100% Serious

If this doesn't move you, I can have nothing to do with you...
Rob Schwimmer, piano--Improvisation on Octet (Adam Guettel)

Description: When Adam Guettel first played me an early version (just piano and vocalise) of what would come to be called "Octet" from "The Light In The Piazza" I thought it was one of the most beautiful things I'd ever heard...still do! The form I do here is not "correct" but I've tried to retain what it was that I felt on that first go 'round

 


Hear that?


It's the World burning down...

A Don Quixote World

To quote the amazing and gentle mime, Marcel Marceau who passed away today, sometimes I feel "alone in a fragile world filled with injustice and beauty." May he Rest in Peace.

Why is is that artists' reflections and words have always struck me as the most insightful? In this modern-day world of war and political strife I also refer to a comment of his in reflection of those unmercifully killed in Auschwitz where he escaped (but his father did not). He profoundly commented in 2000, "Among those kids was maybe an Einstein, a Mozart, somebody who (would have) found a cancer drug. That is why we have a great responsibility: let us love one another."

Reflect on that one, folks.

God Bless..

Una Pausa....A Break

It's a rarity. Even with the "Gift to Gab" this gal just doesn't feel like talking or writing the last few days. It doesn't help that today is another 9/11 anniversary. Or could it be the continuous vivid nightmares I have that waken me nightly? Nah, a lot of it is linked to the bully that once again insisted upon bringing me down and taking the wind out of my sails this last weekend.

Sometimes I cry at the injustice of it all...

So I don't really feel like writing for a bit (hell, it's better than my other option that Patrick talked me out of) - which was to delete my blog completely. But, after all my hard work posting my journal memories and photos I decided not to do that but to take a break for a bit. (The good thing is that the spiteful old cats out there who read this won't be able to keep abreast of my unconventional life.)

Gracias por leer - thank you for reading this whole time. Like I've mentioned before: this blog was not meant to entertain the masses. It has been more a journal of my thoughts, life and travels more than anything. It's just in a different format than the many, many pages of the previous journals I have written since being 14 years old. If no one read this, I could care less. It was for me more than anyone else in the world. But those who learned anything, or liked looking at my travel pics or know me and wanted to keep track of me - I say: cheers!

I will keep standing firm on this stony ground.

Hasta pronto...

God Bless -

elsa

8 Foods U Should eat Every Day!

Okay Friends: The experts say it here plain and simple. Imagine how pleased I was to see that I already daily incorporate 6 of the 8 recommendations and the other 2 - or their substitutes - often enough. :) Diet is extremely important to me, folks. And it would be to you, too, if you taught public school for 8 years and daily saw the crap that kids eat and how overweight the next generation is. Or try traveling around the world and realize how pudgy and out of shape Americans tend to be compared to their foreign peers. The worst thing about it? It is all needless, laziness or ignorance!! Go have a salad and call me in the morning..

SPINACH

Sexual enhancement (HELLOO!!! And I thought I was just an extremely passionate Latina in her sexual prime of mid-30s!!!), Muscle growth, Heart healthy, Bone builder, Enhances eyesight

It may be green and leafy, but spinach is also the ultimate man food. This noted biceps builder is a rich source of plant-based omega-3s and folate, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Bonus: Folate also increases blood flow to the penis. And spinach is packed with lutein, a compound that fights age-related macular degeneration. Aim for 1 cup fresh spinach or 1/2 cup cooked per day.

SUBSTITUTES: Kale, bok choy, romaine lettuce

FIT IT IN: Make your salads with spinach; add spinach to scrambled eggs; drape it over pizza; mix it with marinara sauce and then microwave for an instant dip.

YOGURT

Cancer fighter, Bone builder, Boosts immunity

Various cultures claim yogurt as their own creation, but the 2,000-year-old food's health benefits are not disputed: Fermentation spawns hundreds of millions of probiotic organisms that serve as reinforcements to the battalions of beneficial bacteria in your body, which boost the immune system and provide protection against cancer. Not all yogurts are probiotic though, so make sure the label says "live and active cultures." Aim for 1 cup of the calcium and protein-rich goop a day.

SUBSTITUTES: Kefir, soy yogurt

FIT IT IN: Yogurt topped with blueberries, walnuts, flaxseed, and honey is the ultimate breakfast — or dessert. Plain low-fat yogurt is also a perfect base for creamy salad dressings and dips.

