A Trio of Perfectly Delightful Moments

I am so happy to share with you a trio of delightful moments for Perfect Moment Monday including-

The arrival of my gorgeous new sweater, "Hey Teach" from dear Mrs.Spit, who also taught me that sweaters have names, yes, Names. Hmmm.

Skiing with the family during Spring Break.

And last, but certainly not least at the Case Manager Certification website-

Congratulations, you passed.

Thank you so much for allowing me to kvell in all these mitzvahs and for Lori of Weebles Wobblog for hosting Perfect Moment Monday.

Hosting our 1st High School Party

We have been recovering this week from our oldest son's 15th Birthday party celebrated with about two dozen of his friends. It was a Huge Success with lots of smiles and laughs to go around, filled with Teen Perfect Moments including karaoke-
Lots of yummy food-
More yummy food-
And of course finished off with cake and ice cream including these giant chocolate chip cookie cakes.

To make a Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie-

Prepare enough cookie dough for 3 dozen cookies.

Place the ball of dough on an 11 inch aluminum pizza pan and flatten out until the dough is one inch from the edges and even in thickness.

Bake giant cookie according to package directions for 2 inch sized cookies, 350 degrees F for approximately 11 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

Thank you for sharing in the deliciousness of these moments and Thank you to Lori of Perfect Moment Monday and The Motivation Station for Show and Tell Saturday.

Paperboard Perfect Moment Monday

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday, hosted by the gracious Lori of Weebles Wobblog, and thank you for your visit.

I have many perfect moments to share from my survival, I mean, ENJOYMENT of the holidays, but one that really lightened my heart was watching our 11 y/o and 14 y/o sons, with No Less Than Three Game systems including a BRAND New P.S.P 3 in the House, take the discarded cardboard boxes and wrapping paper tubes and play with them for hours nonstop with their friends. They constructed shields and weapons of course, (cause they are boys and that is what they do), and used up every roll of packing, mask, and duct tape we had, but it is a true joy and one of the many highlights of my holidays to see the fun of friendship and imagination, and kids being kids.

Psycho's Funhouse

No, this isn't a self portrait or a picture of the front of my house, but some days it certainly "Could Be". (Though I usually don't wear hats like Psycho the Clown here.)

Psycho's Fun house was part of The Halloween Haunt at one of my most favorite local hiking spots, Hart Park in Santa Clarita. Hiking for me is my workout session and my meditation.

Thank you for joining me for Mellow Yellow Perfect Moment Monday. My best to you and yours that Pyscho the Clown doesn't come and redecorate or move into your place.

Perfect Moment Monday - Virtual Connections

Welcome to Perfect Moment Mondays where we gather to warm our collective tootsies on the fires of appreciation and mindfulness. I would like to share two moments that occurred in my "virtual world" that sincerely touched my heart.

The first moment occurred when I decided to go to website of the author and consultant, Gavin de Becker after I recommended his books, The Gift of Fear and Protecting the Gift for literally the hundredth time. I read his books after I saw Mr.de Becker on TV almost a decade ago where he talked about trusting your instincts when it comes to your safety and the safety of your family. He consults with celebrities, the wealthy, and the FBI on risk assessment, security, and profiling. His subject matter is highly sensitive and heart wrenching including the topics of abuse, domestic and workplace violence, abduction, etc. His books are well written, clear, concise, with many anecdotes and real life examples as Mr.de Becker is a long term student, survivor, and orphan of domestic violence from his childhood. These books are not escapist reading, but incredibly educational and empowering in the truest sense of the word.

The website had a guest book to sign in and comment and here is what I wrote-

I want to sincerely thank Mr.de Becker for writing the books, The Gift of Fear and Protecting the Gift. I am a pediatric nurse and mother of teen boys and I find myself recommending these two books multiple times per year both personally and professionally. It must have been extraordinarily painful to write these books as it was very painful, yet necessary, to read. Mr.de Becker has empowered and educated me to not only teach my own children, but also those I come in contact with to trust their own instincts. My best to you all for continued success.

Imagine my surprise when later that day, I received this reply -

You’re kind to let me know the books have value to you.

I’m grateful you took the time, and very glad you find benefit in those books.

