of ankylosing spondylitis he has seen in a woman.
Inflammation keeps me from doing so many things.
Luckily, Daddy brings proof.

White Marriage Wednesday

2012-02-08T02:07:00.000-08:00

All the best transformations are accompanied by pain.
Fay Weldon

Seek a partner that will not disregard your growth
but will travel the path with you.
For a marriage to be successful
both partners must seek the same horizon.

Successful marriages are not made of carbon copies (Google it)
but of a melding of strengths.
Couples should be clear on ultimate goals.
Not holding secret hopes of change.
Don't sabotage your partner with lofty unobtainable
expectations.

Waiting for Dawn

2012-02-07T02:07:00.000-08:00

The more stressed I become the more the inflammation screams.
Trying to focus on what cheers me.

Learn to pause or nothing worthwhile will catch up with you.
On a forced pause.

Being Surrounded by Angels

2012-02-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. Mother Teresa

In the end, all I will recall is the light of God and
the intervention of friends.

Welcome February

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of a green spring. Planting seeds, watching sprouts grow.
Is it really February already?

White Wednesday on Marriage

2012-02-01T06:01:00.000-08:00

There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion,
or company than a good marriage.

-Martin Luther

Married in haste to repent at leisure. These High, Green Hills by Jan Karon

It's not only in the way you treat each other but in the way you conduct
yourselves in the trying times that will determine your fate.
It is during the times of trial that you will see the true character of your
partner.

Some the darkest days of our marriage involved the care of my aging mother.
Even as we traveled through uncertain terrain, we knew that we would look
back with wonder and gratefulness. My heart swells with admiration.

My mother taught us so much.
On marriage she would say that jealously is the worse trait.
Never marry a man who puts his hands in his pockets. It is a sign of laziness.
She'd say that the bad ones don't wear bells to identify themselves.

Her generation didn't get divorced. Not all married couples were happy but
couples stayed together. Pick your mate very carefully with a plan of no way out.

Keep in mind, it is more important to make a home then own a house.

White Wedding Wednesday

2012-01-25T18:16:00.000-08:00

Work with the Tides

At times, the moon's jurisdiction can be far mightier than our own wills,

and mermaids may tatter their tails swimming against the tide.

A Survival Guide for Landlocked Mermaids by Margot Datz.

I wish I had this book years ago but I am not sure if I would have understood the
message without the years behind me.

Being the right partner is as important as picking the right partner.

This turquoise blue reminds me of the blue of sea and all my sister
mermaids.

Starting Today Take Charge

2012-01-24T06:13:00.000-08:00

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may be,
for I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness
or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances.

Martha Washington

Homemakers of the past made even mundane things special.
These are treasures. They reminding of the special women
that have gone on before.

Stuff that Keeps My Interest

2012-01-23T06:13:00.000-08:00

These are the random thoughts of a former homemaker.
A solar Queen waves from our visit to Nevada City.

Susan Branch's Love book is going out of print after 18 years. Can it be possible?
Has so much time really passed? When my oldest boys were little there were periods
where I felt extremely isolated. The boys' daddy traveled extensively
for work, I didn't work outside the home and my family lived far away. My feelings
of isolation were even deeper because I am not much of a loner.
I have never even gone to a movie alone. I don't enjoy shopping or eating alone.

In enters Susan Branch's cookbooks, Mrs. Sharp's Traditions
from Sarah Ban Breathnach and Tasha Tudor. A new world expanded before me.
A world where I could nurture my creative soul and
the task of nurturing babies and keeping home fires burning.
These books validated the value and importance
of my homemaker existence.

Ah, it is good to be Queen.

2012-01-22T06:13:00.000-08:00

WooWee. Why does it take so long to put all the Christmas stuff away?
Probably because I love it so much. It is hard to let go. Here is my finished wreath.
Boas Festas...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wrapped into two words.

Road 2 California Show

2012-01-20T22:00:00.000-08:00

It was a girlfriend fun day with a visit to the annual Road 2 California Show.
My swoon for booth was Nifty Thrifty Dry Goods,
Sorry for the poor quality phone photos.

Happy Chinese New Year....with a Quilt

White Wednesday on Marriage

2012-01-18T06:13:00.000-08:00

from miss dietz's third-grade class Advice for a Happy Marriage by debi dietz crawford and friends. Quite possibility the only marriage advice book you will ever need. Pearls of wisdom and sweet eight year old illustrations.

This little jewel of a book came into our lives after only 5 short months of dating.
Now, I have to tell you, I did not plan on ever getting married again but if I was going to date I wanted it to be the sweetest journey of my life and I wanted to set the ground rules early. In the selection of a mate, you must aim high and not ignore any red flags. No flinching. Remember our mantra: Better alone then in bad company.

First piece of advice from the book: "My advice is if there are two cupcakes and the man takes the one with not as much frosting he loves you."

and "to show you love each other, take the smallest cookie."

We still refer to all the sage advice as reminders not to fight, sleep together, have alone time, children, pets and kissing. It is all in there.

Tall Tails

2012-01-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

As we drove east on State Route 46 we noticed mile markers.

This one helped us commemorate Mr. Lee's birthday.

As Mr. Lee posed for his birthday picture,

a cow across the way mooed angrily at us.

Moo. Get away from my sign.

Moo. I said get off my property/

I yell back at her.

She started to run in the opposite direction but continued to look

back and moo every chance she got.

Last Stepping Stone of 2011

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

This stepping stone was created for my brother Joe. Christine, my niece,
places the glass stones. The handprints include Holly, Jacob and Antonio,
my great nephew, their ages and the date the stone was made.

Always date your crafts.

Friday the 13th

2012-01-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

As any regular readers of this blog knows,
Mr. Lee and I had our first date on a Friday the 13th.
It was nearly 15 years ago
but the memory is still very vivid. Meow, my darling.
each and everyday. Our monthly anniversary ritual is very special.

