MOMMA!

I super love GMC trucks, my first car was a GMC Sierra full size pick up truck. I saw this one on the street today while I was walking home after dropping off my zipcar.

29/31

From my neighborhood

Tim and I went for a walk this evening to pick up my zipcar (have to go to Santa Cruz for work tomorrow and zipcar is cheaper then claiming mileage and I don't have to put the miles on my car). While walking, we saw these crazy signs. The shop sign is at the end of my street!

Now this sign is incredible, I can only imagine what lies behind the double black doors lined in gold under the sign. I think maybe a makeshift Wizard of Oz setting, a very short man with a crazy mustache and maybe a crystal ball or maybe that guy from the commercial where you can get free money from the government, you know, the one that wears the suit covered in question marks. Very strange, if we were brave enough we would have rang the bell.

28/31

Bush Street

27/31

I lost my mojo yesterday and forgot to post a photo. Good thing I mistakenly put 31 days for this month, that allowed me room to forget a day!

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

Can you smell this?

25/31

Piled Up

Lately I have been feeling like things are piling up around me and as much as I try to get things organized, nothing is working. I think my plan for this weekend is to stay home and get some much needed de-cluttering and cleaning done around the house. The Babe has a couple tennis matches so he will be out and about for a few hours Saturday and Sunday. I am going to try and use that time constructively instead of watching Gemma Jones in the Duchess of Duke Street, my new addiction.

Anyway, I took this photo to show that even though things pile up in life, they are sometimes beautiful in their own way.

24/31

What the?

No, it is not as clear as I wanted it be or as clear as it appeared on the screen of my camera, but really, the bug looks like a flying lash exact mascara brush designed by Cover Girl! Does anyone know what kind of bug this is (Robin)?
On another note, the petals of this rose are just stunning!

23/31

Heat Wave

22/31

The heat has made us lazy - hard to sleep, hard to get up once it has cooled off, you know the drill. Even my Blue Boy BayLee is lazier these days. He did not want to get up this morning and do his normal morning routine. I wish I had that choice!

Jewel Tone Purple

21/31

I feel so blessed to work in a building that is surrounded by flowers, bees, fountains and art.

Fabulous Find

I love hand embroidery and I super love this pattern.
I found it today while looking at the site Feeling Stitchy.
Find the pattern here. This one has been stitched by Georgia McDonald.

Baby Cakes

These walked pass my desk this morning for our Bakery Coordinator and I had to take a photo.
So cute, baby cupcakes the size of a half dollar.

20/31

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...
95 degrees is the high today!

Pink Lady

19/31

Saw this beauty parked down the street from the Antique Mall and had to do a drive by shooting (photo shooting that is). Oh, how I dream of having a car like this some day!

Upcycling Class

I took a class at SF Center for the Book yesterday called: Upcycling: The Transformation of Trash . We took vintage books, tore the guts out, in a very calculated way of course and then inserted our own pages! It was so cool. I am excited to try and make one on my own at home. Last time I took a binding class (in January) I went book crazy and couldn't stop making them, I have been on creative hiatus ever since that bout and needed something new to inspire me.
I was half asleep the first part of class and ended up gluing my end pages in upside down, which was pretty funny. By the time I realized (after lunch) it was too late, so I just let the rest come together as it wanted. My book is pretty cool, it is an old Russian Language book, which I think is funny because I am known to speak with a Russian accent at times. The pages are a mix of ledger sheets, white paper, original pages from the Russian book, childrens dictionary pages from the non-PC 1950's and other odds and ends.
I see an new obsession my future!

Mark it Up

18/31

Package in the Mail

I sent myself a box of treasures from my Aunt Mary's house and they arrived today.
Some of the items are very old and may be of some value, but not all the money in the world would ever get me to part with these things, they mean so much more to me than they could ever mean to someone off the street. I would like to think Mary would rather family hold on to these things than have them end up at some unknown person's home not knowing where they really came from you know? I am excited to get home tonight and make space for my precious items and at the same time I am dreading unwrapping the items because I know it will make me sad.
I finally got over being sad every time I passed my Grandma's mocassins on the wall in my bedroom.
It is all part of the process I guess.

Beauty Around the Corner

17/31

I got a super early start today and while walking to my car in the morning light, this amazing tree caught my eye. Well, I had to reach into my bag and take a photo. I love looking up into trees all the way through to the sky. I love spring time and I love beautiful things like this tree. I wonder how many people will walk right by her today and not even notice...I must say, shame on them!

Life, Death, and Reflecting

Mary Lee Lemke 1948 - 2009

When writing to a friend yesterday about Aunt Mary, I wrote that there are things that happen in life that really take you on a journey through your own self and this is one of them for me.

