Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year’s Eve!!!

The greatest thing about being at the beach after a big storm is that the ocean has receded enough to triple the size of the beach. And with that, large portions of the tide pools, normally submerged, are available for up-close-and-personal-viewing. Sitting on my balcony this morning, I gazed at the withdrawn ocean and gulped down my coffee, anxious to get on my way to the tide pools.

Once there, I found a veritable smorgasbord of sea life that I hadn’t the other days I explored the area. And my first stop? The portions waaaaay out—the part that’s usually under water. There I found huge pumpkin orange starfish. They’re one of my personal favorites and seem to have become rare to spot. So today when I came across a half dozen or so, each fifteen to twenty-five years old and close enough for me to touch, I felt truly lucky.

If you check out the new photo album my Webmaster posted this evening, you’ll glimpse some of what I spotted while at the tide pools earlier. For diversity, in this album, I tried to only post images not in the last one. I hope everyone enjoys.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Well…so much for best-laid plans. Yesterday, I decided t take the day off and not worry about posting that day’s blog until early this morning. But Mother Nature had other plans. All day yesterday, it stormed were my family and I are vacationing. Then last night, the storm went from bad to worse, the Internet being knocked out in the process.

It poured rain yesterday, soaking anyone who dared to venture out into the mess. And the wind blew with a fury that churned the ocean until it looked like a boiling foaming cauldron. There were massive wave sets lined up five deep, each worthy of surfers catching them.

By the time everyone but my oldest son, his girlfriend and I had turned in for the night, the wind had bumped up quite a few notches, threatening to blow our patio umbrella and table over the edge of our balcony. The only things keeping that from happening were the arms of one of the chairs that the table leaned heavily against.

Now, I’m not sure about most, but I prefer meeting my neighbors by knocking on their door and saying introducing myself rather than shouting “sorry” through their shattered window, my patio umbrella’s impaled. So…my son and I worked together to place the table on its side to pull the umbrella out. Had we opted to remove the umbrella with the table standing upright, I had the worst feeling the wind would catch it, yanking it from our hands and sending it straight through the neighbor’s picture window.

Just as my son and I reentered the house, pleased with ourselves for saving the umbrella without incident, one of the kitchen windows blew open. It’s older, hinged on one side, with a latch that doesn’t always catch just right. With the wind, it rattled loose, banging back and forth. My son bolted across the living room into the kitchen, fearing that he wouldn’t make it in time to keep the glass from shattering. But luck was again on our side, and all was secured without drama.

By then, it was the wee hours of the morning, and we were exhausted, wondering how everyone else in the house was managing to sleep through the howling wind and driving rain. We made one more check to ensure that everything was in good order prior to tuning in for the night, snuggling way under the covers.

This morning, though the rain had long ceased with everything now dry, we discovered that the Internet had not withstood the storm, thus the delay in getting yesterday’s blog posted. It’s taken most of today, but the Internet is finally up and running.

Yeah!

So, what have I learned from this? Don’t delay in doing something when you have the chance, for one never knows what curve balls might be thrown their way, making what should be simple tasks turn into fiascos.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Some of you may have tried to make comments on yesterday’s blog but couldn’t. We were experiencing a glitch with the site. Each time my Webmaster tried to post the entry, it went up but…without the capability for comments to be made. Persistence paid off, however, and he managed to finally get it up and working this afternoon.

Of course, that brings me to today’s blog that’s getting posted a bit later than I’d hoped. That’s neither the fault of my Webmaster or the site. Nope, the reason today’s is up late is because of me. Well…the fact that I was just plain having too much fun hanging with my family while away on vacation to get it posted any sooner.

Those who know me are keenly aware that it’s rare—very—for me to let slide my commitments. And when they glimpse the rare occasions when I get so embroiled in having fun that I forget or let one slide, they’re tickled pink, for they know that every now and again I need to take a break.

That’s what I did today—took a break. I went to the movies, walked around town, window-shopped, avoided the downpour, snuggled by the fire and gazed at the ocean as the storm transformed its surface into a boiling fury. All the while, I knew I had to get the blog done, but couldn’t quite pull myself away from what else I was doing to write it…until now.