HOME RUN: Power Smoothie Blend 1 cup low-fat yogurt, 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 cup carrot juice, and 1 cup fresh baby spinach for a nutrient-rich blast.

TOMATOES

Cancer fighter, Heart healthy, Boosts immunity

There are two things you need to know about tomatoes: Red are the best, because they're packed with more of the antioxidant lycopene, and processed tomatoes are just as potent as fresh ones, because it's easier for the body to absorb the lycopene. Studies show that a diet rich in lycopene can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Aim for 22 mg of lycopene a day, which is about eight red cherry tomatoes or a glass of tomato juice.

SUBSTITUTES: Red watermelon, pink grapefruit, Japanese persimmon, papaya, guava

FIT IT IN: Pile on the ketchup and Ragu; guzzle low-sodium V8 and gazpacho; double the amount of tomato paste called for in a recipe.

PINCH HITTER: Red and Pink Fruit Bowl Chop 1 small watermelon, 2 grapefruits, 3 persimmons, 1 papaya, and 4 guavas. Garnish with mint

CARROTS

Cancer fighter, Boosts immunity, Enhances eyesight

Most red, yellow, or orange vegetables and fruits are spiked with carotenoids — fat-soluble compounds that are associated with a reduction in a wide range of cancers, as well as reduced risk and severity of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis — but none are as easy to prepare, or have as low a caloric density, as carrots. Aim for 1/2 cup a day.

SUBSTITUTES: Sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, yellow bell pepper, mango

FIT IT IN: Raw baby carrots, sliced raw yellow pepper, butternut squash soup, baked sweet potato, pumpkin pie, mango sorbet, carrot cake

BLUEBERRIES

Brain stimulant, Cancer fighter, Heart healthy, Boosts immunity

Host to more antioxidants than any other popular fruit, blueberries help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory changes (hence the nickname "brain berry"). Studies show that blueberries, which are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, boost cardiovascular health. Aim for 1 cup fresh blueberries a day, or 1/2 cup frozen or dried.

SUBSTITUTES: Açai berries, purple grapes, prunes, raisins, strawberries

FIT IT IN: Blueberries maintain most of their power in dried, frozen, or jam form.

PINCH HITTER: Açai, an Amazonian berry, has even more antioxidants than the blueberry. Mix 2 Tbsp. of açai powder into OJ or add 2 Tbsp. of açai pulp to cereal, yogurt, or a smoothie.

BLACK BEANS

Muscle growth, Brain stimulant, Heart healthy

All beans are good for your heart, but none can boost your brain power like black beans. That's because they're full of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds that have been shown to improve brain function. A daily ½cup serving provides 8 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of fiber, and is low in calories and free of saturated fat.

SUBSTITUTES: Peas, lentils, and pinto, kidney, fava, and lima beans

FIT IT IN: Wrap black beans in a breakfast burrito; use both black beans and kidney beans in your chili; puree 1 cup black beans with ¼cup olive oil and roasted garlic for a healthy dip; add favas, limas, or peas to pasta dishes.

HOME RUN: Black Bean and Tomato Salsa Dice 4 tomatoes, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 jalapeños, 1 yellow bell pepper, and 1 mango. Mix in a can of black beans and garnish with 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and the juice of 2 limes.

WALNUTS

Muscle growth, Brain stimulant, Cancer fighter, Heart healthy, Boosts immunity

Richer in heart-healthy omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-inflammatory polyphenols than red wine, and packing half as much muscle-building protein as chicken, the walnut sounds like a Frankenfood, but it grows on trees. Other nuts combine only one or two of these features, not all three. A serving of walnuts — about 1 ounce, or seven nuts — is good anytime, but especially as a postworkout recovery snack.

SUBSTITUTES: Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts

FIT IT IN: Sprinkle on top of salads; dice and add to pancake batter; spoon peanut butter into curries; grind and mix with olive oil to make a marinade for grilled fish or chicken.
OATS

Muscle growth, Brain stimulant, Heart healthy

The éminence grise of health food, oats garnered the FDA's first seal of approval. They are packed with soluble fiber, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Yes, oats are loaded with carbs, but the release of those sugars is slowed by the fiber, and because oats also have 10 grams of protein per ½-cup serving, they deliver steady muscle-building energy.

