Sunday, September 30, 2012

A Sunday walk through the park turned to yet again be an unexpected surprise. Last weekend was the "Strut Your Mutt" festival and this weekend, something entirely different.

I'm sure I wasn't the only one who saw it in all of Los Angeles since it was in the sky. It's not everyday you see a jet plane writing 'LOVE' in the air!!

We sat in the grass and saw this jet plane write 'LOVE' three separate times.

 

Spending much of the weekend in the valley of Sherman Oaks and Studio City while getting there through a couple different canyon routes, a new domesticated animal was met while meeting new people. 

A Tortoise! How fun!

Continuing the weekend, grocery shopping and whatnot, I am so shocked I can get a gallon of fat free milk for $2.99 while all other conventional grocers carry it for $5.99 - I'm all about those savings!

To top off the weekend, a nice end was a visit to this place while getting a burger and fry - 'Animal Style'  (thanks for the inspiration mr. tortoise).

(Picture taken day of)

 

Thursday, September 20, 2012

A day after my lovely mother's birthday, I celebrate as summer turns to fall this weekend.

Some of the best trees are sycamore's, oak's and sassafras for their varying leaf shapes and sizes. In the days of fall, their leaves sprinkle the ground with gentle touch and remind us again of nature's cycle.

In fact, the fall reminds me of great summers and all seasons at a splendid favorite family getaway.........

The rustic Lake- good for the soul.

Monday, September 17, 2012

I need to get something off my chest. With all of the uproar in the world regarding anti-American rants, protests and anger, it's a sad thing to see. I am through and through American. Born on a rural farm in the middle of the country it is impossible to deny the fact. 

What I appreciate most about the USA is freedom of religion, freedom of speech and our multicultural diversity. 

I don't pretend to expect other nations to understand our freedoms. I also don't pretend to not know about underlying issues of special interests which make up our global connections and allies. 

That said....

Hate is a horrible thing. Love as the answer is a bit naive. Peace is a great idea. Understanding really helps.

Starting this week, in the town of my Alma mater, is the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival. We all know music festivals happen all the time but as world music goes- this is a premiere showcase. Music of Madagascar, Czech Republic, Paris, China and you name it could be represented here in local venues like churches, a convention center, libraries or in the street.

The logo for this years festival. Right Now!

Other music I got from......

while at....

 

 was...

Der Kommissar

..then, I hopped in the car and heard this....

Love on the Line by Crazy P

...finally, I got the free Instagram app by Facebook...

 

...and took this picture....

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Where to start....

I could write about the last hurrahs of summer like the many hard lap swims I had at the city pool 200 free, 200 breast, 100 back + 200 kick- really hit my warm-up and cool down stroke with speed to close. Or about the awesome beach days I've had swimming in the surf at Santa Monica Beach. For a while I was wondering where my gills were. I may have to pick up surfing next summer.

Then again, I could mention the fantastic Korean Barbecue food at the LA Farmers Market with live jazz for summer nights while enjoying one of my favorite Asian dishes, Bibimbap! Perhaps the delicious food on the grill or all that seasonal fruit for the best smoothies, snacks and toppings of the summer. 

An eventful summer with friends and many changes while starting the fall in a new direction.

This year is the first year I did not pay my own personal tribute for the hero's or mourning of September 11, 2001. I've not forgotten but our nation is healing. However, I did take a moment of silence and recalled the few visits I had at ground zero and how I look forward to seeing the memorial.

Unfortunately, I woke up to the tragic news of a US Ambassador to Libya and three other Americans killed in Benghazi. The last time an American Ambassador was murdered was in 1979. I guess I just don't like hearing about Americans being killed in any way- no matter what.
This is my tribute to this incident and remembrance of 9/11.