Wild Mountain

taupe sunset

2012-02-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

The sky and sunsets have been spectacular lately. Took this shot with my iPhone while near the end of a bike ride.

See this film - The Artist

2012-01-24T19:51:00.001-08:00

Love.

See this film - Tree of Life

2012-01-19T15:03:00.001-08:00

This film is amazing. It looks beautiful. It sounds gorgeous. The acting is superb. But, do yourself a favor and read about the film before you watch it. Recommended if you enjoy considering existential questions and memoirs about childhood experiences. Love, LOVE this film.

Wes Anderson's new film

2012-01-12T14:15:00.000-08:00

Can't wait.

Best Books 2011

2012-01-11T20:18:00.000-08:00

Fiction

A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
State Of Wonder by Ann Patchett
Emily Alone by Stewart O'Nan
So Much Pretty by Cara Hoffman
Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson

Honorable Mention - The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

Non-Fiction

The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Lit by Mary Karr
The Memory Palace by Mira Bartok
Where is the Mango Princess by Cathy Crimmins
Made in Detroit by Paul Clemens

Honorable Mention - Rainbow Pie by Joe Bageant

Other Distinguished books

Short Stories - Swim Back to Me by Ann Packer
Graphic work - My Perfect Life by Lynda Barry

quotable

2012-01-11T12:14:00.000-08:00

“In other words what culture demands of us in our reading is simply
a heightened sense of the grandeur of the epic of human life upon earth.”
- John Cowper Powys

Image: I took this the other day on the walking trail with my iPhone.

book magic

2012-01-10T09:58:00.001-08:00

Enjoy!

Martha, I am not

2012-01-08T09:44:00.000-08:00

Fireplace mantle for January

If I was to select a word for my intention for 2012, it would be potential. I'm going to focus on creativity this year in all aspects of my life. I believe I have the potential to be a much more creative person.

This brings me to this photo I just took of my fireplace mantle. Usually, after taking down Christmas decor, I feel a little bleh. So, I thought the other day, why not decorate for winter? -- (although winter has not yet arrived here in northern California). I came up with this idea using things we already have.

Do you decorate your house for January/winter? How important is creativity in your life?

coming soon

2011-12-26T09:48:00.000-08:00

Coming soon...my top books of 2011.

In the meanwhile, if you are interested in these types of lists, here are two sites that compile lists of the lists:

largehearted boy

The Reader's Advisor (look at the right side bar)

holiday road

2011-12-22T10:15:00.001-08:00

sweet relief

2011-12-21T13:36:00.000-08:00

It's winter solstice today.

My ultrasound experience could not have gone better. The tech was very friendly and professional. She took the time to look up my previous abdominal ultrasound in 2007, probably because she was wondering if I'd had some strange symptoms that had brought up the suspicion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Although she cautioned that she could not officially give me "results," everything was all clear.I'm so relieved. RELIEVED. Right now I feel as though all traces of the holiday blues have vanished. I guess this experience has reminded of two things: 1) even if things are not exactly how you wish them to be and you're disappointed, things can always be much, much worse. 2) my husband is a complete sweetheart and I'm so fortunate to share my life with him.

So, even if we are spending Christmas by ourselves with my husband working swing shifts on both Christmas Eve and Christmas, we are both healthy and have a solid, loving relationship.

I had a third bout of oral surgery this time involving sinus lifts back on Dec. 2nd [should be the last in this long, painful and expen$ive trip through the rabbit hole -- strangely, this started exactly a year ago when a root canal redo failed]. Things are healing very well. I feel great today and am going out to enjoy the sun -- after all, her journey back begins today.

Happy Solstice!

Merry Holidays

2011-12-18T09:17:00.000-08:00

Source: Post Secret

distraction is a good thing

2011-12-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

Took a moment to capture last night's sunset while we were out and about. The sunsets lately have been spectacular, probably due to the sketchy air quality.

Come on, get happy

2011-12-15T12:18:00.000-08:00

Avila Pier on the morning of my birthday in early November.

I've been battling the so called "seasonal mood disorder" and thought I could pull out of it by making a holiday mix CD. My husband listened to my first version and was concerned. He declared it "melancholy." I've improved it. It seems pretty good now.

As I faced going to my annual gyno exam, I thought I'd feel better once it was behind me. Never expected to be scheduling an ultrasound for a discovered pulsating mass in my upper abdomen. Instead of feeling sad, I was freaking out a little last night. Fear & uncertainty.

What can I do besides scare the bejesus outta myself by googling abdominal aortic aneurysm? Well, I looked through recent photos I'd taken on my phone and discovered this one. It was a pretty good photo but came to life when I tweaked the colors a bit in photoshop elements. I don't know what's around the corner; could be nothing -- could be something pretty shitty. I'm going to try really hard to enjoy the days ahead. Maybe some baking today and a walk outside. A movie?

treasures

2011-11-15T10:30:00.001-08:00

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.
~ Thornton Wilder

See this film - Following Sean

2011-11-08T22:32:00.001-08:00

nostalgia

2011-10-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

Me, too.

