John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment # 192: When Do The Holidays Start?

"Nothing says holidays, like a cheese log."

-Ellen DeGeneres

Weekend Assignment #192: When do you personally start celebrating the holiday season? Do you get into it at midnight of the Friday after Thanksgiving? Do you wait? Is Thanksgiving annoyingly in the way? Share your thoughts!

Extra Credit: Do you dream of a White Christmas (or Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, or a Winter Solstice, etc), just like the ones you used to know?

-John Scalzi (By The Way)

In our house, the "holiday season" begins on the first day of autumn. Our fruit and vegetable gardens are usually at their best in autumn, and we have a lot about this time of year to celebrate. We have our wedding anniversary on October 13th, and then our official Family Day on October 23rd, followed by Halloween. In the time between Halloween, and Thanksgiving, we are making all kinds of plans for how we will celebrate Thanksgiving, complete with trying out new recipes with the garden veggies.

Really, as I sit here typing this, it has seemed like a blink between Halloween and Thanksgiving. :) I can't believe another one of our favorite made-up holidays, "Black Friday" has already come and gone! LOL. But I know it has, because later this weekend, we have plans to put up our Christmas tree, then go and enjoy the Holiday Fantasy in the Woods, in Tilden Park. LOL. It may seem kind of silly, the fact that we make up holidays, but we are happy with each other, and we enjoy this time of year so much, it may not work for everyone, but it works for us.

-OndineMonet
"The Season"
Pastorino's Pumpkin Patch
Half Moon Bay, California
October 21st, 2007
Afternoon

It's Black Friday, Do You Know Where The Bargains Are?

"I love to go shopping. I love freaking out the salespeople. They ask me if they can help me, and I say, "Have you got anything I would like? Then they ask me what size I need, and I say, "Extra medium.""

-Stephen Wright

Ah yes, Black Friday. Alan and I consider the day after Thanksgiving to be just as big a holiday, as Turkey Day itself. LOL. We love to get up really early, and hit the malls, just so we can watch the frantic mad-dashing of holiday shoppers. People watching is one of our favorite things to do, it has been a tradition with us since well before we even started dating. Yep, it's true, even back when we were just best friends, we would hit the malls the day after Thanksgiving, and just enjoy the crowd.

Now, as old marrieds, we also do a small bit of shopping, because it is our official day to pick out the advent calender for the season, but this year I may make one or two additional purchases. We will be in Union Square for a while, and for a shopper, Union Square is like visiting Disneyland. Tiffany's, Macy's, Sharper Image, The Disney Store, Victoria's Secret, just to name a few morsels of retail goodness. There are one or two things I would like to get while I am there. But after, when we aren't shopping, it's a lot of fun to just sit and watch the street performers, that make San Francisco so much fun.

So tell me, will you be hitting the stores bright and early? Or do you do more of your shopping online, or through catalogs? Have you already completed your holiday shopping for this year, or have you not bought nary a thing yet? Do you always take a list with you, or do you shop on instinct? Will you be spending more or less this year? Come on, share with me your holiday shopping style, you know you want to. ;) Don't forget to comeback here later this weekend, so see all the photos from Black Friday!

-OndineMonet
"Black Friday 2006"
Union Square
San Francisco, California
Late Afternoon

Happy Thanksgiving

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs

-Unknown

From our house to yours, we wish you a very...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love, Carly, Alan and Elvis

Are We Having Fun Yet?

"I love Thanksgiving. It's the only time in Los Angeles that you see natural breasts."

-Arnold Schwarzenegger

Are we having fun yet? Have your holiday pies burned? Is your bird improperly plucked? Did you buy sweet potatoes, when the recipe called for yams? Is your Flan, bland? Did cousin Ben bring THAT woman to your house? Did you roast your turkey upside down? Is your mother in law helping? Well is she? If you need a reason to smile, watch the above YouTube video, and laugh your cares away. Go ahead, you deserve it.

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble

Note: The original video I had posted in this entry went poof, so I am replacing it with this very cute, very funny, baby video. Tee Hee. A great stress buster as well. Enjoy!

-OndineMonet

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Thankful

Click on the above photo to see it in a larger, sharper version

"In this world of sin and sorrow, there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I am thankful I am not a Republican."

-Henry Louis Mencken

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Show something you're thankful for this year. It doesn't have to be the thing you're most thankful for; even the little things count. But of course, picture whatever you'd like.

