Magic Happens On a Full Moon

Truly it does. Last month when we were traveling in the Pacific Northwest, my son Alex, and I were simply on our way to the grocery store when he looked out the passenger window and saw this absolutely bewitching full moon rising over Blake Island and West Seattle.

We quickly pulled over, and I frantically dug out my camera. I was so afraid that I wouldn't get it out of the case in time to take these images.  My fingers were freezing, and I was shaking a little from the cold, but with a little balancing act on the roof of the car, these images are what were captured.  Breathtaking.

 Just a magical reminder to stop, slow down, look out your window, and soak in the beauty and mystery that surrounds us every single day.

The best part is being able to share these awesome, inspiring moments with someone you love.  So glad that my kids (they really are adults!)  have learned how to spot these moments now too.  Enjoy your full moon weekend - and don't forget to stop and look for that gorgeous full moon rising in the east.

(P.S. Yes, the images are mine.  And yes, I do always have my camera with me, just in case, "magic" happens)

California Sealions - Who can resist?

Seriously - who can resist this face?

This adorable sea lion was our lunch entertainment show on the Santa Cruz pier on Saturday.  We think she was putting on a show looking for a boyfriend!

Have a great Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Monday!  We are taking the afternoon off to do some exploring on the Embarcadero.  Love exploring the Ferry Building  and might have to pick up some fabulous Cowgirl Cheese or stop by Hog Island for oysters and a glass of Pinot Gris....

P.S.  Have I told you all lately, how much I LOVE being a newly-converted California girl?

Nautical Style from Brooks Brothers

So sorry about neglecting the blog the past few weeks!  I have been working with my son to get our new website launched, and have been chained to my computer for the past few weeks. Traveling between my office in San Francisco and my parents "office"  (can you say dining room table?) in the Pacific Northwest, this has been an overwhelming undertaking!  Every time I think we are close to being ready, we run into another glitch....

My coffee drinking habit is becoming sort of a problem, chocolate and peanut butter toast have become my food items of choice.... Let's not even start talking about my wine drinking issues!
(my favorite coffee cup courtesy of my adorable daughter Allison!)

Lucky for me, my friends James and Tim came to rescue me for one day to play in the city. James applied for, and received his dual-citizenship from Great Britain, and I was the designated tour guide in downtown San Francisco last week while we attended his "affirmation-oath" ceremony at the British Consulate.  Picked them up in the Mini-Cooper (she was soooo happy to have a spin downtown!) and we were off for breakfast in Union Square at a darling French cafe, Cafe' de la Presse,  and then a little shopping expedition.

Just have to show you what we found at the Brooks Brothers store on Post Street just off of Union Square.  Total nautical-preppy style!  

Loved it!

(PS you can find the cute sailers on our site - Forza Sailing Fleet)

It was so worth it to have a day away from the computer!

Best of all, I got to spend a wonderful day with James and Tim, celebrating James' new dual-citizenship ceremony.  I can't wait to see their next adventure in Scotland!

We finished off the day at the Cliff House with glamorous cocktails, gossip about our hometown, and a gorgeous sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Life is good.

P.S.  James has been my friend since 1996, and owns a fabulous salon in my hometown of Port Orchard, WA. Highly recommend it!  Sugar Daddy's Salon 

Now back to website editing....

Puget Sound Mist and January Sunrises

I could not resist running outside in my pj's to capture these images of a very cold (28 degrees!) frosty, misty morning at my mom and dad's house.  Great blue herons overhead, harbor seals cruising for salmon, king fishers bobbing on smooth, glass-like bay water - quiet nature waking up in the sunrise.

Our Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges are covered in thick pink snow.

Unfortunately... I locked myself out of the house.  No key,  no gloves, sexy flannel jammies, gorgeous stick-up morning hair.

I still think it was worth it.