On being a tourist

When you live in a tourist town for a very long time, you tend not to do what the tourists do. In other words, we usually avoid crowds, and head for the hills in summertime. It just so happens that our home is 1000 ft. above the crowds.

So, when guests from out of town come to stay, guess where they want to go? Yup, right smack in the middle of the sea of humanity. And guess what they want to do? Yup, everything that the tourists do.

Let me tell you, I did not think that I would like it one itty bitty bit, but do you want to guess what else?
It was fun. Did you hear me? It was really fun!

We browsed the crafty art at the Sawdust Festival where my sister-in-law bought a cool amber ring from Greg Thorne. We stand up paddled, (ahem) in the ocean, among the amazing kelp beds, renting our gear from Stand Up Paddle Co. on Oak St. and PCH. We actually walked the boardwalk at Main Beach, an activity that I would usually avoid like the plague.

Photo by: Syrahgirl

And we spent an afternoon on Balboa Island and Newport Beach. I haven't been there in years.

A lot of years. With my new, now working camera in hand, we traipsed around Balboa and rode the ferry over to Newport pier, pointing at the gulls and flotsam and jetsam, just like every other tourist in the vicinity.

Balboa Island is a very nautical themed place, as you can imagine. Surrounded by water, and sporting every kind of boat, from huge yachts for the uber wealthy, to sweet little dinghies tied to a pier and sabots navigated by kids, you really get the sense of how much these folks love their boats.

I know, I'm pretty artsy with my new camera.

Looking south from Newport Pier toward The Wedge.

Yea, so the tourists are definitely onto something here. They know where all the hot spots are, they know where the fun is, and they surely know how to have fun. I guess if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right? Naw, never mind, I'm heading back up the hill.

Summertime

It's been a whirlwind of activity around here. People coming and going, dinners in and out, visiting and entertaining. I feel like I've just run a marathon, except for the fact that I haven't actually excersized at all, and I've put on 5 more dreaded pounds. But it's all over, for now. And although it's nice to get back to my normal life remembering what my family and friends look like, and catching up on the scrubbing detail that I've been ignoring, I really do miss all of the energy that has been swirling around me for the last 3 weeks or so. I kind of like ditching my responsibilities for play time, yea, that's the kind of person I am.

So, catching up a little...

My new camera that I was going on (and on) about - well, it broke after only having it a few days. I contacted my photographer guru, Ed Krebs, after scouring the internet trying to figure out what was wrong with it, and luckily he was able to fix it. Whew. It had felt like a new love that had soured after only a few wonderful, blissful days together. But, thanks to Ed, the love affair is still going strong.

Since the end of June, we've had a friend of mine's son staying with us from Houston. He was interning after his first year of college, and what better place to intern than Laguna Beach? He wasn't much trouble, and actually really liked pretty much everything that I cooked, unlike my own offspring. After he was here for a few weeks, his mom, one of my best friends, came to stay, too. I love this woman, she is so full of life and energy, and I get to see all of my friends who live in town (she used to live here in Laguna), but I never see because we are all too busy to get together. Strange that it takes someone visiting to see friends who live right down the street.

Then my sister-in-law from Maui came to visit. We don't get to see her very much, because, well, she lives in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, so it's always a real treat to have her here. The Houston gang and the Maui sister-in-law overlapped for a couple of days, which was just a little crazy, but a lot of fun.

All was back to normal(?) yesterday. The guests are gone, the house is quiet, and my chores are calling  me to get my butt in gear. I've got to get back to my routines, however boring they seem to be. Besides, I don't think that I could physically handle another wine induced day. Well ok, maybe that's going a bit too far.

I like my random picture of lifeguards. It may take me awhile to get any sense of focus back.

Fond memories

Throughout our lives there are the moments that are burnt into our memories. Last night was one of those moments that will forever be emblazoned in my mind. Good thing, because if I had to rely on the photos that I took, I would be in very hot water. Have I mentioned to you guys that I am a really, and I mean really, really a bad photographer?

 I just thought I'd share the pics of my son's high school graduation that will hopefully, someday jog my aging memory and remind me just how special this night was.

He walked right past us. There he is...

Hmmm, actually, these pics are kind of artsy.

Here he is getting his diploma.

That's his baby picture on the big screen. Pretty cute, right?

So, that's it! These are my pics of this amazing milestone. I'm a pretty amazing photographer, don't you think?

Summer solstice

Ah, summer at last. Even though our mornings here are still laden with thick fog, it's good to know that today kicks off the real summer season. I love summer. The sunshine, the beach, the long days... it doesn't get any better than that.