Best in your important work –

Gavin de Becker


That was really cool for me to get a response from Mr.de Becker. He's been on Oprah and worked with the Clintons and The Sheik of Dubai and he thanked me for My Important Work!!

The next virtual connection occurred from our Perfectly Marvelous Host of Perfect Moment Mondays, Lori of Weebles Wobblog, when she gave me a Shout Out on her blog for the New meme, Shout Out Sunday hosted by Melissa of Full Circle. The details of Shout Out Sunday are to:

Choose a blog that has moved you. A daily must read. One you stalk. One that makes you laugh, cry or scream at the monitor. A new one you would like to give exposure to. Someone you would like to introduce to your readers and send a warm fuzzy while you're at it.

Thank you, dear Lori for this warm, fuzzy perfect moment. I so appreciate it and You.

For my Shout Out, I would like to introduce my long term blog buddy, Mom to Twins plus One whose honesty, caring, and sharing about herself and her family also touch my heart and spirit.

Thank you for your visit, I appreciate it. May many perfect moments be yours whether virtual or up close and personal.

Hometown Girls Weekend - Recipe for Perfect Moments

Take three girlfriends visiting from my hometown.

Add two nights away, first to Santa Barbara, and then to Santa Monica.

Sprinkle liberal doses of laughter, good conversation, delicious food and wine, more doses of good wine, spectacular scenery and weather, and leisurely shopping.

Let chill for approxmately fifty hours resulting in one happy, contented, appreciative woman.

For more perfect moments recipes, please visit the chief cook and bottlewasher of this enterprise, Lori of Weebles Wobblog. Thank you very much.

Perfect Moment Mondays Out and About

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday hosted by Lori of Weebles Wobblog. Perfect Moment Mondays is a place to celebrate the art of appreciation and I was blessed with several perfect moments while just going about my day.

-Seeing a falling star with my 14 y/o son while driving home and then having him explain that a falling star is actually a meteor burning up in our atmosphere. (I was reminded of the verse, They'll learn much more.....than I'll never know, from the song, What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.)

-During the boys' annual physicals, I had my 11 y/o son show our Pediatrician his "Tickets to the Gun Show", (which means flexing and posing your biceps), and all of us sharing a laugh in the examination room, especially the doctor doubled over from laughter. (Gee, Doc, you gotta get out more...)

-Sharing a lovely birthday dinner with my 80ish parents who are still active, independent, and support and love me and my family in so many ways.

-Having my hairdresser tell me that my hair is So Much Lighter since my last haircut and it's not because it's bleached from the Sun, but because of GREY. And after a few minutes, it didn't bother me. (I would be lying if I said it didn't bother me at all, but then, meh, it's free highlighting and when it bothers moi, I'll do something about it!!)

Thank you so much for sharing in my Perfect Moments, and I wish for you Many Perfect Moments to share and savor.

Multiple Perfect Moments

A surfeit* of perfect moments this week-

- Seeing the Firetrucks from cities and counties all across California packing up and leaving now that the wildfires are contained.

- Watching our sons practice magic tricks and make their own trick props, and then recount stories of amazing their friends.

- Having the boys clean the kitchen after dinner without being told. (I know, I am still picking up my jaw off the floor for this one.)

- Appreciating my husband's hard work and expertise to do the best job he can, whether it's being my partner, a warm and loving Dad, or a youth Soccer Referee and mentor.

- Looking forward to this coming weekend to meeting my blog buddy, Jason, who lives in the same city, going on a Girls Weekend next month with a few college buddies from Ohio, and then to Viva Las Vegas with the Spits in December. Anticipation... Happy Dance, tap, tap, tap!!

Thank you so much and I hope you are doing a happy dance too. A sincere thank you to Lori of Weebles Wobblog for hosting Perfect Moment Monday.

*Surfeit is such a great word, right up there with lacksidaisical.

Music Of The Movies at The Hollywood Bowl

I had the most wondrous of evenings this past Saturday night when our family went to a performance of Music Of The Movies at The Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by John Williams. Everything was delightful- the venue, the company, (we went with our son's piano teacher and her family who are also friends and neighbors), the food, (picnicking is encouraged and we brought a beautiful crab salad with avocado and tomatoes, teriyaki chicken burritos, turtle brownies with caramel and pecans, and a bottle of wine to share because with us it is all about the food too!), perfect weather, (cool enough for a sweater and a cuddle), and of course, first and foremost, the Music.



