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Autumn in a pond

Friday Randomness

(Images from http://www.freeimages.co.uk/)

I joined (and paid) for this Free Write Fling for the month of October. Do you know how many I have actually done? Oh, two or three! I hate when I sign up for something, spend money, and my intention falls by the wayside. I wish I know why this is. Then I feel like I need to restrict myself from taking another class for awhile.

The eyeball picture reminded of my nephew. When he was a little guy, he used to call little rubber bouncing balls you get from a gumball machine 'eyeballs'.

I'm getting close to finishing the novel "the Mistress of Spices" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Sometimes I forget who some of the characters are when they re-appear in later chapters but I am enjoying reading something different from my usual tendencies. It's a poetic and sort of a fantasy story, and cultural as the characters are from India.

It's a bit amusing when I see people wearing cut-off leggings, you know a little above the ankle. There's a girl in my office today wearing them with a black short ruffle skirt, black sweater and some low-heel pumps. I remember that from the 80's when we wore those with denim or other mini skirts. I also remember these mini dresses that were sort of t-shirt or sweatshirt-ish and we wore tights and metallic belts and shoes. If you really want to know, I also remember ruffle shirts, prarie skirts, beads, button earings and thick plastic bracelets, espadrilles, sweater dresses, wedge shoes, white pumps, penny-loafers , petal-pushers (pre-capri's)corduroy knickers, argyle, banana clips, the "Flashdance-off-one- shoulder" sweatshirts, and even with fringe! I know my long-time friend Dina must remember that too! Hah. I also remember various bikini's that were the style. These two-tone bikinis where the strings on top made a criss-cross on your back and I think tied on the bottoms somehow, not exactly sure on that one. Let's not even get into NEON! I have to stop somewhere!OMG, I'm seriously dating myself now but it's actually strange that these memories are over 20 years ago!

Today's Daily Devotion

This is from Pastor Jon Courson's website for October 18:

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.
Titus 1:2

Paul’s intent is that people do better, go further in the glorious hope of eternal life. ‘And this is eternal life,’ Jesus prayed in His High Priestly prayer, ‘that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent’ (John 17:3).

We usually think of eternal life as existing someday far away in heaven. But that’s only part of it. According to Jesus’ prayer, eternal life is knowing the Lord here and now in our hearts. Thus, the farther I get from the Lord, the more hellish things become. But the days in which I spend time with the Lord, I experience something of heaven on earth. The closer I walk to the Lord, the more heavenly my days will be.

It was after Enoch fathered his son, Methuselah, that Scripture records he began to walk with God (Genesis 5). Kids will make one walk with God — especially a kid like Methuselah. Living to the age of 969, he must have been home for 500 years!

‘Enoch walked with God and he was not, for God took him,’ (Genesis 5:24). I can almost hear the Lord saying, ‘You know, Enoch, this walk we’ve enjoyed together has been so wonderful. You’ve walked with Me so closely that now we’re closer to My house than yours. Come on Home.

’‘This is eternal life,’ Jesus prayed, ‘that they may know You, Father — not out there geographically, but here and now intimately.’

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Travel Detective

I saw Peter Greenberg at the Book Passage in the Ferry Bldg. last night. He's touring with his new book "The Travel Detective Bible". It's over 600 pages chock-full of tips and resources. He knows his stuff, that's for sure. http://www.petergreenberg.com/

another great book goes movie!

I just learned that Amy Cohen's memoir that i loved, "The Latebloomer's Revolution" is going to be made into a movie! Congrats Amy, you rock! http://www.byamycohen.com/

FROM VARIETY:
Parker joins HBO's 'Revolution'
Sherman-Palladino to adapt novel and direct
By MICHAEL FLEMING

Sarah Jessica Parker will star in "The Late Bloomer's Revolution," a feature adaptation of the Amy Cohen book for HBO Films. "Gilmore Girls" creator Amy Sherman-Palladino will make her feature directing debut.
Movie will be distributed by Picturehouse.

HBO Films acquired screen rights to Cohen's memoir, and Sherman-Palladino will adapt the novel, about a single woman who, after the death of her mother, develops a bond with her father as they both try to get on with their lives in the dating world.

Parker will produce with her Pretty Matches partner Alison Benson. Movie will be developed as part of the joint venture between HBO Films and Picturehouse.

