On Second Thought, Can't YOU Color Me Mine?

I love planning events. I'm sure many of you know this about me. Yes, there are also many of you that don't know this but are just as quickly finding it out. I like to find new and unusual things for me and "the gang" to experience and every now and then I even like to bring back an oldie but goody. This time I was bringing back an oldie.

Back in the day, way, way back in the day, my mom used to take my brother and I to ceramics class. I don't remember too much of the details but from what I do recall I know it was definitely much different than the way things are now. For starters, it was in a house. Uh oh, wait. The basement. I think it was in the basement. Isn't this how horror movies started? Interesting. I'll have to revisit this later.

I don't know how long we went for but I know it was a pretty happening gig - all the neighborhood kids were going. The only thing I remember making was a cupcake. My mom still has it. It's sitting on her dresser. She refuses to get rid of it even though I gave her my blessing. It has a pink bottom, chocolate frosting and a cherry on top. I think it even might have sprinkles. Or does is have strawberry frosting and a brown bottom? Damn that memory. Well, you can see where my artistic talents stretched. I had fun. I liked to paint that cupcake. It was cute. I knew I was not an artiste. But hey, I was okay with that. I still am. Which is why I decided a few weeks ago it was time to revisit ceramics class. That's right. I was bringing pottery back.

I knew Mike would be in. He's usually up for all of my plans and adventures. I found my other willing participant - Mellissa "2 L's" - and we were ready to go. Well, technically we did have two others join us but as they did not partake in the artistic adventures they are not permitted to be mentioned in this blog.

Just kidding. Lyndon acted as 2 L's "artistic supervisor" and Vicki was our photographer. Every group needs those. We arrived at Color Me Mine in Rancho Bernardo and at first we didn't know what to do. There were too many choices. Two huge walls filled with ceramic just stared back at us. We stood there for 15 minutes in complete silence. We didn't know what to do.

That's when it hit me. Mike is an artist. Mike can draw. Really well. I mean, really, really well. I can not. An idea popped into my head. Well, more like a scam. What if I convince him to pick a more expensive item and instead of both of us painting, just he does and I'll have creative control? I tried to work it. He wasn't falling for it. He insisted that he wanted me to have fun too and paint. Damn. I really wanted that large funky bowl. As we kept circling the choices, 2 L's got right to work.

Apparently she had arrived with a game plan. Seriously, a game plan! All along she planned to work a dog bowl and from the moment she arrived she got busy. We finally settled on the original bedrock mugs and got to work. I decided to go with simple elegance. It looked great in my head. And then Mike started on his. We all knew we were in trouble. Especially when he busted out the pencil and started free-forming. I should have known.

Once you are finished painting, it takes another 5 days before your work is completed. We didn't know what our final projects were going to look like. Well, we all knew what Mike's was going to look like. Fabulously awesome. This is what it's like when you play with the top dogs. I knew what I was getting into. As we stepped into the studio I realized my mistake.

Next time, we make sure we tell Mike ahead of time that he's doing all of our mugs. That way there's no confusion once we get there. Here is a shot of Mike's mug eating mine. Yes, I am happy with my final product. It does look much better than it did when I left the studio. But then I look at that fish. Some people just get all the talent.

For an alternate ending and for different pictures, go to my other blog at:

http://www.redismynaturalcolor.wordpress.com/

If you'd like to check out your own ceramics skills visit www.colormemine.com

Sharktastic

I am not a big fan of summer. Of all the seasons, it ties with winter as my least favorite. Ok, maybe that's not completely true. Maybe winter slightly edges summer out as my least favorite but then again maybe not. In case you haven't already guessed it I don't like extreme weather. Don't like it hot. Don't like it cold. It's currently summer. And hot. So at the moment summer wins that title. I wouldn't even say it's a love/hate relationship. It's more of a like/tolerate relationship.

