The Swaying Tree

Star in the Middle

2012-01-07T14:30:00.000-08:00

Recently I had the pleasure of writing a story about this here thread-bare WWI flag. A woman was moving and brought a load of papers to be shredded at shredder-ville. Shredder-ville isn't really the name, but we'll just call it that for fun.

The owner opened the box and to his surprise, found this relic. The funny part of the story though is what he shared about what gets brought in accidentally. Live snakes, mice, weapons, artillery, porn, money, toys... Good thing he is mindful as that snake wouldn't have fared to well. Well.

Spread

2010-11-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

While out on a recent footfall through the scrumptious vineyards 'round these parts, I happened to snap this photo of a bird taking flight. What a pose.

A Fine Coupling

2010-10-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

When I make my way to the lovely streets of faraway lands, these fine things will be smack dab in the middle of my suitcase... Clickety Clackity Clack.

Keep Pointy Things Away

2010-08-20T10:12:00.001-07:00

Scared of heights? Hope not.

Blue hue. No boo hoo.

Travel to The Nard'

2010-08-03T16:29:00.001-07:00

Oh thee Oxnard sitting oh so quietly along the Ventura County coastline just above Los Angeles. Having lived in California all my life, it puzzled me that I had not ever ventured to what a long lost friend who resides there refers to as 'The Nard'. I'll go with that.

The drive from my humble homestead was easy easy with not a pinch of shitty traffic. Blasted up there and landed safely, tumbled out of the car and into The Mandalay Beach Resort. Who knew such a prime piece of resort ass was right under the radar in Oxnard. I didn't. The front desk gentleman looked like he was a member of the band Weezer. Cool. Super helpful and un-snooty. Ocean breezy goodness wafted all around. Ahhhh.

Yes. Yes... Fish tacos du jour Oxnard Harborside. Super delicious. Tasty vittles.

Riding my bike... Well the bike I rented from the resort.

I teetered with my camera and quickly snapped this picture while rollin on down the alley... Silly gorgeous houses.

I am a sucker for arched hallways. Arch it.

Sandy toes. Salty hair. Pristine shoreline. Pure Heaven.

Some sort of regatta took place and I watched from the deck/balcony of my stellar room. There was at least 40 sailboats sailing along. Bobbing up and down. I give big props to sail-boatin' boaters... I guarantee a pukefest of grand proportions if I tried.

Oh yes. Yes I did.

Triangle.

Ahoy!

These Things Don't Suck!

2010-02-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

Amongst the lands of Northern San Diego lies a beacon of goodness lovingly known as Stone Bistro and Gardens...oh, and a full scale brewery too. Amber lucious liquid ripe with hops and more hops along with ridiculous foods are ready to pounce on your taste-buds. Mine were totally pounced upon.

Duck tacos. Yes.

See this? See it! Smell it! Taste it! The spicey one was my fav.

Gulp.

Bridging Time.

2010-02-10T16:46:00.000-08:00

To say that I have let this sweet little website go to almost shit is an almost truth. The whirlwind of the year I had last year tore me away from my bee-loved cyber situation, in a way I did not see coming. Many times I sat down diligently to update and sprinkle words, but the behemoth invisible computer lords yelled a giant Hell To The NO! My computer inexplicably shut down, shut off, shut me out, erased hours worth of updating, blah blah blahty blah.

Tapping the keg again, though.

My last days involved journey floated me up the Cali coast to Monterey with exquisite stops in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Cayucos and a few points inbetwixt. I drank wine, devoured bombastic foods, revisited my Grandma Betty's home turf, made some new friends along the way and watered the seed in me thats been planted since I was a wee pain in the ass.

Sitting at Eberle winery as the sun was waving goody-bye. I stared out into the fields and rows and flows of vineyards dusk-dreaming of swimming in a vat of purple goodness.

One of my favorite drives meandering and rolling along Highway 46, dotted with enchanting wineries. Purple precious vats anyone?

Just arrived in Monterey here. I took this picture because intrigue sparked in me regarding this here funky regtangular window sans screen. As a young lass, I was told the story of this kind of window... I grappled to find the name of this window and everytime I looked at it I scanned my memory banks, but the word stayed in elusive-ville. Last day there as I was packing I rammed the shit out of my head on the corner...yes, look at that thick corner. Little birds flew around my cranium and the tears came. The name you ask? Widows Walk. Hmmmm, is it because women whose husbands were at sea stared longingly out to vast ocean waiting and hoping for thier seafaring husbands to return OR is it named for the widows peak on your forehead that you are sure to smash into the corner whilst moving about?

Ah, yes, magic. Sun peppered, fog stroked and relaxing. Framed by wise trees.

In Carmel-by-the-Sea there resides a splendid cheese shop that just about tore my shoes off. Seriously, I almost ripped my cute ass shoes off in a fit of joy. Cheese people. Lactose intolerant you say? Suck it up and eat some cheese.

Little brown jug, don't I love thee......Oh, you too bread rind filled with creamy goodness.

Martine Inn. Slices and slices of heaven wrapped up in a majestic bed and breakfast.

Stick me in a library-one with a piano and chaise lounges at that-and call it a done done done day. Glowy.

Monterey Bay. Cool, grey and teeming with sealife...sharks? Not a toe in that water. Not even a pinkie.

This has nothing to do with Monterey, I just like the picture.

Bloomin in June

2009-06-18T13:24:00.001-07:00

Time just keeps marching on now doesn't it. Seems like just yesterday it was May 11th and now all of the sudden like a trip through a worm-hole it is June 18th. Hmmph. Guess I better not let time slip by without keeping my dreams in tip top motion. This way and thataway.

Pink plate special today. Me n flowers been talking lately and makin friends and plans.

These cute dandelions reminded me of my two babes. La lions also reminded me of me n Tenya and Glenn and Ken, the Twin Towers, twins in general, lamp posts, lollipops, seed flurries, my childhood racing along the lawn full of hope and careening with laughter, parallel moons. Allergies, not so much.

Butternut squash, sunset over the Pacific, lemon merangue cake, jellybeans and nectarines.

Inside of a stargazer lily, interdimensional portals, Talula's cheeks, blushing when I see something naughty, magic worlds.

Elongated partially submerged underdeveloped watermelon, bursting, cocoon, artichokes, courage, space pod.

Happy Birthday! My lotus candleholder, welcome, self realization, diving boards, willingness, bliss, water sprites, sweet.

She's the backyard mermaid welcoming committee. She also keeps watch on the the nectarines, tomatoes and peppers.

Paintbrushes dipped in pink paint, nubbins, starkist, breezy trees, trust, jungle trek, celebration.

Wow! Hi! Happy! Pop! Here I am! Reaching!

Now go make friends with flowers!

Nature Chimnea

2009-05-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Funny how nature lines up.

Path-os.

2009-05-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

Like Gretel and Gretel, my dear friend Vanessa (Funessa) and I went out for a hike last weekend. About 15 minutes up the road from where I reside is a nature reserve called The Santa Rosa Plateau. The sprawling lands are filled with oak trees and sages and grassy meadows and poppy's and coyote crap and snakes and hawks and scorpions and meandering paths and tender breezes. Beauty as far as the twinkling eyes can see.

Peering up through the tree tops.

Twisty and jovial! Come'ere and give me a hug.

If I had worn pants (note to self for next time) I would have climbed this tree in a hot second.

I was certain I saw flashes of faires and gnomes.

Dusty stairs.

Cross the threshold. Hold on.

Sunlight love.

Poppy carpets.

See that cute little bee! In fact as we were making our way along the path a huge swarm of bees flew right towards us and we had to duck to avoid getting caught in their buzzy cloud.