From this week's Sunday Secrets [Post Secret]

October

2011-10-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

September Sky

2011-09-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

September Sky

Easing into fall...and loving it.

ol' dusty boots

2011-09-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

"It's not Texas hot, but it's still pretty f*^@ing hot."

We had a great weekend full of live music. First, our neighbors hosted a house party that featured very talented singer-songwriters. They have a fantastic spot for this type of thing and we hope they continue to host these musical events. Yesterday, we headed over to the American River Music Festival. It was a warm, sunny day down by the river. If we go again, I'm taking a dip in the river and then throwing a sun dress over my swimsuit. That is the way to do this thing -- jeans and a black top (at least it was light weight and sleeveless) was a mistake.

I took this pic of James McMurtry right up at the stage. I liked his dusty boots and the crumpled bill near his foot. Later, seeing him interact with fans after the show, I was reminded of the film "Crazy Heart." McMurtry seemed pretty drunk and more than a little burned out with whole doing shows every night and dealing with fans bit. So, drunk & grumpy like your friend's bad luck first husband. But still, he put on a good show even if he screwed up the verses in Choctaw Bingo.

adios Borders

2011-09-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

click on image to enlarge

So, I joined the bone-pickers today. I went to Borders for the last time -- mostly out of curiosity to see what their inventory had dwindled down to now that it was in the last day or two of the sell down. Didn't expect to find anything I'd want to buy even at 90% off but I ended up with a bag full of an eclectic mix. The receipt said I saved $99.

I'm so glad to have been spared the ordeal of going through a sell down of my bookstore. I can understand why the remaining employees resorted to communicating with customers via notes posted behind the registers. It is very sad this bookstore is closing. I hope everyone will find new jobs soon.

Also learned today that an acquaintance is closing her beautiful clothing store on Main Street after 18 years.

Recovery, my ass.

a couple of stinkers to avoid

2011-09-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

It is the custom on this blog to highlight films that should not be missed (check out the topic/label titled "see this film"). And, usually, since I'm very picky about both films and books, I rarely watch films I dislike unless it's on a plane -- hence my unfortunate encounters with Lady in the Water and Bicentennial Man. Somehow though, the last two DVDs from netflix were duds. They weren't even bad enough to make entertaining picks for bad movie nights. They were mediocre bad. So, here's a heads up from our last two inadvertent bad movie experiences:

Margot at the Wedding - Nicole Kidman, I have only one question. Why?

Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself - I had some dark thoughts myself while watching this movie -- horrible.

late summer harvest

2011-09-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

Awesome tomatoes everyday from our grow camp.

pink moon

2011-08-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Garden Tuesday - veronica

2011-07-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

In July it's all about the daylily and veronica combo.

~ Garden Tuesday at Sidewalk Shoes ~

Saturday Snapshot - the pleasures of July

2011-07-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

I took this photo yesterday in the late afternoon. I don't know what it is about this summer, but I'm obsessed with being outside as much as possible. I'm also extremely observant of what all the plants are doing in my yard. Things like what's blooming; what should be blooming but isn't; what looks best at what time of day...and so on. The daylilies have been spectacular this year and July is their month to shine. I felt compelled to take this photo because I'm noticing that soon the blooming period for the daylilies will come to an end. It makes the time in the late afternoon when these lilies are backlit by the sunlight precious.

~ Saturday Snapshots @ Alyce's ~

summer

2011-07-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

“People take pictures of the summer, just in case
someone thought they had missed it,
and to prove that it really existed.”

- Ray Davies

Quotable - this is what you shall do

2011-07-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

"This is what you shall do; Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life, re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body."

- Walt Whitman

pinwheels keep on turning

2011-07-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Loving summer...how about you? Don't know why exactly, but I've kinda taken a break from blogging. It's summer and there's a bike to ride, books to read outside, unending yard work & gardening, and, a pool. Find myself spending every possible moment I can outside doing stuff and sometimes just enjoying the sights and sounds of the woods.

Exciting news: I got a new road bike! I'm smitten once again with cycling.

More good news: Finally finished The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.
Sweet Jesus.

Father's Day

2011-06-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hanging with dad (and striking a dramatic pose) on a hot San Fernando Valley night in 1960.

My husband John with our daughter Sara.

Garden Tuesday - poolside perfection

2011-06-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

Bougainvilleas remind me of Santa Barbara.

~ Garden Tuesday @ Pam's ~

On Movies - what?!

2011-06-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

This week's theme: movies with confusing plots.

After mulling this over, I've decided to post the top dog in my WTH film category. Of course it was an in-flight film.

Lady in the Water (2006)

Saturday Snapshot - 3K

2011-06-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

All bike journeys begin at mile 0. Yesterday, I ticked over the 3,000 mile mark on my bike. Here's hoping there's another 3k in us!

~ Saturday Snapshots ~

thank you and have a nice day, texter

2011-06-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

Garden Tuesday - grow camp

2011-06-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Checking in on the veggies in our new Grow Camp:

blossoms on the early girl bush

lemon cuke looking green & vibrant

green beans - can't wait to harvest these babies!

~ garden tuesday at Pam's ~

On movies - the art of giving

2011-06-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

Annie Hall -- How I lurve this film!