An experienced TV showrunner and director, Sherman-Palladino had been looking to make the move into features. She sparked to the material and saw it as a good match with Parker's comic skills.

"Character stuff is what I do best, and there is an interesting lady at the center of this who explores a relationship with her father, who'd always been the silent guy in the corner watching TV when her mom was around," Sherman-Palladino said. "The humor is key here, and Sarah Jessica is a great comedienne."

Sherman-Palladino has directed episodes of "Gilmore Girls" and is doing the same with her new Fox comedy, the Regency Television-produced "The Return of Jezebel James," which stars Parker Posey and Lauren Ambrose.

Parker is in production on the feature rendition of her HBO series "Sex and the City."

What type of writer?

You Should Be A Poet

You craft words well, in creative and unexpected ways.And you have a great talent for evoking beautiful imagery...Or describing the most intense heartbreak ever.You're already naturally a poet, even if you've never written a poem.

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

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Borg

We Are Borg.

Your biological and technological distinctiveness will be added to our own.

Resistance is futile.

Weekend

It's been a good weekend. I watched the movie "Miss Potter" Friday, which I enjoyed. I didn't know much about life of Beatrix Potter. We had company, Heather and Ruben stayed with us Saturday during their Bay Area visit. We walked through the park, around Haight Street, and stopped for some tapas and sangria at Cha Cha Cha. Later we had yummy Thai food for dinner. It's always nice to visit with good friends. It's sunny day again today, so we might go check out the freebies in the park today- the Polish festival *correction, Polish Festival is next Sunday*, and a Comedy event. Also, to keep a discipline for daily writing, I signed up for Cynthia's October "Free Write Fling" http://www.vivelaslink.typepad.com/. That begins tomorrow, it's all good.

Haiku for Jack Davis

Good man and leader
Major supporter of Arts
You will be missed Jack

Click on this link to read George's beautiful tribute to Jack.

http://www.george.aguilar.com

Tuesday musings

(Photos of Courtney Thorne-Smith courtesy of Maria Santiago)

I saw Courtney Thorne-Smith today at Stacey's for a book signing. She is very pretty, currently pregnant, and down-to-earth. She mentioned that aside from acting, wanting to be a writer and always secretly wrote, and is a voracious reader. She had articles published in Self magazine, got a little turned off from magazine-article writing and later attempted fiction. Today she read from her first published novel "Outside In". She is actually from San Francisco too! I didn't get her book but it does sound like a good read.

On a different note, I've been noticing during my commute on the train how so many people are connected to their technology. Thin white cords dangling from the earbuds, cell phones or Blackberry devices in hand scanning info and playing games. I've been watching our new collection of Star Trek "Borg" episodes. The Borg are a trip! This collection has episodes from "The Next Generation", "Enterprise", and "Voyager", which I am watching for the first time now too. There was an actual "Friendly Borg, Hugh". He had an innocence to him and was kind of amusing. He was the exception, as most Borg's are very mechanical and destructive. Anyway, I find it interesting that more and more people 'wear technology' mostly to entertain or distract themselves from the 'collective' on the crowded train, haha.

Media and Memories

This morning we put on the TV to find out the weather report while eating cereal. As soon as news about OJ came on we had to change it. I get so fed up with the media here, as they relentlessly contrive stories of which have little or no relevance to our daily lives. That is why we flip to local channel 32, which airs‘DW-TV’ news from Germany, and ‘Russia Today’. (BBC is good too.) They show interesting world news, as well as local stories in their country and throughout Europe. They have interesting pieces on culture and art. I find these programs to be a more intelligent and balanced source of news.

That said, as we watched about a big Design Expo happening near London this morning, I was reminded once again of our trips to Paris. I remember resting in our hotel room listening local news in French. I remember the breakfast buffets we enjoyed consisting of coffee, breads & cheeses, cereal, brown hard-boiled eggs, fruit, pastries... I remember being greeted outside by the crisp autumn air as we ventured out into the day’s adventure. I admit, I am still very much infatuated with European life. I love to revisit those places and moments and moods and memories in my mind until we return again.

more birthdays

Happy birthday Mom

Enjoy

You are special

remembered

loved

and very important

to me

and many others

xoxo

p.s. Happy 6th Birthday to Zachary Harris too!