So…I guess it’s official. I’ve slipped into full vacation mode. And you know what? It feels pretty darn satisfying.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

This morning, I headed off to explore the tide pools with my oldest son and his girlfriend. While there, I precariously balanced, wedging my feet between raised embankments and slippery muscles, while squatting to capture a ton of great images of giant starfish, a bashful crab and wonderful sea urchins. By the time I was done, my leg muscles were screaming in protest, but I cared not, for I knew I had wonderful pictures I could post here.

We walked back to the beach house and hung out for a bit before heading out for yet another walking adventure. Returning from that, everyone relaxed for a while before taking another long walk. With each successive journey, my legs felt heavier and sorer, but still I cared not, knowing that tonight I’d transfer all the wonderful pictures I’d taken at the tide pools, the ones that initially fatigued my leg muscles, onto my computer. Then I’d be able to include one with today’s blog and create a new album.

This evening, I got back to the beach house, finally having a chance to upload my photos onto my laptop. I’ll work on creating a photo album tonight, hopefully having it up sometime tomorrow. In the meantime, here’s a picture of a twenty-five-year old starfish I captured.

Monday, December 26, 2010

There’s something to be said about walking and exploring one’s vacation environment. Today, our oldest son, his girlfriend and I opted to window shop, poking our heads into those stores we found appealing. Amongst them, a couple of bead shops where my son and his girlfriend purchased supplies to make baby Kai her first bracelet and also necklaces for themselves. From there, we walked and roamed, finding ourselves in second-hand, vintage and consignment shops, marveling over the diversity of items contained within each.

I’m more drawn to items with history than to new ones. As a little girl, my father used to bring my sister and I to secondhand and antique stores. For my sister, it was pure torture. But for me, intrigued with unique things, it was heaven.

The shops we frequented today, here in this artsy town, were overflowing with a veritable smorgasbord of distinct items. It was fun to watch my son, who, like me, is prone to items with history, and his girlfriend oooo and ahhhh over just as many items as I ogled over.

By the end of the day, we each purchased a few treasures that I know have found great new homes.

Today was about exploring the mix mash of shops where we’re staying. Tomorrow…we’ll head to nature—the beach, tide pools and perhaps up into the surrounding hills.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

My nucleus family and I headed down to the beach today where we’ll stay for the next week. One place our family has always enjoyed converging is the beach. There’s always so much to do there. We go for walks along the shore, hunt for shells, gaze out at the expanse of ocean, dolphin watch, play in the sand, explore the many tide pools and just hang out. This beach trip promises to be extra special, for it’s the first in several years where all of us will be together.

For me, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as watching my kids interact with one another. And now that they’re getting older and are spread out, I treasure these opportunities whenever I get the chance. It’s fun to hear them recount remembrances of years-gone-by. To watch them create new memories—together—that will help the bond between each grow stronger.

Like most families, each of us is uniquely different, yet similar in a myriad of ways. These distinctions draw us closer together, drive us crazy—at times and are the things we most appreciate about the other.

Will this next week be completely smooth? Probably not. Will there be slight squabbles between various family members? No doubt. Will that ruin our trip? How could it? Each of us acts in a mature manner, recognizing that little speed bumps are part of being a family. That what makes us stronger is when we overcome those hiccups.

So as I write this, I look forward to this week we’ll get to spend together, in close proximity, with no interruptions from work, etc. This is our time, one we’ll treasure—each of us in our own unique way.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

A while after opening presents today, my husband was attempting to help two of our kids get their new technology gadgets to work. As I watched, I couldn’t help but laugh at how Christmas has changed. Used to be that the time spent after opening presents was for assembling items not already put together, or rummaging around to locate enough batteries to make the new items work. Not so anymore. Now, it seems one needs at least one phone and a computer to contact technical support, this after attempting and failing to get the new Christmas presents to work by one’s self.