SUBSTITUTES: Quinoa, flaxseed, wild rice

FIT IT IN: Eat granolas and cereals that have a fiber content of at least 5 grams per serving. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed on cereals, salads, and yogurt.

PINCH HITTER: Quinoa Salad Quinoa has twice the protein of most cereals, and fewer carbs. Boil 1 cup quinoa in a mixture of 1 cup pear juice and 1 cup water. Let cool. In a large bowl, toss 2 diced apples, 1 cup fresh blueberries, ½ cup chopped walnuts, and 1 cup plain fat-free yogurt.

BON APETIT!!!

Luciano Pavarotti: 1935-2007

Pie Jesu Domine, dona eis requiem. Dona eis requiem sempiternam....

AAAAAAAAAAACKKKK!

I TOTALLY messed things up with Picassa on my blog and now as you can see any photos on previous blogs have DISAPPEARED!!

A MAJOR UNDERTAKING will need to take place. Hopefully I can rectify the situation (as many of those pics I deleted after posting). DANG ITTTTTTTT!!!!

No more blog postings will occur until I try to fix my pictures. Please stay tuned my loyal readers: elsa still has so much to write about...

Mark Hiss' Last Supper

'Tis the End of an Era, my friends.
Alas, Mark Hiss, my ex-boyfriend of several years in my 20s (and for those who know me - they were QUITE a doozy) is all grown up. Happily for his girlfriend, Stacey, who moved to a new job in San Francisco 6 months ago, Mark put his foot down and declared, "That is just TOO long distance even for me!" And therefore is leaving his 1972 Carmengia and Aerostar family van (fondly known as the "Mother Ship) behind and heading to Northern Cal where he can rely solely on his bike and public transportation.

Mark - a wonderfully unique, dapper and intelligent gay-straight man has not co-habitated with anyone (male or female) since his marriage 18 years ago. (whew - how OLD did I say he was??!)

Thus I personally know this is a MASSIVE step for him to move up there and join his rock n roll singing concubine.

That said I know that he will be fantastic in San Fran. Full of like-minded Liberals, and creative-types: the men will adore him and the women will admire his wit. Another plus- he is able as a freelance writer to work anywhere as long as he has his computer. A no-brainer, huh?? And I'm STILL waiting, by the way, for the novel that he began with a character based on me.
Being on his coveted Short List of Favorite San Diegans (and after doing PR and writing for decades here he knows more than a truckload of peeps in SD) - I was invited to join his farewell dinner with some of his closest friends last week in Hillcrest. It was a lovely time seeing some old friends of his that I haven't seen now for at least 5 years - especially the coquettish and witty Stephanie Steiner, the always positive and giddy Lisa Baker and the indescribably unique Kevin Six.

Best wishes and mucha suerte - you certainly made your "mark" (he has always been into word play) on the theater, tourism and art worlds here in little San Diego. Your toss of the curls as you turn your nose up to scoff will most certainly be missed :)

Did anyone else in San Diego get this email today??

It feels like h-ll out here in East County (for all you non-San Diegans: it's the hottest part of San Diego county where I live). I will be watching my energy usage - and I don't even have air conditioning :(

"San Diego Gas & Electric HEAT EMERGENCY DECLARED!!!!!

Due to extreme heat conditions, a Power Emergency has been declared.

We are asking all customers to take immediate conservation steps through
Tuesday, September 4:

Set your air conditioning thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, health permitting.
Turn off unnecessary lights and computers.

Do not use any major appliances, ie. dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and electric stoves.

Please turn off pool filtering systems.

People who are temperature sensitive can visit Cool Zones throughout the county.

Due to the excessive heat, SDG&E is experiencing system outages. Both SDG&E and contract crews are working to restore power to all affected customers by late Tuesday afternoon.

In addition to continuing to conserve energy, be prepared for possible outages. Keep emergency supplies on hand, including fresh batteries and flashlights and non-perishable food and water. Have an emergency plan in place if a member of your household depends on life-support or needs other medical equipment. This may include a back-up power source or transportation to another facility."

Ciara's TV Debut

This growing bundle of energy and wit is Patrick's daughter, Ciara - pronounced Keer-rah - but spelled the traditional Irish way. Fondly referred to as Bo-Beera or Brat #2, this rapidly-growing weed made her TV debut last week after being chosen along with 1 other girl to be interviewed for Fox News while attending The Scripps Aquarium camp last week. (Man- when I got to go to camp I had to wait until High school age and it was Christian camp - shucks!!)



