The Starling Diner-Belmont Heights, Long Beach

I had to get up early yesterday for my annual mammogram and dexascan check-up. This is a hint for all of you ladies...if you haven't made your yearly check-up please do it. I was finished by 8:30. To be honest my morale has been dragging abit these days and that's unusual for me. My posts are for the most part about being positive because that's the way I want to lead my life. Lately, though, because of reflecting on the loss of my mom and of now letting go of the family home I've been feeling a bit sad, well more than a bit... alot. It's only natural I think and I've allowed myself this time to feel the blues. Anyway, yesterday, after the early morning appointment I wanted to treat myself to breakfast out. I thought about some girlfriends and wondered if I should make an impromptu call to see if they'd like to join me. Then I thought, "no", today feels like a quiet "me" day. I've never been one to mind going to a restaurant to eat alone or take in a movie alone. Sometimes it feels okay to be in the company of myself...in fact sometimes I need it. I knew just the place to go. The "Starling Diner". Here is the website, take a peek: http://starlingdiner.com/index.htm

This is a little of what is written about the diner:

"Neighborhoods are better served when there are places where neighbors, families and friends can casually gather over a cup of coffee, a good meal or a glass of wine. That’s where Starling comes in.
Created by and staffed by people who love and live in Long Beach, we’ve come together because it is important to us that neighborhood joints exist and thrive. A place to think, have a bite to eat and a table to spread out the Sunday paper is- in our minds- a necessity for the pursuit of happiness.
Belmont Heights is perfect for a place like Starling. People know their neighbors, they take walks and they know good food when they taste it. Come on in, dine in comfort and meet some of the other people that live in your part of the world.
Starling has landed in your backyard. Enjoy yourself-your table is waiting…"

I love this place. If you are in Long Beach go here for wonderful food, lovely simple ambiance and well prepared food at affordable prices. (Presentations of food are lovely). I had the most relaxing morning. It made me so happy to be in a place that feels like you're at home. I had a magazine to read, a good cup of steaming hot coffee (waitresses are so wonderful and refill your cup without you asking). The music was so beautiful too. I had to ask what cd it was and I was brought the cd cover. "Celso Fonseca Natural". The post that follows is a YouTube sample of what I heard this morning. So imagine my happiness as I sat in a great little cozy neighborhood diner, room filled with soft bossa nova tunes, hot coffee, my freshly baked scones with lemon curd and a big breakfast. Who could stay blue for long with this kind of beginning to the day? Life is full of joy...you just have to find yours.