Scenes From A Parade

"Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction."

-Unknown

Here you go, as promised some scenes from the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade. It was a gorgeous day in Castro Valley, and it was a lot of fun to sit back and enjoy the awesome sights. Horses, terrific marching bands, wacky clowns...all so much fun. Aren't small towns just the best? One really neat moment was being able to say hello to Senate candidate Ellen Corbett. What a nice lady! Fun, Fun, Fun! Today, (Sunday) I am off to Fort Point, to do some photographs inside the fort for the first time. I have been looking forward to that for a long time. :) Next to each picture are some Cowboy Wisdom quotes...Enjoy!

"Talk slowly, think quickly"

"Always drink upstream from the herd."

"If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen are defrocked, shouldn't it follow that cowboys would be deranged?"

"Sometimes you get and sometimes you get got."

"Tellin a man to get lost, and making him do it, are two entirely different propositions."

"If you find yourself in a hole, the best thing to do is to stop digging."

Ellen Corbett

"Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance."

-OndineMonet

May 13th, 2006/Afternoon

Off To The Rodeo

"Never be the first to arrive at a part or the last to go home, and never, ever be both."

-David Brown

We had chili for dinner last night (Friday). Six different kinds of chili to be exact, you see, we had dinner at the annual Castro Valley Rotary Club's chili cook-off. The chili cook-off is the official beginning for the weekend festivities that celebrate another year of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo, held in Castro Valley. Today (Saturday) there will be a parade on Castro Valley boulevard, with school bands, floats, and of course a few local celebrities and politicians. In past years we saw among others, a current Miss California, Jennifer Glover, who was once a resident of Castro Valley. For a sleepy little town, with only two exits off the freeway, they sure can party. :) As for our choice for the best chili of the cook-off, we chose the Sterlent Credit Union's entry...yummmmmmmm! See you tomorrow with scenes from a parade! :)

Rowell Ranch Rodeo Schedule

-OndineMonet
"Chili Cook-off"
May 11, 2006
Early Evening

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #111: Two Out Of Three

"All truth is simple...is that not doubly a lie?"

-Friedrich Nietzsche

Weekend Assignment: Present three "facts" about yourself: Two of the facts true, and one of the facts false. Let people guess which "fact" is the fake one. Reveal the fake fact on Monday. You don't want to give away the fake fact too early, so be sure to make it sound plausible, next to the other two real facts.

Extra Credit: Can you lie with a straight face? Really?

- John Scalzi (By The Way...)

Tee Hee. Ok, well some of you have been reading me for almost three years, so you already know a good bit about me. It was a little difficult to come up with some facts that might stump even my oldest friends here in the land. The whole prospect made me do some thinking, which can be dangerous for someone like me, but when all was said and done, it turns out there are still a few things I haven't shared. Let's see if you can spot the lie...

1. I once peed on a CHP officer who pulled me over.

True! I was on my way to the Alameda County Fair, and it was a very HOT June day! I have never been someone who could take the heat of summer, even when I was 2 1/2 years old. So, when the VW bus I was riding in, with my brother, sister and some other assorted hippies, decided to get a flat tire, I was "put out" to say the least. To my reckoning I should have a tall Orange Julius in front of me, and a tree over my head for shade. LOL. As our friend Jack fixed the tire, along came a CHP officer to give us a hand. He was familiar to me in that he had pulled my father over on the same stretch on Interstate 580 a few days earlier. The policeman remembered me, and was being very nice to me, as he and I engaged in a sort game of game of TWHIRL. I began to laugh, and the rest is history! LOL. He laughed, and to this day I still remember what he said, "When you've got to go, you've got to go." How cool was he? :)

2. I once drove around town in my car, with NO clothes on. What? It was hot!

Lie! Sort of. I didn't drive around town with NO clothes on, I had on shoes. Here's what happened. A few days before my wedding, I had simply reached my breaking point of nervous tension. Everything had went wrong, including the fact that the seamstress of altered my dress had somehow managed to cut 4 ft off of a 7 ft train, and hemmed it lopsided, and turned the sleeve point so that it no longer rested on my hand. A girl dreams her whole life of the gown she will wear on her wedding day...I was so hurt to see my gown ruined.

It was a HOT October day in 1990, and I decided to take a skinny dip in my pool. It helped clear my head, so I pretty much stayed in my back yard most of the day, and in fact fell asleep by the pool. I woke up to a phone call about 10:30 PM from my maid-of-honor who wanted to let me know that she couldn't take me to the church on my wedding day, because a mutual friend needed a ride!!! Hello? If I don't get there, there would be no wedding. That was my BrideZilla moment. I slammed down the phone, before I said something I shouldn't, I marched to the back yard for a swim. Well, I knew Half way there that a swim wasn't going to do it. So I grabbed my robe, my keys and got into my car.

I live in the hills, there is very little traffic up here. As I drove I felt like that robe was going to strangle me, so I pulled over...took it off...and drove around till I felt better, and less constricted by life. I did drive through the downtown area, but it was well after midnight. There wasn't anyone around, and if a car would have pulled up, the robe was sitting right next to me and I could have covered up quickly enough. I hope this story doesn't disappoint anyone I know...I have a slightly wild streak to me, and I go with it in certain circumstances. That's who I am. So, I hope this truth won't send you running from my journal, but I won't lie to you about who I am, because I am so much more then someone with a wacky sense of humor. Enough said.

3. I was married by a minister, who was not considered legally competent.

True! My Bridezilla moment had past, but the wackiness continued. Among the, now too funny moments of my wedding day, it tuned out that the minister who performed our ceremony was ill with a temperature of over 104 degrees. He says he didn't remember much about how everything went. It has been strongly suggested to me that technically he wasn't legally competent to have married us, because of that fever. Balderdash! Everything may have gone wrong that could, but it never once occurred to me to not marry Alan. We beat a lot of badness to get to the alter...I wasn't going to let go of our day that easily. :) legalities can step off! :)

Can you spot the lie? ;) I'm so wicked. (Insert wicked laugh here)

Extra Credit: Nah... ;)

See you Monday with the reveal.

-OndineMonet
"Two For Paradise"
San Mateo, California
May 11, 2006
Afternoon

Soapy Blogs

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living."

-Dr. Seuss

The other day I was doing a little research online, and came across a blog that had absolutely nothing to do with what I had been originally looking for, but it was a nifty little find all the same. It is called, "Split Reflections," and it is being written by a young mother living in Llanview, Pennsylvania, who's name is Jessica Buchanan...or Tess Buchanan...you see...she has a complicated life to say the least. It seems, she is suffering from D.I.D (Disociative Idenity Disorder) so while life can be hectic and confusing, she is facing her trials with strength and courage and the two hunky men who are madly in love with her, Antonio and Nash. Sound a bit outrageous? Think this couldn't possibly be real...well sparky...you're right! LOL. Jess/Tess Buchanan is actually a character, played to perfection, by actress Bree Williamson, on the ABC daytime drama, "One Life To Live."

I have been a fan of daytime dramas most of my life. I remember watching "All My Children" on the day it debuted, and even before that, there was General Hospital which had my mother hopelessly hooked. Now my sister preferred something a bit more off beat, so she would hurry home from school each day to watch "Dark Shadows." Lots of folks were hooked on that one, which is why today it is still enjoying a healthy fan base through it's conventions and fan sites. That show scared the Downey Flakes right out of me as a child, but I still showed up in front of the TV, Jiffy Pop in hand every afternoon, right alongside my sister to see what new adventure would visit the residents of Collinsport, Maine. The beautiful witch, Angelique (Lara Parker), was my favorite character. How spooky was she?

I was thinking the other day, about how cool it was to be able to interact with either Jess or Tess and how far things have come for the fan. Each entry into Jess/Tess's blog is a short recap of recent events in the characters life, with enough seemingly genuine bloggy style thrown in to make it interesting for the reader. As an example, Tess/Jess has recently given birth to a baby girl, and is not sure what she should name her child. OK, I thought...I'll play along, and so I left a suggestion or two as if I were reading a blog by the average blog author one would encounter on the Internet. It was a fun thought to ponder, stepping even for just a moment, into the town of Llanview, and the life of a character I have watched grow up. I can't help but wonder what it would have been like to have read the blog of vampire Barnabas Collins, of Dark Shadows, as he went through so many changes and situations. Things were tough for a vampire.

