Hybrids and a Higher Power

I made it to the monastery in Santa Barbara. It's beautiful! I'll post pics soon. Have you ever wondered what kind of cars a brotherhood of monks would drive? I have the answer....I saw them leave in a Prius. I was very proud of them.

Karen Morris, this reminds me of where we celebrated Easter a few years back...except in the mountains, on the ocean, with a gentle breeze blowin...not freezin' our tushies off!!

Quirky California

I decided to take two days and go on a personal retreat. There's a monastery in Santa Barbara, but they could only take me one night, so I pricelined a hotel in the area. Of course I can't afford a hotel in Santa Barbara, so priceline hooked me up in the "outskirts" about 40 miles away in Buellton California.

That's right, Buellton. Perhaps you've heard of it? Their claim to fame is clearly marked on bulletin boards as you arrive....Buellton....Home of the famed Split Pea Soup. Wow. Split Pea Soup, really?

Of course I made a bee line right for the pea soup place and had a bowl. I can't say if it was good or not since it was the only time I've ever had it. But still, when in Buellton, right?

I'm going to swing by Solvang. The largest Danish community in America before I head to Santa Barbara, so stay tuned for some pics from Solvang. You won't want to miss out. Perhaps they are famous for Corn Chowder?

Phone Woes

If you are looking for me the next few days, you'll have to email. My phone was submerged (don't ask, don't tell). But after some online research I should be good to go by Thursday morning!

THE VERANDA

Here's a little place I made right outside my sliding door. I refer to it as, dramatically, THE VERANDA.

Basically it's a way to create a sitting area and not stare at a cinder block wall. Around the block, there was a "free" sign on a stack of wood, including these shutters. I just nailed them together, added a shelf (again free wood)....and my favorite $3 find at IKEA, the hanging candle holder.

I wish you could see the tree above. It's the sweetest persimmon tree. I just love sitting under it.

Next I want to get a rug, or some kind outdoor lighting. It has to be battery or solar though. Let me know if you have suggestions. And the next time you are in town, I'll pour you a drink and we'll sit in the VERANDA.

LA friends

With all this talk about Boston friends, I wanted you to see a picture of some of my friends here in the city.

Just last night we grilled out and told stories from our high school years. They are so much fun to be with.

Reflections on Boston

Oh, I was so good to be back on the East Coast. Especially in the Spring. Honestly, I don't even know where to begin.

When I arrived, it was cool and drizzling...and I loved it. I went for a walk, Dunkin' Donuts in hand, and stood under an awning in the rain. It felt as though I was smiling at Boston, and Boston was smiling at me.

Bostonians are a hardy people. The people I saw running around Brighton Center were unhindered by the rain...in fact, they didn't even pick up the pace. They simply go about their business. I love that.

What is it about the hard winter that makes Spring so special? I wanted to applaud every tulip...."You go tulip. You made it through the cold, dark winter. Push through that hard ground, it's your time to shine!!!"

And my friends...it was so good to see everyone. Catch up on all the good stories from work that I missed. Get the scoop on weddings I didn't get to go to, see friends that are pregnant...catch up on stuff that is otherwise passing me by.

And getting a weekend away with my bookclub in Contecticut. Those great New England little escapes. There's nothing like it. We laughed, walked, ate and raised a glass to old times. I'm so thankful (can you feel the gush) for these friends and places that have become a part of my life!!!

New Kids on the Block

Yep the New Kids On the Block are back in business. And guess who got to see them up close and personal? Me.

It was my first "is your name on the list" outing in L.A. (Thank you Janelle for the invite!)

I was on the "list", ID'd and then even got to go in the pit to see New Kids take the stage. I was less than 10 feet away. It was fun. I'm so mad at myself that I wasn't a fan when I was younger. I didn't know the songs at all and didn't have an NKOTB action figure to tote along....but still it was fun to see a bunch of guys re-live their dream and have a good time doing it.

The event I went to see was the dress rehearsal for their performance on the TODAY show tomorrow...so tune in if you are a fan!