Kris Carr

I've read a few posts now about this book so I had to check it out. She also made a documentary I'd love to see. I'm sorry I missed Kris Carr at Border's last week. She sounds like an amazing person. http://www.crazysexycancer.com/

A time to every season

(Art/Photo by Tara Leigh)

Over a year ago I bought this cute little set of collage supplies at the Saturday Market in Portland. I thought it might motivate my desire to jump on the art journaling bandwagon. It still sits on my bookshelf, untouched. Sometimes I look at the contents but I just don't understand why I get immobilized with things I really want to try?!
The first collage journal I ever saw was Sabrina Ward Harrison’s published journal Spilling Open. She used photographs, paint, all sorts of cut-outs, color, and words. Now there are all sorts of books and websites with creative use of collage & journaling. Similar techniques are also used in scrapbooking. There is also the digital factor, which would require a class in Photoshop for me to attempt.
Here’s another thing on my mind. I need to get a birthday card to send my mom and haven’t found anything good yet. "Why don’t you just make your own Andrea?"

There comes a point when it’s time to stop thinking and just do it, whatever that ‘it’ may be.

LaShanah Tovah

May this new year be sweet

as apples & honey

God bless you and your loved ones

The world is your oyster

As I read the excellent book by Rolf Potts, Vagabonding, http://www.rolfpotts.com/ I’m more inspired than ever to prepare for long-term travel. On occasion, I remember this girl Margie way back when we were just out of high school, she would work and save and go travel. I only remember that she worked w/my friend Annette for six months or so, saving to travel to Australia, but the inspiration stuck with me. I’ve always been intrigued by people who do both; plan for extended travel or relocate to another country, as well as, throw caution to the wind and take off! I like to plan as much as I can and also leave room for the unexpected.

I recently reminisced about this with George. Once in Las Vegas, and another time in Girona, Spain, we missed our flight. I’m usually at the airport early and waiting so this was new to me, missing flights, "Oh my!" I learned from George how to just deal and do what you have to do, vs. getting all anxious. It also proves for a more interesting experience and story. In Girona, we had to buy new tickets for the first flight out the next morning to France. At the time flying on Ryan Air, it wasn’t a big expense either. We then managed to get a room at the hotel across the street and the nice desk clerk gave us some toiletries. It was nice to relax and extend our stay a tiny bit too. The next morning while still dark, we walked across the street, back to the airport. We hung out and enjoyed some coffee and a pastry while waiting for our short flight back to France.

I also think of Auntie Mame. I love her spirit of adventure. On a less eccentric and expensive scale, I could imagine my niece and nephew’s ‘crazy-in-a-good-way Aunt Anni’ and George traveling around the world. Sending postcards and emails with all kinds of stories. I wouldn’t send them a totem pole mind you, but maybe some inexpensive cultural and educational gifts.

Vagabonding begins now (even if your travel begins later) when you decide you want to travel, start saving money and begin to plan. It doesn’t take enormous amounts of money either. It’s more of a re-evaluation of your priorities and adjusting your lifestyle. “Indeed, the freedom to go vagabonding has never been determined by income level; it’s found through simplicity-the conscious decision of how to use what income you have.”

Since living in California my whole life (and George too), having no real anchors or commitments keeping us here, why not attempt to travel MORE and experience life in many other places. We also have the advantage of not owning anything. So we begin with reading, researching, networking, saving, and the never-ending downsizing of possessions.

It feels good and a little scary to have a great dream. (A little scary usually means you’re on to something good though!)

Birthday Haiku

9th of September

Forty-One years young

Cards, calls, cake, love, and wishes

Writer discovery

(photo from Gary on Moleskinerie)

This week in one of my many newsletter subscriptions I discovered a very cool link:
http://www.writingtime.net/
Barbara Abercrombie teaches in the Writers program at UCLA Extension, and has published a variety of books and articles. I am reading her current book, "Courage and Craft" which is great so far. She gives little assignments and prompts as well as covering various different forms like essays, fiction, poetry, etc. I already love it and can relate to her.

From Chapter 1- Getting Started:
"I always think what I'm writing in my journal is boring. Even if something happens, I think the way I write about it isn't doing the event justice. But I know from experience that I'll reread what I've written in a few months or years and be surprised by the fact that it isn't boring at all."

