Orchid Lady at The Farmer's Market

Welcome to Pink Saturday hosted by Beverly at How Sweet The Sound. I hope you enjoy this picture of the "Orchid Lady" at our local Farmer's Market.
Thank you for your visit and I wish you my Pinky Best.

Belle Pottery for The Color Carnival

Happy Friday and I hope everyone is having a delightful week.

For the Color Carnival, I wanted to share a couple photos of my recent visit to the studio of artist, Melanie of Belle Pottery. She lives nearby in Santa Clarita and I met her this summer at our local Arts and Crafts Fair. I fell in love with her work and I wanted to purchase more of her colorful, engaging, highly functional, and very attractively priced pieces, including an incredible assortment of housewares with food safe bowls, trivets, and platters. She accepts special orders and is making me a scrub brush/dish soap holder for my kitchen sink and a leaf shaped platter similar to the blue one on the bottom left hand shelf visible in this picture.

Melanie also makes jewelry and is a gifted beadsmith. Here are some of her pendants ready to be placed on necklaces.

Melanie is providing a pendant necklace as a giveaway that will soon take place on the All Thumbs Review blog. She is also offering Free Shipping from her Etsy shop if you put in the message "All Thumbs". I will keep you all posted about the giveaway but in the meantime, I hope you enjoy the pictures of her work.

Family from Philly

I will be in bloggy posting and comment slow-mo for the next several days as my dear sister and her family from Philly are visiting. We have lots of fun things planned including a visit to Santa Monica Beach and 3rd Street Promenade, dinner reservations at wonderful Rivera restaurant, yummy meals out and in including steak and grilled veggies on the BBQ, homemade quiche with squash blossoms and heirloom tomatoes compliments of my darling hubby, a boat outing to a local lake, and a minor league baseball game for the fellas while my sister and I antique or attend a hot air balloon festival. I am looking forward to our visit as we don't get to see each other often enough living on opposite sides of the U.S.

I hope you have a great rest of your day and week too, thanks for stopping by.

Two Hooded Car and Is This Even Street Legal?

This car eliminates the pesky issue of back seat driving.



Mid 1970s Datsun/s? spotted in Old Town Newhall, California.

Happy Ruby Tuesday and Midweek Blues! Any crazy cars in your neighborhood? Thank you.

Fashion at the Farmer's Market

I love our weekly Farmer's Market not only for the bounty of incredible produce but also for the great people watching and fashion sightings. (Please double click photos for a closer view. Thank you.)


Prints are very popular this summer and really punch up an outfit. This combination of grey and yellow on this woman's top is very eyecatching.

I love prints in bright summer colors like this orange/pink dress, but I do NOT Get Maxi dresses. I cannot walk normally with that much fabric flowing around my legs.

This dark haired young lady was the highlight of my fashion scope out. Her hair is tinted blue and she was wearing a pink crinkled shift underneath a long black tshirt with holes cut out all over creating a lacey effect. She accessorized the outfit with club entry wristbands. She owned it and looked great.

Our club going blue haired beauty needs to teach her mom how to dress and avoid light blue mini skirts and too tight shirts after the age of 22 y/o. There is nothing more sad or pathetic than seeing an adult, male or female, dressing like they are 16 y/o when that was 30 years ago. Not to say you can't be fashion forward at any age, but Fabric and Fit Matter!! And don't get me started on the Two Toned Skunk Hair with the bands of blond and dark brown. Did they run out of hair dye at the drugstore?


Have you seen any Great Fashion Finds or Faux Pas in your community lately? Thank you so much.

Hot Pink Flowers in the Garden

Greetings from North Los Angeles County where the air is hot, the smog is thick, and the flowers love to show Off in the Garden. For More Ole to the color Rose, please visit Pink Saturday.

Wats nu

I am sparing you any more vacation pictures, well, at least for a post or two. I don't want to be like a colleague's husband who sat down next to me and my husband at their house and DESCRIBED to US Each and Every Picture from Their Honeymoon in EXCRUCIATING DETAIL for like, oh, 45 minutes. I still want that Time Back, Please, Thank you Verrry Much.

