The Simple Life

I often long for the simple times of long ago.  Technology and the bustling world it has created is wonderful and fascinating, but the thought of life lived in peaceful simplicity sounds delightful.  I used to make frequent trips to the library where I discovered books about Tasha Tudor, someone I look up to.  She made her life truly her own, country living with no electricity or modern finery.  She felt free to be herself, dressed in ways her heart felt most at home and was a talented artist with many other great talents and interests.  She had a beautiful soul. I hope to live half the life she lived.  

Here's some links to more info about her: Tasha Tudor and Family

                                                                              Books

                                                                              Obituary

Solitude

Catalina Island - May 2005

Sometimes it's nice to be alone.  Time on my own to reflect on life and just think can be a pleasure in this hectic world.  I've chosen to have a bit of "me" time this week. Sometimes I feel alone in a crowd.  I have plenty of wonderful friends and family to spend time with and share life's moments, yet a lonely, hollow void remains inside me, which (I feel) can only be filled by the union of two souls that lasts through time. On occasion I feel sad in my emptiness.  

Many times,  I am reminded there may be others worse off than me.  I was picking out juice at Wal-Mart this evening when a fellow shopper decided to strike up conversation and he went on pointing out which juices he liked best, introduced himself with a friendly handshake and wished me a happy Thanksgiving holiday. Later, he passed me as I was setting a block of swiss cheese in my cart.  He offered to smoke some turkey legs for me tomorrow and I smiled and told him I would be having chicken at my brother's house.  He replied, telling me many people are doing things different this year.  I glanced in his cart and saw a package or two of individual turkey legs among a few other assorted goods and wondered if he would be having a feast for one on this holiday of thankful gatherings.  I soon began to wonder how many other individuals might be having solitary festivities tomorrow and my heart sank.  I have felt the sorrow of feeling alone, but to be truly alone must surely magnify the pain.  I wanted to weep at the thought. Perhaps next time I am feeling the emptiness of self pity, I should look outside my self to fill another's void.  

Thoughts on Old Age

Utah State Fair 2008

From My Blog on Myspace. June 10, 2007: I work at a hair salon and every week I see elderly men bringing their wives in to get their hair done.  The women are so old and frail and their husbands sweetly guide them into the salon.  The men are not very mobile themselves and their hearing and sight is faded.  I look at these couples who have withstood the test of time and still remain lovingly faithful to their sweetheart.  I look at them and hope one day I will find someone who will stick around with me long enough to take my hand and help me to the salon when I'm old and decrepid.

This is the Place

This Is The Place Heritage Park, SLC, UT  2004

 

Youth is a perpetual intoxication; it is a fever of the mind.  ~François Duc de la Rochefoucauld

Dancing and Dreaming

I had the gracious opportunity to be present at this unique and wonderful Art Deco style club this past April.  The very weekend I planned to be in California, I found out one of my favorite bands, The Hot Club Quartet were performing here and I will be ever grateful to my friend Ben for taking me.  Their music transported me to another time I wish I knew.  There's a mezzanine with seating if you don't want to dine and a quaint ballroom floor for dancing and dreaming the night away. I loved that they require guests to wear cocktail attire or vintage clothing.  If only I lived closer so I could attend more often and soak up a small taste of the past.  Next time I won't leave my camera in the car!  Click HERE to enter the land of the Cicada.  Don't forget to check out Marie MacGillis as well! 

Succulents - Succulents - Succulents

Ensenada, Mexico

I just finished writing a paper about succulents, some of my favorite types of plants. Succulents are amazing little plants that are not only visually stimulating, but also store water in leaves, stems or roots in order to live through drought conditions for an extended time. They are night owls like me, but also love lots of sun. While the rest of the plant world is photosynthesizing and making plant food in the daylight hours, succulents are waiting for the CAM photosynthesis party after dark. They come in so many fun shapes, sizes and colors. How could anyone not love them.....Seriously! Here's some pictures I've taken over the years.

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA.

Pier 39, San Francisco

Ensenada, Mexico

Ensenada, Mexico

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

Disneyland - Tomorrow Land



Christmas Cactus I once grew