I guess the thought intrigues me so much because of the close encounter I had some years back with Tom Eplin, who at the time was playing HUNK-O-LUSCIOUS Jake McKinnon on the NBC soap, "Another World." Why did fate have to make it such a surreal moment? There I was, at the salon, with my head upside down in a bowl of warm water, having my hair washed, when he walked in...and stood over me, chatting with the person doing my hair. For a moment...just a moment...I was somehow transported to the fictional town of Bay City, and Jake was there, and he was just another customer. Weird...very weird.

So, I decided I would have a closer look at the ABC web site for other shows, and what I found out was that several shows on the ABC network which now have characters with blogs, like Dr. Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough) resident of Port Charles and physician at "General Hospital." And there are a few nighttime shows with blogs as well, such as "Lost" and "Grey's Anatomy." So tell me, would you visit these blogs and leave your thoughts, good wishes, advice, support and care for fictional characters, same as if they were real folks you meet through Blog/Journal Land? Would you step inside the fantasy, or would you simply address the blogs author by saying you enjoy the show? Is it a good idea to have blogs that look like the real thing, and don't really indicate too readily that it is intended as a site for fans of a certain show to visit? Tell me what you think.

PS: If you visit the blog of Robin Scorpio, don't tell her that her mother Anna Devane is on her way back to Port Charles...shhhhhh...it's a secret! :)

-OndineMonet
"Keys"
Berkeley, California
May 10, 2006
Late Evening

Round Robin Challenge: Free

"There are many ways to be FREE. One of them is to transcend reality by imagination, as I try to do."

-Anais Nin

I love apple juice. There is nothing better on a warm autumn day, then to sit out in my yard, with a tall glass of ice-cold apple juice. At least twice a year I have to take a drive 260 miles south, down HWY 101 to San Luis Obispo, California, to the Apple Farm. Honestly, they make a special apple juice right there on the premises, that is so good it curls my toes. Sitting here right now, I can almost taste that juice, flowing down the back of my throat, it's crisp, spicy flavor tickling my palate. A glass of that apple juice is like taking a sensuous bite out of autumn itself. It is an experience which shouldn't be missed in this lifetime. Truly, you would be amazed at how good just one sip will make you feel. Yes, it's worth the drive, over 500 miles round trip for that apple juice.

The Apple Farm is a very special place for many reasons, it's not just the juice that makes it a favorite place of mine. They also treat their customers like old friends...even if they have just met you. As one example, down in the Mill House, where the juice is produced and sold, there is always FREE popcorn, freshly popped, waiting for whoever comes by. The corn is popped in an old fashioned kettle popper that fills the room, and the air just outside the Mill House with the comforting aroma of warm, buttery popcorn. It is an amazing companion to the chilled juice. The Apple Farm is a place I love, not just for the amazing food and drink that you find there, but for the way they go out of their way to make you feel like you are home. Yeah, safe and home. :) Hopefully, I will be able to take a trip down to SLO next month for my birthday...ahhhh...I can almost taste the juice and popcorn now. :) It's the little things in life...that makes it all so sweet.

This Round Robin was chosen by Phinney, author of the journal, "Paragon." Thank you Phinney, for reminding me of one of my favorite places on earth. For all the information on the Round Robin Challenges, pay a visit to the official RR journal. To see the entries by our other Robins, simply click on the links below. You'll be glad you did!

-OndineMonet
"Popcorn For The Road"
San Luis Obispo, California
June 29th, 2005
Late Morning

Apple Farm

Linking List

Phinney... Paragon POSTED!
Karen... Outpost Mavarin POSTED!
Carly... Ellipsis...Suddenly Carly POSTED !
Tammy... The Daily Warrior POSTED!
Sara... Animated Seasons
Connie... Connie's Photo Pages
Erika... Photographs of my Soul POSTED!
Nancy... Nancy Luvs Pix POSTED!
T J... Photo Inclusions: Every Picture Tells A Story POSTED!
Suzanne... Suzanne R's Life POSTED!
Valorie... Retrospect USA POSTED!
Mary... Alphawoman's Blog
Sassy/Deb... Sassy's EYE (AOL) A Sassy Blog (Blogspot)POSTED!
Steven... (sometimes) photoblog POSTED!
Julie... Julie's Web Journal POSTED!
Tess... First Digital Photos POSTED!
Derek... Through My Eyes POSTED!

Art About Town: San Francisco

"Art does not lie down on the bed that is made for it; it runs away as soon as one says it's name; it loves to be incognito. It's best moments are when it forgets what it is called."

-Jean DuBuffet

I love this sculpture. It's called, "La Chiffoniere," and it stands at Justin Herman Plaza, on the Embarcadero, in San Francisco. Created for the city by French Pop artist, Jean DuBuffet, it stands just a across the plaza from the controversial, Vaillancount Fountain, but commands ones attention just as much. I took this photo on April 18th, while the celebration of the 100 anniversary of the 1906 quake, was happening across the street at the Ferry Building. The lights from the celebration, bounced off the scultpture making it seem to glow like a fine opal. Sigh. I could have stood there all night...just taking it in.

It was nice today to see Governor Schwarzenegger, and California legislators, working in a bi-partisan effort to put aside their differences long enough to campaign together for the $37.3 billion bond measure which will appear on the November ballot, and will, among other things, allow for the growth of art programs in public schools. That is so important, how many studies does it have to take, before it is more widely realized how important the arts are to our nations youth? Statistics show, that children who are exposed to the arts at a young age, were less likely to lose their way. I know art, and the fact that I was encouraged by my teachers in the appreciation of it, completely saved my life when I was a little girl. Sometimes, it still does. :) Tell me...how has an appreciation for the arts changed your life. Share with us. :)

Click here to read more information about Jean DuBuffet (Artcyclopedia)

-OndineMonet
"La Chiffoniere"
Justin Herman Plaza on the Embarcadero
San Francisco, California
April 18, 2006
Late Evening

The Boyish Charm Of George Bush

"I would say the best moment of all was when I caught a 7.5 lb largemouth bass in my lake."

- George Bush, on his best moment while serving as President of the United States.

-Blid am Sonntag , May 7, 2005 (Bush's Best Moment In Office? It's A Fish Story)

And let's not forget how 2001 treated our great leader...

"But all in all, it's been a fabulous year for Laura and me."

-George W. Bush, December 20, 2001, Washington D.C.

It's good to be him!

-OndineMonet
"Busho"
Bodega Bay, California
Summer, 2005
Afternoon

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Grab Bag!

"Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air..."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Grab Bag! Show off any picture you want, as long as it's really cool. That's right you make the call...all I want is to look at it and say "Whoa! What a neat picture." And remember, just because it's called the Monday Photo Shoot doesn't mean you can't post a picture on Tuesday, Wednesday or even Thursday morning for consideration on the Thursday spotlight entry.

-John Scalzi

Recently, I took a little time off to go and see what I could find with my camera. To my delight, I found some awesome light everywhere I went, with awesome life living inside it. And all was well...

-OndineMonet
"Walking On Sunshine"
San Mateo County, California
April, 2006
Early Afternoon

Taking Photos

"I take photographs with love, so I try to make them art objects. But I make them for myself first and foremost...that is important."

-Jacques-Henri Lartique

Sometimes I wonder what I would do, if I didn't have my camera. I can just be having the worst day, but if I can just focus for a few minutes with my third eye, I will eventually calm down and relax. Lately I have been needing those moments more and more.

Recently, I started posting photos on Flickr again. That's been really fun. I spent this weekend looking through old files from last year, to maybe give a second look to some photos which I may have dismissed as not good enough. My needs are a lot different this year, I have had to slow down a bit when it comes to taking photos. It has made me a little more forgiving of my own mistakes with the camera. As a result, I have several candidates in mind for a painting I would like to do later this summer.

