Back to the Beach

~ as we attempt to get adjusted to daylight savings time ending, we say so long to October, & look forward to celebrating the upcoming holidays. Do we miss the beach? not quite yet. not here in the warmth of So.Cal. The beach is so peaceful now; very few people, random surfers, and silent boats on the horizon. the cool salty air and powerful energy of the ocean waves are our faithful friends. here's a peek ~ our last Oct. beach trip::

... and we will return soon!

wedding toppers and paper flowers whimsy

~ don't you think that every day should bring smiles and little happy creations to enjoy? Sarah Neuberger has the perfect eye for blending thoughtful design and color in her own kawaii way at thesmallobject.com:
“Sarah Neuburger, the artist behind The Small Object, reexamines everyday surfaces like fingerprints and clothespins and turns them into whimsical, quirky collectibles. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is currently stocked in stores worldwide. From wooden dolls to rubber stamps, her collection has a friendly sensibility that is rather kawaii, despite being from the South, and full of unique characters and drawings.”

~ Sarah's paper flower creation would brighten any day.

~ the celebration candle kids are the most adorable candle holders ever...
~ we adore her charming wedding toppers. custom memories with a smile...

sweet cupcake toppers too...

~ perfect keepsakes...

~ visit Sarah's shop: thesmallobject on Etsy to see more of her whimsical unique selections.

Thanks, Sarah!

Project Kaisei

"The “Plastic Vortex,” or what is sometimes referred to as the “garbage patch,” is within an area that is technically referred to as the the North Pacific Subtropical Convergence Zone. This area does not have rigid physical boundaries, and varies seasonally in both size and position. Floating patches have been reported by sailors and fishermen, but relative to the large area of the North Pacific Ocean, large masses are not observed frequently. No one really knows how big this area is, and this is one reason for further testing and analysis by Project Kaisei’s science team". Visit Project Kaisei.

We love the beach. 5 generations of our Family have lingered peacefully on the sand, and jumped happily into the sea; from Huntington Beach to Ventura. We always leave the beach cleaner than when we arrive. It’s not hard. It’s common sense. It’s respect.

Too many people are choosing to trash the ocean. The disgusting plastic pollution, mixed with other random debris, is turning the Pacific into a dangerous garbage dump. Please take a look at the current mission of Project Kaisei. Yes, you do have 6 minutes to spare.

Project Kaisei Capturing the Plastic Vortex

Kaisei means Sea Star in Japanese.

Life

~ Life with food.

A little peak at yogurt.

pinkberry!

Yogurt has been a refreshing

& nutritious treat for us

this summer.

My favorite treat was a

Pinkberry Fruit Parfait

that KK treated me to one

recent hot summer evening.

The coconut frozen yogurt was

delicious with the crunchy granola

and fresh fruit. The perfect twist

for me was adding the little chunks

of chewy mochi to the mix.

A perfect East-West fusion.

Try Pinkberry soon! http://www.pinkberry.com/

One sweet yogurt treat we have loved

over the years is this baked yogurt.

The recipe was in the Green Sheet

food section years ago::

SWEET BAKED YOGURT
INGREDIENTS
2 cups plain or vanilla yogurt

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350°
Combine the yogurt and condensed milk

in a large bowl until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a shallow ovenproof
glass or ceramic dish.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300°
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
Turn off oven, leave yogurt in oven for
additional 15 minutes or until yogurt
has a soft custard like firmness.
Remove from the oven and cool.

Cover and refrigerate until cold.

Serve topped with fresh fruit, nuts,

toasted coconut, granola, if desired.
This is delicious without any toppings!

(do not freeze or microwave).

+ My brother, Dr B, has even been researching certain aspects of yogurt’s benefits to the body. Yogurt has attracted a greater amount of attention from nutrition scientists with studies surrounding a variety of potential health benefits, including regulating gastrointestinal health, protection against intestinal and vaginal infections, and overall enhancement of the immune system. Containing good protein and calcium, yogurt is popular for breakfast, snacks, and used in a wide array of recipes – everything from chilled smoothies to spicy sauces for veggies, chicken, or fish.

