Tuesday, April 30, 2013

April Reading

I haven't really been in the mood to read lately. I must be sick or something, because that never happens. Here's what's been in my Kindle/hands lately:


Although I was really excited to find that this was part of a trilogy, I was very unexcited when I found out it's the middle book of the trilogy and I don't really have any desire to go back and read the first one or go forward and read the last one.

One of my favorite authors from being a teenager, this is a book I've read over and over and over again.

The latest ebook from FLB, full of short stories. Some of them are a bit weird (she's gotten rather strange in the last several years) but there are hints here and there of the style of her writing that got me hooked in the first place, which made me oh-so-happy.
I've been having long days lately, and when it's time to just shut off and enjoy a few pages, I find myself worried about the piles of paper left on the kitchen table, or the fact that we need clean underwear and haven't been able to get in the laundry room for days, or that I need to write shopping lists of food, or that I need to remember to pick up some chain to finish a new necklace, etc, etc. What I need is an assistant who can do all of that stuff for me, which will really free me up to worry less and enjoy relaxing more. Let's make that happen.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Come See This Show!

Opens this Saturday! Don't miss it!

I have a slightly shameless plug to make: come to this show on Saturday night to support some really talented local artists!! And, come to this show on Saturday to support ME, because it's a show I and my co-workers have spent lots of hours working on for the last couple of months, AND I also happen to be one of the artists included in it!!

Over 130 pieces of art were submitted and our juror, Mary Aslin, accepted close to 80 for exhibition. (She did not know that I had submitted something, she was un-biased.) We now have the gigantic task of arranging and hanging the show before Saturday. Wish us luck.

Here's what you need to know...

Viewpoints Orange County All Media
17300 17th St, Ste. G, Tustin CA
Opening Reception April 27, 5:30 - 8:00p
Show continues through May 11

See you Saturday!

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Weddings, and Introducing Vegetarians to German Potato Salad

BFF got married 2 weeks ago. (Hooray!!!) I love her and I love her new husband - can't wait to have them round for dinner where we can introduce him to my German Potato Salad. (They're both veggie, but he's decided to start eating meat in preparation for their European honeymoon.)

It was an absolutely beautiful day, despite the threat of rain. I threw my camera at James when he arrived and charged him with picture taking, while I held onto my phone (strategically held in place under the strap of my dress - note to self: if ever buying a bridesmaid dress again, look for one with pockets!). There were 10 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen, and close to 200 guests. It just goes to show how much everyone loves the happy couple!

There were picture frames hung by twine from the tree branches.


She chose succulents as her "flowers." This was her bouquet. She actually MADE the bridesmaids bouquets (I'll show you mine in a little bit...)


Her dad was there in spirit, although sorely missed by those who knew him


The guestbook was thumbprints of fireflies. Everyone was walking around with yellow thumbs.


The head table

The bride & groomsmen (I have absolutely no pictures of the groom facing forward!)


James and I wandered around the property and found a swing, which we swung upon. My dress was grey lace, and my shoes were mustard yellow ballet flats, which made me possibly the shortest bridesmaid.


Dance par-tay!! I'm not much of a dancer, but I had to join in for "Don't Stop Believin'", which is becoming a wedding must-have.


James and I taking some time out to explore the gardens.
What is it about weddings that make people cry? Is it that you're witnessing the next part of someone's life happening right in front of your eyes? Is it all the memories you've shared with that person up until then? (And I've shared about 17 years worth of memories with her!) I have no idea, but whatever it is, I was so thankful that no one was looking at the bridesmaids and everyone was watching the bride, because I totally cried. And I'm pretty sure it wasn't the pretty kind of crying. Which is why I wore waterproof mascara.

After the ceremony, James and I caught up with friends, some older, some newer. It was an absolutely wonderful day, and we partook of the "photobooth" to commemorate it:

We are distinguished, don't you know?
And, didn't I promise to show my bouquet?

I took it apart, planted it, and now it's the C&J Love Garden!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

O.M.G.

I found this living in my garden today:

Phidippus Jumping Spider
Obviously, I can never set foot outside again.