You are invited to...

... je ne sais quoi.

2011-11-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

{click on the image for an intimate close up}

Literately translated this french phrase means "I don't know what". It's that certain intangible something that is difficult to describe in words. It comes from within and is often sought out and imitated, but rarely captured outside of the original that inspired it. Audrey had it from the nape of her neck to her iconic ballet flats. Paul and Joanne had it subtly on the screen, but it simply sizzled when they were captured together. Marilyn had it in her quite unguarded moments, and Miss Ella had it in each perfect note that she reached on the scale. It can be in the turn of a hem, the whiff of a certain perfume, or the sparkle of the perfect gem. Journey into the image above for a bit of that "je ne sais quoi" ,than leave me a note and tell me what has that certain something for you.

... a moment of silence.

2011-09-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

google

...Sunday in "The Park".

2011-08-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

My best friend, the female dog whisperer, calls my back yard "The Park". I guess you could say she's right. I'm the only one on my block with huge 60 years old trees that stretch high into the sky. Or at least higher than anyone else on my street. When you walk out my back door, it's like walking into Mother Natures playground. Most mornings you can hear the squirrel family chasing each other from limb to limb, Mom sometimes scolding away in her staccato chirp while hiding a peanut she found from who knows where. There's the possum family, who I once caught out early one morning climbing on their Mom's back after a long evening out; the Raccoon clan with their bandit masks who feast on unripe oranges leaving them in sections on the "Park" floor; and the more than occasional skunk, who probably only wants to be left alone but has managed to have more than one run in with Miss Lexie! Add in an orchestra of song birds, humming birds, finches, and the neighbors black cat, and that pretty well rounds out the usual tenants. Every once and awhile though, we have a visitor that will drop by unannounced, stay awhile, and move on. This morning it was "Cooper", the Cooper Hawk.

I don't know what made me look up, maybe it was the louder than usual chirp from the squirrel, but up high in one of the trees, there he was. As if he knew I was headed for my camera, he stayed perched, content not to move, and seemed to almost pose in his stoic, proud way. He didn't stay long, probably headed out to somewhere that held a more promising breakfast, but he definitely added a regal touch to this "Sunday in the Park".

...Hipstamatic flowers.

2011-07-17T21:26:00.000-07:00


Pansies

Black eyed Susan

Hydrangea

David Austin Rose

Grosso Lavender

Black eyed Susan

Lace cap Hydrangea

Took a quick walk through the garden today with my "Hipstamatic" camera! Sometimes is good to look at life through different eyes.
It's surprising the perspective you can get with simply a different view.

... Happy Mother's Day.

2011-05-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

...baskets of roses.

2011-05-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

Fresh from the garden... just in time for Mother's Day!

...the first day of Spring.

2011-03-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

It may be the first day of spring but Mother Nature is apparently not quite finished with winter yet. As the weekend storm keeps dropping rain, wind, and a winter chill...I am inside doing some much needed spring cleaning in my office. While I plow through stacks of paper, try to get organized, and dream of the San Francisco Garden Show this coming weekend; I will leave you with some old and new images of raindrops in my garden.

...a bird, an umbrella, and a moment.

2011-03-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

{image courtesy of vinyl fruit}

An earthquake, a tsunami, a nuclear meltdown, radiation, the threat of another war, lives lost, and more lives missing...could the collective spirit of the world have had a worse week? These were some of the thoughts crowding up my mind as I made my way through traffic toward home. One quick stop at the store and my day would be over. What happened next was, well...I'll let you decide.
I pulled in and managed to score a space in the parking lot right by the front door to my local grocery store. I even managed to run in, grab what I needed and get out with no lines and in record time. Home would be just a few minutes away. As I walked out to my car, I found 4 people crouched down between the front of my car and the car parked directly in front of mine. I of course, stopped to see what they were doing. As they parted, I was shocked to see that there was a bird stuck in the grate of the car in front of mine. It's little head was caught between the slats of the grate, while it's body was hanging outside. I immediately gasped and began to join the chorus of "oh, No's" and "oh My's", with the quartet that had gathered. And than, there it was..."The Moment". You all know it...it's that tiny little space in time where you make that split decision to stay or to go. We have all experienced it. You see a stray dog, no human around, you're late for work, and it's dangerously crossing it's way into traffic...do you stop the car and do what's needed, or do you hope the next person will be the one who stops, coaxes him, or her over and saves the day? Well..I recognized this as one of those moments and knew that once I stepped closer into the group, opened my mouth and said "What should we do?", I would become part of the solution. Of course we were all baffled as to what that solution could be. One of the girls in the group worked for PETA (only here in the Bay Area could that be part of the scenario) She whipped out her cell phone and starting calling...not sure what she expected, but it made her feel useful. I offered to drive up the street to the vet, who I knew helped wildlife, but realized it was after hours and they would be closed, that made me feel useful. Someone than suggested we try to pull apart the slats of the grate. The women who owned the car said "go ahead, I don't care about the car", a gracious statement as it was a Lexus. Meanwhile as we were right by the front door, shoppers, the security guard, even a checker walked out to see what was the matter. It was surprising to me how many people just continued to walk on by. Until one gentleman, the quiet, take charge kind, came right up to us, saw the situation, and jumped right in. He along with the only other guy in our little group, positioned themselves on both sides of the bird and with all their might tried to pull the slats apart. Now, up until that time, we all thought the bird was dead, as it was as still as could be...but as the slats opened up a bit the bird would chirp frantically and flap it's wings. This of course caused a collective chorus from our group, of more "oh No's", and oh My's". With each try the bird would chirp and flap, and than become silent when the men let go of the grate. Clearly this would take more than the effort of bare hands. Feeling rather useless, I opened my door to put my groceries in and realized I had my umbrella in the front seat...not just any umbrella mind you, but a huge umbrella, the kind that can cover 3 small people, and most importantly a sturdy umbrella. I grabbed it and turned to the group..."This might sound silly", I said, "but maybe we could use this umbrella to pry open the slats?" It was certainly worth a try. So there we were..."Take Charge" guy started using the umbrella like you would a car jack, while the other guy tried to pry his side apart with his hands. All the while one of the women held the birds body as steady as she could. This went on for about 10 minutes, which must have seemed like hours to the poor little bird. We would glance at each other through the effort and I knew we were all wondering what we would do with the injured bird should we succeed in getting him free. For after all, that would become part 2 of our rescue efforts. Than the slats opened up just enough and in an absolute instant, with a loud chirp, and a flurry of wings the bird was free. And than in that absolute instant, quicker than you could blink your eyes, he flew away...high into the sky, wings flapping toward home. There we stood, whooping, clapping, and giving each other high fives, congratulating each other on a job well done. Than came our release...the women standing next to me looked at me with teary eyes...my face was wet with tears, as was "Take Charge Guy",the man next to him, and the women he was with. TCG handed me back my umbrella and stated very matter of factly that we had done our Good Deed for the Day. With that we wished each other a great evening, got in our cars and drove away.
The world may be a difficult place at times...unfair and unforgiving with some of it's actions. We may all feel helpless when catastrophes strike and wonder if what we can offer is enough. It is. Our gestures don't have to be big to have big results. We just have to stop and care for one another. Just ask the bird...who I'm sure is grateful to the 6 crazy people in a grocery store parking lot who recognized "The Moment", took a moment, and saved a life.

...a peak of spring.

2011-03-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

While working in the garden this first morning of Daylight Savings...I came across this little Lady in the stem of last summers Delphinium. She timidly poked her head out and, unlike Punxsutawney Phil, must have seen her shadow...for not long after I captured the moment, it started raining and I retreated back into the house to make a pot of winter soup. Yes...winter
is still with us, but on occasion treats us with a few wistful moments of spring.

...a great start.

2011-01-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a great surprise this morning to wake up and find my web site highlighted on Patricia van Essche blog PVE Design. Patricia is the artist extraordinaire who created the artwork and logo for Lulalina. Her work brought life to my little shoppe, and lit the creative fire for the Lulalina website. Stop on over and leave a comment for the chance to win one of my personal favorites...The Art of the Handwritten note by Margaret Shepherd.
I will add a box of Lulalina note cards for the lucky winner.
Thank you Patricia for such a lovely words and support.

...have a Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T15:58:00.000-08:00

May this new year bring you experiences you never thought possible, the good health to enjoy them, rich fortunes of the heart, and the warmth and company of those you love.

With love,
Pat

...Merry Christmas.

2010-12-24T00:35:00.001-08:00

"The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads."

Merry Christmas.
May you be warm and safe in the company of those you love this Christmas Eve.

With love, Pat and Lexie

...the package.