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

2012-01-11T19:59:00.000-08:00

Way back in my freshman year in high school I discovered The Prophet. It made sense, the words seemed simple enough, but the depth of understanding came much later after heartache, after watching my mother care for my father, after watching my mother lose my father and after celebrating a decade of a good marriage.

On Marriage

Then Almitra spoke again and said, "And what of Marriage, master?"
And he answered saying:
You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days.
Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together, yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

White Wednesdays on Marriage

2012-01-11T06:13:00.000-08:00

Opposites attract, oh my, but the best couples/marriages I know are based on common interests. The more things you have in common the better and easier it will be. Are you into owning horses, traveling, or is it security you crave?

Years ago, I was dumped by a boyfriend because he claimed he sought a window and not a mirror. He used those very words. We were too much alike. I was crestfallen and I have never forgotten. I believed then, as I believe now, he was wrong. In the end, he did me a favor.

You will never convince anyone to like, let alone love you, if they want to go set them free. I promise you will save yourself a lot of heartache.

Consider this, a collector won't very likely be happily married to a non-collector.

Broth is Good for Queasy Tummies

2012-01-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

Holly, sweet baby, has been having flu symptoms. My first thought was brat (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) but she won't have any part of it. She informed me that she may never eat again.

My next thought was the broth my mother and sisters used to make when the household was under the weather.

Green Broth

Use cold water when starting to make your broth
To the cold water add: green onions, peeled garlic cloves, flat leaf parsley, a splash of olive oil, a bit of katsup or tomato and salt to taste
Bring to rolling boil then simmer for water to have a green infusion
Add egg to poach (optional)
Remove greens and serve

That's it. You will have to play with the quantity of ingredients. Varying amounts will depend on how many sickies you are feeding and how strong you want your flavors.

Thinking about the green broth got me thinking about my mother's ever present garden. She always had green onions, parsley and mint in pots. My little garden already has mint and parsley starting, but I need green onions. Seeds for the green onions can go in the ground as early as February in southern California.

That is how inspiration strikes some times.

Heritage House, Riverside, CA

Thoughts for 2012

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. -Marianne Williamson

This sentiment will be held close to my heart as I journey through a fresh new year.

White Wednesdays on Marriage

2012-01-05T06:13:00.000-08:00

For the next year, or until I lose interest, the Wednesday blog posted here will be on marriage. No scientific proof: only my life lessons. My failures, successes and simple antidotes on marriage.

Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then, do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.
-Margaret Young

And so it is with a good marriage. You must first be who you really are, you must be willing to allow yourself to be hurt, and you must be able to simply let go. This will sound trite, but I came to this conclusion after watching Moll Flanders the film way back in 1997. Any possibility of a future marriage could only be satisfying if I could experience love in the same way. Lee watched the file with me indicating, "I only want to be loved if I can be loved like this."

"Better alone than in bad company." My oldest sister, Mericia, used to say and it is true. To have a good marriage you can not be needy. Read carefully, you must be willing and able to stand alone, to be a whole person on your own and not compromise in the selection of your mate.

Happy Birthday Felix

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

My family is riddled with "Jose" not ho-SE in Spanish but zho-ZE in Portuguese. To distinguish the many zho-ZEs in my family my brother Joe was always "Felix" at home. Not the English pronunciation of feelix but pronounced feliz with the z sounding like sh. Say felish.

Felix was my paternal grandmother's maiden name and it sounds lovely in Portuguese. Almost anything sounds better in a romance language.

If we lived near we would all give you a big hug.

A heartfelt Happy Birthday.

Hardware Stores

2012-01-03T06:13:00.000-08:00

We have an affinity for hardware stores.
Not the big box stores but the dying breed of neighborhood stores.
If we don't frequent these jewels they will fade away like so
many other neighborhood stores of the past.

This little jewel is located in San Luis Obispo.
The owners could not understand our fascination with hardware stores.
It is the nostalgia for simpler times.
It is the sweetness of growing up in a small town where people really did know your name,
where people said things like excuse me, please, thank you,
and customer service meant something.

Feliz Ano Novo

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Peace on Earth and goodwill to all. Welcome 2012.

Spirit of Gratitude

2011-12-30T06:39:00.000-08:00

There are a few things always on my roadtrip list. Vintage, thrift, Yelp food recommnedations, craft, fabric, yarn and nurseries.

Here is a jewel: High-Hand Nursery in Loomis.

Koi pond.

Evergreen.

Can't wait to return in spring.

Madonna Inn

2011-12-29T07:39:00.000-08:00

Checked off the bucket list.

Happy Birthday Mr. Lee

2011-12-26T07:55:00.000-08:00

Mr. Lee has a fantasy about a barn studio. Darling, bring it to you.

We'll be celebrating all week. Happy Birthday.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T22:04:00.000-08:00

It has been a lovely lazy day with the Gilmore Girls, crafts and food.
Merry Christmas from our house to yours.

Magic Felt Wreaths

2011-12-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I picked up the wreath Joe and I started
last year. I was originally inspired by Alicia Paulson's wreath. My goal was to finally finish the two wreaths by
Christmas. So far I've only completed Joe's wreath but I am satisfied.
This is me crafting away the hours while Lee drives. I must be a sight
threading needles as we zoom down the road.

Here is the finished product. The dark fabric is an upcycled thrift store sweater.
This little beauty will hit a mail box today.

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

This little me is still inside. Carefree and happy all the time.
Skipping everywhere I ventured and riding imaginary horses to school.
I am grateful for every birthday I am blessed to celebrate.

"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with
a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
― Maya Angelou

Thoughtful Provoking

2011-12-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

Gandh i

Thanksgiving Crafts

2011-12-12T06:13:00.000-08:00

These are some of the crafts we completed during our Thanksgiving break.

A shared project:

Jacob's art work on one pot:

Holly art in all her favorite colors:

My niece Christine's artwork showcase:

This started out as a $1 spice rack from a thrift store.
You can't tell here but this is beaddazzled.

My mother used to say it's not always a bed of roses.
Can you just imagine the thorns of these roses?
A wooden V from a craft store.

