My Middle Grandson Turns Eight

Where did the time go? How can my middle grandson be eight already? I'm feeling old today!

A party at a local park with a few close friends seemed to be all he needed to make his birthday a success!

His youngest brother thought a party at the park was a great idea too.

Bobbing for apples? Is that Nana with her head in the tub? Why, yes it is, silly Nana.


I'm getting a little too old for this, but what the heck, it was fun!

My girl and her birthday boy.

Who wants a cupcake....that would be me.
It's a good day any day of the week when you have your friends around! Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Who Doesn't like Cake?

My niece has become quite the cake baker. I asked her permission if I could brag on her a bit. Well, I didn't actually tell her I was going to brag, but how can I help myself? I love to show off talent, even if it's not mine.

The first cake I'd like to show you is the cake my darling niece made for Mr. Honey's 60Th birthday bash. He's a rock climbing enthusiast and this cake totally fit the bill!


What a perfect way to celebrate fall. I say, "bring on the cake"!

And what little princess wouldn't love to have a cake with her very own crown... a cake fit for royalty!

And how about a spring fling, complete with butterflies?

And, if you're a little boy with a love for playing ball this cake fits the bill!

Let's face it, there are those who take their coca cola seriously...pour a glass of coke and dig in!

Anyone want cake?

A touch of whimsey

I've been wanting a dress form for the longest time. I actually have desired a real vintage dress form, but my budget would not allow such extravagance at this time, so when I came across this very lovely wire dress form at Marshall's for only $40 I just couldn't pass it up.


Of course, pink and green doesn't go with anything in my house, so I rushed right out and bought a couple of cans and spray paint and, voila', it was transformed to fit into my space in a nice shade of antique white. Even at $40 it was a splurge for me right now, but oh it does make my heart sing!

A Need For Speed - Through Paris No Less!

This short film is definitely an adrenal rush. I love to go fast when out on the highway, but only if I'm the one in control of the wheel. I don't know how it was possible to make this video, but watching a high speed trek through Paris is my idea of some serious fun!

Far From Home

"There's a magical tie to the land of our home, which the heart cannot break, though the footsteps may roam" ~ Eliza Cook


My middlest daughter moved to Boston a couple of weeks ago and I can't help but wonder if my California girl will be warm enough on the east coast. I wish I could afford to send her the boots in the photo below, from her favorite store, Anthropology. Wouldn't they look so cute with her jacket?

Be Your Authentic Self

"Let us renew our faith and pledge to man, his right to be himself, and free. ~Edna St. Vincent Millay

When was the last time you laughed?

Orange Tulips to Commemorate Artist Leslie Enders Lee

This past weekend I took a trip to Agoura Hills to celebrate the birthday of my childhood friend's sister who passed away a short time ago. My friend held an afternoon soiree on the day her sister would have turned 64.

My friends intention was not to evoke sadness and grieving, but to celebrate her sister's life and all the joys of being a woman and sharing in community, friendship, beauty and stimulating conversation.

The beautiful orange tulips added to the festive atmosphere and prefaced what was to be a most enjoyable celebration of life. On the table where the afternoon treats would be laid out my friend displayed mementos of her sister's well lived life.

Leslie Enders Lee was a delicate beauty who lived her life in pursuit of creativity and and left behind a legacy of artwork, two children who loved her dearly, two sisters, a brother, and a mother and countless friends who will all miss her dearly.

There were several interesting woman who attended and I'm only sorry I didn't stop and take their photos.
The photo above is my friend Brook with her daughter Abbey, who listened to her mother's friends talk (mostly from up in her bedroom where she spent the afternoon studying...at least that is what I thought she was doing). I have fond memories of listening to the conversations my own mother had with many of her life long friends.

Even the family dog found the conversation of these chatty women to be most fascinating.

Everybody brought something to contribute to the afternoon...quiche, wine, salad, chocolate cake, witty conversation, intriguing stories, everything needed to make a woman want to linger a while longer.

It is a good thing to stop and reflect on what life is really about, what we really want out of life, and what relationships we need to nurture, and there is nothing like losing someone you love to bring that lesson home!