Why does it take something as devastating as someone passing away to make me do a personal inventory of what I have done with my life, what I want to do with my life and what is getting in my way of getting things done? I get the whole "believe and achieve" concept but it is hard to get my mind around and really feel like I can move mountains so I am trying to reprogram myself in order to do the things I really want to do in life. I don't want to have any regrets at all when it is time for me to go.

My Aunt Mary was my biggest supporter when it came to my writing. I never shared too much of it with her, but she would always ask about my progress or what I was working on and also (a funny memory), she knew I am a horrible speller. When I was about 18-19 and dead set on being a writer some day, she sent me an electronic handheld speller the size of a mini calculator. I wasn't sure if I should have been offended or not, but when I spoke to her that Christmas I found out that it was really to urge me to keep writing and not to let the hang ups (like spelling) hold me back. I used that speller and my typewriter together all the time until the speller died and I moved out and got a computer with spellcheck. Aunt Mary was convinced she could tell when a writer used a word processor to write their books and I always wondered, how am I going to sneak that one by her if I ever get anything published?

Aunt Mary was the most compassionate person I know. She took care of a man named Preston for almost as long as I can remember and before that (I recently learned) she took care of a friend of hers during her final months before cancer took her life. Mary didn't worry about what was going to come next for people she was carrying for, she made each day with them as comfortable and as nice for them as she could and put her own needs aside. She was a lover of animals and always had a cat (her "familiar"). I remember Emily, her black cat, she was a permanent fixture with Aunt Mary for so long and we were all sad when she passed. Pita (another cat) died when we were in Connecticut one Thanksgiving. It was horrible, but I am glad we were there with Mary and she wasn't alone to bury Pita. Lydia had a short life, she was ill and as much as Mary tried to nurse her, her illness was stronger and took her too soon. Sasha (because she is sasha good cat) outlived Mary and now resides with my parents. Sasha was with Mary when she passed and I believe that Sasha is a little bit Mary now walking around my parents house. Last week when we first got there she was skittish but by our last night she let me hold her, cut her nails and then bathed me and Tim in our bed and slept next to my head the last night. I cried. I think it was sort of Mary saying good bye in a way. I know that might sound weird to people, but I think that in some way she is in the cat. My parents intend to keep her with them. At first they were not sure, but she is so good and sweet and such a tiny little lady that how can you say no? She has been through quite a lot these past couple weeks and she needs to stay with family. I think that is what Mary would want.

Mary loved to write letters! My love of thank you notes and checking in letters came from her. Mary wrote to my Dad when he served in Vietnam and that created a special bond between my Dad and her even though she was on this side of the globe fighting for the war to end. I will miss getting her letters and cards with her infamous signature of ML2 ("the Aunt").

There is so much more I could write and share about Aunt Mary, but there is also a lot I would like to keep to myself and I am sure you understand. I am glad that the last time I spoke with Aunt Mary I told her I loved her and as always, we had an epic conversation - there is no other way with Mary.

Never pass up an opportunity to let people know how you feel, whether it is positive or negative. Give people a chance to make things right if they hurt you, by approaching them with nothing but love and forgiveness no matter what. As with Aunt Mary, things happen suddenly and you never know when someone you love will be taken from you without warning so make the best of every moment.

PS - had to get all of this out in writing, stream of conscious style, thanks for reading.

Hors d'oeuvres anyone?

16/31

Wendy brought me these today and I super love them and can't wait to make something with them!

The Heidelberg Project

The Heidelberg Project is an awesome art installation on the eastside of Detroit.
I know some of you have emailed or commented about my recent photos, most of them were taken at the Heidelberg Project.
I will let this video tell the story...

Back in Time

My little trip back home and back in time is over.

My journey here in the present continues.15/31

When One Door Closes...

...Another One Opens (or so they say, we'll see.)

14/31

All Tired Out

13/31

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

Happy Birthday Angela

Yes, it may be Easter to most of you, but it is also another National Holiday if you have not gotten the memo, it is Angela's Birthday!
Angela is a wonderful friend, excellent confidant, smart advice giver and great listener. She is a constant inspiration to me and I can't imagine my life without her. She is a Mom, wife, cook, and keeper of the farm (2 dogs and a cat). I think one of the best gifts my husband ever gave me was introducing me to his friend Angela. I am so blessed to have my very own Angel.
Angela, I love you! I hope B and Frankie plan a great day for you, you deserve it!

Happy Easter

12/31

Happy Easter!
This photo is of the Catholic Church, Shrine of the Little Flower, it faces my home town. I never paid it much mind when I lived here, but it really is a thing of beauty. The photo doesn't really give an idea of the size, but this thing is HUGE!
Now, if I only had the software to get that darn power line out of the photo!

Old Michigan Central Station

11/31

Detroit is an amazingly beautiful and sad place at the same time. This old train station may be torn down in the near future, so I had to get some photos while I could. I will post more when I return back to San Francisco.

Memories of Mary

10/31

Welcome Home

9/31

All Tied Up

8/31

I leave tonight for Michigan and may be tied up for a while and unable to make regular posts however, I will try to continue my photo a day.