Up Close

2009-05-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

The unique pattern on this tree held me spellbound for a time.

Yes Yes and YES!

2009-05-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

Through all of my travels I have narrowed down the packing process to a finely tuned science that makes my mama proud! Even on my tripalicous journey to Seattle (where it was CCCCOLD) I managed to make it work with a mere carry on. A cute green carry on, but a carry on nonetheless.

Most places I stay have awesome bath products. Le Occitane, Aveda and the like pepper the bathrooms with scents of rosemary, citrus, lavender, geranium and such. However, once in a blue moon the products are sucky. Too perfumy, drying or whatever. I always bring my Malin and Goetz travel kit with me. Yummity yum. Perfect. Smells good. Feels good. Easy to pack. Comes in a clear travel case. Everything a girl needs (guys too). I paid $30 at my local apothecary-- money well spent I say.

Oh and for good measure, this here foaming face mask is to die for! I am a true blue loyalist to Dermalogica products, but this scrumptious face potion is wonderful. Not too pricey either.

Scarlets Walkabout.

2009-04-25T12:42:00.001-07:00

I landed my happy self in Sedona Arizona last week for some down home shenanigans with my bestest best friend Tenya. She's all sorts of wonderful and super easy to travel with. This one here doesn't like being on ANY schedules or part of sightseeing groups or anything resembling order. I prefer to go where the wind blows and play things as they come. Tenya is the same so it makes travelling with each other perfect! I've been to Sedona several times and always have curiously good times there.

I had the serious pleasure of staying at two beautiful, albeit, different resorts. The Sedona Rouge-which is located in the center of town and The Enchantment Resort-which is located in a heavenly spot called Boyton Canyon (rumored to be a hotspot for UFO activity). Beam me up E.T.

See the colors changing at sunset.

We hiked up Bell Rock-we were waaaay up there. Wind was whizzing all around us! HELLOOO!

We are high.

Room with a view.

Lizard rock watching us......ssssspooky.

Blue headed feathered sap sucker??

Twisty tree vista.

Spires, Boyton Canyon.

Looks purty.

Sunset self portrait.

Calamity Jane.

Looking up while sitting on a ledge.

Interesection.

Patron Silver.

I love me some logos on sides of things.

Headed home.

All Kinds of Chicanery

2009-04-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, it really was delicious. Scrumptious, tasty, savory, drool-inducing, foot stomping good. Hiked to Mt.Palomar Winery. The hike back walks it off. How very.

Lollygagging.

Yikes.

My friends cool blue shoes. I like. You like?

Budding

2009-03-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

Sweet little cactus flowers. I'd pinch thier cheeks but don't wanna get pricked.

Nectarine tree awaking from winter slumber. This tree produces the juiciest most delicious fruit. Summertime.

Garden guardian. He maintains harmony in amongst the flora.

Sunlit White House.

2009-03-18T22:25:00.000-07:00

Heading Home

2009-03-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

Sitting in a hearthy good restaurant/bar/book gallery while I waited for the driver to swoop on by and herald me off to the airport. Light rain falling outside. Belly warming scotch resting in my belly making the flight home all the more tolerable.

Cute hu.

Inside Hotel Alexis. Bombastically cool boutique hotel. LOVED IT.

Oh Hell YES!!

2009-03-11T16:23:00.001-07:00

May 19th, its a dropping! Heee heeee.

Lord Tennis-on.

2009-03-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

Something about hitting the everloving crap out of a small yellow fuzzy ball makes me feel fantastic. Elated to the moon really. Round these parts the BNP Paribas tennis tournament commenced this week. I went on Monday to watch the qualifying rounds and to watch top players practice. The ferocious velocity with which the pros smash the ball is wacky.

Super accurate, super duper speedy, insane fitness and ripped all to hell.

Jelena Jankovic. All the boys were drooling. She is pretty tall and pretty pritty.

Gettin served.

Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Gorgeous.

Chilean player.

Chili?

Mauresmo...see her face? She is a BAD ASS!

Shirtless wonder.

I am surprised the rackets don't snap.

All shirtless, everywhere I looked.

Great match. This girl put up gnarly fight.

This one was LOUD!

Blue.

Not sure about those black socks.

Traispsin and Observin'

2009-03-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

Writing assignment took me to Balboa Park in San Diego yesterday. Balboa Park is such a special whimsical park with tons of nooks and crannies hiding little gifts. When I lived in San Diego I used to go and plop under a tree with my notebook and write and people watch for hours.
Yesterday was a most beautiful day draped in refreshing ocean breezes and glittering sunshine.

This homeless man looked so peaceful. He snuggled up under a tree; I am certain the lulleby birdsongs sailed him into a warm slumber.

Arbortoreum.

Starburst.

Prickly tree hug.

Lets Wander Slowly Through The Fields

2009-03-01T09:45:00.000-08:00

Wish this website had smellovision. Earthy yet spicey yet fruity.

Abnormal. Just a little.

2009-02-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

My main muse squeeze Tori Amos is releasing a new album this Spring. Spring will be sprung! I cannot wait to see what sort of brilliant song weaving she pulls out this time. The title of the album is Abnormal Attraction to Sin. When I was recently in Seattle on assignment she had just been there (may have still been in town) recording with her bad ass drummer Matt Chamberlain. I thought about calling the studio and trying to go and have a chat, but I decided against it.

The best!

Sunstraps

2009-02-22T16:07:00.001-08:00

Vinaigrette vignette.

Friday Free For All

2009-02-20T11:07:00.001-08:00

Freaky Friday snap-a-lots.

Criss cross archci.

Bridging the gap. STRETCHHHHH.

Shaft of light.

Off to somewhere. Tropical.

Sunrider Jeep Tours.

Yum yum.

Reflecting while toodling up the road.

See At La (SEATTLE!!!)

2009-02-18T11:14:00.001-08:00

If you are reading this and haven't been to the gorgeous,vibrant, seaside metropolissy city called Seattle, than book a ticket and go. Go on.
I had the distinct pleasure hanging seaside for a few days last week and I can say with complete conviction that Seattle is one of the coolest cities I've ever strolled through. If San Francisco and San Diego kissed and crashed together, Seattle would be the resulting goodness.
The food was holy fuckity fuck zagat exploding savory in every way possible. All hail the salmon.

*note-tales of the one eye open while sleeping man spilling into my seat on the flight over (whose open eye stared at me for 2 hours) in future posts. It's a doozy.

The light on a certain day was dazzling in a mystical prism-y way.

Architectural magic. Magically delicious.

The owner of this lower floor hangout let me use the bathroom. THANK YOU!

Lobby of Hotel Monaco. Deluxe.

The obligatory Space Needle picture.

Sacred floating geometry

Sweet cherubs ass, this plate at the Hotel Alexis Library Bistro Restaurant sent me over the moon and back for more. Literally-no pun intended.

Bookish.

More Seattle snippets will be peppered here and there and there and here.

Fierce!

2009-02-11T13:38:00.001-08:00

As I started driving away from a lunch meeting, I witnessed this tall drink of water strutting down the street. Work it!!!

He seemed so happity happy!

It's A Big One Out There!

2009-02-05T07:52:00.001-08:00

I agree. I concur. Everyone should see the world. Especially when happily prompted by a buttony butterfly. This sweety lovely perfect luggage tag was given to me by a dear friend. She always buys me terribly cute things. I have never had a luggage tag beyond that ticker tape boring nonsense the airlines dole out.
There i'd be standing with all the other anxious people at the luggage carousel waiting for my gnarly bulbous Samsonite hardcover suitcase (which weighs a helluva lot without all my crap in it). Should've seen Vicky (short for Victor) Green Eyes cussing it out while shoving it into the towncar in New York. That was a frightfully funny sight. Nothing like a mobster fighting with my obnoxious suitcase to get the journey going.
Alas! I have whittled down the packing process to a brilliant science and can get by with a perky carry-on.