Sure, I like everything that summer brings - barbecues, swimming, warm sun - but did I mention the heat? There was never really anything that got me so over-the-top excited about summer that I couldn't wait for it to be here. Well, of course with the exception of my birthday on August 13th but that's just a given. That was already a previously known holiday and was celebrated throughout the land. For those of you who are just learning this fact, you may now proceed with the festivities as you like.

Every year, there is something that I look forward to. We've already established it's something besides my holiday, er, I mean my birthday. As the months get closer to August, I get excited. I count down the days with eager anticipation. Like a little kid at Christmas, the excitement builds. I know it's August when I see those fins swimming across the T.V. That's right.....it's Shark Week.

Shark week is currently upon us. Night after night, Mike and I sit on the couch to see what kind of education the Discovery Channel will give us. One of the first programs we watched was called "Summer of the Shark". It was interesting. Experts were trying to explain why there was an increase in shark attacks. I have my own take on the attacks but first I'll give you the expert opinion.

There was a change of weather patterns - warm water currents pushed cold water currents - which increased the number of great white sharks in the area (off the coast of Australia). They were juvenile sharks, or as I like to call them, "teenagers". Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. The juveniles don't have parents to guide them and as many animals do, they take test bites to see if something is edible. They were learning how to hunt. Great whites generally take a test bite and spit out. Unfortunately humans sometimes can't spare a piece, even just a taster. It's the other sharks you have to worry about. Those damn Tigers and Bulls. Those bad boys don't just want the sampler platter. So the increase attacks came down to lower water temperature which brought more sharks and they were learning how to hunt for new prey.

Here's my theory. Revenge. Plain and simple. The sharks have had enough. It's bad enough that years of over fishing have depleted their food source but now they are being ripped out of the ocean for some lousy shark fin soup. What's up with that? Cut off the fin, throw the shark back in the water and leave it to die? Of course they're pissed. I'd be pissed too. I'd be on the hunt. If people can hunt them down than really, what's so wrong with a shark hunting down a person? After all, the ocean is their domain. It's not like they're running out on land, shooting a man and running back into the water.

It's amazing how people get so angry when a shark attacks a person and they want to kill all the sharks. Aren't you were swimming in their domain. Why do people think they are entitled to everything - land, sea, air? If something gets in their way then they need to be taken out? I say go for it shark. I'm not getting in their way. Yes, I respect them. Yes, I would love to go cage diving with the great whites. Notice, I said cage diving. With use of cage. I'm not just jumping in the water, swimming freely, oblivious of my surroundings. I've always had an overactive mind. Many of you might refer to this as one of a paranoid or delusional variety. Say what you will. It will save me from being eaten. Crocodiles in the lakes, piranhas and giant sharks in the or oceans, you name it I can imagine it.

I also never go in the water alone. Safety in numbers my friends, safety in numbers. I also recognize that I'm getting into their ocean. If something were to happen is it the shark's fault? Not so much. Now if the shark came into my house that would be a different story. And incredibly interesting as well.

In honor of Shark Week, we thought we would let Charlie Brown join in the festivities. This is a little something we like to call Chaws. The way this little guy has been eating lately he can most definitely be compared to the Great White.

For an alternate ending and for different pictures, go to my other blog athttp://www.redismynaturalcolor.wordpress.com/

House of Suds

Ah, the laundromat. It's been years since I've seen you. I've had nothing but fond memories of you. Strolling down Harvard Avenue in Boston with my little laundry cart, suds in one hand, reading material in the other. Lets not forget the quarters, pocket full of those. Call me crazy, I know, many have, many will, but I enjoyed my days in the laundromat. Why? I have absolutely no clue. I still don't. Really, I don't. It's not like I was a laundry pro from the start. You can ask my college roommates if you can find them.

Me and laundry - we had a rocky relationship from day one. I'll admit, I was a late bloomer. I didn't start doing my own laundry until I was in my late teens. Wait, that's a lie. Maybe it was more like my early twenties. Yes, that seems a bit more accurate. That's when I went away to college. There. The truth is out. Sure, I may have "helped" when I was little but really, what's throwing a shirt in the machine really teaching me when it comes time to choosing what soap to put in? I recall my first load. I was so proud. I pulled it out of the dryer and couldn't understand why it didn't smell fresh and clean and some items were still dirty. My roommate approached and read my detergent. I used Clorox color safe bleach. Trial and error my friends, trial and error.