I know for sure it will be one of my florals, so now I will have to make up my mind on what colors have been catching my eye the most. Last year i was seeing a lot of blue everywhere. The above photo is a good example of that. It has not been touched up in any way, the natural lighting combined with the season and colors immediately found in and around Berkeley all came together naturally for this photo. It is one of many that had that blue casting to it. Blue was definitely last years color.

This year I seem to be finding more of a balance, but still I seem to be noticing a lot of red in my travels. Signs, flowers, clothes, in the sunsets. I don't know, I used to go through my monochromatic phases, but then for a long period of time, I took very little notice of the colors and just concentrated on lighting. Hmmm. Do you have a certain element that is always a part of your creative process? When you take photos, do you find your eye is drawn to a certain color or theme?

I have a collection of photos posted over at Flickr that is a pretty good representation of my photo journeys with both my digital and my non-digital cameras. I could use some feedback. Go have a look see and tell me what you think. My photo taking changed dramatically after I switched to mostly digital photography. I would be curious to know your thoughts. In some ways I think I relaxed more after I switched to the more economical process, somehow not worrying about the cost of processing film has made everything a lot more comfortable. Just click on the Flickr badge on my sidebar to visit my pages.

Alan started a Flickr page this weekend as well, it's going to be an alternative to posting on his Blogspot blog for a while. After the AOL Exile of last year, it was difficult for him to find the time to learn the new way of posting over here. Between the yuckiness of the whole situation and his schedule at work...it all seemed pretty bleak that he would find the groove again. Flickr has him interested in sharing his creativity again...that's kinda fun. :) You can find his page here.

There are some awesome photographers signed up to play along with the Round Robin Challenge coming up next Wednesday. The subject will be "Free," which was chosen by Phinney. There is still plenty of time to sign-up, just visit the official Round Robin journal and follow the easy-to-follow instructions. It's a great way to make new friends and gain new readers, and also...to just have a good time sharing your love of photography. Recently we had a new Robin joins us, Connie, and we will have another new Robin coming along for our challenge this time as well. Be sure to drop by and welcome Suzanne. She is a lovely lady I met just a couple weeks ago. She takes some really impressive photos, so I know it will be great fun to have her join us.

-OndineMonet
"The Wicked"
Berkeley, California
Spring, 2005
Late Afternoon

Gas

"Our addiction to oil is a matter of national security concern."

-George W. Bush (April 24, 2006)

Here is the result of the Poll I ran here on Ellipsis this past week. I think the results, while few in number, is still a fairly accurate representation of how we all feel about what the true cause of the current oil price inflation. I guess the next question is, how we will deal with the prices as they are now, and how the will be in the future?

More and more it has become clear that the Bush administration plans to do very little to ease prices at the pumps. Oh they have a plan alright, in fact according to the White House, Mr. Bush has a 4 point plan...

1. Make sure consumers and taxpayers (voters) are treated fairly.

2. Promote greater fuel efficiency.

3. Boost U.S. gasoline supply by delaying summer deposits to the national reserve. (Most experts agree this will do very little to help)

4. Invest aggressively in gasoline alternatives.

And lets not forget the plan to rollback E.P.A. standards for the processing of oil products.

So, while prices per barrel have actually come down in the last week or so, we, the consumer, will see very little relief at the pumps. According to a recent AP-Ipsos poll, most Americans have already pitched in to do their part, by taking fewer vacations, cutting back on heating and air-conditioning and yet the prices continue to rise.

This is a situation that doesn't just affect whether or not we will be able to take an extended vacation, this problem affects every industry that relies on gasoline for any part of it's supply and demand. A stark example of this terrible state of affairs came when I decided to order an ice-cream pie recently from a nationally known ice-cream shop. I had purchased one about a year ago from the same place and paid approximately $11.00. Last week when I visited the same store, and was preparing to purchase the same pie, I found it would now cost me $18.00. YIKES! It's roughly half-a-gallon of softened ice-cream poured into a graham cracker crust.

While it might be nice to be able to have it made out of some wonderfully, gooey, special flavor...frankly I can make it myself. So, instead of a pie made out of white chocolate raspberry ice-cream, it was made out of homemade cantaloupe honey ice-cream. It was quite good and I had fun coming up with the recipe...but the over all thought is still rather disturbing. The thought that most families in America, can no longer afford simple luxury of a trip to the ice-cream parlor. We in America are working harder, and harder, and getting less and less for it...yet we demand nothing of our representatives...why is that? I don't know about you, but in November I will remember which one of my representatives did what, I have no more patience with politicians who let Bush and company get away with anything and everything, but who display nothing but their CONTINUED outrage at his souless and condescending ways. Bush, the president who keeps America...barefoot and pregnant.

-OndineMonet

Things That Go Boom In The Night!

"Pentiums melt in your PC not in your hand."

-Unknown

Whew...Grrrrrrrrr...Whew. It's not like I haven't been warned! Karen has mentioned it, Patrick has mentioned it, Steven has mentioned it. Did I take their advice and do it? No. LOL. It is such an easy thing to do...it only takes a few minutes, so why don't we all do it? Maybe we should designate a special day for it. Yeah...that's it, I hereby proclaim that the first Saturday in every month be, "BACK UP YOUR TEMPLATE DAY!" LOL.

It was tragic! I sat down last night, all ready to post several profound, poignant and very important entries about Lima beans, cats, pigs and orbs, except what do you think happened? I couldn't post those entries because my template had suffered a horrible, hideous, untimely death. It was sooooo sad. I clicked on my journal, and all that was there was a tiny little symbol that looked like this...

( ~T/)
Weep...WHINE...Whimper....WHINE. Oh my, I saw my whole bloggy life flash before my eyes. There is NO way I could go through rebuilding yet another journal. That would just be too much, so, imagine how it felt to think I might actually be looking at the end of my blog...and my blog career! Why, whatever would the Internet do without me? LOL.

Fortunately, my good friend Karen was awake and online, and she came quickly to my aid. Within an hour, I was once again up and running, with only a minor amount of fussing. Karen was awesome. A tweak here a tweak there and faster then you can say, "HTML." I was back. Listen and learn gentle reader...DON"T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU! Back-up your templates, so if yours decided to leave the cold, cruel world of the Internet, you can rebuild with a minimum amount of muss and fuss. Say it with me now...

"Yes, I will back up my template!"

The only casualty of the great template breakdown, is that I lost the poll I was running about gas prices. Fortunately I had saved a copy of it earlier in the day. So, I will be writing about the results of that poll tomorrow, but now I have a new poll on my sidebar, about the challenges of blogging. Stop by and take a look at it, I think it will be fun to find out what we all find most challenging about keeping a blog or journal. :) Let me know what you think. Also, do you have any blogging tips you would like to share? Please feel free to leave them in the comments.

Thanks again Karen :) You're the best!

Note: What I mean by backing up your template, is that basically you go into your template, open up a document file, such as word pad, then copy and paste the full body of text information into the document file. Keep it for safe in your document files, or even email it to yourself, should you ever have to replace your template information.

-OndineMonet
Blogspot"
Berkeley, California
May 5th, 2005
Early Morning.

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #110: Strange Dreams...

"A dreamer is someone who can only find his way by the moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."

-Oscar Wilde

Weekend Assignment #110: Recount a strange dream you've had recently. Any sort of dream is fine except the really explicit sex dreams. Because, you know, we're running a family show, here. Otherwise they can be as weird as you want them to be.

Extra Credit: Name a favorite song with the words "dream" or "sleep" ( or some variation of those words).

It's been a tough week. There have been some external stresses going on for me, ones that are hard to explain. Here or anywhere really. You know...sometimes it can be difficult...life that is...but I get up every day and deal with it anyway, because...LOL...that's all I can do. Sometimes I have trouble communicating with a friend of mine. Shrug. I don't always know why. Is it me? Is it him? Is it because we are both cancers? LOL. Who knows. Somehow...I think...it must be...that I am lacking. I'm just not enough of what he needs in a friend. Shrug. It happens I suppose. It doesn't have to feel good, and as a result, my sleeping is intermittent at times.

