Thank you all so much for your supportive comments about my son's bike getting stolen. You all "get it" and I thank you for that. I was thinking about my attachment to possessions and sometimes things like this happen to remind me, "It's just stuff." To accept the transient nature of "things" or the illusion of ownership is an ongoing process for me. I also realize that this was in some backhanded backward way, a pretty inexpensive lesson that I live in the real world, a real city, (granted, it is considered a suburb of Los Angeles, but we have approximately a quarter of a million people in the Santa Clarita Valley. (A big city no one has ever heard of.))
So, now we make sure our doors and gates are locked and I learn the Buddhist lesson of nonattachment anew. "And so it goes." *
One attachment that I do celebrate today is my 15th Wedding anniversary! Note to hubby (who studiously will not read my blog or any blog for that matter.)
- Thank you for loving me, putting up with me, standing by me and our family, taking care of us, and still making me laugh, and my ears wiggle after 15 years. Here's to the next 15, Honey!
Thank you for the gift of your time and allowing me to get all philosophical in your face today.
* Billy Pilgrim, "Slaughterhouse Five" by Kurt Vonnegut.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
More than a bike was stolen
Our son's bike got stolen from our side yard over the weekend.
It sucks, I'm pissed.
I hate how it makes me feel about my home and community.
It makes me sad that my son has to experience this.
I hate that there are opportunistic scumbags who would do this.
Not only took the bike, but the helmut and bike lock too.
I laid in bed last night wondering how the bike was doing and if it missed its' boy.
We can get another bike for him, but something else was lost that we can't replace so easily. That feeling of security, of respect.
That's what really stings.
It sucks, I'm pissed.
I hate how it makes me feel about my home and community.
It makes me sad that my son has to experience this.
I hate that there are opportunistic scumbags who would do this.
Not only took the bike, but the helmut and bike lock too.
I laid in bed last night wondering how the bike was doing and if it missed its' boy.
We can get another bike for him, but something else was lost that we can't replace so easily. That feeling of security, of respect.
That's what really stings.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Lessons learned
Lessons retaught and hopefully, learned this week include-
Go to your girlfriends or gay friends for sympathy and a bi+ch session. Guys want to fix or solve everything.
If a problem can be fixed with money (reasonable amount, not Trump sized), it's not really a problem. (Thanks, Dad.)
The hardest lesson as a parent is letting your child fail in order to succeed. It's heartbreaking and maddening beyond belief. Especially for bright, wonderful kids who often can't get out of their own way. I have to let our sons make their own mistakes, make their own way.
Even though I rarely drink, the thought of a shot of really, really good Tequila with salt and a lime sounds enticing. A piece of chocolate will have to do.
Do you have any wisdom or lessons to share? Thank you.
Go to your girlfriends or gay friends for sympathy and a bi+ch session. Guys want to fix or solve everything.
If a problem can be fixed with money (reasonable amount, not Trump sized), it's not really a problem. (Thanks, Dad.)
The hardest lesson as a parent is letting your child fail in order to succeed. It's heartbreaking and maddening beyond belief. Especially for bright, wonderful kids who often can't get out of their own way. I have to let our sons make their own mistakes, make their own way.
Even though I rarely drink, the thought of a shot of really, really good Tequila with salt and a lime sounds enticing. A piece of chocolate will have to do.
Do you have any wisdom or lessons to share? Thank you.
Monday, April 27, 2009
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.)
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.)
Friday, April 24, 2009
Friday Flowers
Spring is in full swing here in Northern Los Angeles. Here are some pictures from my garden and neighborhood.
The white lilies bloom throughout the spring and again in late summer.
My wildflower seedlings are making their presence known in the company of the bronze flax.
Pink flowers are blooming in abundance. Here are some of my geraniums. Geraniums are perennials in our hot, dry climate.
These shrubs are known as "Pink Ladies" and are noisy with large amount of bees buzzing in their blossoms.
This is my neighbor's fuschia iceplant, a great natural fire retardent.
"If you want to clear your head, get your hands dirty."
The white lilies bloom throughout the spring and again in late summer.
My wildflower seedlings are making their presence known in the company of the bronze flax.
Pink flowers are blooming in abundance. Here are some of my geraniums. Geraniums are perennials in our hot, dry climate.
These shrubs are known as "Pink Ladies" and are noisy with large amount of bees buzzing in their blossoms.
This is my neighbor's fuschia iceplant, a great natural fire retardent.
