So long 2010

I apologize for neglecting this little space that no one reads (ahem). My tumblr elephant takes up my time and limited attention. But I make no excuses except to say, I've been so busy with life; with December, with Sagittarius birthdays (my own included), work activities and trying to find a new home. This week I have only today to run errands, to be at home, to study for an exam I will take in February. It's been a tiresome, but fulfilling month. I am sure you can relate, I am sure you too have felt the days pass with weariness and satisfaction and a thread which measures the tick of time unravel out quickly behind you.

We've had a ritual of spending Christmas eve with the Campi's, a family my father knew from his days as a priest (he is home for the holidays). They are a warm and happy group, each Christmas there is another great grandchild (there are seven children mid 50s) and those I knew as babies are now taller than I. I was asked in passing 'how's life',  'how are you doing' by the Campi men, and without going into detail as I might do with their sisters, I say, 'life is great', 'I am brilliant', 'I am fantastic', and I am. I've realized this past year how much life is a changing process, we are constantly changing and it is something we must except and take positively. I am looking forward to 2011, to something new in the future, to new friends and opportunities, to a prosperous healthy year.

Photos above taken from my lovelies on Bridge street. Noey and I went over to visit our great friends Luigi and Calleen on New Year's eve morning. I am trying out a new hair color (it's a bit too dark). C and L have such decor for the seasons.

A Sunday

Occasionally you have those days that make you feel in the present and you are happy with this present, happy in 'the now'.This Sunday was a 'happy to be alive' type day.

I woke late, disappointed at not feeling in top form though giddy in remembrance of the good times had the night before. A breakfast recap among two gal pals, some much needed nourishment and then I went home to change from rain boots I thought appropriate for a cold fall night. Refusing the cool darkness of my house I took my bike to explore, with a short skirt which I just had to wear because it was so HOT. I inexpertly rode my bike to the mission whistling the whole way as I passed motorcyclists out for a Sunday drive, a bunch of hipsters partaking in a pretty amazing looking game of dodge ball and numbers of people licking ice cream walking down the street.

Ice cream is perfect, I thought, and of course everyone else had the same idea. When I got to bi-rite ice creamery known for their salted caramel or burnt orange ice cream there was a long line I wasn't willing to stand in. I chose lavender honey down the street at their market, to take home and made my way back racing with a pretend friend (I know I am ridiculous, but it's true) and smiling. I sat on my porch, my grand porch watching the clouds pass with my ice cream.....later I took a much needed shower...I never noticed how lucky I am to have the shower I do, I am just tall enough to see over the window to watch the sunset over the hill in front of me, all the while getting clean, how many people can do this? Watch a sunset while in the shower? It must be the time of year that causes the sky to be painted with such colors.

I've got a movie night ahead of me with homemade pesto, a few chores to do. I'd say I am very thankful for this Sunday.

(photos of my porch)

Halloween!

I forgot how much I love to dress up, always ready for a good party and costumes!

Dante's Inferno

I was pretty uncultured while in London except for when my friend Rose booked us in to see this temporary exhibit under the Waterloo tube station entitled Dante's Inferno. Tired from a day of shopping I almost passed, but I am so glad I went along in the end. We got lost on the way, and being an American and all, I complained a bit to the proprietor upon entering, 'But that's part of the experience' she replied as we walked toward a full screen barking pit bull. Favorite pieces included this ever bubbling film mirrored in oil entitled 'The Heretics Gate', which looked like sun or water or hell (we were mesmerized), a huge double sized etching in a wall of Bernie Madoff (the epitome of evil) entitled 'Bernie Made Off' and glowing gold ships suspended in air, as if they were on their way to a ghost battle, to a far away land.

Better photos of the exhibit here.

A return to London town.

It was good, real good! I shopped, walked, lunched (in general ate a lot), and drank many a pint....but most importantly I caught up with my very lovely friends that I missed so much. I have rubbish photos, but it's the memories that will sustain me.

