Happy?

                                                                                                                                             

"Some people are just about as happy as they've made up their minds to be."  

"I think therefore I am"

Last evening, thanks to the San Luis Obispo Film International Film Festival board, we were able to get a look at the new Tom Shadyac film, "Happy".  The entire evening was inspiring as these board members, who work all year to bring an amazing week of films and creative experiences to the Central Coast, were honoring their volunteers with food, wine, and a great new film.  "Cheerful servant" was the attitude of the evening even before this moving film.

 The messages in the film and the mood of the people was of community, serving, looking outside of ourselves and finding great happiness and contentment directly from that experience as well as literally "making their minds up to be Happy"...

Times are challenging for many and sometimes the steps forward seem to slide or get derailed, but looking ahead to Thanksgiving, it is a good reminder of the little things that really are the BIG things that are not to be taken for granted...  Hoping the spirit of happiness finds its way to everyone today and everyday.

Perserverance

                                                                                                                                     

Those who say "It can't be done" should get out of the way of those who are doing it.
from Words to Live By

Solved Mysteries: Pumpkin Crime at the Beach

Fall truly has its charm. The shadows, the colors, the warm then crisp air... Even on the Central Coast of California there are signs of fall.  The sun sinks a little lower and seems to play with the incoming clouds that are absent most of the summer...

 In our neighborhood, pumpkins of all shapes and colors have made their homes on porches and fences to announce and celebrate Halloween and Harvest!

Recently, there was an incident of pumpkin theft that, fortunately, was resolved quickly.  Our local chapel,  was the site of a lovely fall wedding, and as the crew arrived to decorate that morning, they found all of their pumpkins, about 5 dozen various sized, kinds and colors... some hand painted... were not where they left them...They had been stolen in the night.

This was so sad as the idea of harvest decorations for their wedding was so heart warming!  Within minutes, a neighbor drove by and mentioned that they saw a huge collection of pumpkins had appeared in a yard just a few blocks over... Sure enough, the dozens of pumpkins were identified as the ones stolen from the bride!   After a knock on the door and a bit of confrontation with the very embarrassed culprit,  they collected them all and brought them back to the chapel within time to happily fill the grounds with the atmosphere of thanks and harvest.  A happy ending and great story for the grandkids someday!

Beauty for Dinner?

 I have always claimed to prefer doing something outdoors and active rather than being in the kitchen.  Cooking has never been something I would boast about, although I do enjoy good food... However, as I began to prepare our family's favorite chili, something struck me that I had not noticed in such a long time.  It was the absolute, natural beauty of the fruit and vegetables in the morning sun on the cutting board.  The colors were so vivid, and variety was miraculous. Everything about this scene struck me with amazement.  God sure knows what he is doing and must have a really good time doing it.

As all of the ingredients were finally added and the flavors and scents grew, the timing was perfect as David and Sterling arrived from the Bay area, several days of surfing and filming. Tired and hungry... That great smell of cooking in the kitchen to sooth and revive the weary traveler.

Glad I know how to make a few things, besides breakfast for dinner.  I admire friends who can really get creative and passionate about cooking... at least for a few minutes I think I understood.

RETREAT OR RE "TREAT"!

The last week has been full of new friends and great rest, followed by a  fun reception and signing at the Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas.  Texas had finally found relief from extreme heat and drought last weekend, as friend, Anita, and I headed to Laity Lodge in … TX.  I had just commented on how “flat” this area of the “Hill Country” was  when our Suburban started heading down, down, down into a long and vast river canyon which revealed a hidden and incredible beauty. 

After driving IN the river for a ways, the road ended at the grounds of the lodge and our home for the next three days.  During those days we had the opportunities to attend presentaions by Diana Schick, enjoy amazing meals, rest, and spend a lot of time outdoors enjoying the natural beauty of this canyon. 

It was impressed upon us that the name “Frio" River meant freezing river, however, the two of us did decide to brave the water.  Anita and I were delighted to find it to be very mild and comfortable, in fact glorious. It was so clear we could see the huge and happy catfish and water turtles swimming throughout.  We donned goggles or snorkel and mask to get an up close look!   Kayaking was amazing and so peaceful on this lazy, late summer river.  Feeling fearless, Anita and I went above and beyond and took the big plunge.  Up river the canyon narrows and creates an abyss where the water is extraordinarily deep and dark blue.  It is appropriately called the BLUE HOLE.  After our short hike there, we watched a few college students  jump from the rocks into the depths and come up screaming and laughing.   Finding this irresistible, we , too, jumped… not from quite the same height as the young folk, but high enough for us to be totally proud of ourselves. We really felt so blessed to be having so much fun! 