The art festivals are getting ready to open, too. These festivals are the true meaning of summer here in Laguna. Tonight is the pre-opening, locals night party at the Sawdust Festival. Hands down, it's one of the best parties of the year. Great art and music, along with seeing old friends, it's what Laguna is all about!

Then, on Thursday, my oldest, the heir to the throne, graduates from high school. Although it's impossible to imagine that time has played a nasty trick, and passed way too quickly, I don't feel overly emotional yet. It leaves me to wonder, will the flood-gates open up at a completely inappropriate time? 'Cuz, that would be really bad, but very likely from you-know-who. All's I know is that it did go by way too fast. All that worry, discipline, gobs of love, oh, and just a teensy amount of shouting over the years, and then, *poof*, it's over. Good thing I still have the second in line to keep me busy! But, I'm warning you right now, the blubbering will be out. of. control. when he graduates in 2 years. I guess we dust ourselves off, and just keep stumbling through this crazy life. And if we're lucky, we gave our kids just the right amount of worry, discipline, gobs of love, and just the teensiest amount of shouting to help them navigate all the craziness for themselves.

The best new thing in town

As a former employee of The Beach House Restaurant, ( I waited tables there for 5 long years, waaayyy back when! ) I was thrilled when I heard the buzz about The Deck opening up at the ultra mod Pacific Edge Hotel, with the Beach House as their supporting kitchen. Knowing the location all too well, I couldn't wait to try it. So when my friends were planning a little girls catch-up evening, we jumped at the chance to go on opening day.

We entered through The Beach House Restaurant, but there is an actual entrance to The Deck.

I had forgotten just how quaint and lovely The Beach House restaurant really is. And I even got to see some of my old friends who are still working there, which was a real bonus!

It wasn't easy to make reservations, I ended up making mine through The Beach House, which wasn't the right thing to do. I even called The Pacific Edge Hotel to make sure that The Deck would have my reservation when we arrived, but they didn't seem to know, and said it would be fine, which it was. I'm sure these are all just little kinks that will work themselves out, it was opening night, after all.

The real entrance is just south of The Beach House on Sleepy Hollow Lane.

The first glimpse of The Deck from the hostess desk.

Ok, it just gets better from here. The Deck is a dream! It is right smack-dab on the sand, you couldn't get any closer if you were building a sand castle.

Stand up paddlers paddle by, and a surfer performed for us right out front.

This is an amazingly special place, with the waves crashing, the gulls overhead, and a chill beach vibe, it is a place I'll go back to over and over again. And even though it was a bit overcast and chilly, our waitress, Lauren, was there with blankets ready in case any of us needed one.

The Beach House Restaurant has been owned and run by the Pike family since 1968, which is ions in restaurant time. The building itself is the former home of 1920's hollywood star, Slim Summerville, it is so steeped in local history, that the ghosts nearly greet you at the door.

Our waitress Lauren, manager Noah Pike, and chef Michael Ingino pose against the perfect background.

 We ordered a little champagne with our appetizers. The food and service were just great, but truly, you cannot beat that ambiance!

A sampling of the appetizers that we noshed.

Here's the northern view from our table.

The Deck is an extension of a home that was built by the previous owners of Vacation Village Hotel, which has since been more appropriately renamed Pacific Edge. So when you head to the ladies room, you pass through this cozy living room area that makes you wish that you had brought your favorite book.

A stand-up bar is creatively made from a stand up paddle board from Suplove. Very clever.

The Deck is definitely worth a visit. If you go soon, while it's still a bit of a secret, maybe you won't meet up with the projected throngs of tourists and locals vying for a table. I know I'll be back, for sure!

I'm still not entirely sure how to make reservations, but try Pacific Edge Hotel's phone line:

949-494-8566

Pacific Edge Hotel
647 South Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA  92651

The entrance to The Deck is on Sleepy Hollow Lane, just south of The Beach House.


The Beach House Restaurant
619 Sleepy Hollow Lane
Laguna Beach, CA  92651

949-494-9707

World Ocean Day!

Hey, What are you wearing today? Blue?

Photo: http://thundafunda.com/5/Oceans/photos-of-Victoria-Beach-Laguna-Beach-California-pictures.jpg

Today is World Ocean Day. Wear blue and tell two... that's why I'm telling you!

Today is the day to remind ourselves to take care of our oceans. To make a commitment to protect and keep our ocean healthy.

To celebrate our ocean, and appreciate all the ocean gives us.

To admire the sheer beauty, the awesome power, the undeniable magnificence.

To remember that everything that runs-off into our rivers, finally makes it's way into our ocean. 