Wooden ornaments.

All works of art are signed and dated.

Chrisy Forever You Will Be

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Chrisy has been my beloved friend for over 40 years. Before kindergarten, before I could speak a word of English, and long before we discovered boys.

Here is a wish for this year and more.
For happiness and health.
Laughter, wine and so much more.
Love from me to you.
Happy Birthday.

A tender mother daughter moment this past summer.

Sew Funky

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Sew Funky in Ontario on December 4

We love supporting small retailers and all the handmade vendors.
It is important to us that our kids understand the connection between
the individuals we meet and their handmade products.

This small faire is just starting to take off in the Inland Empire. If we want
it local we have to provide our support. Jacob takes a break from his
DS to chat with this very accommodating contributor.

Go handmade revolution go. Our grandmother's would be proud.

Harvest Festival in Pomona

2011-12-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

The carousel at the Pomona Fairgrounds. The Harvest Festival is expensive.
At $9 per adult admission and $9 for parking it is a little steep.
Then again there is entertainment on the stage, period dressed carolers strolling throughout the event,
and crafts for the kids.
The is crafty FOCUS. Both the kids have my unique talent of tuning everything else out.

What a Weekend

2011-12-06T21:46:00.000-08:00

I've been holding out on you dear readers. It hasn't been on purpose...simply the cold, which I love, has hit my joints hard this year. Feeling fatigued most of the time.
Still I love you all so much so here is my weekend post. Better late than never.

The weekend felt long and velvety. A great warm comfort of experiences. We started the adventure on Friday at Piecemakers.

On Saturday we visited two of our favorite shops in Lake Elsinore:

Mora's and Maria's Antiques both on Main Street.

Then on to Rainbow for the Vintage Marketplace.
This is one of Mr. Lee's very favorite destinations.
Amazing vendors. Here is Becky's booth...one of our favorites.

Stepping stones to round out holiday decorating in the garden.

Posing in Front of the Galaxy 500

2011-11-30T06:06:00.000-08:00

Tell me this isn't a treasure.
Gosh, all mighty, I am so happy my mother forced us take photographs.
Back row: Father, Mother, Cousin Moitoso, sister Dulce, brother Ilidio
Front row: Joe and me
Joe is 6 and I am 4. Yes, we both had blond hair.

Happy Birthday

2011-11-29T00:06:00.000-08:00

Nicholas, my second son, turns 21 today. Honestly, where does the time go? As the result of an ugly divorce, his older brother came to live with me and Nicholas stayed with his father. It wasn't as cut and dry as all that but that was the end result. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't wonder what I could have done differently but in reality it wasn't my decision. At the time, there was very little I could do without causing more damage. It is a legal system, not a justice system, after all, and the one with the most cash or better attorney (same thing) still wins.

On the day of his birth, the pediatrician told me he didn't know if Nicholas would make it through the night. He was born early, he had a low birth weight, it was turning into a cold winter and he had an extreme case of jaundice. But survive he has with a taste for pickle juice, hot salsa and salty chips.

Twenty-one is a golden age. A milestone. The age when suddenly adulthood can no longer be denied.
We love you dear heart. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Nicholas in my mother's garden.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is synonymous with crafting. With a heart full of gratitude and family all around.
The get along gang wishes you and your loved ones a heart full of blessings.

Apple Pie

2011-11-23T07:26:00.000-08:00

Up the hill to Oak Glen for apple pie. Let me tell you it was cold and crisp.
Jacob loves apples and this kind lady allowed us to sample them all. We prefer tart apples.
Our taste test resulted in two favorites: Pink Lady and Arkansas Black.
The lady recommends the use of three flavor varieties ranging from tart, to medium and sweet for pie making.
We are sticking to tart.

While visiting Riley's farm, we took a tractor pulled wagon tour through the property.

This is our tour guide Seth.

Seth explained that some of the orchards we were visiting were over
100 years old and had been planted from seed. Trees are now planted
by graft. In the days where trees were planted by seed it would take
15 years for the trees to finally be profitable. He also explained that four
seasons are required for proper apple growing. When the temperatures drop
it signals the tree to drop the sap into the truck and go dormant for the winter.

The name Apple Valley was already taken when Oak Glen was renamed. The
hills are full of a variety of oak trees including Black Oak, Live Oak and a rare combination of
both.

More Photos from Roger's Garden

2011-11-22T07:42:00.000-08:00

Looking just a bit disapproving.

Never met a heart I didn't love.

Owls are a symbol of growing up in the 70s.

Had to have a snail to hang over my kitchen sink.

VoVo Remembered

2011-11-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Holly's teacher asked her if she visited with her grandparents.
"Oh, yeah," she said. "I see my VoVo all the time but only in my dreams.
My VoVo has a lot of friends." It was a little while later that the teacher
realized that Holly was talking about someone who had passed away.

This little story was shared with my siblings because it is such a great comfort to think that VoVo 'has so many friends.' When I told my sister last night she said, "Of course, mother always had lots of friends."

My mother had a wonderful relationship with Holly. She would always say, "That one, I take in my soul."

I understood what she meant. She loved her so much that she could not bear to leave her entirely. Holly always stayed physically close to VoVo. While Jacob would ask to visit the rehab center. he would stay physically distant. Holly wasn't shy or scared. She would get right up and sit on VoVo's bed.
They are connected through eternity.

Last weekend we took the long road trip up north to help my brother move. Holly had asked if we were going to visit VoVo? What other four year old asks to visit a cemetery? Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time but I promised we would visit at the end of December.

Yesterday, on the second anniversary of VoVo's death, as we sat in church, Holly asked, as she pointed to the altar, "Will VoVo be up there?" It was no small feat to get all eight of us out of the house by 8:30 but there we were children, grandchildren and a great grandchild because we all knew it mattered to VoVo.

After mass and breakfast, we headed to Roger's Gardens in the pouring rain. Nothing would have made VoVo happier than to see all of us laughing together.

.