Our sons have been away at Scout Camp this last week and we miss them like crazy. They called last night homesick and it tugged at my heartstrings so badly I wanted to jump in the car and drive three hours to see them. Thank Goodness they will be home tomorrow afternoon. Our dog, Charley, who thinks All Children were put on this Earth to play with him and is very close to both boys, misses them too. He nudged at our oldest son, D.'s bedroom door and went in to see if D. was there. Really cute and touching. The cat and dog have been cuddling each other to make up for the Attention Deficit Disorder they are experiencing with the absence of children.

This is the first time in almost fifteen years that it's been just the two of us. I have been enjoying our time together and my husband, K. has been spoiling me rotten with wonderful meals including blackened scallops and salmon served with sauteed baby zucchini and angel hair pasta. Bellissmo! Tonight we are having a dear friend and her daughter over for Tri tip and asparagus on the grill, bruschetta with heirloom tomatoes, and for Dessert, Grilled Lemon Pound Cake with Nectarines and Whipped Cream. XXX K!!

My neighbor is a WIENIE. He put a TV satellite dish right outside my home office window which essentially blocks my little view of the Santa Monica Mountains. I went over to ask him to Please move it and the TV Satellite company WILL DO THIS Free OF CHARGE, (I checked, of course!), and he told me some B.S. about "costing him Time and Money." It will cost your more than that Neighbor in the long run, that's for sure. My husband is going to talk to him soon because sometimes it's better for the Menfolk deal with it. Men have a harder time saying "No" to other men.

To say I'm Annoyed is an understatement. However, after a few days of pouting, I made a choice, a conscious decision to Not Let It Ruin the Enjoyment of my wonderful home. This wienie also gave me a gift, he showed me how he really feels about me, us, our neighborhood. I get it. It has also given me a kick in my complancey booty when I realized how twisted up I was about this and opened my eyes and heart to the issues of folks in blogland and IRL who are dealing with huge stressors and this includes the Wienie. Also, that overall, he is a quiet and clean neighbor which is a Huge Blessing especially after learning about what other folks have to put up with their neighbors including threats of violence and restraining orders. So, this perspective means my problem won't matter in five years.

In addition to my major Attitude Adjustment, I've also put in some Feng Shui fixes to decrease the poison arrow effect of the satellite by placing a couple crystals from my rock collection including Fluorite and amethyst and a prism that belonged to my late brother next to the window on my desk that faces the dish. I am also planning on getting wind chimes to help create more positive energy. It's either that or I'm getting out the B.B. gun. Just kidding. No, Really, I think this Feng Shui stuff is helping because it gives me a miniscule feeling of control. Either that or I'm hoping the Wind Chimes will annoy the eff out of Wienie.

On more upbeat news, I found a wonderful new hairstylist. (I guess the term, hairdresser is out of fashion? Hmmm.) My other "stylist" moved to Scotland, (Talk about climate change from Sunny SoCal to Misty Scotland!!), and I have been on the lookout for a new one. I tried one other stylist a couple months ago and she couldn't get my bangs right. I have some curl in my hair and I ended up with "wings". That was okay in the 1970s, but not a good look at almost 48 y/o. This new stylist has long hair and bangs and she got my bangs to cooperate, so I'm good to go. Finding a good hairstylist is like finding a supportive, affordable, and Most importantly, a comfortable Bra that you stick with that brand and style Forever.