I've come a long way since those college days. I can now admit that I actually like doing laundry. Again, I have no explanation for this. Now I'm not as big a fan of folding but cleaning those clothes is always a task I'm up for. I'm sure you're wondering what the deal is with the laundromat. Taking a trip down memory lane? Just bored and looking for a new place to hang out? Well, I am up for anything and I do like to amuse myself with interesting places to go but no, not this time. We have been taken over by the Stinky Towel Phenomenon.

What the hell is this you ask? It's nasty, it's stinky, it's something that just won't go away. It started off feint. We would wash our towels and everything was fine. And then, once water hit them it was like they were reactivated. BAM. A funk would waft off our towels and permeate the air. I didn't know what it could be. I read about a solution called sudsy ammonia that was supposed to take care of issues like this. We tried it for a while and it worked. Until it got worse. We were so confused. This was only happening to the towels.

We couldn't take it any more. We were running out of options. Actually, I mean towels. We only had two more left. We were getting desperate. We had to do something. Buy new towels? While this sounded like a really nice option we knew it wouldn't solve the problem. To the laundromat we went. We drove around for a while until we found one that looked suitable for a photo session. Er, I mean, nice enough to wash our clothes. We hopped out and set up shop. Things sure have changed since those college days. I think they shrunk the machines.

If you want the machine to fit all your towels you have to go to the deluxe machine and we all know what deluxe means. Deluxe prices. And the dryer! Sure, I'll admit, the prices had us in shock but I can't lie. I was enjoying myself. Where else can you sit in a basket, stick your head in a washer and try to make an emergency phone call with no phone all while getting your clothes nice and clean? Why, at the House of Suds of course. Ah, the joys in life can be found almost anywhere my friends, all you have to do is look. But just make sure you have your cell phone. In case of emergency.

*For the record, my towels are snifferiffic. Looks like I'll be at the laundromat more often.

For an alternate ending and for different pictures, go to my other blog at http://www.redismynaturalcolor.wordpress.com/

The Butterfly House

For those of you that don't know me and for those of you that are just starting to get to know me there are obviously many things about me that you don't know. That's what I'm here for - to help fill in the gaps. Open my world up a little bit to you. In case you haven't guessed it already I'm a pretty adventurous person. I like to explore, do new things, see the world. I like to think of myself as the event coordinator. There are so many different activities to discover and I want to be able to take advantage of them and I want to share it in the process.

Too often we just sit around doing nothing or just complaining that there is nothing to do when all you have to do is look around and see how much is going on around you. I'm not alone in my quest. I have some research tools to guide me. Each month I receive Sunset & Westways Magazines that highlight all the festivals and fairs that will be going on up and down the coast. I know, I know - a whole month? Who wants to wait that long? Not me. That's just my back up. Thankfully I have discovered another handy little gem called "365 things to do in San Diego, CA". This is one of the places I use that have allowed me to discover amazing hidden treasures. The most recent one was The Butterfly House.

I was so excited when I read that we could go see the butterflies. Who doesn't love butterflies? When I first moved to San Diego I remember coming back from a job interview and as I was driving down the street I saw thousand of butterflies headed straight towards me. I was amazed. I had never seen anything like it before. I had to pull over so I could watch. They just kept coming, like a cloud of color, fluttering over my car.

I later found out they were migrating from Mexico. It was absolutely beautiful. I've never seen it again and I've heard that it's a rare sight to see. I told Mike about my new adventure and he was in. We were off. From the moment we arrived at the Butterfly House the butterflies were all over Mike. We were told they were attracted to his white shirt but Mike was pretty sure it was him. I won't lie. I was jealous. Those little beauties were even on his arm so this white shirt thing was wearing thin. I had to resort to holding a piece of watermelon to get a nice photo op. Hey, sometimes you do what you have to do. Butterflies taste with their feet. I guess Mike is just a sweet guy.

