in an octopus' garden...under a new shade

Remember the art work BSD made for the Big Ballerina out of the old fence pickets? Well...we promised the Little Ballerina that she would get one too. We didn't want the same design so we asked her what she wanted. Her reply...

"a lavender octopus on a green background"

Alrighty then. 

A lavender octopus on a green background you shall get.

BSD is the bomb!

And you'll also get a new hanging lamp for some shade. 

A lamp that I originally bought on a whim for the Big Ballerina's bedroom from one of those online flash sales. I think it was Joss and Main. But BB vetoed it. Luckily, LB is not as picky. And she is happy with the cozy space it creates.

What I couldn't stomach was that nightstand. Splattered with Barbie stickers that don't simply peel off. And Daddy's cell phone number written on the side. 

While I would have loved to replace the nightstand with something a little bigger to fit the space better. I decided to just grab a can of paint I recently used on another piece in the house. That just so happened to be a shade farther down the paint strip from her wall color. (oh...which for the record. I still don't like. But it's staying. For now.) And went ahead and gave it a fresh coat of paint and some new glass knobs.

So we ever so slowwwwllllyy continue to work on the ballerinas' bedrooms. And every other room inside and outside our house. It's a process. Our motivation ebbs and flows. As do the funds to make it happen. But half the excitement is discovering what we can create for next to nothing. As in the case of the octopus art. It cost us nothing.

PS - The octopus is painted with all paints we had already. The green background is the minty green paint (mixed with a darker green) that I had Larry first paint the kitchen with. That made me want to cry. hehe...I like that it now has a happy ending.

in the park. after dark.

Today is Day 263 of my Project 365. Which is really a Project 366. Because it's Leap Year. Freakin' overachiever that I am. I chose a leap year to attempt this project. 

Some days the photos come easily. I'm done by 9am. 

Other days. It's not so easy.

 

SETTING: Tonight. 9pm. Our kitchen.

BSD: What's your photo today?
Me: I don't have one.
BSD: What are you going to do?
Me: I don't know. Take a picture tomorrow.
BSD: Isn't that cheating?
Me: Well...unless you'll let me take your picture now....

And so he did.
Such a good sport.
Until.
Just as I'm figuring out the camera settings.
He tells me he has to go home.
To poop. 

Coming Home...

Homecoming 2011 went off without a hitch. After traveling over 7,000 miles, BSD made it home as scheduled.

Or at least we hoped it was BSD. We weren't too sure who the crazy-hair, bearded man was who wanted to give us a hug.

He was definitely a sight for sore eyes.

Or rather. He made our eyes sore at the sight of him. So we drove him straight to the salon for a little a lot of grooming of his own.

And then on to a favorite Mexican restaurant for some margaritas.

And then right over to a holiday party for a little gabbing and gambling.

Before finally letting him actually COME HOME to rest. In his own bed.

I’m coming home
I’m coming home
Tell the World I’m coming home
Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday...

Welcome home, BSD.

Homeward Bound....

Single digits, baby! We're down to single digits. BSD should be home in less than ten days. And Pandora, played the perfect song for me when I fired her up this afternoon. It's eerie how that station reads my mind.



And I'm half expecting BSD to look quite like Art Garfunkel when he arrives. As he has warned me that he has not had a hair cut. Since he left. Three months ago. I think I'll get him an orange turtleneck for Christmas. So he can really rock that retro 60's look. I never realized how much he resembles Mr. Garfunkel. They even stand alike.

Maybe I'll tease my hair big, snap-on my long fake ponytail, rock some go-go boots and join him. It'll be just like the good ole days.

Photo circa 1995 or so. Us in Hawaii. Just dating. Prekids. Prebrow waxes. Preflat Iron.

And just like NORAD can track Santa along his Christmas Eve joyride. We now have our own site to track BSD's voyage home. How cool is that!?

Homeward bound
I wish I was
Homeward bound
Home, where my thoughts escaping
Home, where my music's playing
Home, where my love lies waiting
Silently for me

A Fair Trade...

I've mentioned many times that BSD makes surfboards. Old news. But the best thing about this hobby of his is his desire to have nice photos of the boards he makes.

And since his skillz as a photographer are not as mad as his skillz as a shaper. He comes to moi. And when he does. I make him do things like this...

And this...

And this...

When what he really wants is just a photo like this...

or this...

or this...

 

Those last three photos are so much cooler to him than the first three. I, on the other hand, would have rather opened up the lens more. A little more DOF would be my preference. But after a few "vision" difference of opinion "discussions," I've learned to just close down the lens to showcase more of the board's details.

In the end, it's a win-win. He gets to show off his boards. And I get to have a semi-willing model. And I think he makes a pretty darn good model at that. 

The icing on the cake? When I say I need a new lens, he's right on board.