Later today, I received an email from a friend, wishing me a Happy Holiday season. She included the following link

http://player.vimeo.com/video/17570180?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0%22

that further proves my point that Christmas is, indeed, morphing into a high-tech event. The link will take you to a video that runs about five minutes in length. I recommend that you watch the whole thing, as the group does switch things up throughout, ending with a true techno twist that had me giggling aloud.

Hope everyone enjoys and Happy Holidays!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Every year I find myself pondering on Christmas Eve how it managed to come so quick. Seems every year the holidays are upon us like silent ninjas capable of sneaking up on us with little to no warning. Intellectually, I’m aware that this day comes the same time each year, but when reality hits and bam it’s here, I’m still caught off guard.

Just now, our house is full with all of our kids under one roof. That hasn’t happened since last Christmas, and I couldn’t be happier that they’re all here. Mixers are revving in the other room as cinnamon buns for Christmas morning breakfast are being prepared as well as a peppermint log for tomorrow’s dessert. There hasn’t been a moment when multiple conversations aren’t overlapping, and the positive energy and love flowing through our house warms my soul.

It’s my sincerest wish that those reading this, whether or not they celebrate the holiday, are surrounded by cherished ones and feel fulfilled as the year begins to wind itself down.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Words…the impact they have.

I was recently led to call a friend on comments they made to a posting I made (not here but elsewhere). When I read what they wrote, I recoiled as if struck. Their words seemed to be laced with ignorance, bigotry and a deep-rooted anger.

At first, my friend, second-guessing their actions, tried to brush off the event as satirical comments. When that didn’t fly, they tried to tell me that all the comments had been made by others and were simply being re-quoted. I expressed that may well be, but it was in poor taste and irresponsible to post such hateful words. That the comments made were insensitive to an entire ethnicity. That I, a person who stands firm in her conviction that each and every person has the right to freely express themselves, including their nationality, did not appreciate being made privy to such blatant prejudice.

Though my friend expressed true remorse over their actions, an indelible impression of their words, a true reflection of their innermost thoughts, has been seared into my mind, causing me to wonder if I really know this person. What they stand for. What they believe. How they view other human beings. Their right to be. Our responsibility to allow folks to prove themselves, not jump to conclusions based on stereotypes, naiveté or prejudice.

This event has re-solidified my belief that words are sacred. As such, they should be treated with a certain reverence and considered carefully before being spoken or put into print.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Driving around today, getting the last bits of holiday shopping done, I found myself smiling over how our oldest daughter is now home and how our oldest son will join us Christmas even (been forever since we’ve seen him). What makes me happiest isn’t that the holiday is coming, though that is fun. No, what puts the biggest smile on my face is knowing that soon all my kids will be under one roof. That my oldest son will get to finally meet his niece. Can’t wait for that moment. Imagine it will be surreal.

The fun doesn’t end there, for the day after Christmas, we’re all packing up and heading away for a week, just our immediate family, to reconnect. Catch up. Spend quality time together without interruptions of life, careers, etc.

Upon returning home, each of our crazy schedules will resume, and my grandfather will arrive to stay with us for an indefinite time, him crazy about meeting his very first great, great grandchild. I think he plans to commit every bit of her to memory so that he doesn’t forget a single one of her nuances when he does return home.

Holidays…they’re hectic and add more to our already busy schedules. But the best part about holidays is how they reunite families.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Over the past week, I’ve begun to feel like the masses who deal with weather woes. When most think of southern California, visions of perpetually blue skies, warm sunshine and perfect weather spring to mind. There are those who find it hard to believe that we have anything but. Oh, but let me assure you, on the rare occasions when Mother Nature turns her attention towards us, deciding it’s our turn to experience weather, she does so with a fast and furious vengeance.

Where I live, it’s been raining since last week. Not a little. Not a warm rain. But a cold torrential downpour.

I know. I know. Many who are reading this are rolling your eyes, thinking, yeah, right Cali girl, you haven’t a clue about bad weather. Not saying I do—on a regular basis—but what we’ve been experiencing of late is off the charts insane!