Scene - Annie and Alvy sit on the sofa. Annie's unwrapping a gift while Alvy watches.

ANNIE
(Making sounds)
This is-
(Making sounds)
Huh?

She pulls out flimsy black lingerie from the box.

ALVY
Happy birthday.

ANNIE
What is this? Is this a...Present?
(Laughing)
Are you kidding?

ALVY
Yeah, hey, why don't yuh try it on?

ANNIE
Uh, yeah, uh ... t-t-this is more like
a present for you, yeah, but it's-

ALVY
Try it ... it'll add years to our
sex life.

ANNIE
(Looking up at Alvy and laughing)
Uh huh. Yeah. Forget it.

Alvy leans over and hands her another box as she puts down the lingerie.

ALVY
Here's a real present.

ANNIE
(Opening the gift)
What... huh?

ALVY
Check it out.

ANNIE
Oh, yeah? What is this, anyway?
(continuing)
Let me see. Okay, let's... oooh, God!
(She takes out a watch from the box)
Oh, you knew I wanted this ...
(Laughing)
God, it's terrific, God!

ALVY
(Making sounds)
Yeah, I know. Just-just put on the
watch, and-and ... that thing, and
we'll just ...

ANNIE
(Laughing)
Oh! My God!
(Making sounds)

Alvy kisses Annie.

{more Monday Movies at the Bumbles blog}

Sunday Stills - potluck

2011-06-05T02:14:00.000-07:00

I was jazzed when I read that our assignment this week was "potluck" meaning whatever we wanted as long as we shot it now and didn't pull out photos from our archives. And then the week started and I didn't think about it again. Maybe because it's been an overcast and rain showers kind of week. The one day that was really nice weather I went for a bike ride down along the river. The first shot is from early in the week when I noticed how well the blanket flowers are doing despite our weirdly cool spring. The second I took today while out and about. I love old barns and buildings left over from the gold rush. I just noticed this iron door the other day after not noticing many times before while driving by it on Gold Hill Road. Little did I know I had only enough juice in the camera's battery for one shot. Of course you always think your second or third shot will be the best but at least I was able to get one.

~ Sunday Stills ~

Sunday Secret - get real

2011-06-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

Perhaps this secret stood out for me this week because I just read Lynda Barry's My Perfect Life yesterday. I was transported to another time...a time I remember well since I grappled with being a teenager during the 70s. I loved the parts of the comic/graphic novel when Maybonne made reference to giving someone "some reality"-- in other words, laying some truth on them. This secret seems to exemplify a difference between then and now.

What's gained from a deception like this? What's lost? Does anyone even say "get real" anymore?

{Graphic from this week's Post Secret}

Saturday Snapshot - home on the range

2011-06-04T10:32:00.000-07:00

Wind Cave Natl Park South Dakota (click on image to enlarge)

This was an amazing sight...I felt so fortunate to be at this place at that particular time with my camera ready.

~ Saturday Snapshot ~

See this film - Rabbit Hole

2011-06-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart

Nicole Kidman produced this film that is based on a Pulitzer Prize winning play. The film adaptation is fantastic. Every character presents a valuable point of view and each has been perfectly cast. Terrific performances all around but I was especially impressed with Eckart's. Loved the soundtrack. Trailer is here.

wordless wednesday - primordial beauty

2011-06-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

I was reminded of this photo I took about a year ago by the Wordless Wednesday submission at Sassy Banana.

~ wordless wednesday ~

Garden Tuesday - makeover part two

2011-05-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

The makeover consisted of taking out a sprawling azalea and replacing it with a laceleaf Japanese maple. And adding pansies to where the weeds and phlox were. We should have divided the daylily last fall but it will have to wait now until after summer. I'll shoot some more photos of this planter when the daisies and daylily bloom. Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions.

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

“War is a poor chisel to carve out tomorrow.”
- Dr. Martin Luther King

Thinking about my two uncles who fought in the Vietnam War today as I always do on Memorial Day. They didn't die while soldiers but each came back changed forever. And both died young.

I also think about the people who speak out against war. They are patriots too. War should always be the absolute very last resort.

Thanks to all the men & women who have sacrificed their lives in the name of our country.

Sunday Stills - blue fescue

2011-05-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge: weeds and grasses.

Blue fescue is in bloom in the front of the house. [ornamental grass]

Non-ornamental grass behind the house.

A pink flower/weed behind the house. Notice how it is wound around a stem of grass.

~ Sunday Stills ~

Saturday Snapshot: tree love

2011-05-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

Click on image to enlarge.

My favorite tree at home is a Golden Full Moon Japanese Maple. I took this photo yesterday in the late afternoon or if you prefer, early evening. Love this tree.

~ Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce (At Home with Books) ~

New music -- Blame Sally

2011-05-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

I love this band! Check out their website here. YouTube Channel here.

Quotable - a visual life

2011-05-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

"One should really use the camera as though tomorrow you'd be stricken blind.
To live a visual life is an enormous undertaking, practically unattainable.
I have only touched it, just touched it."
~ Dorothea Lange, born on this day in 1895

Greg Brown - Freak Flag

2011-05-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

Happy, happy! Greg Brown has a new album, Freak Flag. This video has the title song set to amazing photos by Diane Arbus. Joy, joy!