I had to add another picture. Just so! Nice leather strap.

Brilliant!

2009-02-04T06:34:00.001-08:00

My friend who happens to be a reedonkulously amazing artist over at Resplendent Chaos and Gallery of the Absurd painted the rad piece below.

Gaia Awakens From Her Slumber.

I la la la LOVE it. Girls got serious talent.

Scarlets Walk.

2009-02-03T20:34:00.000-08:00

Grenouille!

2009-02-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

My darling coffee mugs laden with French postage stamps. Alouette too! Courtesy of the holy grail of cuteness Anthropologie.

Gobbled up the avocados with lemon. yum yum good.

Sunday Hike I Like!

2009-02-02T16:05:00.001-08:00

I hiked through the grapevines and along citrus groves yesterday. The day was bathed in warm sunshine and the sky was about as blue as it gets. My hiking partner and I wound up at a winery where we shared a sandwich and savored a glass of scrumptious merlot.

Cockeyed wintry vines.

Man working in the garden. He was so happy and light!

Does anyone know what type of bird this is? A yellow bellied sap sucker perhaps?

Elation and Agony

2009-02-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

It proved to be a rough anxious Australian Open final for me to partake in. I enjoy both Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer equally for neither one displays cocky motherfuckerish qualities while maintaining fierce warrior kick assyness. I woke up at 12:30am-tired and thirsty. I drank water and watched and watched and cringed and shouted and watched. Both made some nasty sick shots (double backhand wizardry from Rafa and shocking forehands from Roger). I tried to fall asleep and just listen, but my left eye kept popping open. Didn't want to miss any action.

BOOM!

He did it! Rafa is the champion. VERDAD!
He picks his ass alot though. He needs to buy some different undies.

Awww. Come here Roger, let me give you a big warm hug. Don't cry. I know it hurts and feels devastating, but there's always the next big one right around the corner. Get em in Paris and New York!
I wanted him to tie Pete Sampras. Alas, didn't happen.

Look at his quivering chin. Poor guy. I remember losing a triple header when I played softball and I bawled my eyes out. It really fucking hurts.

Good Eats

2009-02-01T13:41:00.001-08:00

Hush little baby don't say a word...papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird.

Snakin' Alongside the Rio Grande

2009-01-29T12:20:00.000-08:00

Curvy driving skirting the Rio Grande.

Coastal Blissy Bliss

2009-01-28T06:28:00.000-08:00

See that empty glass sitting there on that sweet ass white bench perched in that sweet ass garden-y yard? The delicious red wine that had made it's home in that glass for a brief time found a cozy home in my happy belly. I believe it was Wild Horse Cabernet. Oh man is that a humdining dinger of a scrumtpious wine. My mouth is starting to percolate just thinking about it. It helped that just beyond the trees the ocean was staring back at me with big blue eyes while the sun began his descent below the horizon.

Here I sit for hours on end writing, watching playful colorful butterfly's dance about and watch as the cat across the street stalks the warbling birdies. Totally magical this house in Cambria. Pure heaven.

City O' Angels

2009-01-25T12:08:00.000-08:00

Rooftop tip of my umbrella.

Winter hazy mist cityline.

Like it.

Brads studio.

Driving up the 5 freeway.

Holy Holy

2009-01-24T14:21:00.001-08:00

Tenya surprised me with this sweet sacred little urn filled with holy water from the Ganges River. It's alive and well.

Travelling Style

2009-01-22T17:30:00.001-08:00

Allright. Where has this little nugget of goodness been hiding all my days? Darling jewelry roll o' glory. Done. I usually just throw my Tina Steinberg designs in a makeup bag and call it a day.

Perfect dress for my suitcase.

And, add these. Throw em in the suitcase too.

Rainy Sea Stacks

2009-01-21T08:47:00.000-08:00

101 and then some......

Cabo San Wacky

2009-01-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

Here she be lounging with a raging hellacious brain bashing still drunk at 11:00am hangover. Oh, but the night before was rip roaring nutty fun. One of those nights when 2am danger dogs (hot dogs wrapped in bacon doused in onions, cilantro, jalapenos, hot sauce and crema-served from a health hazard street cart) taste every bit as good as heaven.

Suns a comin.

Oh My LORD!

2009-01-16T15:22:00.000-08:00

My my my. I just had a minor heart palpitation. I think a trip to Paris is in order for me so that I can flutter down the lane in these killer Christian Louboutains snapping my fingers as I go.....

I may need to stop every few minutes for a reflexology treatment, but whatever. Oui oui mon cherie!

Pick Out Your Cloud......

2009-01-15T14:47:00.000-08:00

Mountain flowers. Wanted to pluck em and stick em in my hair.

Building. Pretty soon it will be pouring alongside Mr. Thunder and Madamoiselle Blue Lightening.

Spreckled carpet blooms!

Travelling down the road afoot.

Just out of sight, there are swarms of hummingbirds. Of all colors. They buzzed up behind me and gave me goosebumps. Hummingbird bumps actually.

Rooftop rigamaroo.

Cloudbusting.

Sights and Sounds Pull Me Back Down.....

2009-01-13T08:21:00.001-08:00

Sillouette-in.

Butterfly lunchin.

Pokey desert dancers.

Pretty Pretty.

2009-01-11T16:51:00.001-08:00

Roiling undulating glowy sky.

Just because, it is. Look at Byzantine Mary!

Stoic and calm.

Like my car.

Cappin it.

Stellar Ribbons Undone.

2009-01-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

Check.

Giving props to the propeller.

Alboa-bay Ark-pay

2009-01-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

Hello there.

Tall.

Awesome!

Happy In Hawaii

2009-01-11T13:23:00.001-08:00

As Tenya and I sat in the ONLY ROW ON THE PLANE without a window, we cursed ourselves for not paying an extra $150 to upgrade to first class. I mean pure toothpick in the eye torture sitting on a Hawaii bound plane with absolutely no window. I always sit by a window, I have to sit by a window. I love window peeking! So, we ordered double vodka/sprites and dealt with it. And we dealt with it all right.

My good friend Jennifer (Juniper) won two roundtrip airfare tickets to Hawaii and couldn't use them. Guess what? She oh so generously gave them to me! My sweet love Roz has a house on the stunning ocean in Hawaii very close to the North Shore of Oahu. I called Tenya and invited her, she flew out from Florida and off we flew into the big blue.

We strolled along the shoreline and daydreamed and plotted and planned about becoming travel writers/photographers. Her husband is in the film industry so she's set up with the bonkers camera and I love to write and write and lord have mercy, write! Thirty minutes later we were speeding up the road and my phone rang....It was a magazine calling me to straighten out an ad snafu. They loved my writing and asked if I would write a story about my trips to Mexico. Fucking a right I would love to. I eagerly mentioned I was in Hawaii and would love to write a story on Hawaii too......and that my dear friends is how I stumbled into travel writing. Talk about instant manifestation. Hee heee.

Tenya in the morning. We had a spooky incident happen while we were there. Ssscary.

Sun reaching through tantalizing cloud cracks. I just want to roll around on the sand and play! Turtles pop their cute little walnut-y heads up and have a looksee. I see you turtle, yes I do.