So, because of times like these, I take every opportunity I can to try and catch up on whatever sleep I have missed. It's not the amount of time that counts, it's the quality. So, today I took a nap in my back yard, under the pear tree. That tree is magical for sleeping, and it is especially wonderful right now because believe it or not...it is going through a second spring. Just a couple weeks ago, most of the pear blossoms fell from the tree, but to my delight, this week it began to blossom all over again...it's gorgeous. So, I took my pillow, by favorite quilt and I went into the yard to rest...and rest I did.


I was in the middle of a big meadow...flowers everywhere, and I was taking a nap, while listening to top 40 music, when all of a sudden an advertisement for Lima beans came on the radio. And not just any Lima beans, "Barry Manilow" brand Lima beans, "which contain no trans-fatty acid." Whew! Because goodness knows that would be something to be concerned about! LOL. Well, just the thought of a good can of Lima beans, had me get up...leave the beautiful meadow, and head straight for my favorite grocery store, Andronico's Market. Except they don't carry Lima beans, so I had to settle for a can of Skintimate, Apple-Berry Moisturizing Shave Gel.

It seems I had to shave my legs because David Duchovny was going to be meeting me back at the meadow, where the big tire swing was now hanging. I no sooner got my legs shaved then David showed up, with a bottle of white wine, a single perfect lavender rose...and a can of Lima beans. LOL. Then we pretty much played out the song, "Kiss Me," as played by Sixpense None The Richer." When I woke up...the Ethereal Musician was playing his sax...and all was very nice in the Berkeley hills. :)

Extra Credit: Dream A Little Dream Of Me...

Stars shining bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you"
Birds singing in the sycamore tree
Dream a little dream of me
Say "Nigh-ie night and kiss me
Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me
While I'm alone and blue as can be
Dream a little dream of me

Stars fading but I linger on dear
Still craving your kiss
I'm longing to linger till dawn dear
Just saying this
Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you
But in your dreams whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me.

-OndineMonet
"Dream A Little Dream"
Berkeley, California
May 4th, 2006
Afternoon

A Meme From T J :)

"She glances at the photo, and the pilot light of memory flickers in her eyes."

My friend T.J., author of the journal, "Photo Inclusions: Every Picture Tells A Story," included me in this neat little meme, that features one of my favorite things...photography. The idea is to post of 5 photos as answers to a certain 5 questions. Fun, fun, fun. Follow me...

1. One photo of something you made.

Here is a photo of what I prepared for St. Patrick's Day dinner. Traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage. I love to cook, almost as much as I love taking photos. I want to do more with that this year. I want to learn to take good photographs of food. :)

2. One picture of a gift someone gave you.

Here is a photo of my favorite pendant. Alan gave me this dragonfly for Christmas this past year. I have a dragonfly and butterfly motif throughout my house and in the garden. I have been collecting them for years. He bought me this dragonfly, the day after I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia...it is representational of change. :)

3. One picture of something strange.

LOL. ;) My Pillsbury Doughboy with a dirty face is kinda strange. LOL. So is my sense of humor. LOL.

4. One picture of something with a pig. Why? Why not?

See, this could qualify as both "strange" and Piggy. I don't know what came over me. One day I was shopping at the World Market, and I saw this plastic bag filled with these little pink piggies. I couldn't resist. What the heck was I going to do with a plastic bag of piggie? Well, take pictures of them I guess...that's my story and I am sticking to it! LOL.

5. One picture of something unique.

It doesn't get any more unique then this sculpture, which can be found on the Cal Berkeley campus. The university grounds has all kinds of wonderful sculptures and art pieces...this one is a favorite of mine. It's called, "Rotante Dal Foro Centrale," and is by Italian artist, Arnaldo Pomodoro.

Thank you T J for including me in the neat meme, it brought back some wonderful memories, just by looking at the photos. :)

-OndineMonet

"Meme"

Have You Met Miss Molly?

"Cats are dangerous companions for writers because cat watching is a near-perfect method of writing avoidance."

-Dan Greenberg

Meet Miss Molly, she is the sister of Elvis's best friend Ernst. She is a lovely, polite little girl, but she is really shy...and sometimes downright wee. Molly had been a little bit afraid to make friends, until about a week ago, when all of a sudden she decided to trust me. One bright, warm, morning last week, I stepped out the front door to go on some much needed errands, and there she was, sitting on my front stoop waiting patiently for whatever cats wait patiently for. Elvis, her brother Ernst, or maybe she was waiting for the morning delivery of the New York Times. I'm not too sure, but I do know that after 6 months of running away from me, this time Molly was wanting, more then anything else, was to say good morning...to me! :) It's a good feeling when a cat gives you their attention. They don't have to you know, as a good friend once reminded me, "Carly, you haven't been ignored, until you have been ignored by a cat."

So Miss Molly and I sat together on the porch, mewing and cooing with each other, we chased a toy mouse left over from Elvis's birthday party. We watched Ernst try to figure out what exactly the opossum was doing, as it made it's way through the ivy, you know, we contemplated all the great mysteries of the universe. And we enjoyed each other's company. I like my friend Molly, I bet she would be great fun at a tea party. :)

To see and share about other beautiful feline friends, be sure to visit my good friend Steven's blog, "(sometimes) photoblog" for his weekly meme, "Feline Friday." As Steven says, "Cats Rule."

-OndineMonet
"Miss Molly"
Berkeley, California
April 28th, 2006
Morning

Looking For You

"The camera makes everyone a tourist in other people's reality, and eventually in one's own."

-Susan Sontag

I took this photo a couple weeks ago, during my week long respite. I don't know, the bridges in the area just inspire me so much. Especially the Golden Gate. This photo kinda sheds some light on why they probably named it that I suppose. The light that comes in and out of this corridor is stunning. I don't know, it's hard to explain really. This photo was taken on April 18th, the night of the 100th anniversary of the great quake of 1906. I couldn't help but wonder, as I took the photo, could the sunset on the night of April 18th, 1906, have looked anything like this? Do you suppose that when Jack London was photographing the city, as it laid in ruins, he also noticed the sun, golden and smooth in color, dropping gently behind the Marin Headlands, even amid such devestation and chaos?

Jack London Exhibit

-OndineMonet
"Looking For You"
San Francisco, California
April 18, 2006
Early Evening

Art About Town: Santa Rosa

"Art is indeed not the bread but the wine of life."

-John Paul Richter

The town of Santa Rosa, California is an art lovers dream come true. The whole town has a rich history, with it's wine country past. There are nearly 200 wineries in the region, as well as some of the finest California cuisine to be found. The Area boasts 16 gold courses, some of the countries top spas, some awesome hot air ballooning adventures and of course, some of the best public art to be found, north of San Francisco.

Santa Rosa is also home to the Charles Schultz Museum. Last year I showed you some examples of the Charlie Brown sculptures that dotted the town throughout the summer of 2005. The 55 statues were auctioned off for charity at the end of the summer. This year it will be Woodstock, 77 of them to be exact, that will be positioned around town, from the end of May until September 24th, at which time they will also be auctioned off. But that is by no means the sum total of the art to be found in Santa Rosa, in fact sometimes art can also be found in the most unusual places.

How about on a bus bench? Yep, the above photo is titled, "Wine Country," and it is a part of the Artstart Benches Program, which is a public art project in combination with a youth employment opportunity. 24 of these benches can be found all around the town, each with a unique theme. 21 apprentice artists from the Sonoma County area were selected to participate in the public art program, which also included a large mural. This particular bench paid homage to the rich history of wine making in the region. Other bench themes included one with a cow theme that was titled, "Sonoma Cow-nty," which sat outside Santa Rosa High School, and "Spirit of Santa Rosa," which was placed at the Sonoma County Indian Health Clinic.

I am looking forward to seeking out the Woodstock sculptures, I will of course have my camera in hand. LOL. Don't ya just love great art? :)

Your Monday Photo Shoot: The Birdies!

"The very idea of a bird is a symbol and a suggestion to the poet. A bird seems to be at the top of the scale, so vehement and intense his life...the beautiful vagabonds, endowed with every grace, masters of all climbs, and knowing no bounds. How many human aspirations are realized in their free, holiday lives...and how many suggestions to the poet in their flight and song!"