GoodReads launches Book Club

2011-05-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

An excellent choice to kick off a book club.

Garden Tuesday - makeover

2011-05-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a planter with tons of potential that has been sadly neglected. It is in need of a makeover. So for this week's Garden Tuesday, I offer 'before' photos.

Any suggestions?

On Movies - author, author

2011-05-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Films about writers is this week's On Movies theme at The Bumbles blog. Since women are generally over looked in film both as strong leading characters and in filmmaking, I'm going to focus on films about writers who are women. Here's a list of some acclaimed films and personal favorites:

Iris (2001) Author: Iris Murdoch Starring: Kate Winslet and Judi Dench

The Hours (2002) Author: Virginia Wolf Starring: Nicole Kidman

Henry & June (1990) Author: Anais Nin Starring: Uma Thurman

Miss Potter (2006) Author: Beatrix Potter Starring: Renée Zellweger

Out of Africa (1985) Author: Karen Blixen/Isak Dinesen Starring: Meryl Streep

An Angel at My Table (1990) Author: Janet Frame Starring: Kerry Fox

Sunday Stills - prairie sky

2011-05-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Click on image to enlarge.

A big, beautiful prairie sky in Custer State Park in South Dakota. Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota -- truly big sky country.

~ visit Sunday Stills HERE ~

Saturday Snapshot - Badlands

2011-05-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Badlands National Park South Dakota

I took this photo exactly a week ago while we were on our Buffalo & Brew Pubs tour of the wild west. This was a very strange place but beautiful in its way. Couldn't help but try to imagine what an incredible sight it must have been for the first non-native American explorers.

Also kept hearing Springsteen's Badlands in my head.

Badlands you gotta live it every day
Let the broken hearts stand
As the price you've gotta pay
We'll keep pushin till it's understood
And these badlands start treating us good

~ Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce ~

Quotable

2011-05-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.”

~ Nora Ephron

Sunday Stills - looking low

2011-05-15T01:14:00.000-07:00

Looking down at a succulent after a spring shower.

~ sunday stills ~

Saturday Snapshot - Rushmore

2011-05-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

We were wrapped up like mummies [it was f-f-freezing] for last night's lighting program at Mount Rushmore, but it was worth it. Spectacular!

~ Saturday Snapshots ~

road tripin'

2011-05-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

Off to check another thing off the ol' bucket list. We're headed to Mount Rushmore!

On Movies - Kate and Spence

2011-05-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

This week, Molly, hostess of the Monday Movie Meme asks, what's your favorite Katharine Hepburn movie? My answer is all the Hepburn and Tracy movies. When I was a little girl, on those days when I was too sick to go to school, I'd muster the energy to check the TV Guide to see if there were any Katharine Hepburn movies scheduled that day. I'd feel that I hit the jackpot if there was, especially if it was Kate & Spence together -- my favorites!

Of course I also loved Katharine teamed up with Cary Grant (Bringing Up Baby) & James Stewart (The Philadelphia Story). But there was just something magical about Kate & Spence.

How about you...any favorite Katharine Hepburn films?

Sunday Stills - red door

2011-05-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite local doorways.

See more Sunday Stills here.

See this film - Marwencol

2011-05-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

Fascinating! Very hard to believe this is the filmmaker's debut film.

Saturday Snapshot - Bertha

2011-05-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

My grandma Bertha & I. [Los Angeles, February 1960]

I love how many photos from the 50s & 60s have people positioned in front of cars. My grandma had only been a resident of the U.S. for about 4 years when this picture was taken. She moved her family from England in search of new and better opportunities in America. I was her first grandchild.

~ Saturday Snapshots is hosted by Alyce ~

Five for Friday

2011-05-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

That's my mom & I at Zuma Beach sometime in 1960.

Five thoughts of gratitude from this week:

I'm appreciating that there is still time to show my mom that I care about her. Put more thought into selecting little gifts that she'd enjoy for Mother's Day.
Frankenmouth is healing. Still don't have the all clear to resume my typical bike riding and walking/hiking but I'm getting better each day.
Believe it or not, I'm happy to be a weed pulling machine. I'm outside, the birds are singing and it's one of those activities that after you've put some time in, you can stand back and see some results.
I'm so happy for my niece who is unexpectedly expecting a new addition to her family.
Don't know why, but there has been an amped up kind of energy this past week with regard to "meeting" new people via blogging. It feels great to meet these incredible women and share a piece of what's happening our lives. To the new followers of my blog...thanks!

Wordless Wednesday - dreamer

2011-05-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

California State Fair

~ wordless wednesday ~

Garden Tuesday - pretty in pink part two

2011-05-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

Pink Azalea

The azalea is the only thing blooming in a planter that is in dire need of a serious makeover. The late afternoon sun hitting just that one section caught my eye. Pretty in Pink Part One is here.