"If you want to clear your head, get your hands dirty."
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sweets Makes the World Go Around
The Grand Prize Winner of the See's Chocolate and Organic Body Lotion 200th Post Giveaway is
Dawn S!
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
34
Timestamp: 2009-04-21 14:50:24 UTC
Many thanks for playing along and I will do this again soon because it's Fun to play the Fairy Godmother. Plus, See's Chocolate is really popular and well loved!
I had never heard of See's Chocolates until I moved to California sixteen years ago despite being a Hardcare Chocoholic. I have also traveled quite a bit and had the pleasure of discovering yummy treats all over. So today I wanted to share some of my favorites. (Yes, a post devoted to sweets. I am a junkie. Too far gone for any redemption.)
In California, two of my favorite chocolates are from See's Candies and Ghiradelli Chocolates. Fresh, flavorful, fullbodied. (Hmm, sounds like a wine review.) See's Caramels and Buttercream ANYTHING and Ghiradelli's bite sized dark chocolate with mint filling are delicious favorites.
A new inductee into my Chocolate Hall of fame is The Sweet Shop at The Ahwahnee Hotel. The pastry chef makes incredible plum sized truffles and buttercreams fresh every morning. The vanilla buttercream and caramel were incredible and so satisfying without being too rich.
As we move east in the continental U.S., Enstrom's Toffees from Colorado is well worth the calories. The combination of dark chocolate and almond toffee will leave you wanting more.
I have to give Shout Outs to these Sweet Shoppes, for their ice cream and other goodies, clean, fresh flavors and general yumminess.
Hawaii - Lappert's Ice Cream (Also, if I mention the Islands,it's necessary to acknowledge Shave Ice available in every flavor of the Rainbow.)
Now that I mentioned "Shaved Ice", I can't forget Water Ice (pronounced Wood-Er Ice) available in my big sis's beautiful Philadelphia.
Ohio - Graeter's Ice Cream has chocolate chocolate chip ice cream with chips the size of your thumb.
Also in Ohio - United Dairy Farmers - World's Best Malts and Milkshakes in a convenient store, A Convenient Store!!!
New York City, Little Italy - Ferrara Bakery and Cafe - The whole experience, the delicious pastries, attentive service and unique atmosphere is sublime.
How about you? Any wonderful Sweet Shoppes that you can share? Thank you so much.
Dawn S!
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
34
Timestamp: 2009-04-21 14:50:24 UTC
Many thanks for playing along and I will do this again soon because it's Fun to play the Fairy Godmother. Plus, See's Chocolate is really popular and well loved!
I had never heard of See's Chocolates until I moved to California sixteen years ago despite being a Hardcare Chocoholic. I have also traveled quite a bit and had the pleasure of discovering yummy treats all over. So today I wanted to share some of my favorites. (Yes, a post devoted to sweets. I am a junkie. Too far gone for any redemption.)
In California, two of my favorite chocolates are from See's Candies and Ghiradelli Chocolates. Fresh, flavorful, fullbodied. (Hmm, sounds like a wine review.) See's Caramels and Buttercream ANYTHING and Ghiradelli's bite sized dark chocolate with mint filling are delicious favorites.
A new inductee into my Chocolate Hall of fame is The Sweet Shop at The Ahwahnee Hotel. The pastry chef makes incredible plum sized truffles and buttercreams fresh every morning. The vanilla buttercream and caramel were incredible and so satisfying without being too rich.
As we move east in the continental U.S., Enstrom's Toffees from Colorado is well worth the calories. The combination of dark chocolate and almond toffee will leave you wanting more.
I have to give Shout Outs to these Sweet Shoppes, for their ice cream and other goodies, clean, fresh flavors and general yumminess.
Hawaii - Lappert's Ice Cream (Also, if I mention the Islands,it's necessary to acknowledge Shave Ice available in every flavor of the Rainbow.)
Now that I mentioned "Shaved Ice", I can't forget Water Ice (pronounced Wood-Er Ice) available in my big sis's beautiful Philadelphia.
Ohio - Graeter's Ice Cream has chocolate chocolate chip ice cream with chips the size of your thumb.
Also in Ohio - United Dairy Farmers - World's Best Malts and Milkshakes in a convenient store, A Convenient Store!!!
New York City, Little Italy - Ferrara Bakery and Cafe - The whole experience, the delicious pastries, attentive service and unique atmosphere is sublime.
How about you? Any wonderful Sweet Shoppes that you can share? Thank you so much.
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