A Sense of Humor is Essential

Greetings this beautiful Sunday. My husband took me to Little India yesterday in Artesia, California. It is so great to have so much cultural diversity in our fair city. We had lunch at Ambala Dhaba restaurant and it was the best Indian food I have EVER had in my life. The curry was so flavorful, the basmati rice incredibly fragrant, and the Naan (Indian flat bread) was just delicious. My husband loved his Goat curry (no, honey, I will not be making that at home!!) and the boys their tandoori chicken. It was such a treat. The picture above was taken outside of a traditional Indian grocery with a display of the crysanthemums that are strung together for decorations for celebrations. We then did a little shopping including buying yards of bangles to give as gifts to our nieces and friends. The clothes and jewelry are ornate, heavily embroidered and jeweled, it's almost overwhelming. I wish I had the opportunity to buy and wear a sari, but not this time. Everyone in Little India was very nice and helpful (gosh, what a change from the indifferent snotnoses that staff most stores), but there was a feeling of sadness in the community related to the Mumbai terrorist attacks. I will continue to pray for tolerance and acceptance. We are all from Mumbai.

Yesterday, November 27th was the 24th anniversary of my older brother, Jim's death. He has been gone now as long as he was alive, twenty four years. I miss him terribly, he was my protector, my best friend, my source of unconditional love and support. I hope he knows how much I will always love him and try to honor him with my life and love.
He is with me still.
I love you, Jimbo, never forget. I miss you, bro.

One of the daily exercises I work on and more than occasionally struggle with is to adopt an "Attitude of Appreciation". The Thanksgiving holiday is a good time to reflect on this and here are some things of which I am infinitely grateful (in no particular order)-

Rain, Sweet Rain - I am enjoying our first rain in 8 months. After days of relentless sunshine, the gray and overcast skies are cozy and refreshing.

My Nursing career/avocation - I am appreciative of the privilege to help my patients and families regain their health and well being.

Letting Go - I am so thankful that I am learning to let go. Whether it's dealing with disappointment or anger with my parents or learning to forgive myself, I am (along with my family and friends) experiencing the benefits of this.

My Pets - Abigail and Charley Barley are the best four legged buddies. They are my officemates, exercise partners, and therapists. They are a continual source of amusement and unconditional love.

My Family and Friends (of which I consider you one) - They center, nuture, and support me. Even when we disagree, they are my rock, my life. They know this because I'm theirs.

Thank you for sharing in my 101st post and the gift of your time and attention.

Good Morning and Happy Monday to you!

Today, I would like to share a Perfect Moment that happened to our 13 y/o son. Our son, D. is in 8th grade and one of his classes is an elective, "Student Services". He works in the school office as a receptionist and runs campus errands for the counselors and staff.

He was walking on air when he came home a week or so ago and related the story of how a school counselor requested he get something out of her car trunk and gave him her keys. He told me how good it felt to be trusted. His happiness at this recognition reminds me what a gift it is to be considered trustworthy and how he deserves this so much for being responsible and kindhearted.

It is especially joyous to watch our son's transition into manhood and how he makes his way in the world. Scary, but wonderful.

Thank you and for more Perfect Moments, please visit Lori and her Perfect Moment Minions of which I am proudly one!

I just love being a woman and all the grooming requirements that go along with it. No, really I am very low maintenance in my whole beauty routine except for a few things which include Threading to keep my eyebrows in check.

A dear blogger, Lori requested information about this method of depilation. (Gee isn't that a Fun Word!!) Thank you, Lori for the topic request. (I love requests and I will post my ghost story soon.)

I am blessed with a healthy set of eyebrows, dark hair, and fair skin. The eyebrows of some women stop growing or Never Grow Back after removal. (This isn't always a good thing, witness the little old lady with the black painted eyebrows and blue tinted hair, whew, I digress.) My eyebrows are not in this category (thankfully I guess) as they grow akin to a corn crop. I have subjected my brows to plucking (owie, owie!), waxing, and now, my forever method of caring for my Brows, Ta-da....Threading!

The threader takes a piece of white, cotton, surgical grade thread, holds it and rubs it across your brow to remove the unsightly hairs one row or even one hair at a time. It is less painful and traumatic than waxing. It originated in India and Persia and has gained quite a following, at least with this beauty consumer. More and more salons are offering this service and it can also be used for other parts of your body if desired. (Yeah, right like anybody desires a "bikini wax".)

This news video provides an excellent overview of threading. For more fun and games, please visit Mel and the other bloggers at Show and Tell. Thank you so much and sending my best for painless beauty to you.