I had to do a double take on this one. To the left of my niece, Christine, is a woman
that just for a split second looked just like my mother. Christine says she feels VoVo's
presence all the time. She finds VoVo's tokens: pennies and bobby pins every where.

Holly, Antonio and Jacob or as they refer to themselves "cousins."
VoVo's legacy lives. We all gathered in a garden to recall our
beloved.

Champagne Glass

2011-11-11T06:13:00.000-08:00

I have been dreaming about champagne glasses
like my mother used to have. These are preferrable to the flute
type champagne glasses that have been the rage for the past 30
years.

This pair is from the 60s and super fancy with their ribbon of silver.
Plain glass ones would be welcome, too. We are on the hunt.

Holiday Shopping and Road Trip Ideas

2011-11-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Things in Nevada City, California. Oh yeah.
Looks and sounds like a lovely shop with a Glitter Girl Studio.

Definitely a shop for the get along gang to investigate
during the next visit to Sacramento.

A Holiday Open House in Grass Valley might also fit in nicely.

Window shopping at the Mission Galleria Antiques Mall
in downtown Riverside.

Mrs. Darlings new shop is housed here. Even before
the kids realized that this was Mrs. Darlings' space
the kids were feeling at home.

Christmas road trip possibilities:

Christmas Tree Lane, Fresno

San Diego Holiday Art Festival

Holiday of Lights, Del Mar

Mission Inn, Festival of Lights

Altadena's Christmas Tree Lane

Diva in the Making

2011-11-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

Go Out and Get Your Own

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

You know you need it.

Inspire Co. 2011 Christmas edition online magazine.

The new Where Women Create issue.

Little Turkey Army Finished

2011-11-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

These little guys have kept me happily crafting. This time of year
is so conducive to staying in the warmth of home, with old movies
on the telly, and hot tea brewing.

Now it is time for them to go out into the world to help other families
celebrate Thanksgiving traditions.

That little guy in the middle seems so chatty. Each has a unique
personality.

Mericia

2011-11-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

My oldest sister, Mericia, was so faithful.
Not the faithfulness that is convenient or
simply housed in a church building and then
put of away the rest of the week. Not
the faithfulness of today were we talk about
Jesus and the love of God and then forget
to vote our faithfulness to help those less
fortunate then ourselves: the poor, elderly and children.

In the photograph above, she is just full of
joy as she has her first child baptized.
I don't believe another
photograph exists that so clearly expresses her happiness.

It was her faithfulness that
carried her through the battle of her life. Cancer.

Today marks the twentieth year of her passing.

Her children missed growing up with their mother,
we missed our sister and our mother
missed her daughter to her dying day.
During the last year of Mericia's life,
our mother provided around the clock care.
They were both very brave.

We, kids, used to joke that
you had to be sick for our
mother to really care. It was our
way of denying and of coping.

What I gained by losing both my father and sister
so early in life was you mustn't take anything
for granted.

Life is precious. Don't squander it away.
There is no time like the present.
I learned that grace is getting what you don't deserve.
I learned to not leave the house mad.
To risk loving even if it your heart gets broken.
To not complain, at least, not often.
To smile even if you feel like crying.
To live every day as if it were your last.
To not have regrets.
I learned that through your own suffering
you can help others.
Jesus came for everyone not just the people
you agree with.
And that God is good.

Happy Birthday Miss Staci

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Big sister Michele with new baby, Staci.

A Tia's (aunt's) pride and joy long before I had children of my own.

That's Joel (we come from a long line of Fred Sanfords---
I am coming to join you honey), Joey, Christine (my oldest niece),
Larissa (in the middle), Michele standing behind Staci.

Happy Birthday, Staci
May you be blessed with good health
Memories to keep you moving toward the future
And love to fill and sustain you through the difficult
Patches of life.

Cottage Loving

2011-11-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

The cool weather should be coming. The changing weather
gets me dreaming about cozy cottages.
This little cottage is situated on the island of
Pico, Azores. So close to the ocean you can taste the mist.

I want to have a little house with sunlight on the floor,

A chimney with a rosy hearth and lilacs by the door,

With windows looking East and West, And a crooked apple tree,

And room beside the golden fence, for hollyhocks to be.

Nancy Byrd Turner

These lovely words have been painted
on the wall of my powder room for nearly eleven years.
It is still as true for me today as the day I painted them.
I still don't have a chimney but I have a crooked apple tree and
hollyhocks in the garden.

Here's to the lovely golds, oranges and yellows of November.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T20:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks Mark for all the carving.

Mark started carving before he started kindergarten.

Look what is right around the corner. It was a very busy
weekend indeed.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

Popeye.

The hunt is on.

Dia de los Muertos

2011-10-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

What a lovely day spent remembering and honoring loved ones
at Rose Hills.

Altars.

A sugar skull in the chapel.

Holly thought this lady was beautiful but chickened out when
she approached us to say hi. Jacob was thrilled to be
photographed with what he could only describe as
awesome.

Jacob is wearing the Donate Life California
green bracelet.

Jumble Sales and Thrift Shops

2011-10-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Trying on a new word for size: jumble.
Doesn't it sound better than a rummage, garage or tag sale?
But no matter what you call it getting something vintage at
a great price is one of the best thrills.

Thrift shopping satisfies the need for the hunt and sometimes the
little something you can't live without comes at
rock bottom prices.
The best part, though, is all the neighborly people we meet.

The jewel of a cookbook pictured above includes
dated color photos and fantastic food line
drawings. The volunteer that rang up this purchase
received an exact copy as a bridal shower gift for her first
marriage over 50 years ago.
She highly recommended two recipes from page 24:

Classic Beef Stroganoff and Hungarian Goulash.

I think I may have skipped just a little bit as I exited the store.

Gourd Adventures

2011-10-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

We recently visited the Baiamonte Floral & Gourd Farm for jewelry gourds.
As you can probably imagine, jewelry gourds are small but gourds come
in all sizes and shapes.