-John Burroughs ( Birds and Poets) 1887

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Snap some shots of the birds around you.

-John Scalzi (By The Way...)

Don't ya just love spring? I am so blessed to have lots of fruit trees and Poplars for these wonderful creatures to nest in. I am also blessed with a kitty who brings me the injured ones when he finds them. Life is good.

-OndineMonet
"In My Yard"
Berkeley, California
April, 2006
Mid-morning

Yabba-dabba-doo

"An architect is the drawer of dreams."

-Gracie McGarvie

I love this house. If you are driving north, up the peninsula from San Jose heading for San Francisco on HWY 280, you can see this, "Town Of Bedrock" inspired home, sitting nestled on a hillside. There are all kinds of gorgeous, expensive, homes and mansions all around it, but this place steals the show. Every time I see it, I half imagine seeing, Fred and Barney at the next on-ramp, getting ready to merge into traffic. But alas, I never do, but I always look for them all the same. Now I ask you...How cool would it ne to live in a house that looks like it was built for a "Modern stone-age family?"

Opening Lyrics...

Flintstones, meet the Flintstones
They're the modern stone-age family
From the town of Bedrock
They're a page right out of history
Let's ride with the family down the street
Through the courtesy of Fred's two feet
When you're with the Flintstones
Have a yabba-dabba-doo-time
A dabba-doo-time
You'll have a gay old time

I guess, if one was in the right position to do so, they could have a house built modeled after any of the TV houses we all grew up watching. One of my favorite episodes of the X-Files, "Sunshine Days," features a young man named Oliver, who had the ability to to change the appearance of his house, at will, to resemble the Brady Bunch house. Oliver had grown-up feeling like a loser, kind of like the character of cousin Oliver, from the Brady Bunch, so he created a world where he felt secure and accepted.

I think when I was a little girl, if it had occurred to me that when I grew up I could have a house built to look like a TV house I would feel comfortable it, I would have chosen the Addams house from the Addams Family, complete with the artwork...no...especially including the artwork! LOL. I loved the marlin that had been stuffed and mounted on the wall, with a human leg hanging out of it's mouth. And who didn't want to blow-up trains with Gomez? Honestly, there are some days when I consider investing in two sets of trains and engaging in that very pursuit. LOL.

Closing lyrics...

Flintstones, meet the Flintstones
They're the modern stone-age family
From the town of Bedrock
They're a page right out of history
Some day, maybe Fred will win the fight
And that cat will stay out for the night
When you're with the Flintstones
Have a yabba-dabba-doo time
A dabba-doo time
You'll have a gay old time

So tell me, if you could have a house built that looked exactly like any TV house which one would you choose? Would you like to live like a Brady? How about a magical house like the one Darin and Samantha Stevens owned? Or maybe you would prefer the typical all American address of 1313 Mockingbird Lane. Of course, in the summertime I used to daydream about living in a hut like on Gilligan's Island. I had such a crush on the professor! LOL.

-OndineMonet
"Yabba-dabba-doo"
Hillsborough, California
April 19, 2006
Afternoon

Garden Gnomes And Codeine

"Do not all charms fly at the mere touch of cold philosophy? There was an awful rainbow once in heaven; we know her woof, her texture; she is given in the dull catalogue of common things. Philosophy will clip an angel's wings, conquer all mysteries by rule and line, empty the haunted air, and gnome mine unweave a rainbow."
- John Keats

Strange...Very strange. Tuesday will mark the fifth anniversary of when Alan and I moved into our little cottage in the hills. In some ways it has been a blink, in other ways it has seemed to drag. I was just thinking the other day about how we lived in our first home, a three story walk-up apartment, for the first eight years of our married life, and all was bliss...well...most of the time. LOL. No marriage is completely blissful, that is one of those things no one chooses to share with you before you get married. Oh, don't get me wrong, there were signs of such here and there. And if my some reason you do happen to miss the clues about marriage having it's moments, there are always soap operas to clue you in.

They always struggle to bring the hero and the heroine together, despite insurmountable odds, only to have them marry in an elaborate ceremony then within six months one or both of the lovers will be plotting the other ones untimely demise. LOL. Well, it's justified, I mean we can't have a boringly happily married couple saving the world...right? LOL.Fortunately Alan and I have always found the adventure in our life together. LOL. Well, I am happy to report...the adventure continues!

If you were reading Ellipsis when it was on AOL, you may remember my little run in with the freaky garden gnome that lives in my back yard. Just in case you missed that adventure here is the basic details. When I moved into my cottage, I was blessed with not just a comfy new home, but the property it sits on, which is more like a small park, then a back yard. It has five fruit trees, and a lot of space to get lost in. It is in a safe place, so I can pretty much feel safe about going for a walk on the property and taking a nap under one of those trees on a warm summer day. No worries. Well, except for the gnome. See, when I moved in here, there were two creatures that were here first, and who I would have to agree to share the space with. A black, ceramic duck, and a freaky garden gnome. I say freaky, because he tends to move about the yard...all on his own.

Truly. I will place him under the lemon tree, and then the next morning he will somehow be sitting on the patio. YIKES. I thought for a time that maybe the opossums, might be moving him, they have quite a sense of humor you know, but no, I think not. Hmmmm. Anyway, one day last year I fell out of a tree, and landed on the gnome, injuring my leg. LOL. Go ahead and laugh...it was funny. That will teach a forty-something woman to climb a tree in search of the perfect photo opportunity. LOL. So, I was off my feet for a few days, and thoroughly looped on pain killers, when the crazy thing ended up tripping me again. This time in my own office. No, he hadn't wandered into the house on his own, Alan had put him inside one night to give him a coat of paint, and he thought my office would be a good place to put him that was out of the way. Uh huh. Kaboom...

So, fast forward a year to now. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia late last year. I am doing well, learning to find my groove, and learning to take care of myself, but even though there are still the occasional days when it really doesn't matter how hard I try to concentrate...my brain simply won't work the way I want it to. That's ok, it makes for an interesting time. LOL. Like the conversation I had with Alan early yesterday morning, when I held a very intelligent conversation with him while I was sound asleep. It's one he won't forget anytime soon, and I learned that I can still get embarrassed, even around someone who I have been married to for almost 15 years.

Generally speaking, I usually do my writing and photo editing between the hours of 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. See, Alan snores the roof off, so it makes sense to do my cleaning and creative pursuits during those hours, then I go to bed when he leaves for work. I sleep till about 12:00 noon, get up, and by the time he comes home at 2:30, I am ready to spend the afternoon with him. Well, sometimes I get tired easily now, and staying up all night simply isn't an option. Last night, I was tired, but I felt ok, so I kept to my usual schedule. Well, almost. What I did differently was to get up from my desk, sit back in my favorite recliner, and turn of a rerun of "Dharma and Greg." I don't know when I fell asleep, but I was out cold.

About 5:30 AM or so, I heard Alan, laughing his butt off, and asking me, "what the hell does THAT mean?" Well, I didn't know myself, but I knew somehow I had gone off course. I woke up with words coming out of my mouth, and NO idea who it was saying them. LOL. To the best of my knowledge, I have never heard myself talking in my sleep. LOL. I gotta tell you...it's weird! LOL. Ok, so here's how it went...

I, at some point, got up from the recliner, and came into the bedroom with Alan. He was lying in bed, grabbing those last couple, "one more minute," moments. As I got into bed, he asked me if he could tell me what had happened at work the day before. "Sure", I said..."absolutely." Apparently, he began to tell me that he had some silliness come up regarding a supervisor who double scheduled him, and he was having trouble getting the time straightened out. It wasn't a big problem, but it was one of those stupid scenerios that happen in life. You know...silly stuff. Well, I was listening VERY closely, he said my eyes never blinked once. When he was finished conveying the situation to me, I responded by sharing that, "Well Alan, THAT's exactly my point. THAT is why America has a poet laureate after all. To make sure the opossums put the gnome back in it's proper place. And don't forget the cheese!" ROFLMAO! "Carly, we have a poet laureate to handle my scheduling woes?" LOL. "No, of course not Alan...huh?"