I am happy to report that there are no disasters either natural nor manmade to expound upon today. So at the request of my delightful cousin and workout buddy, I would like to share a wonderful hiking and sightseeing spot in Northern Los Angeles.


Here is Hart Park, one of my favorite nature areas near our home. Hart Park is the former estate of silent movie star, William S.Hart who donated his home to the County of Los Angeles for a park.

William Hart's estate was called "La Loma de Vientos" or "Place of the Winds". (So True!)

This is the front of Mr.Hart's home which is open to the public as a museum featuring Mr.Hart's wonderful collection of Western Art including Remington sculptures and Indian crafts.

This is the rear of the home which was built during the 1920s.



A small herd of bison call Hart Park their home. They are the descendents of the bison brought to the Park by The Walt Disney Company to film a movie.


Thank goodness for sturdy fences. Actually, the bison (Not Buffaloes), are very used to the presence of humans, don't bat an eye when you visit them.)



This is one of my favorite hiking spots and I appreciate you sharing it with me today. It's great to be a tourist in your own backyard.

"May you live in interesting times." Chinese Proverb

Thank goodness the fires are contained and the recovery phase has begun. The destruction and scope are hard to comprehend. Almost one thousand homes gone, some houses burned within minutes, the fire was that intense. I can't help thinking "that could be our home", (gee, nothing like that pyschological mindgame, transference). Seeing folks lose all their worldly possessions including their pets (incredibly heartbreaking) certainly makes you realize how fragile attachments are to "stuff". Fall in Southern California is wonderful, the cooling of temperatures, changing of leaves, and wearing of sweaters. The skys are gloriously clear due to the powerful Santa Ana winds which move out the smog and clouds. These deadly winds fuel and spread the sparks. I am now beginning to associate my favorite season with flames and vigilance. I am hoping for rain which we desperately need and will help reduce fire risk. However, rain will also stimulate brush growth, providing more fuel for the next fire season. Doesn't Mother Nature have an ironic sense of humor??

As the fires subside, another storm is brewing, the political one pertaining to Proposition 8 in California restricting marriage to a man and woman. The election is over and the passage of Proposition 8 has created a huge cultural firestorm here. Even in my quiet little city, there have been large, vocal, and vehement protests on both sides of this issue. There are continued protests and boycotts and now, of course it is headed to the California Supreme Court. My neighbors who displayed political signs had their houses egged, toilet papered, and air let out of their car tires. (Vandalism is horrible especially when it comes to free speech.) Neither side is backing down and this issue will be slogged out on the streets and courtrooms for a really long time. I admire Spain and Canada for addressing same sex marriage in a much more civilized and unified manner. In spite of the passage of Proposition 8, it is amazing that 48% of voters voted Against it and that this dialogue has been started nationally.

Thank you so much for reading today, best to you and yours for calm weather and politics!

Here is a time lapse video of the fire that has been burning in the mountains south and east of us in Santa Clarita. The air quality is poor today and you can smell the smoke in the air. At least we aren't getting rained with ash. We are totally fine, miles away from the fire. I drove past the burn area and it's sad and disconcerting to see houses and trees blackened or just gone. I love it here, I wonder why humans live here, and I think it's because we walk around in a protective cocoon of denial. It must be the only way any of us can function. Thank you all so much for your well wishes, I really appreciate it.

There is a wildfire 5 miles south of our home in Santa Clarita, California. The helicopters and Super Scooper Water dropping airplanes are flying overhead. (Gee, doesn't this sound familiar, like a month ago? Sigh...) Luckily the wind is blowing the smoke away from us, but you can see it on the ridgeline. I am mentally packing our evacuation even though it very, very unlikely as I do not live in a "burn area" and the fire is far away (by fire standards, that is.) It's a reflex to start preparing, kind of like a sneeze or going under a desk when there is an earthquake tremor. (Another bonus of living in California!!)
It feels surreal because as this mental gathering is occurring, so is the normal Saturday. The kids are still asleep, my husband is referreeing a soccer game, and I am doing chores. It's beautiful outside, 65 degrees, sunny, crystalline blue sky with no clouds.
Mother Nature in California provides gorgeous mountains, The Pacific Ocean, wonderful weather, incredible flora and fauna, and the immutable fact that She is One Who Must Be Obeyed.
I will hold good thoughts for the families that have lost their homes, our Firefighters, and of course, our wildlife. I will also pray for rain, we haven't had substantial rainfall in 8 months.