-John Scalzi (By The Way)

I have a lot to be thankful for, over all I am a very happy lady, but since this is a photo shoot assignment, I thought I would keep to what makes me the creative side of me happy and thankful. Autumn. I love the natural light in autumn. The sun has a color to it, which makes me feel especially happy inside. It charges me up and makes me feel alive, but I also feel renewed and inspired on misty November mornings as well. So, there you have it, I am thankful for autumn, and all the beauty it brings. I hope that's not too hokey. :) But if it is... oh well! Tee Hee.

-OndineMonet
"Autumn Moonlight"
Berkeley, California
November 17, 2007
Late Afternoon

Susan's Spot

"Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen."

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you probably know that something profoundly devastating happened in my life in the summer of 2000. Something life changing. I spent the next three years, pretty much detached from life. I rarely took photographs, and when I did, they weren't particularly good. I became somewhat of a recluse, except for a few very special places I felt comfortable going to. To the people I saw often, I looked ok, but inside I really wasn't. Not at all. It was after "the event which shall remain nameless" occurred, I became so depressed I developed Anhedonia.

What that basically means is, I lost all ability to creatively express myself. All joy and the ability to enjoy even the slightest happiness was gone. When I tried do a simple craft project, I found I couldn't match colors. Nothing looked right to me. I could dress myself, but my clothes meant nothing to me. I would laugh at all the wrong points in a joke, and sometimes my sense of humor would kick in at times when there really wasn't anything funny to laugh at. It was almost as if the creative side of my brain had died, and I was walking around, just trying to do my best to hide the pain I felt. The weird thing was, the pain I was in, was a strange kind of numbness. How pain, and numbness can coexist is still a mystery to me, but trust me... it can.

In the late summer of 2003, I decided to start Ellipsis. I had no idea why, or for what purpose, but I know it felt right. My Anhedonia lifted off my shoulders one day, a few weeks earlier, as mysteriously as it had found me. I started picking up the camera again, and then Alan bought me a new digital camera for Christmas, 2004. I spent the next 8 months or so, running here and there, looking through the lens, practicing with color and light, looking for the picture. I felt better, but I still had a little way to go. As autumn approached, I asked Alan if we could take a long drive up to the Sierra's to see the changing of the leaves.

As we drove east along I-80, I must have stopped 30 or 40 times, between Sacramento and the Placer County line. LOL. Alan was being very patient with me, and I was very tired when I decided that I would make just one more exit off the freeway. Exit 165. As we took the exit, I closed my eyes, for just a couple moments,as my eyes were really tired. When I opened them, we had parked in the lot of Cisco Grove Gould Park. As I looked around, I felt stunned by the colors of the trees, against the amazingly blue sky. I had seen other beautiful trees that day, but somehow the lighting was particularly lovely at that moment.

When I stepped out of the car, the cool, clear air hit me, and I had the feeling that I was being welcomed home somehow. It's difficult to explain, but it was as if the park was surrounding me with warmth and love. Nothing bad could happen here. No shadows to frighten me, just color and light, and life everywhere I looked. I spent the next hour, or so snapping photo after photo, and smiling and laughing. It was pure happiness and creativity. I fell in love with this park that day.

I have been making annual visits to Cisco Grove Gould Park since 2005, but last month I found out something very special about this place. It seems it was also loved very much by artist Susan Cooley-Gilliam. In fact, she loved it so much, that it was dedicated to her after her death from cancer in... 2003. In life she loved coming here to photograph the beauty of the park and the South Yuba River, which runs through it.

She worked in earnest to help preserve the land for artists, and visitors who were drawn to it's ethereal beauty. According to the plaque, this was one of the last places she visited, prior to her death, but it was the following words inscribed on the plaque which made it all come together for me, as to why I always feel loved and embraced here...

"Her presence will always be felt by those who pause to take in the beauty of the river or the Fall colors, and especially by other artist drawn to this scene."

I knew when I read that part, that Susan was standing right next to me, welcoming me home. I believe in spirits, and our ability to leave our impression on the places we love so dearly in life. Susan's soul is still in every leaf, and every ripple on the surface of the river. She is in the quiet, gentle breeze that whispers through the lemon drop trees. She is that feeling of safety and comfort that embraces you. She guides me when I am there, she shows me the light. She helps me believe in myself, and my art through photography.

Again, hard to explain, but somehow I feel like I will always have a friend waiting for me just off Hwy I-80 at Hampshire Rocks road. By the way, this park is situated just down the road, from where I took the photo in yesterday's entry. It is a place of magic for the weary soul. It is a place of inspiration and love for the lonely artist. It is a place of magic.

