tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52432489770294363952024-03-05T22:26:50.828-08:00Abundant Picnicpic-nic/n: A pleasant or amusingly carefree experience, an excursion, an outing usually involving food eaten in the open. Welcome to a slice of my life!sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.comBlogger429125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-66787954929428035922014-06-09T16:31:00.002-07:002014-06-09T16:37:14.604-07:00What Becomes of Life Now?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As it seems that I have done for the last few months, I'm replaying history - like the movie plot that gets us all confused and bewildered, wondering if this scene is in the present tense, or rather a piece of memory? Each time I've written since January (aside from the <a href="http://abundantpicnic.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-garden-party.html">gardening posts</a>), I am sending <a href="http://abundantpicnic.blogspot.com/2014/04/january-11th.html">readers back</a> into time. I recently posted a very sad, still fresh, harsh reality - <span style="color: #cc0000;">my mother no longer exists. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">poem read at her Celebration of Life</td></tr>
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What now? Is there a certain way to live ... sans mother... a tried and true method that will help me to plod through all of this? I was given a gift of 55 years loved by a woman that was but a child herself when I was born. She loved me with every piece of her soul - she was more than happy to express her unbridled affection for me - her only daughter. Her lovingly exclaimed ~ <span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span><span style="color: #ea9999;">MY GIRL" </span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">a frequent nickname for me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Surprised at myself, quite honestly, that there is not horrible, wrecked, visible emotion at every turn. I have always been quick to cry, palpably emotional, touched and teary by even the merest of incidents. Yet, it feels to me that I am .... holding <strong><em>onto</em></strong> something? holding <strong><em>back</em></strong>? holding on for dear life? waiting for the other shoe to drop? For the life of me I cannot figure it out.</span><br />
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There is still the other 50% that makes me whole, to think about - my Dad. That man, so strong - and sturdy too, at most times. He had a break in his solidness just after my Mom's passing. He really got sick and it was quite difficult to watch. We hardly knew what to do for him. Off we were to emergency rooms (again, uugghhh) and doctors. He came through and has delighted each of us - his children - with his complete willingness to accept all of the "newness" of this lousy situation.<br />
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Many weeks at the beginning months of this year were spent with me traveling back and forth to his home in the pines, and living out a week here, a week there. My brothers playing back-up on weekends doing their faithful & loving duties.<br />
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Thus is my slice of abundance for the time being. So much of the time with my Dad a pleasure. Time that frankly was not often spent previously; alone with just him. As Mom and I would scoot off to browse antique shops and lunch, and be girls together - taking up most of the precious moments we spent, just we two. Not that he much minded... we still had loads of family time with the whole crew!<br />
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Lo and behold, amidst the sadness and traveling there was fun and beauty also. I took brief moments here and there to truck off with my camera, possibly with Dad's dog, sometimes with heaviness in my heart, and other times with joy at the simplest of things. I took many a backroad and country lane, once in snow and oft alone. There were jaunts with Dad to places that mattered to us - a part of our family's past - to the town where he was born, a place I left my heart many, many years ago. We had visits with his only living sister and lunch at a funky diner with his great-niece! <br />
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There is still abundant joy to be had - in spite of the life we now have....<br />
The abundance not always in the form I would love....<br />
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<br />sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-89750739438057107302014-05-07T21:41:00.000-07:002014-05-07T21:41:09.694-07:00A Garden PartySecond time I've decided to post bunches of photos, and say very little... (hard for me to do) with the intent of sending this off to the Fishtail Cottage for a Garden Party tour. You can go see what I mean by clicking on <a href="http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/2014/05/fishtail-cottage-2014-garden-party-2.html">Garden Party</a>.<br />
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Not a whole lot of progress in my garden since last week's party. Truthfully I'm so busy with my work at <a href="http://www.goathillfair.com/pursuit-of-happy-ness-in-vintage/">Goat Hill Fair</a>, ( <- click to see what work I do) that the house & garden take a back seat until after the show is over. There has been the mundane, not -so- pretty-to- photograph upkeep of a lawn, pulling of weeds, and pruning of overgrown branches. All much needed tasks, but bo-ring! <br />
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Here's some pretty instead ~<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsSHbWS_drkcGJmlaCJe4eypR3EXRKtTeAvhEbFwULKOrt6hvKCtwg51W24m8OSuL8G-E54vyKyVCVhVsi8opJRco7T8DmfvJ2BRU3xIcyZIKf14GRflPIRh77ci5R2YSvKVcl5tZ2xC5/s1600/instBobbiecalalily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsSHbWS_drkcGJmlaCJe4eypR3EXRKtTeAvhEbFwULKOrt6hvKCtwg51W24m8OSuL8G-E54vyKyVCVhVsi8opJRco7T8DmfvJ2BRU3xIcyZIKf14GRflPIRh77ci5R2YSvKVcl5tZ2xC5/s1600/instBobbiecalalily.jpg" height="640" width="564" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this variegated Calla lily is from the garden of Hubby's deceased Aunt</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more vintage signs in the garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pulling out winter crop and starting seeds</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penny the hen from next door</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjwRiUAI_5XK3vSpXBQRrG_s7kQ7faCEA-T6ll4NnwNgpWNUxOAvR8ZxYF9vrSQ9-v48Rleq__aV-OJaJlHOS5NzqABcuSvVC9U77iwvQk8A2efOJD1S9Mdv2daUS6lpnxytQ0BNchzsv/s1600/instrosemocorangefremontadenron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjwRiUAI_5XK3vSpXBQRrG_s7kQ7faCEA-T6ll4NnwNgpWNUxOAvR8ZxYF9vrSQ9-v48Rleq__aV-OJaJlHOS5NzqABcuSvVC9U77iwvQk8A2efOJD1S9Mdv2daUS6lpnxytQ0BNchzsv/s1600/instrosemocorangefremontadenron.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">combo of rose, mock orange, and fremontodendron</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuzpvGyB7opD2CYPta5nofjKBPRH8hXX_yUHEAlNLGzxaJkqk3X70N6BjUaS0Bj3yFmfVbCzIAZvp8bD5csqjRHhInksuxWAcRIsqTpzqERsTI6OPH8wa3dyyd24qxZ8tId4dXm1GY4sb/s1600/instStarMagnolia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuzpvGyB7opD2CYPta5nofjKBPRH8hXX_yUHEAlNLGzxaJkqk3X70N6BjUaS0Bj3yFmfVbCzIAZvp8bD5csqjRHhInksuxWAcRIsqTpzqERsTI6OPH8wa3dyyd24qxZ8tId4dXm1GY4sb/s1600/instStarMagnolia.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">star magnolia - long since leafed out...</td></tr>
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Look at the same star magnolia image from above ^ done in Waterlogue app.... I love it!<br />
