She Came, We Saw, We laughed and Loved

How much fun can be packed into a two week vacation with my daughter?

Posting to this blog was all but stopped so that I could spend as much time as possible with my daughter... "Stop, in the name of Love..."

Kasmira lives in Georgia so we had a lot to catch up on. We wanted to fit as much as possible into her visit so we were constantly going, doing, eating, laughing and loving.

Here are Kasmira, Red and their brother Mick (yes, Mick's a dog)outside of the Bagel Bakery in Pacific Grove California, home to their grandparents.

PG is a fun little town along the central Coast but tends to be a bit foggy. It is also very cold in the summer months especially to visitors from the South East.

Kasmira went from temperatures in the 90s to the mid 50s in a few short hours.

Carmel Beach is one of our favorite places. The white beach and dog friendly locals make this a must place to visit.

Kasmira wasted no time at all house hunting.

She chose this home adjacent to Pebble Beach with access to the Carmel Beach on private steps. She clearly understands the 3 most important aspects to real estate; location, location, location.

Her second choice wasn't shabby either, The former newspaper tycoon's castle on the Central Coast in San Simeon wasn't available though. It is now an historical monument and state park.

Umm, tough call to make... so many houses available in Carmel along the beach... if she does get the one next to Pebble Beach, she may just have to take up golf.

The locals are friendly in either location although down in San Simeon they tend to hog the beach. These huge elephant seals are amazing beasts to observe. A word of caution - stay upwind and do not walk among them on the beach.
We got in a lot of shopping. The amazing thing is that we were not thrown out of any shops, including this Macy's at Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey California. Here is Lacy, my Mom, posing with some of her "friends".

She particularly liked the colored hair and the flash-back fashions that still make even mannequins look pregnant. What are designers thinking?

We drove the coast highway from San Simeon into Carmel and the Monterey peninsula. Words can't do justice to this incredible journey. We stopped several times for pictures.

The Bixby Bridge has been featured in several movies over the years and is one of our usual stops. No matter how many times we stop there is a magic and newness that still leave us in awe.

The recent fires that raged through this area didn't seem to harm the view along the highway although they did burn a lot of the Los Padres area.

The last weekend we had a rendezvous in Santa Barbara for a mini family reunion. We ate and played and only slept when we absolutely needed to. Balderdash was our nightly game of choice and we had plenty of laughs and interruptions for leftovers and passing hugs.

Beaching with the family during the warm sunny days was a natural choice. The cousins went swimming in the waters, played paddle ball, and just sat and visited.

Kasmira and I walked up the beach and got a stranger to take our picture. I can't spend enough time with her. The clock has been racing from the day she was born and she is headed at warp speed to her future at Embry Riddle and the Air Force.

I know it is cliche, but why must they grow up so fast? And why do they do this during the years we are busy scrambling to make a life for us all? The best I can do is snap some pictures and hold the memories close.

We got a new family picture taken. My brother's backyard patio is perfect for this type of thing. Red and Mick especially do better with these informal photo sessions. That's not to say that they can't be a challenge but as the years go by they get better. Sadly there was one family group missing, my sister who now lives in Colorado. Missed you Ro and family.

We went to the water park with friends several times while Kasmira was visiting. She's been instrumental in teaching our friend here how to flirt (not that much instruction was needed).

I put my baby girl on the airplane and sent her home to her dad on Monday.

I was mostly able to keep my smile up while she was here but the last few days were a challenge. I spent close to 15 minutes sobbing as her plane took off and had to rinse my contacts before starting the drive back home.

I tend to have random cries for a fw days after she leaves and periodically thereafter. Red understands this now and offers many hugs to help me through.

I am so blessed to have such a beautiful, intelligent and sensitive daughter. I love you my dear and wish you such happiness and success in your new adventure in college. May you be blessed with friends and challenges that serve you well. Always.

Guys, Bikes and Summer Solstice

The guys of the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice seemed to really have a good time with the costumes, and celebration but they lacked a spiritual connection or element that the women had. I'm not sure if that description and these pictures depict that though.



This guy seemed to enjoy himself and dressing the part. One of the things I like about Santa Barbara is that so many people seem fit and healthy.


This guy seems very at ease considering that his partner is likely to give birth before the Summer is over. Peek through the orange circle.




This guy was very high up on a bike-like contraption. He appears to be totally native but maybe not. Are grass skirts like kilts in regards to undergarments?






This guy was on stilts that put him close to 12 feet tall. I was amazed at the grace he moved with through the parade. He'd carefully walk to the crowd and shake hands with the kids. I can't even walk in heels!




This guy was surrounded by women and realy got into the dance and directing of the troup.




Out of all the guys, these were among my favorites. I got the impression that we were the parade and they were just observing from a movable seat. The gentleman moving them down the road was really sweet. He carefully turned the float around so they could see both sides of the street and readjusted the umbrellas to shield these guys from the direct sun when he did.

