This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Latest Entries »
Unassuming and modest from the gate, my small native plant garden creates an impressive impact. One of the best ways I relax is to have a quiet, peaceful place to go. My backyard garden is an excellent way to have my own little oasis of calm. Everyday the garden changes, I never know what I will discover in among the plants and trees. The possibilities are endless.
The creation of my garden is a tension reliever as the plants have evolved through the years. I have enjoyed adding the varied colors of flowers and succulent plants that create an interesting layout. The trees offer shade and beauty when the afternoon sun is full.
I use the garden to relax and create a world of simple peace. I welcome coming home and stepping into my sanctuary of nature.
Sitting quietly soaking up the sun, listening to the birds singing, and admiring the simple calm beauty. The wild small creatures come and go. I watch them as they study me and I welcome their daily visits.
I relish the moment of true surprise. It is an unexpected special gift from the universe aimed with swift spontaneous force. I am often left with an unique unforgettable memory.
Years ago I was shopping and exploring stores in San Francisco. It was a grand opening proceeded by weeks of billboards and banners on building and buses all over the city. Grand openings are over the top exciting. People often dress up and are given free gifts, champagne and lots of samples! All the brass, glass and chrome throughout the store is sparkling and polished perfectly. The store staff is smiling, meeting and greeting everyone as if they were a celebrity.
I scanned the monster store feeling like I was inside a beautiful museum. I rode the escalators and elevators to the top while I gazed at the whimsical displays. I was with my attorney friend who loves to shop. It was not long until we found ourselves in the men’s custom suit department. I was fascinated and entertained by the glorious fabrics and the handsome customers who looked like models.
I patiently waited as my friend shopped meticulously for ties. I found myself discreetly studying the customers as they seriously sorted through the racks of suits. My eyes stopped and stared at a tall polished shockingly handsome man. I was hidden behind the shirts which allowed me to easily watch him. Then it happened, my body was flushed with a rush of awareness and excitement. The man I found so charming, graceful, and naturally rugged was JFK Jr.
As a child my mother and I shared the joy of reading about the Kennedy family. I was a big fan. I followed John’s career at “George” and his wedding to Carolyn Bessette in a secret ceremony on Cumberland Island.
My heart was pounding, I felt silly but I could not help it. I looked around and no one was acknowledging his presence. I calmed down and tried to relax. Later I slowly walked over to my friend, he was shopping a few feet from JFK Jr. I quietly whispered to him and asked if we could please leave and go to the next floor. As we walked to the elevator I passed Carolyn Bessette shopping, she was incredibly delicate and beautiful.
We waited for the elevator, finally we were alone as the doors closed, then it was just the two of us. I took a deep breath and explain to my friend what just happened. We both could not believe we just saw JFK Jr and his wife.
That afternoon I kept bumping into John and Carolyn as we continued to shop in the mega store. I remember many special moments. One time in the middle of the store Carolyn stood on her toes to lightly kiss John’s cheek. It was like looking at a magazine photo, but it was real. We all tried to respect the famous couple’s privacy. Thinking back, it was simply delightful to share my shopping afternoon with “our royal couple.”
Each day I am searching for new ways to explore life anonymously. I often attract too much attention. I would rather blend in or better yet be invisible. For many years I avoided going to Las Vegas because I do not gamble, smoke or drink much. Many years have past, I still remember my surprise when I walked into the Wynn Hotel for the first time. My mind was swept away by unstaged drama and exciting dynamic visuals. I saw all kinds of images twirling, floating and flowing. I was racing towards a mission to capture as many sights as possible.
My wish came true, it was like I was invisible. No one and nothing inhibited me from wondering the dreamlike halls. I followed my exploring instincts. Unfortunately I had less than an hour to see as much as possible. I danced down the flower-lined stairs to the mammoth pool area. I was noticing the coyness of the attractive singles in intimate conversations. I entered the world of beautiful bikinis and ladies with perfect thighs. It looked somewhat like Beverly Hills. I gazed at plush pillows, bright fabrics, plasma screen TVs and a pool branching out like a long blue sparkling maze. I thought this was another world and I became even more curious.
The excitement pulled me into a fast pace walk. I raced back inside the hotel with vivid colored, plush carpeted halls lined with staff in stately dark suits. I quizzed them for directions to any sights in the hotel that would continue to take my breath away. They answered me with excitement, telling me of destinations with futuristic water displays.
In a panic I realized my time was up; I had to end my mission. I slowly, sadly, sulked and glanced about as I found the front door to leave. My mind still spinning, I wondered when I would be returning to Las Vegas.
Several years ago around the holidays I was waiting for a delayed flight at the San Francisco airport. The airport was in complete chaos.
