Shipwrecked Hike

Trying some trail out of Santa Monica can be challenging. Santa Monica has great trails with ocean views. On Saturday, Josh and I went to Palos Verdes to try out "Shipwreck Trail." It was a good one in the sense that you actually arrive at a destination. Um...more on that later.

There are a lot of "forts and shelters" along the coast. My guess is that teens booze and smoke in these "secret club houses." We found treasures along the way - shells, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and oh yes, a pair of well-shaken maracas!

This Tourist's Got Style

My dear friend Gretchen and her husband Henry came to Venice for the day. Gretchen and I met in NYC years ago - sometime around 2000. We were little city mice in our early twenties. We had a few things in common - like boyfriends who smoked and wore concert T-shirts, flaunting their loyalties to Guns N' Roses and Iron Maiden. We would go to "Happy Hours" at Tortilla Flats, Bar and Books, the Turkey's Nest and the Cowgirl Cafe to talk about family, our futures or our next big move. Eventually, Gretchen and I both returned to college - to Hunter College. She became a librarian, and I found myself wearing a crisp white nursing uniform.
We have both left NYC and our lives as bartenders. We both made the treks across country to witness each other get married. Now, Gretchen has an adorable baby boy.

It was such a treat to spend a day with her family in Santa Monica. I cherish the time friends spend with me in Santa Monica. It gives me a chance to be a "tourist" in my own town. Speaking of tourist's - Dom was lucky enough to get Rasta hat on Venice Beach. This baby's got style!

Give Me Five

August 5th marked our Fifth Wedding anniversary! We celebrated this weekend by going to the beach, watching our wedding for the first time on video, going to see "Crazy, Stupid Love," hiking along the coast, picnicking, and cooking some great meals. We took time out this weekend to celebrate our wedding date and the five years of marriage we have shared. (Side note: If you look real closely, you might also see two more reasons to celebrate - blue walls in the office and a completed quilt!)

Waylon's Smile

There was something so adorable about this "smile series," which I received from Katherine, Waylon's mom. I love that she was able to transport this to me within minutes! Look whose smilin' at you!

I Wanna Jam it Wid You

For the past few summers, Josh and I have been going to the Hollywood Bowl with our friends. Each summer KCRW sells tickets to their "World Concert Series." This year we have been to "Big in Japan" and "Reggae Night" It was great to see Ziggy Marley perform. I hadn't seem him play since he opened for Peter Gabriel in 1993.

We have two more concerts to go. Our section needs newcomers. Maybe next year some new friends will join us for the festivities. The Hollywood bowl is one of Los Angeles' great summer venues!

Ooh, yeah! All right!
We're jammin':
I wanna jam it wid you.
We're jammin', jammin',
And I hope you like jammin', too.

Ain't no rules, ain't no vow, we can do it anyhow:
I'n'I will see you through,
'Cos everyday we pay the price with a little sacrifice,
Jammin' till the jam is through.

We're jammin' -
To think that jammin' was a thing of the past;
We're jammin',
And I hope this jam is gonna last.

Cheers to the Adventures of Cathi and Nathan

My sister has left New York City with Annabelle and Nathan. (Actually, they left a week ago, but whose keeping track of my tardiness when it comes to blogging?) If you are interested in there latest travels, look no further than here. I have to say, Nathan and Cathi are living up to the title of her blog. Many people have commented on how brave and exciting there move to Europe is! I agree, it's an amazing journey and I am proud of them for sticking to their "plan." There's no greater feeling than executing a plan that is dear to your heart. I commend them both for getting enough momentum going to execute an exit from NYC. There were probably a thousand reasons to stay and "play it safe" in the city.

The fact that Cathi and Nathan made arrangements for their two cats and got everything in order is downright inspirational!

Before their departure, Cathi brought the cats, Bruce and Walter to Los Angeles. While here, she stayed at a beautiful resort in Palace Verdes, the Terranea Resort. My mom and I drove there to meet her for a day at the pool. It was so fun to do absolutely nothing but try out the giant water slide and enjoy mojitos by the pool. My sister wrapped up ten years with her starter company, Pureology. Congratulations Cathi! Wishing you lots of happiness and adventure with whatever you choose to do next!

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Here's to many years of HOLY MATRIMONY (no pun intended). It's a lot of work and a lot of fun, and you two make it look easy! XO