I heard the last few words, and wanted to know myself what that meant. LOL. Oh boy, is that what it's like? Talking in your sleep? It was so surreal. I was only a tiny bit spooked after that. I managed to get back to sleep, but I did wonder why the gnome had been on my mind, since I try so hard to not think about it. It gives me the wiggins, but I don't have the heart to get rid of it. I can be such a schmuck sometimes, but the thing is...he was here first. And besides...what if he came back? That would be a whole other deal completely! LOL. So, I have learned to peacefully co-exist with the gnome. Last night's little adventure probably had more to do with the Codeine I am taking for the back pain which is exacerabted by the Fibromyalgia. Still, there are times when I have to wonder, can an inanimate object REALLY be out to get you? LOL.

Tell me, have you ever encountered an inanimate object that for some reason, seemed as if it didn't like you? Share your story with us. Also, have you ever talked and or walked in your sleep? What did you do? Where did you go? What did you say? Was stress the cause or did you just spontaneously do it? As for the gnome in the above photo...he's isn't my freaky gnome, I have never wanted to photograph him, well, not without his permission. That would just be rude! LOL.

-OndineMonet
NOTE: Ted Kooser, is our current Poet Laureate. He was appointed in April of 2005 by, James H. Billington, the Librarian of Congress. Kosser is the 2004 winner of the Pultizer Prize for poetry for "Delights and Shadows."

"Free"...A Round Robin Promotion

"If we shadows have offended
Think but this, and all is mended
That you have but slumbered here
While these visions did appear."

-A Midsummer Night's Dream 5.1

We have a marvelous new Round Robin Challenge coming up in a couple weeks, the topic has been chosen by our friend Phinney, author of the journal,"Paragon," and she has decided that our next challenge subject will be, "Free."

There are tons of ways to interpret that subject. "Buy One Get One Free,"Free To Be You And Me," remember that album? Or maybe you might want to tackle the subject by sharing your thoughts on the personal freedoms we embrace in America. Freedom of Speech, Freedom Of Religion...maybe even Free Love.

One thing that occurs to me, is that summer is almost here, and one of the best things about summer in California, is all the free summer festivals and parades that take place. One of my personal favorites is the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade, which is held each year, on the second Saturday in May, in the town of Castro Valley. The night before the parade features a free chili cookoff, in the Castro Village shopping center. I really look forward to this event...it's a lot of fun.

Another marvelous event is the free "Shakespeare in the Park." Held each year in Golden Gate Park, the company will be celebrating their 23rd anniversary this season. I love sitting in the park, especially when I get the chance to see my favorite of Shakespeare's comedies, "A Mid-Summer Night's Dream," being performed. The schedule for this season should be posted soon, and believe me I will be circling the dates on my calendar.

Finally, I think the best way to spend a hot, summer, Friday night, is to relax in the cool sand in Santa Cruz, on the beach, where the, "Free Summer Concert Series" is happening. Greg Kihn, The Drifters, and of course my favorite performer of the series, Micky Dolenz, were just a few of the musical attractions that played there last year. I think this year we are going to try to make it to more then one concert...especially now that the curse of Santa Cruz has been lifted! LOL.

So that's just a few ideas to spark your imagination. I am sure this will be one of those challenges where I will see a lot of great interpretations by the members of the Round Robin Challenges. If you would like to join us, please feel welcome to come along. All you have to do is visit the official Round Robin Blog to find out all the details and to sign up. If you have a camera, a blog or journal to display your photos, and a little imagination, then you have everything necessary to come along for the fun. Everyone is invited. :) As always if you have any questions feel free to drop either myself or Karen an email, with "Round Robin Question" in the subject line, and we will get back to you ASAP.

Carly (Ondinemonet@AOL.com)

Karen (Mavarin@AOL.com)

-OndineMonet
"A Dream"
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
Summer, 2005
Twilight

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment # 109: Your New Music

"When people hear good music, it makes them homesick for something they never had, and never will have."

-Edgar Watson Howe

Weekend Assignment: What are some of the most recent music albums you have bought? Name up to three. Note that I said, "bought"...I want to know what music you've liked so much that you've actually shelled out cash for them.

Extra Credit: Did you buy these albums on CD, or did you get them online through iTunes or another music service?

-John Scalzi (By The Way...)

A few months back, just after I began studying T'ai Chi and practicing meditation and Yoga, I purchased some special music. I really wanted something that would set a calming mood, and I found it by way of a good friend's suggestion. I bought "Ancient Voices: Nature and Music in Harmony," by composers, Dennis Hysom and Dan Alvarez. It is truly one of the most beautiful CD's of music I have ever owned. The gorgeous music blends with the sounds of the natural world, and the result is music that soothes my soul, and allows me to transcend the stresses of everyday life. All I have to do is close my eyes...and allow the music to take me to the season of autumn, with the song, "Autumn Flyway," and soon, all I know is sweet, warm, peace. It's lovely and quite gentle. Ahhhh. I highly recommend it! :)

For Valentine's Day this year, I decided to treat myself to a couple CDs I found at Starbuck's. Paul McCartney's, "Chaos & Creation in the Backyard," and Eric Clapton's, "Back Home." Both artists are among my very favorite musicians. One song in particular that I enjoyed on Paul McCartney's CD is, "Friends To Go." It has a nice balance to it, and has me humming it to myself. That's always a good sign, right? I have been enjoying both CDs a lot. I listen to some type of music every day. Be it classical, such as Rachmaninoff or Vivaldi. Rock, like The Ramones or REM, or novelty groups such as the Electric Amish...music is a big part of my days, and makes my life a whole lot nicer. :)

-OndineMonet
"Music"
Berkeley, California
April 27th, 2006
Evening

Steven's Feline Friday & Elvis's Birthday

"Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional."

-Chilli Davis

Yesterday (Thursday) was Elvis's 9th birthday, so I thought it would be fun to share some photos from his party for Steven's Feline Friday. He is now 52 in human years. He is showing some signs of slowing down, but he sure isn't losing his inner kitten. He still has the same outrageous sense of humor, that one time allowed him to trick his father, Alan, when he very nearly stole Alan's cheesesteak from him. LOL. He still giggles and laughs out loud at noodles, he giggles when he and I blow bubbles together, and he still LOVES strawberry pie, and birthday parties...

and teddy bears...

and chicken baby food...

His birthday party was a great success. The sun came out just in time, it was nearly 80 degrees here today. His friends, Ernst and Sabastiani, came and brought presents, and he got to wear his Elmo hat most of the day. :) Right now he asleep, holding his new teddy bear...and he is still wearing his hat. :)

Take a blog jog on over to Steven's blog, (sometimes) photoblog, to see Pickle and find links to this week's entries for Feline Friday. You'll be glad you did! :)

-OndineMonet
"Elvis At 9"
Berkeley, California
April 27th, 2006
Afternoon

And I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For...

"Great art is as irrational as great music. It is mad with it's own loveliness."

-George Jean Nathan

I have climbed highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you, only to be with you
I have run
I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
but I still haven't found what I'm looking for

Last week when I was in San Francisco, for the 100th anniversary celebrations of the 1906 earthquake, I got a chance to visit one of the most lovely spots along the Embarcadero, Justin Herman Plaza. The center is a shopping delight, but more then that, it is filled with some fascinating pieces of public art. One of the most controversial is the above sculpture/fountain which is titled, "Vaillancourt Fountain. This piece has been an object of debate, since it's unveiling in 1971 by it's artist, Armand Vaillancourt. It seems that folks either LOVE it or HATE it. Rarely do people take a lukewarm attitude toward it. Personally, I adore it. I like everything about it, but it seems that Bono, lead singer for U2 would disagree with me.

I have kissed honey lips
Felt my healing on his fingertips
It burned like fire
This burning desire

I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of the devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

In fact it was Bono which may have provided the fountain with it's most notorious moment, when during a free concert by U2, the lead-singer spray-painted the words, "Rock and Roll Stops The Traffic," across the fountain. This act of vandalism angered then mayor Dianne Feinstein and it resulted in a citation for malicious mischief, but Bono had something to say...