I will be making gourd turkeys for Thanksgiving again this year.
They are so popular.
After purchasing the gourds, scrubbing the gourds and finally painting the gourds.
I start on the structure of the assembly.
First, each peg doll stand gets a
spray painting.

Just a gradual process.

Parabéns Mae

2011-10-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

My mother never ever forgot our birthdays or anniversaries.
We loved celebrating her birthday because not only was she our mother but she was born in the
loveliest month of the year, October.
This photo is very special because she rarely wore anything but black head to toe. Later she would wear black and white but this color is so becoming so happy. Like the flowers she loved.
She is not smiling with her mouth but her eyes definitely have a sparkle. A bit of
a grin growing across her face.

It still breaks my heart. I still long to hear her voice, see her face and hold her hand.

The famous Pao de Lo cake always made an appearance for our
birthday celebrations.

Parabéns Mae

Antiquing in Riverside

2011-10-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

October afternoons are best spent seeking inspiration.

My favorites glitter, dirt and wire.........and crystal sparkling like diamonds.

A girl's dress up fantasy. Sparkling jewelry.

GlitterFest Fall 2011

2011-10-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

This is a must attend event in a always decked out venue.
Everyone is so welcoming and truly creative.

I've highlighted just a few seasonal items but there really
is something for everyone. Check out this jacket.

Holly's glitter boots to celebrate the event.

The yummy cupcakes we look forward to. Holly is holding
an orange pumpkin spice cake pop that she declared delicious.

A little break from the excitement.

Please check out Rita's blog for more inspiration.

A Little Bit of Knowledge

2011-10-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

What did I do? Messing around with blog templates should not be allow for experimentation for a novice like me. Please accept my apologies as I learn.

I rarely watch the regular news. It is almost always awful and l figure my life is complicated enough but Friday morning as sat in my hairstylist;s chair, my heart broke as I watched the District Attorney of Orange County choke up as he spoke of the mass murders committed in a Seal Beach, California beauty shop. He was reflecting on a little 7 year old boy's life that was forever changed by the murder of his mother and 7 patrons. His father is accused of allegedly committing the murders in an execution style. There is no way I can even comprehend the terror of the victims last moments. The losses sustained by so many families for no viable justifiable reason. These victims were minding their own business.

What parent won't ache for a child put in the worst of possible circumstances by a person claiming to love him?

I often joke that my beauty appointments are cheaper than therapy but there is some truth in my joke. Women often congregate in beauty salons for a bit of pampering, friendship and comfort. Salons are sanctuaries where kind men and women normally congregate. It's not impossible for me to fathom the insanity of domestic violence but why harm other innocent strangers?

Today, I was outside spray painting some of my holiday crafts when I heard loud thuds in the distance. I looked up into the park across the street only to see a teenager hitting everything he could with a baseball bat. I yelled out for him to stop. Only I wasn't very lady like.

It is hard to understand how everything seems to have gotten out of control. How unsupervised children have no respect for adults, for where they live and for the property of others. Growing up it was plain. I knew my parents loved me but I also had a tremendous amount of respect and fear. There wasn't a person that I feared more than my mother. Not the police or the mean girls at school.

I knew to lower my eyes when adults spoke to me and to show respect to elders. There wasn't a single instant where I would have considered damaging personal property or stealing. It felt good then and it feels good now to know that I am trusted and respected. This self awareness and sense of dignity helped me move away from relationships that didn't feel respectful or safe. As a woman, I knew that if a man loved me he would never strike me with his hands or with his words.

I owe everything to my parents. Alzira and Jose.

Coffee and Waffles

2011-10-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

In all you do, in all you think, be beautiful. Your round mahogany table shines its benevolence through dainty lace-work. The flowers, those most essential companions of all that is best in life, are adapted to the season.

-Alice Foote MacDougall

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Primo Gabriel Moitoso; Olinda Simas, my grandmother; my Tia Olinda in
1952. My grandmother, Olinda, was a card. She was always happy and singing.
See the expression on her face? Always joking even when life was hard.

Our cousins Mabel and Gabriel Moitoso were our sponsors to United States.
The land of milk and honey.

October Memories

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

October is Pumpkin Festival Revisited

Nicholas turns 21 this year but here he is
under ten years old....

Granny's House

2011-10-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

"As a designer," says Robert Novogratz, "you've failed if your house looks like your grandmother's."

Now I don't know about as a designer but I love the granny look.I loved my grandmothers' houses. I wish my house looked like my paternal grandmother's, Ursula, house with its ocean view, handmade quilts, crocheted dollies, Victorian lamps, and built in cupboards. My maternal grandmother's home wasn't shabby either. Olinda, had a huge home just large enough for 13 children and their broods. The kitchen had room for a last supper style table and scrubbed wooden floors. I'll post a photo another day.

That's my mother on the far left, my grandmother, Olinda, in the nightgown, my sister Dulce to her left.
The oldest sister, Mericia, standing directly behind my grandmother. Mericia is holding her daughter, Christine. This is during the summer of 1976. Four generations.
I share my family photo history hopefully inspire others to take photos.
My mother is probably 47 in this photo so close to my age with grown daughters and a granddaughter.
Unfortunately, I don't recognize the other guests. I was probably behind the camera.
A table full of celebration, a green cupboard, lace curtains, wood panel ceiling and stone walls.
This was my grandmother's cabin near the center of town seen below.

Yes, the granny look is for me. Always has been always will be. It may have all started with a little metal play house like the one pictured below. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Henage, gave me a similar house at the end of the school year. All those hours of playing and planning definitely influenced my future. Yes, indeed.

Irish Food

2011-10-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

One of the the best parts of any of our day trip adventures is the tasty foods we find at family owned restaurants. The Connolly's Kitchen restaurant in La Verne is pictured below.

Friendly service, spotless and tasty food, too.

Disneyland

2011-10-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

The best quote of the day. Right after the Haunted House ride at Disneyland. Jacob was explaining there were times when he had closed his eyes. Holly pipes up, "Not me, I kept my eyes open the whole time, just in case, I needed to punch them in the face."