~ Garden Tuesday at Sidewalk Shoes ~

On Movies - take flight

2011-05-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

This week, Molly at the Bumbles blog directs us to focus on "flight, things that fly or become airborne." Love this theme. Ready? Cleared for take off...

Amelia (2009) - Iconic story of a famous pilot.

Winged Migration (2001) - Beautiful film.

Always (1989) - Fire bombers in love.

Pushing Tin (1999) - Controllers make it happen.

Bobby Deerfield (1977) - Pacino plays a race car driver but I remember the hot air balloons.

Sunday Secret - comfortably numb

2011-05-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

I know psychological evaluation is part of the screening for persons applying to medical school, but I wonder if counseling is offered once medical students are involved in their studies and are about ready to treat people on their own. BTW - my primary care doc earned his MD from Loma Linda. So did a high school friend. Maybe that's a reason this particular secret caught my attention this week.

~ Sunday Post Secret ~

Saturday Snapshot: George and Martha

2011-04-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

Mount Vernon, April 2011

My sister and I visited the Washington DC area a couple weeks ago. On a day with amazingly good weather, we took the tour of Mount Vernon. I'd already been there several years ago, but this was the first time for her. Highlights include admiring the vivid colors of the interior walls/rooms; baby lambs; sharing a tasty tuna sandwich; and seeing George's teeth.

~ Saturday Snapshot at Alyce's ~

Kate's dress

2011-04-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

Photo: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images*

Well, I didn't watch it live, but recorded it on the DVR. Got up this morning, made chocolate chip scones and watched it while enjoying some coffee. I loved Kate and her sister's dresses. Absolutely beautiful.

* My favorite photo so far. A moment shared between sisters.

Winner - So Much Pretty

2011-04-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Lucky number twenty.

Karen-Holmes of Simply Inspired. Congrats! Please email me with your mailing address. Thanks to everyone who entered to win a copy of So Much Pretty by Cara Hoffman.

Last day to win So Much Pretty

2011-04-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

For all the passion in this intense narrative, Hoffman writes with a restraint that makes poetry of pain. She also shows a mastery of her craft by developing the story over 17 years and narrating it from multiple perspectives. While each has a different take on the horrific events that no one saw coming, the people who live in this insular place remain willfully blind to their own contributions to the deeper causes that made this tragedy almost inevitable." —The New York Times Book Review

“A haunting suspense novel about a murder mystery based on a real-life missing-persons case.”
—Entertainment Weekly, #3 on “The Must List”

"So Much Pretty is harder to pin down, trickier in its aims and delivers a skillful, psychologically acute tale of how violence affects a small town, its tentacles enmeshed so deeply into the collective fabric that it takes the thoughts and actions of one intelligent adolescent to shake things up and force everyone to examine their duplicitous complacency. To say more about Hoffman's constantly surprising story is to reveal too much, but the payoff is more than worth the slow-building suspense."
—The Los Angeles Times

Enter to win a copy of So Much Pretty by Cara Hoffman here.

things are getting kinda weird

2011-04-27T15:36:00.000-07:00

[Photo: Marcus Brandt/AFP/Getty Images]

In addition to tea bags, there are life-sized cardboard standups of Wills and Kate popping up all over - one was even targeted by thieves. I can understand the interest, but things are going well beyond interest and attention. Things are getting kinda weird.

What's your take on the up-coming wedding?
Off to make a cuppa.

Emmylou Harris - Goodnight Old World

2011-04-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

*sigh*
Emmylou is so freakin good. Looks like Hard Bargin, her new album is not to be missed.

Garden Tuesday - my dogwood

2011-04-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

This is the dogwood tree right outside the dining room window in the front of the house. It gets morning sun and today is noteworthy in that the blossoms are opening against a BLUE sky.

Here is the same shot but with some slight tweeking via photo shop elements. Not sure which I like better.

~ Garden Tuesday at Sidewalk Shoes ~

On Movies - fuzzy faces

2011-04-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

This week's focus at The Bumbles blog, "favorite characters who rocked their facial hair." I'm sticking with the one film that immediately came to mind:
Shakespeare in Love (1998).

Joseph Fiennes

Gwyneth Paltrow

A very entertaining movie in which both the male and female romantic leads sport facial hair.

Sunday Secret - let go

2011-04-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

So true. Maybe you don't have to stay home necessarily, but letting go of rigid ideas about what constitutes 'a holiday' is as Martha says, "a good thing."

From this week's Sunday Secrets at Post Secret.

Saturday Snapshot: pretty in pink

2011-04-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

Since I took a trip back in time last week, decided to take a photo this morning on the way back from a starbucks run for iced coffee (still no warm/hot beverages for me). This is a close up of a beautiful pink dogwood tree in the parking lot of the movie theater.

Check out all the other Saturday Snapshots or better yet, join along, at Alyce's blog.

Five for Friday

2011-04-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

It's a bit more challenging to come up with five thoughts of gratitude from this past week mainly due to the "extensive" oral surgery I had on Wednesday morning. But, in spite of sitting here with a bizarrely swollen face and on steroids (look out!), there really are many things for which I'm grateful.