The waves were kicking when we were there making the Billabong Pro Surf Contest a full blown terrifying amazing good time. I have surfed (on a 10 foot longboard) in San Diego on ankle slapper wave days and managed to get up and kinda get the hang of it. It's hard. I have also been pummeled and tumbled in a nasty big set in Mexico-I was absolutely certain I was knock knock knockin' on heavens door. So, to see these guys take off on 15-20 foot waves in shallow water and make it look like butter was mind baffling/boggling. Hats off to them.

We literally sat there with our jaws hanging open. Cute brave surfers + twinkling blue warm water + blazing sunshine + nothing but time = Bliss.

Roz's front yard.

Morning sunshine-y yumminess. We hiked back in those mountains. It was delirious.

Watchman.

Nautical scenery.

Thank you window. Headed home.

Stone Cold Stephanie

2009-01-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

Journeyed to Big Bear Californi-ay this last weekend. As much as I relished in the 12 degree weather and all the magnificent delirious white winter hymnal creations, I have to say at heart I am a full blown tropical/hot weather lover. There is something magical about having thin crispy mountain air skirting around your face and body.....BUT, there is something stupid magical about having warm tropical (dry hot too) fluffy air invading your being. Hmmm.
Frozen tundra.

Sunrise.

Thankfully I didn't kook out and slip.

The morning light was electric and super clear.

Drank this down.

Drank this in.

Me + Lightening= Happiness

2008-12-31T17:15:00.001-08:00

Took this from my balcony in Palm Desert! Purty.

Sapello and Venice

2008-12-28T12:37:00.000-08:00

Hiking 8500 feet up in the Sapello area mountains in New Mexico. I looked down and gave a warm hello to this special happy rock. Curious. I left him there.

I walked into the boutique Principessa on Abbot Kinney in Venice, rounded the corner, spotted this exquisite dress of blue and gold....I walked up to it, groped it, held it up, confirmed it would look just perfect on me (with textured tights and super cute brown sandals, gold bangles and gold hoop earrings, flower in hair) and then I looked at the price tag. Dress didn't come home with me:(

Precious Things

2008-12-27T10:10:00.000-08:00

Tucking my ribbons under.

Path leading to hidden treasures.

Traipsin down the lane.

Grandpoppa Pine.

Spring sprite.

Zooming over.

Bumpy bumpy. Again tucking my ribbons under. Turn up the music.

Your Wish is Granted

2008-12-23T07:37:00.001-08:00

Ancient things.

Sanibel Island Goodness Gracious

2008-12-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

Here I was riding a bicycle around the island trying not to let my bag fall off the back. Thankfully it didn't. A snake did slither right in front of me sending white hot tingles throughout my body. Sssssscary.

Perhaps the fanciest fishing chair I have ever seen. Glistening in the morning light. Hold on and reel it in.

Cruising around the waterways/canals marvelling at all the boats (yachts) and crazy cool waterfront homes.

Speaks for itself.

Royally.

Room with a view.

We need to get the airlines to come up with better fabric for the coach section.

I Miss Her

2008-12-21T22:54:00.000-08:00

I miss Tenya!!!! Here she is with Bodhi in her belly while we were in Ojai.
She brakes for rainbows!

Take To The Sky.

2008-12-21T14:54:00.000-08:00

I am feeling rather luckity lucky to be invited to hop on a heated globe to take to the sky twice in the last few weeks. Fox 5 out of San Diego was suppose to film the globular event this morning, but did not show....My friends and owners of Sunrise Balloons arranged for an extra balloon to make it nice nice...oh well. We had a blast without blasting totally off. I rode with a pilot new to me and fought off disaster-ish thoughts and the idea of a flock of knife beaked birds slamming into the balloon. Oh yea. Let that picture roll around in your head. Go for it.

The morning was Antarctic cold and absolutely breathtaking. The light was full and bright with glowing energy embers floating through.

Meet Adam and Travis-they own Sunrider Jeep Tours. It was Travis' first time going up. He didn't seem too nervous.

Spotter truck. Pretty Battle Ass.

Rhonda and Marty. Marty (coincidentally) was a client of mine back when I owned my import business. Smally world. He's a chef.

Hi Feliciano. He helps make sure we make it up and that the balloon doesn't skip all over the place when we land. He also follows along on the ground keeping track of the balloon as it rises and falls this way and that.

Observer observing the pre flight prep spectacle. A spectacle indeed.

See what I mean about the light!

We were still on the ground watching Dan G's rainbow bubble float up.

Love the pattern the groves make. Our shadow.

Little lower, please.

HI!!!!!

Handle this.

Test my tethers.

Precise landing. Phew. Pilot warned us it my be a sharp one. Thankfully not.

Gizmo' gadgets and gauges. Mechanical magic.

Look how that orb rolls up! Ready set....GO!

Garden Ghosts?

2008-12-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

Looks like someone or something is pushing through the photograph. Swirling volcano muses.

Poas Volcano off yonder.

Travellin' Shoes

2008-12-19T17:10:00.001-08:00

It all happened on an innocent afternoon while I was in Nordstrom trying desperately to avoid the all seeing 'shoe section'. The gravitational pull was far to intense and yanked me to the center of the shoe universe like a moth to a flame. I witnessed it sitting there, all perched up like a proud brown artifact. I circled and circled-deflty stopping to pick up the specimen and examine it only to talk myself out of my illusiory (is that a word?) need for it. I actually walked away....walked to my car. DROVE home. But, the idea of this shoe simply would not leave me be. So what did I do you ask? I picked up the phone, called Nordy's and bought a pair. I think I need to buy it black now. I cannot stop wearing them. Perhaps I should try to play a game of tennis in them. Maybe that will break the spell.

Blue Hue!

2008-12-18T16:37:00.001-08:00

It is truly shocking to the eyeballs when laying them on the carribean sea for the first time. Can water really be THAT blue and magical? And I get to swim and snorkel in it! And it's 80 degrees. And there are fish the colors of the rainbow! And I can stare at turtles. And and and.

All Sorts O' Heaven

2008-12-18T15:47:00.001-08:00

Of the Ocean type. Vigilucci's in Carlsbad. YUM!!! Pass the crushed red peppers please and bring me a glass of chilled chardonnay, Gratzi.

T-OH Double DEE!

2008-12-18T10:39:00.000-08:00

This is one big mamma jamma painting done by my dear ol' pal Todd. I don't like to use a flash and the lighting at the event was kinda dim so this isn't the best picture, but, you get the point, right?

Who needs arms when you've got a rack like this?

*detail shot: Todd Scalise

Desert Day Dwellers

2008-12-15T21:37:00.001-08:00

Took my boy with me to Palm Desert for a writing assignment last month. Playing hooky and feeling right nice about it.

Mama and son.

Roadrunner. He puffed up at me and I thought he may charge. Plucky little guy.

I never realized how huge these motherfuckers are. I mean HUGE! Tall! Massive legs that would kick the everloving crap outta you. Splendid feathers.

Butterfly/Hummin'bird pavillion. Pretty purty.

Negative space....

Foxy

2008-12-03T17:17:00.001-08:00

Yesterday morning when the ground crew was rolling up the balloon I saw this bunch of hounds headed our direction. I had seen them a few months back as I was leaving a friends house who lives in wine country. They waited for me to drive by and then took off across the road.
Hounds.

Whole gaggle of em.

Ba Ballooooon

2008-12-02T17:17:00.000-08:00

Call came in round' mid day on Sunday..."can you go up in the balloon on Tuesday?"
"sure!"
"Bring a friend"
"okay."

This was my fourth time going up in the big blue sky in a giant balloon. My companion wore a diaper in case of unexpected stressy bowel release.
We had such a fun time crack a lackin jokes and pretending not to be too scared. We landed near a home site, took some photos and then off we went about our day. Diareah-less.

Rising above wine country with the sunrise.

