Happy Hollow-Weenies!

It's Halloween - fun fun fun for the kids!
No, I never did the dressing up as an adult thing and party - - not my thing. But I have had costume modeling jobs throughout the years - - and of course, many, many theater productions in wonderful costumes - - most that are neatly labeled and posted in my numerous (yes!) photo albums.


But here are some jobs/costumes that were taken digitally and thus are publishable here. Trick or Treat!

Speaking of Brides..

On September 21, I was fortunate-enough to model for the prestigious, stunning wedding couture designer Ines Di Santo of Argentina.

I first worked with her last February, I believe - both times modeling for shows put on by boutique M Bride (thanks, Michele!!) in La Jolla who is the only San Diego location that sells her high-end gowns.

I found another wedding blog with wonderful pictures and a write-up that said it all and to save me time since I am so back-blogged I am going to post it.

Thank you and credits to "Bellz and Whistlez" by Janissa M. - -



What better way to start my day at the office by walking into the designated green room where swag bag assembly takes over the boardroom table, models are getting hair and makeup done, stylists scurrying, and accessories, footwear, and jewelry are amongst the piles of organized mess. Like a strong magnetic force, the corner of the room pulls me against my will, and then I find myself surrounded by racks of exquisite haute couture bridal gowns. This must be my heaven ;-). I wish I had my camera to photograph close ups of the meticulous detailing and impeccable craftsmanship. I just could not resist touching and admiring each and every single dress.


For the third year in a row, M Bride of La Jolla hosted their annual fashion show and bridal event at IVY Hotel. Featuring the latest collection by internationally renowned Ines Di Santo, her incredible designs were complemented by the décor done by Kathy Wright & Co. As one of the most anticipated events of the year, the show has gotten bigger and better over time. Animal printed linens, exotic centerpieces, gigantic floral arrangements accented by peacock feathers, all set on IVY’s rooftop during sunset created a fashion forward ambiance. With clear skies and the most killer views of Downtown San Diego, it was a perfect backdrop for what was promised to be an interesting show. With their graceful strides, the models made their way through the crowd as guests were taken by surprise by unexpected escorts. Literally speaking, “golden grooms” escorted the blushing brides. Painted in gold with tribal symbols, donning nothing more than a cheetah printed loincloth, and barefooted, these walking statues split everyone’s attention between their six-packs and the gorgeous gowns.I loved how the models were interactive. They struck poses for me, took photos with guests, answered questions and never allowed for a dull moment. Ms. Di Santo made a personal appearance and both her and her daughter, Veronica, joined this special cocktail reception. Unfortunately, I could not snap a photo of Ms. Di Santo as it’s hotel policy for us employees. But it was a spectacular event indeed, and I hope that you will join me next year!

Thank you!

Thank you, all - family and friends - for the wonderful outpouring of congratulations for Patrick and I in the last week. I never really thought I'd use and feel the word, "Happy" - - but, I am happy. I am so happy to be Patrick's wife.

God is great!

Below are slideshow pics taken a week after our wedding at my sweet sister, Sylvia's house in Kensington where they made a small family gathering into an impromptu toast and celebration for us.
Also, thanks to my biggest sister, Ceci and Joe for sending us the lovely flowers and to my sweet niece, Ari, who lent me a bridal veil for me to wear - - were they determined to make me a traditional bride after all?? hahahha

All the little girls were vying for my attention and to sit next to me since it was my 'special day'. It was a lovely afternoon with lot of love in the air.

Thank you, again - you are all appreciated..

Grazie, amici, - gracias a todos - son apreciados!

Click below!

Merritt Wedding Toast

Birthday Shout Out: KEE-WAH

Married into this blessed family got me a daughter AND her blessed(??) Chihuahua - -

Today is her eleventh birthday and we are taking her to Disneyland where we are taking full-advantage of her getting in for free for her bday (and at $72 tickets a pop you understand that can't be passed up hehhehe!)

The above is a picture of my sweet Ciara-Bear on her 7th birthday (her age when I met her) - - a far cry from now.. wait! I think I hear the strains of Barbra Streisands "The Way We Where" playing in the distance..

This is her precocious pup, "Petite"... undoubtedly thinking if she poses as Minnie Mouse she can come along with us today and be carried about the Park...(but like I said, 'at $72 a pop'....

*E* is for Eloping

Tis true! Tis True! We eloped and made it official!!

I am now a "Mrs.", "Missus", "Ma'am". I am officially NO longer an "old maid", "spinster" or "crazy Cat-lady" - - okay, okay - my friends say I still hold on to that last moniker.

Back from Ireland I found myself with a lot on my plate dealing with my back injury, working overtime, my horrible boss.. I wished we had been able to come back legally married from Ireland but it wasn't legal yet. We had to still do a civil ceremony in the States. And I was stressed out picking the date for our ceremony here.