Here are some of my favorite photographs that I have taken at Susan's Spot, over the last few years. As you can see many artists feel inspired here. On my last visit, there was an art class being taught along the banks of the South Yuba River.

"If you see the magic in a fairy tale, you can face the future."

-Danielle Steel

-OndineMonet
"Susan's Spot"
Cisco Grove Gould Park
Between I-80 165 and Hampshire Rocks Road
Cisco Grove, California
October 23rd, 2007
Afternoon

The Thanksgiving Road

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

-Melody Beattie

Last week, I shared the good news, that I had managed to successfully bring my Type 2 Diabetes under control. Since that time, I have received so many comments, and personal emails congratulating me, that I thought rather then say thank you in the comment thread for that entry, I would write a special entry to let all of you know how much I have appreciated your stopping by to leave me your messages. I am so happy that I was able to take charge in my life, and bring my diabetes under control, but I don't think I would have done as well, without all of you encouraging me along the way.

That is the special thing about blogging, we can reach out to others a little more affectively sometimes, and touch many more lives then we can in our day to day lives. I am thankful for the friendships I have made in the Blogsphere, and the love and support I have received. All of you, have made me a better, stronger, happier, and most certainly, a healthier person. Thank you for that! :) I found this Thanksgiving poem the other day, and I thought of all of you...

I'm Thankful For You
By Joanna Fuchs

Thanksgiving is the appointed time
for focusing on the good in our lives
In each of our days,
we can find small blessings,
but too often we overlook them,
choosing instead to spend our time
paying attention to problems.
We give our energy
to those who cause us trouble
instead of those who bring us peace.
Starting now,
lets be on the lookout
for the bits of pleasure in each hour,
and appreciate the people who
bring love and light to everyone
who is blessed to know them.
You are one of those people.
On Thanksgiving
I'm thankful for you.

I visit the road, in the above photograph, every autumn just to sit and feel at peace, so how could I not photograph it?It is a very special place, I have always felt drawn to, so, I have a special entry planned for tomorrow about this road, and something I found on it, just last month. Please try to make it back tomorrow to read about what I discovered. Here's a hint... it's MAGIC.

-OndineMonet
Hampshire Rocks Road
Placer County, California
October 23rd, 2007
Afternoon

Round Robin Challenge: Offer Three And Shoot One

"The artist must create a spark before he can make a fire, and before art is born, the artist must be ready to be consumed by the fire of his own creation."

-Auguste Rodin

I LOVE the idea Steven came up for our current challenge. "Offer Three And Shoot One." We are always needing ideas for upcoming Round Robin challenges, and the way he structured this challenge, we not only get some new idea submissions for the challenge pool, but we got to have a little creative freedom, in that we got to choose our own topics this week! It was just a great idea all around!

The idea I chose to share here is, Public Art. The sculpture in the above photo is titled, "Pax Jerusalem." It is by artist, Mark di Suvero. It sits in front of the Legion of Honor, in San Francisco. Personally, I really like this piece, but unfortunately, it has been met with some disdain by those who find it mediocre at best. What do you think? Do you find it pleasing to the eye? What about the color? What about the symmetry? Tell me what you think. :)

Now, here are my ideas for some possible upcoming challenges...

1. Public Art.
Every town across America has something artsy about it. Most cities have a public art program, although it may take a little bit of research to find where all the displays are located. My idea is to seek out the artsy side of the towns we live in or near, post the photo or photos and maybe write a short description of the art and the artist. If there is currently no display of Public Art in your area, then show us how your town decorates to invite visitors to your area. Banners, Welcome signs, etc.

2. Landmarks.
Again, lets take an opportunity to show off our hometowns. I live in the Bay Area, so I have no real shortage of recognizable landmarks, so what I would do is try to show those landmarks in an interesting lighting circumstance, such as a sunset, or under special lighting conditions. But I want to see other places, and the landmarks that make those places so special. A beautifully designed building, an incredible bridge, or a monument of some sort, or maybe even an unusual road sign. It's all good!

3. Food Glorious Food!
We are coming up on the holidays, and lets face it, we all have food in our homes. With the weather beginning to turn to those cold, rainy days, I thought it might be nice to come up with a challenge that we didn't have to necessarily leave the house for. So, take a photo of a lovely meal, you either fix for yourself or your family. You can do one plate or the whole meal. If you want to, you can include a special garnish, and even include a recipe if you feel like sharing, but make the presentation special and inviting to the eye. :) YUM.