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That's all I've got for now. Back to Goat Hill work... anyone want to come along on a tour of that fun place? Maybe I'll post about Goat Hill after the May show...<br />
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Happy Mother's Day to the women that make life one beautiful garden....<br />
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sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-57959090307962145352014-05-01T09:47:00.000-07:002014-05-01T14:52:57.553-07:00May QueenCan there possibly be a better way to celebrate all things flower & garden, and <strong><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">SPRING</span></strong>, than MAY 1st?? It is May Day!<br />
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A virtual bouquet to family and friends.... not hung on your doorknob - with a knock-knock to offer you sweet spring salutations... yet, with sunshine thoughts anyway ~<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Qe3G7WlyJzNbgcQOebQZ6VNFaoxyX3kjfh4GrieOM_HGJGH0gLrlZ3izrRkbG8QcmVHpDyFuC8DaqNpUpK-BLR8Ue52js9HMyRg1kAD71mpPBEjNI1WS_wPkPQ9IYvHPZ-d1Ar1vHWsl/s1600/instMomslilacfromGHcrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Qe3G7WlyJzNbgcQOebQZ6VNFaoxyX3kjfh4GrieOM_HGJGH0gLrlZ3izrRkbG8QcmVHpDyFuC8DaqNpUpK-BLR8Ue52js9HMyRg1kAD71mpPBEjNI1WS_wPkPQ9IYvHPZ-d1Ar1vHWsl/s1600/instMomslilacfromGHcrew.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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My garden has come alive! The veggies are beginning to shoot skyward. It has taken quite some time for them.. after first planting - some seeds, other starter plants - the Cali weather has been on a roller coaster ride and I do believe the plants stayed in hibernation for awhile, peeking out and then deciding to stay-put for a short time more.<br />
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You'll notice that many of my images are Instagram, or shot from my iPhone. Seems such a handy tool when I'm out gardening. It slips quite easily into the pocket of my apron!<br />
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I do have a "big-girl" camera.. and she WOWs me every time with the close-up shots I get of individual blossoms. It's just heavy, awkward and potentially dangerous ( to her ) while handling with clay dirt all across my hands!<br />
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The magnificent walnut that graces our backyard does not leaf out until late May. So she still looks like this ~<br />
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One of the veggies that was plenty happy with the fickle weather - actually preferring some cool, dampness - is the artichoke. We've already sampled some of our homegrown for dinner! * a little side note: the artichoke capitol of the world is not far from where I live - Castroville,CA. The beachy area near Watsonville and Santa Cruz. Marilyn Monroe was once crowned the <strike>May Queen</strike> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">ARTICHOKE</span> Queen!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one from my garden</td></tr>
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I have loads of roses I tend...I adore... these grow over an arch intermingled with jasmine. The scent at this time of year as I wander through the gateway to the far back.. is breathtakingly sweet!<br />
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Still following me?... step along my gravel footpath... (this is a vintage sign from England - scored at an estate sale many years ago)<br />
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Purple lilac... whereas the first image I shared (above) was my white lilac - the white beauty new to me this year as a gift from a set of friends at <strong><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.goathillfair.com/maypole-dancing/">Goat Hill Fair</a></span></strong>, to honor the <a href="http://www.abundantpicnic.blogspot.com/2014/04/january-11th.html">passing of my Mom</a>. Bittersweet but perfect memory as I garden!<br />
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I have so many images of my home and garden - my place of quiet content - my refuge... <br />
This post is quite lengthy, so I hope any who follow are still reading ~<br />
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A couple of artsy images to shake things up!! hhhaaa<br />
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Veggies, again....<br />
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How can one resist swiss chard? My gawd the vibrancy... <br />
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Now - LETT UCE entertain you!! hha A little piece of humor & light ... a vintage sink for a plant vessel ~<br />
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Yellow is a favorite of mine ~<br />
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... and in the front yard too ~<br />
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Lady Banks ^ comes to visit each spring, knocks my socks off and then heads off to parts unknown until the following spring. Me thinks she needs to visit more frequently!! Don't you feel the same about these wonderous plants?<br />
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I am linking to a Garden Party and I hope that's where you've been to find my slice of abundant life... go read here { click - <a href="http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/search/label/Cottage%20Garden%20Party">Fishtail Cottage</a> }. I'm heading over there to go on some garden tours, myself... can never get too many ideas for the garden! Especially on May Day!<br />
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sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-56228202647747846622014-04-25T23:13:00.002-07:002014-04-25T23:13:53.684-07:00January 11thIt's come to down to this... the telling of what January will forever represent to me. Possibly there will come a time that the start of a new year will mean what it does for most folks. It may hold promise and, like I said in this post {<a href="http://abundantpicnic.blogspot.com/2014/04/an-ending-and-new-beginning.html">click here</a>}...just imagine the possibilities a new year can present. Wonder how long it will take for me to imagine <strong><em>good</em></strong> possibilities?<br />
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We were with my brother & wife to finally get me up to speed with technology. A smart phone was coming home with me on that day. Lessons needed to be given on oh so many applications and uses. So, off we went to brother's home for some lunch and tutoring. We thought ahead and invited our niece to lunch for her 30th birthday party planning. And, sometime in the early evening we left our small gathering of family - quite sated in food, learning, and the smugness of getting event details in writing.<br />
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January elevenths evening hours were cool. There was quiet at home, as I sat on the couch bundled in my white chunky weave blanket, inspecting the new contraption; adding contacts and apps. While I'm writing this it feels as though there should be a drum roll, or an eerily piercing movie soundtrack playing.... well, because this is dramatic. I tend toward the big punctuation!!!, the LARGE telling of a story with big emphasis toward the punch line. This particular story needs emphasis on the ending. I need to tell it, in all it's BIGNESS, because in my heart this day was as dramatic as they come. So then... here is where a song plays and I begin to cry...<br />