2010-12-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

I always love card shopping and am always finding new ones to add to my collection. I look at them as individual pieces of art. I feel a little guilty though, especially at the holidays, sending one that I didn't make myself. So...I try to incorporate them into the gifts that I make each year. This year I found 2 cards that were just perfect for giving all my baked treasures. After all...it's all in the packaging. And those who know me best, know that I am a sucker for packaging! The card above, with the mouse baking and the great sentiment,was just too perfect on top of the boxes I gave as gifts to my friends who were at the Christmas Dinner. The smaller version below worked out great for the girls from the book club. I had found the card during the summer and it summed up our "No Guilt Book Club" perfectly!

Use the outside of the box as a template for the bottom layer of decorative paper.

I used small mini muffin paper liners to hold the cookies.

Layer the heaviest cookies on the bottom. I used my Toffee Bars.

Cut a piece of chip board the same size as the bottom decorative layer. This will act as the bottom of the next layer of cookies. I used a round decorative punch to cut out a section on the side. This makes it easier to remove and get to the layer below.

Use the lightest cookies for the top layer. If your box is deep enough for additional layers, just start from heaviest to lightest. These are sugar cookie snowflakes and Nighty Nights!

Use what ever card or decorative paper suits the occasion for the top of the box, tie with a bow and your done! There are plenty of box companies out there on line to choose from. I've found that Paper Source has a really great selection of interesting shapes and sizes and have a substantial weight to them. Not especially expensive either. Baked gifts are such a treat and take time, energy, and love...however you choose to gift them should be as special as what is inside. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!

...meet lulalina.

2010-12-17T21:39:00.000-08:00

click on image to enter site

It's hard to believe, but after countless months (and months) of designing, redesigning, screaming at the computer, injections of caffeine, a few cocktails, and a definite self diagnosis of compulsive obsessive disorder and adult ADD...Lulalina is finally launched. It happened last night with just a whisper and the click of a button. I don't know what I expected...balloons dropping from the ceiling, confetti, perhaps the popping of champagne? Oh, but there goes my fantasy life again...in real life it was just me staring at the computer screen a bit choked up and definitely overwhelmed. This was the biggest DIY project I had ever taken on and I still can't believe I actually did it!
A HUGE thank you goes out to all those who had to live through all the madness and were there EVERY step of the way. I am constantly thankful for all the amazing design minded people in my life, whose opinions I value more than I let them know.
Of course...one of the biggest thank you's goes out to Patricia van Essche, PVE Design. It is she, who with just an e-mail and a few phone calls, created the design and logo for Lulalina. It continues to amaze me each time I look at her illustration, how she captured the exact essence of what I wanted to portray. She is truly an amazing artist and there will be more about her and her work in an upcoming post.
For now, I am feeling a great release for finishing a task I wasn't sure I could tackle and for sending it out onto the world wide web.
Here is a holiday toast to the birth of Lulalina!

...a man and his dog.

2010-12-13T22:19:00.001-08:00

I just came from dropping off Greg, my closest friend of 30 years (which really puts him in the family/sibling category) at the airport. He is on his way back home to Panama, where he moved to a few years ago to work on creating his own magical place on this earth. When he is here in the States, he stays with me and my dog Lexie. This last trip kept him here with us for a year and a half. And for a year and a half Lexie has had her own special best friend. Someone to be at home with her all day while I was work... someone to take her on daily hikes with her tail wagging friends... someone to give her extra treats... and someone to love on her all day long just because...well... just because. And for that year and a half Greg has had a companion to garden with...a face full of slobbery kisses every morning when he awoke... a partner to run errands with, who was content to just hang her head out the window and feel the wind in her ears...and a year and a half of pure, unconditional love. The kind of love that only comes from our four legged friends.
They will miss each other tremendously.
Lexie patiently sat at home this last week as all of us human friends had our good bye celebrations, knowing in our rational minds that it would only be months until we all saw each other again. She lay on his bed all week and watched the closet get emptier as the suitcase got fuller, bulging at the seams. I know, as we all do, that our dogs sense change, and somehow are keenly aware of the hidden message behind our suitcases. I wonder if tonight as the three of us set off in the car, she knew it would just be the two of us coming home. After he and I hugged at the curb, he asked me to hold his things while he opened the door and said his goodbyes to Lexie. It broke my heart to see the two of them...him a bit teary, and she full of canine kisses. I know he's coming back in what will seem like the blink of an eye, but there is no way for me to let her know that by summer her companion will be back at the other end of her leash. They say dogs live in the moment and I am sure to some degree that is true, but I also know that for a little while, Lexie will wonder where her friend has gone, probably sleep on his bed, and wonder why she's not getting as many biscuits as she thinks she deserves...
She will bounce back though, for our dogs are nothing if not resilient creatures, and I can already see her tail wagging frantically as we pull up curbside next summer to pick up her favorite two legged best friend.

...an evening with friends and family

2010-12-12T17:34:00.000-08:00

In my fantasy mind, which is far more organized than my real life mind, I thought I would somehow have the time to post daily quips about the activities leading up to the big holiday dinner. Well, as you know, that never happened and the day came upon me faster than I could type... Merry Christmas. And so, I will leave it up to your imagination...flour flying, boughs trimming, ribbons bowing, and cake cooking! Here are a few images of the wonderful evening to come from all the glorious and frenzied preparation. Every year I say... "this is the last one." But after all the candles are lit, fire is crackling, and the wine has been poured I look around at the friends and family gathered together and know that I will do it all again in a heartbeat. As the inscription says on my new punch bowl, given to me by one of my most closest friends....
" Together with friends and family is always the happiest place to be."

...butter, and flour, and sugar...oh my!

2010-12-07T21:26:00.000-08:00

...three days and counting, and it's all about baking. For all the years I have mixed, whipped, kneaded, and folded, I am always amazed at what these 3 simple ingredients can transform into. For me baking is more that just the sum of it's actions. If your patient, and can follow directions, almost anyone can bake. It's a kind of chemistry. Measure the ingredients carefully, mix together, bake and a magical transformation occurs. I believe though, it's more than that. It's more about the items you don't find in any recipe. I cup of caring, a pinch of love, a teaspoon of self. And a bit of chocolate never hurts. A lot of myself goes into what I bake and hopefully into the hearts of the recipients of my labor. The next couple of days are about the treasure boxes of love and care that will be my Christmas gifts to those I love.
And of course I'll be sure to take out all the calories!

...Four Christmas Trees and a Mantle.

2010-12-06T20:41:00.001-08:00

Nature Tree in the Living Room

Dining Room Tree - Antique Ornaments and Chandelier crystals

Kitchen Tree

Shiny Brite Tree in the TV room

Living Room Mantle

...four days and counting! While I make my lists and check them twice (and thrice), and work on the menus, and re design the table again, and again, and maybe throw in a batch of Christmas cookies...you can sit back with a cup of coco and take a quick peak at the trees scattered about the house. A wee house, but very tree worthy. After all - "tis the season".

...countdown to a holiday dinner party.

2010-12-05T17:42:00.000-08:00

And so it begins... the countdown to my annual Holiday Dinner Party. Each year, my Christmas gift to my friends is an over the top, culinary and sensory extravaganza. Ten of us get together to spend the evening reminiscing about the year almost over, and to fill each other with hope and promise for the new year to come. The invitations have been sent and all have RSVP'd. Now comes the frenzy to pull it all together, and I thought this year I would share the whole experience with you. So...we'll start with the invitations and count down each day this week until the big event on Saturday. 5 days and counting...
This years invites were inspired by my dining room chandelier and one of my most favorite Christmas stories by Alan Le Grock. Stumped creatively in the beginning, I was off and running once I found the gorgeous hand made silver and turquoise paper ... I used silver embossing power with a beautiful chandelier stamp and hand applied jewels for some of the crystals on top of quartz shimmer paper. I attached The Chandelier story with an antiqued silver jewel brad. You can read the story here. It is a sweet and touching Christmas tale that I think about each year as my friends and I sit down to celebrate the season.
Stay tuned this week, for a wild ride of decorating, baking, cooking, and creating!!

...Happy Halloween.

2010-10-31T14:57:00.001-07:00

Whoever's porch you are traveling to tonight...Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

...A Sunday visit to the stables.

2010-10-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

There is something about the outside of a horse
that is good for the inside of a man.
~Winston Churchill

...retail therapy and a velvet pumpkin.

2010-10-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

Every holiday season starts with the same inward conversation. "Look, but don't buy...You have enough", I tell myself. Boxes and boxes of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all the holiday trimmings in between. After all, I can't imagine there could be anything out there that I don't already have. Well...never say never.
I ventured out Sunday afternoon, with a dear friend visiting from the East Coast, for a bit of retail therapy. The Indian Summer heat wave had recently ended, and the air had the touch of a crisp fall chill. Great for window shopping and the first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season. Off we went to visit some of my favorite spots here in my little corner of the world. Hidden little gems far from the pages of the more over shopped "catalog" establishments. We were doing quite well until our last stop, Ellington and French. A magical corner store that fulfills my every fantasy about what it must be like to live in Provence. I never leave there without a wistful sigh...speaking of leaving...we were almost out the door when my friend spotted these fantastical velvet pumpkins of varying sizes gracing the porcelain plates and saucers of the front window display. One look and I knew...there was no way I could resist these little puffs of art that looked like they were straight from the pages of a fairy tale. The toughest part was which one. Now for anyone who has ever gone Christmas Tree shopping with me, you know...I am all about the perfect choice. At times it can be a painstaking process and many a friendship has been tested by my design neurosis. One look at these photos and you can see I made the right decision.
Oh, and as for not buying anything new this season...well, after all, who doesn't need a little velvet pumpkin?