1. So appreciative that I don't have to run a bookstore while healing from oral surgery. I can be a hermit for a while and concentrate on getting better. My husband has been sweetie during my recovery. He's cute, smart, sensitive, responsible and funny, but most of all, he's kind.
2. I love Debbie's funny, friendly and positive approach to life. She blogs at Sassy Banana and at her personal blog Etc, Etc, Etc. Such a ray of sunshine. And a birthday girl this week.
3. We went for a bike ride on Sunday. It was a gorgeous day. Got in a 25 mile ride and that means the 3,000 mi milestone is getting closer. Byka will get her much needed tuneup then.
4. So thankful that Trish has motivated me to finally read "Lit" by Mary Karr. I am loving this book. Trish is even patiently waiting for me to finish (maybe today) and we'll post our reviews.
5. A blogger friend from Texas put a smile on my big ol face when the Southwest Chipotle Mrs. Dash arrived in the mail. We have not been able to find this seasoning here for some reason and she sent us two bottles. Thanks Anne!

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy;

they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

~ Marcel Proust

Garden Tuesday - Jasmine

2011-04-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

The birds are singing and the Carolina Jasmine is in bloom.

~ Garden Tuesday is hosted by Pam at Sidewalk Shoes ~

Pulitzer Prize goes to A Visit From the Goon Squad

2011-04-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

It’s absolutely nutty to win something like this. I feel weird. I wish I had something more articulate to say. It seems so fantastical, like I’ve exited from real life. I found out 20 minutes ago. I was just sitting down to lunch in a restaurant and my phone rang. I burst into tears and told the waitress I had received a piece of news and that I had to leave. She told me she was sorry and I said “no, it’s good!” I went straight home. It’s unreal.

~ Jennifer Egan (Wall Street Journal)

I loved this book. The humor, the quirky characters, the shifting sense of time and place. Well deserved.

Pulitzer Prize Winners HERE.

On Movies - running on empty

2011-04-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

Ever watch a film that left you feeling worn out at the end? Exhausted from identifying with the physical and emotional stresses endured by the characters in the film? That's this week's theme at The Bumbles Blog. In addition to gathering those films about running on empty, I'm focusing on women who out of desperation (poverty, threats of harm etc.) wind up in situations that make them go "on the run."

Thelma and Louise (1991) - Start out running away from their oppressive lives and end up running from the law.

Maria Full of Grace (2004) - A pregnant 17 yr old becomes a Colombian drug runner.

Run Lola Run (1998) - A woman has 20 minutes to run around (literally) and find big bucks to save her boyfriend's life.

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) - A new widow, along with her son, make a run for a fresh start in life. One of my all time favorite films.

Frozen River (2008) - A woman's dire economic circumstances compel her to run illegal immigrants across the Canadian border. Her smuggling takes her on a perilous route that includes a frozen river. Excellent film. Melissa Leo deserved the Oscar for her performance.

it's okay

2011-04-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

God Says Yes To Me
by Kaylin Haught

I asked God if it was okay to be melodramatic
and she said yes
I asked her if it was okay to be short
and she said it sure is
I asked her if I could wear nail polish
or not wear nail polish
and she said honey
she calls me that sometimes
she said you can do just exactly
what you want to
Thanks God I said
And is it even okay if I don't paragraph
my letters
Sweetcakes God said
who knows where she picked that up
what I'm telling you is
Yes Yes Yes

Saturday Snapshot: you are my sunshine

2011-04-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Sara Anne

Our daughter turned 30 yesterday. How is this even possible? I can clearly remember when I took this shot of her at the condo we rented in Carpinteria (a little south of Santa Barbara). I love this picture as it represents a very happy time in my life. Here's a link to a photo montage I put together yesterday for Sara's big birthday.

Saturday Snapshots is the brain-child of Alyce (At Home with Books).

BTW - I'm giving away a really good book. You should try to win it.

Five for Friday

2011-04-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

Five thoughts of gratitude from this week:

Today is my daughter's 30th birthday. Although I think about her all the time, today she is really on my mind. I'm so grateful to be her mom.
I've spent some time this week thinking about gardening. We bought a composter at Costco (and will assemble it today -- hopefully). It feels good to return to something that was a part of our life together from the start -- growing some of our food.
Speaking of our life together, we celebrated our 31st anniversary on Tuesday. Can't believe how blessed I am to have found such a good man at such a young age. The universe was really watching after me...
Everyday this week, at some point I've noticed just how beautiful the sky looks. Sure, we're not having typical warm, sunny spring days yet, but the clouds have been spectacular!
I finished a good book. :)

So Much Pretty - giveaway

2011-04-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

“I feel that we are inundated with violence and it becomes something that drives our aesthetics. There is a banality and a predictability to it all: the disappearance, the search, and the inevitable discovery of a dead woman or girl, who has nearly without exception been sexually assaulted. When I was a young reporter I was shocked by this, and as a novelist I wanted to explore it.” ~ Cara Hoffman

I recently read Cara Hoffman's first novel, So Much Pretty. I really, really liked it. Due to fortuitous timing, while I had just started reading it, I happened upon a live chat with the author on Twitter. I learned two exciting things that day: 1. this book is being made into a film and 2. Hoffman is working on another book that sounds like it will be just as good as her first.