)))

~ Life with books.

Have you read

A Girl Named Zippy, by Haven Kimmel?

Bright Shiny Morning, by James Frye?

Summer of the Big Bachi, by Naomi Hirahara?

Explore Amazon.com for all your reading picks this Fall & Winter. Nothing like snuggling up in your happy place at home with a good book, when the chilly wind or freezing rain makes a trip to the beach impossible. When I was young, we’d go to the library every two weeks, & check out the maximum number of books. I remember reading late into the night, and becoming part of many adventures. Some in other countries, with various families or courageous groups of kids. Check our blog for our favorite reading picks for all ages. Most of the items on Amazon.com feature reviews by others, which have been very helpful in making selections. By the way, the number and variety of other products available on Amazon is endless & amazing. We have found everything from exercise equipment to almond nut butter at competitive prices. I head straight for Amazon.com every holiday season, & have never been disappointed.

)))

~ Life with family.

"The only rock I know that stays steady,

the only institution I know that works is

the family"

...Lee Iacocca

xox

A few little gems of inspiration to keep your spirits up::

"My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group: there was much less competition.”

...Indira Gandhi via Charles Payne – KFI

)))

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." …Einstein

)))

“The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask, DUDE!”

)))

Seems like a storm of stress and bad news lately.

The sound of rain is usually soothing, and music is always good for the soul. Here is a happy blend for all of you to enjoy.

Perpetuum Jazzile

Close your eyes & listen to the rain...

