A Most Splendid Day

Sunday was such a wonderful day!
The morning was spent in the kitchen of my church (Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, in Westchester, Ca) with my friend and fellow "Vegenista" chef Christine Budkowski, preparing a light vegetarian meal of gazpacho, mango and black bean salad, and angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream for the weekly "coffee hour" that follows mass. Christine and I fed approximately 60 fellow members of the congregation, who were blown away by the beauty, simplicity, and deliciousness of this vegetarian meal that had them coming back for more, as well as asking for the recipes! Now, we must top ourselves for our next turn at preparing "coffee hour"--thank goodness it isn't until the fall! (I'm thinking mole...)
As if the day couldn't get better...
That afternoon was spent with two of my oldest and dearest friends from my youth, Amanda Smith Dershem and Roberto Mesa Guimoye, and a new friend, Lynette. We walked the length of the Venice Boardwalk in the bright summer sun, then enjoyed some cool, refreshing beverages at the Figtree, before walking back to the house.

Roberto, the author, and Amanda.

The three of us (Mandy, Robert, and I) had become friends in middle school and forged a true bond of camaraderie and friendship. Over the next decade of our lives, we shared some really great times, enjoyed some adventures, and supported each other through some very dark and sad events. Then, as often happens, we all "grew up" and drifted on to our consecutive life journeys (careers, relationships, etc), and--more or less--lost touch (out of sight, but never far from one another's thoughts). Then, about five years ago, Mandy and I were "reunited" after she located me online around the time of our 35th (!) high school reunion. We quickly arranged a lunch meeting, during which our respective spouses pretty much couldn't wedge a word into the non-stop conversation. And now, through the "miracle" of Facebook, we are back in touch with Robert!
It has been incredible to rekindle such true friendships with these kindred spirits, and I have since felt my Grinch-ly little heart grow at least three sizes. This simply reinforces my belief that we are all destined to live our lives enriched by certain individuals, with whom we will always cross paths at many points--whether in this lifetime or the next.
Thanks for a really great day, guys! I love you both and look forward to sharing many lives together in the future!
Now, I need to find a really killer mole recipe...

Remembering My Father

Today, I am remembering my father, Roger. He was a decent and hardworking man, who grew up during the Depression in Whittier, a small suburb in East Los Angeles. Father (yes, that is what I called him) was a Quaker, nature enthusiast, a weight lifter on Muscle Beach, and a gardener.
He tried to live by the motto he kept inscribed on a sheet of paper under the glass on his desk: "Do right and fear no man." I believe he did so to the best of his ability.

My father shared with me his love for gardening, Big Band music, and the Lakers. He taught me how to drive (I don't know how we both lived through that), properly cook a steak (it's all about the heat of the pan and garlic salt), the finer points of ballroom dancing, and how to argue--over just about everything. He also taught me patience and a love for animals (he is pictured in a nice shot from 1960 with our Boxer, King). Did I mention patience?

Father, I love you and miss you with all my heart. 

Facing the Day

This morning we awoke to a soft rain falling in the Marina. Despite the primal instinct burrow beneath the blankets and sleep, I pushed both a grumpy dog and my grumpy self out of bed to begin the day. Soon, an exciting walk to the park to antagonize the squirrels (at right) and chase the ducks energized both canine and human.

We returned home to a light breakfast of small bites kibble for Miss GingerSnap, and tea and toast for me. It was time to take advantage of a recently elusive positive attitude, go upstairs to the computer, and devote another day to an intensive job hunt. 

Hopefully, a freelance gig or two will surface today...

The Gloom of June

It's a chilly morning at the beach, and I'm wrapped in a thick sweater, drinking a steaming hot cup of PG Tips, and snuggling with my Boxer, Miss GingerSnap. Summer solstice will be here in a few days, but the sun is playing its annual game of hide and seek in a blanket of mist that clings to the Pacific shoreline. It's quintessential June gloom. The first part of the year has been cooler than usual, here in Southern California, and most of us are ready to enjoy the nurturing rays of the sun and warm our chilly bones. In a few weeks, the mists will all but vanish for the summer, and I'll be longing for the return of these soft mornings, and an excuse to snuggle up with my puppy.

But for now, bring on the sun!