It was really quiet and peaceful. The house is not too big, not too small - 1200 square feet - and there are benches set up where you can relax and enjoy yourself for as long as you'd like. We were getting ready to leave when Mike saw the perfect butterfly and couldn't let this little beauty get away. I waited patiently. Very unlike me. No, really. It must have been the atmosphere. The butterflies, the serenity, the....ok, I'm done. What's next on the agenda?

To learn more about the Butterfly House and the Monarch Program, visit their website at http://www.monarchprogram.org/

For an alternate ending and for different pictures, go to my other blog at http://www.redismynaturalcolor.wordpress.com/

Summer Fun Begins

It was time to kick off the summer festivities and what better way to do that then with a wedding. Isn't that how we all start the summer? No? Maybe it's just something our family does. Or maybe it just seems that way. Or maybe it's because, oh who cares it's just another excuse to celebrate and party. That pretty much works for us. Ever since we got our save the date card we've been looking forward to June 2011. It was another chance to head on over to the East Coast.

Virginia Beach was the destination this time. It was all we could talk about for months. What to wear, what to do, what to see, did I mention what to wear? Ironically, Mike had his wardrobe choice all set months before I did. What's up with that? Finally the trip arrived and we were off. We flew Southwest. Not exactly my favorite way to go. I'm a Jetblue girl myself. I'm all about individual T.V. screens. And snacks. Remind me to stay true to the blue. I should get loyalty points in the future. But more on this later. Don't worry, I'll get back to this....

I was actually pretty excited to be welcomed to warmth. I know, strange concept. I have to fly from California in June to get some heat. What's up with that? True story. We landed and I took my jacket off. Aaahh. Wait. Did I actually welcome the humidity? Who am I? What did I do with the old me? We got ready for the rehearsal dinner at Waterman's and look at that - nighttime and I didn't need my sweater. Ah, this was nice. What a concept. To wear your dress and have it be seen instead of having to cover up. We basked in the warmth all night and it just kept on coming.

We woke up the next morning and opened the door. Woosh. Yup, it's hot. Yup, it's humid. But ironically we were enjoying it. Sure, we might not enjoy it forever but at that moment we were loving it. Mike and I sat on the porch and soaked it in. We arrived at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens for the Wedding Ceremony. We noticed how everything around us was just so green. We had forgotten just how green everything on the East Coast is. It was beautiful to be sitting there in the gardens -yes I will admit it was hot - and just see how alive everything was. In comparison, San Diego is kind of brown. We are in a desert after all. Sometimes you never really stop to think about it until you are sitting there in the garden surrounded by all of those trees.

But in the end, hot is hot. West Coast, East Coast, in the end really it's all the same. Hey, I'm still not a fan of sitting in the sun all day unless there's a big pool next to me and I have the option of jumping into it. Needless to say, I was relieved when it was time for my next wardrobe change and the party was about to begin. Don't get me wrong, I love weddings. The flowers, the dresses, the fashions, the party. What's not to love? Everyone knows it's all about the party. It was a great night.

Sadly we had to say good-bye to Virginia Beach. We had just enough time to run down to the boardwalk and burn our feet on the sand. Yes, you read correctly. I don't think I've ever run to the water so fast in my life. One minute we were strolling along the boardwalk enjoying a hot beach and loving life. The next it was run for the water, run for the water. Literally. But I wouldn't have changed it because it gave our family watching on the beach some good entertainment value and we all know I am here to amuse. I was glad to be of service that morning on the sand.

One of the best parts of the trip was running into the storm of lightning bugs. That's right my friends lighting bugs or as some people like to call them - fireflies. Potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto, blah, blah, blah. It's a lightning bug. We were en route to my Uncle's house in Maryland and these little gems were everywhere. We love lightning bugs. Used to catch them all the time when we were little. Ok and maybe when we were teenagers too. Unfortunately there are no lightning bugs on the west coast.