The Hollywood Bowl is a unique venue, it is outdoors and built into a natural amphitheater created by the Hollywood Hills. In addition to encouraging picnicking where you can bring your own food and drinks, they also allow cameras and for this particular concert, LIGHT SABERS!!!! Mr.Williams is the composer of the music from Star Wars and many of the audience bring their light sabers for when he plays music from Star Wars.


(Light sabers powered up during The Imperial March from Star Wars).

To share and listen to musicians of this caliber tampers with your sense of reality. While listening to the movie themes, there was frequently a video montage of the movie and I had to keep reminding myself, "This is Live Music, not the soundtrack".

For the first half of the performance, the orchestra played music from The Harry Potter movies including the main title theme song and also the music that signifies a particular place or character in the movie such as Diagon Alley or The Night Bus. Actor Lynn Redgrave provided the introductions to the music in the first half including how the music becomes an essential part of the character and action. The First Violinst played her violin in the style of a witch fiddling as part of the Diagon Alley theme. I could practically see the sparks coming off her bow and the cobblestone streets with Harry and Hagrid shopping for wands and brooms while she played.

(Red, White, and Blue lighting during the Superman Theme.)

For the second half of the concert, the Orchestra played "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca, jazz from "Catch Me If You Can", the "Superman" and "Batman" themes, and then concluding with Not One, Not Two, Not Three, Not Four, But FIVE, Yes, Five Encores with Star Wars Theme Music. That was when the light sabers powered up and the audience raised their glowing weapons in salute to the Orchestra and conductor. Live music touches me, us, in a way nothing else does and I feel privileged to share in this evening with my family and friends and now you. We can't wait to go again next year.


May The Force be With You.

Thank you for sharing in Perfect Moment Monday, Mellow Yellow Monday, Ruby Tuesday, Midweek Blues, and The Color Carnival. (I'm multitasking this week. Can you say blogger slacker? Yes, I thought so, ;oD)

Angels Watching Over Me - Perfect Moment Monday

Dinner Party with friends. $125

Fire Extinguisher next to the grill. $12

Knowing how to use it and not getting burned or having your house burn down. Priceless.

Addition to my Doll Family for Perfect Moment/Mellow Yellow Monday

Please allow me to introduce you to the newest member of my doll family, Ashley. She is an early birthday present from my thoughtful family and she came from a wonderful yarn and fiber arts store, Websters in Ashland, Oregon. Ashley was made by an 18 year fiber artist using the technique of "felting". Her unexpected arrival and the joy of a new doll still thrills this soon to be 48 year old little girl at heart.

A sincere Thank you to my hosts, Lori for Perfect Moment Monday and Drowsy Monkey for Mellow Yellow Monday and to you for your visit.

Happy 59th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Canary in a Stripmall

Welcome to a Mellow Yellow Perfect Moment Monday brought to me by a Canary in a Stripmall. Several weeks ago my youngest son and I were waiting outside a restaurant for my husband and older son to arrive to meet us for dinner. Shortly after we sat down a little canary landed on my son's shoulder for a few moments. It then flew a few feet away and look distressed with its beak open and ruffled feathers. It was quite tame and did not appear to be able to fly far. I caught it easily and we went to a nearby petstore to see if it was an "escapee" from their bird department. No such luck but they did tell me the name of a veterinarian who fosters birds. However it was evening time and the veterinarian's office was closed for the day. I did remember that a fellow soccer mom from my son's team worked at an emergency veterinary office. I called her up and asked her if she could care for the bird overnight until the foster vet opened the next morning. (I am not a bird person and I have a cat that would find this little birdie a tasty snack.) She agreed and we brought the bird over in a paperbag. (Which we got from the ice cream store next to the restaurant.) We were unsure how the bird would fare. The next morning I picked up the bird and s/he looked great, like a normal little canary. Here is the bird in my cat's carrier awaiting transport to the foster vet.




Thank you for sharing in a Mellow Yellow Perfect Moment Monday. I hope my little bird friend found a good home.

Perfect Moment Monday - Flashes of Insight

Welcome to Perfect Moment Mondays hosted by Lori of Weebles Wobblog.