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My Dad is calling me - a sure sign that there is an emergency - he's not the one to phone, my Mom is the communicator. Words fly back and forth. I'm not certain that he is correct in his observations.. my brain won't let me believe that the sentence he's forcing upon me is certain. The one thought that I cling to is that my Mom is getting help, that those talented EMT's will get her to safety. "NO, Dad, it's okay, she'll be okay. I'm leaving right now. I'll be there as soon as I can."<br />
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By nightfall we're on our way through the dark to their place in the pines. That new technology a lifesaver in our car as we travel hours down freeways. Hubby texting, returning calls, speaking for me, reaching family who need to be told. My focus on the white lines, my hands heavily clutching the wheel - I yell intermittently in response to questions being thrown my way, as I am unable to hear all that is being said... and well, because I'm mad! <br />
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Anyone that has experienced hospital scenes with a loved one in an emergent situation knows precisely where I will take you next. Except, I won't take you there... far too personal!<br />
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We were all there, crammed in the tiny curtained room; she was no longer with us. All hopes dashed. In the early morning hours of January 12th the woman that gave me life, left her earthly one behind.<br />
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It feels as if I've only placed facts and time lines in this post. My emotions are strained... I haven't quite felt myself, and I'm running on energy from who-knows-where. Possibly the energy will get me to the next phase of journaling about this life changing event....sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-43070558462121276712014-04-01T23:05:00.000-07:002014-04-01T23:05:14.072-07:00An Ending and A New BeginningThis time traveling I'm doing gets exhausting. Attempting to keep memories in order, and true. Like, "I did do that, didn't I?"... We were laughing, happy and unknowingly keeping memories to heart, right? Jumbled, foggy thoughts are friends of mine lately. But, here? now? I can mostly keep track of time by the photos that I savor. <br />
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Back a few journal entries, I shared a <a href="http://abundantpicnic.blogspot.com/2014/02/gathered.html">family party</a> that was held for my sister-in-law, nearly in lieu of Christmas - as the entire family was present that evening - and we were going separate ways for December 25th.<br />
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I went the email route for sending good tidings and embracing the coming New Year... memories of the abundant life I share with my Hubby ~<br />
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Traditional Christmas it <em>WASN'T</em> this year (similar to Thanksgiving). A portrait with Santa was about as traditional as we got - albeit this Santa was my brother-in-law.<br />
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Always and forever Christmas Eve is with Hubby's family. Gift giving and opening takes on an entirely different joy when there are children in the room. It makes me happy to have our nephew and his family grow to include two young ones. Our great nephew is like a bouncy ball that hops from plaything to not-so-plaything while smiling, laughing, and singing his ABC's. We don't share photos of these beautiful beings... unfortunately....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMK9qsDnVih-jweO_LTpvryEBtfV26wgzzkkKKwzVwYWedyjJ5BZJDbTShlaCLBm24P6NNpwcLy3drLSFYV5rvwXgpDAUzK6_3M3bq3AH1mcnwxsOZ9msRM-y67nakAJpvRe_3P7Hxi5PE/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMK9qsDnVih-jweO_LTpvryEBtfV26wgzzkkKKwzVwYWedyjJ5BZJDbTShlaCLBm24P6NNpwcLy3drLSFYV5rvwXgpDAUzK6_3M3bq3AH1mcnwxsOZ9msRM-y67nakAJpvRe_3P7Hxi5PE/s1600/015.JPG" height="640" width="404" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my kitchen in December</td></tr>
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Brother #1 <strike>celebrated</strike> endured Christmas in Southern California, as his mother-in-law passed away. Brother #2 was content at home with his family for Christmas and had to work.<br />
Brother #3was dutiful and kind sharing Christmas day with other family.<br />
And, my parents were home, at their place in the woods. They made plans with friends for holiday dinner, yet my Mom was still not feeling well. That flu bug was hanging onto her.<br />
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Yes, quite separated we were and equally as nontraditional.<br />
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Off to the beach on a whim, because of the niceties from my Goat Hill boss... Hubby & I would dig toes in the sand and watch sunsets for Christmas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4_RRnLBOgVV7kIM58WqrusevhAgVemFtuwMakKhAtBrUuJEkQEP1bJB2wBVK4-p1EAkRjVRZwCcMMZpRsVSYVmedvN4fyHlncvFFxBJt-oMXDP_DB-dnFXaNAI7Tz6xWm21nXDqTYcyw/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4_RRnLBOgVV7kIM58WqrusevhAgVemFtuwMakKhAtBrUuJEkQEP1bJB2wBVK4-p1EAkRjVRZwCcMMZpRsVSYVmedvN4fyHlncvFFxBJt-oMXDP_DB-dnFXaNAI7Tz6xWm21nXDqTYcyw/s1600/035.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">even the bird came along</td></tr>
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Sunshine filled perfection!!<br />
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2013 coming to an end - we headed back home. A small celebratory evening with friends to welcome all that the beginning of a new year can mean... resolutions - maybe, dreams - surely, hope for a year of abundant joy and magnificent memory making ALWAYS! Isn't that the truth for each of us? That we have eternal hope each and every time the calendar reads January 1st? Life is all about the beauty of sunshine perfection, isn't it? Otherwise it would be hard to rise each morning. Who of us would sit and ponder dreadfulness? Not on my watch, anyway! Eternal optimist (mostly), that is me.<br />
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Let us celebrate a HAPPY New Year ~<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">art on our fridge for incoming 2014</td></tr>
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Try as I might, I cannot come up with a clear picture in my head of the first week in January. A lot of vague recollections. Checking my calendar, there are entries about the 3rd, 4th, 5th being spent in Los Angeles, and San Francisco at funerals. Deaths that needed to be acknowledged, loved ones that needed support. <br />
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Very soon after, acknowledgement, love and support would be needed to heal my heart. The art I chalked on the refrigerator said <span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>IMAGINE</strong></span>.... but, imagine what exactly? Thinking sunshine, I got rain...<br />
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sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-622872872302689622014-03-21T09:57:00.000-07:002014-03-21T09:57:01.636-07:00Back in Time...Time travel with me. There was a brief little mention of <a href="http://www.abundantpicnic.blogspot.com/2013/12/note-and-gift-to-self.html">Christmas</a> once on December 23rd.... then when last I wrote, we were in more current time. Happy thoughts I intentionally put to paper, as I recall I mentioned. Instead of heading straight to some sad times. I'll head back to winter, now that I feel I can relive the harsh realities of life. It will take a couple of storylines to get to where I stand today, but progress is being made...<br />
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Quirky <a href="http://www.abundantpicnic.blogspot.com/2013/12/using-word-thankful-still.html">Thanksgiving plans</a>, beach, crab and dinner (not made at home) was shared with my parents in their mountain home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crab to bring to my parents for Thanksgiving</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just the 4 of us - Hubby, me & my parents</td></tr>
