Nov 20, 2012 |
So, wow. Say it with me: Wow!
Was it only a few days ago I posted how good things are even though on paper they look miserable? Well, guess what. I get a paycheck this week. A full paycheck. And you know what I’m going to do with it? I’m going to pay my mortgage! I’m so stinking excited.
My Personal Retreat
I’ve paid my mortgage every month, but this month is special. This month, it’s being paid from my paycheck: from money I earned at my new job.
It’s a great Thanksgiving!
You know what else is new? Take a guess. Okay, re-read the title of this post and then take a guess. Nothing? Re-read the title of this post and look at this picture and then take a guess.
Dot’s New Car
That’s right: Through some change in the cosmos and aligning of the planets, Dot has a new (used) car. Which means I have my car back. Which means whoever’s car I was borrowing has their car back. I don’t know who’s most excited in this scenario.
Yeah. Still trying to wrap our heads around it. There was no winning lottery ticket. No suddenly deceased Great Uncle. No winning lottery ticket. Just a lot of prayer and finagling and here we are.
If this can happen for us, then I know we’ll be okay. More than okay. We’re gonna be Good.
I’m filled with emotion as my little girl turns into a responsible adult. How wonderful to see her stand tall and make decisions. How frightful that she’s going out on her own. Is she ready? Am I ready?
I knew this day would come. I was hoping it’d be much later.
Much. Much. Later.
She’s my little girl. And she’s all grown up.
You know what my favorite part of the day is?
She still hugs me goodnight and greets me every morning.
“I Love You, Momma.”
I love you, too, Dot.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Jul 28, 2012 |
It’s no secret that the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA is one of my family’s favorite destinations. Whether it’s just for an afternoon of strolling or a weekend getaway, this beautiful and historic location has much to offer people of all ages.
Three of my favorite photos were taken by either myself or my daughter during a Three-Generation Stay in April, 2011. It was the first time my mother, myself, and my daughter were on the same vacation.
Peaceful Morning
Who I Am [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
Tiramisu at the Bella Trattoria
The Miller family bought the Glenwood Cottage in the 1870s. In 1880, young Frank Miller purchased it from his father with the intent to develop it into a fine retreat; an oasis in the middle of the California desert. What originally began as a boarding house would later become the historically renowned Mission Inn, now owned by Duane Roberts who invested much time and money in restoring the Inn.
In the beautiful Riverside area, the Mission Inn has blossomed into an internationally renowned retreat. The list of famous guests continues to this day. Many authors have stayed at, and written about, the Mission Inn. Last year, our stay included the “Of Love and Evil” package, featuring an autographed copy of Anne Rice’s book of the same title. Noted singers, performers, authors, actors, political persons and Presidents have signed their names to the proverbial Guest Book.
Our room was one of the Glenwood Suites on the Third Floor. Tucked into one of the corners, our view encompassed the Clock Tower, Author’s Row, and overlooked the Spanish Patio. [The above photo, “Peaceful Morning”, was taken from our doorway in the early morning.]
View of Author’s Row [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
Symbol of Riverside [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
Casey’s Cupcakes [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
But what I really appreciate about the Mission Inn is that I never feel like a tourist there. I feel valued. It doesn’t matter if I’m reserving the cheapest room or Keeper of the Inn Suite [not that I’ve yet had that privilege… I’m saving that for my Best Seller Celebration]: the Mission Inn staff is always courteous, smiling, friendly, helpful, and appreciative. The grounds are always clean. And the food is always memorable. From a small bite of room service to the Veal Lasagna at the Bella Trattoria on the corner to the sweet desserts of Casey’s Cupcakes to the individual Keurig coffee personally blended in our rooms.
No morsel is mundane. No view is ordinary. No visit is just a memory. Each is an experience to be savored and shared. And, as much as possible, repeated.
Presidential Suite Patio
Architecture
The Turret
Dot on the Fourth Floor
Rooftop Herb Garden
Refreshing Fountains
Rooftop Herbs
Perimeter [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
Festival of Lights [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
Author’s Row at Evening [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
Ambient Fountain
Find the Mission Inn on the web:
MissionInn.com
On Facebook: The Mission Inn
On twitter: @MissionInnHotel
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
This post is linked up with Frankly, My Dear’s… Destination Station!
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My Personal History of Coffee (And a Keurig Review)
Invisible Person in a Sea of People: Robin H. and the 99-Cent Sin
May 7, 2012 |
I’m falling in love with apples. I can’t explain my newest obsession, except to state that that I’m just really falling in love with apples!
I just got back from Women’s Retreat with my church. It was a great weekend, as expected. And then something slightly awkward happened. During the final session, just before we left to go home, I ended up with some great writing ideas.
There I am, singing praise with my friends, and I’m struck with the overwhelming urge to write it out. I’m sure I was a bit distracting to those around me. It’s not unlike me to make small notes wherever I am, and that does include church. But these were no mere notes. By the time I was done (about five minutes), I’d hashed out four pages of scribbles.
What’s all this got to do with apples? Nothing more than I recently was talking with my friend Mary and had told her I love saying, “How do you like them apples?!” whenever something is going on but I can’t quite voice it. It could be a secret I have. It could just be that my thoughts aren’t connecting with the page. It’s also a shout-out to another great TV show, The West Wing. Character Amy Gardner (played by Mary-Louise Parker) was known for saying, “How do you like them apples?!” especially when trying to prove she’s right.
Since I’ve been watching my West Wing DVD’s lately, I’ve reacquainted myself with Amy and her go-getter attitude. And her phrase.
I mentioned this to Mary, and to my delight, she posted this photo for me on facebook:
Apples are great. And I was inspired to write about them in my scribbles this morning. But I was also inspired to keep their wholesome goodness to myself. At least for a while. At least until I can gather more material and make something quite substantial out of it.
You’re just gonna have to trust me. This is gonna be great. I promise.
So. You know I gotta ask:
How do you like them apples?!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