Hothead.

Italian parsely for good measure.

Happiest (really?) Place on Earth

2008-11-21T16:07:00.000-08:00

Heaven or Hell on earth, depending on the day.

The Beekeeper.

Secret River

2008-11-20T14:01:00.000-08:00

Underneath the Yucatan Peninsula lies a massive network of snaking underground fresh water rivers. Cookoo crazy amazing. As if the Yucatan isn't brilliant enough with impossible beauty it has to go and pimp it hard with underground gorgeousness that rivals it's outer hella fine looks.

Our guides brought us to a newly discovered spot call Rio Secreto not far from our digs in Playa Del Carmen. We arrived at a non descript dusty parking lot off the main highway (I was a bit skeptical) and hopped out of the air conditioned van and into the bright broiling sunshine. We signed the typical waiver-no, if I die or am maimed I will not sue. We then climbed into a wacky tonka truck-y vehicle and tore off down the rocky rollin' bumby dirt road away from the busy highway and deep into the jungle.

This was our brave guide, Chris. He had good taste in shoes!

Willy wonka tonka truck.

Bouncing down the jungle path. Hold onto yer hats. Theres a reason those bars are padded.

Chris giving us the down low on the history of the area. It just so happens that a local man was chasing an iguana (this is true) for his supper and the iguana bolted into a hole. The man reached into the hole and the earth gave way, he poked his head in and realized there was an underground river on his property. Fancy that! The cave specialists came and explored and Rio Secreto was born. Voila!

The cave we are sitting in is 2 million years old. Wild. Only groups of 6-7 are allowed down there at once. Absolutely NO chemicals are allowed in for obvious reasons.

This shot shows the scope of the joint. Huge stalagtites and stalagmites....wonderous things that grow excruciatingly slow; my mind had a hard time wrapping around such slow growth. The first espeleogists (cave experts) to map it are serious bad asses. Can you imagine being the first person to hike/swim around down under for the first time!? DARK-PITCH BLACK cavern.....jitters.

The water cool, refreshing and held colors like I've never seen in nature.

Decended 60 feet. At one point we stopped in a 'room' our guide called 'the heart' of the system. He gathered us around and asked that we turn off our headlamps and float in silence. It was blacker than black. Zero point. Complete quiet less the ocassional tummy grumble or water whisper. I imagined lining up all of my chakras, spinning them in perfect symmetry and harmony with mama earth and the cosmos. It was phenomenal. An experience I will never ever forget. I go there even now during meditations. OM.

I still have a scar on my left thigh from scraping against the sharp calcite wall.

Strange Things That Way Went.....

2008-11-18T14:15:00.001-08:00

Carl Jung himself would've been intrigued and a little warm in his heart over the synchronistic happenening that happened while I was in Santa no Fea last week. A new friend and I decided to have a pow wow and discuss all things coincidental and throw around opinions regarding 2012 and our impressions on the subject. Two of my favorite topics. Buh-ring it!

The trickster himself inserts his synchro ways into my world on an almost daily basis, but sometimes the scope of the moment is pretty intense and one for the record books. The following is just one of those time warping humdingers.

Way back in 1992, I flew the coop and drove my 19 year old (naive know it all) ass down south to Los Angeles from Northern California. Stars in my eyes, defiance tangled up in my permed hair and hope running through my veins, I barged into the City of Angels. Hahahahahahaaahahah! Yea. Hahahahahaha.

Sitting at my brothers place with freedom singing ants in my pants, I scanned the L.A. Times every day for a cheap place to rent closer to my job (in West L.A.). BINGO! I almost didn't believe my eyes...."$200 a month plus utilities in Westwood." I made the call, made the drive, wrote the check and moved into 612 Landfair within a week. One caveat. 612 Landfair is a fraternity house. In the summer they sublease rooms out to subsidise cashflow. Smart. So, there I was all subsidicey.

I met my very best friend (to this day) Tenya my first night there. I kissed cute boys. I ate primarily out of a microwave (godforsaken raviolis and cup o' soups). I celebrated my 19th birthday there. I counted cockroaches. I fell in love with reggae and The Clash and Lou Reed. I hunkered down and learned how to survive all alone with little to no safety net. I grew my wings at that house. 612 Landfair was a huge jumping point for the rest of my adult life. Not too many days have gone by since that I don't think about my time spent in that big ol' hizzy.

Now, fast forward 16 years. Swirling conversations spiral around and around in Santa Fe creating more and more spacious fascination. Finally:

Me: "What year did you move to L.A.?"

Rich: "1995"

Me: "Really, I lived there from 1992-1994, what part of L.A. did you live in?"

Rich: "Westwood"

Me: "Westwood! I lived in Westwood, on Landfair!"

Rich: "612 Landfair?!"

Me: "NO FUCKING WAY! No Way! You lived at 612 Landfair? It was a frat house! You lived there!!! Holy shit! What are the chances? Are you sure? What did the house look like?

(*note, L.A. being a gigantoid metropolis makes this all the more nutthouse-y)

Rich: "Sigma Pi fraternity house. Big huge two story house. I transferred there from Michigan. I'm serious!!!! (were both laughing hysterically).

Me: (holding back tears of awe) "I mean, seriously. This is fucking crazy."

Things converge and collide in the coolest ways in Santa Fe. I think these sorts of rip roaring things happen wherever we roam. Keep those eyes and hearts open peeps.

The stories are always unfolding and growing and golden thread weaving.

Ojo Caliente

Chasing the sun over Arizona. Yes, I was counting bolts making sure none were missing. Freak.

Delirious sunset.

More tales from Santa Fe coming soon.

Synchrodipity

2008-11-14T12:47:00.001-08:00

Mindblowing synchronicity ahead full steam here in Santa Fe.

Tee Hee. and Weeeee!

2008-11-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

Headed on a plane to the enchanted land of chili peppers. Green and red!

Laughingly Travelling

2008-11-08T18:25:00.001-08:00

Friends, along my travels I often come upon hilarity and such. Much. Here is a witty piece of art whipped up by the oh so talented (and hilarious) artist known as 14 over at Gallery of the Absurd. This my friends is known as:

Cover Your Ears, It's the Elisabeth Hasselbeck Screech Owl

"It is a bleached-blonde Owl that sits erect and is always prepared to tearfully defend its territory should any creature attack the Bush Administration or theistic evolution, or question the Iraq War. The Screech Owl’s feathers are easily ruffled; however, recent field reports indicate the Owl is capable of graciously cooing, rather than screeching, at the most unexpected times. This is the first time the Owl has been known to eat post-election crow."

You laughing?

Kanga

2008-11-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

These badmittens allow me to stuff my car key in the side pocket while I skip (all la-dee-da) down the lane. Sunset-y.

Creative Jammin.

2008-11-06T21:56:00.001-08:00

Blurred by creativity. I think this ones finished, and it's DONE!

Salvador 'Vane' Dali. He wishes.

We are monkey's.

Buff Buff!

2008-11-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

These intoxicating spongey body buffers are the BOMB! Kai's fragrance is super delicious and light and flowery and I love it ALOT. Before my recent trip to Mexico, I paid a visit to my local apothecary to purchase some travel potions, and the owner pulled these buffers out of her hat. They are self contained! No need to pack soaps or body washes. The soap is IN the buffer. My skin was supple as supple can be! I smelled lovely, like an island flower! Packs like a charm, I brought a plastic bag along and kept it there...my suitcase still smells heavenly! There are two in a pack, and one buffer lasts 30 uses. Scrub a dub dub.

Snippets. Snappits.

2008-11-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

Scrumptious lunch.

Turtle medicine.