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December jumped on the coat tail of fall, and the Christmas celebrating extravaganza was begun. Joy is counted in pleasurable moments. A favorite tradition of mine is a Christmas party with girlfriends of some 35 years. That amazingly beautiful group of women from <a href="http://www.abundantpicnic.blogspot.com/2012/03/so-true.html">San Francisco</a> whom I speak of now and again.Time with these gals is intentionally carved out and anticipated. It is a great jump-start to holiday events for reminiscing and ending another year. <br />
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For the second time, we chose the glorious, stately, historic Fairmont Hotel to stay for the night and stage an ornament exchange party. {25 years of ornaments makes quite a collection}...<br />
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Of all times to be ill! While it doesn't seem so in the photo above ^ . I was coughing half my lung at this point. I even took the precaution of seeing my doctor prior to heading to San Francisco. Alas, ill I was, and even though prescription drugs were packed inside my satchel, the flu bug-du jour of the season, had struck. I had a great time though! Just on the return to regular life did I have a problem.<br />
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This winter, many folks seemed to have a harder than normal time with coughs, cold and the flu. I won't go all Center of Disease Control on you, but statistics were high! I ended up in the Emergency Room in order to breathe. Never before had I needed an asthma inhaler. An asthma patient to whom I'm closely related was to have an exceptionally hard time during December.... my Mom.<br />
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If I may, the time-travel-train is going to stop here. I've broached the subject that is coming...<br />
With more days spread between me and the winter, spring is fluttering it's beauty in my face, and I look forward to the cathartic release of taking thoughts, spreading them on these pages, and releasing them to the breeze. More tales, trips, trial and tribulations soon....<br />
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sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-74672765554628151942014-03-10T20:12:00.003-07:002014-03-10T20:12:48.002-07:00Random Happy ThoughtPlenty of need for a random, happy thought... on any day! I've been watching local movie listings just waiting for the day when this will pop-up in the theater ~<br />
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Have you seen a trailer? Do you find the quirky films of Wes Anderson special and charming? Then this is a don't miss!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">OPEN, OPEN, OPEN!!!</span></strong><br />
sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-33134265877107979722014-02-28T20:56:00.000-08:002014-02-28T20:56:17.382-08:00GatheredHow could we know? There is no crystal ball to give us future insight. We love, and live, and do as we do routinely... all the time hoping for continuance.... all the while taking advantage of the years that pass.<br />
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As a family, our gatherings take place pretty frequently. There is always some special event to celebrate, and some greatly loved person to place in a spotlight. How could we know this fete would later hold a particular reminiscence? Nary a hint from the party-prop tarot cards.<br />
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Christmas, was in fact, going to take a back seat to the celebration of our Colette, my sister-in-law. Themes and planning, decorations and menus had been written in emails, laughed about in phone calls and shopped for with enthusiasm. A casbah rather than a Christmas tree this year.<br />
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We gathered, my family and our friends, as we would have soon for the holidays, instead for a fiftieth birthday. The house bedecked in a riot of color. A tent raised in our best effort to emulate a Moroccan hookah lounge. Tunes rang out. Noise bounced from indoors to a fire on the cold wintry patio. There was dancing - first in heels, and then in later hours with barefeet. A friend attempted to lift my Mom from the sofa and carry her to dance... oh, the laughs that got! Mom nearly peed her pants. Hilarity a constant with the particular dear friend that sought Mom's dance turn. Her love for him and his partner forever a part of our family's lore.<br />
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Faces of so many that we hadn't seen for a time. Smiles to engage. Kisses to be exchanged with a cousin whom we swear to see more often, yet never quite bridge our calendars. History to be rehashed and remembered with the honorary "fourth son" and his family. Much fawning of the young and beautiful in their club-style attire. Celebration of life in all forms on this night!<br />
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Gathered together and our joys shared - then, come morning - each of us went back to our homes and routines, until the next time we bask in an other's special gloriousness. Fully confident that this next gathering will come..... as it always has ~<br />
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sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-2336778355541569352014-02-23T20:19:00.000-08:002014-02-23T20:23:14.373-08:00A Chance Meeting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Coffee, with cream swirling, sits beside me on a petite, curvy legged French table. Words longing to be typed, and yet still hard to find are frothing forward onto this page. So very much has changed in the world, in my little corner of it, yet where does one begin? To skip forward to this day, and hope that by passing over the wintry months will mean that those days of difficulty are through - well, that isn't how it works. Is it? One day soon, when the mood strikes, and my heart can take the dark wintry-ness, I will tell the tales ... of why I've not sat in this spot and poured my feelings all over these keys. For now, I'll go back in my mind and make this first journaling effort of months be conscientiously sweet and kind. <br />
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I seek quiet, beauty and open space when it is time to be outdoors getting physical activity. I've mentioned here many times that I go to the hills near my home to walk. I may creep along trails beside a stream, or parade uphill through posh neighborhood dwellings. When I get to town, it is beyond my control, there is a first stop of business and I peek inside the doors of a little re-sale shop.<br />
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Just past Christmas-time a visit was made to this shop, and a chance meeting was had - a sweet, life-altering (if only for a few minutes) moment between strangers. Quickly I eyed goods along the perimeter of the shop, while out in the center was a beautiful, young woman dressed all in black, with many garments in her arms. Speaking to the shop stewards, this lady was hoping to find opinions compatible to hers on which items she should, or should not buy. Giving a brief and personal history of what she was looking for - "I need something brightly colored and happy", "I need a different out look", and I chimed in with... "maybe you're hoping to think out-of-the-box", Yes, indeed that was exactly what this beautiful stranger wanted. There were four women here on the floor of the store, each of us contributing our opinion. There, on the end of a garment rack was a skirt and jacket - <strong><em>THE ONE</em></strong> that our stranger wanted more than all of the insignificant, neutral colored items she was carrying. It had been spied, and while she was slightly shy about admitting it, mention was made that the item was a designer piece and thus had too high a price tag.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{not the actual jacket}<br />