"Men plan, God/dess laughs." Unknown

Today, I have "Blog Housekeeping" to attend to including responding to an award, (aw, gee, shucks, totally nice) and answering a Meme all in one fell Post! I love to multitask, don't you?? But first a disclaimer: If I tag you, it's optional. Also, if I did not tag you, consider yourself tagged if you want to play along. Most importantly, I love All the Blogs I read, or well, I wouldn't read or comment, now would I? Of course Not! So without further Ado---

I am flattered and suprised by the "I Love Your Blog" Award from MommaVal.
Thank you so much to the Academy, you like me, you really like me! Uh-Oh, wrong speech. This is the first time I have ever dealt with this type of honor and here are the guidelines:

Part of accepting this award is:
Displaying the award. (See above)
Linking back to the person who gave it to you. (Here's a shout out to MommaVal!)
Paying it forward & nominating 7 blogs. (See below)
Leaving comments on their blogs telling them they’ve received one. (Will do)
Enjoying the award. (Consider it done.)

Okie, dokie, so here goes.....Drum Roll please, And the Nominees for the "I Love Your Blog" Award are in no particular order-

The Life and Times of KimboSue
Beth at Taking Chances
Lori at Weebles Wobblog
Mrs.Spock
Heather at The Joys in My Life
Cara at The Bear and The Comedian
Mrs.Spit Spouts Off - Lifetime Achievement Award as I believe she has received this award previously.

I was also tagged for a Meme by Mrs.Spock. (I know, busy, busy. This is great when you are suffering from Blogger Topic Deficit Disorder, to get tagged and stuff.)

Now here are the rules for this Random Meme: (Gosh, so many rules.)

1. Link to the person who tagged you. (That would be Mrs.Spock, Done!)
2. Post the rules on your blog.(here you go)
3. Write six random things about yourself. (Don't laugh, okay?)

- I have lived in fourteen homes throughout my life including eight different ones while in college and single.
- I am an incredible packer and mover of household contents. (see above random fact)
- I get my eyebrows threaded to prevent Unibrow. (Once you have your eyebrows threaded, you will never go back to waxing or plucking.)
- I have a salt lamp which generates negative ions in my office.
- I cry everytime I hear my son play "Over The Rainbow" on the piano.
- I saw a ghost thirty years ago when I was a camp counselor in high school.

4. Tag six people at the end of your post. (I am just going to invite the same folks listed above for the I Love Your Blog Award if they would like to play along. I cannot link anymore websites, I have to get back to work!!)
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.
7. Thank you sincerely for any randomness or blog love that you have to share.

Our family went to Disneyland on Veteran's Day this week. It was alot of fun and the fellas enjoyed it tremendously.


Cinderella's Castle in the process of being decorated for the Holidays.


Here is the Haunted Mansion. This ride used to be one of my favorites but they completely updated it into "The Nightmare Before Christmas". It seems like one big marketing tie in now.


The Small World ride was closed which is a Tragedy of Epic Proportion for me. Is the "Small World" song stuck in your head yet? "It's a world of laughter, a world of fun, la, la, la, la,la,la, It's a Small World After All...". (Um, sorry, I couldn't help myself.)


"Buzz Lightyear here, I command you to have a Great Day! Over and Out, Star Command!"

Here is my delightful guest blogger today to talk about a not so delightful topic! It is one however to which I can especially relate. Please guess who this blogger might be and Thank you! I have a link at the end of the post if you would like to see my contribution to the Great Cross Pollination of Blogs.


It’s a well-known fact that pregnancy causes a woman’s olfactory senses to spike off the charts. Various studies conclude that pregnant women can detect and smell specific odors at a weaker concentration than nonpregnant women.

It’s also a well-known fact that men produce offensive odors. Sure, we all produce smells. But, men just seem to do it at a much more highly-offensive level and rate. This, combined with the above fact, just does not make for a good combination. I live with one man – my husband. He is wonderful, no doubt about it. But, LORD, he can produce some caustically odiferous matter in the bathroom. I’m telling you…I can smell *it* even if I’m on a different floor of the house. Especially now in my “sensitive state.”

One way he deals with it, is by lighting a match. He seems to think that this act alone takes care of any objectionable stench. I’ve tried countless number of times to explain that striking a match merely produces a sulfur-covered offensive scent. To no avail. He’ll light a match, close the door, and let the whole thing simmer for hours – until I need to use the bathroom and am faced with the Wall Of Stench, making my eyes water and my stomach turn.