Holy Elephantee

Collective Consciousness

2008-11-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

I love this photo. I took it in a magical courtyard at a Bed & Breakfast I had the delicious pleasure of staying at in a super funky neighborhood in San Diego. Wanna go back. Soon.
Let me rephrase that...Going to back soon. Real soon. Before Christmas soon.

Collection of candles. Warmth.

Framed sunshine saint.

Trick This!

2008-10-31T09:03:00.000-07:00

This is what I want for my Halloween treat. A hearty rum concoction topped with pineapple. See that dark liquid floating on top. Oh yeah. Happy All Hollows Eve. Keep your heads on.

Random Blurbs, Birds and Such

2008-10-29T11:35:00.001-07:00

In the forest, I saw faces. No, I wasn't smoking anything.

Goldfinch party in our backyard.

This breakfast of chorizo, potatoes, fried egg and a tortilla made my travels abundantly happy that day. YUM!

Sunrise over Ventura.

Ventura sunrise sandpipers.

Following Bliss...Blissfully. Most o' the Time.

2008-10-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

So, friends, this is how my life rolls along. Here in fact is a perfect persnickity example of winds blowing me to new adventures. Last Sunday when I ditched out early on housework (where are the house elves to hook it up?) I nestled in on the couch and watched 4 movies. Yup. Four.
One of them was the scrumptious lovely flick P.S. I Love You. I know it was a book first, but I never read it. Oh my. What a fantastic movie! I loved it. P.S. I Loved It! Hilary Swank is so totally cute. Gerard Butler is a fine looking hot piece of ass specimen.
Anyway the story touched me deeply as I have experienced devastating loss and I related to her journey and heartache. Kinship is a word thats bubbling to mind.
So, besides the fact that her wardrobe is ridiculously chic (the green dress, where do I find that?) part of the movie is filmed in Ireland. Oh, mee jolly Ireland. I fell in love with Ireland (well, the cinematography of Ireland) and decided as I watched the movie a second time as soon as I finished it the first time, that my next big foreign travel writing assignment will take me to Ireland. Period. I started researching and I hope to be on an Ireland bound plane before April of next year.

Thanks Hilary. Merci Gerard. All hail the cinematographer.

How cute is her jacket! Look at the flower pin. The hat, too.

Hat! Buckle. Black trench. Hmmm, Gerard?

Mapping it.

P.S. I LOVE YOU!

Oh Hi!

2008-10-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

Cool Native American wooden statue in out front of a mish mash fun store in Ojai.

Just had a conversation about a bike and a basket (not to be confused with a ball and a biscuit) yesterday.

Globular Art (Cool Globes)

2008-10-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

Whilst at Balboa Park in San Diego the other day, I became enthralled with the display of colorful globes dotting the parkscape. The round art pieces present a wide righteous array of topics and purpose. Unique ways to bring important attention to global warming and it's horrendous dastardly effects on the enviroment and then some.

La message of this powerful visual installment is "We can solve the problem. We can stop global warming if we inspire government, corporate and community leaders to lead the way..."

Go see this if you get a chance! They will be on display at San Diego's beguiling Balboa Park until the end of November. Then roundies are taking a road trip to other locales.

One of my favorites! A hard task indeed to choose one favorite. Not possible, but the sunflowers, butterflies and farming edge warmed my whole heart.

Sweet! Keep it local. Support your local farmers!

This is another one of the best (in my screwy opine). Made of recycled plastics, metals and cell phones. Made me think about how lamely superglued to my celly I am. The light is flashing red! The light is flashing red! Quick check to see who what when where and why!

Seemed to be the crowd favorite. Check out how blue the sky is! I don't use adobe photoshop or any programs to adjust/alter my photos...really blue-y blue.

Globes in a row. Not in a roe.

Blue Lagoon.

2008-10-25T13:36:00.001-07:00

Meet Alberto. He's a true Mayan living near Tulum and spoke his native Mayan language to us as we toodled down the road on our way to Muyil. Incredible! His grandfather was a shaman who lived into his hundreds. Living in tune with earth and all her healing healthy gifts. Never even went to a doctor. Gifts a' plenty in the natural realm. I think we all need to get back to more of that magic! This particular branch of the journey took us to Sian Kaan Biosphere. I have always had in intense interest in Mayan culture..my bookshelves are stuffed with books on the subject. And since we are coming upon the date of all dates December 12, 2012 my need to know more is at all time highs.
If you ever go to The Riviera Maya, this adventure is an absolute MUST. Mayan temples, jungle hike, learning about Mayan culture and myths, fresh lagoon, waterways that the Mayan people used as trade routes (more on that later)...amazing experience. I will go back.

Midway through our jungle trek, we came upon this rickety wooden high-ass perch. The ladders going up were narrow and even though I am not afraid of heights, hummingbirds buzzed in my belly. Once to the tippy-top the breeze blew sweet kissy breezes and cooled me down. It's allmighty hot and humid in the juicy jungle! Climbing down made my knees weak. WEAK!

Here is the lagoon. Glorious in all it's crystalline blue wonder.

**Note: the absolute funniest/grossest/wierdest/hilarity ensued on this particular boat ride. I don't think I've laughed that hard in at least 5 years. So glad Glenn from Florida was next to me. Someday I'll share what happened. Someday. It is legendary. We will call it the Heinous toothy pookeeatchy event 2008.

Headed out to the Carribean Sea. The water is extremely salty there. Warm and salty. We swam for about thirty minutes in the ocean before making our way back to the lagoon. Stunning.
There were about 12 of us. We bobbed up and down in the surf laughing like children the entire time. It was tremendously divine and wonderful.

Dive in.

Hothouse Flowers

2008-10-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Ode to Joan of Arc.

Fuzzy fields of gold. My lens had a smudge.

Tools of my trade. So much can be done with pen, paper, observation and imagination.

Double Dog Dare'd Me.

2008-10-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I fell in love with a group of magical little ancient muses known as 'pottery shards'. I sat at a table 8500 feet up at an artist retreat in New Mexico and watched as my friend Swazo dumped out a box of Anasazi pottery shards in front of us. He had just returned from a trip to Colorado where he aquired these intriguing little buggers. All different shapes, colors (mainly muted earthy tones) with distinct black markings on them. Some were big and bold, others were small and simple. All beautiful. I grabbed my sharpie and started drawing the shapes of the shards and arranging them in different scapes. Trees, mountains, boats, oceans, houses...all composed of the shard shapes in front of me. Then, something started pushing through. Things buzzed and unfolded at the tip of my pens. Goddesses started to appear. Colorful ones. Loud ones. Scared ones. Singing ones. Fat and skinny ones. They all held distinct personalities and purr'd out of my pens.

I'd like to introduce you to three of them. These gals are friendly, they don't judge, they joyfully bring gifts from the otherside and from ancient times past.

They are pleased to make your aquaintance.

She's singing and dancin'.

Sunny earthy cosmo goddess.

Billie Holiday/Aretha goddess.

Tin Roof, Not Rusted.

2008-10-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

Crossing 'Alligator Alley' on the way to South Beach Miami. Did I mention my freakish love of random logos on trucks and vans? It goes way back.

Tenya's tin roof island home.

People In My Lens

2008-10-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Mayan siblings at the edge of a magical Mayan lagoon I was about to embark upon. We had just hiked through Mayan ruins in the jungles of Tulum and popped out here. Long live Havianna flip flops. Those babies go the distance! More photo's later.

Security and protection.

Altar.

Goddess.

Goddess!

Desert Snark

2008-10-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

Use your unbridled imagination.

Shhhhh, I'm Finding My Innerself.