For someone who is Not A Shopper by Nature, (I know, I know, I'm sick or something), I have been doing quite a bit of shopping with the boys at camp. I realize this is a distraction technique. K. and I went out and ordered a new couch and loveseat for our den and I've been hitting the thrift stores pretty hard. I've scored some Killer Finds including a pair of nice Levi's jeans that my friend's artist daughter is going to embellish with her anime style artwork. Also, an Enormous, brand new ceramic bowl, and lots of great beads and vintage jewelry parts and single earrings for refashioning into necklaces and chain belts. I have been inspired recently to exercise my creative muscle with some beading and jewelry making for fun. I had forgotten, (because it's been so long since I've done anything the least bit crafty), how much hard work goes into it - the designing, the color choices, the multiple trips back and forth to the craft store, the redoing of my crappy wire wrapping, etc, etc. I am enjoying it and am almost done with an embellished chain belt for a friend of mine. I shouldn't be too embarrassed that I won't post Before and After Pictures of my efforts.

Thank you for seeing What's New with me. I appreciate it and I have to say this is one of my longest blog posts ever. I need to vent more often. Happy Friday to you and yours and What's New with you?

Fun Pictures from Vacation

I saw some beautiful and fun things on our trip to Oregon including stops in the town of Weed and in the city of Sacramento, California.

"Weed" like to Welcome You to Weed pretty much sums it all up in this agricultural and timber town in Northern California. The name is its own attraction in our grass growing state.

Many of the restaurants, stores, and hotels in downtown Ashland, Oregon have water bowls for our four legged friends including this one outside the Ashland Springs Hotel. (I am intrigued by the doorbell (Dogbell?) on this "Dog Bar" and wonder if this is for the dog to ring to order a steak or burger from the hotel restaurant? Or some stronger libations besides water?)

Here is the California State Capitol Building in Sacramento, California. It is very reminiscent of the U.S.Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Old Town Sacramento reminds me of the French Quarter in New Orleans without the jazz or strip joints.

Thank you for your visit today and I wish you Beauty and Fun in your day and travels too.

Canary in a Stripmall

Welcome to a Mellow Yellow Perfect Moment Monday brought to me by a Canary in a Stripmall. Several weeks ago my youngest son and I were waiting outside a restaurant for my husband and older son to arrive to meet us for dinner. Shortly after we sat down a little canary landed on my son's shoulder for a few moments. It then flew a few feet away and look distressed with its beak open and ruffled feathers. It was quite tame and did not appear to be able to fly far. I caught it easily and we went to a nearby petstore to see if it was an "escapee" from their bird department. No such luck but they did tell me the name of a veterinarian who fosters birds. However it was evening time and the veterinarian's office was closed for the day. I did remember that a fellow soccer mom from my son's team worked at an emergency veterinary office. I called her up and asked her if she could care for the bird overnight until the foster vet opened the next morning. (I am not a bird person and I have a cat that would find this little birdie a tasty snack.) She agreed and we brought the bird over in a paperbag. (Which we got from the ice cream store next to the restaurant.) We were unsure how the bird would fare. The next morning I picked up the bird and s/he looked great, like a normal little canary. Here is the bird in my cat's carrier awaiting transport to the foster vet.




Thank you for sharing in a Mellow Yellow Perfect Moment Monday. I hope my little bird friend found a good home.

Pink Sunset in a Sculpture Garden

Beauty can be found in unexpected places like this sculpture garden we happened upon on a dead end street outside of Sacramento, California.


(Please double click for a closer view.)

For more Pinkaliciousness, please visit Beverly at Pink Saturday. Thank you.

Color Carnival at The Websters Yarn Shop

On our vacation last week we spent some time in the beautiful city of Ashland, Oregon. Ashland has a delightful downtown with interesting shops and restaurants. One of the stores that we enjoyed is Websters Shop for Yarn. I find any store dedicated to crafts and handiwork to be so inspiring. Even though I don't knit, I have an abundance of knitters in my life and I so enjoy the finished product including a felted doll my husband purchased for me from this store. (I will post a picture of the new addition to my doll collection soon.)




Thank you for your visit and if you crave more color in your life, please visit the Color Carnival.

Fishing for Our Dinner in Oregon

Here are additional pictures from our wonderful vacation at Lake Of The Woods in Southern Oregon.