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The three of us pleaded with her to go in the fitting room and try on the pieces, and each of us agreed that she would be spending her money wisely if she left the common neutral sweaters and instead got exactly what she was looking for. A fashion show was held, there in the little shop... the beautiful stranger smiled. The jacket fit her like a glove, and the vivid colors made her glow. Still, she stuck to her guns and said that at this time she could not let go of the cash this purchase would cost her.<br />
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Then, a more personal story slowly slipped from her lips, barely holding back tears, she removed the adorable knit cap from her head and shared her shining, and perfect, bald head. She was a cancer patient. Still in the midst of treatment, yet she'd been told that very day that she was cancer free for now. She was surviving! Her reason for needing a good dose of color and something quite different from her norm. <br />
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With swiftness, as the jacket and skirt were removed in the fitting room, I spoke softly to the shop clerk and asked if her manager couldn't please reduced the price. "What a great idea", she sparkled! As I asked about the reduction, I also mentioned that if it were to be, then I would chip-in $25.00 towards the cost. Upon hearing me say this, then the clerk said she too would contribute. The third lady amongst us came forward and countered that she would like to do the same. But this woman was having hard times and said that she had a family member with cancer that she was trying to help. With sadness she opted out of helping here.<br />
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With all on-board, and our secret quietly kept, the store clerk presented our stranger with the news of the offer. If she was wanting of the suit and able to come up with the remaining amount, it would be hers, with our help. At first, she said no, that she could not take such a gift. I replied that it was my Christmas money, and I could do with it as I wished. A way of paying it forward. Each of us was </div>
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teary and smiling, and joyful - each of those emotions all at once. All of these raw, personal feelings </div>
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while standing in a resale shop with strangers, who had become instant friends.</div>
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Strange indeed! Perfect too!! </div>
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Her name was Marie. I envision her wearing her colorful gift and doing more than surviving... I see her living life very fully, and most definitely standing out - </div>
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">OUT</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">OF </span><span style="color: #990000;">THE</span></em><em><span style="color: #990000;"> </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">BOX</span></em>! </div>
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{just as she had wished}</div>
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sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-38302905452602173732013-12-23T12:03:00.000-08:002013-12-27T17:10:45.926-08:00Note and Gift to Self....How is it that I seem to purchase myself gifts at Christmas time?? Happens... every year... each time I set-out to shop for others. I'll give myself a little break this time...hhhaa - I've seen the writing on the wall, knowing that this old (by Silicon Valley standards - <strong><em>ANCIENT</em></strong>) computer of mine that I tap away on for this blog was set to collapse any moment. It needed to be done - computer shopping - the "pulling of teeth" of the technology world. I detest this sort of shopping.. yet, here I am doing my first post on a beauty of a new laptop... NOTE TO SELF: computer shopping has some benefits!!<br />
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This is one gift that won't make it under the Christmas tree.... gifts to self are best used immediately!<br />
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I have plenty to learn on this new gadget. Time to play. Well, actually time to get ready for the next round of Christmas parties. So, I hope to get back here soon.....<br />
<br />sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-56031653667057199642013-12-03T11:45:00.000-08:002013-12-03T19:48:00.766-08:00Using the Word Thankful.. STILL....Turkey leftovers and forgotten mash no longer sit upon the shelves of the fridge. Thanksgiving has come and gone. Christmas seems to be "hot topic" now! Maybe I'm slow on the take... but, I'm still pausing to reflect and give thanks for all that I've been gifted with.<br />
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Non-traditional observances aside - Hubby & I enjoyed a beautifully <u>warm</u>, seaside to mountain top week of Thanksgiving observance. What began as a "time to unwind" post-<a href="http://www.goathillfair.com/lets-do-photo-share/">Goat Hill</a> getaway to the ocean, ended up being the start to our holiday.<br />
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Just past the hills, and sitting in the low-lying farming area of the California central coast is a cluster of tiny towns that are quite the slow paced, verdant, oceanic paradises of my dreams. We visit Half Moon Bay when our bodies say "rest". Hubby & I frequent this place, and my parents traveled over these hills to bring their four children to sandy playgrounds when I was young. Their fist home was nearly purchased here.<br />
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Hunkered down in the San Benito House, an inn that hasn't seen much updating in years, we plopped ourselves on wooden benches and watched the world go 'round us. Taxidermy heads-'n-horns line the walls of the pool hall. A happenin' pub serves up a mean Bloody Mary. My brother joined in for an ale at the outdoor fire pit, and a lobster roll down the Highway.<br />
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Ocean smooth as glass ... the oddest of sights! I don't know that I've ever witnessed nearly nonexistent wave action at this portion of the coast. We took in some local fare.. as in - artichoke soup from <a href="http://abundantpicnic.blogspot.com/2011/04/our-history-in-pescadero.html">Duarte's </a>(I've posted on this before), and we backroad-ed to see country stores, shops and... here's another strange curiosity - fence posts trimmed in dried fish heads!! what?? yep....<br />
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Two days of beachy bliss! Thankful for every minute of it...<br />
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Travel with me to the next Thanksgiving stop....<br />
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I hope to continue regular posts.. at a much more regular pace! Until next time...sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-42252233714247717662013-11-28T12:07:00.000-08:002013-11-28T12:07:34.591-08:00Thanksgiving & Three....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Abundant Life...<br />
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Abundant Love...<br />