This just in

I just saw this (on YAHOO news) and posted part of the article:
By CARA RUBINSKY, Associated Press Writer / Associated Press writers Polly Anderson in New York and John Christoffersen in New Haven contributed to this report.

Author Madeleine L'Engle, whose novel "A Wrinkle in Time" has been enjoyed by generations of schoolchildren and adults since the 1960s, has died, her publicist said Friday. She was 88.
L'Engle died Thursday at a nursing home in Litchfield of natural causes, according to Jennifer Doerr, publicity manager for publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

The Newbery Medal winner wrote more than 60 books, including fantasies, poetry and memoirs, often highlighting spiritual themes and her Christian faith.

Although L'Engle was often labeled a children's author, she disliked that classification. In a 1993 Associated Press interview, she said she did not write down to children.

"In my dreams, I never have an age," she said. "I never write for any age group in mind. When people do, they tend to be tolerant and condescending and they don't write as well as they can write.

"When you underestimate your audience, you're cutting yourself off from your best work."

I'm thinking about...

What George and I will do this weekend

what kind of cake to make for my birthday this Sunday

the approach of my favorite season, Autumn

with all its beauty and delights

pumpkin and butternut squash and apples

colorful leaves, the daylight is different, and air becomes crisper

(also Football season begins)

Keri Smith's creativity and her abundance of ideas http://www.kerismith.com/blog/

(and her cute non-planner datebook!)

writing and submitting for publication

the colors red and brown

corduroy

sunflowers

remembering to take the news reporting with a grain of salt

(you know, because of the influence of the M.I.C. and various equivalents)

learning something new like more French, or photoshop

Our new plan to work towards extended travel/possible re-lo

and it's only 10am ;)

Movie Recommendation

We just rented this great German movie, "The Lives of Others". The story, the actors, the details, will transport you back into this time and place in history before the fall of the Berlin Wall.

This critically-acclaimed, Oscar®-winning film (Best Foreign Language Film, 2006) is the erotic, emotionally-charged experience Lisa Schwarzbaum (Entertainment Weekly) calls "a nail-biter of a thriller!" Before the collapse of the Berlin Wall, East Germany’s population was closely monitored by the State Secret Police (Stasi). Only a few citizens above suspicion, like renowned pro-Socialist playwright Georg Dreyman, were permitted to lead private lives. But when a corrupt government official falls for Georg’s stunning actress-girlfriend, Christa, an ambitious Stasi policeman is ordered to bug the writer’s apartment to gain incriminating evidence against the rival. Now, what the officer discovers is about to dramatically change their lives - as well as his - in this seductive political thriller Peter Travers (Rolling Stone) proclaims is "the best kind of movie: one you can’t get out of your head."

Importance of Letting Go

I decided it's time to let go of some ideas and beliefs. Those I've revised in my mind and those out of my control. I believe that by letting go of these expectations removes the disappointment factor, consequently inviting the element of surprise. Either way, I think this will help me to make peace in my own heart and to feel positive and motivated to continue living my life the best I can. In the end, I simply want my life to count for God's purposes & using my gifts & talents, to have loved well, and lived well.

1. A dream job.
I don't think I have one!! I have started to resolve that it's okay to have a j-o-b that you are good at, and that supports your lifestyle and needs. My dreams aren't about work anyway. They are about travelling, learning, and continuing to write. Those are thing I will continue do regardless of a job. The fact is, I need income, health insurance and a 401K. It works better for me to get those things met at a decent company.

2. Marriage.
Yes, I always hoped to get married when it's right, but I no longer want to have to persuade or defend that desire. I am happy in my relationship with my Georgie (of six years) and I want to be with him and share our lives and loves.

To those people who in my life who feel this might be giving up or compromising, please understand that it is really just a new and improved perspective. I don't want to continue hoping for things that unlikely, I'd rather just hope for that which I can work towards. I am choosing to set those expectations free and let the weights go. Free myself up to live in the present and live the best I can each day, open to its gifts, challenges, or even surprises. That's all we really have anyway.

2 reasons I still watch Giant's Baseball...

Rich Aurilia and Barry Bonds. Otherwise why bother with a team that is fighting for last place?

Happy Anniversary AUGUST 28

Happy 47th wedding-anniversary!

Congratulations Mom & Dad

You should be proud (I am)!

Happy Birthday Simone

This was the only picture I could find...

I wish you a very happy birthday, Simone!!