This is Mount Shasta which is near the Oregon/California border and visible from our lake cabin resort.

Our family went out with a fishing guide on the Lake of the Woods and we caught 5 fish and lost a whole bunch more. Fishing requires a deft touch and lots of technique. We caught plenty of fish for our dinner and it was delicious dredged in flour and spices and pan fried thanks to my husband. I, of course being the one person in the family who does not Particularly Care for fishing, caught the first, most, and biggest fish with my grand total of "TWO". My husband and our sons each caught "One". All in all a great day. Even for this Non-Fisherwoman.
Our youngest is proud of his landlocked sturgeon, a relative of the salmon.

My husband rented a little boat to fish with the boys later in the week. Our oldest son caught two yellow fish and released them.
The big thrill for the boys was they got to drive the boat.

Thank you for sharing in my vacation, it was wonderful to be together in so much peace and natural beauty. Even fishing.

Oregon Rocks and Rolls

Here are a few pictures from our vacation at Lake of The Woods in Southern Oregon. (Please double click for a closer view.)

The Lake of The Woods Marina has Adirondack chairs perfect for lounging.

The view from the chairs-

Our "put out" place on our whitewater rafting trip on the Upper Klamath River.

The intrepid adventurers with our great guide, Paul B. from Noah's Rafting, Ashland, Oregon.

More pictures and some tales including fish tails to follow soon. The job thing sure does interfere with all this other stuff unfortunately. :o(

Thank you for your visit and also for noticing my new blog layout due to the creativity of April Showers Blog Design. I am also getting my Very Own Blog Button so I can run with the Big Girls.
Thank you again, Best Alway, Martha

Pay It Forward Winner

Thank you all so much for playing along with The Pay It Forward Giveaway.
I feel like I cheated, I was the true winner of this contest, reading all the beautiful and sweet comments. I was incredibly touched, (many people would argue that I'm just touched), by the kindnesses, both big and small described by you all. Please, if you have a moment, read the comments, I was all misty eyed and smiling reading them. I wish I could send all of you a prize, but I hope this moment to reflect on caring was a gift to you too. My cup runneth over, thank you sincerely.

So without further ado, I am so pleased to announce Lucky #39 as the Winner of The Pay It Forward Giveaway with this comment:

#39 Sunny said...
I nominate Michelle at http://tobabyandbeyond.blogspot.com.

As if 8 years of IF weren't bad enough, she recently lost her job while trying to save for IVF. I am sending her good vibes for a fabulous paying gig (with IF coverage, no less!) very soon.

July 6, 2009 7:54 AM

(I couldn't copy and paste the Random.org picture which makes it look so official and objective, sorry, act of faith here for my veracity.)

I am sending dear Sunny her care package along with her nominee, Michelle.

Mazel Tov.

My religion is Kindness. - Dalai Lama

Observations from Travel

I'm back safe and sound, very happy to be home and flush with a fabulous and fun filled vacation in Southern Oregon.

Some lessons from my travels include-

If there are toilet seat covers available, by All Means Use Them.

I need a separate piece of luggage for all the electronic chargers. I am the official keeper of the chargers, blue tooth, check, ipod, check, rechargeable batteries, check, I'm like Scotty in the minivan, in charge of all power sources.

We do live in an international city, I forget how culturally diverse even my suburban outpost is in LA County.

A husband who excels at laundry is a Very Good Thing.

Good car tunes includes "The Boss" and "Trout Fishing in America".

Dorothy said it best, "There's no place like home."

Travelogue with pictures to follow in subsequent posts.

The Pay It Forward Giveaway

(Please double click for a closer view.)

Welcome to The Pay It Forward Giveaway! I'm going on vacation to Oregon for a week so I wanted to give you something to look forward to for when I return. I mean besides my witty posts and comments of course. (Thank you to Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom for this excellent idea btw. I
I have been so, so fortunate in the giveaways I've entered lately that I definitely have a karmic debt to pay my dear bloggy friends. Either that or I should have hubby take me to Vegas. So without further ado:

The Prize Winner will Receive these goodies:

Nature's Gate Lemongrass and Clary Sage Body Lotion

Beaded women's bracelet with tiger's eye, turquoise and crystal. Bracelet will fit average to large women's wrist.