...think Pink!

2010-10-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

{image via Feel Your Boobies}

From Pink Petals to Pink noses...October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Be aware of your body...be knowledgeable...and be proactive!
For more information, click on the Feel Your Boobies link above!

..a Fall morning at the Farmers Market.

2010-09-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

"Thy bounty shines in autumn unconfined
And spreads a common feast for all that live.
- James Thomson

...a explanation (sort of).

2010-06-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, 2 months with nothing to say. I sit here now, looking a blank page, trying to find a photo appropriate for this post, and an explanation for being away so long. No excuses really...I guess I just didn't feel "it". What is "it" you ask? Oh, I guess you could say creative, or inspired, or moved. About anything really. I suppose some call it being in a funk. I told myself that no one will notice if I don't post for a day, or the week, or even the month. Sure, things happened that I could have written about. I was rear ended in a car accident, and am still recovering from whiplash (Oh how I hate the over used word that really doesn't do the experience justice). I turned 50. Spent the day in a limo headed for the wine country with great friends. Pretty big milestone...could have written about that. Celebrated a few milestone birthdays of those close to me...60,85,90! All with photos of the big events...could have written about that. But I just couldn't really get myself to sit down and share. All the while I would get e-mail updates showing how many visitors stopped by. Amazing! People were reading even though I wasn't writing. Well, thank you to all those who visited in my absence. And to those of you reading this...I'm back. New photos, new projects, and a renewed sense of creativity. So to get back to the photo...I'm poking my head back out into the blog world with a vengeance and flying out the door of my creative funk!

...lemon bars on a stormy day.

2010-04-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

I quietly keep repeating the phrase..."April showers bring May flowers" trying to convince myself that there will be a wonderful reward for all this rain, but frankly I'm kind of tired of it. After a week of beautiful sunny days viewed from my window at work...I want a sunny weekend! I guess Mother Nature has other plans. And so must I. So...I baked up some sun in my kitchen. Sweet, tart, buttery, and flaky, these are truly a mouthful of spring.

For the Crust
1/2 pound unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour

1/8 tsp. kosher salt

For the Filling
6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4-6 lemons)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup all-purpose flour
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and sale and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 x 13 x 2 inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.

Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is set. let cool to room temperature.

Cut into bars or triangles and dust with confectioners' sugar.

Compliments of The Barefoot Contessa Parties!

...Easter Sunday.

2010-04-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

"Twas Easter- Sunday.
The full blossomed trees filled the air with fragrance and with joy."
- Henry Wadwsorth Longfellow

...Sunday in the garden.

2010-03-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

Mom worked in the garden all day, pulling weeds...
and I helped.

...a prelude to spring.

2010-02-28T17:02:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day! The sun was shining, a few billowy white clouds graced the sky, and birds were singing a sigh of relief to have a much needed break from the rain. This is the best kind of day to be out in the garden. The air is sweet with the promise of spring and the ground, soft from days of rain, makes the usual chore of pulling weeds almost a pleasure! Once cleared away, long forgotten shoots of soon to be spring flowers, reached for the sun, thankful for the chance to breath. I took a break just long enough to take a look around the yard and capture a few glances of the season to come. The rain is returning this week and the garden gloves will have to return to bin they live in, but today was a wonderful prelude to what is blooming just around the corner.

...change the world, one card at a time.

2010-02-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick glance at some of my new work.

Come on over to lulalina for a closer look!

..the No Guilt (Cook) book club does "The Fig".

2010-02-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe a month has gone by since we sat down and indulged with Miss Julie Child, but here we are sitting down to another afternoon of "please pass the cream and butter". This month was my pick, and I choose Sondra Bernsteins' labor of love...The Girl and the Fig. I was asked why this particular cookbook? The answer was simple... ever since a dear friend introduced me to Sondra's Sonoma restaurant of the same name, I was hooked. I had first tried her Pearl Couscous and French Olives at the Annual Sonoma Olive Festival, and as I do with all dishes that I love, I tried to figure out how to recreate it at home. On a whim I sent off an email asking if she would divulge her recipe(pre-cookbook). Never expecting to hear back, what a surprise it was the next day to find it in my inbox. What graciousness! I have since, over the years, spent many a special occasion in this gem of a wine country bistro, have never been disappointed, and have re-created at home some of my favorites from the pages of her cookbook with a gastronomic passion.
It is with that passion that we all sat down to:
Cauliflower & Gruyere Soup
Endive Salad with Pears and Blue Cheese and Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Grilled Salmon with Lavender Beurre Rouge
Apple-Yam Gratin (I'm eating the leftovers as I type this)
Vanilla Ice Cream with Wildflower Honey and Biscotti
We managed, once again to create an amazing afternoon feast with little consultation. It really is a wonderful way to try new dishes and compare notes. We left the table filled with butter, cream, and wine, promising in the spring to break bread at the actual the girl and the Fig restaurant .
I love field trips!
Next month we will be stirring our way through the pages of the Barefoot Contessa...do I see a trip to the Hamptons in store?

... the OWOH winner.

2010-02-15T08:32:00.001-08:00

First a huge thank you to all who stopped by and left such lovely comments. The response was overwhelming and I tried to visit all of you and journey through your blogs. It is truly amazing the talent and inspiration alive in "Blogland".
The winner of my Thank You note card set is...
Chris from Maple Ridge Vintage.
Congratulations, Chris!
Once I receive your address your cards will be on their way.

...be mine.

2010-02-14T08:59:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!
May you spend the day filled with love.

...raindrops on roses.

2010-02-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

Today is a rain day. A day to be at home, drink tea, be creative, stay in your PJ's and wistfully wish for spring. The sun peeks out every so often, but not enough to motivate me to get out into the rush of the weekend. I am trying to immerse myself in the concept of cleaning. The phrase "get organized" keeps popping up in some far off corner of my brain, but I continue to ignore it, and instead I'm traveling through past photos and waiting for the creative juices to flow.

I share with you these images of rain on petals, as a reminder of what glorious color is just around the corner as a result of a few simple rain days.

...Lexie's Birthday.

2010-02-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

Today is Miss Lexie's birthday! She is 6 years old and has been with me since she was 3. I'm sure she woke up this morning with no idea that this was her special day. For her it's just another day in the cycle of "feed me...love me... play with me... feed me some more... throw the ball... can I have another biscuit... love me... play with me, and feed me some more!! Her day will be filled, as usual, with all that she loves and enjoys, for our pets live in the moment (or so they say), which is probably something we should all try and practice in our own lives. For me, this day marks another wonderful year with her by my side. In the scheme of life, it is cruelly unfair that our pets live such short lives. Having lost my first dog, Tyler and the early age of 9, it reinforces to me how precious each day is with our furry friends. There is a poem on my bulletin board that says it all:

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.

You are his life, his love, his leader.

He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.

You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. - Anonymous

So whether or not today is your pets special day, take the time to give them an extra kiss, hug, pat, biscuit or that special place on the sofa. You will be rewarded for that love ten times over.

...One World, One Heart.

2010-01-31T10:58:00.000-08:00

Come on board and grab a ticket to the journey of wonderful bloggers around the world. This is an event I have wanted to be involved with last year and luckily hopped on board this time before it was too late. Yes, this is a give away, but more than that it is a chance to visit other lands through the words, pictures, and creativity of others. It is still incredible to me how small our world is and how connected we are with the touch of a button.
There is amazing power to be had in the connectivity of us all.
Now for what I have chosen to give away... 8 custom made Lulalina thank you cards, each with a matching lined envelope and embellished with a small gemstone, all held in a fabric lined portfolio case.
The rules are simple... leave a comment on this post, making sure I have a way to link back to you, or an e-mail address in case you win. The journey ends Feb. 15th and I will be announcing the winner on that day. You can click on the icon on my side bar or the first photo above for more information on how you can become part of a very special ride. As of this morning there are over 800 participants and a countless number of passengers on board. Come join the journey and become part of One World One Heart.

...lulalina on Etsy!

2010-01-24T18:19:00.000-08:00

I did it!! I designed, stamped, glittered, and jeweled my way into Etsy! It's been a long road to get this far, but after months (more that I can admit) of pushing, and nudging, and well sometime downright nagging, by my most wonderful and most supportive friend Ms. Coleen ...here I am. It's a small start but it comes with grand ideas and direction.
Just click on the photo above to stop by and take a look.
Speaking of the female dog whisperer (my tag for Ms. Coleen), stop by and visit her new web-site. It's another project I've been working on. My first out of the gate try at a real dot com site.
Next is Lulalina.com...in the mean time, I'm off to conquering the world
one card at a time.

