A Bushel and a Peck

Impromptu

On my last day in California we met friends for breakfast in Laguna Beach.

We had an amazing breakfast at Nick's and then spent the rest of the afternoon looking through incredible and inspiring art galleries, bead shopping and even an impromptu photo session.

When you find an amazing door like this...you HAVE to take photos...it is the camera law (didn't you know?).

Jenny Doh left before all this lovely photo action..she missed out.

 

 

 

 

 

(BEAUTIFUL GIRLS)

I have to tell you about the best find of the weekend.

If you have been reading lately you know that I have recently found out that I am allergic to gluten...among other things.

In this little journey of mine I have tasted some pretty nasty stuff trying to find what works for me.

While I  was in Cali my friend Shamanie found this...

OH MY WORD!

Incredible and soo delicious!

It is vegan, dairy free, gluten free and raw....and I am in LOVE!

Unfortunately, it is only sold in California.

I was going to order one but it would have cost me $100....I am desperate for dessert...but not THAT desperate.

Lucky for me I am heading to California with my family in about three weeks and I will be stuffing my face with my new favorite healthy dessert...yes...healthy!

Just so you can understand how much I need dessert....

Two nights ago I had a dream where I was at a party and a semi truck pulled away revealing tables and tables of desserts.

I walked around the table drooling and then almost crying because all the desserts had gluten and I couldn't eat any of them.

I told you I need dessert!!!!

Time To Breathe

The night of the Crescendoh launch party we all stayed up way too late.

All us girls curled up on beds...and no...there was no pillow fight.

We talked until the wee hours of the morning and had to make ourselves go to bed.

The next morning we slept in, made breakfast and talked some more....we are really good at that one!

We decided the best day would not have much of a plan and it would definitely include the beach.

We were staying in San Clemente and headed to the nearest beach.

We just sat in the sun for hours.

It was so relaxing.

It is pretty hard to beat a gentle breeze, warmth of the sun and the sound of the waves.

My friend Shamanie (my friend I traveled with) had the wonderful idea of writing a word of something we want to be free of in the sand.

We stood in the sand and waited for the waves to come and take those words away.

 

There is something so beautiful and powerful in symbolism.

I will not share the words of my sweet friends...but I will share mine.

Unforgiveness.

I have a hard time forgiving when I have been hurt or betrayed.

I want to get better at this.

Letting things roll off my back easier and forgive.

We also wrote again a word that describes what we can to hold on to...cherish...see more of.

This was my word.....

I am blessed to be surrounded by women of such humor, depth, joy, creativity and substance.

If the waves are taking too long..maybe it is time for a little yoga.  I love this girl.  She makes me laugh so hard all the time!

Our evening ended with with Vietnamese food.  The night started on the patio and thankfully we were moved inside.

No girl's night out is complete without an arm wrestle..that's right...arm wrestle.

I would like to say that Shamanie is really strong and she kind of scares the crap out of me now.

She may look all nice and pretty...but be afraid...very afraid!

Only one more day of photos coming...and some new recipes for you gluten free girls.

We Have Lift Off

Sometimes you need to grab an amazing friend, make plane reservations, fly across the country and surprise a friend that is having a launch party for her new business.

You may also need to get ready for said party in about 10 minutes because you were in California traffic for hours.

You may also not mind a bit because you are laughing so hard and having such a great time.

This is the story of many friends coming together to support one amazing woman and to celebrate the power of friendship.

(the surprise)

My friend Shamanie and I headed to California to meet up with a group of friends and celebrate the official launch of Crescendoh.

Crescendoh is the heart of Jenny Doh.

It is an on line magazine that supports artists and shares their stories.

It is a place of encouragement and resources.

The message that Jenny shares and believes so deeply is that ART SAVES.

We have all been given gifts by the ultimate Creator.

There are times you can do nothing else...but use those gifts and heal.

Be still.

Be quiet and create.

Producing beauty truly heals the soul.

Coming together with other artists and celebrating a woman that has spent years lifting artists up and encouraging them to spread their wings .....was an honor.

As driven and as focused as Jenny is...she can also laugh as easily and quickly as anyone I have ever met.

Please go and check out Crescendoh.

If you have an incredible story about how ART SAVES...I know Jenny would love to hear it.

This was only the beginning of our weekend.

I am looking forward to sharing all the fun with you.