2008-10-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

When I rolled up to Hotel Solamar a few weeks ago, I had no clue how riddled with style this jem would be. I parked, handed the beetle over to a cute tall blonde valet and clickety clacked into the lobby. Whhhhaaa? Where am I? Did I mysteriously teleport to New York? Slip through a wormhole to South Beach? The swanky atmosphere permeated the entire space reminding me of being in the aforementioned places. Look at you San Diego, snap! I almost took the front desk girls hand off when she handed over my room key. Snatched it right out of her paws. If the lobby is this slammin, I wondered what the rooms had in store. I bolted to the elevator, pressed 10 and the giddy set in. I tried to be cool strolling down the hall, but I couldn't get there fast enough. Slid the key, opened the door and....POLKA DOT CURTAINS! Sweet baby Jesus! Sheer ones! Sexy ones! I could make one ridiculous (in a good way) dress outta those beauts. I rolled on the bed, tested the pillows (hello, heavenly soft) and threw open the windows to breathe in the crisp oceany air.

Onto the bathroom; always like to see what hotels stock the powder room with as I am a product junkie/lover-One can never have enough lotions, potions, soaps and scrubs. Job well done Hotel Solamar product buyer! L'Occitane en Provence all the way around. Luxurious indeed. I opened the bottle of body wash took a whiff and zinged off to lemongrass land. You ever been there? You should go, it's good fun. Much better than stinky over perfumed land.

I padded over to a window, pressed my head against the cool glass, peered down and this is what I looksee'd at: (Oh, I am there...in a hot second). Out of another window, if I chucked a rock good n hard it would nail Petco Park. But, I'm not into vandalism.

K. I'm there. Again with the funky fresh style. A jellyfish-esque hanging lamp above the bar. There where several and how the sun twinkled through them!

Just out of frame in the following photograph there were gaggles of bathing bikini clad hotties sipping icy libations. Made me thirsty. Need. A. Cold. Beverage. Stat. I bellied up to the horseshoe shaped bar and began grilling the bartender. As any good investigative traveller knows, bartenders are a pandora's box of information and must be interrogated. Any celebrities stay here? WOW. I can tell you dear readers that a long winding list of A, B, C, D, E, F and G listers have all laid their heads on those heavenly soft pillows. Gwen Stefani being one of them. Holla Back! The night I was there, a grammy award winning rap group was also in da hizzouse. Bartender and I chatted about the hotel (Hotel Solamar is part of the Kimpton Hotel family), amazing real estate deals in downtown (a fellow realtor sat next to me and I evesdropped on his conversation. Man did he prattle on. Windbag), the 'elements' are pushing further east, JBar goes off on the weekends and Mr. Bartender loves his job. Great.

I finished my tart vodka cranberry deliciousness and went on my merry little way.

I had a date with sangria drinking, tapas eating, live flamenco guitar listening, salsa dancing and people watching later that evening so I retreated to my KILLER room to rest, primp, preen, coif, gloss, lotion and blow kisses to myself in the mirror. Hi run on sentence. Nice to meet ya.
Suns going down.

Good Morning Glory. As I took this picture the next morning, my head thu-robbed from too many vats of sangria. Seemed like a good idea at the time, it always does. Uh. Couldn't tell if I was gonna barf or not. Damn shame to puke up all that incredible food. I poured glass after glass after glass of water down the gulley and shored myself up. The polka dot's helped.

Gleaming vibes just would not quit. FYI, there are catalogs in the rooms in case you want to purchase robes, slippers, sheets, beds, pillows, etc....Smart. Those beds are B-A-N-A-N-A-S.

My stomach stopped surging around 10a.m. so I sludged my way down to JSix Restaurant in search of something greasy and heavy. Again, with the lamps. What is my deal with lamps? The interior was just as hip as the rest of the hotel. HIP!

Ultra nifty cieling detail.

Behold the hangover wunderkind. Man, did this do a belly good that morning. It was rough.

Strong excellent cup o' coffee to start. Then this dazzling display landed on my table. Twinkle. Perfectly spiced chiliquiles topped with 2 organic farm freshy fresh eggs, side of tumbled potatoes and homemade (well, made there) organic wheat toast. I only ate half. Pussy! But wait, my eyes are notoriously bigger than my stomach, in theory.

Seriously, all tomfoolery aside, JSix Restaurant is dedicated to the Slow Food Movement, earth lovin' sustainable practices and organic ingredients everywhere. AND, the menu is brilliant, creative and chock full of choices. No boredom here. The food is tremendously fresh and the chef is kinda hot!

Harvest Time, Butter Yellow.

2008-10-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

Last day of the grape harvest. Sugar has to be just so.

How many bottles will this make?

While out in the vineyards witnessing the grapes being shorn from the vine, I had to give props to this crunky fella.

These guys move unbelieveably fast. They run up the line like a swarm of ants quickly cutting clusters of purple globes off the host, drop them into white bins and then dump them into the waiting recepticle at the back of a tractor, turn around and start all over again.

Snip snip so everyone can sip sip.

The cloud mottled sky reminded me of New Mexico.

Samsonite, Carry on Then!

2008-10-20T20:12:00.001-07:00

Earlier this year when I made a zingy trip out to southern Florida to see my best boo Tenya, I found this vintage bangin' Samsonite carry on and about shat meeself. We were aimlessly wandering around South Beach and stumbled into a store aptly called Fly Boutique. The store was like one big beautiful attic stuffed silly with all kinds of kick ass vintage fashion. I felt drunk with fashion. Rachel Zoe would have gone bezerky in there. Parades of models pass through/live in South Beach making pleibians like myself feel haute while feasting on all of the couture castoffs. Jesus, I tried on a pair of gorgeous Prada heels-too uncomfortable, almost bought em anyway since they were so inexpensive!
Then, like a beam of light shining down from the milky way, I spotted this hot piece of ass.
Priced at $89.00, how could I say no? It locks, it has pockets, it has a little side-car pouch that my extensive Sharpie pen collection calls home sweet everloving colorful home. It's a vintage print from the 1960's that Samsonite brought back and added to their fine fine current collection. My score is in fact the real deal from the swinging 60's. How shagadelic! SCHWING! Now I just need a glitzed out shaguar, baby.

In a stunning turn of coincidence, I already had a cute as hell Samsonite briefcase lined with the floral fashionaire print.

Optical orgasm.

Look at the laquer handle!

Neckin'

2008-10-20T17:19:00.001-07:00

I've seen em too. Those well prepped travellers schlepping well meaning horseshoe shaped husk filled pillows all over the place. I stare longingly knowing my neck won't stand up to a longer than 2 hour flight all hunched and bunched. Still I refused to buy one because I don't need another bulky thing all up in my grill. Ah ha! This sweet funky shaped (like a curvey banana) nugget of a pillow is pretty nifty.
It rolls up super duper compact and stowes easily just about anywhere except where the sun doesn't shine. On a recent flight to the Riviera Maya, I gave it a skeptical shot. I downed my drink, unfurled the Ultimate Travel Pillow, blew it up in 3 breaths and voila! I slept like a well fed baby. I highly highly highly, did I mention HIGHLY recommend it. No more stiff mangled necks here! Oh, mines red.