"We're the Batman & Robin of rock'n' roll... I am an artist, and that was not an act of vandalism."

This incident was the beginning of the end of free concerts held at Justin Herman Plaza. Over time the sculpture took a lot of beating by petitions to have it removed and by wear and tear of time and the homeless who tended to take up refuge in it, but in the summer of 2004, Mayor Gavin Newsom and Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who led an effort in collaboration with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, to turn the fountain back on, and restore it, after the city had shut it off in 2000 to conserve resources. It was finally back on and beautiful again. :)

I believe in kingdom come
Then all the colors will bleed to one
Bleed to one
Well yes I'm still running

You broke the bonds
And you loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of my shame
Of my shame
You know I believed it

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

-OndineMonet
"Vaillancourt Fountain"
Justin Herman Plaza
San Francisco, California
April 16th, 2006
Early Evening
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" lyrics By U2

Round Robin Challenge: Holy

"The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization."

-Frank Lloyd Wright

When I first found out what the topic for this challenge was, I couldn't help but smile. Our challenge, "Holy," was chosen this time around by Robin, author of the journal, "Search The Sea." The reason I smiled about the topic was because lately I have been appreciating the astounding architecture here in the Bay Area, particularly in the lovely houses of worship. From the old California missions, to the newer more modern designed churches, all of them are lovely to look at and HOLY places to visit and reflect.

Sts. Peter & Paul, San Francisco, Ca.

This is such a beautiful church. You can see the gorgeous steeples from all over the city. This view is from Coit Tower, looking down on it's neighborhood at Washington Square Park. Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio were married on January 14, 1954 at the City Hall in San Francisco, but they posed for their wedding photos later that day on the steps of this church, where DiMaggio had worshipped in his childhood.

St Paul's Episcopal, Virginia City, Nv.

Last October, Alan and I visited the small, old west town of Virginia City Nevada. There were two churches that sat in the middle of town, and they were lovely examples of the serene beauty one sees, and the peace one feels when visiting a town that is straight out of the past.

Saint Mary in the Mountains, Virginia City, Nv.

This church sits just one block up the hill from St Paul's, in Virginia City. When we were in this part of Virginia City, there didn't seem to be any sound at all. It was a place of calm and peacefulness. I could have spent the whole day right here snapping off photos of the lovely churches in town.

The Mormon Temple of Oakland, California

When I was a little girl, and we would pass the temple as we drove on the freeway, I imagined it to be a castle sitting high above us in the Oakland Hills. You can see the temple from across the bay in San Francisco. It is an absolutely lovely church, and when it is lit up at night, it is absolutely stunning. It always catches my eye as I pass it...day or night.

Neighborhood Church, Castro Valley, Ca

You can see the large three crosses of the neighborhood church for miles. When I was a little girl, we attended the neighborhood church for a brief time. I remember to this day, how I used to gaze up at the crosses. They were so tall. It is another place that always catches my eye when I am in the area...and reminds me of quieter times. Their yearly Christmas program is especially well done, and of course, quite moving.

Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, Ca.

A few years ago, I began a photo series of the California Missions. To date, Mission Santa Barbara is my favorite to photograph. It is also the most lovely of this missions I have been to so far. The grounds of the mission are breathtaking with a view of the Pacific Ocean, and a huge rose garden with over 500 varieties of roses. June is a wonderful month to visit and see them all in glorious bloom.

-OndineMonet

Be sure to visit the other Round Robin participants to see their interpretations of our current challenge, "Holy." If you would like to join us for the fun, just pay a visit to the official Round Robin Blog to learn all the details.

Robin... Search The Sea POSTED!

Karen... Outpost MavarinPOSTED!

Carly... Ellipsis...Suddenly Carly POSTED!

Erika... Photographs Of My Soul POSTED!

Tammy... The Daily Warrior POSTED!

Jessica... QuickSilver Dreams POSTED!

Patrick... Patrick's Portfolio POSTED!

Julie... Julie's Web Journal POSTED!

Steven... (sometimes) photoblog POSTED!

Connie... Connie's Photo Pages POSTED!

TJ... Photo Inclusions: Every Picture Tells A Story POSTED!

Deslily... Here, There and Everywhere 2nd Edition POSTED!
Here, There and Everywhere (AOL) POSTED!

Tess... First Digital Photos POSTED!

After 100 Years: The Survival Of The Ferry Building

"I kind of like things slightly out of tune. It makes me feel...intoxicated almost, but in a good way. Like I'm at a carnival in a dream."

-Christine Anderson

Last Tuesday, April 18th, the city of San Francisco, and many Bay Area cities for that matter, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the great earthquake of 1906. The quake registered 7.9 on the Reichter scale and shook the ground between 40 and 60 seconds. The devastation was widespread. San Jose, to the south was left in ruins, as well as Santa Rosa to the north. Nearly the entire area south of Market in San Francisco crumbled to the ground, while other areas of the city, such as Nob Hill, Pacific Heights and Russian Hill emerged with little damage. With the city in ruins, there was some extraordinary individuals who were on hand to do some early documentation of what was left after the ground stopped shaking. Author Jack London, was one of those who grabbed a camera...and in doing so recorded the quakes aftermath.

The light show at the Ferry Building, on the Embarcadero, was gorgeous. It was hard to believe that 100 years had gone by. Growing up in the Bay Area, meant that I had been through many different quakes, of many different intensities, so when looking at the historical photographs of the quake of 1906, it never really seemed possible for that to happen again. My attitude about that changed, after I experienced the 7.1 Loma Prieda earthquake of 1989. It hit just after 5:00 PM and shook for approximately 20 seconds. Like the San Francisco quake of 1906, there was widespread damage. Buildings toppled as far south as Santa Cruz.

Interesting Fact: The San Francisco quake struck at 5:12 am Pacific Time. The Loma Prieta quake, of 1989 hit at 5:04 pm Pacific Time. The clock on the Ferry Building stopped running after the 1906 quake, and remained stuck at 5:16 for over a year before it was repaired.

The Ferry Building was designed in late 1892 by A. Page Brown, a graduate of Cornell University. The inspiration for it came from the design of the La Giralda bell tower of Seville Cathedral.

At one time the Ferry Building was one of the most used transportation halls in the world. The completion of the Bay Bridge, and decline of Ferry usage made the building somewhat obsolete. At one time as many as 170 ferry boats a day had bought commuters and transcontinental railroad passengers to the foot of Market Street, where the city streetcar lines ended.

The Ferry Building was designated as a landmark in 1977 by the American Society of Civil Engineers, and was reopened on March 21, 2003 after a $75,000,000 restoration project. The clock and ferry Building were named City Landmark #90 on July 9, 1977.

The clock, with it's four 22-foot diameter clock faces, was officially re-started on June 17, 2003 at 12 noon by Mayor Willie Brown.

To be able to sit at Justin Herman Plaza last week, and enjoy this beautiful display of sound and color was a complete joy.Throughout the day there had been many different ceremonies in remembrance of the event. There were survivors of the 1906 quake on hand to share their memories of the day. Listening to their first person accounts was quite moving, and at time amusing, as one survivor recounted how she had been raised by day by the prostitutes of San Francisco, while her parents sought gainful employment after losing all they owned to the quake.The events of the day, the colors moving over the tower, and the warm spring weather all seemed somewhat surreal. The only thing that seemed to be missing was the sound of the Ethereal Musician playing something appropriate on his saxophone. :) I love searching for, and then finding the light. :)

-OndineMonet
"San Francisco Ferry Building"
San Francisco, California
April 18, 2006
Evening

Memories Above The City Lights

"Art is like a border of flowers along the course of civilization."

-Lincoln Stevens

This past week was one of the most unusual weeks I have ever had. I think it was good that I took some time off to renew my soul a bit. I suppose it is a good thing for everyone to do from time to time, to see things from a new appreciation, and perspective. To remember what we are passionate about and why we care so deeply about those interests. Last week was time to really look at what I love, and who I love, and the places I love, and remember to not take any of it for granted.

