The Manifester

On Wednesday evening, S. and I were fortunate enough to see a screening of California State of Mind: The Legacy of Pat Brown.   This inspiring documentary was written and directed by the former governor's granddaughter, Sascha Rice.  The film illustrates how deeply Governor Brown loved our beautiful state, proven through his resolute efforts to promote progress on every level.  He had visions of an efficient, flourishing state, where civil rights and first-rate education were standard for its citizenry.  More than four decades later, his remarkable achievements continue to propel California.

http://patbrowndocumentary.com/trailer/index.html

http://patbrowndocumentary.com/home/index.html

Happy Friday!

A classic holiday treat, The Fruitcake Lady:

The Highlight of 2012

I was asked today, “What was the highlight of your year?” The year is, of course, not yet complete, but I can still answer unequivocally that the highlight of 2012 was my cousin, P.’s, wedding. The ceremony and accompanying three-day celebration were very, very special in every imaginable way. For their festivities, P. and R., the bride and groom, chose a private-lake reserve, nestled among majestic redwoods and peppered with lovely cabins and tranquil spaces for camping. A hiking trail bordered the spring-fed lake and there were canoes for exploring the nooks along its serpentine periphery. Each day I plucked and ate apples from one of the fruit trees growing on the property; deer ate those that speckled the grass underneath. At night I would gaze in awe at the plentiful stars, warmed by the campfire, good whiskey and the presence of friends old and new. That Saturday P. and R. made their pledge, under the aegis of a canopy of heritage oaks and their friends’ and families’ effusive love.

Thoughtful Toddler, PhD - Episode 1

Thoughtful Toddler, PhD - starring C.F., toddler extraordinaire. 

Thanksgiving List

This is happening, people.   I know, I know.   It’s terribly trite and everyone makes one, but goldarn it, I’m thankful for stuff!  I’ll try to keep my list short as you’re probably busy scouring the Internet for a super innovative – yet not inedible – cranberry sauce recipe (hint:  it doesn’t exist).  Now then...

Happy Friday!

Something beautiful to kick off the weekend...

Carla Morrison, "Eres Tú"

Convo with My Mom

Me:   “Hi, Mom!  Happy Veteran’s Day!”

Mom:  “Happy Veteran’s Day.   You know, I could get a lot of stuff for free?”

Me:  “Um, oh…”

Mom:  “Free breakfast here, free dinner there, free whatever.  Yeah.  But I’m not going to do that.”

Me:  “OK…?”

Mom:  “OK, have a good day, hon!”