These are the coolest bugs. It's a part of summer - when the sun goes down and you see mini lanterns glowing all over your yard it makes you feel like a kid again. I thought about bringing some home but I didn't think the people at the airport would be too happy about that. Bummer. It was time to head back to the airport. I promised to get back to this story didn't I? We flew Southwest. First come first serve my a**. Unless you're flying solo, this is not the way to go. No one likes to give their seat up. Even if it's not an assigned seat. No one likes to let people travelling together sit together. True story. People won't make eye contact with you. They will avoid you at all costs. The price of our Southwest flight was not that much cheaper than any other airline. Sure, they give you a little "stand up" comedy. A bag of peanuts, a bag of pretzels. Two checked bags for free. I think I'll take my chances on the Blue.

For an alternate ending and for different pictures, go to my other blog at http://www.redismynaturalcolor.wordpress.com/

Oh The Places You Go

For years I have been wanting to go to the Rose Bowl Flea Market. Notice how I've never mentioned getting there. Like many of the places I've been talking about going to, it's also been one of the many places on my "to do" list. It's not like it's so far away that it's an impossible destination. I'm just a slacker. Every month, I get the email alert telling me that it's that time again and every month I say, oh, maybe next month. Sure, that's it. Next month I'll go. I've been playing this game for the past three years. I was tired of my own game and decided it had to end. This was the time. I was going to go.

Well, ok, it's not like I really decided on my own to put an end to my procrastinating. I did have a little help. I'll call her the Flea Market Bandit. The Flea Market Bandit kicked into gear a few months ago. It started small. Just a little Irvine Flea Market. She asked me to go with her and hey, I'm all for shopping. I think she was preparing me for the big leagues. At the time we just didn't know how big league we were getting into. We decided a few weeks ago that this weekend we'd hit the big time. The second Sunday of every month the Rose Bowl Flea Market is in full force. We were all set.

Of course we couldn't just go up for one day. Where's the fun in that? The adventure? We needed more. We needed entertainment. We needed it for free. Ah, Venice Beach. Our game plan was to walk. Just walk. But once we got there we didn't know what to do first. Should we get our medical marijuana license on the left or the right? On the first block or the second? Don't worry. If you wait too long you have the next block and the next and the next to catch up on that missed opportunity.

Whew, good thing. I thought I missed my chance. Things sure have changed since the last time I was here. I thought I'd just be able to get my tattoo and piercings and call it a day but I sure was wrong. Who knew I'd have an opportunity like this? I know, you're all probably wondering which Doctor I went with right? Crazy I am not. I passed on the fine choices made available to me. Don't get me wrong. It's not that I'm opposed to a license if that's your thing. But hey, would you buy a Rolex from a NYC subway vendor? I think not. I passed on the fine choices made available to me. Location is key. Enough said. Nothing says quality wares like selling goods next to the man walking on glass.

However, it was a great day. I love seeing things "live" that you've seen on TV so many times. Muscle Beach will always fascinate me. Seriously. I wouldn't want people watching me in the gym so why would I work out on a boardwalk? It was a good day. We walked for hours. Even little Charlie was exhausted. I don't think we would have walked as much as we did if we knew what we were in store for tomorrow.....

We knew we were going to be in for a long day. Over 2500 vendors sell at this bad boy. We wanted to see them all. ALL [Insert evil laughter here]. When we got there we didn't know where to begin, especially since we were overwhelmed right at the beginning. Gifts! There were even gifts being handed out. What the hell! I mean, who knew what they were but did it matter? The important thing here was that we were being given a free gift just for coming.

Oh my God. Not only do we get a free gift but we get a free bag too. This place was amazing. A free bag to hold all of the things that we were going to buy. The excitement was starting to build up. I didn't know where to begin, where to go, left, right, straight. So much to see, so much to do, I had to get in and go. We actually got a late start. 10am. I know, scary thought. This didn't discourage us though. We were ready to go and we set off.