It doesn't suprise me at all that she was selected as Ciara possesses the elsamart Gift-To-Gab (NOT from her father, but obviously from her Mexican mother) and I have already taken her under my wing to some modeling auditions with me even though she doesn't have an agent and exposing her to Broadway musicals (Hairspray, Phantom of the Opera, Sound of Music, etc). She has somehow even managed to imitate quite well my model runway walk having gone with me and watched me audition. Who knows what the Stars hold for her? Stay tuned, she will at least be a star on this blog....

Beyonce Bounces thru San Diego

Last Sunday several female and male models from my agency were hired to work the Beyonce concert at San Diego State University's Cox Arena. Now, I wouldn't call myself necessarily a fan of hers - but I have certainly respected her talent and determination starting at such a young age and especially for writing and producing most of her music.

Upon arrival none of us had any clue as to what we were doing. But I was pleased to see my favorite male model of the agency, Elzie, was working as well as one of my favorite young promo models, Madison. We were herded into a VIP room sponsored by Samsung and given black dresses, style "Sasha" from her clothing line of Derreon (you can get it for $69.99 here).
Even though the dresses were light we were sweating a ton and it was definitely not a good hair day for anyone, especially us wavy and curly-haired girls.
As exhausted, hot and uncomfortable as we were the job ended being a blast. Essentially we were paparazzi taking digital pictures of the crowd and then giving them a card with their number on it so they could download it for free later (you see the attached pictures as examples). People really got into it. Most of her fans were African-American (of course) and very fashionable gay men (you know I love my gay men!) so they got crazy or super sexy in front of the camera :)

My group was chosen for having most energy an enthusiasm to work the main red carpet at the entrance of the Cox Arena. Thank God - because we had a GREAT DJ spinning next to the red carpet to dance to as well and people loved posing on the red carpet (whereas the other teams had to just wander the crowds and offer to take pictures).
The best part was that we got to enter and watch for free most of the concert at the ground level close to the stage! Like I said before: I am not a huge fan, but it was a very energetic spectacle. I noted that her band was all women and mixed ethnicities - VERY cool! Of course there were tons of dancers - several women of various colors and then 5 African-American, very cut men. hahaha. I screamed and closed my eyes to Elzie's laughter when they got too raunchy and sexual with their dancing - I actually don't like that gyrating stuff.

Also worth noting - in person, Beyonce looks younger - what is she only 25 or so? I mean: she is young and in her videos or on awards shows she has so much hair and makeup going you almost forget how young she is. Don't get me wrong - she was sporting butt-long extensions, false eye lashes and silver glittering eyeshadow - you know, stage makeup, more than beautiful makeup - she actually resembled a drag queen at times to me. Her outfits were horrible. I know her mommma, Tina, designs all her clothes and obviously they are going for flash and pizazz most of the time - but even Elzie - a gorgeous man who is a fan of hers said, "She shouldn't wear that" or "that one outfit really doesn't flatter her." HAHAHHA

Of course she had several costume changes, the worst being this one leotard - yes, LEOTARD (have you seen this gal's thighs and ass??) that was half nude-colored (making her from stage look naked) with strategically-placed patches of bright silver sequins and fake diamonds on her chest and big old butt. The worst is that her very toned dancers wore it, looking amazing and you couldn't help compare her and say, "deammn her legs and ass are HUUUUGEEE!" God Bless her for not giving a flying fig and trying to pull it off. Don't get me wrong - the woman has had some gorgeous moments in some videos and in the movie, "Dreamgirls" where she lost 25 pounds to beautifully show off the great period costumes, but when there is no air brushing or dieting involved and she is busting a move all over the stage with girls that weigh half her weight - well sheeit, there be a whole lotta jiggling going on. I also loved how she had across the entire front bottom of the stage very strong blowing fans that constantly kept her extensions flying wildly off her face (and kept her from sweating enormously with all that jiggling go on). Editor's note - J-Lo is a fan of this technique also- hahahaha :)
I also have to mention my recent pet peeve how everyone is jumping on the Middle Eastern belly dancing train. Columbian ex-rocker (she has sold out) Shakira can authentically do it and has trained in it since a little girl (and is half-Lebanese at least). But now everyone is doing it. I saw that pipsqueak excuse of a singer, Hilary Duff, even try it the other day on TV. Please. Well, Beyonce recently did a duet with Shakira with a fabulous video and so when she came out to perform the song (not as a duet) she came out in a belly-dancing outfit with her thong showing through the see-through material. Let's just say she ain't as petite, sexy or toned that way as the 5'1 Shakira is. Okaayyyyy????

