I Think Phil Is Right :)

"I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn."

-Henry David Thoreau

More pictures of what I saw in San Francisco last Thursday. While I was there, I paid a visit to Ft. Point and Chrissy Field, where there is usually a nice variety of birds to enjoy watching. It was really cold however, so there just wasn't as many different types as I would have liked to have seen that day, but there was a nice group of sparrows happily searching for food. I am thrilled with each new bird species that I can add to my library. This little guy was a new one for me, it is called a, "White-crowned Sparrow." According to my, National Audubon Society Field Bird Guide, this type of sparrow is one of the most studied birds of the western United States. I had a good time watching him look for food, and enjoying his soft little chirp.

White-Crowned Sparrow

There are little glimpses of spring everywhere. I know it is a little early to be looking for blossoms on the trees, but to my delight, I am seeing deep pink blossoms here and there, so I think Punxutawney Phil's prediction might be right, I think we will be seeing signs of spring early this year, which is fine by me. I am looking forward to the flowers this year. I have some seed packets on my desk right now, just waiting for a warm day for planting. I have Cosmos, 4 O' Clocks, Sunflowers, Mini Carnations, which will hopefully bring me some butterflies and bees through the summer and autumn. Tee Hee. I am already looking forward to autumn. :)

So tell me, what are you looking forward to this year? A special holiday or birthday? The flowers blooming in spring? Summer at the beach? Share if you want to, in the comment thread for this entry. :)

-OndineMonet
"White-crowned Sparrow"
Chrissy Field
San Francisco, California
February 1, 2007
Afternoon

Winter Time

"We write to taste life twice, in the moment, and in retrospection."

-Anais Nin

It was cold in the Bay Area today, the weatherman said there would be sun, but no, not even a little bit managed to peek through the relentless clouds. Sigh. So, what's a girl to do? Well, two choices came to mind. I could sleep the day away like I do most days in winter, or I could go across the bay, and see if there was just even a little hint of spring in Golden Gate Park. I found a splash of yellow in the form of some gorgeous California Poppies, which I will post later this weekend, but for this entry, I thought it would be nice to show you this amazingly beautiful swan I found at the Palace Of Fine Arts. Isn't it lovely? I wish I could have stayed there all day, just spending the whole day admiring the beauty of that swan, but the cold air was causing me a good deal of pain due to the Fibromyalgia. As much as I hurt, I was so happy for just a few hours out with the camera, and to be able to step outside myself for a little while. The weather is supposed to be warmer this weekend. Here's to hope.

Winter Time (Haiku)
By OndineMonet

Floating In Silence
Memories Of You Fill Me
As Time Moves Us On

Palace Of Fine Arts, San Francisco

-OndineMonet
"Winter Beauty"
Palace Of Fine Arts
San Francisco, California
February 1, 2007
Afternoon

Hey...There's A Thought...

"It's bad in Iraq...does that help?"

-George W. Bush, Washington D.C., December 7, 2006

As I was driving past the university today, I saw several protest stations like this one. I suspect as Bush continues along on this devastating path he is currently on, I will be seeing more and more of this sentiment. I wish... so often I wish... that he would follow the example of Richard Nixon, and resign the office of the presidency, for the good of the country he swore he would protect and defend. Alas, he has only HIS best interests at heart, not ours. So, I have to wonder, how do you suppose he will manage to change the constitution in order to keep his job as president even after his term expires? I mean really, where would an ego like his go after this? It's a depressing time in America...




"Make no mistake about it, I understand how tough it is, sir. I talk to families who die."
-George W. Bush, Washington D.C., December 7, 2006

*Bush Gets Earful On Ground Zero Health Fund (ABC News)

*$80M Believed Wasted In Iraq Police Training Camp (ABC News)

*Scientists Criticize White House Stance On Climate Change Findings (NY Times)

*On New Orleans, Not A Word From Bush (CBS News)

*Reporter: Libby Confirmed Wilson CIA Link (CBS News)

*Lawyer: Gitmo Inmates Shown Saddam Photos (MSNBC)

*Could Accidental War Happen? (MSNBC)

"And truth of the matter is, a lot of reports in Washington are never read by anybody. To show you how important this one is, I read it, and our guest read it."

-George W. Bush, on the Baker-Hamilton Report, appearing with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Washington D. C., December 7, 2006

-OndineMonet
"Signs Of The Times"
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, California
January 31st, 2007
Afternoon

Dream Figures

"Photography, as you know, is not real at all. It is an illusion of reality with which we create our own private world."

-Arnold Newman

I really liked how these two mannequins looked. I spotted them in the window of a boutique, just off Union Square, last December. As you can see, basic black still rules! :) It wasn't an easy shot to take, because I was in the car at the time, and while I was the passenger, traffic was still making me a little bit nervous. Traffic around Union Square is always crazy around the holidays, but knowing it beforehand didn't make it much easier to take. Still, my camera sees things I seem to miss, when I am just viewing the world with my eyes. As I was looking at this photo earlier today, it struck me about all the faceless people I seem to encounter in my dreams. Sometimes I dream about friends from my past, but the weird thing is that while I know it's them, I almost never see their faces. I see their clothing, or sometimes an arm, a stomach, but almost never their faces. Hmmm... I think I will ask Sarah about that! Anyone care to hazard a guess?

So tell me, do you see the faces of the people you dream about? Do you dream in color? What's your favorite type of dream? Have you ever had a dream come true?

-OndineMonet
"Dream Figures"
San Francisco, California
December 10th, 2006
Early Evening

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Let There Be Light

"In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary."

-Aaron Rose

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Snap a picture of a really interesting lamp or light fixture. It doesn't have to be in your home, although it's nice if it is. Note that for this Photo Shoot I am explicitly excluding holiday lights and decorations; we already did that. These lights should be ones that you'd see on a non-holiday. Note also that, of course, shooting a picture of a light fixture can wash out the details of said fixture if you're not careful. It's a little bit of a photo challenge.