I was glad to see the gentleness of this man, Irene became less jaded and a touch more optimistic about men when she witnessed his care. Maybe I'll elaborate on that more in a future post. In the mean time, consider this; how do experiences in the past impact your future? Do you see the good in others or do your previous experiences dictate your present perceptions?

Celebrate the spirit of others

Sure, there were guys that participated in the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice but they were outnumbered by the women.


It was the women's time to shine bright. I got so caught up watching their expressions that sometimes I forgot all about the camera in my hands.



There was an entirely different energy that the women possessed in their typical days and it was infectious!


Look closely at the smiles and joy that these dancers are showing. There is solidarity and community that these dancers exhibit. They are beautiful.



They are united in their steps and hearts. This is a very positive growing trend that I am noticing among women today.



I am so thankful that women are coming together to celebrate being women, finding bonds and strength in each other.


Things were so different when Irene and I was younger. Irene and I are feminists (surprised?) and when I see women celebrating together like this I know we've had some real success.



Girls like these will have even more opportunities than I did and that means so very much! We still have a ways to go but look at how far we have come!



Rallies, marches, and demonstrations are important but so is coming together to celebrate and just be together.



So, look in their expressions and recognize your own spirit for we really are all connected.




Pick up your phone and call a female friend today and connect with them. Tell them one thing that you enjoy about their spirit.

What would happen if everyone called a friend to tell them just one thing that is special about them?




How would you feel after getting a phone call like that? Does your friend deserve to feel that way?



Look around and find the spirit of those around you and really feel it. Acknowledge it and compliment the spirit in others and you'll discover a real treat. Your own spirit will grow exponentially.




Celebrate life with those around you daily! Reach out!

Trust Your Muse

Have you connected with your muse? Are you beginning to feel the bond? I am a part of Irene and wouldn't exist without her. We are alike in many ways but sometimes she perceives me as different. I am not held to the same norms as Irene, I am a creative spirit.

I can stretch Irene in ways she doesn't know she is capable. Irene tends to be safe, responsible and somewhat predictable. Like most humans, she tends to resist or avoid changes and is overly concerned about how others perceive her. Like an inner-child, I am her playmate. I encourage her to try new things, explore with enthusiasm outside her comfort zone and be bolder and better like so many of the divas in the Solstice Parade. Irene's always in charge but she also knows the fun in giving in to a playmate.

I don't encourage reckless abandon, however I do endorse living passionately. The divas of the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice exemplified connecting and honoring their spirit.


In particular there was one woman at the Solstice that represented what I'm talking about. She was caught up in the celebration of the solstice. For the majority of the people participating and observing it was a really fun parade. For this woman it was a spiritual celebration, which she gave herself to totally. I could sense this woman and her muse were one at this very moment. Her passion for life was palpable and bigger than her.


Writing, or any other type of artistic expression is a merging of muse and artist. When an artist is in the groove or zone, it feels like an empowered spiritual process. The connection is the driving force that brings the two together time and again. Its addictive but never ever destructive.

When was the last time you let your muse guide and empower you?

Are you starting to understand that play dates are important for more than material or inspirational opportunities? Play dates with your muse are to keep you in touch and provide time to build an honorable relationship between you and your Muse. Do you trust your inner-muse?

People Watching People

Irene and I love to watch people! 

Sometimes the most entertainment is in the crowd of observers. This photo doesn't do justice to the sun that was painted on the pregnant woman's stomach. Judging by her belly button, I think she's done. I wonder if she even got to see the entire parade?

In the top photo, I'm pretty sure the tall kid in the back wearing sunglasses instigated this attack of a confetti filled egg. Who knows what went on before the attack though. Perhaps Red had it coming. An artist is first and foremost an observer. 

Writers and other creative folk need to refuel their juices and prime the pump regularly and often. Once a year just doesn't cut it. However, do keep a calender handy to put in dates for annual events like this one, The Summer Solstice parade in Santa Barbara. Make several annual dates with your muse. The more the better. 

Right now, right this moment, pull out your iPhone, iPod, PDA, folio, whatever you use to keep track of your important dates and schedule at lease 3 with your muse. Look in your local phonebook for annual events and commit you and your muse to at minimum, three.  These dates with your muse are sacred! Honor yourself and your muse.

Irene and I like these open events but it is equally important to have some that are more formal. When was the last time you took your muse to a fine restaurant or a play? We like both Broadway productions and local talent of all ages performing. Perhaps you'd rather take your muse to a concert?

Now schedule something big for you and your muse. Stick to what you can afford but make it really special. Do this, go online and research a destination you've always wanted to go to and see if there are any special events that you can incorporate on your trip. 

There's no good excuses for not taking your muse out. Get going. Get out and soak up some life! Then document it in your medium of choice. Create!