listen to the warm

It was an incredibly warm morning.
Clouds hovered high like hot smoke rings
in the sky. A perfect day for football.
Youth sports can be good for the soul.
It's great to see children with boundless
energy learning to be part of a team;
trying hard to give it their best shot.
Good job JFF & JJF!

~~~~~
~ that being said,
here's a hot topic:
Do you care? Seriously?
Will the “change” begin with you?

OR
Will you be a complicit dribble
of the lost generation?


~ Now, take a deep breath, & get your
shoulders out of your ears. Decompress
with a brilliant deep sea adventure.
Nature can be amazing…


~ I was admiring my Granddaughter’s

lovely hair yesterday; such natural beauty…

~And then, in the still of the morning,

I felt the same wonderment at sunrise...

b.q.

happy humpday

“Don’t worry about mistakes.
Making things out of mistakes,
that’s creativity.”
::Peter Max::

P
~ Let’s go here next Valentines Day!
130,000 sq yd islet of Galesnjak;
a heart-shaped island off the coast of Croatia

P
~ and look at this sweet Valentines puppy:

P

~ not so bright chatter about Suze Orman & Oprah asking viewers to pledge not to eat out
at any restaurants for a month? Are you kidding? So, destroying restaurant owners’ only source of income is a new way to stimulate the economy?
P

~ 13 yrs old; still our loyal protective watch dog.
We love him.

Rock on…

I’m a PC, & I’m 3.

b.q.

monday musings

"Perhaps imagination is only intelligence having fun."
...George Scialabba

P
~ Follow The Rainbow Road to a great sale.

The most wonderful boutique

(created by our extraordinary c.f.)

for boys & girls; including adorable infant wear.

There are also some pampering gifts for Moms.

Don’t miss these bargains!
http://www.therainbowroad.com/

featuring:
Albert
Baby Legs
Disney Couture
Harajuku Lovers
Hula Mula
Jack and Lily
Knuckleheads
Meg Dana & Co.
Mini Fine
Mullins Square
Party Hats
Shubx
The Bitterstrums & Urban Baba & Co.
P

~ Due for DVD release 2-10-09.
Cute as a 10.0 earthquake,
a movie titled “Chocolate”
in time for Valentines Day…
Not for your faint of heart
though.
~ An action tale from Thailand. A little Yakuza, a little Muay Thai. This young autistic girl, Zen, is to martial arts, what Rainman was to math. Take a peek::
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axf_EXzF_qM&eurl=http://bigjimindustries.com/wordpress/
P

~ We're so proud of our
DD, BB, KK ~ back hittin' the books,
all at different colleges.
We wish you 3 great success!

Gambare!
b.q.

happy humpday

~ Enjoying the warm sunny weather – one joy of living in So Cal.

~ State of Calif. not sending out the
students’ CalGrant checks?
Wrong on so many levels;
especially when the State Controller
just spent $2 million on office
cubicles, & who knows what else.

~ Los Angeles hasn’t had a football team
since around 1994. Listen to the buzz about
a possible move back here by the Chargers.
Keep your fingers crossed!

~ We had a special trip for
KK’s birthday lunch.
A hearty, healthy brunch at the
original Follow Your Heart market/café
in Canoga Park. We ate in the sunny patio,
and listened to the sidewalk musician
playing some enjoyable mellow tunes.
I’m happy that KK & her Sisters all like the
essence of wholesome living found there.
I fondly remember trips to that very market,
which is still going strong,
for incense, carob, wheat germ,
and meatless hot dogs ~ back in the day.
College was a great time. Peace!
Follow Your Heart
21825 Sherman Way,
Canoga Park, California, 91303
(818) 348-3240





some sprinkles of wisdom…
"Better keep yourself clean and bright.
You are the window through which
you must see the world."
...George Bernard Shaw

"When one door closes another door opens;
but we so often look so long and so regretfully
upon the closed door, that we do not see
the ones which open for us."
...Alexander Graham Bell

"The world is round and the place which
may seem like the end may also be
only the beginning. " ...Ivy Baker Priest

b.q.

pet peeves

+ Women turning their wombs into clown cars.
+ The imbeciles who decided to provide
fertility drugs to assist the women in
their clown car insanity.
+ Credit card companies lowering limits,
while raising interest rates – watch out!
+ CEOs of failing companies still
expecting a golden umbrella.
+ Whiny men who can’t find their spines.
+ Whiny women who don’t know what a spine is.
+ Whiny kids being raised spineless.
+ Cat scratch fever
+ Zits…oh, aka adult acne. Right.
+ The disappearance of drive-in movie theaters.
+ p-nuts with salmonella.

On a happier note:

Once again, beach weather!

more fun in the sun...

b.q.

happy humpday

~ Congratulations JFF!

1st Place Photography
winner, in the regional

Reflections competition.

We are all so proud of you!

Great big buckets of LUCK

in the next round.

~ Heal well, KK.

Still so sore from injuries

after being hit by a

bakayaro running a red light.

Big Bachi to that driver, that's what.

~ Oh yes, Grandma was a Redman.

O'bama had an Irish great-great-great