I was so sad to hear about Pam's passing away last Sunday. Still doesn't seem like it could be true. Sometimes, I think...maybe I got it wrong...but then I am all too aware that in fact, I won't ever get another email from her again. I won't ever get another chance to tell her how much I appreciated her laugh, and her voice, and the way she cared...without end. Yeah...without end. Somehow I don't believe that just because she is gone, that is the end of her on this earth. I will always have my friend through those emails, the comments she left me...and the smile that comes to my face when I think of her. Like our dear friend Frank...she's still right here.

When I was out last week with the camera, I saw art everywhere. Some of it I sought out. There are some marvelous public art displays that dot the Bay Area from San Francisco to San Jose. I took numerous photos to bring back here and show you. I was also seeing art in the natural world as well. Some incredible sunsets, some gorgeous flowers with tiny tears of rain on their petals...people out and about enjoying the first sunny days of spring, 2006. It was finally warm and clear in the Bay Area, after we had set, and then broke, the record for rainfall in March. Sometimes, before I knew it I would feel so much emotion for Pam wash over me, and it made me appreciate being able to see a sunset or a flower all the more. In some ways it was as if she was there with me, even though she and I had never met in person. Everything just seemed peaceful.

I went to some of the ceremonies in observance of the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. Last Tuesday night, the exterior of the Ferry Building, was transformed by a beautiful display of rotating lights and images. The colors were breathtaking. As I sat at Justin Herman plaza watching the crowd and the lightshow, I observed that it was almost perfectly quiet, except for the awe of the crowd, as each color combination shined on the clock tower to light up the night. I mused to Alan, that this was perhaps the closest I would ever get to the Aurora Borealis. :) I snapped photo after photo along the waterfront, then took a few more shots from Treasure Island, facing back toward the city.

And that was just the first day out with the camera. :) I will be posting a lot of art this week on my journal, talking a lot about what I see and why I feel so passionate about it. And you know me...there will be more then on observation on politics thrown in, because lets face it...there are some things that need to change, and I think California is a pretty good place to start. Like maybe with our Governor. We need someone who is willing to stand up to George Bush, and harsh words alone is not going to get the job done. If you look on my sidebar you will see who I would like to become California's next governor, Steve Westly. Go, click on the link and find out what he is about. I will be saying a lot more about him over the next few months, but you should do a little looking on your own.

With the mid-term elections coming up in November, what changes would you like to see? Have any thoughts about the governor's race in your state? How about the Bush administration? What changes still need to occur? Tell me, if one supports the 6 generals who spoke out against Donald Rumsfeld...asking that he step down...is that considered supporting the troops? Are they really any less military because they are now in the private sector? Leave me your thoughts. Beginning Tuesday, art around the bay, beginning with the Ferry Building, and the 1906 Earthquake remembrances.

Note: The dome on top of City Hall in the above picture, is the original dome that survived the great quake, and if you look at the dots of gold on the hills in the background of the photo,that gives you a perspective of where I live in relation to San Francisco. God I love it here! :)

-OndineMonet
"Memories Above The City Lights"
San Francisco, California
April 18th, 2006
Evening.

And The Maddie Goes To... (MadLibs)

"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun."

-Katherine Hepburn

Applause, applause everyone, we have a MadLibs winner! Congratulations goes to Charley, author of the journal, "Courage." If you haven't been by his journal before, be sure to drop by and say "hi." While you are there, have a look around. Charley has a wonderful, truly unique journal, that is written with a lot of heart and soul. I know I am quite pleased that I discovered it, just a couple months ago. Thanks Charley for playing along with this round of MadLibs, and indeed thanks to all who played. Ok,now on with the story...

Lost And Found
By Charley (Courage)

Lost:
Dog. Black and white BLOOMING Cocker ONION, with deep brown PHALANGE and a very CRACKLING tail. Answers to the name of, PATRICK.

Lost:
A solid gold EMU with a LUSCIOUSLY carved wooden GOLF BALL hanging from it. Reward of 50 PUTTERS for return of this THROWN heirloom.

Lost:
Seven ENDIVE diamond PAPER with a sterling TEA BAG clasp. Gift from HOT grandmother. Owner is FOLLICLE broken. Generous HAIR offered upon return.

Found:
A GREASY elephant in my SWEATING pool. He has OILY marks on his hide, a short CALENDAR and a very GREEN trunk. Please come and get him. He's eating me out of house and WEBCAM.

Tee Hee :)

-OndineMonet
"Blue Moments"
San Francisco, California
April 21, 2006
Afternoon

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #108:Lesser-Known Art

"A painting in a museum hears more ridiculous opinion than anything else in the world."

-Edmond de Goncourt

Weekend Assignment #108: Show off (or link to) a lesser-known work from a favorite artist. Because there is more to Da Vinci than the Mona Lisa, and more to Van Gogh than Starry Night, I'm thinking of painters, but if you'd prefer to essay a lesser known book from a famous author, or song from a favorite musician, that works too.

Extra Credit: When was the last time you were in an art museum?

-John Scalzi (By The Way...)

What a nice Weekend Assignment to do, just back from my week off. A week that I spent, mind you, filling my life with art. I did some photography, so I have new photos for you, and I visited some public art displays here and there around the Bay Area. I am soooo ready to discuss art! I bet you already knew I was ready to discuss not just art or just any old artist, but indeed my very favorite artist, Claude Monet.

When you think of Monet, which of his works come to mind? "Houses Of Parliament," "Water Lilies," or maybe, "Tulip Fields In Holland?" All of those are lovely examples of his talent as an Impressionist painter, but for purposes of this particular entry, I will show an example of Claude Monet's etchings, "Eva Gonzales."

Eva Gonzales was a contemporary of Claude Monet, and the only formal student of Edouard Manet. She was born into a family that truly embraced the arts. Her father, Emmanuel, was a well known author and her mother was a musician. Eva Gonzales showed her work at Salon, but declined to have her paintings displayed at independent exhibitions. She died early in life, when she passed away during childbirth in 1883. She was only 34 years old.

Extra Credit: I haven't been in a museum in several years. Way too long. That is all about to change. There is a wonderful exhibit of Monet's works,"Monet In Normandy," due to begin at the,The Legion Of Honor, in San Francisco,in June and running through the middle of September of this year. Oh...I am soooo there! :)

-OndineMonet
"Eva Gonzales" By Claude Monet

Peeking Inside The Door

"Rest when you are weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit...then get back to work."

-Ralph Marston

Hi All :)

No I am not back quite yet, I am just poking my head inside the blogroom door to say "hi" and let you know I haven't forgotten about this week's MadLibs game. I am extending the deadline to this coming Saturday, April 22nd, at 9:00 PM Eastern time. The winner will be announced on Sunday. Here is the link to this week's edition, feel free to enter more then once if you wish!

We are enjoying some awesome sunshine here in the East Bay, after setting records for rainfall for this spring, March specifically. I am finally feeling like going on some photo jaunts, and I am finding some incredible sights and sounds. I will be showing you some wonderful new photographs beginning next week, so be sure to come back and have a look see.

Ok, I am now off to do some research, and edit some new pictures, See ya soon!


-OndineMonet
"Lunch Companions"
San Mateo, California
April 19th, 2006
Early Afternoon

Remembering Pam

"When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that, in truth, you are weeping for that which has been your delight."

-Kahlil Gibran

I just reread the email from Nancy, Pam's sister, that said we lost our dear friend today. I am so very sad about that. Pam was my friend, someone I had come to like and love and appreciate very much. She is someone I will NEVER forget. She was someone who cared about people she met, people she hadn't met, and the animals she took such good care of. She had a beautiful heart and soul. I can't even begin to articulate about the hole that her passing will leave in my heart, but I can say that the love and friendship she gave me will always serve as a most gentle reminder of what a gift friendship is. Pam...darlin...I will miss you.

Love, Carly

NOTE: I will be taking a few days off from updating my blog. See everyone soon.

-OndineMonet
"At Peace"
Southern Marin County
Autumn, 2005
Early Evening

Happy Easter

"On Easter Day, the veil between time & eternity thins to gossamer."

-Douglas Horton

-OndineMonet
"Lily Life"
San Ramon, California
Spring, 2005
Morning