Not to dwell on the negative, I do appreciate that she did a long medley of her Destiny Child hits (man, some of their earlier stuff was g-h-e-t-t-o!!!) She also can dance and shake it like crazy and at least sings for real in her concerts - not this lip-syncing bologna that seems to be accepted by younger and newer pop stars nowadays. Good for her - it was a very entertaining concert - I really enjoyed her energy and commitment. I can certainly recognize a lot of hard work went into it.

80s Song of the Week: Huey Lewis and the News "If This is It"

ahhhhh: those San Fran working boys of Huey Lewis and the News. The girls in my family all loved Huey. How could you not? He was so ruggedly cute, with a raspy voice (unexpected for a white guy) and he always portrayed a great sense of humour in his videos. In fact: this was the first concert my mom (begrudgingly) let my sister Sara and I go to - with our older sisters who bought us tickets as a Xmas present. I was in 9th grade, we went to the horrible acoustics of the SD Sports Arena venue and screamed and danced and then I even wrote a review on it for the school newspaper that I was involved in.

Back to this song. The year was 1985, it was from their "Sports" album which had a string of Top 10 hits. I chose this video because it was sweet and showcases totally 80s bathing suits (girls wore those high French cut 1-pieces that looked horrible on anyone with a butt or hips); I also point out at the very beginning of the video the 80s boombox that they play - - kids nowadays probably won't even know what it is!!

The video is sweet but it always bugged me that Huey wanders around Venice Beach completely dressed in cords and polo shirt - the only one there amidst the tanned, half-naked bodies - he stands out so much and isn't he hot???!!! But then: I can't imagine him with his shirt off and in shorts anyway... :)

Birthday Shout Out (8/26): Miky de Italia

Sei Vecchio, Monstruo!!! 31 - madonna mia!!!!

Back to my Musical Roots

For those of my appreciated readers who do not know me in person, I am a singer and have studied and performed professionally upside of about 15 years. I love many, many styles and genres of music but studied classical for several years - my mother setting the precedent. A naturally gifted, but untrained soprano herself, my mom blessed my 5 siblings and I with a gift for musical talent - all the girls learned piano, my closest sister in age, Sara, and I also took and excelled at violin before (regrettably) quitting to focus on our other talents. My brothers Ben and Gabriel both learned clarinet, with Gabe going on to study jazz and saxophone as an adult. The girls also all excelled at singing in school choirs. I was the only one who actually decided to major in music in college and try to make a living at it. Am I the fool or the most blessed of them all? It all depends on how you look at it.

Musicians, dancers, actors, artists - whatever genre - is an extremely difficult way to live. We truly are a breed apart from the norm. You pretty much know you will struggle to make ends meet your entire life and need some sort of survival side job - shoot I have 2 right now and have had 3 different ones in the past. But something inside - when you are truly studied and talented - makes you go on in spite of the compromises, stress and toll it takes on your families and relationships. Also, no matter how good a communicator I may be - - no one in my life has been able to comprehend my pain and yearning for my creative expression unless they are some sort of creative-arts person as well.

For there is something in me that aches and has always ached about music. I wasn't blessed with composing my own music, which is probably why I am so in awe of good composers and song-writers. I am extremely appreciative of harmonies and the feelings evoked by a single chord (especially dissonant ones). My mom, thankfully, was a wonderful role model and had the insight to expose us to classical music and Broadway musicals since I can remember. I grew up for years seeing my mom sing in the San Diego Master Chorale - with her Tuesday night rehearsals - - the ONLY hobby and time she'd take off being a very busy mother to 6 kids - might I add. Sunday mornings, the only day my father didn't work (owning his own CPA firm and especially during tax seasons, we didn't always see him much) was family and Church day no matter what - and it always started out with my mom waking up and automatically putting on the classical music radio station for us to wake up to and spend family time with. It makes its mark on you, folks: if you give it a chance.