...an afternoon with Julia and "The Book Club".

2010-01-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

I belong to "The No Guilt Book Club". We started 3 years ago. 2 attorneys, 1 attorney/teacher, a computer tech guru, the dog whisperer, and myself. The rules were simple...pick a book and meet once a month to discuss. No guilt if you couldn't finish...or start...or even buy the book...just meet to discuss. And discuss we did, over margaritas, nachos, Thai food, Moroccan, Italian, cheese and wine, just wine, and once a lovely balsamic tasting (luscious over strawberries and vanilla ice cream). We read fiction, non-fiction, historical fiction, and biographies. Sharing our views we often found ourselves wondering if we all had read the same book. Our conversations would drift to movies, current affairs, travel, and always end up on food and personal restaurant reviews. So, as we start 2010, what better books to digest than cookbooks, and what better place to start than at the very top with Madame Julie Child.
"Le c'est magnifique!!"
Armed with our assignment, we each prepared a dish from Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Not bothering to consult each other on our choices was both unintentional and risky. But what a wonderful surprise is was when we all sat down to:

Black bean soup
Butter lettuce with herb vinigrette
Quiche aux Asperges
Stuffed roasted red peppers
Coq au Vin
Puree de Pommes de Terre a l'ail (garlic mashed potatoes)
Haricots Verts a la Maitre d Hotel (Buttered green beans w/lemon and Parsley
and a sumptuous mixed fruit tart.

Something wonderful happens as you sit and linger over a good meal...stories unfold of favorite childhood dishes, mom in the kitchen (or not), who was the best chef, cafeteria classics, and how we first learned to cook. Three bottles of wine later the one subject we could all agree on was our mutual love of anything gastronomic.
So here is a toast to the 2010 No Guilt (pass the butter please) Cookbook Club!!
Bon Appetite!!

...Nightie Nights.

2010-01-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

I realize it's the New Year,time for all those healthy resolutions, and the last thing any of us need right now is another sweet holiday treat... but I just couldn't resist sharing my favorite new cookie...Nightie Nights. After all, how bad can a bit of egg white, chocolate and nuts be. There is plenty of time later for carrot sticks and the like! Thinking ahead these could be great Valentines gifts, a wonderful Easter treat, or just something simple with an afternoon cup of Earl Grey. They are also the absolute simplest cookie to make.

2 egg whites
2/3 c. white sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup good quality chocolate bits

Set oven to 350 degrees. With wire whip or beater, ship egg whites until foamy. Than adding sugar a little at a time, beat until stiff. Fold in vanilla, chocolate bits and nuts.
Line a large ungreased cookie sheet with aluminum foil. DO NOT GREASE. Place spoonfuls of cookie batter on foil fairly close together (they will not grow).
Place in oven on 2nd rack from top and than shut oven off. DO NOT PEAK
Leave in overnight. In morning remove from oven. Store in air tight container.

Enjoy, and oh... "Nightie Night"!!

...Happy New Year.

2010-01-01T01:32:00.000-08:00

"We will open the book. It's pages are blank.
We are going to put words on them ourselves.
The book is called Opportunity and it's first chapter is New Years Day."
- Edith Lovejoy Pierce

...snippets of December.

2009-12-31T17:22:00.001-08:00

December came and went much too quickly. So much to do and savor and create that I let my time tick away without sitting and sharing.
It is truly amazing how much can be stuffed into one month.
Here is a small look at all I've been up to during my favorite time of year.
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season spent with family, friends and those you love.

...Thanksgiving.

2009-11-26T08:59:00.001-08:00

Almost everything has been chopped, sliced, diced, stuffed, and baked,the turkey is in the oven and I have a moment to sit and wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. Of all the holidays, this one brings us together to celebrate the love of family and friends.
To you and to those who are gracing your table today...Happy Thanksgiving.

...November.

2009-11-06T22:39:00.000-08:00

"Fallen leaves laying on the grass in the November sun bring more happiness than

the daffodils."

- Cyril Connolly 1903-1974

...a Happy Halloween.

2009-10-31T09:12:00.000-07:00

"I've survived 2 Halloweens so far with Mom, and she promised she
would NEVER make me wear a costume...but my Uncle Greg is visiting and well...you can see for yourself what position I'm in.
I have never been so embarrassed!!" - Lexie

I know I will be apologizing for this with extra treats and biscuits for days to come.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween. - Pat

...thought for a Sunday morning.

2009-09-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

"Just living is not enough", said the Butterfly.
"One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."
- Hans Christian Anderson

...a "Pat's eye view".

2009-09-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

click image to enlarge
For the first weekend in a long while, I woke up with absolutely nothing on the agenda. How glorious! Wandered out to the back yard with coffee and camera in hand, sat in my favorite chair, breathed deep, and took in the morning. Today is promising to be a hot one, the tail end of our Indian Summer. I'm not one for any day above 78, and this one should be building to the 90's. So with that in mind I settled in to enjoy the cool beginnings of the day. Daydreaming about the pumpkins and falling leaves to come, I picked up my camera and took some last summer shots of the garden. I decided to shoot only what I could see from my chair. A "Pat's eye view".
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

...the first day of fall.

2009-09-22T19:00:00.001-07:00

Fall has to be without a doubt, hands down, my favorite time of year. As the summer hangs on to all that she can, calling in her cousin "Indian Summer" to linger a bit longer, I can still detect through her heat, the unmistakable scent of fall. Pristine blue skies, billowy white clouds, and crisp breezes will soon fill the air. Right around the corner will be all the colors of her season...orange, yellow, red, brown and the subtle shades in between. Pumpkins will grace front porches sharing space with the odd scarecrow, spider-web, and black cat. All in the efforts to treat or scare away the little goblins of Halloween. Chrysanthemums will pop up where bright summer annuals used to be and wreaths of autumn leaves will hang on front doors to greet the friends and family we are blessed to share our tables with on Thanksgiving.
It is truly a season as rich as the colors it wears.

...the Farmer's Market (part three)

2009-09-01T20:01:00.001-07:00

Flaky, buttery, crisp, chewy, savory and sweet. I'll take one of each! From the wonderful croissants to the incredible focaccia combinations, nothing beats the bread booth at the market. His combinations are amazing from the Blue Cheese Walnut bread to the Kalamata Olive Piccolo. I can never leave without something and try to choose something different each week. There is something so romantic leaving with a baguette sticking out of my straw bag, some sunflowers, fresh greens and a bottle of wine.
Kind of makes me feel like I've spent the morning in Tuscany,or Provence...
and I didn't even need a plane ticket.

...the Farmer's Market (part two).

2009-08-31T22:58:00.000-07:00

Fruit! Juicy, succulent, sweet, and full of sunshine. Always best in it's natural state, fresh picked and full of summer...however, as I walk past the baskets of peaches and pears, I can't help but think of pie...or a carmel pear tart... or maybe a blueberry crumble, hot from the oven, crisp on the edges from burnt sugar and butter! Can't forget fresh homemade strawberry shortcake, topped with warm sugared cream! Oh my!
What is your favorite?

...the Farmer's Market (part one).

2009-08-31T22:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning, coffee in one hand, camera in the other, I trotted off to the Farmer's Market...what a feast for the eyes!! I took so many pictures that I decided to post them as a series. First...vegetables. This is only a smattering of the bounty that was to be had. Boxes, and baskets overflowing with the ripeness of summer. One of the best things about the markets is that choices are seasonal. Summer brings the sweetness of heirloom tomatoes, colorful squashes ripe for the grill, and salad greens dressed with eatable flowers.
Grocery stores are intentional. Armed with preplanned lists we push our carts through the isles knowing a well thought out recipe awaits us at home. Meandering through a farmers market one is inspired, on the spot, by the choices available to us on just that morning...often times picked fresh a day or two before. Maybe a zucchini tart, or a panzanella salad! What ever is available that day can become that weeks special treat. And even if you don't buy anything, just soaking in all the color and wonder of what a few seeds and a bit of sunshine can produce is a wonderful way to spend the morning!

...the Queen of the Garden.

2009-07-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

Jasmine, honeysuckle, tuberose, frangipani. All beautiful,white,creamy flowers that fill the air with amazing perfume. All stars of the garden in their own right. None however can come close to the Queen of them all...the Gardenia. Her flower has graced the wrist of many a young girl at proms and homecomings,her petals probably still dried and pressed between the pages of some long forgotten book. She has watched countless weddings from the lapels of anxious grooms everywhere, and has gained worldwide fame as the flower gracing the hair of the inimitable Miss Billie Holiday. Some have tried, unsuccessfully, to recreate her fragrance and capture it in bottles for purchase. All this, yet she can still be content to grow in the humble yards of those who choose to take the time. Mind you she is difficult and fickle to grow, often times dropping her buds well before their time. She doesn't like too much sun, can't quite take the shade, takes a huge amount of patience, but rewards those who dare with her intoxicating fragrance and creamy white petals. She lets us bring her into our homes to float serenely in crystal bowls, imparting her scent within our own four walls.
Next time you pass her at your local nursery, consider taking her home.
I guarantee, with a bit of love and patience, you will be rewarded ten times over.