Just how crazy is it? Well, by the time this little weeklong storm subsides, it will have drenched us with twenty-two inches of rain! Not this season or spread out over time but with this one storm! And just like other places that deal with bad weather, the results of which wreak havoc on everyday life, we here in southern California are getting a fair dose. Of course, I know our weather woes won’t last nearly as long as what others have to put up with, and for that I am ever so grateful. But the devastation these storms leave behind is no less significant that what others endure. So, while our blue skies and warmer temps will return sooner than other places, many here will be mopping up the mess left behind for months, if not longer, just as others elsewhere.

Monday, December 20, 2010

While at our house yesterday, I noticed something out by our pool. Going to the window, I strained to see what it was through the curtain of rain falling from the sky. Squinting my eyes, I identified it to be a squirrel that looked to be flattened out, not completely but enough to make me concerned. Leaning closer, my nose almost touching the glass, I stared at it, hoping I’d see it move. It did, but in uber slow motion, as if every single action was the greatest effort.

It took a few steps, dragging its tail behind it. Then, in a monumental effort, it attempted to swish its tail into the air. The result? An arc of water spraying from its poor drenched tail that must have felt like a ball and chain.

How sad!

Its tail now elevated, though not entirely arched over its back, the little fella ventured over to the grass. Each time its tiny paws landed on the soaked lawn, they would recoil and then shake similar to a cat getting its paws wet.

Awww….

The squirrel foraged for food—anything palpable—for a minute or two then bolted with lightening speed off the grass, across the pool deck and onto the back of a chair at the far end of our pool. Teetering on the edge of it, I watched as its tail, heavily laden with water, plopped with a likely thud against the back of the chair, the rest of the squirrel’s body seeming to droop in conjunction.

Poor guy!

I imagined this was the squirrel I usually see springing with agile grace from one tree limb to another. But yesterday, it appeared that just existing in the torrential downpour, which has lasted for several days, was about all it could handle. I felt so bad for the little guy, wishing it would seek cover until the storm blew out. But he didn’t. Like a stoic statue, he sat atop that chair back for the longest time before beginning the foraging-for-food-while-dealing-with-his-waterlogged-tail process anew.

What a way to spend a rainy day…as a drenched squirrel!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

The me that dwells within….

Ever have the urge to rush to the nearest mountaintop and shout out your frustrations, joys, sorrows, etc at the top of your lungs? I do. Perhaps it’s the days on end of inclement weather we’ve had. Or the fact that yesterday I spent nearly six hours driving two hundred miles to get to and from a class and then to go out with friends. Could be that I’m just overly happy. Or maybe it’s just…because. Whatever the catalyst, I found myself crying out my happiness last night—literally.

In a world laced with a myriad of challenges and misfortunes, I opt to set moments aside to express my joy over the many things that are going well. The friends I have. My health. Family. Career. And it’s at these times that, with gentle promptings from my friends, we yell out our happiness, feeling a rush of release wash over us that frees us from any tension we may have had and allows us to focus on those things we should—the good things in life.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Driving out to meet up with a friend yesterday, I hit bad weather…well…bad for California. As rain poured down while fog and tire mist diminished visibility, I thought how diverse different areas are. The rain fell harder, and a flurry of raindrops and tire mist conjured up image of snow flurries in my mind. Next can thinking of snowmen.

Having been born and raised in southern California, I am the first to admit that I’m terrible at building snowmen. So when I connected with my friend, who grew up in Chicago, he got a big kick out of my sharing a story with him.

I told him about a couple of Christmases back when my husband and I rented a house in Yosemite for a weeklong, holiday, family get away. Then I went on to share how over that week, try as we might, our kids and we just couldn’t make a descent snowman if our lives had depended on it. Instead of a nice kid-sized snowman, all we managed to chisel out of the glacier ice was a pathetic blob that more closely reassembled a foot tall melted sort-of snowman than anything envision when imagining a snowman.

My friend, an engineer, went right for the practical explanation—we must have been using older snow that had partially melted. He explained, in his oh, so logical engineering way, that one must have the ideal snow conditions to make a snowman. As I recalled how the six of us had struggled and slaved over creating our...”snowman,” I recalled the many programs I’ve seen over the years where even the smallest child in cold regions rushes out the door to build incredible snowmen, easily recognized as that which they are—snowmen. Then I told my friend how our creation had been the byproduct of a freshly fallen snow. He didn’t miss a beat in telling me that the snow must not have been the right consistency.