Fish and chips and maybe a pair of glasses too?

Well well well, if it isn't the two Sarah's together again.

Ottolingi breakfast for one.



Two American's take London by bus, or by pint after pint (Shoreditch house here we come).

How did this garlic get in my bag? 'I am with Rose here, everyone I am with ROSE!'

Laura on her wheels, I had trouble! 

Sufjan Stevens – I Walked

Sufjan Stevens – I Walked


Getting into music like no ones business. I've been so many places, seen so many shows. It's been a good music summer...heading into fall.

We've got to keep on moving.

Flower power in Noe Valley

We like those 9 dollar beers and that free advice at the baseball game.

It was a total Vampire takeover.

We got down, real down, in the heat.

Opening acts have stars in their eyes.

Yo Mama

It's been a ridiculously long time since I've updated this little bloggy blog, I've only had time to blog on my other more fast paced, instant gratification blog (top right).  I've been working ever so much (and not getting paid very well). The weekends have been full and I will post more later on all of the activities. I've also lost my camera charger so I've really been at a handicap without my picture box.

I just bought a ticket to London. I am so excited, as well as a bit nervous, lots of memories are bubbling up to the surface, some of them not so peachy and so I hope it will be altogether a great experience. As my friend says, send it love and light and so when I think too hard about it all and about going over there for the first time in what seems like a lifetime, I just think love and light, and get really excited.

I leave you with a few photos from Yo Mama, a yearly event in Yorkville where we brought up archery, food, champagne, musical instruments, videos, music and a friend...I think a good time was had by all.

I am cruising the city on my two wheels.

Maybe this little blog should be the cycling elephant! I bought a bike and I feel so free! I wanted a bike like my friend Rose has (see above), but I got one that is better for the hills and city. It's funny though because I bought it frustrated at having to rely on friends for a ride and since I got it, I keep getting rides everywhere.

It took me 25 minutes to ride yesterday morning all the way down third street straight to work which is less time than it takes me on the muni. For some reason I keep singing to myself, ' I am smoking fools' and rapping, no idea where this came from and I wasn't going particularly fast. Maybe it was because I consider it a somewhat 'ghetto bike' which I got for 80 dollars. When I picked it up the guy I bought it from was surprised I was going to just ride off with it so I was skeptical about its capability, but it is nice and light and does the job, even my friend Nate thought it was a smart purchase. It will pay for itself in 15 rides to work and it's great exercise.

 

I keep waving at others who are riding, like now I am in the cool club and I've got that glowing feeling of everyone should be hoping on a bike and doing the same thing. All I need now is a basket and some stickers! I will post a photo soon, but until then a few pictures to get you in that riding mood.

Not every day can be a 10 out of 10 type day.

Sometimes I have to stop myself from being too overjoyed. What, you say!? Too overjoyed!? From Friday fun with the lovelies...to... I know this is silly, but when I have days like yesterday when things just aren't good, I feel as if my world comes to a screeching halt. I really get more frustrated then I should when things aren't right and it makes me question life in general. It's nice to have a happy balance, one must know that there are days when it's just not your day (momma said...), where you feel rubbish and you just want to go in a dark quiet place or you want the day to end.  Not everyday can be perfect, right? Here are a few photos below and above to fit the mood.....

I can now say although I felt so bad yesterday, today I woke and the sun was shining and it's hard to be blue when it's so nice out!

Photos found here: www.bizquel.tumblr.com, www.shesgonerainbow.tumblr.com, and www.bears.tumblr.com

Blog Envy: Sending Postcards

                             

I do travel, don't get me wrong, but now that I am working I have to live vicariously through others.  I am just not getting around as much as I used to. It would be amazing to be able to sell my home (if I had a home) and travel the world like Alex and Mina from Canada. They left their jobs (what?) and decided to go on an adventure, blogging about it along the way, sharing with the world (and little old me) their experience.  It's insightful and I like their photos (especially of Africa). Take a look here. 