-John Scazli (By The Way)

I thought this light might be a good example for this week's photo shoot. What you see here, is an up close view of that little red navigational warning light that you see positioned on top of bridges. This type of light was once in service on the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge, before being retired to the Caltrans museum in Oakland. This type of light was replaced in 1980, with a newer design of 360 degree rotating beacon. I thought it was kinda fun to be able to see it in person, although it was a bit smaller than I had imagined. :)


Here is how the navigational lights look now...



The Light At The Top Of The Tower


Light can be gentle, dangerous, dreamlike, bare, living, dead, misty, clear, hot, dark, violet, springlike, falling, straight, sensual, limited, poisonous, calm, and soft.

-Steven Nykvist

-OndineMonet
Navigational Light
Caltrans Museum
Oakland, California
Spring, 2005
Afternoon

Curious Carly Asks: Do You Believe In Soul Mates?

"Dreams are the illustrations in the book your soul is writing about you."

-Unknown

Ok, I will just jump in with this... Do you believe in Soul Mates? All my life, I have been intrigued by the thought of a Soul Mate, but I don't think I really understood what the truest concept of it was. Is a Soul Mate your perfect other half? Is it the one person God meant for you to find? Is it a romantic notion? Is it an element of reincarnation? Like the movie, "Somewhere in Time," can you know someone, and love them, in another time and place, and still find them even after death? Is love so powerful, that no matter what route we take, we will find out Soul Mate? I can't help but think about the words to the song, "It Might Be You." "If I found the place, would I recognize the face?" Have you ever looked into a total strangers eyes, and have the feeling you had somehow met before, even though you know you hadn't? Did you know that the term "Soul Mate" can be applied to friends, and companions, not just romantic connections?

Alan and I have been married for 16 1/2 years. We don't finish each others sentences, when I met him, I didn't get the sensation that I had met him before, in fact, other than his fabulous knees, I didn't even like him all that much. He was a republican, and I was a democrat. I loved rock music, he listened to county. I have a sweet tooth that goes straight to my soul, he really like salty snacks. You would think that he and I would have nothing in common, yet over the years, we have grown together, as we each allowed the other to grow separately. We managed to grow as a couple. We have faced some serious blows to our health, our finances, and our relationship. At one time, more than one person was pulling for us to get a divorce. Jealous friends, and unhappy relatives. Yet despite all these things, we are still together, still happy with one another, and still growing old together, although I have to say, I swear he looks the same as the first day I met him!

So, are he and I Soul Mates? Or are we just very well suited for each other? I don't really know that it matters. I love Alan, and I can't imagine not being with him, even if what could be called a Soul Mate did come along. I do know that there can be more than one person for someone. Every once in a while I write a little about "Mr. November." He was someone I first met years ago, just in passing one day. I had never before, and never have I since, met someone with more light in their eyes. I was instantly struck dumb. So dumb, that when we parted, I couldn't remember what he looked like. I could picture a nose, a jaw, those eyes, but I couldn't seem to put them together into one picture of him in my mind. Do you have any idea how stupid that felt? And this went on for years. As I sit here right now, I can't put it all together, unless I look at his picture...hang on...let me look...oh yeah...that's him!

It all seemed completely unreasonable, and to be truthful, I kinda resented the fact that someone could make me feel this way. Like I didn't have any control, even over my own memories. I am pretty sure, it was love at first sight, but I couldn't get past the off the charts attraction that made me go so completely stupid. It was too much. It was invasive. I could have never married someone like that, so that was that. He is my friend. He will always be my friend. He helped me a lot, and was a good friend to me when I really needed one. I don't think much about how I once felt about him, he is no longer in my life, but I do muse from time to time about how extraordinary it was to be able to experience love at first sight. A part of me will always love Mr November, and Alan knows that. He knew before he married me that a part of me still loved most of my ex-boyfriends to some degree. When at all possible, I always preferred to part friends. You Know? So of course there were things about them I still cared about.

Alan and I have a good, strong relationship, that still allow both of us room to grow as people, and grow individually. We continue to learn new things about each other, and we share the same goals for the future. We got here through love, respect, work, and of course, intimacy. Sounds like a Soul Mate to me. Right? Well, through my research, I found a couple really good websites that tackled this subject, and what I determined was that someone can indeed be in love with more then one person at the same time, and we can have more then one soul mate at the same time, but we have to determine who the right people are for us individually. Greed can't be a part of it. Affairs don't work, just watch those cautionary tales like "Fatal Attraction." LOL. Laugh if you like, but there was some real truth to that. Sheesh... who in their right mind would want to end up in a bad Lifetime movie scenario?

Sometimes, I think if I could change one thing about myself, I would change my heart. I would adopt one that didn't hang onto people, and places and things so tightly. Sarah, my therapist, uses the metaphor of my heart being like a big tall building, which just happens to have a lot of space available for people, places and things. Lots of different experiences, and memories. Passion. It makes sense to me, and I guess it's a good thing, when people tell me that they can be gone away from me for years, and when we reunite, they feel so comfortable with me it was like we were never apart. The thing is, once someone is in my heart, they are there forever. People, places, things...they are always there no matter how bad it hurts. Sigh. I don't know that I understand love, or why it can kick our ass so hard, or be the most wonderful feeling on earth. How it can be so warm, or so cold depending where you stand.

Recently, I ran into a man who had been in love with my mother for over 60 years. He was her insurance man, and one day, he realized it was love with her he told me, but he never acted on it out of respect for her marriage, and his own, but he never forgot her. He hadn't meant to fall in love... but he did. Funny thing he said... "I never loved my wife any less." Love is such a mystery to me, but what a great mystery. I kinda hope I never figure it out. :)

Your turn... come on... don't be shy. Participate in this one. I would really enjoy hearing your thoughts on this... share, share, share. With Valentines Day coming up, it would be good to get a nice dialog going. Come on... tell me what you think!

