Dec 13, 2012 |
I know. This is my buzzillionth post about the Mission Inn in Riverside. But seriously… you can’t possibly be tired of hearing how stunningly magical it is. My Most Favorite Place is all lit up for the holidays.
It’s always beautiful. Especially this time of year. From the day after Thanksgiving through the first weekend in January, The Mission Inn hosts its Festival of Lights. As over 3,600,000 lights light up the block-sized Resort, the sidewalks fill with a crowd that would challenge New York City during Rush Hour. Street venders peddle their wares. The aromas of roasted chestnuts, kettle corn and hot chocolate waft on the light breeze. Neon everything illuminates the surroundings. Performers serenade the immense crowd with guitars and voices.
And if you want to really partake in the Festival of Lights extravaganza, you have to get in line. Way down there. No, keep going. That’s it. There. Around the building. Down the block. Yup. There ya’ go. It takes about an hour to navigate the winding around, into, and out of the Lobby where Santa awaits and the tall Tree is displayed. It’s worth it.
But if long lines aren’t your cup of tea, stop in at Casey’s Cupcakes for a cupcake instead. Or wait two hours to be seated at the Bella Trattoria next door.
The best view of the Festival of Lights is from opposite sidewalks. There’s nothing quite like the scene lighting up against the night sky, with the clip-clop sounds of passing Cinderella carriages and wagons.
You can see as much or as little as you like; and do as much or as little. Stroll in the crowds and hum Christmas Caroles. Sit on a bench and enjoy people-watching. Revel in the flavors and noises of being thrown into another World. A World where history and celebration combine to bring Festivity to all to enjoy.
These are just a sampling of the Merriment you’ll find at
The Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights
Lobby Tree
Glamorous Gingerbread Cupcake and Gingerbread Coffee
Main Entrance
Around the Block
The Bella Trattoria
Sidewalk Lights
Stories Tall
Horse-Drawn Carriage
Fairy Tale Atmosphere
Gifts of Light
Festival of Lights
3500 Market Street. I just love this photo.
Fallen Leaves to Play In.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
My Personal History of Coffee (and a Keurig Review)
Destination: Mission Inn, Riverside, CA
Destination: Mission Inn [“Tell ‘Em Tony Sent Ya”]
Destination: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan
Dear Casey’s Cupcakes… Thanks For Being So Sweet!
Dec 12, 2012 |
My Word this week is “Better”. I opted to trade in my frustrations and instead look for ways to make things Better.
I can’t change other people: their actions, reactions, lack of action… but I can take what’s at my control and manage my life Better. Sometimes people need a nudge in the right direction… or a push out the door.
I can’t be sad when things don’t work out. If there’s one thing I’ve learned lately, it’s that things work out with or without my interference. The best that I can do is to make any situation Better.
Yesterday I was cold. So today I wore socks and my Tall Boots to work. You know what? I felt better!
My eczema has flared up. Oatmeal baths and lotion are starting to do the trick.
I needed to hear from a friend. So I reached out.
I had a question at work and the Boss wasn’t it yet. I called our Home Office and discovered it was a system glitch and not something I missed!
Maybe my Word should be “proactive”.
Nah. I like “Better”, better.
What’s your Word this week?
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
“What’s the Word?” Wednesdays is a link-up that allows other bloggers and readers to share whatever they want to talk about. Think of it as a virtual coffee date with some great friends. What’s going on in your world? Tell us all about it!
A few things to remember:
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- Be sure to check out what others are posting, and even leave a few comments.
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So, c’mon. Join the conversation. After all, a great coffee date is one where everyone gets to chat, dontcha think?
Dec 11, 2012 |
I admit it. I got frustrated yesterday. Really frustrated.
I know I shouldn’t. I know I should revel in this Something Good that is my new job and a clean house… but I almost lost my temper. I definitely lost my Happy Place.
I discovered that I’m doing myself a disservice. Frankly, My Dear… is nearly two years old. And since August 1, 2011, I have blogged every.single.day. Sometimes, more than once.
In the beginning, when it was about social fiascoes and gaining confidence, it didn’t matter how trite my posts were. Or so I thought. But the more I wrote, the more I had to say. The more important it became to say it well.
And yesterday, my frustrations grew as I realized for about a month now, I’ve not written the way I want to continue to write.
Yes, November and December are always my busy season. Dot’s birthday. Holidays. And this year… a day job! Very exciting stuff. Very exciting, keep-me-on-my-toes stuff. Very exciting, keep-me-on-my-toes-and-holding-my-breath busy stuff.
It dawned on me… I need some R&R. I need to stop this “need” to write, and write when I have something to say. So that’s what I’m going to do.
Don’t worry. It’s just for a short time. For the week between Christmas and New Year’s, Frankly, My Dear… will be on vacation. We may check in from time to time. Run a few ideas past you. After all, I can’t just cut writing out cold-turkey!
Between now and then, I’ll post every day. A vacation is only a vacation when it’s a direction away from something else. If I quit writing now, what kind of vacation is that?
Come to think of, this all consuming day-job is a vacation from my unemployment. Hey, I like that! It’s a good job. I’m still learning the office procedures and rejoicing when glitches are generated from the Home Office system and not because I forgot to do something like hit the enter button. My budget is slowly balancing itself. Actually, it’s more of a teeter-totter; but now and then it levels off.
I need to focus on my job. And my bigger writing projects. My correspondence course. And better blogging. Guess what!
I’m not SuperWoman. Surprised? I am!
So this frustrating revelation led to a better outlook. Instead of remaining frustrated, I’m taking a vacation. I’ll give myself the end of this year to plot out Something Good for next year! Better blog posts. More advertising. Maybe a day trip or two with Mutti and Dot.
Definitely more recipes and writing. And positively a better budget. More reading! And making better use of my lunch hour for such things.
Yup. I just need to regroup, make a schedule, close my eyes, and listen to… nothing. Just for a few days.
I’d invite you to come along… but I think that defeats the purpose…
I’m learning to just be still. And keep my eyes closed. Sometimes it’s just as hard to not see the world, as it is to pay attention.
Retreat: Be Still
I refuse to be a victim of sensory overload.
I’m gonna take a vacation!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
