Estelle the Great 2003-2011

I traded in my car today.  We've had a rough couple of months, the CD player stopped working, the transmission was on its last legs, the power steering was creaking, the fan vents barely blew the A/C, Estelle was getting old and it was time to let her go, but not without a bit of remorse and nostalgia.  As I went through the glove compartment, I was struck by all the maps, love notes, photos, and random ephemera I forgot I'd tossed inside.  The letters went back almost 8 years, when I first got the car and had been dating Fritz-ky.  I wonder what happened to him?  We lost touch ages ago, when he decided to escape Hollywood and go back to school as a playwright.  I now live a few blocks from his old apartment, and wonder if the current tenants love the space as much as he did.  It was a lovely studio/one bedroom with hard wood floors, bare brick walls, and a bay window, that felt like something straight out of New York.  I suppose it's strange that I remember his place more clearly than his face, but isn't that how it's supposed to be with old loves?  Years go by and you remember the good and the great, but never the bad?

I guess, that is how it will be with Estelle, the first car I purchased all by myself.  Like all great relationships, the beginning was blissful, the middle comfortable, and the end sad and at times rocky.  We traveled almost 100,000 miles together, most of which were solo road trips, just me, her, and the open road.  It's hard to find a great travel buddy and she did well keeping up with my crazy notions.  For that, she will be missed.  Rest in peace, dear friend, RIP.

Walking in my shoes....

While cleaning out the closet, I found these funky shoes and realized I'd only worn them twice.  Decided it might be time to take them out in the sunlight again.  I think they rather enjoyed themselves.  But, you can judge for yourself....

 They were shocked by the vastness of the San Fernando Valley.

Loved the hike to the top of Fryeman Canyon.

Thought the fountain at Tree People was rather delightful.

Dipped their toes into the Pacific Ocean

Spotted a Kayak and asked to if they could take it out for a ride.

85 Degrees in Malibu?  Perfect day!

*Photos by Erin, Heidi, and me

Sammy

Meet Sammy....

He and I had a sweet little date in Griffith Park today.

We walked a bit.

Explored some caves.

Talked for hours.  He explained the difference between Maple and Elm trees (a brilliant professor of dendrology!!!)

We visited the old animal cages.

And made some new friends...

Then daydreamed about clouds and napped.

We were so comfortable together.  It was the most perfect date.

I hope he calls....

*Photos by Jacqui

Yet another snow day in Boulder, Colorado....

 "Off we go thru the dense jungles, then over the Himalayas to find our fortunes."

 "Whatever you do, don't look into the Golden Buddah's eyes...."

 "Oh dear!  Maddie didn't listen, and now he's lost his head!" cried Blythe.

"Perhaps he will be better if we put him on ice.  I hear that it worked for Walt Disney," said Strawberry.

Snow angels

"Oh Madagascar, our fallen comrade, you will be missed."

A traditional Tibetan Sky Burial for Madagascar.  

 Off on another adventure, our two intrepid explorers go...

Past the jungle of the Ivory Buddha,

Through the blades of mile-high grass,

"Watch out for snakes, Blythe!"

Over the shoulders of the Thai Princess Mountain.

Up the tower of elephants, 

They wander until they find their treasure: the Ancient gold, emerald, and ruby-encrusted Goddess of Kandahar.

The further adventures of Blythe and Madagascar....

 Sheep say, "Baaaaa!" 

 Blythe caught a ride from Mrs. Goose, while Madagascar had to run to catch up.

 "Tee hee, I can climb higher than you today, Maddie!" taunted Blythe.

 Blythe and Madagascar pause for a moment of silence in the Land of Broken cookies.

Madagascar had never had a Moe's Bagel, so Blythe begged to have lunch there.  It was delicious.

When they got home, they were surprised to find Strawberry Shortcake awaiting their return.

2011: The Goals

2010 was an intense year.  And while in the middle of it all, I had moments where I didn't think I'd still be living in Los Angeles at year's end.  But, LA has been my most favorite relationship of the past 10 years, and unlike this guy, I'm not quite ready to call it quits yet.  So for now, I'm here to stay...but in order to keep sane and continue to love my fair city, I think I need to work on the following goals:

1.) Finish the LA bucketlist.  Which means Adam: you and I have a date with Lucha Va Voom, Matt: we are going to Disneyland, and Justin: we have some serious flying to do.  I know, we are all insanely busy, but my goal is to make time to hang out with the people I love and do the things I've always meant to do.
2.) Meditate daily: It sounds new age-y and weird, but I've had 2 beloveds prescribe it to me recently, and I think they may have valid reasoning.
3.) Madagascar.  If all my soulmates are on a big island off the tip of southern Africa, why is it taking so long to visit there?
4.) Human Experiment: How many months can I go without purchasing any new clothing? Is it possible for me to only shop at thrift stores for clothing and accessories? (Shoes and undergarments are not included in this experiment...because that's just gross.)
5.) Write more actual letters to friends, family, and beloved ones.   Not emails, texts, or e-cards, but real, genuine paper and pen letters with postage.
6.) Stop using the word 'awesome.'  There are so many amazing descriptive words in the English language, now is the time to expand my vocabulary and start using them.

I was a beauty school hair model....

....it's true!  An $11 Aveda haircut?  Oh my!  Of course I'll try it!  So what if they made me look like a suburban soccer mom?  Some of dearest bffs are suburban soccer moms...its really not that bad.  And really, there are very few adventures or bargains that I will pass up.  So...I will live with this....at least until I can make an appointment back home.  And perhaps, tomorrow when my hair goes back to curls all will be peachy-keen again.  Until then....

Update:  After washing my hair, it was discovered that not only is the whole thing uneven, there are serious chunks missing on one side.  Amazing!