Soul Mate Resources

Soul Mates
Soul Mates - Wikipedia

-OndineMonet
"Bouquet"
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
Summer, 2006
Afternoon

The People In The Trees

"We say we love flowers, yet we pluck them. We say we love trees, yet we cut them down. And people still wonder why some are afraid when told they are loved."

-Unknown

The decision will probably be made this coming Monday, by an Alameda County Superior Court judge, regarding the fate of more then three dozen oak trees in danger of being removed by, University Of California Berkeley, in order to make room for a $125 million athletic training center, which includes a 900 space parking garage and the seismic retrofit of Berkeley's Memorial Stadium. The project, the university claims is badly needed, has been met with opposition for over a month now, by local environmentalists, and residents of Berkeley, including long-time resident, folk singer, Country Joe McDonald. Tree sitters have been keeping watch over the beautiful grove of Oak trees since early December, and have no intention of leaving. The new training center would provide accommodations for the over 300 staff and students who would use the facility. The tree sitters are in favor of the new center being built, just not at the cost of the trees, some of which are over 200 years old.

The tree sitters cause got a boost this past week, when three very brave Berkeley residents joined them in protest of the planned removal. 71 year old Shirley Dean, the former mayor of Berkeley, Betty Olds, Berkeley City Councilwoman, and Sylvia Mclaughlin, 91, co-founder of Save The Bay, allowed themselves to be hoisted up high into the trees, to demonstrate their commitment to seeing the trees being saved. What a snazzy thing to do! I am somewhat afraid of heights, so I am not sure I could be that brave. As I drove by the grove today, I saw that the protest continues, and I am glad. I am really hoping the decision will be to keep the trees in place. One of the nicest things about Berkeley, is the beautiful trees that surround the city, and outline the university. This particular grove provides a calm, natural escape from the narrow, sometimes, packed streets that line the university. The trees represent a part of Berkeley's natural history. What a shame it would be to lose that forever, in the name of progress. Sigh.

Here is some of what I saw today, as I visited the grove...

You can read more about the effort to save the trees at the "Save The Oaks" official website.

UPDATE: An Alameda County judge issued a temporary restraining order this morning (Monday 1/29/06) to halt the construction of the Memorial Stadium project. Go Trees! :)

-OndineMonet
"The Oak Grove"
2245 Piedmont ave
Berkeley, California
January 27th, 2007
Late Afternoon

My Upcoming Date With Mr. Squishy

"The patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his or her own life. Don't take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop."

-Quentin Regestein

I can't believe it has almost been a year! But it has. Time for me to go back for my annual Mammogram. Do you remember how spooked I was last year? I had just found an unusual lump in my breast, that hadn't been there a month before when I did my breast exam. It scared me. And Good that! I was over 40, and had never had a Mammogram before. I had never put much thought into it. Sometimes in life, things creep up on you. Time goes by really quick, whether you are having fun or not! I had been asked by my regular physician to schedule an appointment for myself, and somehow I had managed to avoid doing so. Sigh. Not too wise. You can bet, when I discovered that lump, I found the time! I went in, whining a good bit all the way, and lucky for me, it was a lump that could be dealt with. It wasn't cancer, but over 200,000 women every year aren't as lucky as I was, including one of my favorite singers, Sheryl Crow.

"I encourage all women everywhere to advocate for themselves and for their future. See your doctor and be proactive about your health."

-Sheryl Crow

I read earlier this week, that there has been a decline of the number of American women who are getting this important annual test. What's up with that girls? I no longer believe that anything is more important then getting myself checked. Nothing. So what might be holding you back? If you are one of my regular female readers, or if you have a lady in your life that you love dearly who hasn't gotten her exam for the year, I want to encourage you to make that appointment! The test doesn't hurt, and it is vital to early detection. I found out a lot of useful information about Breast Cancer, and I learned why I am at a slightly higher risk then most to get it. I learn factors for keeping myself well, and what to watch for as far as symptoms of the disease are. I am being proactive with my own health...I hope you are as well.

According to the CDC, one reason many women skip getting this exam is complacency. After taking the test, year after year, and being given a clean bill of health, many believe that their chances of contracting the disease are so low, that the yearly exam is no longer needed. Wrong! Ladies we must care enough about ourselves, to continue getting this test. So what do you say? Anyone care to take my challenge, by getting your yearly mammogram in the month of February along with me? Don't make me go to the appointment alone. Come on, schedule the appointment on Monday, and come back here and let me know when it will be, by leaving me a message in the comment thread for this entry. Better yet, share your experiences at the doctor in your blog. I will link on my sidebar, to anyone who helps spread awareness about breast cancer, by getting a mammogram and sharing their story.

There are everyday things we can do to take care of ourselves. I was reading my latest issue of the MayoClinic Newsletter this past week, and they always have wonderful easy to do tips for living better, more healthy lives. Also, each issue has some yummy recipes. In the last issue, there were recipes for, Balsamic Roast Chicken, and Melon Fool. Too tasty for words. If you haven't visited their website, do so, and sign up for their weekly newsletter, you will be glad you did! Come on ladies, make me proud! Go be proactive for your health! I like my friends, and I want to know you a long time! :) Make those appointments!

For More Information on Breast Cancer...

Susan G. Komen - For The Cure

Toll-Free Breast Cancer Care Helpline
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST

1-800 I'm- Aware (1-800-462-9273)

My Appointment Date
Thursday, February 8th.