So Much Pretty is compared a lot with the Stieg Larsson trilogy and The Lovely Bones, probably because these books are so popular and more people will be able to relate. I think So Much Pretty is actually more comparable to Winter's Bone, American Rust and Songs for the Missing. To say Hoffman's writing reminds me of Stuart O'Nan is high praise from me.

I enjoyed this book because of its many themes (rural culture, violence against women, leftist idealism, ecological issues, adolescence, poverty, healthcare). Interesting issues aren't enough though -- there are plenty of writers who utilize news headlines and topical controversial issues for their stories. Hoffman's book is so enjoyable because she writes with intense authenticity and a journalist's ability to keep the story moving along at an engaging pace. I didn't detect a single false note.

Giveaway Details:

•A hardcover copy of So Much Pretty has been kindly provided by Simon & Schuster.

•To enter to win, leave a comment on this post that includes your email address.

•For another entry follow this blog via Google Friend Connect in the side bar or subscribe via email -- current followers/subscribers are eligible too. Leave a separate comment for this.

•And, for yet another entry, Blog/Tweet/Post on Facebook about this giveaway. Leave a separate comment with your twitter user name and/or link to blog post (side bar is cool).

NOTE: Giveaway reserved for residents within the U.S. and Canada.

The winners will be selected from the comments using random.org.
Deadline: midnight, April 28. Winner announced April 29.

Good luck!

Garden Tuesday - seed bombs

2011-04-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

I'm joining in with Pam's Garden Tuesday for the first time today. Instead of a photo of something from my yard or garden, I'm going to share something I just stumbled upon this morning: seed bombs or seed balls. You may already know about these but this is a discovery for me. While seed bombs are utilized as an inexpensive and fun tool of guerilla gardening, I'm going to make some and use them on our property which is a wooded acre in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Maybe next week I'll follow up with photos of our seed bomb making but for now here are some articles, etc. explaining the concept and simple instructions for making your own little balls of wildflower happiness.

How to Make Seed Bombs (LA Times)

Video - Making seed bombs at home (Guardian)

Seed Balls

[Image source: here]

Meet Me Monday - Hamm for me, hold the shrimp

2011-04-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well, alrighty then, it's time for this week's Meet Me On Monday via Never Growing Old.

1. Who would be your dream celebrity date?

Jon Hamm

2. Do you have any food restrictions? Shrimp is no bueno for me.

It's OK little buddy, you're safe here.

3. How much time do you take to get ready in the morning? Depends on if I've showered and washed my hair the night before or not.

4. Sausage or bacon? Both, as long as the sausage is fake and the bacon is turkey bacon.

5. Do you Google, Bing or Yahoo? The Google.

Saturday Snapshot: cherry blossoms

2011-04-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my trip to Washington DC with my sister. These photos were taken on our first day near the Washington Monument. It was a gorgeous day.

[Saturday Snapshots is hosted by Alyce. Check out all the other snapshots at At Home With Books.]

the part I hate

2011-03-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

I leave for Washington very early Saturday morning. This means I'm up against the part of travelling I hate -- packing. I get really anxious about it and usually this leads to procrastination. This makes my husband anxious too. So, this time around, I'm going to try approach this differently and start packing tonight.

Anyone else feel this way? If so, what have you found that helps?

Quotable - what books reveal

2011-03-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

"Lists of books we reread and books we can't finish tell more about us than about the relative worth of the books themselves."

~ Russell Banks, celebrating a birthday today.

On Movies - it's insane!

2011-03-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

March Madness got Molly at the Bumbles Blog to thinking about madness or rather insanity. Our task this week is to consider films in which insanity is featured. Turns out that once I started thinking about this, I recalled a flood of films. This is a popular theme it seems. With the exception of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, I'm going to focus on films which depict a true story about a woman who is thought to be "abnormal" or even insane at some point in her life -- a painter, a writer, an actress and a survivor of horrific childhood abuse.

First, I have to start with One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest (1975) because I loved both the film and the book.

But let's turn our attention now to some films about real women who were considered at the least to be eccentric and to the extreme having serious mental health issues requiring involuntary commitment.

Séraphine (2008) I just recently watched this film. It's beautiful to look at and the acting, especially by the actress in the title role is mesmerizing. Here's the trailer:

An all too familiar (and true) story of an unusually gifted woman who is institutionalized for eight years, An Angel at My Table (1990). Fantastic film!

Another film based (loosely, some would argue) on a true story about Frances Farmer, a gifted actress who is also sent to a mental institution where she endures some rather harsh treatments and abuses is Frances (1982).

And lastly, Sybil (1976). This made-for-television film created increased public awareness of multiple personality disorder similar to what The Karen Carpenter Story did for anorexia.

[Cross-posted at Sassy Banana]

Meet Me Monday - to crunch or not to crunch

2011-03-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

It's time for this week's Meet Me On Monday via Never Growing Old.

1. Crunchy or soft tacos?

I go both ways. My favorite tacos are fish tacos with grilled fish. I LOVE them.

2. Do you scrapbook?

Nope.