Location, Location, Location

The three most important rules about real estate are; location, location, location. 

Santa Barbara is surly one of the most spectacular locations of all but the same "rule" can be applied to so many other situations. 

Watching the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice near these judges provided a rich opportunity for viewers like me. Although reading the small print these are "unofficial" judges, the revelers didn't notice. They stopped and really put themselves into a show for these guys. I will surly look to sit near them next year! 

Another way to apply this rule is in choosing a location to let your creative juices flow. Recently Irene set up post at the Bagel Bakery in Pacific Grove California to write. It was a great choice providing plenty of material.

Ideally you have a location where you habitually create but to stimulate your muse, take yourselves out of your usual and set up in a unique place. Create opportunities for yourself by really considering your locations.

Look at these judges again. They have set up a truly unique opportunity for themselves with a lot of thought (or perhaps luck). They selected a prime spot that offered shade (important because the day was quite warm for santa Barbara). had plenty of room for the revelers to see them and set up to perform. These judges created created their own show!

Location, location, location, how do you apply this rule in your own life? 

See The Big Picture - Write or Create the Details - iPhone 3G can expedite your blog

When Irene and I were at the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice, I noticed how much there is to see. Look at the above image and see how much is going on. This was just a snapshot of an entire parade with close to 1000 participants and 100,000 spectators. That's a lot of possibilities for writing or other artistic expression!

We can break the image down and focus on even more details. Do you see the young girl with the hula hoop and smile? She's not nearly as concerned about the unofficial judges as the lady dancing at her feet. Perhaps she wished for her own live jeanie?

Maybe in real life they are Mother and Daughter? Who knows? As a writer, you can create the story. 

One thing's for sure, there is virtually a never ending supply of characters. This guy, for example is comfortable enough to wear body paints and pastel splotches on the butt of his jeans yet he has such a "manly" colored hula hoop. I didn't even know they made that color. 

Where's this lady in white going? The parade is moving the other direction. Is it possible that she and the guy with the manly hula hoop got in an argument? Is she circling around to cover more ground? Maybe she's backtracking to the nearest bathroom?

I've dubbed this woman the Solstice Queen Bee. She was hilarious. She shows up in several pictures that Irene took because she was actually a spectator sitting right next to us that jumped into the action whenever she was moved. Like me, she really liked drums - and there were a lot of drums! 

All of these details and story possibilities came from just one image Irene took at the Summer Solstice with her cheap camera (one she will be replacing with an iPhone 3G). Using her MacBook Pro and iPhoto, Irene captured memories and material she didn't even know she had... 

Take you muse out often and bring along a camera to jog your memories to further expand your options. A camera phone like the new iPhone is a terrific option. You can snap the picture, write about it and even post it on your blog right from the festivities. See the big picture, pay attention to the details, and record them. 

You and your muse wont be disappointed. 

Revelers inspire this muse at the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade

Irene, Red, Mick and I recently went to Santa Barbara to visit Irene's brother and family for a long weekend. Our timing was blessed. On Saturday June 21st we were treated to the 2008 Summer Solstice Parade. I can't believe I have lived this close to such devoted muse and never seen this spectacular pagan display before now.

I love parades! This parade in particular feels close to the grand celebrations a diva like me is accustomed to (Thank you Irene!). Revel with me! Everyone deserves to live as grand as they wish. I encourage you to take yourselves to this wondrous event and spoil your muse to both your delights. 

                       

The colors, the costumes and oh-my-gosh, the drums! Is there anything that stirs the soul quite like drums? The weather was warm and appropriately, sunny (it isn't always inSanta Barbara in June). Celebrants were treating their inner-muse to such joy I wanted to throw my arm wide and embrace them all.                                                                                                                                          

The Solstice Parade begins "officially" at high noon however, there is a celebration that begins the night before for participants and even months before then during a mass muse planning and idea session. 

Creative muse juice was really flowing this year!

The Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade is filled with moments to ignite the creative

 spirit whatever you medium of choice is. Video cameras are one way to record the magic but Irene used her goofy older camera and caught enough stills to keep us writing for quite some time.

Irene and I were so caught up in the sights, sounds and smells (you do know of the wonderful smells a parade has, don't you?), we wanted to share it with everyone. Amid all of the festivities honoring the Sun and pagan spirits, this diva decided to encourage muse everywhere through her very own blog.

When was the last time you connected with your inner-muse in a meaningful way? We're not as slippery as some may believe. In spite of Irene's belief that I am a high maintenance diva, like all Muse, I'm actually very simple. The key to our bounty is to treat us as you would like to be treated and to treat yourself as kindly. Perhaps that is where Irene has come to believe I am lavish and grand. 

Strike up the band, beat the drums and take your muse out for a play date to keep the connections strong. Happy muse outings! 

Irene E.