-OndineMonet
"My Date With Mr. Squishy"
February, 2006
Late Afternoon
Hayward, California

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #149: Ill-Advised Teenaged Fashions

Don't leave me this way
I can't survive, can't stay alive
Without your love, oh baby
Don't leave me this way

-Thelma Houston
"Don't Leave Me This Way"

Weekend Assignment #149: Reveal Your Teenage Fashion Disasters! Yes, whether it's big hair, Nehru jackets, acid-washed jeans or an ill-advised tattoo, let us know what about your style as a teenager you would change today.

Extra Credit: Are you kidding? Pictures baby!

-John Scalzi (By The Way)

Ut-OH! Oh NO! I was a teenager during the ugliest time for fashion in the history of fashion... the late 1970's. Uggggg. OK, well, I suppose I can admit that I was kinda like everyone else at the time. I followed the trends and got the "Farrah hair" and I wore those hideous paisley dresses, the huge platform shoes, I even owned one or two halter dresses. Yuck! It's so weird to think back to that time now. I wouldn't be caught dead in a pair of bell-bottoms, or gauchos, even if they are on the comeback. LOL. Can you believe the decade of the 1980's saw bigger hair then the "Farrah?" After my Farrah hair, I went back to wearing it long and straight, which is pretty much the way I wear it now, and I still like wearing peasant tops from time to time, otherwise I think I pretty much dress classic chic. No wacky colors, mostly earth tones. I make my own style now, but if you want to see what I would have worn to a party as a teenager... see my Yahoo icon on my sidebar. I let her wear the ugly dress. Tee Hee.

Here is a look at what things were like when I was about 17 or so. Gosh, it seems like yesterday, and yet, it seems like a million years ago as well. Sigh.

That 70's Movie "Saturday Night Fever"

That 70's dress. Back in style by the way!

That 70's hair style. "The Farrah"

Those 70's shoes.

HAVE A NICE DAY! :)

Extra Credit: Happily, there is not a single photo of me between the ages of 10 and 28. :) It's almost like I didn't exist during that time. So, you will just have to observe the above photo and use your imagination. :)

-OndineMonet
"Real Me"
Berkeley, California
Summer 2006
Evening

Maybe Someday...

"Physically you are a human being, but mentally you are incomplete. Given that we have this physical human form, we must safeguard our mental capacity for judgment. For that, we cannot take out insurance; the insurance company is within; self-discipline, self awareness, and clear realization of the disadvantages of anger and the positive effects of kindness."

-Dalai Lama

It's quiz time again! I always have a difficult time trying to decide what new quiz to take that will be both fun, and informative, while I am on a quest of self-discovery. When I was a little girl, I longed to grow up, because I just knew all the answers to all of life's mysteries were only a few birthdays away. I decided when I was about 7 or so, that when I reached 35, I would be officially over the hill. It just made sense, because by that age...what could be left to learn? LOL. I will be 45 in June, and to my profound amusement, I am still growing up! LOL. Go figure.

Still, I think I am happy that there are still one or two things to learn about myself... and others. After 16 1/2 years of marriage, Alan and I are still learning new things about each other, because thank goodness, we are continuing to grow as people, and as a couple. Being a grown-up sure isn't what I thought it would be. So much for having it all figured out! :) Your turn. Feel like joining me in some quizzes? Just click the links below, and either leave your answers in the comment thread, or post your entry in your own blog, then come back here and leave me the link, so I can visit you. Come on... you know you want to! ;)

QUIZ #1
What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

You're a true romantic who brings an innocent hope to each new relationship.

You see the good in every person you date, and you relish each step of falling in love.

Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a romantic dinner your sweetie cooks for you.

Your flirting style: Friendly and sweet.

What turns you off: cynics who don't believe in romance.

Why you're hot: you always keep the romance alive.

QUIZ #2
What Year Do You Belong In?

***You Belong In 1967***
1960 - 1969
You are a free spirit with a huge heart. Love, Peace, and happiness rule - oh, and drugs too!

QUIZ #3
What Happened The Year You Were Born?

***1962***

*John F. Kennedy is president of the United States.
*John Glenn becomes the first American in orbit, when he circles the earth three times in the Mercury capsule Friendship 7.
*Cuban Missile Crisis occurs when Soviet offensive missile build-up is discovered.
*Cuban Missile Crisis is averted when President Kennedy and Soviet premiere Krushchev agree to remove missiles.
*Marilyn Monroe is found dead in her Los Angeles home.
The drug Thalidomide is recalled when it becomes linked with severe birth defects in thousands of children worldwide.
*Pantyhose become available for sale in U.S. department stores.
*Jim Carrey, Sheryl Crow, Jon Bon Jovi and Tom Cruise are born.
*New York Yankees win the world series.
*Gren Bay Packers win the NFL championship.
*Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley cup
*Lawrence of Arabia wins the Oscar for best picture
*The Beatles release their first recording: the single "Love Me Do"/ P.S. I Love You"
*Johnny Carson debuts as host of The Tonight Show.

Ok... Your Turn!

-OndineMonet

Round Robin Challenge: Macro

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead... his eyes are closed."
-Albert Einstein

I was so pleased with the choice John made for our challenge, because I need to work on doing more "Macro" photography. I have been struggling with a cold since, New Years, so I didn't get a chance to take many new photos since the challenge was announced, but I did take the flower photo at the bottom of this entry, so that is my latest attempt at doing macro, but I did a little bit of macro photography while visiting the butterfly exhibit at the Conservatory of Flowers last summer. Here are a few of the butterflies, and a new flower... up-close and personal!

Julia

Vanessa (Painted Lady)

Thank you John, for the awesome challenge! Be sure to visit John's blog, "Personal Effects," to see his entry. You can find the other Round Robin participants simply by clicking the links below!

Linking List

John... Personal Effects
POSTED!

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

Janet... Fond Of Photography
POSTED!

Karen... Outpost Mavarin
POSTED!