That is my girl. even though, I am the one most likely to close my eyes.

Under the Weather

2011-10-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

We've all been under the weather for the last week. After visiting the doctor, I took a long well deserved nap.

Worked on reading Debbie Macomber's last installment of the Cedar Cove novel series. It's not that I am a fan of romance novels but I love any series set in a small town with regular characters. Jan Karon's Mitford series started my love of the genre. With limited time, I don't usually reread books but I certainly would like to reread the Mitford series. I learned a lot about my spiritual journey through the lives of each of the characters but especially through Father Tim.

To be honest, this time of year fills me with nostalgia. A yearning for Christmas past. It is during this season where my desire to hibernate mingles with the saddness of missing my mother. In my thoughts, she sits contently knitting with I love Lucy or the Lawrence Welk show playing in the background.

In a different chapter of my life, she would visit me for months at a time, we would visit nurseries, work on my garden, and craft while watching Sabado Gigante. These were very good times.

I am definitely homesick but not for a particular house or a particular time. It's more a feeling of anticipation and a longing for a certain comfort. Moments like Thanksgiving mornings when I would wake up to the smell of my mother's roasting turkey and the cladder of pans in the kitchen. I am especially susceptible to these melancholy feelings when I am under the weather.

This little dinette puts me in the perfect frame of mind. Of course, my mother would never have had a
yellow dinette. She was known to say, "Where would bad taste be without yellow?" The round rag
rug, however, was keeping with her style.

Inspiration

2011-09-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Inspiration is every where. Some times inspiration is found in color. Almost any shade of green will do.
Pumpkins inspire me.
Linens.
Quilts.
Handmade things.
Reading.
Recycling.

A Homemade Life

2011-09-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

Goodness. Taking a break from school means I get to read for pleasure.
Imagine, I get to read all those books sitting on my nightstand and not
textbooks.

The first book on my list: A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg.

Each chapter is like a blog post with a recipe. I am over half way through and totally vested. Contemporary writing with a nostalgic twist. I buy books that engage me and then read them as time permits. This one has been calling my name for a bit. Easy light reading with clearly defined chapters. Good read for the train and busy mommies.

I can not wait to try some of the recipes and it has been fun to read to Lee as we drive to the next adventure.

Saw these pair at TJMaxx.

Autumn

2011-09-24T17:51:00.000-07:00

Have I shared how much I love Autumn?
How I can not wait for the time change, on November 6 this year,
how I love the wind,
the leaves rustling and all the tasty goodness?

Here is how we brought a little of the outside inside.
The pots will be used for art pens. The plates above
the window box are DeGrazia.

Halloween Peek

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Just a Halloween peek. You will have to wait for Halloween to witness the rest.

Preparing for the holiday season

2011-09-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

September 1 isn't just our anniversary date, for us, it also marks the beginning of the
holiday decorating season.
The fall flag is flying. Autumn ready, set, go.

We are cleaning, organizing and styling the whole cottage.

This is one of my favorite ironworks that has just been collecting
dust for years. It can be used for candles but I am going to use it
for hanging crafty supplies.

Here is the mirror we started at the end of last year. The reflection
is our clean and reorganized office.

What a difference don't you agree?

The freshly painted mirror sits about a little writing desk that I have had in my
possession for nearly 30 years. It's a little wobbly but I love it. My mother
gave it to me years ago for my first apartment. The desk was gifted to her by her
first cousin Maria and her husband, Gabriel Texeira. The couple was married for
over 60 years. Maria wrote many of her love letters to Gabriel on
this very desk. The history of the desk alone makes it a worthy piece.
The contrast between the white paint of the mirror and darkly stained wood of the

desk is surprisingly refreshing. Like a junior mint. Yum.

Myrtle Creek Nursery

2011-09-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

Myrtle Creek Nursery

Tell me this little girl doesn't have determination in her soul.

This photo was his idea.

Turtle love.

The gift shop.

This little kitten came bounding out of
of the gift shop to play with the kids.
This was a very good visit.

Memorial Services

2011-09-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

Honestly, Lee and I have attended more than our share of memorial services in the last few years.

Here is some of the things we have learned:
It is important to show your respect by attending services even if you feel uncomfortable.
No one ever gets used to loss.

Honor your loved ones while they are living.
Remember birthdays.

Call periodically.

Invite friends for dinner.

Tell your friends and family you love them.

:Let Freedom Ring

2011-09-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2001 - 2011

We, too, born to freedom, and believing in freedom,
are willing to fight to maintain freedom.
We, and all others who believe as deeply as we do,
would rather die on our feet than live on our knees.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Land of the free.
Home of the Brave.

We will never forget. God bless America.

The Vintage Marketplace

2011-09-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

The Vintage Marketplace in Rainbow is definitely a show not to be missed.

Lee recognized this vendor with all the Halloween treats as one of our
favorites from years ago. She used to have a shop in Riverside and we
have been wondering where she has been for years. The last time we visited
she had three heart attacks behind her. She now has seven heart attacks behind her.
She is a medical miracle and pure artsy sweetness. Our emails are added
to her contact list and we hope to meet again.

Not one........

But two.....dream trailers. This second trailer is pulled by a minivan
exactly like our get-along-gang van. Total excitement. On the
spot decision: some day we will have a little trailer.

Our girl's favorite: Mermaids and jelly fish.

Purple Citrus and Sweet Perfume

2011-09-07T06:02:00.000-07:00

The author of this book, Silvena Rowe, was on The Splendid Table. You can listen to the episode's podcast. Ms. Rowe had me at the naming of her book. She said that her father had passed at the time she was preparing this book and the title, in part, described her relationship with him. Her father was the perfume of her life. This statement brought tears to my eyes.

What an honor to be described as the "perfume" of your child's life. This book should be on its way.

Women's Work

2011-09-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Fruits are a reoccurring favorite motif for me. These embroidered
perfections were made by my sister, Mericia, many many years ago.
Her skill was superior. Both the front and back were perfect.
Only an artist could shade so beautifully with changing threads.
The lace work around the edge is also hers.