May you be surrounded with beauty, love, and joy.

God bless you.

Love to you and cutie-pie, Ocean

rant and rave

(photo of Baked Macaroni dinner - yum!)
I was glad to go back to work last week. It's also nice to catch up with old co-workers. Friday I made my heart-healthy pumpkin bread, man we can't get enough. It's seriously too good! (not to boast)
Yesterday I went to Somarts w/George (and Trader Joes!) for a performance he was documenting. I heard a few nice poems.

We left around 5ish and headed back to Muni. OMG, I think we waited at least 40 minutes before an N train showed up, and it was PACKED, of course. So we wait another 10-or-15 minutes for the next N. I am all for public transportation and choose not to own a car. But transit here can stress you out and piss you off sometimes!!! I think it's inexcusable really. How does a city that encourages the people to use Public Transit, consistently decline in reliability? An occasional delay is one thing but to add another hour-plus to your commute just plain sucks. Poor George rarely even has to take muni and at least 50 percent or more of the time he experiences extreme delays. *sigh* Okay... time to write a letter to someone in charge.

So we finally got home.... prepared a tasty dinner, (as shown) and watched Star Trek at 9:00. I love that show.
Today we did a major house cleaning. It only took an hour or so because this place is pretty small. And now we reap the rewards of a shiny, spotless home. The weather hasn't cleared up, overcast all day so far. But we are listening to the INXS folder on the IPOD and that makes me happy no matter what. :)
I'm hungry now and it's time for some left-overs.

My Sister

Happy Birthday Steph!!

Hope you did something special with your family

and had some cake

to celebrate while on your vacation in Atlantis.

I wish you:

good health-physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually

time for simple joys of your own

more flexibility and freedom w/your work

grace to continue being the wonderful

sister, daughter, wife, mother, aunt, friend...

that you already are.

Lots of love.

Last day being unemployed for awhile

So this morning was sunny and we walked to the Japanese Tea Garden during the free hour. Today is my last day off before going back to work for awhile. Even though I don't feel like I actually did all that much, the time went by fast! It's been so different to have these unplanned, unstructured days. My online writing class is ending this week, it's been such a good group! Everyone has been great about posting comments & feedback on eachother's pieces.

In September I like to set new goals (the time of my birthday and the Jewish New Year). Here's a little early brainstorming:

1) New research project: Learn about making 'transitions abroad' (which is atually the name of an informative website!) and utilize my contacts.
2) Lose 10 pounds, again (fess up and go back to Weight Watchers...? what have you decided Cathy?)
3) Find out how to get blogging gigs - and get one!
4) Continue & make progress with the soul-search.
5) Find some Health Insurance .... affordable & usable, does it exist? Huge issue, ugh.

That's a start.

My Dad

Happy Birthday Dad ~

This photo is from last year when we all spent your birthday in Alaska.
You continue to be an example to me in many ways:
The simple pleasures you enjoy like puzzles and sports
You are often the life of the party
with your entertaining skills and humor
especially at family gatherings
You are a trend setter (with your jokes/'teeth')
You truly 'don't sweat the small stuff'
You are generous
Thanks for being a great father
Thanks for the youthful genes
that run in the entire family
(However; I could do without the hereditary high cholesterol)
xoxo, Daughter No. 1

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Dahlia show at the Country Fair Bldg./GG Park (from cellphone)

What a beautiful afternoon! (translation= sunny day, warm, blue sky) We took a nice stroll through the park about 20 blocks up and 20 back. We are pretty sure we saw Mayor Newsom at the park with a gathering that included a kids jumpy and a BBQ/food. After this post, I will move on from the dahlia pictures for awhile.

Hello Dahlia

When you look out the bedroom window upon waking and the sky is clear, you know it's going to be a beautiful day here! And indeed it was. I went to the park 3 times today, twice with George. First a morning walk with coffee and little nosh to the botanical garden and a brief stroll in the Japanese Tea Garden during the free hour. Then I went back around 11ish to get a little sun, then we just went to the Shakespeare Garden around 2:30 to have some lunch and white wine there.

I took these pics the other day. See how bloomin' the Dahlia Garden is in August?! I can't get over the explosive colors here!



That white palace building behind the dahlias is the Conservatory of Flowers.