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Thankful for all that I am blessed to have, and all that I work for ~<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">ABUNDANT PICNIC</span></strong>... on this Thanksgiving day, my words here have reached their 3 year Anniversary!<br />
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Three years ago on my <a href="http://abundantpicnic.blogspot.com/2010/11/out-with-old-in-with-new.html">first post {click link here</a>} I spoke of having three Thanksgiving festivities to attend. This year I am sitting in my parents warm ( a tad too much so) house in the pines. Hubby & I have walked through the pinecone and needle laden streets. We've watched the New York parade, and now the television is tuned to football. The four of us will join a few of my parents friends for turkey dinner out. A whole new experience - and just such the sort of thing I consider the filling of an <span style="color: #b45f06;">ABUNDANT PICNIC</span>!<br />
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As time passes it is easy to reflect and wish for more time with our loved ones, many more hours on this earth, and in this beautiful life. How very thankful I am that my parents are still here. How sad it makes me feel that my other Pops has left a wistful feeling in our hearts, as we near the one year anniversary of his passing.<br />
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Blessings of abundance and wishes of joy to all....<br />
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Shari<br />
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sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-55396108484373373082013-11-25T09:19:00.001-08:002013-11-25T09:19:24.432-08:00Do Goats Sleep Standing?There is hope yet that I will come back to this little secret place of mine to tap out some memories, and get journaling back to some regular frequency. <a href="http://www.goathillfair.com/back-very-soon/">Goat Hill Fair</a> completed the 5th show - our fall event.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cows sleep standing or sitting...</td></tr>
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Tell me, do goats sleep <em>standing</em> up? Being a "goat-ess"... it sure seems right now that I could!!<br />
This work that I do - the assisting, selling, marketing, designing, decorating, photographing, greeting for Goat Hill Fair - is such fun, yes time consuming, and after awhile, us goats need a rest. I'm at this moment <em>sitting</em> in a cafe at the beach for a couple of days - resting my weary self!! hhhaaa <br />
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It is Thanksgiving week. From the beach, travel up the Interstate to rest, eat and visit with family is on our itinerary.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me & goat at previous show...</td></tr>
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sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-36850097580764316222013-10-22T10:40:00.001-07:002013-10-22T10:40:44.731-07:00One Red HenThe garden I tend at the back of our home is long, shade-filled and barely manageable. Full days can be spent outback and one would never know that work had been done. A happy pleasure of mine while toiling is to have the <span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">next door neighbor chickens <span style="color: black; font-size: small;">cluster 'round my shovel to see what delicacy I may gift them. These girls are a delight - ruinous - but, a delight!</span></span><br />
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Years ago the first hen to breach her confines and master an obstacle course path over the fence to a ladder on my side was a statuesque, snow white clucker. Hubby named her Clarabelle. We decided to name the hens, since no one on the other side of the fence had. I always felt Clarabelle to be a daring, independent adventuress!! My, she solo-ed the rough terrain and decided our garden was <em><strong>the</strong></em> place to forage and dust-bath in the sun - that is worthy of an Amelia Earhart flying-wings pin!<br />
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News traveled over-top of the neighbor fence last night, as I gardened. Clarabelle and another hen {we called her Maria-Tomasa-Conchita-Alonso-Vergara} tussled with a nighttime stalker, and LOST! Tears welled in my eyes while I spoke over the fence to sweet Italian neighbor-next-door. This stalker that we're sure is a raccoon, had been to the coop on another occasion - but I always felt that Clarabelle was a strong fighter girl and with her hearty spirit would find her way out of the clutches of the bandit. I was wrong. And it took another with her.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our Biloxi<br />
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Our very own hen, Biloxi, went missing more than a year ago. Funny that chickens in your yard become family in your heart.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penny - the One Red Hen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maria-Conchita-Tomasa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 hens all in a row...</td></tr>
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One red hen - Penny - alone in her sanctuary spot (our garden) watched me last night, waiting for the worms I would dig. She was skittish - and rightly so! The sweet-Italian-lady neighbor says Penny isn't eating, and won't go back inside the coop. She darn well knows what happens in there, me thinks ! Penny left via the ladder, back to her home and stayed there amidst fig leaves that shelter the rooftop while the sun began to set. If she won't go inside - that rascal raccoon will take my last garden pal.<br />
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A melancholy morn at the ol' home today.sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-54361583934754100702013-09-27T21:48:00.000-07:002013-09-27T21:48:15.468-07:00To Do or Not To Do.... That is the Question!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tonight while flipping back the calendar pages, I realize just how much I haven't written. Many photos of beauty and pleasure, laughs, and faces I love sit in computer memory never to be seen. These are memories so current, yet seemingly many months ago.<br />
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While keeping up a quick pace with my life, as it whisks along each day... well, then I drop the ball on keeping time with journaling here. Something, somewhere has to give. I've noticed this is how life seems to go - two steps forward, one step back. I'll feel so productive and energetic - happy with all the accomplishments of a day, or a week. Then .. WHAM! on a <strike>Tuesday, Wednesday,</strike> Thursday morning (or whichever day one may choose) I 've lost the momentum and the need to drop one item from the daily to-do list is a necessity.<br />
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The beauty you haven't seen lately? ... here's some of it ~<br />
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There ya have it... a full life; a full calendar - keeping me busy, and happily so. Thinking that possibly when the calendar says it's winter and days end much more quickly.. possibly then I'll sit on the sofa with a little less to do, and I'll drop gardening from the daily to-do and spend more time here posting on the blog!sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-24419055372187402172013-09-04T21:55:00.001-07:002013-09-04T21:55:34.037-07:00So It Goes....September makes me feel as if it is the beginning of the year. I felt this much more strongly when I worked for a school district, but to this day - as summer winds down and the kiddos head off in the early morn, there is a definite rustle of newness to the days. <br />