...evening rain and a double rainbow.

2009-07-11T20:37:00.001-07:00

Taken at 8:00 this evening, after a light summer rain.

...a 4th of July parade.

2009-07-05T11:05:00.001-07:00

Everyone loves parades! There's the Rose Bowl with it's wonderful floats made from flowers, the Macy's Day Thanksgiving parade with it's big brass bands and huge caricature balloons , and of course the Hollywood Christmas Parade (which is celebrating it's 75th birthday) All of these have pomp, circumstance and tradition, but none can beat the true American spirit of a grass roots 4th of July parade! The wonderment in the young children's eyes of the horses, fire engines, cars and marching bands! Things we all watched when we were little, and who's spirit I still try to hang on to today. I guess I'm just a sentimental sap at heart, but in our world of stress and pressure it is so wonderful to take a moment, slow down, and be a part of all that is
red, white, and blue.
Hope you all had as wonderful a day as I did.

... a bouquet from my garden.

2009-06-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

"People from a planet without flowers would think
we must be mad with joy the whole time
to have such things about us."
- Iris Murdoch, A Fairly Honourable Defeat

...a quiet breakdown.

2009-06-21T21:51:00.000-07:00

It was inevitable. Bound to happen sooner or later. All the signs were there. Late nights talking to friends, too much shopping, searching for information he just had to have, hardly ever taking a break, rarely sleeping. He'd gone for a whole year without a cough or a sniffle. Holding my memories for me, keeping my secret passwords. He had such a photographic mind, he could bring up visions for me long forgotten and would help me to open up that creative place no one else could reach. I hope it's not serious. "Just exploratory", they said when I signed his entrance papers. They would call me if they had to open him up to have a closer look. It was harder than I'd thought, leaving him. Just a week they thought. I week would seem like a year without him. I lingered for awhile, tempted to take him back home, denying that there was anything wrong. After all, he is my voice. Oh sure, his friend "Dell" is letting me speak through him, but it's just not the same...I miss my MAC.

...a glimpse through my window.

2009-06-16T19:09:00.001-07:00

In order to see birds, it is necessary to become part of the silence.
- Robert Lynd

I woke up on Saturday morning knowing I needed to make a Birthday card for a dear friend who loves all things "bird". I had been trying unsuccessfully for months to sit quietly in my back yard and capture some fluttering friends to add to my photo collection. With three finch feeders and a forest of trees and flowers, you would think this would be easy. Absolutely not!
What elusive little creatures!
Well, as luck would have it that Saturday morn, I woke to an unusual amount of chirpy chatter coming from outside my bedroom window. There on the bush outside, were dozens of tiny little birds, scurrying for their breakfast. They seemed to be enjoying an avian gourmet feast. I ran to get my camera, and of course when I got back, not a feather in sight. There I stood for what seemed like eternity, camera to window pane, waiting patiently for their return. As you can see, I was rewarded by one little fellow who landed on a piece of garden art and turned, almost posed, in my direction. Maybe he knew just how wonderful he would look on a card, and what pleasure he would bring to the Birthday Girl.
Thank you little bird, I am very grateful.

...my return from a break.

2009-06-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day in the garden. My birthday cake.

Birthday bouquet, peony's and tulips. Greg.
Lexie in the meadow. My nephew Daniel.

Wow! It's amazing how fast time fly's. It wasn't intentional, I didn't plan it, and most of all didn't realize how long it would be, but I took a break. So much has gone on in since my last post... I celebrated my 49th birthday (yes the last year of my 40's), had a Mother's Day lunch in my garden; At Mom's request, had a wonderful Indian dinner for her Birthday; Greg, my friend/brother/partner in crime has returned from his home in Panama and is now staying with me. I have worked on a couple of custom card projects for clients, and watched my youngest nephew graduate from High School (where did the years go?) I cleared my head (which needs a lot of clearing these days) on the trails and meadows with my dog Lexie. She tends to benefit from my de-stressing aids. Somehow a dog in full motion in an open field tends to relax the human mind. Thank you to those who e-mailed and asked about my whereabouts and if all was OK.
It's so warming to know that there are those out there who care.
I'm back, all is good, and will post often.

...the little things.

2009-04-21T21:12:00.001-07:00

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."
- Robert Brault

...hippity hoppity, Easter's on it's way.

2009-04-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

I must have been about 7 or 8 when I wrote this, so this letter is 40 plus years old.

Dear Mr. Easter Bunny,

How is the Easter egg coloring going. I read in a book that there was once a bunny who wanted to color and deliver some Easter eggs, But his only trouble was that he couldn't read the colors on the paint bottles. I you told him to color the eggs yellow with pink spots. he would color them red with purple spots. But he went to school and learned to read. I heard that he got to work for you. How is he doing?; Please tell me, what is your first name? Well I've got to be going now. So hope you and your wife and your children,(if you have any) have a very happy easter. Love, Patricia XXOO

P.S. i am leaving you an egg.

My favorite,and most insightful view into my adult personality, is the upper right hand corner:

Instead of leaving two eggs under my bed leave them on the chair by my bed. Thank you.

Guess I was kind of bossy even way back then!

Happy Easter everyone! Love,Pat

...natures cradle.

2009-04-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

I stepped out the back door this morning to let Lexie out, coffee cup in hand, still blurry eyed from sleep, my main goal..not to trip up the stepping stones. As I looked down, something caught my eye...the tiniest little cluster of something gold. It looked like the seeds from my wildflower packets had spilled into a morning web...but seeds don't have tiny little legs!! It took me a split second to go back in the house for my camera! See for yourselves.
Guess I have a few new tenants in my back yard garden!
(click on the photos to enlarge)

...in your Easter bonnet.

2009-04-08T20:11:00.000-07:00

VINTAGE 1960'S MCCALL'S PATTERNS

When I was growing up, Easter was always a special holiday around our house. Maybe it was because spring was in the air, or perhaps it was the deeper meaning of the day, but there was always a special anticipation of that particular Sunday. About a month or so before, my Mom and I would go to the fabric store and pick out the pattern for my Easter dress. There we would sit at the big round table with all the other homemaker moms. I could barely lift the over sized pattern books over to my side of the table but I somehow seemed to manage. I hoisted over Butterick's, McCall's, Simplicity, and the best of them all...Vogue. There we would sit for what seemed like forever, turning the pages, patiently looking for that one special dress. Once the decision was made I loved going to the big file drawers and searching for the pattern number, always fearing that someone before us would have gotten the last one if it's kind and we would have to settle for second choice. Next came the fabric, bolts and bolts of colors and patterns and textures to choose from. I'm sure that Mom (who I found out later in life, wanted to be a fashion designer) steered me to the appropriate choice, but she always managed to make it seem like all the decisions were made by me. I couldn't wait to get home and marvel at how the thin pieces of parchment colored paper would end up becoming my favorite dress of that year. Looking back,
I wonder if Mom knew what wonderful memories she was helping to create.

...all creatures great and small.

2009-04-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of it's plain.
- Henry David Thoreau

...Mary vs. Rhoda

2009-03-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

In the mid to late seventies, my high school years, I did a lot of babysitting. I loved kids, had a way with them, and figured it was an easy way to make money. Saturday nights were always booked in advance and came with a much higher rate of pay, probably because it dipped into what ever social life us girls were trying to strive for at the time and as we got older, good babysitters were hard to come by. I really didn't mind though, and it was largely due to the Saturday night TV line up. Once my little charges were in bed, I raided the fridge of their parents and settled in for an evening with Mary, Bob, and Carol. That's Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart, and Carol Burnett. What amazing female role models for a young girl of 16. Mary and Rhoda with their own apartments, independent lives, and great jobs. Emily Newhart, whose quick dry wit and intelligence enhanced the relationship with her husband Bob, and Carol Burnett, who showed us that there was humor in every little thing, it was all in how you looked at it.
I loved them all.
For us girls there was always the question of Mary vs. Rhoda. It went without question that all the guys voted for Mary, therefore most of the girls wanted to be Mary, but I was always a Rhoda fan (after all didn't she get Joe in the end). I could relate more to her sarcastic sense of humor, quirky fashions, and thought that being a window dresser was the most fabulous thing on the planet! I planned to move to New York and design the windows of all the great department stores.
But with Mary, there was always her "M". Is was the one thing of hers that I coveted, begged to have, and for some reason, never managed to get. Even at 16, I knew that initial hanging on the wall of her apartment meant more than just a decoration. It wasn't until recently that I realized, without intention, I had acquired several things in my own home with my initial "P".
I guess if you wait long enough, you really "might just make it after all."