Note: This is not a surfboard. It's called a paipo. It's like a boogie board on steroids. Made just like a surfboard but meant for riding the waves on your knees or your belly. Someone from the west coast contacted BSD to make it for him.

Ohana means nobody gets left behind...

I've mentioned before that BSD was born in Hawaii. Of two haoles. Whom I'm not sure can even swim. Yet in his mind. This is BSD's family.

When we were dating. And relatively young. And living on the North Shore. BSD never missed a paddleboard race. He'd see that race posted on the bulletin board at Foodland and he was always the first one to turn in his registration form. The opportunity to paddle among pro surfers. To get a t-shirt with an "official" Da Hui logo. Not one of the "fake" ones you could buy in a surf shop. Gave him such a major woody.

To his credit, these races were pretty hard core. Paddling from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay. While laying face down on a massive surfboard. For four miles. Often in some pretty choppy seas. Was not an easy task. BSD definitely earned those t-shirts. And wore them proudly.

Now remember, we were dating at the time. Which means you do things you wouldn't normally do. Just to impress your date. See where this is going?

Yes. I did. I signed up to paddle in one of these races with BSD. Me. The non-surfing, non-ocean swimming girl from New York. We drove down to Waikiki and BSD rented me the longest surfboard he could find. He was such a sport. He stayed by my side the entire time. Even as every last entrant paddled by us. I know he was chomping at the bit to get on with the race. Yet he patiently paddled beside me. Cheering me on.

After many grueling hours. OK, maybe about one mile into the course. Water safety rode up on his jet ski. Told us I was drifting too far out to sea. Then towed me to within yards of the finish line.

I paddled the last few lengths to the finish. Ran the 100 yards up the beach through the chute. Got my tshirt. And sat. Waiting for BSD to paddle the rest of the course. Poor BSD. I'm pretty sure he came in dead last. But he didn't care. He still got his tshirt. And he wore it proudly.

I never wore mine. Never felt worthy. We still have it. It's packed up in a box in the attic. Along with BSD's other race tshirts that he has since retired. So...ballerinas. When we're gone. And you're going through our old things. Keep your eye out for that box of tshirts. They meant a lot to your dear old dad.

Fast forward...15 years? BSD now sponsers his own version of Da Hui's North Shore paddleboard race. On August 21st, the third annual race will take place here in Virginia Beach. Some people will paddle the traditional prone style. Some will stand up and actually use a paddle. And this year there will even be a few kayaks. There will be handmade trophies. A custom made surfboard raffled off. And tshirts. Of course.

The Big Ballerina will be paddling a special new board.

Styled after a traditional prone paddleboard.

Complete with a fancy water bottle and chin rest.

A board made especially for her.

By her dear old dad.

As for me. We're not dating anymore. 

I think I may finally sit this one out.

Crossing the finish line in 2009.

 But I think I'll get BSD a pair of those "black shorts."

So he can continue to live out his fantasy. I think he can wear them proudly.

The Friday Night Fish Taco Showdown

Fish tacos are a main staple at our house. BSD grew up in southern California eating them regularly at John's Fish Market in Dana Point. Or heading over the border into Mexico for some 'real deal' tacos de pescado straight from the street vendors.

When we lived in San Diego we made our share of border runs for some lobster tacos in Puerto Nuevo. Complete with handmade tortillas. And the best margaritas both south and north of the border. Margaritas that knocked you on your ass when you got up from the table. Maybe it has something to do with those worms in the tequila bottles.

Since moving east, we have spent the past 10 years tweaking our fish taco recipe. We've finally landed on one that is a bit of a departure from the authentic baja fish taco. But one we love nonetheless. So much so, that we often invite friends over for fish taco fests.

I'm sure I've mentioned that BSD is quite the talker. And self-promoter. He'll tell anyone who will listen about his 'famous fish tacos.' So, after years of shameless cheap talk, it finally came down to this.

Yes, indeed. There was a Friday Night Fish Taco Showdown in our cul-de-sac. All of the neighbors, even some who've never made a fish taco before, were going to throw down. Unfortunately, the temperature that night was well into the triple digits so there were a few less entries than promised. But the diehards, like BSD, showed up ready to rumble.

A broad range of fish "tacos" was represented. From BSD's more traditional Baja fried fish version. To Chef Jim's grilled rockfish tacos.

To Miss Jan's fajita style seafood tacos. To Miss Debbie's ceviche.

There was plenty of food to be sampled.

And plenty of judges to go around.

(no, that Smirnoff Ice does not belong to these minors. pinky promise.)

 Some working very hard.

And some who took their duties very seriously.

Spanish lessons were even included. No slacking off on the learning around here just because it's summertime.

And if you were annoying in any way...

After the very official votes (tally marks scratched on a paper plate passed around the table) were cast, Chef Jim was proclaimed the 2011 fish taco king. 

With all the bragging rights that go along with the title. For one year. Giving BSD 364 days to continue tweaking his famous fish taco recipe.  Juego de!