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Still, days and nights are filled with simmering summer. Downtime of celebratory shenanigans, and much that keeps me from sitting down indoors to type out a post in this little spot. Sorry for that - I've definitely lost momentum in journaling at Abundant Picnic. So it goes though - as the air swishes and the trees drop their brittle-sun dried leaves... Autumn nears and cozy time on the couch will begin. I expect that posts will be more abundant soon!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">final days of sunbrellas on the beach...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ete is French for Summer</td></tr>
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Tell me it isn't nearing fall....... harvest, much?? look at these beauties from our neighbors ^<br />
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sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-14053442828581468322013-08-27T15:16:00.000-07:002013-08-27T15:16:07.101-07:00Butcher, Baker... Where's the Candlestick Maker?More stores need fresh butcher shops! I'll put my request in now! Something about them that I find so fresh, yet so old-school. I think I've spoken of this place : el Salchichero in Santa Cruz? It's a small but finely stocked charcuterie. I adore the owner and his fellow-choppers - they're dynamic, informative, and tattooed! Tiny place, big + for a perfect food field trip with the Organic Chef!<br />
{Cousin Rick}<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby kissing the ceramic pork </td></tr>
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Meat was bought! Cousin was happy. Butcher ... then Baker... in the same courtyard is Kelly's French Bakery! Yuuuummmmy decadence...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this little starling had his "sweet" spot staked-out</td></tr>
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Next? other California scenery - especially while in the Santa Cruz area. One must visit the beach - of course !!<br />
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Pleasure seeking, food indulging, and completely seizing the day - we truly DID!!<br />
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sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-38514102289051719862013-08-20T11:24:00.000-07:002013-08-27T14:38:35.254-07:00Darlings of Fast Food ? Our Family Chef Would Perish the Thought..Taco trucks seem to be the hamburger stand de rigeuer. At least that's how I've come to see them. A hip way to get authentic food quickly. While our cousin hasn't lived in the U.S. in years, his craving for this simple dining experience had not wavered. Rick requested we hit a taco truck on his first day here.<br />
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Scrumptious street-style tacos!! soooo yummy...<br />
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The interior (^ where we did not eat) was wildly colorful and displayed vintage posters that I found oh so photographable!<br />
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No pictures of the food - but I did get the cousins sitting together ~<br />
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Did I mention that our days revolved around where to take Rick to eat?<br />
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No, we didn't eat the chickens!<br />
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Again - no capturing of the organic food take-out excursion, just a glimpse into where we dined....<br />
our BACKYARD...<br />
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Here's the part where there was no way in hell I was going to have a professional chef try to slice&dice with my unsharpened cutlery, nor try to find a pan that would suit his needs. Let alone attempt a meal prep in a kitchen the size of some closets...... uh uh <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lamb was a fave pick</td></tr>
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We happily chose our own customized pleasure cartons of edibles from Whole Foods. Then, I did supplement and served a homemade galette from plums off of our trees. (the least I could do)<br />
And, believe me - I don't think I impressed the cousin!<br />
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We listened to stories of Japan...<br />
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and opted for ~ a la mode~ just to top off the evening with more goodness ! ....<br />
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<br />sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-71479767732285400122013-08-16T09:46:00.000-07:002013-08-16T09:46:04.234-07:00Feathered FriendYou know you've got a smart, kind, inquisitive bird when he is sweet enough to ask -<br />
"<span style="font-size: large;">What?</span><span style="font-size: small;">" and chortle at me... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">When all I was doing was talking out loud - to MYSELF! hhhaa</span><br />
Surefire way to make me start laughing (out loud to self, again)....<br />
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You oughta hear him chuckle - funniest thing ever!<br />
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Great way to start the day!! xoxoxoxox Greystoke - you're a fine feathered friend!!<br />
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sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-15492203104400286132013-08-12T21:21:00.000-07:002013-08-12T21:23:27.096-07:00Organic Man Visiting from Japan ~ AKA Rick was in CaliWe know an organic chef, he cooks Italian, he's American, and he lives in Japan. Pretty wild, huh? Rick is Hubby's cousin {by marriage}... we hadn't seen him in three years, or so. Wouldn't one think that having a chef visit your home means instant dinner party without all the work? <strong>WRONG</strong>!! My tiny cottage kitchen is <em><u>not</u></em> - repeat <strong>NOT</strong> an equipped spot for a pro! Instead, we shopped with the man-from-Japan. We spent a sunny Sunday at an organic farmer's market. We bought take-out at Whole Foods (organic) hot deli-smorgy and then we felt comfortable hosting cousin in our back yard garden for dinner.<br />
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Take in the color and magnificence of the market....<br />
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This is Chef Rick ~<br />
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Yeah, alright.... we ate, and ate, and shopped for food, and ate some more - seems the story of my life! hhhaaa<br />
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Cousin Chef asked for a taco truck visit! We indulged him - see that on the next post...sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-22324332180820768272013-07-30T20:02:00.001-07:002013-07-30T20:02:33.989-07:00In a NutshellHere's a glimpse into the life of a harried-gardener-essentially-summer-goodtime-gal, non-blog-posting writer at Abundant Picnic....<br />
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Where have I been? Where <span style="font-size: large;"><em>HAVEN'T </em></span><span style="font-size: small;">I been?....</span><br />
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Trawling fish shops in beach towns...<br />
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Hanging in hen houses...<br />
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Wine tasting... thus the blurriness (nah, not really)...</div>
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Photo shooting in hot & humid towns with girlfriends.... (isn't she cute?)</div>
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Picking fruit anywhere and everywhere - at home and the nearest Mexican market too...</div>
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Slurping 7-11 Slurpees on July 11th (7-11) because they were free for the corporation's Anniversary -</div>