grandfather, Falmouth Kearney,

who had a brother, William.

Say Grandma was related to

Emily Redman, born 1835 in Calais, ME

to James and Susan A. Redman.

She married a William Kearney

in Dedham, MA 1854, & perhaps

you're all related to O'bama. Ha!

http://www.oneeyedparrot.org/obama.html

~ Watch doggies gone buck wild…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At3cU20WYIM

~ Growing up, we would say, “OISHI!”

when food was delicious.

We see “umami” on the Kikkoman commercials

being promoted to mean delicious.

We’ve never heard umami used in that context.

To be accurate:: “Umami (旨味, Umami) is one of the

five basic tastes sensed by specialize receptor cells

present on the human tongue. The same taste is also

known as xiānwèi in Chinese, literally "Fresh Flavor".

Umami is a Japanese word meaning savory,

a "deliciousness" factor deriving specifically from

detection of the natural amino acid, glutamic acid,

or glutamates common in meats, cheese, broth, stock,

and other protein-heavy foods. The action of umami

receptors explains why foods treated

with (MSG) often taste "heartier".” From: Wikipedia

~ and, some legendary power::
"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.

Some come from ahead and some come from behind.

But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.

Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"
...Dr. Seuss ...R.I.P.

b.q.

So Cal Winter Wonderland

first a

pet peeves

short list:

Ø Genius beach rookies thinking

it’s fun to feed the seagulls,

& then having to throw

shoes at them all day.

Ø A mountain of local retail

going belly up.

Ø No Japanese food market close by.

Ø Not having all the yummy recipes

that Mom had in her head.

Ø Not living at the beach

P

That being said...

What do you do

in the middle of winter,

when it’s 80º ?

Crave some fresh sea air?

Dream of building a sand castle?
Where can you see

pelicans diving,

happy seals playing,

graceful dolphins,

and

magnificent gray whales?
Try Zuma Beach.

Winter Wonderland
01-16-09

sun, surf, sand, & lotsa love.

b.q.

Happy New Year

1-1-09 dawned with a gorgeous
clear sky, & great hope.
Great hope and a renewed

sense of Gambare.
I found spirits in our home

were content & happy.
Everyone was up & at ‘em early;
being productive without any monku.

~ To start ’09,

let’s see 5ive more of the
50 Habits of Highly Successful People
source:: Lifehack May 12, 2008 ::
6. They ask the right questions -- the ones

which put them in a positive mindset

and emotional state.
7. They rarely complain.
8. They don’t blame, and take complete
responsibility for their actions and outcomes.
9. They always find a way to maximize
their potential, and use what they

have effectively.
10. They are busy, productive and proactive.

~ Christmas was wonderful.

I’m so proud of my fantastic family.

To be surrounded with such

love is priceless.

Thank you one & all!

Everyone really pitched

in to pull Christmas dinner together.

A special arigato to CF’s husband,

JWF; always willing to pitch in with

his admirable chef caliber skills.

Also, arigato to Dr B, for his

signature smoked turkey

and brain jello.

What a feast!

Amidst all the busy chaos

of Christmas day,

this was one of my favorite scenes,
as it involved JWF & JJF::
Father with Son, & a gingerbread train.

~ The frosty Winter Solstice has spread
it’s chill, and Santa has dashed cheerfully

around the world; leaving smiles & hope

around us. A fine ‘09 is ready

to burst into life. Time to think about

New Year’s resolutions that

will truly make a difference.

Stay positive & kind….most of all,

be happy & healthy.

Think hard, make your list.

It's never too late.
“ She gives most who gives with joy”

...Mother Teresa

My thought for

a winter day...
The pine cone is symbolic of

the continuation of life.

In its spiraling form,

the basis for the essence of

viable miracles.

The essential matrix,

as a reflection

of all Life.

Assurance of nature's

rebirth and regeneration.

Wishing all y’all a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous 2009!
b.q.

happy humpday

“Success is more a function of

consistent common sense

than it is of genius.”
An Wang

One of Dad’s quotes...

“Common sense tells me it’s so! “

He always seemed to be a genius to me.

~ Arigato to cf & my s-i-l, jf, for having the

Thanksgiving Family invasion at their home.

After a big dose of creative planning,

the entire Family came together

at their lovely home on Thanksgiving.

Delicious pot luck contributions

and car pooling all blended happily.

I love Family celebrations.

~ The Family ended Thanksgiving

with a wild game of BLURT.

So much laughter & hilarious responses.

The game itself is excellent.

Players ranged from a zippy 7 year old

to Dr Uncle B [the brain researcher],

& everyone in between.

BLURT was uncomplicated,

but a bit challenging for all levels. Pure fun.

~ During the past year, I sadly anticipated that we’d hear about increases in domestic violence and violent crimes,