Okay, those are my ideas for the future. You know Robins, we can't do it without you, so keep sending in your ideas! Now, go and see what Steven, and all the participating Robins have come up with. It's easy. Just follow the links below. :) You know you want to. ;)


-OndineMonet
"Pax Jerusalem"
Legion of Honor
San Francisco, California
March 30th, 2005
Afternoon

Linking List

1. Steven... (sometimes photoblog)
POSTED!

2. Carly... Ellipsis
POSTED!

3. Marie... Photographs and Memories Too
POSTED!

4. Nancy... Nancy Luvs Pixs
POSTED!

5. Vicki... Maraca
POSTED!

6. Karen... Outpost Mavarin
POSTED!

7. Gina... Gina's Space
POSTED!

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #191: Change

Click on the above photo to see it in a larger version.

"Change is inevitable, except in vending machines."

-Robert C. Gallagher

Things change. People change. Hairstyles change. Can you guess what this week's Weekend Assignment might be about?

Weekend Assignment #191: Show us, or tell us a story about, change. A before and after picture of the street where you grew up, a story about meeting an old friend after many years, two pictures of yourself separated by a number of years, a tale about changing your life, or showing or tell us about something in the process of changing itself. Any of these is good. And doesn't have to be a negative, because sometimes change is a good thing.

Extra Credit: Do you feel that you are changing right now?

-John Scalzi (By The Way)

I had a wonderful time last month on vacation. We drove to Reno, and along the way I had the chance to photograph be beautiful changing leaves that are on the trees that line the amazingly beautiful Donner Lake, on the Donner Pass. I wish I had a photo of how the lake looks in other seasons, but I don't have one available. I am now inspired to get up there this winter, to photograph it after all the leaves have fallen, and while there is still snow on the ground.

The Sierra's are beautiful anytime of year, but I am especially drawn to this area in the autumn. It just glows in the autumn, and I feel peaceful and calm, like during no other time of year. Autumn is about change, and while I am certainly not a fan of change, I yearn for the autumn. Strange, but true. This autumn has already brought me some wonderful gifts, especially in regards to my diabetes. I just wrote about my good news yesterday, so I won't go into the details again, but I will say, I am a very happy camper because of the positive changes I have gone through this year. John is right, change doesn't always have to be negative, sometimes change can completely make our days, and our lives. :)

Extra Credit: Yes, I am changing right now. I am learning to appreciate change, and not fear it! :)

"I put a dollar in one of those change machines. Nothing changed."

-George Carlin

-OndineMonet
"Lake Donner Changes"
Lake Donner, California
October 23rd, 2007
Late Afternoon

Just Look At What I Went And Did!

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

-Thornton Wilder

I like Thanksgiving, it's usually very pleasant and quiet time in our home, although, sometimes I can be a little sad. There are people and places I miss during the holidays, and this year I have a couple more people to add to the list. Distance can never diminish the genuine love we feel for people, so I will remember them fondly, and enjoy the day, giving thanks for what is going right in my life. And this Thanksgiving, I have something extra special to be thankful for.

Yesterday, I received a very special email from my doctor. Hold onto your hats, because when I heard the news I nearly fell off my chair! On July 23rd, when I was diagnosed with Diabetes, my A1c test was 6.7, but as of Tuesday of this week it is now 5.9! I did it, I brought my A1c back down into the Prediabetes range! And I did it in less than 4 months! WoooHooo!

Now, does that mean that I am no longer a diabetic? Nope, I must keep my A1c at, or below, 5.9 or better for at least a year. My goal is to get those numbers down by the same amount before my next A1c in March. So, no slacking off is allowed. I will still be checking my blood sugar 6 times a day, and my doctor recommends that I keep doing all the things I have been doing to lower my blood sugar numbers, which includes avoiding things that stress me out, like George Bush, who I am convinced gave me diabetes in the first place! LOL. Grrrr.

I still have a lot of hard work to do, and there is still every chance in the world that I might slip back into the Type 2 Diabetes range once again. Diabetes can have a mind and will all it's own, but I won't go there without a fight. I am smarter now about age, and nutrition, and balance. It isn't enough to just modify one's diet, I know now that it is just as important to learn how to let go of the past. To say "NO" when I have to, and not fret about it. To have "ME" time, and to give myself a break once in a while. Oh and yes, I suppose Alan is right, watching the news during dinner is not such a good idea. Sorry Charlie Gibson, and Katie Couric. :)

In truth, Diabetes is the best thing that ever happened to me. It has taught me what food and stress does to the body. And believe me, it has been a profound lesson. I have always heard that Diabetes is a manageable disease, and I have found out that it really is! One day last summer, diabetes visited me, and I kicked it's ass! LOL.