... natures crayon box.

2009-03-21T22:01:00.001-07:00

The Earth Laughs in Flowers
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

...the first day of spring.

2009-03-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

It's official, today is the first day of spring! It might not look like it through the clouds and fog, but there it is, ready to bust out of winter and begin it's glorious season. What better way to begin the equinox, than the Flower and Garden Show. I've taken the day off of work, have my camera packed, my note pad ready, my comfy tennis shoes on, and am off to be inspired. Can't wait to share what I find.
Until than, Happy first day of Spring.

...the signs of spring.

2009-03-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

Remember those movies we saw in school, the ones in Botany class that were filmed in fast frame to show us how things grow. Well, right about now when I walk through my garden, I feel like I'm watching one of those movies. It's amazing how fast things grow this time of year. One day just the bud of a hydrangea, smaller than my pinkie nail, a few days later leaves an inch and a bit long. I few more months and the yard will be brimming with color and pageantry. What a show Mother Nature is, and it's free for all who want to watch...she doesn't even make us buy a ticket!

...a Sunday afternoon in "blogland".

2009-03-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

Another rainy Sunday, and I woke up with absolutely no direction to the day. Didn't get out of my PJ's until around 1:00, and didn't even make my bed! I wouldn't have even left the house if my best friend hadn't called and coaxed me out for my favorite, Peppermint Mocha. There we sat for a few hours solving the worlds crisis, coming up with different ideas for businesses that would get us out of what we currently do, swapping recipes, vowing to get healthy, exercise more (OK actually start exercising) and exchanging heartwarming stories about our dogs. I, of course will be the next Martha Stewart, and she the female Dog Whisperer. We would ride out the recession/depression doing what we love; young at heart, thin, and with enough money in the bank to keep us shopping!
Absolutely motivated I went back home and got on the computer. But rather than start a project of my own, I found myself traveling through the world of "Blogland" as I like to call it. One site would lead me to another, and another, and than another. I found myself immersed in a community filled with inspiration and creativity. It truly is amazing the collective amount of talent that fills this world of ours. Woman who have children, jobs, pets, single, married, or beginning to start over. All of them finding a niche that is uniquely theirs. For some it's a livelihood and others a hobby, but all of them going at it with a unified creative passion. I have listed some of my favorites here on my blog.
One afternoon when you find yourself with some time, do yourself a favor and visit some of these amazing women.
I guarantee you will walk away richer than when you sat down.
Have a really great week!

...raindrops on roses.

2009-02-23T19:07:00.001-08:00

Once of the best places to be after the rain is in a garden. Just to breath deep and smell the fresh bouquet of the earth is so grounding after the hectic responsibilities of day to day life. Being able to capture this through the eyes of a camera opens up an even a larger world. Through the lens you are challenged to notice things that would otherwise pass you by at a swift glance. Peer into the raindrop on the first photo and you can see the back door into my house. Natures microscope. If you let your imagination soar it could be the beginning of a great children' s fairy tale.
Perhaps sitting amongst nature is the way the richest tales are born.

...valentine cookies on a rainy day.

2009-02-09T20:07:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I love a rainy Sunday! It allows me the excuse to stay in my PJ's all day and do whatever comes to mind, with no agenda. One of my favorite things is to play in the kitchen. It's my own personal therapy and I never quite know what culinary creation I might cook up. Of course on rainy PJ day there is no running to the store, so I have to make due with what I have at hand. Yesterday, after a search on Martha Stewart dot com, I settled for these Valentine treasures. Believe it or not I had all the ingredients right down to the cookie cutters, which when you think about it, is a bit scary! They are a little bit time consuming but well worth it. It's like making little edible Valentine cards. They also taste great with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea (yes, of course I had to taste test them)
Here is the recipe right off Miss Martha's site.
Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup pecan halves, toasted
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, plus more for sprinkling
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/2 cup cherry jam, strained

Directions

Sift flour and baking powder into a bowl; set aside. Pulse pecans, confectioners' sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a food processor until finely ground (but not wet); transfer to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
Add butter and granulated sugar; mix on medium speed until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and egg. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture; mix until combined. Halve dough; shape into disks. Wrap in plastic; refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Working with 1 disk at a time, roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thick. Refrigerate 20 minutes. Cut out squares with a 2-inch fluted cutter. Cut out centers of half the squares with a 1/2-inch heart cutter; reroll scraps. Space 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake squares and hearts until pale golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to racks to cool.
Meanwhile, heat jam in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced and thickened, about 7 minutes; let cool.
Sprinkle cutout cookies with confectioners' sugar. Spread jam onto uncut squares; top with cutout ones. Store in an airtight container up to 2 days.

...camellias, roses, and a heartfelt thank you.

2009-02-08T22:46:00.000-08:00

Wow, it seems like forever since I've sat down and posted anything...three weeks really, but it seems much longer.It's great to be back in the land of blog!
Thought I would start Feb. out with a surprise in my garden. We've had such warm weather for the month of Jan. that my roses have been tricked into thinking it's spring. I went out to explore before the rain started this morning and came across the most beautiful blush of pink, and right next to that my camellia tree in full bloom. What a wonderful treat under today's grey and gloomy sky's.
I also want to thank everyone who took the time to find the perfect card, sent the most heartfelt e-mails, and just lent me their ear or shoulder in the last few weeks. It means the world to me to have such special people in my life.
I found a beautiful quote by one of my favorite people and used it in my father's memorial card. I try and remember this now in all aspects of my life even if it's just to stop and remember an unexpected rose on a rainy day.
"What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply, becomes a part of us" - Helen Keller 1880-1968

...Daddy's little girl.

2009-01-17T23:26:00.000-08:00

Alvin Milton Radoccia
September 30, 1927-January 11, 2009
I love you and will miss you each and every day.

...hyacinths.

2009-01-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

As much as I love Christmas and all the decorations, there comes a point where I long for the clean uncluttered feeling that January brings. There is something so renewing about taking everything down and boxing it away for the following year.
After the needles have been vacuumed, the glitter swept up, and the scent of pine has dwindled, I set about putting everything back into place. And one of the first thing I do is to go out and buy fresh flowers. Somehow, whether by intention or subliminal habit, I always seem to buy Hyacinths. There is something about passing by their subtle fragrance that reminds me spring is just around the corner! They smell fresh and new like January should be, bursting with colors far from the red and green spectrum that December left behind.
I found out recently that Hyacinths, throughout history, have sometimes been associated with rebirth! How perfect! By surprise, I guess I've been picking just the perfect flower for the New Year. After all, in spite of the New Years resolutions that have been carefully considered and tossed aside with the Christmas tree, January is really about new beginnings.
I say, treat yourself to bunch of hyacinths and begin the rebirth of your year with a renewed sense of all that is possible!
Happy New Year!

...New Years Eve.

2008-12-31T09:07:00.000-08:00

I think that New Years Eve is a holiday that changes with our ages. When I was in my teens and early 20's it was all about the cutest boy, the best outfit, which party to go to, and who were you going to strategically stand next to at midnight in hopes that he turned around
to you for that all important kiss!
In my late 20's and early 30's I found myself traveling with a friend and had set out to explore the world overseas. I am lucky enough to have gathered great memories of this all important evening. When in Australia, I finished a private catering job in just enough time to race to the Sydney Opera House steps while the clock was striking twelve. Caught up in the celebration, some cute Aussie boy (who I didn't know) whirled around, swept me in his arms and gave me a New Years kiss that I remember to this day. I have eaten twelve grapes as the clock struck midnight in Spain, (the grapes signify twelve happy months in the coming year),
and have been fortunate enough to pop open a bottle of champagne on the
sparkling Champs Elysees in Paris.
I remember one Dec. 31st when I was alone and took myself to the movies. At the stroke of 12, the theatre lights went up, the movie stopped, everyone turned and wished each other a "Happy New Year", than sat back down and the movie continued!
For some reason, the feeling of that night has always stayed with me.
Now, in my late forties, it has become an evening spent either celebrating with good friends, or at home in reflection of the coming year. Most of us stopped giving in to the pressure of making the dinner reservation at the newest and best place of the year, don't want to be out on the road with all the "crazy's" and sometimes even need that extra cup of coffee
to make it to midnight!!
What ever you find yourself doing tonight and where ever you may be doing it, celebrate with gusto, be safe, and close the last chapter of this year with an
unforgettable memory of your own.