3. Do you take any daily medications?

I've been taking thyroid medication every morning for the past 4 years. I also try to take Vitamin D3, fish oil and B vitamins everyday. I keep hoping that someday I'll discover the magic combination of vitamins, diet and exercise that will give me superpowers.

4. What is your favorite sound?

Probably in summer I'd answer this question with "rain." But since we've been having so much rain lately here in northern California, that is not what I want to hear these days. So, here's my back up answer: the sound of babies laughing. You know, before they become self-conscious and they just laugh their natural little Bambi laughs.

Here's a link to the crazy laughing baby video in case you're the only remaining person on Earth who has not seen it or if you need a little dose of sweet silliness right now.

5. Where were you born?

Los Angeles in the Queen of Angels hospital on All Souls Day.

Go make some new virtual friends at Meet Me Mondays.

Sunday Stills - blue

2011-03-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in Sunday Stills for the first time. Today's challenge is to photograph the color blue. Easy-peasy you think....but you can't use the sky and you can't use a photo from your archive.

Check out what the rest of the gang has come up with here.

just a week away

2011-03-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

A week from now I'll be visiting Washington DC with my sister. I've always wanted to see the cherry blossoms so I'm pretty dang excited. I've never thought too much about a bucket list, but after these past two years of seeing my mother-in-law at the end of her life and how quickly things changed for her in terms of her independence, dignity, and overall quality of life, it might not be a bad idea to put something together.

I've been to the DC area many times on job-related trips. Once, my husband and daughter joined me for a few days after my work tasks were completed. Lots to do and see in DC. I love the National Gallery of Art and talk about good timing, there is a special Gauguin exhibit we'll get to explore. So, while I'm fairly familiar with the area and have seen a lot of the attractions, the biggest unknown is how it'll work out travelling with my sis. This is a new one for us.

There are three things I haven't done before that I'd like to this visit:

Take a tour of the White House
Go to Politics & Prose bookstore
Go to the Newseum

Do you have any restaurant, coffeehouse or things to do and see recommendations for us?

Saturday Snapshot: March Madness

2011-03-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

If this daffodil can hang in there, well, so can I.

Crazy spring weather here in northern California. This year's version is snow-covered and includes power outages. I haven't ridden my bike since Thanksgiving Day. Really. The silver lining I suppose, is that when we finally do get spring weather, I will be filled with gratitude (and on my bike). Maybe next week...?

As disappointing as the weather has been lately, it's nothing compared to what people are enduring in Japan. What's happened there puts everything in perspective.

Check out all the other Saturday Snapshots here.

Quotable

2011-03-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

"Everywhere I go I'm asked if I think the university stifles writers. My opinion is that they don't stifle enough of them. There's many a best-seller that could have been prevented by a good teacher."

~ Flannery O'Connor

Musical Interlude - Beach House

2011-03-25T05:30:00.000-07:00

See this film - Séraphine

2011-03-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

There was a night about a week or so ago, where I went on a movie watching binge. I watched three films back to back. I started with Judy Berlin, a film I'd already seen (unusual in itself as I rarely rewatch films), followed by a really good documentary Which Way Home. I wrapped up the impromptu film fest with Séraphine. What a beautiful film. After watching the film, I turned to the internet to learn more about Séraphine's art. In addition to discovering more images of her incredible paintings, I found a drawing in tribute to the artist.

[click on image to enlarge]

I recommend all these films but of the three, I hope you will check out Séraphine as well as the blogger/artist who created the image above. Her blog is here: Always Capra.

Quotable - my poetry

2011-03-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

"My poetry is suburban, it's domestic, it's middle class, and it's sort of unashamedly that, but I hope there's enough imaginative play in there that it's not simply poems about barbecuing."

~ Billy Collins

"No wonder the moon in the window seems to have drifted
out of a love poem that you used to know by heart."

[the last line of his poem, Forgetfulness]

Suburban whistfulness?

Wordless Wednesday - a horse with blue eyes

2011-03-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

“Horses make a landscape look beautiful.” Alice Walker

~Wordless Wednesday~

Meet Me Monday - No Pepsi

2011-03-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

My first time playing along with Meet Me On Monday hosted at Never Growing Old.

1. What jewelry do you wear 24/7?

Right off the bat my dullness is revealed: the only piece of jewelry I wear all the time is my thin gold wedding band. I'm one of those people who can't stand to sleep while wearing any jewelry, so at night everything else comes off.

2. Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?

I employ the twist/twirl with a cut at the end or else I seem to get stuck in an endless twirl.

3. How many siblings do you have?

I am the oldest of four girls. My closest in age sister was only 13 months younger (she passed away when she was 18 yrs old from leukemia). Our younger sisters are identical twins. When the twins came home from the hospital, we each claimed one for ourselves.

4. Were you named after anyone?

Not a someone, but a something. A song...perhaps you know it. I do share my middle name, Lee, with my dad.

5. Coke or Pepsi?

Neither. I stopped drinking soda nine years ago. I get iced green tea (straight up, no sweetener) from Starbucks now. Before I quit, it was NO Pepsi - Coke for me.