Tinkerbell Mug

Mickey The Earth Hugger Tote

Flowery paper mouse pad with tear off sheets

A suprise something or two from my hometown and/or my travels.

The Fine Print:

1. Please leave a comment telling me how you nuture yourself. Please make sure to leave a way to get in touch with you.

Additional Entries:

2. A comment about a kindness you performed or was performed for you.

3. A comment acknowledging another blogger or friend and you will win this prize and your nominee will get a special prize too.

4. If you've ever given me an award or tagged me for a Meme. (Especially if I haven't posted it yet, ack, so sorry, mea culpa.)

5. If I have ever entered or won a giveaway hosted by you.

6. Anything else? I call this blogger's choice, just please leave separate comments for each entry. (Or is it seperate? Any English Teachers or Grammarians in the house??) This can be something from if we have ever talked on the phone or exchanged snail mail to whatever you think applies.

The giveaway will conclude at 12 Midnight PST on July 12, 2009.
It is open Worldwide, if you have an address and want to win, then please enter.
The Winner will be chosen by Random.org which uses space noise or solar wind or something really cool to pick random numbers.
Thank you so much.

Got Beads? The Color Carnival

These top 3 photos were taken at my local bead shop where the customers and staff are as colorful as the beads. Like all things in Los Angeles County, there is a Hollywood connection. One of the staff there who makes incredible beaded jewelry had her necklaces featured on the most recent season of Amer.ican Id.ol. The costume designer refashioned them into belts for the singers.





This photo is a jewelry booth from the local Craft Fair a few weeks ago.


For more colorful posts, please stop by The Color Carnival. Thank you and I send my best for Colorful, Safe, and Fun Filled Fourth of July to All!

My Neighborhood Fashion Mannequin

There is a house around the corner from mine which has a fashion mannequin prominently displayed in the front picture window. (What? You don't have one of these in your neighborhood?) Community legend says that the lady of the house is a retired Costume Designer for the movie studios and she still enjoys plying her craft. Here are a few of her designs which change about every other week, including new wigs and accessories. (Please double click to for a closer view.)

This is a fun Summer look complete with pastel mini dress and long scarf. Notice the bubble hemline which is quite cute, but what is up with those sleeves!


Nothing says "Welcome Home" like a Purple Dress with Gorilla Fur Inspired Accessories. (Right, Coco?)


This leopard print is my personal favorite. Grrrrr, Meow!


Our Fashion Stylist never misses a holiday, here is Miss Mannequin to wish you a Happy Independence Day.


Please do tell if you have any interesting characters in your neighborhood who express themselves in unique or creative ways. Thanks so much.

Shrink Rap

I just conferred with a staff pyschologist about a couple of my marginally functional patients.

I learned a lot, including why I dislike this psychologist.

I won't make the mistake of talking over You, Dear Doctor, ever again.

Some folks are quite taken with themselves, aren't they?

Next time, I'm consulting the Nurse Practitioner.

A Lotus is Red, A Smart Car is Blue

A Lotus is Red,


A Smart Car is Blue,


I just got a New Car,

I was long overdue.

Organics Girls Contributing Editor

Hi, All, I'm delighted to have been chosen as a contributing editor to a new blog, Organics Girls, hosted by April Showers. The Organics Girls Blog will focus on living a more healthful life and I'm planning to share information about herbs, supplements, complementary medicine, anti aging and other bleeding edge topics. The blog will go live in the next week or two and I hope you stop over to say hello and leave any comments, questions, or tips to share on being an Organics Girl (or woman or guy, or well, never mind.) Thank you so much.


Here is my "head shot" that April demanded, I mean requested, the editors provide.