Ugh. Even Patrick was pressuring me for it.

The Truth was: I just wanted to be married to this man. Now. And so did he. But I was dragging my feet dealing with my physical pain and my awful boss. Also, I was trying to plan around some VIPs in my life who are getting married themselves or having babies.

I was...in a word: overwhelmed.

And then, I woke up 2 Wednesday mornings ago and told Patrick, "Let's just go to Vegas this weekend. I cannot wait a few more months."

"Absolutely," was his game answer.

And that was that.

We didn't tell anyone, until the drive up. Then the happy/teary phone calls were made (stay tuned for the video log to be uploaded on here). Ahhhhh... I love my family very much. And I remain grateful for their support and patience at their youngest sister and daughter being unconventional enough to not want the traditional wedding with a white bridal gown and all that lovely stuff that goes with it.

Does my immediate family probably feel that they missed out not being there? Lamentably, yes. But those who know me know it was never about the bridal gown and flowers and hotel for me. I would have married Patrick anywhere just as long as I came home that weekend with the pride and humility of being his wife and partner.

Just for kicks tidbits: I had told my mom and my Aunty Nora at breakfast the day after my first date with Patrick 3.5 years ago that I was going to marry him. (My mom almost keeled over hehehe). But I was right. Hahahah, mama, I was right!

Also, it just tickles me that of course, I would marry someone from another country/continent - - I have been enamored of foreign people, lands and languages since a child and am a self-described 'Europhile'. Sigh - it is just so fitting. And I can't WAIT to get my Euro passport!! Whew hew!!

What a wonderful year for my family and friends - babies, weddings, world travels and more! We are truly and so magnificently blessed :)

Cheers to my dedicated new husband, Patrick. I love you with all the pain and beauty that makes up my soul.

And finally: I am so grateful to God. So humbled...


Editor's Note ** - - And, yes, now that I am legally wed, and have had the Catholic ceremony in Ireland - all the pressure is off and we will be having the Big Reception soon - are you kidding me???? I ain't no 'Spring Chicken' but I have always known how to host a great party!!

Click below for Vegas slideshow:

Eloping in Las Vegas

Tummy-ache at Waterworks, Ireland

Unfortunately, throughout this Ireland trip I had a badly-sprained back that kept me in excruciating pain. Even though I hate them, I had 4 different prescription drugs I was on - which, incidentally, I had just thrown up right before this video - heheheh you can see I am pale and green - but what a trooper, eh??? he he he

Ireland Summer 2009

Yes, I am back-logged - - or shall I say 'back-blogged' on here. We've been having technical difficulties at home and very busy so I am barely getting up my Ireland 2009 pics (and more) on here!

Ireland this year was vastly different than my first trip there in May of 2007. This time around, we had P's daughter Ciara with us which kept us home-bound a lot more than our last trip (see previous blogs by scrolling through year 2007). Also, the 2 biggest reasons for this trip was 1). to visit and spend time with Patrick's aging 84 year-old mum and 2) to have a small Catholic Wedding blessing ceremony there that his parents could partake in as Patrick's mom won't be able to travel to the USA for our bigger ceremony later this year. Of course it was the wettest summer in decades. So wet that Patrick's folks commented that even Father (the priest) was in a grumpy and blue mood due to all the rain.

Finally, I had sprained my back badly the week before at work and was in intense pain - the flight over almost killed me sitting cramped up for hours. So, I was the entire time doped up on muscle relaxers and painkillers - not that it stopped me from doing any activity when possible(!)

Thus we spent the majority of time at their beautiful home in Warrenpoint, shooting photography and taking long, long serene walks around town, through P's old neighborhoods and where he road his Arabian pony. I loved the stories as I am an avid story-listener as much as a story-teller myself :)
Ciara had more of a blast than any of us. She goes every year there and is a superstar of sorts, being from America. She commented to me, "it's the few times she is really the coolest kid there" - as the children are enamoured of her accent, clothes, her dancing, etc etc. Also, it is relatively safe there so she can just go out and play in the park and walk into the town for an ice cream with the kids until dark - sadly, she can't do that here in San Diego. It's wonderful to see her enjoy her freedom and independence there.

Lastly I wish to point out for my family that it was hard not having them present for the Catholic Blessing - - although I am very grateful to have done it there for P's mother. She held my hand through the prayers and I felt (of COURSE) the tears of happiness and gratefulness welling up in my big eyes and then plop! fall down onto my silk skirt. After all was done she waved my hand in hers, scolding me in her brogue, "You're a big Softie, Elsa -- that's what you are!"

Click below on the slideshow for more!

Ireland09