Filter free ladies laughter and sun! Oregon Trail Part deux.

There must have been something in the water in Oregon because our little road trip was magical. I thought I was just along for the ride, I wasn't quite clear about the game plan, but Calleen (Noey's sister friend through a catering gig many moons ago) had it all planned to perfection. I didn't know who we would meet along the way, but by the end of the trip I, along with Noey, were giving our new found lovelies Pam and Cailin (and Jill!) each other advice, lots of hugs, and all saying how much we loved our time together. When we left, for me, it was as if a bubble burst and the air we had been floating on ceased to exist. I think we all needed the little trip. Pam and Calleen especially were or are going through unforseen life changes, new chapters, and Cailin is heading to UC Berkeley as a new student which is always such a great new adventure in ones life.

I say this often in my blog about how much fun I have, but I can not honestly remember the last time I laughed constantly for five days straight and did not bicker a bit (just a pillow fight or two) with a group of strong willed women (are there any other kind?). From this trip we will forever have endless inside jokes. Writing this brings a smile to my face and I am sure my laughter lines have deepened.

It was a girly weekend for sure, and I felt a bit bad for Gerald (Pam's husband) who was the only male for a few nights, having to deal with all of our women talk and that meant no filtering, lots of noise and excitement. Sean, Calleen's nephew (see above with his wife Jill and Calleen)  graciously cooked for us and dealt with all of our energy too.  One night, in the middle of a serious conversation, Calleen turned to me and said mid sentence, totally switching course, 'oh and your hair looks great like that by the way' Sean exclaimed ' Damn WOMEN!' He had some great stories, as did Jill, who was a nurse in the maternity ward. She took us to downtown Bend where we shopped, enjoyed the art and local color. There happened to be an old car show and I was in heaven (I want something old school to drive). 

After this little tour in Oregon I realized that friends are such gifts and I am so blessed to have amazing friends to have through the trials and tribulations of life. I am sorry this post is so cheesy, but it's often times very hard to find balance in relationships in general and maintain positivity through the crazy times and I felt all goodness was achieved on this trip. It made me hope for the strong bond of a friendship which I saw with Pam and Calleen who've watched each others children grow, and also what a good relationship should be when looking at Jill and Sean and also Pam and Calleen's with their respective husbands. And finally I hope I have a daughter who is so well rounded, kind and funny as I thought Cailin (with her friends and us below) to be. Sometimes you can meet someone and know in an instant that you love them (P). And other times a trip like the one we had actually makes you value the life you lead, your friends (N&C), and makes you strive for something better, something great. 

Vistas far and wide, chickens and a rat too. The Oregon Trail part Un.

Since I am working hard and only had one chance to roadtrip and travel this August and because it was an amazing trip, I thought I would dedicate a few posts to my trip up north to Oregon so please bear with me.

Maybe it was so good because I was with my bestie and her best friend, and her best friend, maybe it was the heat and great sunshine, or the fact that I didn't have to work, or maybe it was because we were surrounded by never ending nature.....

The dry brown beauty of the land passed us along on both sides as we made our way up north. I am my mother's daughter, I tried to snap shots of cows I saw in the fields, tried to capture the overwhelming expansive forest blanketing the peaks and dales that floated towards us. Old country cars cruised the slow lane, we passed them up, Calleen knowing the open road up north like she knows her kitchen.

We stopped in Ashland, we stayed in Jacksonville, in the beautiful home of Pam and Gerald (best mates of Calleen) who had chickens, goats, a hammock, swing and a sweet Zoe dog who was chill. On our trip we went to Elk Lake, 30 minutes outside of Bend (photo above), had a nice river next to the home of Jill and Sean, where we enjoyed long walks. We took a trip to Crater lake (far above) and a ride down the Rogue river (below Cailin's friends on the river).