November, 2009

Wow, I have not been on here for a while. And it's not that I've stopped writing, just stopped posting. Not everything is meant for others to see, hear. Actually, I wish I could get to a place where I don't care what others think, but I guess I'm not there yet.

You know, as I've moved from youth's naivete, I still get drawn towards recklessness. Impulsive isn't quite a good descriptor. A person once told me I have a "glitch" in my flight/fight response. Example--I have a fear of open-air heights. So I can be on the top floor of a skyscraper, as long as I'm enclosed. But put me on top of a mountain, and I just might not make it. The "normal" response would be to move away from that which invokes fear, right? Well, oddly, I get a sick compulsion to move towards it. On a high cliff, a battle ensues between rationality and recklessness. So I just don't go there.

Fear is rarely a motivator. Pain, perhaps? Purpose, most definitely. For this, I'm glad to get older. I hope I get wiser. I wish I loved better. Idealistic? Yes. My family and friends are awesome. Their hearts are large. They choose to love even if you haven't showered for days, your dirty laundry is all over town, and you are just a pain in the ass. Everyone else, mostly passing pleasures; hopefully, a few, I can one day call, "friends."

Friday I'm In Love

Okay I'm totally in love ... with my 2 year old son. Today we were at the market picking out flowers and he decided to take my arm and hug it. He's seated in the shopping cart, pulling me close to him and hugging my arm saying, "Mama, I love you!" Did I mention kissing my arm too? He had the brightest grin from ear to ear. Of course I melted. It was just too cute, I could gush on and on ....

Hopefully, he never loses that ability to freely express affection. Somehow, I see this slowly dissipate in males as they age. Why? I suspect a combination of peer pressure and lack of positive reinforcement during formative years. The movie, P.S. I Love You, pops into mind. Guys should see it; not quite Oscar material, but speckled with bits of humor and truth. Believe me, I'm no relationship expert, just a part-time observer.

Oh, one significant gift a mother can give her son, learning how to let go.

Viva

Is it really almost the end of July?  Where has this summer gone?  I can't tell you how I've thoroughly enjoyed it.  The weather has been so beautiful.  Fortunately I've been indulging in some favorite summertime activities--cocktails on the porch, splashing in the pool, drives in the country, concerts, ooh ... and getting caught in thunderstorms.  

Speaking of concerts,  Coldplay was outstanding!  Aside from the heavy petting occurring right next to me, it was almost perfect.  One can't help but fall deeper in love with your best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, children.  Chris Martin has this amazing presence, it's hard to take your eyes off him ... the modern-day Pied Piper ... irresistible. Thinking about it now makes me a bit sad it's over.  But seriously, the buzz in the air was contagious.  We were high ... high on Coldplay.  

And speaking of getting caught in thunderstorms, boy did I ever.  Why did I wear my suede moccasin boots yesterday (not to mention a tissue-thin mini dress, but that story deserves a good wine)?  So what's a sensible girl to do, but instinctively take her shoes off and ... run!  If I didn't have those particular boots or that particular dress on, I might have actually slowed to a walk.  I guess that's the fun of surprises and putting it simply ... living.   

Weekly Treats

We should commit to a weekly "treat" for ourselves. I'm not saying go overboard, but what can you do weekly to replenish and rejuvenate? I don't know what others enjoy, but my weaknesses are fresh flowers, candles, and massages. Seriously, at the cost of a latte or two, one can buy gorgeous roses at The Fresh Market. Cut them under lukewarm running water, I would say leaving a four inch stem, and just stack in a short vase. I sometimes use a pretty glass or maybe an old preserve jar. I'm also a big fan of monochromatic, it just adds more of a punch.

And candles are a must! I've been enjoying a line called Linnea's Lights. Speaking frankly, these are simply the best out there. My favorites are their Amber and Cashmere for the bedroom, Lyndan and Sweetgrass for common areas. The sense of smell is often neglected, but I believe associated with most memories. Why not create a sublime olfactory experience with a simple strike of a match?

My greatest indulgence is a two-hour massage. I absolutely love love love them! One cannot underestimate the power of the human touch. I didn't even know certain places needed help until the next day I am feeling 100% better. A local boutique spa is the way to go, better service all around. And I am huge fan of eucalyptus or lavender oil. It just take the experience up ten notches. Oooh, thinking about it now takes me to the most pleasant of memories.

Please don't wait around for birthdays, special occasions, or someone else to do it. One of the best gift to others is to be the best you!

The Color Purple

Where is this gorgeous lounge? 

The decor is sophisticated yet relaxed.  I love how there is simply one dominant color.  Would you call it lilac?  I imagine great conversations with girlfriends and champagne.  

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Chris Everard

Chris Everard is a London-based photographer. He creates such beautiful vignettes inviting you to seek out more of the story. I just love the vibrant cascade of green here, so fresh.

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French Macarons

Oh my ... I really really could eat a few everyday. They are nothing like those yucky coconut ones. Once you have a taste, you'll know what I mean.