We were a determined bunch. We didn't want anything to get in our way. Food? Water? Were those really necessary at this point? Instead of rash buys we marked where our favorite places were and made a point to return and we kept on walking. And walking. And walking. We walked for hours. We had to see it all. Or go down trying. We realized that it was time for a refuel. If we wanted to keep our pace up we would need food. If only for a moment.

We didn't have too long to spare. After our recharge we jumped back into the arena. Our goals had been met early on. Hat for me, headphones and phone case for Mike. We were now just on a pleasure cruise. When I see what they offer at this market I'm amazed. The furniture is fabulous. If I could go back and do it again I would outfit my house solely from the Rose Bowl flea market. I wonder if Mike would notice if I started selling our furniture one piece at a time to make room for new ones.

We decided to leave at closing time. We didn't have to, they stay open way beyond that but after walking for five straight hours we just couldn't do it anymore. Yes, you read correctly. Five straight hours. We were exhausted. Our Flea Market Bandit stayed. She meant business. Maybe next time. Yes, there will be a next time. We will conquer all. Training begins shortly.

For an alternate ending and for different pictures, go to my other blog at http://www.redismynaturalcolor.wordpress.com/

We Survived the Zombie Rapture

A few weeks ago I happened to be in NYC when I realized that the world would be ending in a few days. Crap. I didn't plan my trip this way and now this meant when we were under zombie attack, Mike and Charlie would be on their own. I didn't know what to do. My boys were on their own. I made sure to give them specific instructions on how to handle themselves if they should wake up and see the undead walking around. After all, I was the one with the game plan. I had the zombie attack all mapped out. Mike knew he was all set to go if it went down. He didn't count on anyone taking away his ace in the hole.

Regardless of how it all went down I knew I'd have to get back to San Diego in the long run. I'd have to fight my way back and fight to the death I would. But in the meantime, since the world was supposed to end and all, why not go out and have some fun. Hey, might as well enjoy what was left of it, right?

We decided we would just go local. You know, just in case. Makes it easier to fight off anything you should encounter on the way home. We got the crew and headed out for the night. It was a scary night. We had to be careful. I honestly didn't buy into this whole end-of-the-world-rapture thing but damn, there were so many creatures and zombie-like beings at the bar that we didn't know what to do. Could it possibly be true? Was this really the end? Was this the night? Nope. Not so much.

Relief flooded over me. For more than one reason. Yes, insert sigh of relief here. I had a lot to be thankful for. Not just because of the great company I was in. That was a given. But knowing that I wasn't out looking. Ah. I must say it's good to be married. Overall it was a great night. Sure, there were some interesting characters. Hey, I didn't hide out in the bathroom for 10 minutes for nothing. Thankfully we met some great people and we were able to end the night with fun memories.

Since we had all survived this close dance with death I knew it was time to celebrate life even more. Unfortunately since I had gotten to NYC the rains had decided to visit with me. Seriously? It seems like every time I visit, rain decides to come with me. I was itching to leave the confines of my cell, er, I mean my house and we finally got the chance. We needed to buy time before our lunch reservations at our favorite restaurant, Les Sans Culotte. It was either drive around, sit in the car or....hhhmm. Central Park. I figured the kids needed some air.

We drove around and as luck would have it found a rare, coveted spot right outside the park. It was perfect. Go figure. Just a few days earlier we were all going to die and now it's a perfect New York City day. Blue skies, sunny, warm, birds chirping away. We parked ourselves on a bench and enjoyed the scenery. I couldn't have the kids come here and not pose for a few photos either.

Bob on a lamp post here, Mags on a lamp post there. Perfect. I look around and see all of the things that we can and will be doing. Eventually. Once I'm back in town, the activities will be in full swing. Until the next rapture of course. Didn't you hear? October. Yes, we'll be under a full zombie attack this fall.

So live it up, do everything that you've been saying you should have done because you never know what may happen. If not this year, there's always next year. 2012, that's right. It's supposed to happen next year. But that doesn't work for me either. I have plans. Big plans. I don't like anyone to interfere with my plans and that includes zombies. Even if they are in Paris.