... a Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T18:48:00.000-08:00

I think I have always loved Christmas Eve most of all.
The evening would begin with "Cocktails and Hor devours", non-alcoholic of course, for me and my brother. Growing up in the 60's we were the byproduct of every entertaining Kraft recipe that Mom could recreate. I loved the special spread made of Spam, complete with the pimento Christmas bow and mini rye bread to spread it on. I wouldn't even glance twice at that royal blue tin now, but when you were 6 or 7, sharing that with the grown-ups while drinking punch made of Seven-up and rainbow sherbet, frothing in a silver lined crystal punch bowl, believe me, you felt pretty special. I have that punch bowl today and it seems so much smaller than when I was 7, but it still holds precious memories.
What ever new memories or old traditions you and your family or friends are creating tonight and tomorrow, may they hold a special place in your heart.
I want to thank everyone that has stopped by since I started this endeavor a few months ago. Your kind comments and support has meant the world to me and inspired me to continue to do something creative each and every day.
I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
Warmly, Pat and Lexie.

...my Christmas Chandelier.

2008-12-12T19:04:00.000-08:00

There is a series of Christmas cards I found a few years back by a company in the UK called
Two Bad Mice I have had them tucked away as "too special to give away", and take them out each year with my Christmas things. Enclosed with some of the cards are touching little short stories by Alan Le Grock. I can't seem to find anything out about him, or the stories, but here is one of my favorites. Ever since I came across this I think of Missy and Mouse as I decorate my Christmas Chandelier.
Double click on the story below to be as enchanted as I was!

...images of Christmas

2008-12-08T22:03:00.000-08:00

I sit here covered in glitter, snow, tinsel, and Christmas cheer! It's always such a decorating frenzy to get everything up and sparkling for the holiday season, but the sooner I get it all up the more time there is to enjoy it. There is something so magical about opening the door at the end of the day and walking into such a wonderland.
Thought I would invite you in for a peak!

Happy Holidays!

...Chocolate Pecan Pie.

2008-12-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

Don't know what came over me, but last night after I got home from work, (yes I do have a real daytime grown-up job) and in between the Christmas decorating, photo taking, and blogging, I decided to bake a pie! This one happens to be one of my all time favorites. I have to say though, I felt a bit silly eleven o'clock at night whipping out my camera and snapping photos. I truly believe that photographing food is definitely an art and I have so much respect for the photographers of all my favorite foodie magazines! Trust me though, I guarantee this tastes much better than it looks.
Bon Appetit!

Ingredients:

For the pastry dough:

1 1/4 cups soft winter-wheat flour, such as
White Lily brand, or cake flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup cold solid vegetable shortening

4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut
into small cubes

3 to 6 Tbs. ice water

For the filling:

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup light corn syrup

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

3 eggs, lightly beaten

2 Tbs.Brandy (optional)

1 Tbs. grated orange zest

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

1/4 cup good quality chocolate chips

Directions:

To make the pastry, in a bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Add the shortening and cut in with a pastry blender, 2 knives or your fingers until the mixture resembles cornmeal. Add the butter and cut in until it forms tiny pea-size balls. Add the ice water a little at a time, stirring and tossing with the pastry blender or a fork until the mixture holds together. Gather the dough into a ball and flatten into a disk. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough into an 11-inch round about 1/8 inch thick. Fold the round into quarters and place in a

9 1/2-inch nonstick or traditional tart pan with a removable bottom. Unfold, then press gently into the bottom and sides of the pan. Trim the overhang even with the pan rim. Refrigerate until ready to fill.

Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 325°F.

To make the filling, in a bowl, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, bourbon, orange zest, vanilla, salt,chocolate chips, and chopped pecans. Pour into the chilled pastry shell and place the pan on a baking sheet.

Bake until the center is slightly soft to the touch, the edges are set and the crust is golden brown, 45 to 55 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 30 minutes, then remove the pan sides and slide the tart off the pan bottom onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with whipped cream. Serves 8.

...deck the halls.

2008-12-02T21:27:00.001-08:00

Here we go! The beginning of the decorating frenzy! I started taking the boxes up from the garage last night and what a treat it is as I open each one. Even thought it's been only a year since I gingerly packed everything up, I sometime truly forget all the Christmas treasures that I have. This is part of my Shiny Brite collection. It started with 6 ornaments from my childhood and after a few days on eBay, and I won't divulge how many Pay Pal transactions later, I now have...well...let's say enough to bring back a deluge of childhood memories. After all, no matter how old we become, Christmas really does bring out the child in us all.

...a Happy Thanksgiving.

2008-11-26T21:55:00.000-08:00

Here's wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. Hope you are fortunate enough to be spending time with the ones you love.
I am, and for that I am very thankful.

...a magical topiary garden.

2008-11-23T12:43:00.001-08:00

I have been fascinated with topiary's since I was a little girl. I think what got me started was the "It's a Small World" ride at Disneyland. Sitting in the little boat waiting to enter that world, I was transformed by the green plants coaxed to grow into all sorts of animal shapes. Giraffes, elephants balancing on their heads, dolphins, and even a moose. I just couldn't understand why we couldn't get our plants to grow like that at home. Apparently Mom just wasn't gardening correctly!
Here is a great collection from my trip to Longwood Gardens. Much more grown up shapes than the animals of Disney, but no less magical.

...Chrysanthemums at Longwood Gardens.

2008-11-22T19:15:00.000-08:00

Just outside Kennett Square sits Longwood Gardens, 1050 acres of incredible beauty. The Chrysanthemum Festival was in full bloom while I was there and all I can say is that I have a much greater appreciation of this fall favorite than ever before. It's amazing what nature can produce for artists to capture. For this I am very thankful.

...a simpler place.

2008-11-19T21:37:00.000-08:00

I'm back, and have dusted the pastoral cobwebs off my vacation brain. What a breathtaking place! So peaceful and filled with the simple beauty of the land. A far cry from the hectic pace of city life. I hope you can fine the essence of that beauty in these photos.
Enjoy, I know I did.
DOUBLE CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

...Kennett Square

2008-11-05T23:04:00.000-08:00

I am on my way to Kennett Square Pennsylvania for a week of "all that is the season". My friend who I am visiting says that the leaves peaked last Sunday so there should still be tons of color to satisfy my love affair with Fall. I'm sure I will come back with tons of photos to share, and stories from the state that helped to make history last night. I am, for once, at a loss as to how to express my feelings about the magnitude of last nights results and this mornings affirmation of hope for all that is possible. A friend of mine expressed it best in her posting today, "I Give You Sunflowers." Have a great week and I will share when I get back.

...VOTE.

2008-11-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

Even though I live in an area where you can vote early, I have chosen to stand in line and cast my vote tomorrow morning. I want to be there on the very day with record numbers of people who feel the way I do, excited to be involved in a history making day, regardless of the outcome. Just the very fact that this is expected to be perhaps the largest turnout in voter history makes me proud to be a part of it. I feel like a kid the night before Christmas! The collective energy is absolutely overwhelming! For the first time in a long while, apathy is out and involvement is in. Please, whatever your choice, and if you haven't already, get out tomorrow and let your voice be heard. VOTE.

...Happy Halloween.

2008-10-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here's Halloween circa 1936. That's my Dad,the short one in the front with the striped "skirt", who at 9 years old doesn't look too happy with his costume. His mom is second from the left, his Dad, the last one on the right.

1969, with my brother. It's hard to believe I was the same age as Dad his Halloween photo.

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

...the "UN" common cold.

2008-10-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

Adults shouldn't get colds, or acne for that matter, but that's another story.
Colds aren't pretty. They don't wear well on grownups. Our bright red noses aren't cute, no one is there with a tissue when we sneeze, or to make us homemade chicken soup. We usually still have to go to work where no one wants to be around us. We're looked at by our co- workers and friends as one big sneezing, coughing, Petri dish. Our desks and phones are victims of hourly Lysol attacks. Even if we do stay home, the trash still needs to be taken out, dishes done, animals fed...hardly any time to curl up under a blanket and watch the cartoon channel.
I've been sick for the past week. Landed on me like a tons of bricks. In the beginning, I always believe in the holistic approach. So out come the Chinese herbs, tinctures, herbal teas, and balms that help you to breath and build up that overworked, stress laden immune system. I go at it full force, every few hours faithfully taking the magic potions that will eventually make me well. That lasts for about a day and a half at best. And than there I am, standing in the cold/flu isle at the local drug store, where I've driven to in an outfit I would normally never step out of the house in. Of course, looking my loveliest I run into 2 people I know. (Ya kind of knew that had to happen) and after what seems like an eternity of choosing between 75 different options of remedies, all containing the same ingredients, each one promising better results than the next, I pick the one that I have to stand in line and show my drivers license for. Who knew those few extra milligrams of what ever it is that helps you breath can also be made into the newest street drug. Do they really think a 48 year old woman that can hardly breath is going to go home and concoct some dance club drug?! As I get ready to leave, armed with my antihistamine arsenal, I remember the most important last resort remedy. The one sure to fix me right up. "The nighttime, sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head, fever so you can rest medicine"...NYQUIL! Because by the third night those Chinese herbs have been pushed by the wayside and I want anything that's going to knock me right out. That night I crawl into bed, eyes swollen, nose bright red, hair not washed, and in a t-shirt from 1985. As I fill my NyQuil cup with the ruby elixir that will take me to dream land, a thought comes over me that only someone who lives on a major earthquake fault in California would appreciate... "Please God, don't let the big one happen tonight!"

