Summer time.

It's been good to me this year. I knew things were off to a good start when I discovered that Daylight Savings would be coming earlier this year - adding a couple of valued weeks of extended summer evening bliss. I never took for granted the view from my balcony facing West. I leaned in to every sunset and enjoyed the sky turning colors and resting in a cool, vibrant blue...my favorite color.

Maybe this is why.

In May I started swimming at the pool adjacent to my high school back in Duarte on the weekends. I got a great tan and I'm sure, burned a few good calories. But more than that - I just loved seeing the blue water and enjoying the calm quiet as I swam 8 feet below the surface... I love this pool and this town. It was very cool to come back - it looks exactly the same as it did 10 years ago when my father, brother, uncle and sister would all pile in the car during the summers and go for a swim each day at noon...of course, cherry Slurpees and Costco hot dogs were to follow. (if you shop there - you know the phenomenon)

May also brought the much awaited WICKED! which my mother bought me great seats to for my 30th birthday last November. (Yes, that's how long we waited for the night/seats she wanted.) It was amazing - their voices are so strong and gorgeous!

My older sister Katherine (seen here with mom) graduated with a Masters in Practical Theology in June. She's addicted to writing papers and taking tests...basically - college in general.

The kids and I joined in the church beach party at my favorite beach - Dana Point.

I'll tell ya, two rambunctious little pups sure can make for a hectic day at the beach for mommy. Yet THEY were the one's sleeping on the way home!

HEY - I wanna nap!

With July came as send off for Shawna Yetka on her move to Florida for an adventure that included school. And Leah finally arrived - so by July, it was time to show her off - PARTY, PARTY! With margaritas, of course.

(Left: Kiko - the hot mama, Elana and moi!)

Other than my previous post on Las Vegas - most of July was consumed with packing, packing and more packing. My roommate Jennifer bought a condo about 8 blocks from where we currently rented in Pasadena.

It was so tough for me to say goodbye to my beloved apartment and home of 3.5 years. But this was the plan to pack and move from the apartment in preparation for Nashville in early '08.

And so...the packing began. See here, Timmy was found helping me pack...it was disguised as sleeping in the sun behind my box.

Jenn's new condo is most excellently located within walking distance to Paseo Colorado, an outdoor mecca of high end shopping movies and dining, and the Shops on Lake, a small neighborhood feel...we can often be found at dusk walking the puppies along on our way to a light dinner at a local cafe.

Madi from Fresno came down for a go-go-go holiday weekend to begin September! I walked to pick her up from the bus stop that was 1.5 blocks from our new apartment late Friday evening! We woke up bright and early Saturday, dropped the pups off at my mom and dad's - then drove to DISNEYLAND!

Woohoo! I love The Happiest Place On Earth - I've been going every year for my entire life and love it. L-O-V-E. Short lines made up for HOT/HUMID weather. (uhg.)

That night I slept in heaven. With a chocolate chip cookie, down filled pillows and the most comfortable bed EVER...our hotel room was a highlight of the weekend. (sung to the tune of My Fair Lady)

"I could have SLEPT allllll night, I could have slept all night and stiiiiiiiilll have asked for mooooooooore..." The next morning she very sweetly let me lounge around lazily (right) before heading off to the beach.

That would be Laguna Beach. Ahhh...I love this small town nestled between hills along the Pacific coast. Often riddled with traffic - both on foot and by convertibles with the top down - it is a town with amazing energy, while effervescing vacation vibes. I'd love to make a small home here one day...if only to visit and have all of YOU come stay on my down pillows :)

The shops are filled with beautiful art and home furnishings and glassware. There are a few shops there that I could live in...

And then a drive down South to Sand Diego... A little John McLaughlin anyone?

September 7th marked the 2 year berfth of my little Huck Fin - Timmy. I made him a birthday cake out of dog food and the two puppies inhaled it! (they said I'm a great baker)
On the 16th a friendly face came to town, Mark. He was a friend of a friend and we had a great time showing him the whirlwind tour of Santa Monica/3rd Street, Mulholland Drive, the HOLLYWOOD sign, Hollywood & Highland, the Stars on Hollywood Blvd, PINKS famous hotdog stand, and Rodeo Drive.

Katherine thought the day wouldn't be complete without a visit to a massive Pottery Barn at 3rd Street Prom. I don't question the crazy woman with the camera. I just say cheese.










Then we met up at Disneyland - good times!

So here's to a great Fall in Southern California, looking forward to a Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C. and NYC and of course - making my way to Nashville in 2008!

Hope you all had a good Summer :)