Dorn... Through The Eyes Of The Beholder
POSTED!

Nancy... Nancy Luvs Pix
POSTED!

Kerrin... Macrocapture
POSTED!

Julie... Julie's Web Journal
POSTED!

Steven... (sometimes) photoblog
POSTED!

Linda... Blah Blah Blog
POSTED!

Gattina... Keyhole Pictures
POSTED!


-OndineMonet

Your Monday Photo Shoot: What A Mess!

"Life isn't like a book. Life isn't logical, or sensible, or orderly. Life is a mess most of the time. And theology must be lived in the midst of that mess."

-Charles Caleb Colton

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Take a picture of a real mess. Messy rooms, trash cans knocked over by raccoons, kids playing in the dirt, pets tracking in mud... anything that makes you go, "My God! This mess burns my very retinas!" is what I want you to take a picture of.

-John Scalzi

I remember this mess. Last summer, I attended the Monet exhibit at the Palace of Legion Of Honor, in San Francisco. It was a lovely day, and a lovely exhibit, but I saw one or two things that was...well...a little sad. Alan and I are big people watchers. We love to visit interesting places, and try to figure out the stories of the people we encounter. Rarely do we ever really find out if we are right or not, but on this day, we just knew about a certain couple we saw admiring the amazing art. By the end of the day, they wouldn't be a "they" any longer.

The lady, who was in her 30's and her guy of about the same age, had been walking all through the exhibit hand in hand, but it seemed like each was in their own world. A few times we saw the young man, break free from the lady, so he could sit on one of the many benches. He seemed to constantly have a look of boredom on his face. He couldn't have been less interested in the collection of Monet's, as opposed to his lady who was obviously thrilled, as she walked among the art. I had to wonder about the two, as I walked through the exhibit. They just seemed so... empty.

A little later in the afternoon, Alan and I decided to get a small nibble and a couple sodas at the restaurant in the museum. While I was waiting for Alan to comeback from the gift shop, the same couple came into the restaurant, and brought their trays out onto the patio where we were sitting. They looked even less happy now then they did earlier in the day. By the time the two finished their salads, it was clear they had broken up. It was mutual, it was quiet, but it was very sad. One didn't have to be a genius to see that. I didn't meant to stare, and I tried hard not to, but life was unfolding right in front of me... real life.

When they got up from the table, the young man kissed the lady really soft on the cheek, and then they left. For some reason, I felt compelled to photograph the empty table, void of people, yet telling a story. I didn't see the couple anywhere else in the exhibit, so I guess they left the museum at that point. I always wondered though, did they at least stay friends? Sometimes, life can make the biggest messes.

-OndineMonet
"After The Affair"
Legion Of Honor
San Francisco, California
Summer, 2006
Afternoon

It Was A Good Day

"Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men or animals. Some seem to smile; some have a sad expression; some are pensive and diffident; others again are plain, honest and upright, like the broad faced sunflower and the hollyhock."

-Henry Ward Beecher
Star Papers: A Discourse Of Flowers

The weather has been gorgeous in the Bay Area this past week! No rain in sight, and the temperature has climbed to a comfortable 60-something during the day and about 40-something in the nighttime hours. It's wonderful, but my Fibromyalgia knows nothing about what makes or breaks the perfect day. I slept 18 hours Sunday, and as I write this, I know I will be sleeping another 18 hours as soon as I go back to bed. I have been completely missing the sun this last week. Just the thought of one of my usual long drives exhausts me. I know, I know, it is winter after all, and I know that since my diagnosis, I will be spending my winters in hibernation, jeepers it leaves me blue.

So, in an effort to chase the blues away, I went searching in my photo files from last summer, to try and come up with an image of something pretty, and warm, to liven up the blog a bit. I found the above photo, from August 9th. I remember that day, it was a gorgeous day around the bay, as almost all August 9th's are. I remember my hands were shaking as I took my photos that day, because we had, just a few hours earlier, came really close to being in a pretty bad car accident. That close call left me a bit spooked of driving on I580. One positive thing did come out of the experience though, I appreciated everything I saw that day a little more. Butterflies at the conservatory flew more gracefully, and the water lilies were a little more calming in their beauty. That was a good day! I think this picture is a good one to begin another week with. :)

-OndineMonet
"The Good Day"
Conservatory Of Flowers
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
August 9th, 2006
Afternoon

Working Together...

"Love is the answer, but while you are waiting for the answer, sex raises some pretty good questions."

-Woody Allen

Tee Hee. Isn't that a funny sign? I spotted it while driving up here in the Berkeley hills. I happen to know that it has been tampered with by some silly person, because there are several more all through the hills which have the correct phrase, "Working Together To Prevent Wildfires," not "Working Together To Prevent Wildlife." How silly would that be? Especially in a town like Berkeley, where environmental issues are at the top of most folks consciousness. Anyway, I kinda found it amusing so I thought I would pass it along.

Something else I found amusing, was this article that was over on Yahoo news. "Start Sex On The Right Key With Musical Condoms." Tee Hee. Musical condoms? What song do you suppose they play? Tee Hee. Well, actually they don't really play a song on their own, the condoms, which are, mint, strawberry, chocolate, and banana flavored, come with a CD that apparently has music that is meant to get you in the mood. Hmmmm... what songs do you suppose are on the 18 minute CD? If you care to ponder the question, leave your ideas in the comment thread for this entry. Remember folks, my blog is rated PG-13 so keep your comments appropriate. LOL. My goodness... such possibilities! Tee Hee.

-OndineMonet
"Sign Of The Time"
Berkeley, California
January 19th, 2007
Afternoon

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #148: Cats Or Cheese?

"Cheese is milk's leap towards immortality."