Successful cousins

Mindy, Betsy, & Jaye at Madeline's Bat-Mitzvah
I have many first and second cousins on my dad's side.These are three of my cousins who I admire for their creativity and success. Mindy is a well-known party planner with many celebrity weddings under her belt http://www.mindyweiss.com/. Betsy is a writer and has had two children's books published http://books.google.com/books?as_auth=Betsy+R+Rosenthal&ots=kbtm4pzh-g&sa=X&oi=print&ct=title . Jaye is in the fashion biz with her hip boutique in LA "Intuition" http://www.shopintuition.com/. I usually only see them at Bar/Bat Mitzvah's, weddings, and the occasional holiday, but they are always really cool and down-to-earth and hard to believe they all have pretty grown-up kids. Youthful appearances also run in the family.

7 Things I learned during my self-imposed summer break

1) In San Francisco, don’t count on Temp/Recruiter Agencies to keep you busy. My initial plan was to ‘temp’ at various companies to see what else is out there, you know, get some exposure. The reality has been that I had two calls in three months from my agencies, and one was for an interview for a 2-month temp gig that I wasn’t able to go to because of such short notice. I’ve done far better on my own with: a) previous employers contract jobs, b) responding to jobs on Craigslist and getting interviews.

2) Other than going to the gym most days, unless I have an appointment or some sort of plans, I tend to piss the day away and I don’t even watch TV during the day! And, the weather has not been all that nice here especially in our neighborhood otherwise I’d have been at the park more days. I learned that some structure works better for me.

3) I could work from home part-time when I figure out how to start being a freelance writer, and I’d love to get a blogging job(s)!

4) I haven’t been motivated to cook as much, which isn’t the smartest thing when you temporarily have no income. We’ve picked up burritos and Chinese a tad more frequently.

5) I also learned that I especially enjoy the luxury of going out to breakfast on a weekday. George and I have been going to our neighborhood coffee shop Howard’s lately. We usually sit at a table by the window that looks out across the street where our Muni train stop is. As we enjoy the ‘weekday special’ (eggs, bacon or sausage, hash brown potatoes, toast) and coffee, we notice nearly everyone has expressionless faces on the train. A look I remember all too well.

6) Not working is overrated unless you have more things you enjoy to fill your time without the worries of health insurance or money, but flexible hours and days are appealing to me.

7) Since I begin a three-month contract job next week, I hope to find ways to have a variety of income sources. Aside from said contract job, something fun part-time, and get something going on my own as stated in no. 3.

Sight Intoxication

Dahlia Garden Fall, 2006

After dinner this evening George and I took a walk to the Dahlia Garden behind the Conservatory of Flowers. They are usually in full bloom during September & October, so you can imagine our surprise when we saw an array of color in mid-August. I love dahlias with their vibrant colors and unique textures (makes up for their lack of fragrance). This is one of my favorite places in Golden Gate Park.

13 years

Happy Anniversary Steph & James!

13 years, 2 kids, 1 dog, all sorts of amphibians later.... still going strong. Have a great time on your vacation to Atlantis. Take lots of pictures to show us. I think I snagged this picture from mom because it shows the date! Say hi to Justin & Katie from their favorite Aunt Anni & George.

xoxo

The Late Bloomer's Revolution

This is my current read. Amy is very funny but her stories are also heartfelt. I definitely recommend this book.

In quick succession, Amy Cohen lost her job writing sitcoms, her boyfriend (with whom she's been talking marriage), and her mom, after a long bout with cancer. Not exactly the stuff humor thrives on, is it? But filtered through Amy's worldview, there's comedy in the most unexpected places. In this unforgettable, engaging memoir, she recounts her (seemingly) never-ending search for love, her evolving relationship with her widowed dad, and her own almost unintentional growth as she stumbles through life. - from http://www.byamycohen.com/index.html

The Cecil Codex Ch. 3

I share with you this beautiful piece by Cecil Hirvi in Second Life.

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This evening we went to an art reception for Carlos Loarca at The Reaves Gallery on Market St. near Castro. I enjoyed our visit with Carlos and viewing some of his new paintings. This was the first time I've seen very different subject matter as shown above, it was great. I could sit at his feet and listen to him tell stories about his art for hours.