This was a great highlight after starting out day with getting lost and three miles out of our way on a hike.  the hike had been one funny episode after another as we were trying to find directions back.  At one turn we even ran into a group of hunters gutting a hanging hog.   They had no answers for us, and we wandered until we were finally picked up by ‘Camper John” who drove us back to our lodge.

photo courtesy of Laity Lodge website

The weekend ended and as we drove out of the canyon.  I imagined what a miraculous and awesome experience it must have been for early travelers or explorers who discovered and settled along such hidden treasures.  

Signs of the Season

The signs of season change and harvest are here even on the California coast.  The shadows are longer, the air is warm, but fresh, and pumpkins are nestled into position on the front step.  The signals of quieter seasons and holidays are beginning to appear! Happy Fall!

BLAST FROM PAST- TIMELESS

Flipping through a 35 year old journal, memories of adventures and travels are easy to relive.  The old coasters, tickets, stickers, letters and postcards.... the daily writing and sketching are reminders of not only the actual events, but that season of life, mid college hopes and dreams and ambition.
It is heartwarming to read the quotes that were written or pasted on the pages so long ago, that were the inspiration for that time. They are indeed - Timeless - meaning as much  today as they did.

For today, enjoy these anonymous quotes from 1973

"When nothing holds you back except the horizon, that is called freedom."

"I have found a place to go and take things slow. A place where time can put peace in my mind."

A Woman's Heart - Vicky

Hope

A woman's heart is where her passions grow. It is where her joys soar.  It is where her secrets rest. . . and wrestle.  It is where her emotions ache and her sufferings linger.  Her heart is where her hope is restored.

So You Think You Can't Dance?

There is something about dancing that is so appealing and freeing.   Just watching other people dance is enough to inspire a smile and a joyous feeling in me.  I truly admire those who can learn a routine, or follow their partner's lead, or perform as an expression of story or feeling through music and movement.  It is entertaining, athletic, and artistic.  Sometimes I even get a bit envious, since I have a extreme lack of talent, experience and confidence in dancing.  How wonderful it must be to step out and swing, swirl and leap... tap, step and wiggle to the music?  I believe the brain must have a compartment where dance talent develops, and I must have missed out or have waited too long and now brain and limbs don't communicate fast enough to keep up, nor do the brain cells remember the steps beyond the span of minutes.  We recently participated in a flash mob which allowed us to be "anonymous" and blend into the mass, but also have dozens of dancers to follow, so that remembering the routine was not an issue.  The effort and experience were worth it, so silly and exhilarating.  We decided it did not matter how we danced but that we danced at all!  If laughter is good medicine, then dancing is its sister "energy boost" or mega vitamin!

                      

Now That's Entertainment!

yes, chickens in the tree! 

In REAL, the Life chapter, there is a story about Garin and Jim, a village of Arroyo Grande couple who changed the village with creative solution to the poultry population in that busy business section in a very positive way.  Life goes on in the village and the charm is still there,  delightful restaurants and side walk, terrace dining, fascinating variety shops and boutiques, antique stores.  The roosters still abound in their colorful and friendly attitude.  Recently we visited Gather Wine Bar, in the village to discuss a book event there.  Gather is such a cozy, warm and welcoming place, with an ambiance that encourages guests to be comfortable and really have a time to share, listen, relax and enjoy being together or even a quiet intimate corner.

Owner, Kari , welcomed us and immediately showed us out to the back patio, where she wanted to show us something "REAL". The beloved roosters of the village have found that the large citrus tree is a great place to GATHER and add to the charm of this totally fun wine bar.  The birds make their way there at nightfall and stay put all night, until the sunrises again and they go out to roam the creekside parking lot. Now that is entertainment that puts a smile on your face!

How Do You Put Happy Into Words??

It is such a wonderful feeling to see our book in hard cover.... and we were excited and delighted with the soft cover!   This is just over the top!   In the last few days we were able to debut REAL in hard cover at the Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo at the Central Coast Author and Book Festival.  It was a wonderful day and so great to meet everyone who had a chance to stop by!  We decided to have some fun and draw names for the new hard cover, and soft cover, notecards and book marks... One occurred the night of the Festival and another occurred just last night from our Facebook page.   Congratulations to all of our winners and we hope you are blessed by the stories and photos and people you meet in REAL.  As the weeks go by we plan to do some more surprises... it is just too much fun! Thank you all!!!!
This photo here is of Daniel, one of the most inspirational and brave people I have ever met.  You can find him in Inspiration chapter....  

