kick off your shoes

I love Ventura this time of year, when the days are so long there's no need to rush. And bare feet are more than acceptable, they're expected.

Happy Friday friends. Hope you get to take off your shoes and bask in the sun this weekend.

{photo by me, of my own summer solstice toes at Cemetery Park}

Affirmation Inspiration

Wish my day had started like this instead.

Dear Ol' Dad

My dad is totally awesome. We couldn't celebrate Father's Day with him Sunday because we had an epic photo shoot scheduled. But we did have the loveliest Italian feast at Arnoldi's in Santa Barbara in his honor, complete with chianti and bocci ball.

For those of you live in the area, you simply must visit Arnoldi's Cafe one summer evening. It's such a perfect setting for long days and late nights.

{photos by of mom and dad by me}

Oh Brother

Wish I was there to celebrate with you, Jabe. Hope it was a perfect day and that you caught some of the kisses I was blowing in your direction. Happy Birthday.

{photo found here}

summer school

Today was my first day of summer school. Looks as though I have a good group of students, but that doesn't stop the poolside longings and the seashore cravings.

{photo found here}

angry dancing

I dance when I'm angry. I'm dancing right now.

persistent 'Insistor'

The soundtrack of our Sunday is still stuck in my head on Monday. This song is especially sticky. We also had a good dose of Pine Hill Haints, but I have yet to find a really excellent video of them.

Besides listening to good music, we chased the sun and went on another perfect picnic. Oooh, I just love a picnic. Did any of you find a patch of sunshine to bask in over the weekend?

homeward bound, I wish I was

The sun is slowly peeking through the fog on this May gray Saturday, and I'm longing for our downtown bungalow. I would so love to cruise to the farmer's market for fresh berries and tamales. But alas, it'll be at least another month until we move back home. Sigh.

I hope that your Saturday includes some two wheeled cruising and adventures of all kinds. For now, I'll be living vicariously through the bicycle rides of others.

{photo from Edward Olive's photostream}

ugly nectarine pie

This was my first summer fruit pie of the year and I must be totally honest, it was UGLY. The crust was stained and burnt with overflowed filling and the almond crumb topping was too crisp in places and not brown enough in others. But oh those nectarines were yummy and the pie was eaten up in just a couple days. And at least there's proof that I can make a nectarine pie look pretty... see here for the photos.