I work with medically fragile adults as a RN Case manager. It's humbling to talk with these folks, so much for them is a struggle. They are old before their time with the wear and tear of a 75 y/o in their 30 or 40 y/o body. The medical and pyschosocial issues can be quite daunting for some of my patients including no money for necessities, doctors with zero compassion, and dual diagnoses, (fancy MedSpeak for a person with both medical and pyschological diagnoses like bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, you know, fun stuff.)

I was talking with a patient who is trying to find a provider to treat her for a severe dental condition for which she has no insurance coverage or money. She started to explain to me that she had always had regular cleanings and check ups. I said to her, "I'm here to help you, not judge you."

I meant it.

A couple weeks ago, my older son and I went out for dinner at our favorite local coffee shop, Lily's Cafe. (Which is wonderful btw if you are ever in the Newhall, California area.) As we were finishing up our meal and I prepared to pay the bill, it struck me, how much freedom I have. The ability to go out safely in public, have my own money, be able to drive my own car, and have the ability to express myself whether it's with my choice of clothing, spouse, number of children, internet use, or my vote, are gifts too precious for words. Not one I take lightly but one I frequently take for granted.

Which is kind of the point isn't it?

Has the Universe opened up your heart, mind, or spirit lately?

Perfect Moment Monday - Weekend in Pictures

Happy Perfect Moment Monday, an AntiRant to reflect on the "Good Stuff". I had many Perfect Moments this weekend including-

Fun at our sons' baseball team party.

Finding treasures and enjoying the scene at our local Arts and Crafts Fair.

Completing the bulk of the work for our new flower/rock garden thanks to my hubby and oldest son.

And how was your Weekend? Any Perfect Moments to share?? Thank you so much.

Perfect Moment Monday - Feline Edition

Welcome to Perfect Moment Mondays, an exercise in appreciation and mindfullness of what my dear older brother, Bob calls, "Bright Moments".

Here is a picture of my sweet and sassy cat, Abigail, a Tuxedo Manx. She is enjoying her sunbath and just oozes contentment with her beautiful yellow eyes and big, warm belly.





I adopted Abigail from Cats At The Studios, a feline rescue organization in Los Angeles. Abigail leads a very quiet, retiring life, spending approximately 20 hours a day asleep in the dark recesses of our closet. She chirps and loves to be scratched. She is a source of much love for all her family including our dog, Charley. I love all animals, but am first and foremost, a Cat Lover. I have had cats all my life and their very existence and companionship have gotten me through some very dark times. To own a cat and be owned by a cat is a pleasure and a privilege. Thanks, Abby Dabby, we love you always and you are part of what makes our house a home.

Our most gracious host of Perfect Moment Mondays, Lori of Weebles Wobblog is nominated for A Most Inspiring Blogger Award from Blogluxe.

Vote for Weebles Wobblog

daily through July 6.

Do it and the cute cat
won't get it.

(Just kidding, I would never do anything to hurt one hair on my little wee beastie. However, Lori and I would really appreciate it if you click over to vote.) Thank you so very much!

Perfect Moment Monday - Hardcore Foodies

Greetings and Welcome to Perfect Moment Mondays where mindful bloggers go to get their Groove On!

Our family enjoyed a visit this weekend with our niece and her husband from New Orleans. It was so great to spend time with them and Saturday night the four of us went out for a special dinner at John Sedlar's Rivera Restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. It was incredible - the food, the flavors, the presentation, the friendly and attentive service, the decor, the "vibe", everything was just delightful. Words seem insufficient to describe how wonderful the meal and the company was. Below are a few pictures of some of our plates (aka "food por.n")-


This is the bacalao negro fresco appetizer with SEARED BLACK COD, SERRANO HAM CRISP. The fish was like Buttah.


This tamale with Hedgehog mushrooms was so delicious I had to refrain myself from licking the plate.

Here is my entree, a carne churrasco which is PRIME “EYE” OF RIB-EYE, CABRALES, ONION FOAM, served with a cabernet reduction.


Of course, the most important part of any meal is the dessert, I completely enjoyed my torta xocolata, CHOCOLATE TORTE with DRUNKEN PINEAPPLE.