You were right Arnold!

Jenny and Heather

Robin, Sandra, Shell

Sarah, Elizabeth

Ellie

Amy

Hillary

muriel, eileen and grace

Kelly, Mer

Terri, Dana, Leslie, Pam, Joanne, Betty

Mary, Sue, Karen, Kathleen, Kelly

Governor Schwarzenegger had his serious issues... but I do have one favorite thing that he said that I will never forget.  "When a group of women get an idea, smart men get out of the way."  Nothing more needs to be said about that.


For the ladies!

What is in a Question? Lots of Questions!

Last night I was included in a gathering of newly acquainted women at the home of a friend.  She was working on a project and had a survey that we were invited to fill out.  As the evening went on, our conversation and curiosity over pizza and wine,  developed into sharing our answers, some of which were very personal and obviously diverse.
I found it was a delightful time of just listening to others and really getting to hear honest perspectives that surprised us all.  Just to share a few of the things I learned... my responses went from totally tickled to very sincere appreciation.  One of my fun favorites was "What is your favorite word?"  Who thinks of that?  I kind of had, but never thought of sharing it with anyone...   This was the time to not worry about how silly it was or how personal it was.
    I loved all of the responses! Favorite words were:  Authentic, which, '"BAM', I love the word, authentic! ... it is what REAL the book is all about" , I thought , "This woman speaks my language! "
Another was "Three", just because three represents so many important and classic things, there are many truths about "Three".  I found that I loved that word too, even though I had not thought of it before.  Next, the word Peace came up.... just the sound of it was so quieting and almost elusive.... we all connected with the desire, and yet, how far off the reality of that word might be in the world.  Inside myself, I did not bring it up,  I was thankful that there is such a thing as inner or personal peace.... funny how peace created a bit of discomfort for a fleeting moment. Not for long though.... the last favorite words were fun and "feel good" words.  They were fun to say, fun to know and fun to feel in our mouths.  One was "eleemosynary"which means relating to charity.  Of course it is a good word- everyone loves a  charitable effort, but the word itself felt so fun to say!   We discussed our feelings about if it would still be as fun if it meant something evil or malicious. Our vote was a Unanimous "NO".. which was the next word: NO.... perfect!   We all need to learn that one.... No explanation needed.
I added my words:  weird but lasting and true, to me:  Ok... "Schmetterling" (Ger for butterfly) fun to say, fun to think of... and "Putzelbaum"(Ger for somersault) fun to say and definitely fun  to think of!!!  I have loved those words for 40 years!!!!!! I don't know why, I just have.  and maybe now in my older years I may not be saying them or spelling them correctly anymore... I have created my own joy from those words.  They make me smile.  This evening, I shared my new, one week old,  favorite word: from devotional book, "Streams in the Desert". The word is Cherith.  It is from old testament, 1 Kings.  Elijah is seeking his safe, hiding place by a brook of this name... getting away from attention  and pressure... and seek God's will, at a place called his Cherith.
"Streams" writes of many notable people finding their "Cherith" in order to serve the higher purpose, get away from the influences of society and distractions.  I felt so drawn to this word a few days ago, and have fallen in love with it.  Life has been so full of great, wonderful and terrible things all at once.   I want to find my Cherith.

Thank you Karen, for a memorable and fun night. For pizza, wine, dogs, comfort and great talk.

"Oui" Three!

Oui one is here! Grayson Jude has made his appearance after nine months of anticipation!  Photographer of REAL, Terilee Dawn and her husband Ryan Ouimette are proud to announce they are not THREE.... I guess they could be called "Oui" Three!

They are settling in and Grayson has already developed quite a following, especially women of all ages!  Hugs and cuddles abundant have met him at every turn.  He will soon become the subject of Terilee's photography. TD's Top Model!   http://terileedawn.com/

I wanted to share a photo I took of father and son at the Central Coast Book Festival at the Mission in San Luis Obispo last weekend.

What doesn't stop?

Who is doesn't stop moving all day, continually puts his hands on something that doesn't belong to him and is not ashamed of that behavior, and is brown? The UPS delivery person!  This young man came to our porch last week with our first shipment of hard cover books, and when he took a look at them, he started to think of his own "story" and work... and held out his hands. Of course it was the perfect photo op!  It was a joy to get to know him beyond his dropping off the packages.  We talked about the work, and dirt which is what makes him somewhat of a hero!  We also talked about some of the other "good stuff" like holding his girlfriend's hand or petting the dog.

See you next time around!