Your dream doesn’t have an expiration date. Take a deep breath and try again!
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
It’s the HOLIDAY SEASON! random thoughts…
…okay I know you’re singing that song by Andy Williams!
A few months ago I got the season schedule for the Irvine Barclay Theater and saw “An Irish Christmas” on their calendar. Well, what a great way to start out the holidays! It was this past Sunday, right after Thanksgiving, and I loved it! Irish music, lots of Irish dancing, a little Christmas tree, some Irish history and just a warm, lovely show. They’ll be touring California, with a stop in Arizona, but the closest they’ll be back in SoCal is Dec. 14 in Thousand Oaks or Dec. 17 at Caltech in Pasadena…if you wanted to take a moment from the holiday madness to sit back and be entertained.
I also got to see the movie Jackie at the OC Film Society screening this week and I was a bit underwhelmed. I have always admired Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who doesn’t. She was poised and had so much class…and I loved the way she raised her children in NYC without much pretentiousness. I randomly rode in an elevator with her while shopping at Bergdorf’s in NYC in the early 90’s…who can mistake those fabulous sunglasses…yes, she had them on in the elevator. I digress… If I had watched the trailer I would have known that it was a small snippet of her life as first lady right after Kennedy was shot. I thought it was going to be much more of a biopic of her entire life, so, honestly, I was a little disappointed….but it was still interesting. I thought Natalie Portman’s performance was great (she’s had some reviews that thought it was a little too much “acting”) portraying her as I suspect Jackie was…guarded, rehearsed, always on, trying to live up to her new Kennedy name. On a totally personal note, I got all choked up when she puts on a record of Richard Burton singing Camelot because my dad used to sing it and it just caught me by surprise. It could hear him singing it like it was yesterday. Weird how songs and movies can do that to you. Anyway…would I recommend? Eh? If you’re a big movie goer and want to see all that’s out there, it’s worth seeing and well done, but if you’re the type who’d rather wait for the video release, I’d go with that.
Well…it is the holiday season, so check out this list of events to go do and see in the coming weeks here in Orange County. A few of my favorites are our own neighborhood progressive hors d’oeuvre party at three homes (start one in your neighborhood!), the Balboa Island Holiday Home Tour (next Sunday 12.11), our team Christmas row, in costume, out to the Newport Jetty with other clubs and paddlers, 
the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (12.14 thru 12.18)…and Roger’s Gardens never disappoints. Of course every mall will be decorated to the nines, there will be countless opportunities to see The Nutcracker….but sometimes it’s just nice to sit at home by the fire with Christmas music playing and relishing in the joy that the season brings (ignore the noise of holiday chaos!). Share some things going on in your area in the comments below!
ps…check out the Barclay calendar as they have some awesome entertainers coming up (and it’s a lovely small theater), not the least of which is the AMAZING tap dancer Savion Glover. I’ve seen him numerous times and if you like dance…oh hell, even if you’re not a huge dance fan…he’s truly something to experience. He’ll be there February 10th & 11th.
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
Motivational Monday…Holiday Sentiment
May you be Inspired by Giving…
Changed by Love
Filled with Peace
and
Touched by Miracles
After a magical, warm, Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends I thought this was a great sentiment. Have a great week!
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
Thanksgiving…the best day of the year!
I LOVE Thanksgiving!! The day always starts with the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade, where I go back in time, in my mind, to my childhood, with all of us gathered around the tv watching…and I also reminisce about seeing it all in person six years ago…this pic is my view from Central Park West…magical!
Today is the first in five years that I will be celebrating back where it all began in 1992, when we hosted our first family Thanksgiving. I’ve had so much fun setting up the tablescapes, the shopping and the anticipation of everyone’s arrival. It truly feels like a full-circle moment.I get to see my amazing family…and a few friends too; there are three football games on; the food is to-die-for; and the gratitude I feel for my life is never bigger than on Thanksgiving.
I’m a grateful person on a daily basis, but Thanksgiving is the proverbial icing on the cake of life….but I know it can be stressful for so many. Slow down, take a deep breath and enjoy those that have gathered around your table…and those you hold in your heart that can’t be with you today.
Today is a gift and tomorrow is never promised.
…and no matter how you feel about recent current events,
you are blessed to be alive.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
Motivational Monday…Live!
Live your life.
Take chances.
Be crazy.
Don’t wait.
Because right now is the oldest you’ve ever been,
…and the youngest you’ll ever be again!
(nope…you’re not getting any younger, so might as well enjoy today!)
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
Foodie Friday…New Restaurants to try this weekend
I’ve been lucky enough in the past few weeks to try two new restaurants in Orange County…Royal Hen (website not up & running just yet, but check back) on Balboa Island and Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens.
Royal Hen is ADORABLE! From the inviting banquette seating area in the front of the restaurant to the pub-y atmosphere in the back, it’s warm, cozy, and a welcome addition to Balboa Island.
My sister and I shared each course, so we could try a little bit of everything. You have to have the chicken cracklins’ appetizer…fried chicken skin with a dab of avocado mousse and a little spicy touch. Melt in your mouth! We had a salad (I think it was a kale caesar?) that was dressed perfectly and chopped finely. The hamburger and fries are to die for…but the foie gras macaroon is too sweet to be called an appetizer, but might be okay if they added it to the end of their menu as a dessert…and the presentation is beautiful. We went right after their “soft” opening
and they’re definitely still working out the kinks, but our server was very nice, polite and well informed…but don’t expect a quick meal. When I have slow service, I choose to make believe I’m in Europe, where they never rush you and you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere and conversation. What’s the rush?!
The Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens is beautiful…as you would expect from Roger’s Gardens. It is warm and inviting, complete with gazebo for a small group dinner and larger areas for an outdoor banquet. My first meal here was less than great. I had the pork tenderloin and, to be honest, it was a bit dry. My daughter had the vegetable plate and it was a mixture of hot and cold, which was a bit odd. The RG-burger is definitely the biggest hit on the menu, and my brother-in-law and another friend with us enjoyed theirs.
I went back last night with my friend, Nancy, and we took a couple of seats at the bar, which was perfect! I had the roasted beet salad and asked for chicken to be added. I know it’s probably not too hard to screw up a salad, but sometimes they’re overdressed or just not the correct ratio of lettuce to accoutrements, but this was just right. There were lots of beets, with melting goat cheese and the chicken was a yummy addition. Did I mention that the ambience is second to none?!
I will definitely be going back to both places! I love the vibe at both….warm and homey!
One more to try that I haven’t….but have heard from Mare, Taylor and Amy that it’s great…is Cafe Gratitude on 17th in Newport Beach.
Have you been to the Royal Hen on Balboa Island, Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens or Cafe Gratitude? What did you think?
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
Make New Friends…But Keep The Old
I had the pleasure of spending this past weekend in Palm Desert with some girlfriends that I’ve known since elementary and high school. We talked, and laughed, and talked, and reminisced…and talked some more. We stayed up late, looked up some old classmates to see what they were up to, had massages, saw a hilarious comedy show, hung out by the pool and had a ball together! It was like we’d just seen each other and picked up where we left off. It was just so easy laying around on patio chairs and couches catching up on each other’s lives.
As I was driving home I reflected on my friendships and how lucky I am to have such amazing diverse people in my life. I have these longtime childhood friends, friends I’ve made through my children’s friendships, family that are friends, neighbors who have become friends and my rowing friends. I feel so, so blessed to have so many people to laugh with, to cry with, to be vulnerable with, and to share life’s experiences.
I’ve heard some people say, “I really don’t have that many people I consider close friends” and I feel sad for them, but then, different strokes for different folks, right?! I can’t imagine getting through life without my family and friends. They lift me up, they make me laugh, they’re always there for me. I need that! ….but a friend also reminded me, “…but you cultivate friendships…they don’t just happen”…and that is so true! If you take the time to be a friend, you will reap the benefits of long friendships.
So…if I were to give advice (if anybody asked me!?) to the younger generation, I’d tell them to hold on to their friendships, cultivate them, be loyal, trust, listen, laugh, be generous. The childhood friends I spent the weekend with re-connected at our 30 year high school reunion seven years ago (although MK and I have been in touch all along) and you’d never know we hadn’t seen or spoken to one another in years, had kids, husbands, was-bands, relationships, drama. We just picked up where we left off …and continue to do so. You will be rewarded one-thousand fold…and as you get older you will have those friendships, memories and history together that will sustain you through life’s ups and downs.
(p.s…there are definitely some friendships that aren’t worth cultivating, but you’ll know when it’s time to ease yourself out of someone’s life. God I sound old!!)
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
Motivational Monday…Something Good
“Gus, Wake up… something good is about to happen” ….a quote I heard while watching football that Gus Bradley’s mom said every morning to him when she went in to wake him up. Who knows if it’s true, but wouldn’t it be great if every parent did that for their child every morning?! What a great way to start the day!
Happy Monday everyone!
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
THE ELECTION!!
I have never, ever, really paid much attention to politics. Sorry. I’ve always voted because it’s our responsibility & privilege and I hoped that my candidate won, but honestly it wasn’t something that occupied much of my thinking…we’d survive whatever the outcome. Until Wednesday morning….
I’m sure part of it was because I was really tired….up for rowing at 5, stayed up late to follow election results, didn’t sleep well due to where the election was heading, waking up to the election results…but I literally cried on Wednesday morning. I was depressed and weary knowing that Donald Trump will be our next president. WHAAAAAAT?? As my sister says, “I will try NEVER to say President and Trump in the same sentence. I will call him Trump.”
I woke up to my friend, Gina’s, text, who lives in Dublin, “Glad I slept soundly through the night – sounds like a nightmare has unfolded across the pond…” …and she also sent me this (which made me laugh!)…. (you’ll have to cut and paste it)
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1579313672095397&id=113566062003506&_rdr
….and then I went for a walk and realized that the world didn’t fall off it’s axis, the sun still rose (as my daughter reminded me) and this too shall pass…although it might take four years. We all live in an amazing, free, country and need to remember that every day.
My motto…and tagline..as my sister reminded me, is “You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!” because, let’s face it…shit happens to everyone. Sails need to be adjusted right now for our country.
Sadly, it gives me a bit of comfort when I think back on the political culture of the past 10 or 20 years….our govt will probably be deadlocked on so many issues that there won’t be much progress. Let’s just hope he doesn’t push that red button!
…and then I wondered “why the tears?” and realized that it wasn’t for me or my generation, but for my children and grandchildren. Hillary Clinton and, more so, Bernie Sanders, got the younger generation energized and engaged about their future. …and then it didn’t happen. I think their enthusiasm has been sparked and they will bring us into the next election in a way that we haven’t seen in many generations. My faith is with them! Is it too early to start this hashtag now?? #imwiththem ?
“You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!”
Motivational Monday…age is just a number!
wrinkles mean you laughed,
gray hair means you cared,
…and scars mean you lived!
Embrace your age and maturity! (…says the person who dyes her hair…haha!)
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!