Reaves Gallery presents paintings by Carlos Loarca in his exhibition; "Exploration: The Color and The Space of Loarca" during the month of August 2007. This show features new work, figurative, abstract and expressionistic narrative of the native legends of his land of birth Guatemala. This collection emphasizes Loarca’s trademark bold color palette and resembles the textiles that the Mayan descendants still wear in the highlands of the mountains in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Loarca also continues his exploration of spatial boundaries by the layering of canvas and strong delineation of color to draw the viewer deeper and deeper into each layer and line while challenging them to search beyond the esoteric to the deeper meaning and intention. The exhibition will run from August 1-31 with an opening reception on Thursday, August 9 from 6:00–9:00pm. The artist will be present.

Apparently, I can be bought

After a 2nd interview for an administrator position yesterday I wasn't sure it would be the right fit. Same day I got another call from a former boss making me an offer I couldn't refuse! I had insomnia last night and sleep was no longer an option for me by 5am, sorry George.

So, I decided to accept a 3-month position working for 4 days a week at a former job. I have some co-workers I like that still work there too. I think it's the right thing for now that is short-term. I will use that time to network for international contacts, and find something new to learn in order to try another kind of work down the road by taking courses or a certification of some sort. That is the new plan of the hour.

Seasons

" Live in each season

as it passes,

breathe the air,

drink the drink,

taste the fruit,

and resign yourself

to the

influences of each."

~Henry David Thoreau~

Anniversary Love and Memories

First, today is my 6-year anniversary with George... happily unmarried still, but a girl can still dream... xoxoxo

Second, I'm posting a piece I just wrote for my writing class, the subject this week is meals and this is a memory from a dinner party in Madrid:

Back in September of 2002 we visited Madrid, Spain. George was invited to the Reina Sofia Museum to give a presentation and workshop on Cin-E-Poetry. We had a very kind host, Giorgio, who was instrumental in our invitation to Madrid, as he was working on his thesis about poetry and media. He showed us around the city, shared a few meals with us in restaurants, and helped George with preparations for his presentation. Giorgio invited us to have dinner with him and his girlfriend Beatriz (an acclaimed poet, who worked as a literary critic, and has a PhD) at their home one evening.

I remember their street in a back alley was filled with a young crowd and loud music. We arrived at 9:30pm, as dinnertime is much later in Spain. Once buzzed inside, we climbed a stairwell and entered their quiet flat. It was small, warm, and inviting with green plants and lots of books. We took off our coats and had a seat on the couch, enjoying a glass of wine with conversation.

We made our way to the dining table and our first course was a seafood appetizer. I was surprised when I saw the shrimp still had a face! I did not do well with this, though everyone else was able to remove the head and all. I don’t think I’ve eaten shrimp since that time come to think of it. Next we were served sliced pork that was from a region in Spain renowned for its succulence, accompanied by salad and bread. I was so delighted by Giorgio’s salad! I love salad and consider it one of my specialties as well. It consisted of lettuce, carrots, purple onion, celery, cucumber, tomatoes, corn, and olive oil dressing. He uses good Spanish olive oil, and recommended some brands to us.

After dinner they prepared samples of dessert wines in aperitif glasses. I especially liked the sherry. George said, “It taste like liquid candy.” We were later entertained with some original poetry composed and read by Beatriz herself.

They were very kind and generous to us. They are both intellectual and talented. I was inspired just being around them. That is what I love most about travel, the exposure to different ways and paces of life. We were fortunate to have a personal glimpse into their life in Madrid.

I am always inspired by quality of lifestyles, such as their knowledge and appreciation of poetry, literature, art, and film. Giorgio and Beatriz are both involved in academic and creative work that suited them. Enjoying cooking good food, wine, and friends. This is what I keep with me from a short visit in someone else’s world.

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Top of the 5th, 3 Giants - 0 Dodgers. Bonds is up: pop-up, bummer, no 755 yet.

This week presented 2 interviews at two very different places, a church and a media start up. It's good to explore such different avenues. We'll see how it plays out. I wish I had more to write about but the well is a little dry.

"Facing it, always facing it, that's the way to get through. Face it." ~ Joseph Conrad

August

Madeline in the Middle

Hello... So it's August now...
Lots of my family will be in Virginia this weekend for a Bat-Mitzvah, (Congrats to my second cousin, Madeline). And congrats to one of my first cousins, Corey on his engagement. We have a huge family on my dad's side. August brings lots of birthdays and anniversaries as well (including me & George).