Fierce Eight Legged Storytellers

2008-10-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

Something mysterious and cool happened to me while in Costa Rica this past August. It didn’t hit me until I was back home in Southern California; the magnitude and significance of what I have come to refer as the “Gargantuan Spider Incident 2008”.
We had just travelled several hours by mad hatter cab driver, twin prop plane and panga boat. My legs wearily wobbled me to the main lodge at Playa Nicuesa (this nutty jungle lodge is ridiculously amazing!) and all I wanted to do was take a shower and rinse the tired off of my body. Our host Marie (she’s French, cute and says her name like this: Mah-eee) walked us along the dense winding paths to our roost. Little forest crabs scuttled out of the way. Imagine what lurked a few feet deeper in the dark green greenery! Muuuuaaaaahhhhh. Muuuuaaaahhhhhh. I'll tell those tales at a later date.
The casitas at Playa Nicuesa are nothing short of dee-lux. I wasn’t sure where the jungle ended and the gorgeous castita began-quite the union. If you haven’t ever had the pleasure of visiting a jungle, then you don't know how dark it gets, so early in the day.
Back to the spider.
I stripped down to my bare self and peered into the outdoor shower to make sure there weren’t any hissing snakes or bats or spiders-after securing the clear coast, I tiptoed in and turned on the water. Ahhhh. Yes. Perfect. Warm water washing away the tired. I turned my back to the shower head to rinse the shampoo…wiped my eyes and turned around and saw this bitch staring me in the face. Literally. It was at eye level on the shower wall right. In. Front. Of. Me. How the hell did it get there so fast? What do you think this self confessed arachnaphobic sissy did? What would you have done?

You guessed it. I fuh-reaked out, screamed like a pansy-banshee, flung myself out of the shower (covered in soap), tried to not pass out, hyperventilated, peed a little (I think) and immediately wanted to go home. Fuck it. Stick me back on the boat, the plane, the cab...get me away from this hairy scary beast. I tell no lies when I say this thing was as big as my hand...it's legs were as thick as my fingers. I know. Cringe. Yak.
I pleaded with Husband to get his ass in there and make it stop! He rolled his eyes (he's had to deal with my phobia for years) and figured it was a wee daddy longlegs. He puffed his chest (him man) and went in and proceeded to.... fuh-reak out and scream like a pansy-banshee! Houston, we have a problemo!
I toweled the soap off, threw some clothes on and we headed to the main lodge for lunch.
Of course, I quickly cornered the naturalist/guide and begged him to come see the spider and to please make it stop. Giovanni is his name and spiders and snakes are his game (he's also a biologist). Thank the Lawd for Gionvanni! He followed us back to our casita and went in and nonchalantly said,
"Oh, thats just a wandering spider. They aren't aggressive, poisonous or nasty."
He then proceeded to valiantly remove the wanderer and gingerly place him outside far away from our jungle nest. He laughed at me. I didn't want to seem like a baby. I mean we were in a jungle for chrissakes and of course I know there are all sorts of creepy crawlies and monkey's and bats and you name its. Still, I will take bats and monkey's and huge geckos, snakes, poisonious frogs/toads, iguana's crocodiles and nightfall over spiders ANYDAY! Did I mention I signed a release in case of injury or death? Well, I did.
That night over a gourmet dinner I brought up the spider topic. No other guests had any signs of spiders in their rooms. Hmmmm. No one to share my fear with. The notion that spiders are the original storytellers fluttered quickly through our conversation.

Fast forward 24 hours.

Lulling afternoon rainshowers made me sleepy so I retreated to our casita alone. Husband went hiking. I crawled under the mosquito net making sure to tuck it under the mattress, placed my head on the early pillow, grabbed my book and started reading. Sleep came quickly. It was so beautiful to sleep to the sound of heavy rains and to feel the squeezing warmth of the surroundings. Ahhh. Blisss. Knock knock! Whose there? Oh, it has been brought. By him again:

I had gotten up, taken a anxiety riddled shower, dressed and went to lift up the mosquito net to retrieve my earrings (cute ones I might add) and there he sat. At eye level on the mosquito net. Shit, he really means business. Does he have a beef with me? What did I ever do to him. Nothing. Not a single stinkin thing. Husband returned and gagged. We had a thick ginger leaf that Husband used to scrape the wanderer off the net. Mr. Eight Legs landed on the floor with a heavy thud. Oh hell. I couldn't bear to look.

"Don't kill it," I shouted.

"I'm not. It's gripping the floor. Oh my God! Aaack! " he blurted.

Finally he got the spider out.

Crime scene photo:

So pretty though.

Crime scene photo number deux:

It was so beautiful and glorious there, that I had to pluck up my courage and go with it. I prayed to the spider realm to please be nice to me. Hey, I am a fellow storyweaver here on a writing assignment. We have things in common. Let's make friends. Whats your name? Do you believe in re-incarnation? Who are you voting for?

I had this to look forward to at mealtimes:

Giovanni, the spider whisperer: (check out my pink suitcase)

Roostin in the jungle.

Back home, as I re-hashed the whole gargantuan spider incident 2008 over lunch it hit me like a white hot flash of lightening. In addition to going to Costa Rica on a travel writing assignment, I went there in hopes of expanding my writing and opportunities and such. I, the travel writer dares the universe to bring me bigger badass assignments, national publications, who knows-limitless.

In turn the universe brought the original story weaver, a spider to greet me (while I was vulnerable and naked) immediately upon arrival. Not only was it a spider but a 'wandering spider' he too is a travelling storyteller. He was removed and came back the next day (tenacity) on my bed where I was sleeping and dreaming of travelling and writing. The tears welled up and poured down my cheeks. My body and soul tingled with total reverence and gratitude at the awesomeness and true unconditional co-creation and support the universal muses gifted me with. It was if they were telling me to 'go for it! 'Dream bigger dreams!' 'You are on the right path!' Keep following your bliss!' 'YES!'

I am not as afraid of spiders or dreaming big now. Thanks.

Bouncing Off Clouds

2008-10-19T12:08:00.001-07:00

I know I'm not alone when I say that flying in a metal tube thousands of feet in the air can bring about a sense of insecurity and exhiliration all at the same time. It doesn't help that I have watched several documentary's on tragic plane crashes. Loose bolts, faulty wiring, controls stop working....all of these things plow through my head as I zoom across the skies. So, while I crack open my flask of liquid courage I take photos of the wings to sorta' distract myself.
All that being said, imagine my horror when in Costa Rica, I stepped on the tarmac and laid my big browns on this teeny-ass thing:

Yup, thats the pilot. He seemed together, fit, awake and not drunk. My nerves were jumpy, yet I maintained a mask of stoic-ness. It happened to be the rainy season so all flights are wrapped up by noonish to avoid getting caught in a hellish downpour. We avoided.

Banking left during takeoff. On this flight, I sat next to a Haitian screamer. She screamed her head off almost the whole 4 hour flight. I was ready to slip her a sleeping pill, but, she was only 2.

Chasing the sun on my way home from New Mexico.

Counting bolts.

Whoop, There it Is

2008-10-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

Raging river rafting down the River Sarapiqui (it's fun to say..Sara-pee-kee)in Costa Rica. In the pouring lukewarm rain. The rain was big, warm and wishy -washy. We did a lot of splish splashing. The lead safety kayaker tussled with a rapid and got a little scraped up. Brave man indeed. We blasted through rapids like mofo's.

Yea, we are down in the pit holding on for dear life.

We stopped for a lunch of watermelon and jumps off the river bank (oh, about 6 feet) but it felt higher and creepier with the water rushing past. Do the fish bite?

Oh boy, hear we go!

2008-10-01T16:27:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Happily Travelling beautiful folks! This whole foray into 'Happily Travelling' is all due to that sweet ass thing called serenditpity. I started writing travel articles for a lovely magazine called Valley Living almost 2 years ago and haven't looked back. I have however looked out of many a airplane window in sheer terror and awe.

Gonna discuss all the goings on with travelling; tips, shortcuts, locales, interesting facts, photos, fashion.

I was relieved to see these shoes on our guides feet before descending into the earth on a river. Seriously.