Santa Anita Racetrack

D and I spend the day at the races in Santa Anita.  Beautiful day, beautiful horses, and tons of fun having a weekend off together.

Flying V

I went on a walk this morning along a local trail.  It was wonderful to be outside and smell the salty air of the Pacific Ocean and feel the cool breeze against my skin.  One of things that still astounds me about living on the coast, is the amount of wild birds.  Especially now, as so many birds are commuting on to their next destination.  For whatever reason, our home to seems to be a proverbial highway of wild animals. So far I've seen migrating Pacific Grey Whales, dolphins, butterflies, and lots and lots of birds.  Most recently, I've found myself being drawn to the California Brown Pelicans.  Its fun to look down the coast and try to count the number of consecutive "flying-v's" of pelicans.  They look so regal and powerful as they glide over the beaches or as they swoop down and skimp the ocean's surface for a snack.  I never really paid much attention to pelicans before, but here, they're everywhere and you can't help but be drawn to their elegant flight patterns. I found a cute poem about pelicans by Dixon Lanier Merritt, that I'd like to share with you:

"A wonderful bird is the pelican
 His bill can hold more than his belican.
 He can take in his beak
 Food enough for a week;
 But I'm damned if I see how the helican."

Perhaps in my next reincarnation into this world, I'll be a pelican?  Or maybe a golden eagle?  I've always thought mountain lions were cool too.  Will have to think about that one for a while, before I make my final decision.  Its good to have those kind of decisions made ahead of time.

Smiling Faces

"Smiling faces . . . smiling faces sometimes . . ."  Name that tune!

Recently, D and I finished a mini project around our apartment. The project was putting up happy pictures of friends and family throughout our apartment.  This may sound like a minor project, and realistically it is, but the effect of our newly decorated home has had amazing results.  It is amazing what putting up a few pictures here and there of smiling faces or happy memories can do to the ole' morale.  D and I have had a rough couple weeks struggling with work and being down in LaLa land.  Although we certainly enjoy the sunny weather down here and there are plenty of cool places left to explore, we needed a little pick me up.  Most of the pictures that we put up are from our wedding or things surrounding our wedding.  We have some right by our front entrance and as soon as we walk in the door we are greeted by an array of smiling faces.  So if there's anyone else out there feeling a little blue or needs a little pick me up, I highly recommend making a trip to Target grabbing some cheapy frames and throwing up some happy memories on the wall.  Or as one unknown author said once "The world always looks brighter from behind a smile."