Fifteen

Fifteen years. Fifteen years ago BSD and I said, "I do" at sunset on our favorite beach. In Hawaii. 

It was a tiny ceremony. We made all our own food. We even baked the cake. And when we noticed the big gaps between the tiers, we decorated it with poisonous plumeria from our yard. 

Luckily, no one died.

Fifteen years later. We are still hanging around the beach. In Virginia. Minus one uber cool black lab. Plus two ballerinas.

Fifteen years. That's a pretty long time. To spend with one person. 

Definitely a cause for celebration. And we did celebrate. Quietly. Just the two of us. Nothing fancy. A stroll on the boardwalk. And a nice dinner. Simple. Just like our wedding.

Anniversary Highs and Lows

• Bad: The extreme heat and humidity.
• Badder: Fighting over getting change for the parking meter.
• Worst: Feeling your hair take on a life of its own. Hence, the lack of pictures.

• Good: Driving through our favorite neighborhood checking out the homes for sale. Then realizing you're more than happy just where you are.
• Better: Love texts exchanged over dinner.
• Best: Knowing there is no one else in the world you'd rather have sitting across the table from you on your anniversary.

Rain, Rain, Go Away. Come Again, Another Day...

The weather here is all wack-a-doodle these days. Eighty degrees and sunny one day. Fifty and rainy the next. Shorts and tank tops on Monday. Sweaters and wellies by Thursday. Makes for way too much laundry. And too much laundry makes me tired.

All that laundry kicked my butt. I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Good thing it was one of those rainy days today. So I was able to catch a little afternoon nap. 


Yep. I'm sure it was the laundry that knocked me up out. I'm sure it had nothing to do with our lunch date today. BSD and I went out for Mexican. 

He had a quesadilla.

I had fajitas.

 

We came home for dessert. And a nap. I'm telling you. That laundry WORE ME OUT. Unfortunately, our nap only lasted about 20 minutes. And then the ballerinas were due home. Major buzz kill.

So later this evening as BSD was carrying his pile of clean clothes upstairs, he turned to me and said, "Let's do that again the next time it rains."

"Sounds good to me," I replied. "But let's go EARLIER. I need more than a 20 minute nap."

"Oh, yeah. Good idea," he answered. "Do you think they open at 11am?"

The Shark Shack

Where. The Joy of Love assignment today is Where. Where were you when your heart became his. This was so easy for me. I know exactly where....

Hawaii. O'ahu. The North Shore. The Shark Shack. On his bed. Just BSD. Me. And my friend Sheryl. Not Crow. Although I think she and I could be great friends.

Unfortunately, we couldn't get to Hawaii today. Or the North Shore. Or the Shark Shack. So our own bed will have to do.  

This is how exactly how I remember it. Minus the sandy feet. Plus a few extra layers of clothing. Minus Sheryl.

BSD, Sheryl and I had just returned to the Shark Shack after a day at the beach. We were sandy. We were sunburned. We were pooped. We flopped down on BSD's bed. And laid on our backs for a long, long time. And just talked. And talked. All three of us. The conversation was so easy. It was so comfortable. Like three best friends.

Best friends. 

That's when I realized it. I was with my best friend. 

Having recently walked away from a relationship with someone who didn't know how to relax. Who was married to his job. Who wasn't there for me. This simple little moment was profound.

Joy of Love: Day 22: Portraits

The Joy of Love class is winding down. I would love to go back and make sure I hit each day's assignments, but I doubt that is going to happen. I do have grand ideas for a few of the ones I've missed. But they require warm weather. And members of my family to be home. And willing participants. Three attributes that rarely go together.

OK...so today's assignment was portraits. Close up. Head and shoulder shots. Indoor. Natural light. I should be a pro at these by now. Right? So..how come I'm not? I'm blaming it on my house. My gear. And the weather.

My house is just not conducive to beautiful indoor natural light photos. I'm convinced. Not sure why. Is it the way it's positioned in relation to the sun and the windows? Is it the lack of windows on the sides of our house? Is it the paint color?!?!?

Since I can't do anything about the way our house is positioned on the earth. Or where the windows are located. Or the weather. I guess I'll just have to paint the walls. Something bright and neutral. This deep yellow/gold color? It's gotta go.

As for gear? I know it's not the gear. I have a great camera. Some decent lenses. But I can't help lusting after a 50mm 1.4. I have the 1.8. It works well enough. I just feeelllll like the 1.4 would be so much better. I've heard mixed reviews on the 1.2 and with the $1500 price tag that bad boy is not in the cards. Anyone here upgrade from a 1.8 to a 1.4 or 1.2? Did you notice a big difference?

Ok...so enough excuses. Oh wait, one more thing. There was NO light today. Totally gray and overcast. But here are my pictures for today. Both are taken with the 50mm 1.8.