Yes, I love classical music. And I was good at singing it too. Good enough to get a performance scholarship to several colleges - ultimately choosing UC Irvine and winning some singing contests. But upon graduating, I knew I wouldn't be good enough to truly be an opera diva and travel the world singing in opera houses - perhaps how my dear mother envisioned.

After finishing school my path crossed with many artists, actors, writers, directors, singers - and I ended up decided to also pursue acting and eventually also modeling in Los Angeles - not a bad choice, if also as difficult a path to choose as the music.

The truth is: the more talents you have - the more marketable you are to your agents. I still loved singing - I still also performed professionally doing musical theater. I was certainly well-rounded enough to also pursue straight (non musical) theater, comedy, drama, commercials and modeling as well as anything singing. But I essentially have not performed or studied my classical music since 1994.

And, oh - - how I have truly, utterly missed it...

It took me to be 35 years of age to realize several things in my very different, colorful and trying life. Some professionally, some of it personally, physically and mentally. But one of the biggest goals for this year for me was to let myself be happy again and fulfilled within the realm of getting back to my classical roots. That meant leaving a much-needed, great paying nighttime job, and also knowing I will be compromising other possible acting and modeling jobs with the year-long time commitment that I must give. Perhaps the hardest compromise is that I know my love for travel and even short trips might not prove to be as easy to get away should I delve back into professional music. That said - I am very thankful and blessed to announce that I auditioned and got accepted this morning to the talented (and very same) professional choir that my mother once sang in years ago - The San Diego Master Chorale. No doubt about it - although I looked decent on paper as far as my training and skills, the soprano voice part that I posses comes a dime a dozen and they were only looking for 2 new ones this year. I can't stress enough that I am for lack of a better word: rusty - when it comes to real singing. Classical music is a talent. It's difficult to be good. And one must be trained. At the audition not only did I sing, but we had a written test to see how much we were studied in music as well as having an oral singing, sight-reading and memorization test. I wasn't 100% pleased with my performance, stating dramatically at the end while thanking my critics that, "My old college professors would be disgusted with me for being so rusty." To which the director commented, "These were hard tests. We didn't expect anyone to ace them perfectly. The truth is you have a really, really good musical ear, Elsa."

I so rarely hear praise in my life - and I certainly knew I went in feeling somewhat self-conscious that I have not been in good voice for many years like I used to be. I was very grateful to hear his words, knowing he wouldn't just utter them. And the fact is: I do. I know I have a very good musical ear and talent and overall performing and presence package. But in a 12 year career of mostly rejections in the Arts - it was nice to know that a professional in the field could recognize that in me too. :)

Jumping on the Blogger-Train!

http://tiponfamily.blogspot.com/

My wonderful college friend and roommate for 1 year: Heather has now started her own blog - likey likey!! A little background - she is married to Noel (he is a lawyer in the marines), stationed in Oahu, HI, has a cutey-pie 2.5 year old son Robbie, with another boy due in October. Heather hails from Oakland, northern CA, has a fabulous head of hair, but fair Irish skin that burns much too easily for the swimmer she is, and taught school in St. Lucia for 2 years in the Peace Corps. She is also a good photographer by hobby and I have included above my favorite picture on her blog so far - shot with a Macro lens on a photography trip to Alaska in July. Looking forward to more!!

Latina Style: VASZARO designs

About 3 years ago I met and modeled for local Latina designer Vanessa Rosas. You can see previous blog here about that first show. Since then I've modeled again for her as well as bought a one-of-a-kind black gown that I adore and has accompanied me to Vegas and Miami. I was checking out her website and, enjoying always seeing those I know work, I'd like to support her by posting it here for those wanting to check out some of her fantastic, super sexy and flowing designs.

Check it out:
http://www.vaszaro.com/

and click below for slideshow:

Vazsaro fashions

D and E in the OC

Back in July my best friend and college roommate, Diana, and I drove up to the OC (Orange County) to visit our other friend and college roommate, Jenn AKA Flaca ('skinny girl' in Spanish - she is 5'10 and back in college ate a ton but had model proportions).

I literally lose my voice whenever I reunite with my circle of best friends (my college roommates Di, Jenn, Heather and Bev) because we talk non-stop. This was certainly no exception as we literally talked straight for hours as Jennifer commented, "..about everything we are not supposed to talk about: sex, religion and politics". ha ha ha.

