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!

Signs of Spring

Here's a question....what are your favorite signs of Spring? Honestly, what do you first notice about the season change?

For me, it used to be the trees budding. I love the thought of a tree lying dormant for a whole season...looking lifeless...and then all of a sudden you notice tiny buds. Sure enough there was life inside. I love it! I remember riding the 57 to work, staring at the trees, looking for signs of life.

Well, the signs of the season change is different here in L.A. The land of perpetual Spring. But I did notice a not-so-subtle difference recently.

The mountains are disappearing. I'm not exaggerating. A whole mountain gone. Some days, I can't even see a trace of existance! Is it haze? Pollution? I heard something about a 'marine layer'. Oh well, Spring is here and that's reason enough to celebrate, mountain or not!

Take Me Out to the Ballpark

Ummm....I have a complaint to register with my Boston friends. The Red Sox were here this weekend and LOST to the Dodgers. What's up with THAT?!?!

Rosie Thomas

I went to a Rosie Thomas concert last night. Oh, I do love Rosie. It's semi-depressing music with a sweet sound. She's getting married this summer and someone asked her if that meant her music would no longer be depressing. She laughed and said, "oh no, it'll be fine....I'm always depressed."

She's kidding though. It's not quite depressing, she more connects you with the struggle of life and that connection brings a little hope. I just love her music!

Depressing is Teddy Thompson. He followed her in the show. He's a hot brit (I mean really hot) with a old school country/folk sound. Truly OLD SCHOOL -- he sang Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Ernest Tubb....how a how a hot brit can pull it off is mind blogging. But depressing?!?!? Dude, I see meds in that guy's future!