Do you know if you are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes? Here are the main risk factors that can lead to the onset of Type 2 Diabetes...

**Weight (being overweight)
**Inactivity
**Family History
**Race
**Age
**Prediabetes Condition
**Gestational Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Month. Please ask your doctor about the A1c test. Diabetes doesn't have to happen. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 20.8 million children and adults living with diabetes in the United States, or about 7% of the population, and another 6.2 million who are unaware that they already have the disease. This doesn't have to be the case. Diabetes can be managed. Please talk to your doctor, this month, about what your risk factors are, and if you should have the A1c test. I was lucky, I was diagnosed early, and now I have real hope of ridding myself of this disease. Please give yourselves that same chance. :)

Type 2 Diabetes Overview (MayoClinic)

American Diabetes Association

-OndineMonet
"Happy Flowers"
Pastorino's Pumpkin Farm
Half Moon Bay, California
October 21st, 2007
Late Afternoon

YES, YES, YES, YES; Now I'm In The Mood!

"Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday, and celebrate just living."

-Amanda Bradley

With Thanksgiving just next week, I am already looking forward to watching some of my favorite holiday movies. When Harry Met Sally, is one of the movies I make it a point to watch. Not that it is a holiday movie per se, but the movie does feature enough holiday moments that I always associate it with the holidays, and therefore think of it as a holiday movie. The above YouTube clip is my favorite part of the movie, it never ceases to make me laugh. YES,YES,YES!

Maybe someday I will get to visit New York City, and if I do, how could I not drop by Katz's Delicatessen for a little noontime fun? I wonder how many folks have visited there, just to play out the scene, from what I think might be the funniest 3 minutes and 58 seconds in film? Would you have the nerve to do what Sally did, just to make a point? If you visited Katz's deli, would you play out the scene just for fun? Have you ever done anything similar in public?

Now, I bet you are asking yourself, "has Carly ever done something like that?" Well, yes, not exactly to the same degree mind you, but hey, a girls got to do what a girls got to do! LOL. Although, I have to admit that it is also true that I can be very shy at times as well. I guess I am a bit complicated... or is it difficult? Hmmmm? Either way, that movie always puts me in the mood for the holidays, and ummmm, a big, delicious, succulent, hot, Corned Beef Sandwich, with a big pickle on the side! Oh waiter, I will have what she is having!! :)

-OndineMonet

Stress Busters

"Health food may be good for the conscience, but Oreos taste a hell of a lot better."

-Robert Redford

Yum, Persimmons. I hadn't eaten a persimmon in years, until today. I had gone to the hospital to have the blood work done, that I had put off last week, and as I was driving into the parking lot I remembered that there is a Farmer's Market there every Thursday. Wonderful locally grown fruits and vegetables, in all their yummy gloriousness, just sitting in the warm autumn sun, waiting to be snatched up by a woman like me. I was STARVING! LOL. My blood work was for my A1C test, and a fasting potassium and glucose check, so by the time I got to the hospital, I hadn't eaten in about 15 hours. That's a little bit long for me, and actually it is for all diabetics, as one of the first things they teach you in the health education courses I took was to never skip meals. Unfortunately, once ever 4 months, it is necessary to do just that, so that the doctor can get an accurate gauge of how I am doing with my diabetes.

Anyway, the lab technician had a difficult time with my veins, it seems they like to collapse when a needle is inserted... ouch... so needless to say, I was a bit on edge when I finally walked out of the appointment. Thank goodness, that little Farmer's Market was right by the entrance. I appreciate it that my HMO makes it available, right there on the hospital campus. They also had a nice listing of all organic farms and suppliers in the Bay Area counties.

I had a look around at the fabulous fresh tomatoes, grapes and the berries, and finally decided on a nice juicy persimmon. :) Persimmons are delicious, and like I said, it had been forever since I had one. It was a nice treat after a bit of stress. :) Is there anything better then a nice bit of fresh fruits and vegetables on a cool autumn day?

-OndineMonet
"Yum"
Union City, California
November 13th, 2007

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Mood Lighting

"If you're photographing in color you show the color of their clothes, if you use black and white, you will show the color of their soul."

-Unknown

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Make a moody picture. By which you can use mood lighting of some sort, or possibly arty black-and-white, or whatever you need to in order to give the shot that certain moodiness. It's hard to describe, but you'll know when you see it, I'm sure.