We also cooked a lovely vegetarian meal. Well, Diana cooked, Jenn helped her as her sous chef and I cleaned up. It was a lovely time with these gals I have known for so long. One last thing we can all learn from - I am proud that Jenn and her husband, Mike, bring their own reusable bags every time to the grocery store (see pic) instead of constantly using and wasting plastic bags (or even worse: paper.) It was as Jenn pointed out: in England you must bring your own bag to shop with, or they charge you for a bag. Even P came home with a bag from Ikea that must be reused or they will charge you. Everything helps, folks...even baby steps :)

80s Song of the Week: Pet Shop Boys "West End Girls"

I still like this 1985 song and its basically being completely programmed on a keyboard synthesizer is SO 80s :)
Pet Shop Boys are actually still around, still recording and still successful - in Europe. But their heyday in the USA was definitely during the 80s starting with this hit. Made up of the duo Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe they wrote danceable tunes with intelligent lyrics delivered solemnly by the stoic Tennant.

Interestingly enough, by watching their videos again I only recently came to realize that the lead singer is obviously gay - well, shoot - I wasn't a fag hag in 1985 in 7th grade (or WAS I- - but didn't know it yet?)hahahaha It seems he is publicly "out" since 1994. Also, Patrick recently informed me that their clever name leans to something very gay - again, I grew up so innocent and sheltered for so long (how on EARTH was I supposed to know?) :)

Whatever the case - good songs, great memories :)

Oh, Yeah:

He's Baaccckk....

San Fran - continued....

Editor's Note: Shame on me for not getting this posted right after my wedding blog, but my mind is cluttered with things to do. In any case, please excuse my not posting in chronological order lately.

In any case, the morning after Jake and Rosa's wedding in San Fran 2 weeks ago, Patrick and I had the luxury of strolling about town, taking in the sights and stopping by the Chinese restaurant, Sam Wo, in China Town.Truly a hole-in-the-wall you actually enter through the kitchen and head upstairs to a few run down tables and booths. It ain't pretty but it's fascinating. One single waitress, a middle-aged Chinese woman literally exploded with energy back and forth, up and down, even working an old-fashioned pulley that the kitchen staff used to hoist up the food on a tray so she wouldn't have to go downstairs. The restaurant is an old haunt and favorite of Patrick's parents (who met in San Francisco). He even remembers them going often when he was a little boy. Evidently there was even a now deceased infamous waiter who was extrememly grouchy and awful to the customers - it is said his 'rudeness was legendary'. The food is also great and remarkably cheap. A definite treasure.

After that bit we took the very efficient Bart underground where I emerged into the gay Castro District. Whew hew - E loves the gay part of town - wherever I might be! After window shopping and enjoying myself watching P being checked out, we eventually met up with Dick - his 2nd cousin on his paternal side.

Thus ensued a most lovely afternoon spent in the gracious and intelligent company of this old gent - they hadn't seen each other in about 8 years. Dick is extremely well-read and intelligent, getting old (in his 80s I believe) but his mind and memory are as spry as ever. He is essentially a walking encyclopedia. His house was quaint and full of character - with a fridge from the 1950s, artwork and absolutely congested with books (his passion) that were alphabetized and categorized according to subject matter.
As we got a tour of the house Dick would have stories about the Merritt family and Patrick as a teen, as well as P's father. At one point he pulled out an old family photo which I tried to take a picture of as you can see. Dick is but a boy in the photo - it was a family-party and he told stories of that day - how the African American maid was sneaking yellow colored, tulip-shaped ice cream to the kids, etc.
As we ohh'd and ahh'd over the picture and listened to the stories, both P and I squinted at the same time at the top right image of his grandfather - looking just like his Dad over in Ireland!! We were amazed at the likeness in expression and heavy eyebrows. Very cool...
We really had such a wonderful time. Dick is so polite, well-spoken and interesting with a sense of humour as well (he and Patrick do not see eye-to-eye when it comes to politics especially). hahaha.

It is times like the afternoon we spent that I really get inspired to interview and get the history and family tree down from the elders in the family. Especially the wonderful stories - when Dick is gone, so much will be lost within that great memory of his. It was as Patrick smiled and complimented him as we left, "You're a dying breed, Dick.."