Paris in the Spring

Photo courtesy of  M. Battin

"...God knows, when spring comes to Paris the humbles mortal alive must feel that he dwells in paradise....it is the the intimacy with which his eye rests upon the scene. It is  his Paris. A man does not need to be rich, nor even a citizen, to feel this way about Paris." - Henry Miller

It's About This

"At the end of the day it's not about
what you have or even what you've
accomplished....it's about who you've
lifted up, who you've made better.
It's about what you've given back." -Denzel Washington

What Is The Best

What Are You Doing?

Transformation

"We are here, it seems,
 to be transformed,
and transformed again,
and again, and again."- Michael Cunningham

The Directions You Need

"When you can't go back,
you have to worry only about the
best way of moving forward." - Paulo Coelho

Remember

Big Plans

Cat Coat

Home

"Wherever you go, stand in front of the 

ocean and you will feel at home."

What's In A Name

 

“Those who write are writers. 

Those who wait are waiters.” -A.Lee Martinez

 

Confession

Solo

"The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before."  Albert Einstein

Literary Women Festival of Authors 2015 Long Beach

This past Saturday March 14th, we attended the annual Literary Women's Festival of Authors at the Long Beach Convention Center.

We shared the day along with eight hundred mostly women attendees.  Although we always arrive very early and are at the front of the line it is amazing to see how quickly the long cue lengthens.

Coffee, tea and breakfast goodies await the guests in line

 

At 8:30 the doors to the large ballroom open and we choose our table

Always fun to meet up with dear friends











There are two morning speakers then a break out session of small group talks.  Lunch in the main ballroom is served and then two afternoon speakers. All published authors speaking on different aspects of their writing.  It's always such a fascinating and inspiring day.

After the days events it was still so hot, almost 100 degrees on this March day that we spent the late afternoon at the nearby bay.  It was a pleasant way to end a lovely and most interesting day.

To Go There

"I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list."*  Susan Sontag



*This week I am in New Orleans. (Actually I will arrive there this morning on St. Patrick's day.)  An opportunity came up and now I'm there this week.  I'll post some fun things I'm experiencing when I return. 

Gilt, Champagne, Silliness and Roses

 

Sharon, Colleen and Shannon at Hotel Peninsula, Paris

Several girlfriends of mine are  in Paris celebrating the birthday of our friend Shannon.  I would count these women among the most well travelled, independent and fun loving, crazy women friends I know.   Last night Sharon treated the others to champagne at the bar Les Heures at the Prince de Galles! Colleen, another friend writes: " A mini Five Star Lounge Tour last night, but with maximum enjoyment!" 


Best exchange of the evening and P.S all friends in attendance this night are brunettes  -

Sharon shares this: 

Shannon Essa: "Did you think we were French?" 

Waitperson: "Yes ... Because all American women are 

blonde."  

How To Remove Permanent Marker From Everything

I'm not sure this works but certainly worth a try.

Images of Your Life

Easy Words

Dining Pleasures in Downtown Long Beach

Last night,  though only early March, felt like a warm summer day in July.  For dinner we ventured to downtown Long Beach to try Michael's Pizzeria located at 210 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90802.  They offer indoor and outdoor dining.  The interior is spacious and inviting. The service was superior and the food a real treat.  The pizzas are authentic. Everything is fresh and delicious and reminiscent of having pizza in Italy.   Thumbs up for Michael's Pizzeria.

MICHAEL'S INSALATA

Arugula, parmesan, shallots, and balsamic.

CALABRESE

Tomato,​ house-made mozzarella, roasted peppers, spicy salami, and red onions.

CAPRICCIOSA

Tomato, house-made mozzarella, artichokes, mushrooms, prosciutto cotto, and olives

 I loved this t-shirt that the staff wore and followed the directions and "Took an ITALIAN home.

We'll both drink to that!  

SALUTE!