-Clifton Fadiman

Weekend Assignment #148: Cats. Cheese. There's only enough room on the planet for one of them, and you have to decide which goes. Which do you choose and why? Now you as, why cats and cheese? Well, why not? People like cats; people like cheese. They're generally considered to be unrelated. Having to choose one over the other sort of gives you insight into your soul, about what's really important to you. Or, alternately, it's just fun to consider. Really, lets not pretend we're doing anything too deep here.

For clarity's sake, when we say "cats' we mean domestic cats; lions and cheetahs and such will still be about, so you don't have to worry about taking out a whole bunch of endangered species. When we say "cheese" we mean all cheese, even the stuff that comes out of a aerosol cans and/or is spelled "cheeze." It all goes.

Extra Credit: What's your favorite breed of cat and/or type of cheese?

-John Scalzi (By The Way)

Oh Blogfather! Don't think for one moment this isn't a deep subject! LOL. I LOVE cheese, but I LOVE cats as well, especially my little boy Elvis Aron. Yep, I love my kitty so much, I gave him a middle name! What to do? What to do?

Let's Talk About Cheese First...

Cheese is a passion of mine, so much so, that when I considered one day in my youth, what kind of man I would one day marry, the two solid absolute requirements were...

1. He could NOT be a smoker, and 2. He had to love cheese as much as I do!

And I meant it! Tee Hee. Thanks goodness I met Alan, he was perfect for me in every way, including my two most important requirements. :) Together we have been seeking out the perfect cheese, and the perfect cheese shop in all the world, or at least in California, for 16 1/2 years. I am happy to report, we have indeed found the perfect cheese shop in all the world, right here in our own backyard. The Cheeseboard Collective is located at 1512 Shattuck Avenue, right here in Berkeley. They have over 500 kinds of cheese, and also make some fabulous, melt in your mouth breads, and rolls. Right next door is the sub-collective where they make a pizza so mouth-watering good, that you will swear it was prepared by GOD himself! No kidding here. Blogfather, if you ever get back to the San Francisco East Bay, anywhere near Berkeley, you should come up here and try it out. You will become a believer! In the above photo you see 4 of my very favorite cheeses, with some cinnamon frosted pecans on the side. Cheese is a food of seduction. I L-O-V-E CHEESE!

And Now We Will Talk About Cats...

My Kitty Elvis

Elvis in his new Christmas sweater. 12/25/06

Just look at that face! Is there anything left to say? Elvis is alive, and he is such a joy and comfort to me, I am afraid I would most certainly choose Cats. I can't imagine not having him at the foot of my bed at night, he is my sunshine. I would miss cheese if it was no more... but I know when someday I will have to live without my Elvis... I will be forever lost. Oh dear Blogfather... I choose CATS! Sniff, sniff... someone pass me a tissue... sniff, sniff. Goodness, this is kinda like Sophie's Choice! ACK! ;)

Extra Credit: My very favorite cheese is French Feta. It is a little creamier then the Greek variety, and a little sweeter. Perfect for salads or for cheese puffs. As for cats, Elvis is a British shorthair cat, which come in many colors and patterns. The Tuxedo is my favorite. Those black and white cats RULE!

-OndineMonet
"Cheese Glorious Cheese"
Berkeley, California
January 19th, 2007
Late Evening

Black & White & Idolized All Over

"The most insignificant people are the most apt to sneer at others. They are safe from reprisals. And have no hope of rising in their own self esteem but by lowering their neighbors."

-William Hazlitt

Self esteem... we all have it, yet a good deal of us have no idea what to do with it. I suppose that sounds like a bold statement coming from me, and it might be, but lately some things in the world have really been rubbing me the wrong way, and I can't help but wonder... where did we all go so profoundly wrong? What was the date that changed most American's into selfish, tunnel sighted, simpletons, who can only form opinions based on a book's cover, whether it be about voting for a president, or choosing the next American Idol? Maybe there wasn't one specific date that changed the American world... maybe we allowed our social bitterness to age gracefully, I don't know... you tell me... what is beautiful?

I am speaking specifically here about the ruckus being raised about the negativity that is the new season of FOX's hit show, American Idol. While I fully admit I am not a big fan of the show, and rarely, if ever, actually watch the show, I did happen to catch the last 30 minutes of Idol the other night, and I have to say, it did nothing to make a fan out of me. I found the big three... Simon, Paula and Randy, to be at their hurtful best, and in fact, managed to carry off pompousness and deceit, with a good deal of proficiency. As negative as it all was... it was still a ratings success. Why do folks watch something that demonstrates such harshness? I know that the justification for the actions of the "judges" is because the producers of the show want to show the whole process of finding the next idol, and what it takes to produce a diamond from the rough. But really, does it take psychological abuse, to produce an idol?

I get that not everyone who shows up to the American Idol auditions, has star potential. I get that sometimes it is amusing to hear someone sing woefully off key, I mean, didn't we all laugh at Lucy Ricardo, when she would hit those keys way off the mark? Yes, we did, because it was funny, and we knew, even if we didn't sit and dwell on it, that it was all in the script, and therefore we could laugh knowing no one was getting hurt. American Idol is NOT a sitcom, it is real people, with real hopes, trying to be a part of the American Idol experience. I think some who audition, know they have no talent, and so they try out for the humor and experience of it all. However, there are some who audition who really think they have a chance, when in fact, they have no chance at all. It's those individuals who my heart goes out to. They do not deserve to be made fun of, or belittled by the likes of Simon, Paula and Randy. Particularly disturbing to me was the remark made by Simon Cowell, to a contestant, Kenneth Briggs, regarding his physical appearance, calling him a "bush baby."

