Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The House of Stone





The house above has always caught my eye while driving towards Big Sur. You might miss it if you are the driver, because it is a non-stop curvy road that you have to pay attention to. With that being said, it sits off of the road, down on a rocky cliff; literally on a cliff, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is really beautiful and unless you are looking for it, you can miss it because it blends in with the rocks of the cliff.

Every time I see this house, my mind goes in ten different directions.


1. I wonder what it would be like to live in that house.
2. What are the people like that live in that house.
3. Are they happy?
4. Are they afraid that the house could slip into the Pacific Ocean?
5. I wonder how hard it was to build that house sitting on the cliff like that?
6. Did the contractor consider it because of the challenge?
7. I wonder what the other houses look like that the contractor has built?
8. If I lived in that house, I would be afraid of the house falling into the ocean.
9. I can see myself, in the morning, dressed in my robe, with a cup of coffee admiring the sight of the ocean and breathing the misty air into my lungs.
10. Are the people that live there happy?

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

One Big Heart



On the highway, as you enter Monterey, there is a sand dune that always has a message written or drawn on it. The first day of our stay last week, I had forgot to look. On the second day, Charlie went out of his way so that I could see what I had missed. It was a great BIG heart! I was bummed because I didn't have my camera out. Next thing I knew, he drove off of the highway, back tracked and on the highway again. He didn't only do that once, but three times! Charlie either drove by to fast, there was a big truck that got in the way or he got off to soon. He was amazing! He didn't get irritated or anything and shared that he knew it wouldn't be there long with the wind and rain. Charlie knew that I wanted to get a picture of that heart and in turn, only showed me what a big one he had!

:)

Monday, February 23, 2009

Hmmm... to be sooo loved!



A BIRTHDAY

My heart is like a singing bird
Whose nest is in a water'd shoot;
My heart is like an apple-tree
Whose boughs are bent with thick-set fruit;
My heart is like a rainbow shell
That paddles in a halcyon sea;
My heart is gladder than all these,
Because my love is come to me.

Raise me a daïs of silk and down;
Hang it with vair and purple dyes;
Carve it in doves and pomegranates,
And peacocks with a hundred eyes;
Work it in gold and silver grapes,
In leaves and silver fleurs-de-lys;
Because the birthday of my life
Is come, my love is come to me.

Christina Rossetti

My sister Jessica brought this to my attention (her Major was Art). The painting and poem are beautiful!
~ It is very interesting and I can see this story made into a movie.

This painting was made by Waterhouse.
The woman is William Morris' wife, Isabella (she was loved by Morris & Rossetti).
The poem is by Rossettis' sister Christina. The time was early 1900's/Art movement Pre Raphaelites. Jess continues to write... Can you imagine what this group of artist's were like?!
Oh, to be a fly on the wall!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Holding My Tongue!


cross on a sand dune in Carmel

My daughter Diandra and I went to church this morning. We actually were ahead of schedule this time and looked forward to getting a good seat. As I was driving, I could see a BIG tonka yellow colored truck in my rear-view mirror, right on my tail. As we were driving down the one way street, he changed lanes but was still behind my car in the other lane. I needed to get over also into the same lane, and therefore slowed down so that he would go ahead of me. Only, he would not. So I picked up my speed and changed lanes. Again, he was right on my tail; I could only see his truck in my mirror. I finally said, "ENOUGH!" and slowly pulled over to the right of the street so that he could drive. Now, I was driving behind him, from a distance, I might add. I looked over at my daughter and said, "I bet that ******* is going to pull into the church parking lot!" She just shot me a look, as if God, Himself was just letting me know through a look and she didn't have to say a word. I knew I was no better than that driver. We got out of the car and were walking at a distance behind them (the diver). As we got a good seat, I spotted them in another pew and just looked at them. Okay, maybe it was a little glare. Diandra looked at me and then followed my stare and saw where it had ended, she whipped her head at me and sternly said, "STOP it!" It was hard to let it go. We all began to sing, and through the melody of song and worship time, I did let it go. I was upset at myself for my choice words, but God has a gentle way of reminding us to hold our tongues.

Friday, February 20, 2009

With Much Love


The ocean in the storm.


Planted next to the purple mail box in the previous post, this white flower was holding on.


A break between the storms, at one of our favorite restaurants.

At the time of our anniversary last year, Charlie was very sick. We both thought that it would be best not to get away on our anniversary; it was the first time in twenty-two years. This year he was feeling much better and we were like little kids on Christmas Eve. We both looked so forward to celebrating our marriage. I always check the Weather to see what I should and shouldn't pack. It for casted rain, rain and rain with some wind. Charlie and I enjoy the ocean come rain, wind or shine. It never matters to us. I actually prefer some storm on our visit. I love combing the beach afterward for little treasures that the sea should leave me. I also love the huge waves and the crashing sound it makes. It is comforting to me. I find it so hard to leave... almost as if I am leaving a part of me behind. What is that saying? "You can take the girl away from the ocean, but you can't take the ocean away from the girl!"