Sweet Surprise

7/31

I got a sweet surprise in the mail today from Ali at Lostfoot. It is sooo super cool! Ali took what she had learned from me from reading my blog and made me a little something. The little something means a big something Ali, I love it. This will totally help me knock my creating a positive mantra off my 101/1001 list. The timing of getting this in the mail is so perfect. You nailed it Ali, it is as if you have met me in person and have known me a long time. I am forever grateful.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

I feel the need to make yet another list (they help me think straight), just an update of what has been going on in my world over the last 10 days or so.

• Friend at work was in a serious car accident and still in ICU - BAD
• Sold Grateful Dead tickets since I will be out of town May 14 - GOOD
• Aunt Mary passed away - BAD
• Tim is coming with me to Michigan - GOOD
• USCIS (INS) fingerprinting updated for continuing adoption process - GOOD
• Horrible allergies and high pollen count - UGLY
• Jury duty notice came in the mail Saturday and my job doesn't pay for the time off - BAD
• Large pimple grew on my forehead - UGLY
• Got 3.5 cases of wine yesterday - GOOD, BAD and UGLY
• Was greeted at the door after work yesterday with a pile of cat barf - UGLY
• Lost my wallet - BAD
• Drove home in the rain to look for aforementioned wallet - BAD
• Found wallet - GOOD
• Free veggie soft taco for lunch - GOOD
• Forgot about scone for breakfast, so I can have it with my tea this afternoon - GOOD
• Fell off the diet wagon, but not too far off - UGLY
• My boss understands and is supportive at this time - GOOD
• I have not had time or the bandwidth to write about any of this in my journal - UGLY
• I got a package from Scotland today (x Ali) - GOOD
• In a matter of days I will be with my family - GOOD

I think that is it for now, looks like the good outweighs the bad, so this list helped me get some perspective although I never lost it totally - I always try to have the positive prevail over the negative.

Bench in the Sun

6/31

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

Pancakes

Pancakes always make me feel good. I don't know what it is, but I had to have some today. All dietary rules and restrictions have been shoved in my back pocket until we get back from Michigan. I know I won't get crazy, but honestly, I needed the pancakes, believe me.

5/31

Photo taken with my cell phone (please note, my thumb, oops).

Rest In Peace ML2

I have been avoiding this post, probably because I am at a loss for words. I have to make it though, because I feel it is another way of healing I guess. I got a call at work from my sister on Friday, that my Aunt Mary passed away. Most of you, who know me in person, know how much I loved my Aunt Mary. She was the coolest lady ever. Super smart, very well read and sharp as a tack with incredibly extensive musical knowledge. The entire thing came as such a surprise and I think a lot of us are still in shock, especially those of us on the West Coast. Mary was only 60 years old, way too young to leave us so soon. This is about all I can write for now, I know I will be able to articulate my feelings better at a later date. Tim and I are leaving for Michigan on a red eye Wednesday and will be back on Tuesday. It will be nice to be with my family next weekend.

First Two in Line!

4/31

Today we updated our fingerprints at the USCIS office (part of updating all of our paperwork for the adoption). We never thought we would be back here, but it was over in 15 minutes. The office opened at 8:00 AM and we were there at 7:20 AM, first in line!
Photo taken with my cell phone.

Le petit déjeuner avec Susan

I remember some French from High School - not sure if I have the order correct though, but in English this photo is called "Breakfast with Susan".

3/31

Think Tank

Behind this curtain is where I do most of my creative thinking each day.

2/31

Photo a Day Project

I did a Photo a Day Project last year and loved it!

I could use a little inspiration to take more photos and learn more about my camera functions.

So I will kick it off today, and each day for the month of April, I will post a photo.

I think this time I am going to focus (pun intended) on things I see in my everyday life here around my home, office, and the Bay Area in general.

Sometimes there will be a story to accompany the photo, sometimes they photo may speak for itself.

Without further adieu...

1/31

Dear Fellow Lady Commuter...

Dear Fellow Lady Commuter,
You, black Audi A4, light brown hair, likes her coffee light in color.
Me, blue Jeep Liberty, brown hair, always wearing sunglasses no matter the weather and likes her coffee when she gets to work.
I am sorry that I gawk at you each and every day on the way over the Bay Bridge, but I need to come clean. It really has nothing to do with you, it is that travel coffee cup. I am a magpie by nature so when something this exquisite catches my eye, I must have it for my nest. You have to know that my commute isn't the same if I don't see your clear acrylic glittery coffee travel cup. That is how I know you like your coffee light, it actually appears that you are drinking a creamy cup of coffee filled with glitter, how fun would that be?
Anyway, I am sorry if this reads like a personal ad, really the only thing personal about it is me personally wanting to know where you got your fabulous travel mug!
See you where the rubber meets the road,
MalteseKat