The young man didn't have the voice for the competition. It was pretty clear, but why did Cowell have to further insult this young man by making such a hurtful comment regarding his looks? How many folks at home laughed at this young man, simply because Simon Cowell made a joke at this man's expense? What is the deal with all the cheap shots about physical appearance flying about recently? Have we all forgotten what makes a person? Simon Cowell is, physically speaking, a nice looking man, but it only takes a couple moments, to change all that. All he has to do is speak, and the stupid pours out, and he goes from a nice looking man, to someone really quite ugly. And rather sad. I have to wonder, does his edge come from some buried inferiority complex? Have you ever known a bully? If so, when you look back, can you see how terribly sad and frightened they were? Isn't it strange, that it takes more courage to hold ourselves in a positive light, then in a negative one?

I was watching ABC's The View yesterday morning, and of course, the ladies talked a little about the previous nights episode of American Idol. All of the ladies agreed that it seemed a little over the top in terms of harshness, but Rosie O' Donnell took it a little further. "Isn't that what America thinks is entertainment? To make fun of someone's physical appearance and then when they leave the room, laugh hysterically at them... three millionaires, one possibly intoxicated (maybe referring to Paula Abdul's recent behavior) the whole thing, it's terribly sad to me." As much as I agreed with her, it occurred to me that she had done the very same thing last month, when speaking about Donald Trump. She made fun of the way Trump chooses to wear his hair, while giving forth the opinion that Trump should not be the moral compass for anyone. Hair/morals. Hair/Morals. I don't get it, does she mean to say that all men who sport bad comb overs are morally vacant?

On the other hand of cheap shots, did Donald Trump mean that all women who are overweight are in fact slobs? Or was he speaking only about Rosie? That was only one of the adjectives, the ever eloquent, Donald Trump, chose to describe Rosie with. Slob. I supposed he was a little miffed about the comb over remark. Shrug. Cheap shots, apparently equal high ratings. The View hasn't suffered under the nearly weekly verbal controversies springing forth from Rosie O' Donnell, thinly disguised as pearls of wisdom. We all tune in anyway, and if the truth were told, don't we kinda look forward to the next bit of negativity? Maybe just a little? I suppose I should raise my hand, I do look forward to hearing her make these remarks again, and again. I don't know what stands out more for me, her nerve, or her total lack of class and self-dignity. No matter who it is, when I hear someone being hurtful to another, I feel a little less respect for them. Why do so many go straight for another's appearance, even when the argument has more to do with the values, and personality?

Speaking as a woman who is way less then perfect, I know that I am someone who has value in the world, despite being only 4' 11 tall. I know that I have value, so does it really matter I have a few more gray hairs then I did five years ago? I know I have value, because I wouldn't hurt someone on purpose for any reason. I know I have value, because I was told for years by my own family, that I didn't. LOL. Those people lived to hurt others. At the age of 44, I have finally closed the door on their hurtful opinions of me. Maybe it's because I grew up in that atmosphere, but I can't tolerate it when I see someone hurting another for the sport of it all. Or for the ratings, or for the gain some feel by disregarding another. Would the world really be less interesting if we all decided to think before we speak? Does America really want idols, built on the pain, and self-esteem assassination of others? Sigh. Why does America allow crulty it succeed?

-OndineMonet
"The Pants"
Berkeley, California
January 17th, 2007
Afternoon

That Silly Four Letter Word...

"Love at first sight is only realizing an imagination that has always haunted us, or meeting a face, a figure, or cast of expression in perfection that we have seen and admired in a less degree or in less favorable circumstances a hundred times before."

-William Hazlitt

Hallmark holidays! Sheesh! They make me all contemplative. Ok, I admit, I have greeted Valentine's Day with different degrees of respect and disdain over the years. Sometimes I would completely ignore it. "Who needs a silly made up holiday anyway?" Sometimes I would meet it full head on, taking myself out to dinner, buying myself flowers, and then ending the evening with a nice pampering bubble bath, drawn with chocolate scented bath bubbles. LOL. I love me after all. LOL. When I got married I thought that my Valentine's Day fretting might finally be over, but alas, I married a man who isn't too sentimental about made up Hallmark holidays, but who can be a romantic fool for no good reason on... oh say... August 23rd, the anniversary of our first kiss. Swoon. He really does remember my birthday, our anniversary, and the date of our first kiss and the date of our first date... but on Valentine's Day... I am sort of on my own.

Not that I am complaining mind you, but sometimes, just sometimes, I wish he would turn into a Valentine's Day Fool. LOL. It's not like he never likes to get a little romantic on the day, a couple years ago he wrote me a poem, and tucked it under my pillow. I smiled the whole day through. Last year he gave me a gorgeous little dessert set, from Bed, Bath & Beyond, and then we enjoyed a special dessert of Ice Cream Cake. Sexy and FUN! I am never really sure how the day will go. This year, we have kicked around the idea of going for the fun and lighthearted times we enjoy, by going out for pizza and root beer. Trust me girls, there is a lot to be said for a low maintenance Valentine's Day! ;)

Anyway, in honor of the upcoming holiday, I have decided to do a series of entries about love. Happy love, sad love, contemplative love. I am just as confused by it as anyone else sometimes. Is there really such a thing as Love At First Sight? Can you be in love, and have no idea why? Can you love more than one person at the same time? Is it infidelity if you do? Just because one is married, doesn't mean we stop thinking about all the possibilities in the world. Love is a puzzle to be sure, and I like putting on my thinking cap and trying to think things through for myself. Sometimes all I end up with is a headache, but sometimes, just sometimes, I solve great mysteries, at least as for as I am concerned. :)

Tell Me Your Thoughts! Sing out in the comment thread for this entry, AND be sure to take the two quizzes below, and let me know what you scored. Just click on each graphic to be redirected to the quiz. :) Here is what I scored...

Propensity for Monogamy...

Your propensity for monogamy is low.
You see love as a gift that you should give to many.
It's hard for you to imagine being with one person at a time.
Let alone one person for the rest of your life.