when the economy plunged in free fall mode.

Be extra aware & stay safe wherever you go.

If the bakayaros are

packin’ heat at a Toys R’Us,

then you can expect guns anywhere.

~ Cyber Monday! Good deals overflowing to the rest of the holiday shopping season. Great shopping opportunity - cozy slippers, with

a hot cuppa joe. Free shipping on top of discounts is the key.

~ Welcoming suggestions for Christmas day ~

breakfast, lunch, & dinner.

Snacks? Beverages? Dessert?

How healthy can we be?
Let us see…

~

~ All moons are named...

December, Cold Moon,

The cold of winter sets in.

~ as we all try to be eco-friendly...Oh, yes! the boyz do think green...

b.q.

the I's have it!

"LET EYE SEE !"

b.q.

Monday Musings

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that

within me there lay an invincible summer"

Albert Camus

~ Weather – the forecast is possible 90+ degrees by Friday. Whew! Where is our Autumn?

~ mmmmm… Try Trader Joe’s Organic Brown Rice Marshmallow Treats, or their Lumpy Bumpy Bar. Or, how about any of Trader Joe’s dark chocolate covered treats?
”All you need is love. But a little chocolate now & then doesn’t hurt” Charles Schultz.

~ WARNING!:: NO SCHOOL BAKE SALES !
School bake sales victims of nutrition rules
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/27/BALJ13NP31.DTL
A twisted compliance to this::
The state guidelines, passed by the Legislature in 2005 and gradually being implemented at districts around the state, require that snacks sold on campuses during the school day not contain more than 35 percent of calories from fat, 1 percent of calories from saturated fat and 35 percent sugar by weight. Snacks must also not exceed 175 calories at elementary schools or 250 calories at middle and high schools.
Wow. Are the candy fund raisers next? The state better beef up the school budget, before they remove the best way for the schools to make up some of the deficit.

A liver & onions fund raiser isn’t going to provide much liquidity.

~ Looking forward to Thanksgiving. Joyful Family gatherings are priceless. Glad everyone gets the day off to celebrate & enjoy the feast. We always count our Blessings. Love the aroma of a roasting turkey warming up the house all day long. What do I wear on Thanksgiving?
An apron!

b.q.

monster storm memories

As we woke up today

listening to howling wind,

I flashed on a 4th of July Monster Storm,

which struck during one of our

vacation adventures.

The 100 mph winds started like this:

b.q.

fall back

We turned our clocks back on Sunday.
This time change always seems like a
symbolic end of playful sunny days.
A turn to cooler SPARKLES of the year…
A welcome extra hour of sleep.
New Adventures
Dreamy Clouds
Turkeys & Feasts
Cleansing Rainstorms
Amazing Fall Colors
Touchdown!

Corn Mazes & Hayrides
Toasty Crackling Fireplace
Spicy Mulled Cider
Go Lakers!
Fragrant Pinecones
Splashing Hats & Rainboots
Hot Cocoa with marshmallows
Walking Briskly in the Breeze
Joyful Octoberfests
Bountiful Fall Gardens
Energizing Wind
Yummy Apples & Pumpkins
Happy Holiday Parties
Always Giving Thanks!!!

A note to my Girls ~ I do believe, in my heart,

that there are always more HAPPY people

than unhappy people.

You just have to know where to look.

morning after the storm.

b.q.

ya otter see this!

we love this video...
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1750799

Daily Thought from RealSimple.com:
"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures"
— Thornton Wilder

Yes, life is not so easy now.
Why dwell on the damaged part of your day?
Do you really need to attach that useless drama?
Either fix it, or forget it.
Don't give up, just move on.
We can all count our blessings,
but first we must remember what they are.
It should be crystal clear.
See them.
Hear them.
Touch them.
Love them.
Protect them.
Always.

b.q.

happy humpday

To find a grin, with the heat of 90+ degree weather still lingering, it is always best to remember what refreshing summer fun we love...

a peaceful day at the beach

:: or ::

a boomin' day on the lake, at our secret cove
:: or ::

endless bliss in the family pool

b.q.

Basic Rules for Daily Living

~ a list we have posted in the kitchen:
1. If you open it, close it.
2. If you turn it on, turn it off.
3. If you unlock it, lock it
4. If you break it, admit it.
5. If you can’t fix it, ask for help.
6. If you borrow it, return it.
7. If you value it, take good care of it.
8. If you make a mess, clean it up.
9. If you move it, put it back.
10. If you use it up, replace it.
11. If it belongs to someone else,
get permission to use it.
12. If you don’t know how to operate it,
find out how.
13. If it’s none of your business,
don’t ask questions.
14. If it’s your responsibility,
get the job done.
15. If someone needs help,
try to lend a hand.
16. Find your genius, your passions,
your strengths, and live your life
with pride & courage.
17. Count your blessings. Always.
18. Turn that frown upside down.
b.q.