While strolling through Micke Grove Park the other day, we spotted this little gem…the Japanese Garden. I love bonsai trees, bridges, and sushi! Unfortunately no sushi here…but plenty of other pretties to make the soul smile. Squirrels were jetting from tree to tree while blue jays swooped down to remind us we were on their turf. Large colorful Koi fish languished in the shallow pond, occasionally popping their heads up as if to say, “Where’s the chow?” Once again we had the entire place to ourselves, and I quickly pretended it was our private backyard. My fantasies don’t include weeding, raking leaves, or feeding giant fish. I stick to visions of tea parties for two, three hour hammock naps, and reading novels under huge oak trees. As you can see this is a great place to let your dreams manifest..Enjoy!

This morning Terry and I ventured out on a morning excursion and decided to explore a near-by park/zoo called Micke Grove. Weekdays are perfect for this sort of outing, we were the only ones in the park! We strolled through the zoo first and enjoyed watching the spider monkeys chase each other. (photos coming soon)

As we walked through the exit gates we noticed a near-by mini midway! So cute! It was a total throw back from the fifties and it made me smile from the inside out. Of course the rides were closed because the kidlets were in school, but it was still fun to shoot some pics. I want to go back on a Saturday when I can see “Fun Town” in full swing.

This charming place is where memories are made that your kids will mention when they’re thirty!

Do you love trinkets and treasures as much as I do!? Yes, I’m one of those chickies that brake for garage sales, yard sales, church bazaars, thrift stores, and antique shops. I even confess to salvaging tossed pieces from dumpsters! I like to think I’m helping the environment by saving forgotten whatchamajigs. Hubby hasn’t bought into my “going green” mentality….he’s convinced I’m part hoarder, rat pack, and junk junkie. The garage is home and resting place for my yet to be worked on treasures. Needless to say I’m never short on projects.

Yesterday me and a partner in crime scouted a great warehouse sale called The Paris Flea Market. Once a month a group of consigners jam pack this joint with goodies that will blow your mind! Wheeee…what fun we had ooohing and aaahing over blingy baubles, sparkly Eiffel towers, racks of vintage duds, and homemade fudge! The prices are very good, the displays are adorable, and the friendly help all sport a huge smile. If you live in the area I recommend you check it out! It’s a total blast!

Hi Gang…T.G.I.F.! Hope everyone is starting their weekend a bit early and is gearing up for a Super Bowl celebration. I’m still pouting a bit, wishing our SF 49er’s were playing this weekend…oh well we always have next year.

One of my favorite organizations is the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. Not only do these folks work tirelessly to improve the lives of people suffering with PD, they are compassionate and caring. I’ve been extremely honored to have had two of my pieces of artwork chosen for their gorgeous yearly calendar. I was also over the moon when they asked me to create a special piece for an amazing man named Bob Benjamin. Bob has raised a ton of dough for Parkinson’s research while battling PD himself. Check out Light of Day Foundation to read more about Bob and his extremely cool efforts!

I decided to enter their t-shirt contest this year and my design was one of five chosen to be voted on! If you’re so inclined, please vote for me here…my work is #3! Thanks for your help on this!

Robin Elliott, PDF Executive Director presenting Bob with the piece I created titled, "Bob's Town".

"Poetry Of The Senses" was selected for their calander a couple of years ago.

"Jazzy Jar" was selected the following year.

Last weekend Terry and I went on a lovely getaway to beautiful Monterey. The ocean was just what we needed to clear our heads…and my sinuses. I’m finally past the bronchitis, just feeling a bit run down still. We couldn’t of asked for better weather, and we were really surprised at how warm it was. A light sweater was all we needed as we strolled along Cannery Row. I adore people watching…..especially dogs. (they’re “people” aren’t they?) The streets were bustling with hand-holding lovers, elderly women with giant hand bags, and an array of colorful strollers zipping around corners. The air was filled with yummy smells of garlic, ocean air, and an occasional waft of homemade waffle cones. We sat outside overlooking the ocean while eating scampi and fresh sourdough bread. Large gulls conversed with us from a nearby railing begging for french fries.

Our room boasted a bed to die for…complete with down comforter and a mile high feather mattress. A huge screen featuring the latest flicks hung over a large stone fireplace which we kept burning throughout the night. We drank spice tea and ate biscottis in bed while watching Animal Planet. Yes, my man and I are a wild couple.

It was a wonderful getaway and a great way to bring in my 52nd year on the planet.

Not sure who this dapper dude was...but love his face.