-John Scalzi (By The Way)

Yep, John was right, I did know it when I saw it. I hope it's acceptable to dwell a bit on Halloween, but you see, I love that day so much. I start photographing the minute I get up, and usually keep going well into the night, as the subjects present themselves. :) I took this photo of Mr. David Duchovny Pumpkin, 2007, in black and white, because it was an overcast day, and I was going for exactly the kind of moodiness that John is talking about. It's cool that I have a good excuse to show him off. :) Did you notice that Mr. D.D. Pumpkin's eyes are D's? Tee Hee.

-OndineMonet
"Mr. David Duchovny Pumpkin"
Berkeley, California
October 31st, 2007
Late Afternoon

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #190: Staving Off Boredom

"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity."

-Ellen Parr

Weekend Assignment #190: Share some of your favorite boredom-alleviating tactics from when you were a kid. "Kid" in this case can stretch from the ages of about six to eighteen; just pick an age where you did something particularly ingenious (or alternately, just plain weird) and go with it. One caveat: avoid the boredom alleviators where the story could end "and then nine months later little Jimmy was born." because that's in the realm of too much information.

Extra Credit: When was the last time you were really, really bored?

-John Scalzi (By The Way)

I wanted to take a couple days to think about this assignment. I have many of the usual boredom relieving resources that a lot of other kids did when I was a little person. I loved TV, I loved reading, and I loved doing jigsaw puzzles. I always had a camera in my hand, but that wasn't encouraged in times of boredom, because Mom and Dad paid for the photo developing, so I saved my photography for either holidays or special occasions. We live in a different world now. If I had a daughter Athena's age, I would put a digital camera in her hand and encourage some photography. Even if a child is home from school sick, there is a lot around the house that could make a cool subject, such as Pets, Windows, Shadows, and the ever popular Still Life.

However, the Weekend Assignment as me to tell about what I did as a child to alleviate boredom. And John wants weird. Well, see, I played a lot by myself when I was a kid. Our street suffered through the death of a child who lived up the street from me, and who was my best friend until I was about age 8. His name was Mike. After his death, the kids on the street really didn't play together anymore. We did our own thing, in our own yards. It isn't as sad as it sounds though, I think it was our way of healing. Children process things differently then adults do, and while we all remained friends, we all got a look at what being a grown up is like.

My brother is 15 years older then I am, and my sister is 10 years my elder, so I was pretty much an only child, but I wasn't particularly lonely or bored, because the world fascinated me. I don't remember being too bored for too long. I would work jigsaw puzzles, or write in a little journal I had, about missing Mike or about what I had seen and done that day. I wanted to grow up to be a journalist one day.

Well, being a professional Journalist was not to be, but who could have foretold that one day a mass medium would exist called, Blogging, that would allow that something I wrote could be read my someone clear across the country? Who knew that the entries in my paper and pen journal as a child, would be great practice for my life as a blog author? :) Who could know, that it would also lead to my making wonderful friends? Sometimes, great things come along when you least expect it. :) Sorry John, nothing really ingenious here, or weird, but what I did do was a lot of fun.

Extra Credit: It usually takes a lot to bore me, I still find the world fascinating. :)

-OndineMonet
"Bunny Jigsaw"
Pastorino's Pumpkin Farm
Half Moon Bay, California
October 29, 2007
Afternoon

San Francisco Bay Oil Spill Update

"Remember when atmospheric contaminants were romantically called stardust?"

-Lane Olinghouse

I had planned to take a ride across the bay, to see the aftermath of the oil spill from the shoreline along Chrissy Field, but to my sadness, I didn't have to leave the East Bay to see it's affect, as it has begun to settle along the shores of Emeryville, Berkeley, and Point Richmond. I took a walk along Shoreline Park, yesterday afternoon, starting in Emeryville. There were a lot of birds swimming in the small lagoon that seemed fine. I didn't see any oil deposits on that side of the short trail, but directly on the opposite side, which faces the Berkeley Marina, you could see where a good deal of oil had washed up on shore.

It was extremely difficult to watch my favorite bird the, Snowy Egret, as he waded close to shore, with several large deposits of oil floating right next to him, and spots of oil which had settled on the rocks behind him. I will always wonder the pair of egrets I saw will be survive, in that the water washing in that they were fishing in was a filthy, deep brown color. It was an eerie sight to witness the absence of small boats on the bay, on a Friday afternoon. Everything was so still. The ecosystem has been greatly damaged by the spill, and it is predicted that things will not be back to normal on the bay for years to come.