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AND!! also because that was a special date in our family too - our Great Niece Madison was born!</div>
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Traipsing through the fields along oceanside bluffs....</div>
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Brushing coats of primer to our new outdoor shed - attempts at making it <em>MORE THAN</em> just a shed..</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">still in the works...</td></tr>
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In a nutshell - this summer has been fast paced, filled with goodness, over punctuated with PARTY-TIME and is still on a roll. Family camping coming up. An unexpected and welcome visitor from Japan filling some days. An all-girls annual event just over. My Goat Hill work with fun & challenges too. <br />
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My, my stories to tell..... wide open writing spaces, and beauty as far as the eye can see... camera in tow and beaches aplenty; sunshine sparkling and an abundant picnic spread before me - I will be back to share it all....<br />
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sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-90347460515911617042013-07-24T09:26:00.000-07:002013-07-24T09:28:28.781-07:00IntriguingI sometimes ponder the meaning of "it all"....<br />
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What more can I do?<br />
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Have I accomplished much? ... {i.e: what in the world would someone say at my funeral?} hhhaaa<br />
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Simplicity might be key ~ a garden plot, a tiny old cottage, not a <em>grand</em> life but, a <em>good</em> one ~<br />
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This quote and the beauty of the artwork where it's placed are a vision!<br />
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I ponder again! hmmmmmm what will I do? The answer today, and the one I might give tomorrow could be much different. All I know is this one wild and precious life that I've been given has been a<br />
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uuuhh - yes, with speed bumps - nonetheless a fascinating, filled-to-the-brim, abundant picnic type life! The sweet Sunday drive sort of joyride.....sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-69613035922537480432013-07-18T16:30:00.000-07:002013-07-18T21:01:07.869-07:00Mornings with the Mournings...First thing each morning, I go to the kitchen to brew some tea. Always, an open window is my ritual {Hubby is kind to help}... or I struggle with that 70 year old monster myself if he hasn't had the chance. This window looks out into our backyard garden. On each side of the pane are old twisted-wire plant hangers. We've had some visitors claim these planters as their home! A feathered couple of mourning doves, that I believe are hoping to start a family!<br />
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A couple of days after this portrait of Mr. Mourning, the pair left my window...<br />
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See the Missus - she's lying down - her black eyes following my lens, mid-picture...<br />
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Was so wishing to witness the birth of the babes.... <br />
Surely seemed that they might stay with this nest. They definitely weren't frightened by our close proximity, or the camera clicking away!<br />
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Maybe next time, Mr. & Mrs. Mourning.... our garden is your garden!<br />
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* go visit all of the fabulous blogs that are linked at <a href="http://www.romantichome.blogspot.com/2013/07/flowers-show-and-tell-friday.html">My Romantic Home</a>!! I'll be there.<br />
<br />sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-81739512274190649142013-07-10T19:47:00.000-07:002013-07-10T19:47:48.783-07:00Play Bocce and Mangia!!Time was, that I'd put together a schedule and have friends meet once a week to play bocce ball in a public park. Everyone bring their own picnic and gather for fun! That stopped a couple of years ago - just too hard to get enough people out to the park to play. That's sad commentary, huh?... too difficult to put play-time in our lives...... geeesh ..<br />
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I surprised Hubby and gathered some family & friends on a Saturday morn, brought along the goods for an afternoon repast and toted the bocce set inside my wheelbarrow to the local neighborhood park.<br />
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food galore!<br />
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Very few games of bocce. The picnic table was the place to congregate. No one even won the mini-trophy I brought along for tourney champ!<br />
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No matter if bocce was priority, or eating... we had fun nonetheless!!<br />
sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243248977029436395.post-43194108744729664842013-07-07T21:24:00.000-07:002013-07-07T21:24:09.181-07:00How Does The Garden Grow?With verdant twining leaves that spread at alarming rate - the pole bean seeds that barely hit soil a month ago - are producing long, narrow beans that the bird loves, as do we humans!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{the ever producing plums get in on the shot too}</td></tr>
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A metal piece found long ago has been repurposed into a HUGE tomato cage {unsure of it's original use - someone once thought a pot-rack for the kitchen}<br />
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Moving to the floral department ~<br />
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Shasta Daisy heads fill an entire patch of garden space... tilting their faces to the sun.<br />
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Roses are still vibrant and abundant, yet I presume they are feeling somewhat wilty after that full week of scorching sun. Time for them to be fed again, so I might keep them happy through the fall!<br />
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Seems the summer-loving Hollyhock maintains her dignity and stands tall and stately through all kinds of weather ~<br />
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Happy mop-head Hydrangeas are blissfully blooming, but they too looked weary last week during the heatwave ~<br />
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Now, back to vegetable subjects again....<br />
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Not for lack of trying, but I've been unable to master the establishment of beets in our vegetable beds. Still I purchase them with fervor and we savor our salads with some goat cheese sprinkled atop ~<br />
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Getting a run for my money with shoots, tendrils, climbers and runners of all kinds. The wisteria runners climb to amazing heights and have a mind all their own. They are crazy-smart plants that can reach their way to anything brave enough to be within a 3 foot radius.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">green beans climb their tee-pee</td></tr>
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Many laborious hours ahead of me... with PLEASURE. Especially since much of the month of May, and June were spent away from home {what with that anniversay and such... wink-wink!}<br />
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sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02321200669390606299noreply@blogger.com0