I'm wearing blue today, in hopes that my kids, and their kids will have a clean, healthy ocean.

Spread the word, and tell two!

Happy World Ocean Day!

The girls

Well, at least I hope they are all girls. Not being a chicken expert, I'm still waiting to see if any rooster-like qualities develop.

I sure hope they sort that out soon, because I won't be able to keep any roosters, and I'm getting pretty attached to these girls.

Mr. R calls me the chicken whisperer. I know he's being a smart-ass, but I'm kind of proud of my new moniker. Not everyone can whisper to chickens, right?

Check out those fuzzy cheeks! She is so adorable, and growing feathers out of her cheeks. Classic. By the way, have you tried to take pictures of chickens lately? Let me tell you this, it is not easy. They constantly are moving here or there, craning their necks, chasing bugs, dashing into their coop at the smallest provocation. Dumb clucks.

Here they are in a game of butt's up. Cute, huh?

Here they are in attack mode. I know they love me, but why do they try to peck my eyes out and my shoes off? Bad chickens. Aren't my chicken shoes something? I bet your jealous.

The big question is when will they start laying eggs? Not for a while, is my pat answer. At 9 weeks, they are still only teenagers. I've read that they start laying anywhere from 4 - 8 months old. Can't wait for those fresh eggs, especially the turquoise ones from my "easter eggers"!

Just write

Isn't it funny how inspiration comes and goes? Lately, for me, it's been long gone. I just haven't been able to sit down in front of my computer!

With nothing much to say, and no earth-shattering news, blogging sometimes feels like a big waste of time. Do you guys feel like that sometimes, too?

Maybe the tide is changing a bit for me, though. It is unofficially summer, after all! Thankfully, the weather is shifting to more warmth and more sunshine. It's about time! Yea, I know, I live in So. Cal., I really should stop whining about weather. But that's the point, I am a devout sun worshiper! Without those sunny skies, I'm nothing. Ok, just kidding.

Sometimes I think you just have to write something, anything, to get yourself unblocked. No judgements, just write and feel those fingers skimming the keyboard. That's exactly what I'm doing here. Blah, blah, blah. See? I'll let you know if my theory on unblocking works.

And that's the funny thing, isn't it? Just when you least expect it, things pop up in the most interesting places. So, you'll never guess what I picked up at an estate sale on Monday... right around the corner from my house... my very first Paolo Soleri windbell! Hooray for me!

Beware - the obsession continues...

Village Laguna charm

Have I mentioned that I love where I live? We are so lucky to have so many beautiful and unique homes that accessorize the beaches and hidden coves perfectly. And all that was confirmed last Sunday, when I went on Village Laguna's 39th annual Charm House Tour.

Getting to peek behind gates and perfectly painted closed doors, is an absolute delight in this beachside town. And although we couldn't take pictures inside of the homes, I did snap a couple of pics here and there.

These folks named their house "Xanadu". I kept humming that song by Olivia Newton John the whole time I was walking through! But really, it was an adorable little cottage hanging right over a wash that was chock full of all kinds of flora and fauna and chirping birds.

 There were six homes featured in all, but I focused most of my attention on this sweet little 1926 cottage. Most of it was pretty original, with creative decor and whimsy throughout. Oh, I so wish that I could have taken some pics of the interior! But wait until you see some of the amazing gardens and exterior!

I have loved these Paolo Soleri windbells for a very long time. They used to have a shop in town that sold them, and I would give them as gifts. That shop is long gone, and I can't believe that I never got one for myself! Recently, I found their website, so now I have to save some $$ for my very own windbell!

By now you've probably figured out that I really love these bells, and that I'm just a little bit jealous of their fabulous collection!

This is an aviary that they have in their front yard. Can you see those little doves on the perch? They also had a couple more aviaries in the back yard.

These folks had amazing taste and a good eye to match. In every nook and cranny there were sweet vignettes to keep you noticing all the purposeful color and texture.

The nasturtiums offer a vibrant burst of color to cheer anybody in need!

If you look closely, you can see that there's a bees nest in the birdhouse. No wonder why their garden looks so good!

Neither the crowds, nor the bees disturbed Elenor's cat-nap!

The color of these succulents is wonderful with the sunshine streaming through, don't you think?

The side yard was just as charming as the front of the house!

Guess who's house was also on the tour this year. Give up? Cindy and Mark Evans'! Remember them? I posted on their Mexican themed garden way back in December. You can find the original posts here and here. Oh, and the L.A. Times did a piece on the inside of their house, which you can find here.

I took this tour with my friend, Janine, who has a blog called Laguna Dirt. Be sure to check out her post, too!