These are bread basket cloths. Homemaking is definitely an art form
and my sister was a master. Holly always says "Home Sweet Home" as
we turn the corner to go home. The icing for our home are all the precious
treasures loving preserved.

Memorable Weekend

2011-09-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

This morning we woke to pouring rain. You know what we do when it rains? We all run outside and sit on the porch in our pajamas. We close our eyes and listen to the sound of rain, thunder and lightening. The entire family in enchanted with the prospect of rain. Holly stands at the edge of the porch with her hand in the rain.

It stopped raining almost as fast as it started but now we are listening to the thunder. What a lovely end to our holiday weekend.

We cleaned out the pantry. Everything came out, the shelves were wiped clean and repapered. Some items were purged in favor of a little display room. Just a few visits to the Goodwill. All the Pyrex stayed, of course. The clean sweep for the holidays is on....

See the chalkboard on the back of the door?
We taped off a rectangle and brushed on the chalkboard
paint years ago. The board is used for weekly menus, for needed
grocery items, for cooking directions for young adults and for
general notes.

To memorialize the pantry cleaning event....new glass knobs were
ordered. Can't wait to show you.

2011-09-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

Tell me this doesn't look interesting.

Last night Lee and I celebrated our X anniversary but only after working all day, going to Jacob's back to school night, and then going to surprise: Lowe's where Lee had Justin the window and door specialist at a ready.

You see, dear reader, I am a simple practical girl and my heart's desire for my anniversary gift was/is a screen door for our front door. Without my knowledge, Lee had already arranged for our door to be professionally measured and been told we needed a special order size. Of course, everything we need is made to measure and expensive.

So my big surprise was I am going to get a security/screen door but I had to select the one I wanted. We narrowed the choice down to three, Justin will get the pricing for all three and tomorrow we will run by Lowe's and make all the arrangements. Also, I did notice a bit of a Halloween display at Lowe's with a big blow up spider with glowing red eyes. The little ones will like that.

This is so exciting. This morning I washed the front door so I am ready......Tonight and through the weekend we will celebrate with yummy food, champagne and just being together.

I believe in Miracles

2011-09-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

Yes. Yes. I said "I do" ten years ago today. Yes. Yes. I had to wait until I was all grown with children to be trusted with the heart of a man that would weather whatever storm we encounter.

Thank you, my love, for providing sunshine and shade. For being brave...in all the trials. For praying...through good and bad times. You, dear heart, do God's work every day and I am blessed to be a witness to your courage and love.

Thank you for being a best friend, husband and loving Daddy to all the kids.

Who We Are

2011-08-31T06:13:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken nearly 11 years ago at my girlfriend's wedding.
Can you see how proud we are to be together.
My girlfriend, Chrisy, and I have been friends since we were four.
We have weathered many storms and our lives have, often times, paralleled each other.
We have traveled the mountains and valleys together.
We started kindergarten together and survived junior high school ( I don't care that it is called middle school now), bad relationships, divorces, career drama, and the losses of all our parents.

When I study this photo, I recall a beautiful wedding, and I see us for who we are.

Lee and I have both been blessed with deeply rooted friendships. Friends so close
with so much history. In the past two years, too many of Lee's
friends have passed on too young. This understanding of the precious quality of life
has made us even more appreciative of all the wonders of living.

This is how we live and love with our hearts on our sleeves. Willing to be hurt so we can
feel the depth of love.
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips. Kahlil Gibran
1923

Azores Dreaming

2011-08-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

This is my sister Mericia in a cabin on the island of Pico, Azores.

This November will mark the 20th year of her passing. I am guessing that she is under 30 years old in this photo. This photo is significant because even though it is faded by years it is a peek into my psyche. Check out the fabric patterns, the fading beauty, the crisp clean white counters, the oil lamp and the white iron bed. In my bedroom sits a new iron headboard and in my mother's room sits a black iron bed. These things that speak to my soul are planted deep in my memories and positive experiences.

Mericia was the oldest and eighteen years my senior. We were separated when my family immigrated to the United States and she had to stay. I don't know if I have ever gotten over the sense of abandonment that I could not verbalize until much later.

Through her life, she did not believe in divorce, her faith and her suffering, I found strength to leave a marriage simply because I did not want to die married to a man that let the air out of my balloon every day. If you have ever experienced this feeling you will understand.

In just a few days, I will be celebrating the anniversary of a very happy union.

Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm. Winston Churchill

Last Day of Summer Break

2011-08-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

It has been really hot here in the Inland Empire. These little beauties
came from my mother's little tree that is part of my urban backyard habitat.

Goodness gracious I loved that woman. My mother was one of
the most generous people I have known and she continues to give.

All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy.
No man does. That's his. -Oscar Wilde

count down to the end of summer

2011-08-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

This morning I asked Jacob about his summer. He claims that on a scale from good to awesome this summer falls dangerously close to awesome. Yes, those were his exact words. He reads a lot and I have to admit that our family is quite dramatic....in a good way.

Any whooooo, Jacob returns to school this Monday. To set the count down in motion, last night we ventured out after baths to sneak peek the class roster. The whole family is sad to see summer end but we are excited to see school start but only because Jacob is excited. Unlike some parents that can't wait to enjoy some quiet time, school for us means more work, evenings crammed with homework and real bed times. Less time just being together more time focusing.

Deep sigh. Lee would say stay with me, it is his way of staying in the moment.
Stay in the moment with me. This plant was in the cafe at Filoli. I have
a similar one on my kitchen sink. Gifted to me by Joe.

The kitchen at the mansion at Filoli has a separate pastry kitchen.
Baking is my absolute favorite...so I was in heaven. Think of it,
all the space you need to bake through the fall and holiday season.
The kids could cut and decorate cookies.

We have a sea theme going on in our boys bathroom. Just thought
I'd mention it since someone at Filoli had a similar idea.

This is the fireplace in the ballroom.

Julia and her mom, Chrisy, my childhood friend.