I was checking on my flight in the main terminal. The lines were long and people were pushing luggage carts creating an obstacle course. As I strategically weaved through the traffic of people I found myself in a bottleneck stand still.
I looked up and there was Helen Gurley Brown and her husband David. I recognized her immediately and smiled. She was slender and elegant. He was a gentleman in a dark suit and being very attentive to her.
We were standing next to each other waiting for the crowd to move. I said, “Ms. Brown, I love your suit.” It looked like Chanel with a Chanel bag on her shoulder. She smiled and asked my name. I remember she had a soft distinct voice. Ms. Brown then introduced me to her husband David.
We both smiled at the confusion and frustration of the crowded airport. I was holding a couple magazines and one was Cosmopolitan. I said it was an honor to meet her, as the crowd started moving.
We said goodbye and walked our separate ways. I was pleased to erase my airport frustrations and instead I was left with a serendipity memory.
In college I followed the life of Gloria Steinem. A devoted activist and writer, Gloria Steinem is undeniably one of the most important voices of the modern feminist movement. She is an outspoken champion of women’s rights. She is unpredictable and continues committed to charting her own path in life.
Several years ago, I attended a book signing for Gloria Steinem. Earlier in the day the lines were long. Later, when I walked into the bookstore before closing, I scanned the store and spotted Ms. Steinem looking regal and poised sitting next to a stack of her books.
I hesitated, thinking I was too late, she looked up and we exchanged smiles. As I approached the counter I felt her confidence, poise and grace when she said a simple ”Hello.” I was charmed by her natural beauty and genuine warmth as she shook my hand. All I could think of was how relaxed she was and how I felt very comfortable talking with her. We had a conversation that truthfully moved me. As I left she thanked me for coming. I was so impressed by her unpretentious way and her extreme, confident demeanor.
Later on, I reflected how I identified with one of my favorite quotes in her book, “Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age.”
I always enjoy my long walks on the vast farms in California’s central valley. While Daniel was installing high tech equipment in the fields, I explored the area. It was very quiet, peaceful and secluded.
Recently I had two very exciting adventures. One experience was during my walk through a pristine twenty acre almond orchard. I saw a very large shadow flying above the trees. I thought it was a hawk. To my delight it was a beautiful barn owl. He perched above me and we watched each other for about 3 minutes. Nature is incredible, I was thrilled and amazed by this beautiful creature.
The previous day I was walking at dusk in an area that was surrounded by deserted buildings and sandy flat fields. To my surprise I heard feral dogs barking. I turned around and in the distance I could see a pack of wild dogs watching me. The wind was blowing and through the dusty haze I counted about nine dogs. I decided it was safer to walk towards Daniel’s car in the field ahead. I walked briskly away from the pack of dogs towards the car. I looked back to see if the dogs were following me. I was relieved to see the dogs were standing in a line studying me.
I was very curious what they would do next, I decided to be safe and stay near the car as I continued to watch the dogs. It was very interesting to observe the feral dogs from a safe distance. Soon the sunset, turning the yellow sky to shades of pink and orange.
Lacey Bryant www.laceybryant.com with Lara Sophia
Villa Montalvo, a historic landmark built in 1912 by James Duval Phelan (1861-1930). Phelan, a passionate Californian who had been a three-term progressive mayor of San Francisco, went on to become California’s first popularly-elected U.S. Senator.
Senator Phelan’s favorite home was Villa Montalvo, a center of artistic, political and social life in Northern California. Phelan invited leading writers and artists to Villa Montalvo to work on individual artistic projects in an environment rich in dialogue and fellowship. Jack London, Ethel Barrymore, Mary Pickford, Douglass Fairbanks, and Edwin Markham were among Phelan’s many guests.
At his death, Senator Phelan was explicit in his bequest of Villa Montalvo. “I would like the property at Saratoga, California, known as Villa Montalvo, to be maintained as a public park.”
Villa Montalvo is nestled in the beautiful foothills above Saratoga with 175 acres of hiking trails. After hiking in the hills we discovered gardens with rare and wonderful specimens of trees throughout the grounds. My favorite were the gardens showcasing a wide variety of exotic succulents with a combination of textures, shapes and colors.
The Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is a city park containing the former home, greenhouse, gardens, and grave of noted American horticulturist Luther Burbank.
Luther Burbank bought his 15-acre farm on Gold Ridge in 1885 in Sebastopol. During his career he introduced over 800 varieties of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and grains.
He developed many of California’s plums and prunes, the ancestor of the Idaho Potato, the Shasta Daisy, and novelties such as Plumcots, Thornless Blackberry, and Spineless Cactus.
This unique city park is located at the corner of Santa Rosa and Sonoma Avenues in Santa Rosa, California – across the street from City Hall and Juilliard Park.
View full article »
pamprentice2020 