...thoughts on creativity.

2008-10-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes being creative comes with very little effort, while at other times it means digging deep inside "that place" and coming up with nothing. Often times I feel that my creativity has to come out in the form of something new, something that no one has done before, a new pure idea that is born from "that place". Not true...being creative can also be an awareness of things that have come before, inspirations that spark a new interpretation, or sometimes, even in the form of imitation. I came across a great book filled with quotes from legendary women and this seemed to jump out at me when I needed it the most:

"You start by copying other people's paintings or music or whatever. You get all of those skills before you branch out. Really creative people have a fantastic ability to copy things and then combine them in new ways. And whether we're talking about genes or memes, recombination is the real heart of creativity."
-SUSAN BLACKMORE (1951-)
ENGLISH FREELANCE WRITER, LECTURER AND BROADCASTER

The photo above is from a mural painted as a ceiling trim in Nirvana Restaurant, San Miguel de Allende. I took this during appetizers at dinner with a friend. Always bring a camera, you never know what you'll find!

...MacArthur Place

2008-10-10T21:56:00.001-07:00

We are very lucky here in the Bay Area to be so close to so many wonderful things. One of them is the wine country, and for me, especially the town of Sonoma. It is such a glorious place filled with all things that please the senses. One of those pleasures is MacArthur Place, an Inn and Spa just outside the town square. Come take a walk with me through the grounds. Every corner you turn has whimsical pieces of garden art or just a visual vignette to quiet your mind. I couldn't hope to post all the wonderful photos I took but wanted to share with you some of my favorites.

...lulalina.com

2008-10-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for a few days and wanted to let you all know why. I have been all consumed with designing my web-site. Being the creative control freak that I am, coupled with the fact that I really can't afford to have someone do it for me, here I am...square eyed and brain fried, but with a huge smile on my face because I really AM doing it on my own. Now I can say "hyperlink" and mean it! I will let you all know when we can pop the champagne and celebrate. Oh, and by the way, my desk is never that neat...that's the designer control freak at work!

...my poliwoggs.

2008-10-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

Ever since I first saw these quirky little paper mache figures called Poliwoggs, I knew they had to be a part of my Halloween mantle. They gaze into my living room only one month out of the year and spend the rest of their lives wrapped in old tissue high up on a shelf in the Halloween box. But for the short time they have their freedom, they bring a smile to my face each time I pass them by.

...Dad's Birthday invitation.

2008-10-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my father celebrated his 81st year on this earth. I can't begin to imagine what that must feel like, and I marvel at the things he has accomplished in his life. I get my sense of humor from my Dad and even though he is in the last stages of Parkinson's, I know that humor still lives somewhere deep within him. Every once in awhile I can still see it behind his eyes.

I thought I would share this invitation I did for his 80th birthday last year. I used a photo from his honeymoon, Miami Beach 1952. I'm sure when my mother looks at him today, she still sees the man she fell in love with all those years ago. Happy Birthday Dad, I love you.

...Panzanella.

2008-09-27T22:25:00.000-07:00

The weather here is gorgeous and in the low 80's. I guess you would call it our Indian Summer. The air though, truly smells like fall. Sadly, this morning, I picked almost the last of my heirloom tomatoes. There are just a few still green on the vine, smaller than the rest and slowly taking their time to ripen. I think, like the rest of us, they are hanging on hoping for a bit more summer.

Panzanella

3/4 pound day-old crusty peasant-style whole-grain bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
4-5 large heirloom tomatoes (about 1 pound), cut into 1 inch cubes
3/4 cup sliced peeled cucumber
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
10 fresh basil leaves, shredded
8 0z. fresh mozzarella cut into cubes (optional)
In a serving bowl stir together the bread, the tomatoes, the cucumber, the onion, the oil, the vinegar, the basil, the mozzarella, and salt and pepper to taste until the salad is combined well.

...strawberries in September.

2008-09-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

What a treat to find these in my garden at the end of summer. No bigger than my thumbnail, they pack a huge punch and taste like a burst of strawberry candy. Mother Nature is proof that big things really do come in small packages.

..."some pig."

2008-09-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

Whenever I see a spider web, I think of Charlotte's Web. I read it over and over again, well into my teen years, until the pages were worn from turning. I remember Fern saving Wilbur from a runt's fate, of her brother Avery and his love of frogs, how Fern's father let her raise Wilbur for that one important summer, the Zukerman's, and of course, Templeton the rat.
A great villain in a young child's eye but who in the end, really did save the day.
But most of all
I remember Charlotte and her unfailing friendship with Wilbur.
How in his hours of need her simple words,"some pig", "terrific", "radiant", and "humble", saved his life.
It reminds me as an adult that it is often when we stop to notice the simple things in life that great things are accomplished.

...Sausage and Grapes.

2008-09-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

About this time of year, when grapes are in abundance and fall is starting, I will make "Sausage and Grapes". I have inherited this recipe from my most dearest friend Bob, who sadly passed away far too early in his young life. He was a wonderful man, full of humor, insight, and was blessed with the cooking talents of his Italian grandmother. All of his friends, who have made this dish on many occasion, will always send him, wherever he is, a wink, a nod, or a toast thanking him for passing this "family recipe" on to us. What I have held secret for many a year and never divulged, was that his grandmothers recipe came straight out of the pages of Sunset Magazine, Sept. 1989. I know Bob would forgive me and most probably has a chuckle each time he sees us carefully trying to recreate this most sacred dish. I pass this on to you all now in memory of Bob, and as a opening to the Fall Season.

Sausage with Grapes

8 mild Italian sausages (1 1/2 to 1 1/2 lb.total)

1 cup water

1 quart (about 1 1/2 lb.) green seedless (or red seedless) grapes, rinsed

1 small cluster green seedless grapes

Prick sausages with a fork and place in a 10- to 12-inch frying pan. Add water. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Drain water and fat from pan. Add the 1 quart grapes to pan; cover and simmer until grapes are soft, about 10 minutes. Uncover and cook over high heat, turning sausages and stirring grapes occasionally. As liquid reduces, lower heat to medium; stir often until sausages are well browned and grapes are soft and lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer sausages to platter and spoon grapes over them. Can be served with soft polenta. Garnish with cluster of grapes.

Makes 8 servings.

Per serving: 239 cal.; 12 g protein; 15 g fat,- 16 g carbo.; 510 mg sodium; 43 mg chol.

...the last blooms of summer.

2008-09-16T21:54:00.001-07:00

I can smell Fall in the air and even though it is my all time, hands down, favorite time of the year, I will miss the flowers in my garden. They still have a few weeks left to show off their magic, but I can tell that some of them are hanging on just to please me. Maybe they knew I had started this blog and wanted to somehow be a part of what is "me". Here are a few of my special favorites.

...what's in a name.

2008-09-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here's how the name Lulalina was born. A little over a year ago I became the third and last "person" to my dog Lexie. My Yellow Lab of nine years,Tyler, had past from a tumor in his heart, broke my heart, and I knew I needed a new heart to love. After many trips to the shelter, nights on rescue sights, and countless stacks of adoption papers later,

my dear friend Coleen (trainer,walker, and female "Dog Whisperer") came across "Lucy" on Craig's list. Long and the short of it, one look and I knew she was mine. But what about her name? Her first person called her Sandy, which conjured up a head of red curls and "The sun will come up tomorrow..." Her second people named her Lucy, which was my sister-in-laws name. Now I love my sister-in-law dearly but couldn't see calling her name out on a trail, or telling her to "SIT and LAY DOWN" at Thanksgiving dinner. And so the search began for the perfect name, one that would suit her personality, make her stop dead in her tracks on a trail, and look cute and sassy on her daisy dog tag! Voila! "Lexie" was born. Now for anyone who has a dog (or cat) you know that once you find the perfect name you very rarely use it. So very quickly the nick names began. Lexie Lu, Lulabella, Bellalina, Lulabellalina, Lu, Lulabel, and when Coleen needs her to turn on a dime and pay attention on the trail..ULLAS BELLAS, Latin for "get your canine butt over here and listen to me!"
When I was thinking up names for my business my first choice was Bellalina, which I quickly found out was already taken by a Greek Escort service! Not quite the image I had in mind for Christmas cards and Birthday invitations. Once again...Coleen to the rescue. Move a few letters around and... LULALINA.
In case anyone's wondering, she's four years old, part Yellow Lab, part Viszla, and 100% love!

... the very beginning.

2008-09-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

After years of making my own cards and invitations, I've decided to start a new venture. So let's all pour some imaginary champagne and have a toast to the very beginning! Huge "computer- blog-website-learning curve", but tons of creative ambition. I'm thrilled with my self that I even got this far. Here's a sneak preview of the name and I think, logo. Still toying around with all of that, but figure I need to put it out there first, and the rest will come. Curious about the name?...more about that later.