"Man has lost the capacity to foresee and Forestall. He will end by destroying the earth."

-Albert Schweitzer
Coast Guard Admits Oil Spill Communication Was Poor (KGO 7)

Beach Closure Map

-OndineMonet
"Snowy Egret"
Emeryville, California
November 9th, 2007
Late Afternoon

To Meme Or Not To Meme, That Is The Question

"You can't wake a person who is pretending to be asleep"

-Navajo Proverb

I found this cute little meme over at Phinney's blog, "Always So Busy Inside My Head" and thought it sounded like fun. I love doing memes, I think they are the best way to get to know one another, but I hardly ever get tagged for them anymore. I have to wonder why? Have I gotten boring? Have you learned everything you always wanted to know about me?Do you have a personal ethic about tagging folks for memes? I know some people find them intrusive, which is ok, memes aren't for everyone, but have you ever have someone hurt your feelings by refusing to do a meme you sent them? Is it proper to tag folks for memes, or does that break some type of unwritten Internet rule? Share with me your thoughts. And now Phinney's meme, which was sent to her by Nancy...

4's

Four Jobs I have Had

1. Receptionist
2. 800 Operator
3. Floral Designer
4. Draftsman for a Title Company (I drew maps of properties for clients)

Four Movies I Could Watch Over And Over

1. When Harry Met Sally
2. The Fog (The original John Carpenter's The Fog)
3. Bridget Jones' Diary
4. Chicago

Four Places I Have Lived

1. My Parents House
2. My Sister's House
3. My First Apartment
4. The Cottage Where I Live Now

Four Shows I Love To Watch

1. Desperate Housewives
2. Pushing Daisies
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. Real Time with Bill Maher

Four Places I Have Been To On Vacation

1. Richmond, Virginia
2. Lake Tahoe, Nevada
3. Reno, Nevada
4. Los Angeles, California

Four Websites I Visit Daily

1. One Touch Gold Diabetes Support and Management
2. YouTube
3. Quote Garden
4. Martha Stewart

Four Favorite Dishes

1. Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce
2. Pot Roast w/Veggies
3. Chicken Cordon Bleu
4. Turkey with all the trimmings

Four Places I Would Rather Be Right Now

1. San Francisco, California
2. Santa Barbara, California
3. The Marin County Coastline
4. Half Moon Bay, California

Four People I Am Tagging

Well, see, here is where I need your assistance. Please let me know how you feel about tagging. I have been reluctant to tag folks as of late, so I would love to make a list of those who enjoy playing alone with memes. Please leave me some feedback, and guys, you are not exempt from this! Your opinion counts with me as well. So come on guys... SPEAK OUT! :)

Thanks Phinney and Nancy!

-OndineMonet
"Autumn Duck"
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
October, 2007
Late Afternoon

The 58,000 Gallon Spill

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world."

-John Muir

Sigh. Yesterday, a container ship passing under the Bay Bridge, scraped a support tower of the bridge. The bridge wasn't damaged, but the ship sustained a deep gash to the lower side of the vessel, which resulted in a 58,000 gallon oil spill. Originally, it was announced that only about 200 gallons of oil had been spilled into the bay, but later in the afternoon, that number was revised. As of this morning, nine bay beaches had been closed to the public, as well as points just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County.

A number of birds have been pulled from the water off Chrissy Field, covered in oil, and small balls of tar have been washing up on shore. It's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the water in the bay will be tainted for years because of this spill, which breaks my heart, because I have a deep love for that bay, and the creatures that live in it. I am going to San Francisco today, to try and get some photos of the cleanup efforts, as well as the spill itself. I want to see if for myself. I will write a follow up entry to this posting, if I get some photos that accurately represent the spill and the cleanup operation. For now, you can read about the spill, and see some video of it, by clicking the link below.

Major Cleanup Under Way For Bay Oil Spill (KGO 7)

-OndineMonet
Golden Gate Bridge
Fort Point
November 9th, 2005
Afternoon

The Overwintering Of Carly

"I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly dreaming I am a man."

-Chuang Tzu

Each autumn, the Monarch butterflies begin their overwintering process. They travel thousands of miles, to the coastal trees of California and Mexico to spend some time in the warmth of the sun. It's part of their survival. Well, since I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, I have been identifying with the butterflies somewhat. See, I used to love the cold weather. I would be just the opposite of those afflicted with Seasonal Affected Disorder. My depression level actually improves with the cold, dark days of late autumn and winter. Daylight savings time is practically a holiday to me. LOL. Any excuse to celebrate right?