Experience Level...

Your experience level is high.
You've loved, lost, and loved again.
You have had a wide range of love experiences.
And when the real thing comes along, you know it!

Dominance...

Your dominance is low.
This doesn't mean you're a doormat, just balanced.
You know a relationship is not getting your way.
And you love to give your sweetie a lot of freedom.

Cynicism...

Your cynicism is low
You are an eternal optimist when it comes to love and romance.
No matter how many times you've been hurt - you're never bitter.
You believe in one true love, your perfect soul mate.
And if you haven't found love yet, you know you will soon.

Independence...

Your independence is low.
This does not mean you're dependent in relationships.
It does mean that you don't have any problem sharing your life.
In your opinion, the best part of being in love is being together.

-OndineMonet
"Passion" Artist Unknown

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Out Your Window, Redux

"I take a simple view of life... Keep your eyes open and get on with it."

-Sir Laurence Olivier

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Pick a window in your home. Take a picture of it. We're looking at things that are close to home this week.

-John Scalzi

This is the view, from out of the attached storage room, in my house. The window faces a west view, but you can't see the bay from this window, because of the heavy landscaping to that side. I probably should have photographed it earlier in the day, but just didn't have a chance. Anyway, even with the landscaping partially covering the view, you can still tell we were about to get some rain. It's started raining a nice, soft, rain a couple hours later, and it was really nice. It's actually warmed up here a little, and yet there was still a blip on the news about the possibility of a few snow flurries. Here's hoping. :)

Listen To The Rhythm Of The Falling Rain
The Cascades

Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain
Telling me just what a fool I've been
I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain
And let me be alone again

The only guy I care about has gone away
Looking for a brand new start
But little did he know that when he left that day
Along with him he took my heart

Rain please tell me now does that seem fair
For he to steal my heart away when he don't care
I can't love another when my hearts somewhere far away

The only guy I care about has gone away
Looking for a brand new start
But little did he know that when he left that day
Along with him he took my heart

Rain won't you tell him that I love him so
Please ask the sun to set his hear aglow
Rain in his heart and let the love we knew start to grow

Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain
Telling me just what a fool I've been
I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain
And let me be alone again

Oh listen to the falling rain
Pitter patter, pitter patter
Oh listen to the falling rain
Pitter patter, pitter patter


-OndineMonet
"Rain"
Berkeley, California
January 16th, 2007
Early Evening

Art About Town... San Francisco

"Only through art can we emerge from ourselves, and know what another person sees."

-Marcel Proust

It's been a while since I have done an "Art About Town" entry, so I thought it would be nice to post my first one for 2007. I actually took this photo the day after last Thanksgiving, but somehow never got around to doing an entry about it. This sculpture is one of my very favorite pieces of public art in San Francisco. It sits as the centerpiece of Ghiradelli Square, and is considered the most photographed feature of the square. It's titled, "Andrea's Fountain," and was created by artist, Ruth Asawa.

Andrea's Fountain has sat in Ghiradelli Square since it's debut in 1968. According to the fountain's legend, the artwork was initially met with some criticism by landscape artist, Lawrence Halprin, who felt the sculpture was not to be considered "serious art." However, Asawa's vision for the fountain, was to create a piece which could be enjoyed by all ages. "I wanted something related to the sea... I thought of all the children, and maybe even some adults, who would stand by the seashore waiting for a turtle or a mermaid to appear. As you look at the sculpture, you include the Bay view, which has been saved for all of us, and you wonder what lies below that surface."

Andrea's Fountain, Ghiradelli Square, San Francisco

I can tell you, from the upper floors of Ghiradelli Square, you can see the most lovely views of the bay. It is truly one of the best parts of North Beach. I can sit and study this sculpture all day, it's a sculpture honoring the legend on the mermaid after all, and as you know, I was the mermaid Ondine in a former life, or in this life, I keep forgetting which is right. ;) Andrea's Fountain is named for the model who posed for it, Andrea Jepson.

-OndineMonet
"Andrea's Fountain"
Ghiradelli Square
San Francisco, California
November 24th, 2006
Early Morning

But Don't Forget Folks... That's What You Get Folks...

"Infatuation is when you think he's as sexy as Robert Redford, as smart as Henry Kissinger, as noble as Ralph Nader, as funny as Woody Allen, and as athletic as Jimmy Conners. Love is when you realize that he's as sexy as Woody Allen, as smart as Jimmy Conners, as funny as Ralph Nader, as athletic as Henry Kissinger and nothing like Robert Redford... but you'll take him anyway."

-Judith Viorst, Redbook, 1975

Ellipsis has a new poll on it's sidebar, "What Is Your Favorite Romantic Song," which is of course, in honor of Valentine's Day next month. Can you believe we are nearly at the Heart holiday? So strange that we have a holiday, in honor of an emotion very few of us can define, explain, or even agree on whether it's a good thing or not. Recently, I had a conversation with a good friend of mine, a guy by the way, about how at times in both our lives, we weren't sure if LOVE wasn't in reality more cruel than hate.

It can hurt so bad when it isn't returned, and feel so good when it is. It can happen in an instant, with just one glance, or take a lifetime to happen. Some folks look their whole lives for someone to share forever with, while other look into a strangers eyes... and just know... their life has just been changed forever. And isn't there always a song, that somehow comes closer to explaining how we feel, whether it be for love realized or love lost, then we can ourselves? So, go look at the Love Songs I chose for the poll, and cast your vote. If you like, feel free to tell us why you chose a specific song, in the comment thread for this entry. If your favorite romantic song isn't listed, feel free to share that as well. :)

Click here, to see the results of last month's poll, "What Is You Least Favorite Part Of The Holiday Season."

-OndineMonet
"Makin' Whoopee"
Conservatory Of Flowers
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
June 14th, 2006
Afternoon