Thursday, February 19, 2009

A Love Letter



Angela,

You're the one whose arms I love wrapped around me at the end of the day. The one who can make my troubles seem less by just listening. You're the one who's sensitive enough to know when something is bothering me and thoughtful enough to do something about it.
You can somehow make me feel special with nothing more than a look or smile and make my heart beat faster with just a touch. You're the one who understands the way I think, who supports me in every new path I follow, who's grateful for the things we share together and proud of my independence and accomplishments.
You're the one who stands beside me in everything.
The one who steals my heart over and over.
The one I'll love forever

I love loving you

Happy 23rd Valentine's Day

Charlie




*It was also our anniversary ~ my heart just melted! Posting this is more for me than for you.
:)

Monday, February 9, 2009

2009 Chinese Horoscope


I am the Sssssnake

Snake Outlook for 2009
1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

Snake Overview
The Snake has an incredibly favorable year ahead. The year of the Ox provides many opportunities for the Snake to fulfill long awaited career goals and achieve more than he/she ever imagined. Your wisdom and patience are tools that prove successful in all aspects of your life. Relationships could be taken to new heights and deep and meaningful friendships are acquired. This year proves to be one of action, the year that all of your planning and waiting pay off for you. The later months prove to be especially successful, tying a year of arduous work into an extremely blissful culmination.

Snake Rating
79% (10 favorable and 2 neutral months)

Snake Career
Your wisdom proves to be most resourceful this year, particularly in your career endeavors. Colleagues will admire your input and your opinion will be well respected among business circles. Your work will take you to new levels in your career, as you may see a promotion or a position change that offers you a direction that is more suitable to your skills. March, April and May are strong months for a career change or an upswing in your current position. Be prepared for an outstanding year in your work and don't be surprised if everything you do results in success

Snake Relationships
The Snake's social life will bring a high amount of satisfaction to you this year, as will your family life. Though you tend to be more of a loner, this year will provide occasions that may bring you out of your shell. You have always been a good listener and you will benefit from being more assertive in social situations. More to the point, you may be thrown into a position to be more assertive, rather than volunteering. Your quick thinking will prove to be most useful. Single Snakes may find the romantic relationship they seek, as romance is favored.

Snake Health
The Snake will not suffer any more than minor health issues, but you may want to watch what you eat and make it a point to exercise more often, as these may be areas that you tend to neglect. Your busy work schedule and social endeavors may make it difficult to maintain a regular schedule of exercise, but you can find time here and there to do something active. This will help your heart and may relive stress from a long work week.

Snake Wealth
The Snake will do well with your conservative approach to spending. You have always been disciplined in your finances and this year proves to be no different. If you maintain your frugal manner, you will find that you have accumulated enough by the end of the year to make a large purchase that you have been planning for a long time. If you are in doubt about a particular endeavor, don't hesitate to receive a second opinion before committing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Charlie is the Pig (snort ~ giggle)

Pig Outlook
1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Pig Overview
The Pig has many opportunities to shine this year. Your generous nature is apparent in all aspects of your life. It is an admired quality that people respect. This year, your inherent generosity plays a large role in areas that you may not even be aware and may pave the way to a possible career change. You have an abundance of friends and you are well loved by your family. this year will only enhance these relations. One area that may create some issues is that you seem to overextend yourself to a point where there isn't any time left for you. This could lead to a change in priorities and could promote some better organizational skills.

Pig Rating
53% (2 favorable 9 neutral and 1 unfavorable month)

Pig Career
The Pig may feel complacency in your current job position. This could be a year that you may need a change towards something that is more suitable for your needs. You may gravitate towards something that is more of a position that provides service to others, perhaps a non-profit organization or a customer service based position. Your busy schedule will also play a part in your work. You may be forced to choose between certain activities, as there are only seven, not eight days in a week. Whatever the course may be for your career, you will fit in well with your endearing personality.

Pig Relationships
Personally, 2009 will be a year that the Pig will enjoy much happiness. Both your social and domestic life will be endearing to you, providing you with encouragement and advice. Your family and friends will be the source of many memorable occasions this year. For the unattached Pig, there will be some romantic opportunities. Be careful who you let into your circle, as you tend to give others too much credit. July is a particularly favorable month for all Pigs.

Pig Health
The Pig would do well to watch your health this year. There may be an unforeseen incident that arises sometime during the year, most likely in late April or early May. This may cause you to look at your habits relating to your health. One area in particular is your diet. This year could provide a change in your eating habits, which could help other areas of your health.

Pig Wealth
There may be times this year when you are uncertain about your financial future, but there are things in your life that take precedence over money. You will be taken care of, but there may be times of financial uncertainty. A change will come in the second half of the year that will provide greater financial comfort and allow you to live at a means that is more accustomed to your liking. Be patient, as the change will come.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

A Poem



People Who Live

People who live by the sea
understand eternity.
They copy the curves of the waves,
their hearts beat with the tides,
& the saltiness of their blood
corresponds with the sea.

They know that the house of flesh
is only a sandcastle
built on the shore,
that skin breaks
under the waves
like sand under the soles
of the first walker on the beach
when the tide recedes.

Each of us walks there once,
watching the bubbles
rise up through the sand
like ascending souls,
tracing the line of the foam,
drawing our index fingers
along the horizon
pointing home.


Erica Jong~Becoming Light