Who knew building a snowman was such an exact art?

Nodding my head, I couldn’t help but think about how kids who grow up in snow-covered areas are well-versed in the fine art of snowmen building, while we here in California are experts at going to the beach and staying cool in how weather that often reaches triple digits. As I listened to my friend recant stories of growing up in the snow, I thought about how each of us is a byproduct of where we grew up. Not only do we tend to adopt the indigenous dress code, mannerisms and inflections of speech, but also the basic essentials of having fun with whatever our environment provided us.

Friday, December 17, 2010

To me, a person who appreciates the natural order of things, it seems right that Thanksgiving proceeds Christmas. Why? Because it gets me thinking of the things I’m grateful for. What I have. Provide for others. It makes me extra cognizant of excess and how so many, myself included, have gotten caught up in that.

Then came the problems (is that a strong enough word) with the economy. With them, things changes. Priorities shifted, in a good way, I believe. People began funneling the energy and time they did have towards more simplistic basic goals/needs.

Just a couple of years back, I was surprised to see a good number of kids riding gas-powered scooters, instead of manually powering themselves along. I didn’t quite see the point, as I’ve always liked exercising, especially as a kid. There was also the lack of kids walking to and from school, affording them the opportunity to strengthen friendships with others as they conversed. Instead, the majority of kids were driven to and from school by parents regardless of if they lived just around the corner.

But all that changed when priorities got shifted due to the economy troubles. Many families had to switch to dual income households, and that was for the lucky ones, those who could actually find jobs to pay their bills. Now I’m going to go out on an unpopular limb here and say that there have been some good things, which have resulted from the downfall of the economy.

I no longer see kids riding gas-powered scooters in our neighborhood. Those who are out and about are now on skateboards or good old-fashioned scooters. I regularly see kids riding their bikes or out walking to and from school with clusters of friends. I believe these are improvements, for they are allowing kids to be just that—kids who are more than capable of finding ways to entertain themselves without needing go gobble up excessive amounts of money, electricity, etc. in the process.

The simple things in life…those are what I’m grateful for and cling to.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

The gifts we have to share.

Growing up, there was an animated Christmas special that was amongst my favorites. It was called The Little Drummer Boy. The premise of the story was that a lowly little boy felt himself unworthy to stand in the presence of the baby Jesus, since he had nothing of value to share—no gift to give. Oh, but he did!

The boy had a great gift—the ability to play a drum, suspended by a chord from around his neck. After much hemming and hawing and beating himself up for his lack of something to offer, the little drummer boy stepped forward and played his drum. The music flowed from his heart, his gift easily matching and possibly outshining ones others had brought.

Each of us has a special gift to give. It costs nothing, comes from the heart and can make a profound impression on the receiver. So what is it? That of giving ourselves to another. Our time. Understanding. Compassion. Valuing of another. These are amongst the greatest gifts—the ones money can’t buy but, in my opinion, are far more valuable than all the word’s wealth, for these are what allow us to connect with others. Put a smile in their hearts. Lighten their loads. And make possible the faith that each day is a blessing.

Please share the gifts you have not just at this time of year but all the time.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Not sure what it is about Christmas that invokes in me the need to clean. Get organized. Perhaps it’s all the additional stuff that enters the house in preparation for the holiday. Or the anticipation of extra people coming to stay in our house.

Whatever the catalyst, today found me cleaning, organizing, throwing away boxes and junk and finding space I’d forgotten was there. Though the process made for an extra long day with me sweating and huffing and puffing as I moved things here, there and tossed many more out in a nearby dumpster, I feel energized. It’s like shedding all that extra stuff, creating more space and getting organized has rid me of an oppressive weight I wasn’t aware had been bogging me down.

But now, being free of it, I feel on top of things. Does that mean I’m ready for the holidays to arrive. Heck no! I still have much to do in preparation. But at least now I’m rejuvenated to take on those tasks with a happy heart and calm spirit.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Since it’s the holidays and all, I’m in an extra giving mood. So I thought I’d share something.

