Right Brained Gal

The Year From Hell

As I approach another birthday, I look back at the past year and have to admit it has definitely been the worst year of my life.  It has been the most uncomfortable, painful, hard, difficult, emotional, scary, heart wrenching, and depressing twelve months I have ever had to endure.  But I lived through it, and even though I lost a large part of my self esteem and dignity, I came out of it with humility and gratitude.

How many people change their lives when they are up against obstacles? How many get strength from fear? What about those who become grateful for the things they used to take for granted?  We've all heard the stories of the bravery of people battling cancer. I don't think in my case I am being brave, as much as doing what I have to do to survive. I guess I am now a member of heroic breast cancer survivors, and should take a cautious victory lap around the universe. On this lap, I will enjoy every precious minute, and hopefully become the woman I have always wanted to be.

Illustration Friday - Slither

The topic for this week's Illustration Friday is slither, not the same as sliver.  Since almost everyone used a snake, I thought I would go for the snail instead.  Especially since they are abundant in my garden again this year.

Chicago Bound

Next week I am going to Chicago to visit my daughter and I am so excited.  I finish up my radiation in two days and to celebrate that and my birthday, I am going on an extended vacation.  I'm looking forward to seeing my daughter and all of her friends, especially Na, who is graduating from medical school.  My sister is even coming to join us in the Windy City.

I Love Living in Santa Monica

I just got back from a Jack Johnson concert at the Santa Monica Pier and what a great night it was. Thousands of people of all ages were there, sitting on blankets, literally chilling out in cool night air. It has been very windy and cold for May, but that didn't stop people from having a good time.  The purpose of the concert, besides promoting his new CD, To the Sea, was to offer free, front row tickets to those who volunteered to clean up the beach last Saturday. Two thousand environmentally concerned souls spent hours on Saturday, ridding the beaches of all the litter and filth that has accumulated over the winter.  

I am so thankful to be a part of the organization Heal the Bay who has done remarkable work in cleaning up the beaches and rescuing the Santa Monica Bay from being used as a daily dump site. Hopefully this event will bring more attention to the organization that we so desperately need. It is so disgusting to walk along the beach and see everything from used condoms to disposable diapers, especially when there are trash cans everywhere.  I am now a big fan of Jack Johnson and his mellow, low key, soft rock sounds. I especially love the fact that he donates a great percentage of his profits to his organization, All at Once. The world needs more entertainers like him.  The world also needs people to stop using plastic. Just a thought.

What Price Hope?

I am really saddened by the news that Homeboy Industries, a very successful gang intervention program in Los Angeles, has had to lay off the majority of its workers and is facing financial ruin. I have experienced the rewards first hand, as my daughter works for the organization, run by Father Greg Boyle, and has dedicated the last ten years helping support his vision.

In a society where most people work hard so that they can acquire things, from the largest flat screen televisions to the biggest gas guzzling SUV, it is encouraging to see someone who sees the good in everyone, and dedicates his life to giving them strength and to the ability to make a U-turn in their life's path. For zero monetary rewards.

 
Father Greg has recently written a book, Tattoos on the Heart, which details his remarkable journey assisting Los Angeles gang members to become positive and contributing members of society. Told through personal stories arranged by themes, he inspires and humanizes those who have fallen through the cracks.

Even though the profitable Homegirl Cafe, Homeboy Bakery and the silkscreening business will remain open, all of the other services, such as tattoo removal, counseling, job training, educational programs and legal assistance, will cease to operate.

In a city that is so impacted by gang violence, you would think that they would come up with the money to help such a compassionate, effective program. 

I just read somewhere that Meg Whitman has spent $68 million of her own money to run for governor of California and I can vouch for it by the number of commercials that have been bombarding the airwaves.  To top it off, she is sliding in the polls, probably because of all the commercials. I guess this just proves the theory that LIFE IS NOT FAIR.

Swim With the Dolphins

Happiness is, sitting on a friend's patio, watching the dolphins play in the ocean.  It was a day that started out with rain, only to have the sun come out, turning the ocean a fabulous shade of blue. As we sat outside, taking in the incredible view,  we were delighted to see a group of dolphins jumping in and out of the water, in what seemed like a few feet from the shore. Since I took about 50 pictures and none of them showed the dolphins, you will just have to take my word for it. Maybe if I had a better telephoto, it would help.

La Grande Orange

Had a really enjoyable breakfast with friends today at the ever popular La Grande Orange in Santa Monica. It is a casual, neighborhood restaurant, a block from the ocean on Main Street, that serves fresh, local produce.  It was so relaxing to sit on the patio and catch up with old friends.  Think Sex in the City, menopause years.    I hear the best part of this restaurant is their bakery, especially their chocolate chip banana cookies and red velvet cake.  I couldn't even think of dessert after having Eggs Benedict with homemade English Muffins that were as big as my head. I will definitely have to go back for lunch or dinner in the near future.

Illustration - Equipment

The topic for this week's Illustration Friday is Equipment.  Who wouldn't want this equipment to be available for doing all the things we don't especially love to do?  I'll be the first to admit I don't love household chores such as cleaning, and even though I love to cook, I would love a sous chef, dishwasher.  I can dream, can't I ?

Life is Sweet

Macaroons are my favorite cookie in the world, but unfortunately they are too difficult to make and too expensive to become addicted to, so I just window shop every time I go to Bottega Louie, and pretend that I am back in Paris. I wish.The breads are fantastic and they even have a red velvet loaf (my personal favorite). Not to mention the cute boxes. If you are ever in downtown Los Angeles, and want to pretend you are in Paris, you have to visit Bottega Louie. 

The Apple Doesn't Fall too far from the Tree

Luckily, my love of cooking gene was inherited by both of my daughters, and I now get to reap the benefits. My daughter Shannon and her husband Jerome, hosted a fabulous Mother's Day Brunch for both families. Three types of homemade hummus. I too, have recently started making my own hummus and realize how easy and inexpensive it is to do your own. Since they are true Californians, everything was made on the grill, even the eggs. My favorite thing was the quinoa beet pancakes, which were a little too healthy for most of the guests. Even though it was my day, I couldn't resist and made the dessert. Cupcakes with strawberry whipped cream.  It was a fabulous day, but my youngest daughter lives in Chicago and couldn't join us and was truly missed. 

Happy Mother's Day

After a wonderful day, I am happily exhausted and off to dreamland.

Today

Today I am grateful that I have wonderful people in my life.

Not a McMuffin

As I was coming home from my radiation treatment, I passed the Buttermilk food truck and since there was no line, I stopped to grab a quick breakfast. I have never eaten a McMuffin but I can tell you this is nothing like anything you would ever get at McDonalds.
This was a homemade biscuit with a real fried egg and chicken apple sausage. It was fabulous and this is coming from someone who doesn't like fried eggs, or breakfast for that matter.  I had to sample the homemade cake donuts, which were the size of a donut hole, but sinfully delicious. I passed on the red velvet pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes and french toast. My ass was very thankful. 
If you live in the Los Angeles area, and ever run across the Buttermilk food truck, I highly recommend you try their version of the Egg McMuffin.  You can thank me later.

Illustration Friday - Cocoon

The topic for this week's Illustration Friday is cocoon. Another excuse to draw butterflies.