It was a wonderful evening with those I love, in a beautiful setting, and very delicious food. Truly Perfect Moments and I thank you for sharing in my reflection of this special meal.

Perfect Moment Monday - Cleaning out my closet

My Perfect Moment Monday is courtesy of my now clean closet. I can see the floor in my closet and it makes me very happy. I got rid of two bags of clothes and found nice clothes I had forgotten I owned resulting in more happy feelings.

To see what makes other folks happy this Monday, please say hello to Lori and the Perfect Moment Minions at Weebles Wobblog. I realize how thrilling a post this is and thank you for your indulgence.

Perfect Moments Monday - Mother's Day

My Mother's Day celebration was wonderful and filled with Perfect Moments:

- Relaxing with my husband who always works so hard to please me on Mother's Day and all days.

- Enjoying a most favorite salmon dinner cooked by this hard working husband.

- Taking a leisurely bike ride with the family and enjoying all the birds and beauty of nature.

- Being the lucky recipient of some lovely cards, not One, Not Two, but Three boxes of See's Chocolates, and a Beautiful azalea plant with a braided trunk for Mother's Day!!

- Appreciating my family, my husband, our two sons.

Please visit Weebles Wobblog for more Perfect Moments and Thank you!

Perfect Moment Mondays - Duckling Rescue

Thank you for joining me for another Perfect Moment Monday hosted by Lori of Weebles Webblog. Perfect Moment Mondays are an opportunity to practice the Art of Appreciation which helps me keep things in perspective. (Like Not blowing my stack when my regularly quite ripe 14 y/o son doesn't bring home his dirty gym uniform for the Second Week in a Row!! I fully expect the gym shorts and tshirt to walk home and throw themselves at my feet to be washed. Sorry, I digress. See how much I need this Perfect Moment stuff to keep my balance?)

This week's Perfect Moment happened yesterday when I called my husband on his cell phone while he was out running errands. He told me he was parked right around the corner from our house and was trying to help two woman who had stopped in response to a Mother Duck distressed that two of her ducklings had fallen into the storm drain. The Mother Duck was quacking and agitated and had to be herded a half a block away with her other ducklings while my husband and another neighbor tried to rescue the ducklings. My neighbor went and got a long handled pool skimmer and both men laid down in front of the storm drain. The two ducklings were going back and forth, side to side, trying to jump from the concrete ledge inside the drain to escape with no success. My neighbor finally was able to get under each duckling with the skimmer net and bring it to the opening where my husband reached in and scooped them up with both hands. We brought the ducklings over to the mother and other ducklings where they ran to the Momma Duck who quacked and greeted her little lost ones with a joyful, "I Found YOU!!"* My husband said the ducklings were so soft and weighed as much as a cotton ball. He was beaming and it is wonderful to share and be a witness to a perfect moment for him and also for the Momma Duck.

*Guilty as Charged of the Crime of Anthropomorphism.

Perfect Moment Mondays - Dog Owner Edition

Welcome to Perfect Moment Mondays hosted by Lori of Weebles Webblog where bloggers warm their hands and feet on the comforting fires of mindfullness and appreciation.

Todays' Perfect Moment is brought to us care of our 15 month old puppy, Charley.


This is Charley. (He says, "Don't blame me for the messy room, I just nap here.")




These are the hills and mountains near our house where we go on hikes with the dog.


There are lots of rattlesnakes in the hills and they are an important part of the ecosystem, keeping vermin populations controlled.(Vermin is such a fun word, don't you think? Sounds way cooler than rodents. Sorry, I digress. Also, I did not take this picture, it is a file photo from the Park Service.)

Last summer, we took Charley to a Snake Avoidance clinic which trains the dog to show Zero interest in the sight, sound, or smell of snakes with the use of a trainer and electric shock collar.

Three weeks ago, we went hiking with the dog and saw a 3 foot long black Rattlesnake right next to the trail. My husband was fascinated of course and examined it from a safe distance. He counted 7 rings on the rattle. The dog is usually always interested in what his humans are doing and especially when it involves small creatures, but Not This Time! Charley sat right at my feet and studiously Ignored the Whole Thing!! He did just what he was trained to do when encountering a snake. I am so proud of him! Good Dog!! (Now if only I can fit him with a shock collar to keep him out of the trash.)