A few months back, a writer friend of mine sent me this photo. We’re both avid animal lovers, and every time I view it, I smile. I’ve shown the picture to many since I received it, today being one of those times. And just like the other occasions when I’ve shared the photo, additional folks gathered round, anxious to see what all the ooohs and aaahs were about.

For those of you not familiar with what kind of animal this charming critter is, allow me to assist. He’s a baby porcupine.

Let the ooohs and aaahs begin….

Monday, December 13, 2010

The fine art of communication—the written kind.

Don’t you just love it when you’re conversing with someone via written form and your intended meaning gets all jumbled up? For example, when individuals are flinging jokes or sarcasm back and forth, and instead of all parties laughing, one or more take the meaning literally, getting upset in the process.

In today’s modern world of text messages, IMing, emails, etc. we run the risk of having what we intended interpreted as something completely different. Not that this isn’t a problem when we verbalize our thoughts face-to-face. But it seems miscommunication is more prevalent in written form, especially with how folks jot quick messages to one another.

So, how do we avoid such misunderstandings? One way is to add little comments such as LOL, just kidding, laughing, etc in parenthesis if what we’ve written was meant to be a joke or sarcastic. But there are times when this is taken to be even more sarcastic—a further slam to the recipients of our writing.

And what if the one who has misinterpreted our written message doesn’t say anything, instead opting to fume in silence? If we’re not informed that we’ve offended another, can we be held responsible? Or is it up to the one with hurt feelings to let us know so we can attempt to clarify to make amends?

Communication has always been a tricky beast, capable of having one or all involved misconstrue what was intended. So does this mean we give up trying to infuse our writing with jokes or lighten it up through sarcasm? In my opinion, no. It means that we have to be extra mindful of how others are affected by what we’ve written.

Words are powerful, capable of evoking a smorgasbord of reactions, many of which are emotional based. When those words are written, leaving behind a permanent imprint that can be digested over and over again by the recipient to the point that they no longer hold the meaning as when they were written, feelings can get hurt. But if, as the writer, we are in tuned to the reactions caused by our words, then we stand a better chance of diffusing misunderstandings before they blossom into atomic mushroom clouds. Likewise, if we are the hurt recipients, then I believe we have the responsibility to speak up to give the other person a chance to clarify.

Communication…. With all of the advances we’ve made, why hasn’t this gotten easier?

Sunday, December 12, 2010

I wrote yesterday of stepping outside my comfort zone and how that allows me to grow and expand my present knowledge. But what of feeling “constricted?” Can that, too, bring about growth and greater knowledge? I think it can.

For those who regularly test ourselves in order that we might gain higher insight and thus evolve, it’s important for us to remain “constricted” by at least some elements of familiarity. I believe this helps to ground us, without which, we’d bounce all over the place with no real intent or direction.

Familiarity, that which we’ve grown exceedingly accustomed, can seem stifling. However, if we use that which we are most acquainted as our center of operations, we can then demonstrate the where for all to branch out, confident that something grounds us to ourselves—those experiences, relationships, etc. that have helped forge us into whom we are. I like to think of constraint as a snug blanket I wrap around myself, which offers an unparalleled comfort level capable of urging me on to cast off that cloak of comfort long enough to see what awaits me.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Stepping out….

I find that by stepping outside my comfort zone, I’m able to expand my horizons and grow as an individual. Sometimes, I’m required the endure growing pains as I stretch outside that which I’m accustomed. But more often, I find that if I maintain an open mind and a willing spirit, much of my growth and gained knowledge is relatively pain-free. That’s not to say that there aren’t moments when I wiggle and squirm from going through things that I normally wouldn’t. I believe this is a natural part of how we become more. Does that mean I’m apt to shy away from new things? No. Does knowing there will be times when further personal growth will be painful cause me to resist? No. Why? Because I am a person driven to further myself. Become all that I can. Evolve into a more enlightened being.

Stepping out…it how I achieve my dreams.