And just in case you ever wonder if the kids enjoy any of it. See Jacob's face for confirmation, you can not
fake this level of enthusiasm.

This image also reminds me of my favorite Sesame Street skit with Grover
demonstrating here and there.

As for Holly, she got to run, respectfully of course, and not on the grass.

Just imagine the grandness of this amazing yard all of it cared for

by over 1,000 dedicated volunteers. A real family lived and played here.

California Academy of Sciences

2011-08-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

On Monday, we visited the California Academy of Sciences. This was boy's absolute favorite adventure this trip. It's expensive so don't think about eating here on a family budget but do plan to spend the day to get the most bang for your buck.

Look for discounts and purchase your tickets online to avoid lines. Get there early, grab tickets for the planetarium, and visit the rain forest first. The aquarium was very busy the day we visited. I am not a fan of crowded dark tight quarters but the kids had a blast and that is what matters.

Roof top.

Filoli

2011-08-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

Road trip.

We really try to visit or do one new thing a month. Yesterday, we visited Filoli for the first time.
Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life.

If you are old enough, this is where the Dynasty fly over was filmed. Everything was in full bloom. The gardens were my favorite.

Today we are off to the California Academy of Sciences!!

Portugal

2011-08-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

The 17th century Portuguese writer, Antonio Vieira wrote, "God gave the Portuguese a small country as a cradle but all the world as their grave."

Country Roads, Orange, California treasures.

Creekside

2011-08-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

What does this image remind you of?
This image was captured as we walked over the walking bridge on Main Street in Half Moon Bay.

Such a lovely site for a wedding or renewing wedding vows.

New Book for My Wish List

2011-08-07T21:51:00.000-07:00

New book alert. Inside the Creative Studio.

Got to add it to my wish list.

I Love Lucy

2011-08-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

Happy 100th Birthday Lucy.

I truly love Lucy. Have loved her my entire life. As kids we would
watch I Love Lucy and The Lucy Show as a family. While caring for
my mother, we would watch Lucy and the Lawrence Welk show.
The tradition continues today.

Watching Lucy transports me to a simple time. It is comforting and familiar.
No, I never ever tire of watching.

2011-08-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

I don't know where I found this quote.

It is hard to be optimistic when your "fat"
pants are tight.

Lovely lettuce. Maybe this is why green is my favorite color.

Simply

2011-08-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

And all the loveliest things there be
Come simply, so, it seems to me.
Edna St. Vincent Millay

Mr. Lee is always trying to cheer me up with
little surprises around the house.
This is one half of a lock that he was able
to divide and install on two of our closet door.
A simple dummy knob. Made me smile
immediately.

Little things make me so happy.
The screws still need to be "vintaged" up.

Craft Fiesta

2011-08-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

We had the good fortune to visit CJ Angels in La Verne during their Craft Fiesta.

Super fun with super nice kid friendly people.

2011-08-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

Learn to pause...or nothing worthwhile will catch
up to you. Doug King

Sometimes when you feel the exhaustion of life
overwhelm you go out and window shop.
A few quiet moments always helps recharge
my creative juices.

I love these glass cake plates. Just plain glass shining
like diamonds.

It's raining it is pouring......

2011-07-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

We love the rain. The entire family got up to sit on the porch listening to the rain, thunder and lightening. Such a lovely surprise. A grey sky against all the green of the trees.

Today will be a day to wrap up projects. Going to watch Funny Face.
Tomorrow is the first day of August.....so we have to get
on with painting our anniversary shadow box.

Mr. Lee made pancakes and peanut butter cookies. We don't usually get to
bake in the summer but today is a very special day indeed.

Hollywood Court Cottage

2011-07-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that my mother influenced much of what I do today but no where is it more profound than in my love of cottage gardening and possibly in my love of cottages.

Here is my niece, Christine, and my mother, Alzira, outside the little Hollywood Court cottage on Johnston Street where my mother lived after my father passed away.
I am guessing this photo was taken in 1993.
This is the street side of the garden.
This is what the Plum Tree Court vacation rentals look like today.

The first cottage on the left is where my mother lived.

For this photo only: photo credit Wayman Barnes

This is the interior garden, business side, where vegetables
were grown to supplement my mother's Social Security budget.
Don't even get me started on that topic.
Those are fava beans on the left it's probably April or May since they are blooming.
See the hen and chick succulents along the sidewalk? I have some of the baby
chicks from those plants in my front garden. My mother always had flat leaf parsley
and mint in pots in her garden. Yesterday, as I watered my own potted mint the
scent took me right to childhood and the sopas of the holy ghost festival.
My mother's little garden also housed roses, kale, and a variety of lettuce.
Everything tastes better fresh but lettuce has so much more flavor and depth
if grown in your own garden. I can't even describe the deliciousness
of a plain lettuce salad with a light vinaigrette.

Yep, it's April see the white and red sweet peas. There are carnations,
cosmos, and potato vines but those would bloom later.
The calla lilies defined the end of my mother's garden.

That's the back door to the cottage leading to the kitchen where
all invited family and friends entered.
I remember stepping into the middle of the street to get these photos.
If I stop to close my eyes I can go back to this very moment in time. To the
smell of my mother's garden with onions growing next to red roses.
The events and milestones celebrated in this little cottage are still with
me. Isn't it funny how we really do travel through time?
It is the significance of our memories that keeps our loved ones with us
always.
During the last few months of my mother's life I would sit with her
for hours just holding her hand because I wanted to remember what
it felt like. Hours of quiet communication.

Holy Ghost Festivities

2011-07-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

This photo is a jewel among my mother's collection of photos.
It is a quintessential symbol of the Portuguese Holy Ghost Festivals
held throughout California and in my island of Pico, Azores.

The women join the traditional parade, carrying their baskets as you see here.
The baskets carry the homemade special occasion
bread: Bolo de vesperas. Notice the handmade lace that decorates
the linens in each basket.

My mother would say that these women had hands of gold.
Hands that could make any thing and made everything with
perfection.