Carrot Noses

 

A Party for Jocelyn Hosted by Karen

 

Last night one of my sisters best friends for over 50 years Karen   hosted a dinner party for 13 people to celebrate my sister Jocelyn's birthday. It was a Greek themed dinner with a wonderful moussaka, green beans in a tomato sauce, and a platter of stuffed grape leaves. The nod to Greece because as 19 year old teens they spent months with open ended tickets, traveling in Europe ending their trip in December on the island of Mykonos with many wild stories to tell. I remember my mother saying I wonder when those girls will get tired of traveling and come home?

 

 Among the guests were three dear friends they went to Alhambra high school with:  Fred, Wolfie and Tom.      It was an evening filled with much nostalgia, great stories and an outpouring of love for Jocelyn . After dinner we adjourned to watch a video made by Aria who had compiled photographs, video messages from friends and family nationally and internationally. The theme of the video was patterned in a “Taylor Swift” Person of the Year take off! It was filled with hilarious moments, touching tributes, songs, poems and wishes. Needless to say so many heart felt expressions showing Jocelyn how much she is loved. Ended the night with a beautiful and out of this world delicious cake.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a wonderful and very special evening. Thank you to Karen for hosting. Happy Birthday Jocelyn! May the decade ahead be filled with even more magic, good health and wonderful adventures!

 

 

Lunch With Deb

 My dear friend Deb divides her time between two homes. One in Washington and one locally in Seal Beach. We had planned several months ago to meet up when she was next going to be in town and that day was today. We met up on Main street of this old timey beach town. I love this quaint street that leads to the pier. We ate at her fave “Walt’s Wharf” restaurant and talked for two hours about her upcoming April 2024 trip to Japan. I’m so excited for her. She will be traveling with her son and daughter in law and two of her closest friends. I’m thrilled for her and a bit green with envy too.

 

Travel Whenever, Wherever You Possibly Can

 

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the importance of travel in my life and how I owe so much to my mother for instilling a love of seeing the world. For so much of her life she worked hard along with my dad so that we could see and do things she herself had only dreamed of. She sent me to on a trip to europe before she had ever gone there. She asked me if I wanted to go when I had no curiosity or want to see beyond my own little young life. That trip forever changed me. Now, whenever I see young people I think yes go out see as much of the world as possible. Travel is eye opening and magical at any age but it can open your heart and soul beyond anything you could imagine especially when you are young. Here’s a nod to my young niece Amanda just a few years beyond her graduation from Duke University. She had a couple weeks vacation time she had to use up from her job in D.C. so on the spur of the moment she left last Saturday for a very unplanned trip to Japan. We received this picture yesterday with a caption “doing fine !”

“The only adventure you regret is the one you didn't take.” ... oh and PS my mom in her later years travelled all over Western Europe, South America, Japan, China and Russia. Her travel dreams were realized at last.

 

 

A Month of Christmas Fun for Sofia and Rocco

 

The kids saw Santa today. I’m sure Rocco told him he wanted dinosaurs. (A 3 year old can never have enuf of those!) Now home the kids are on a dino dig!

 

Happy Birthday Jocelyn

  

Today is my younger sister  Jocelyn's  birthday. She is such an important part of my family. Jocelyn is the most kind- hearted, generously spirited friend to all who are fortunate enough to have her in their lives. She loves to laugh and is so funny (she'll deny it but she is) and her company is always joyous. She makes everyone smile, chuckle or burst at the seams laughing. She has so many loves: costume and hat designer, master cookie baker,art, horses, mid century modern furniture and homes, travel, movie star trivia (ask her about anyone famous and she can tell you details about their second cousin's once removed relative and who they're dating!). Most of all she is a true friend and loving family member. We were supposed to have a family dinner tonight to celebrate her birthday but due to illness related factors have postponed her party til January. Tomorrow however, her dear childhood friend will be hosting a dinner party to usher in a new special decade. Jocelyn, no words can express how much I love you. You are my gift of a sister from heaven. May your year and decade ahead be filled with even more wonderful adventures and may you always be surrounded by love. PS because of your age you are now my "older" sister!

Love Alone

 "It is love alone that

gives worth to all

things." -Teresa of Avila