Unfortunately, with the onset of Fibromyalgia, came swelling and deep pain in my hands, legs and feet. Last winter it was so bad at times, I couldn't sit and type an entire entry at one time, I had to use the draft feature and comeback later to finish it. The Fibromyalgia was a new diagnosis, and I hadn't learned a lot about dealing with it. But now I am almost an expert on how to care for myself during the autumn and winter. All that is involved is altering my lifestyle a bit. LOL. Easy for me to say. LOL.

Actually, it hasn't been all that difficult to change my lifestyle, and my hours. So now, instead of staying up until Alan leaves for work at 5:00 AM, I go to bed no later than midnight. Elvis wakes me for breakfast at about 7:00 AM, which gives me a chance to get my gardening, and my housework done well before noon. And it also gives me a couple hours to work on my entries, without cutting into Alan/Elvis and Me time. :) I get tired easier these days, these autumn days, so, if I want to still be an amateur photographer, as well as a wife, and mommy to the world's most animated cat, and a blogger, I have to accept the fact that I must change my wicked, wicked ways. :) I even have some help from H. P., who I usually text with in the wee hours of the morning. He is my buddy, so he is there whenever I need him, which makes him a good friend indeed. I am a lucky overwintering girl!

"What Is Seasonal Effective Disorder?" WebMD

Monarch Butterfly In North America FAQ

-OndineMonet
"Overwintering"
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
October, 2007
Afternoon

Autumn Impression

"No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, no fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds... NOVEMBER!"

-Thomas Hood, "No!"

John Scalzi is taking a break from assigning a Monday Photo Shoot this week, so I am on my own to run with my imagination... and my camera. I took this photo in Golden Gate Park recently, at a place in the park that I visit often. A haunt really. There is just something about the trees, and how their reflections play upon the water in the small pond that they surround. It's a peaceful place. When I am there I don't think about much of anything, other that the scene in front of me, which changes from moment to moment. I get lost in the colors that dance in and out of vividness, with the movement of the sun, and the usual afternoon fog that can be expected in the city in autumn. Where first there are shadows, all of a sudden, there might an instance of bright clarity. Sometimes, like a shadow, thoughts of Mr. November come to mind. I feel that old familiar sadness that I am learning to live with, and yet, the sun still finds me and warms me. I took this photo on a day in late October, but somehow, it felt more like November.

-OndineMonet
"November Impressions"
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
Autumn, 2007

Curious Carly Visit's The Doctor

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort."

-Herm Albright, quoted in Reader's Digest 6/95

Well, today I am off to see my personal care physician for the first time since I was diagnosed with diabetes last July. I am kind of nervous about it. Have I been doing everything right? Are my mg/dl numbers good enough? Will she and I be speaking about all the nasty complications that could one day, well, you know? Am I feeling sorry for myself? Well, yeah, kind of I suppose. I am doing ok, actually, I am doing really well, but I guess this is just one of those days when I am a little scared about what will come next. My former therapist, Sarah, used to tell me that "It is perfectly ok to have days when you feel sad. No apologies need be given for how you feel. Everyone feels sad about something from time to time." She is right, everyone does, so why do I feel so defeated by sadness?

I am sure the reason for my mood is fear of the unknown. If you have known me for any length of time, you know I how much I hate change, and the unknown. So, I know that by 3:00 PM today, I will be in a better frame of mind. Or at least I will have a clearer understanding of things. Taking the fear out of what makes you afraid is a powerful process, but once you go out on that limb, and not only survive it but conquer it, it is so empowering. EMPOWERING... now there is a great word! :) One thing is for sure, I am going to come home afterwards, and have a nice, long, bubble bath, a couple chocolate dipped strawberries, and a long, cleansing cry. Gosh I am looking forward to that!

My Goals As Instructed By My Doctor

Fasting 90-130 mg/dl
2-2 1/2 hrs After Meal Less Than 170

Current Readings

**All Results Averages (Overall)
7 Days - 129

14 Days - 128

30 Days - 123

**Before Meals
7 - Days - 112

14 Days - 110

30 Days - 108

**After Meals
7 - Days - 137

14 Days - 133

30 - Days - 131

UPDATE: The doctor was pleased with my numbers, very pleased! I have my fasting A1C test on Wednesday, and I will write a follow up entry later this week or early next week after I get the results. My doctor is predicting, based on my numbers, that I might have lowered my A1C... here's to hope!

-OndineMonet
"A Walk Through Tilden"
Tilden Park
Berkeley, California
October 20, 2007
Late Afternoon