What could I do but turn for help to our dear friend, Mr. Google. And, wouldn’t you know it, there’s an entire episode on MythBusters dedicated to the smelly occurrence, including the ever contested “lighting a match.” My DH adores MythBusters. Would watch episode after episode if I let him - all the blowing ups, and explosions, and rockets, and guns. So, I knew he would listen to these guys.

Finally, my Dear Hubby can acquiesce honorably. He now opens a window, lights a candle, and flushes multiple times. My highly sensitive snout can co-exist with his over-active digestive system. I wonder how our Dear Martha handles it. She’s got THREE men to contend with! Perhaps she’s lucky and they all smell like roses.


If you would like to track down my post for the Cross Pollination, please click Here and thank you again, Martha

Hello there and if you are looking for the Cross Pollination post, well, that makes two of us!! I am waiting for the email from my match and I will post it asap.
Thanks for your patience and I hope my match posts my blog entry for today or this whole thing just went Ker-plueey for me. Mostly, I hope everything is okay with my match.
For some Cross pollination, please check out Geohde blog for the list. I wish you a wonderful day, thank you for clicking over.

I am on a Rudeness Rant these last few days. Is it too much to pick up the phone and let someone know if you and your family are coming for Thanksgiving after being invited three weeks ago? I know they are busy, (I am dripping in sarcasm here), but geez, my DH and I would like to get planning, cooking, and shopping. I'm ambivalent about calling them to ask them about their plans. My Dh and I feel like the ugly date stood up on prom night.

We like to entertain and are both good cooks who take pride in putting out a delicious spread. My husband, K is an excellent cook and knowledgeable about wines,part of his many charms) and I bake too, (my apple tart made with Apple Jack Liqueur and phyllo pastry is just a little slice of heaven.) However, rarely are our invitations reciprocated, folks say, "I could never compete with you two", even though we make it very clear we Are NOT Picky and happy with take out from the local pizza place. We have learned to be okay with this and we like to share our home just for the joy of being together.

However, I am suprised people can be so self centered and inconsiderate, and it just Frosts My COOKIES when they can't manage the most simple of courtesies. No one has to remind us to RSVP for any invitations. Have etiquette standards just been pitched along with simple civilities like eye contact and a "Thank you" or "Your welcome" instead of "No problem"? I didn't know friends, customers, or neighbors were a continual source of problems!

Okay, I'm done now, I feel better. Thank you for your indulgence in listening and wishing you nothing but politeness, gentility, and civility coming your way.

I am glad the election is over and I hope folks can get back to being "Polite" instead of "Political". Hey, I'm sorry your ____________ (fill in the blank - your candidate, proposition, etc.) didn't get ______________ (fill in the blank - elected, passed, etc.) Gee, now can we stop fussing at each other? I have seen a side of some people I don't really need to ever, ever see AGAIN. However, despite some flashes of ugliness and intolerance, it's wonderful to see folks engaged in the process and inspired by this election's place in history.

“Democracy is the worst form of Government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” Winston Churchill

Good morning and I just wanted to share with you that my DH and I both voted this morning. Our sons joined us in the polling booth. It is a historic day and our children have been engaged in this election and were thrilled to see how the democratic process works for citizens.

This was the first time I have EVER seen a line at my local polling station. We were there a few minutes before the polls opened at 7 am, and there was already a line of approximately 30 people. Amazing. We waited for 25 minutes and chatted with neighbors. We will await the results along with you and our fellow citizens. I can only hope that this will be a clear victory with a "Righteous Wind on our backs".

God Bless America, Martha

About twice a year I make an effort to get in our boys' rooms and closets and get rid of outgrown toys and clothes, and all the other detritus that accummulates. (Gee, the whole house actually, but I can only manage one room at a time!!)

This past week, the 10 y/o and I sorted through his stuff. (He was less than thrilled to do this as he would rather be playing, imagine that.) He did get into the spirit of things when he turned to me with a worn out shirt and said, "This has had it, Pitch." His echoing of my sorting phrases just cracked me up and made me appreciate how blessed I am and to enjoy the little things, even doing chores.

Thank you for sharing in my Perfect Moment and for more Perfect Moments, please click on over to Lori's blog.

Off to clean more closets and corral another perfect moment or two...

Here are my Halloween and Villians Dolls. My favorites are the Cruella De Vil and Ursula dolls. Jake Skellington and Sally from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" are also special. I don't have many newer dolls in my collection, but these dolls made me laugh and I like to display them this time of year. Thank you for sharing in my Show and Tell today.





I always loved Harlequin from Batman Comics and the Halle Berry as Cat Woman doll was SO Cheesey, I just had to have it!!