Favorite coffee spot, lately

Ever since I found Rikka Fika it's been a love affair with everything they bake and prepare, but also the space. Per Google, "the name combines Japanese and Swedish, meaning "first day of Summer" (Rikka) and "coffee break" (Fika). It is designed as a peaceful, sunlit space focusing on specialized coffee, matcha and Japanese milk bread (shokupan) toast to encourage taking a break from daily routines." Hmm, I've never seen the toast on the menu. Must investigate next time.

Marta coffee shop

Taken at Marta coffee shop on Adams. 2804 Adams, to be precise. This is blue corn sourdough bread. I could have gotten it toasted slightly darker, to make it crunchier, but it was so good regardless. And the decaf Americano was delicious, and served in a sweet pottery mug. It's hard to get a good decaf sometimes. But my nervous energy thanked me.

Pacific sun

La Jolla, Calumet Park. A golden sunset captured recently. 

We are lucky to live around such beauty. I call these moments mini sanctuaries. And I am trying to accept more of them in my life. Even with sadness all around, you have to receive joy. It's one of the gifts of being alive, and it's good for you!

Light

In these dark times, it's good to catch a glimpse of something bright. 

And that's just what I'm seeing through these branches.

Wisteria

 

A reliable source of beauty in our neighborhood, this lovely hedge never disappoints. This one bloom caught me by surprise on a walk. 

May the world find its way back to peace.

On Being podcast, Japanese cherry blossoms, talking to loved ones

Listening to the On Being podcast - the episode called "Becoming Wise" with Tools for the Art of Living. Guests include Desmond Tutu, astronomer Natalie Batalha, and spiritual teacher Eckart Tolle.

It's a peaceful caturday here. James is showing a property and I just made a simple breakfast. Drinking a cup of decaf with a dog and a cat sleeping nearby. Feeling thankful today. Had a chat with my mom, across the ether, letting her know I miss her and love her. I hope she heard me.

Last weekend's cherry blossom festival was a zoo. Better to go enjoy those blossoms after the actual event and avoid the annoying crowds. Adding to the mania, there was a super loud music show going on at the international houses. So as we tried to commune with nature, we were serenaded by the boom of bad music.  

Got these fun pictures as the bonus.

Dropcloth slipcovers

Drop cloths are having a heyday, at least in my backyard. This weekend James and I worked together to make slip covers. Amazing what you can do with a few packages of $13 drop cloths! They are not expertly sewn, but they are so much fresher than they were.

The Rose Society's show

Roses are my nemesis, so I hope my walking through this exhibit will cause the rose-tending skills of these growers to jump into my cells. I currently have an "Oh My" sitting outside (still in its pot; lucky it's not yet been subjected to my yardly ways).

Bella the Chicken, Seder dinner, Sweet peas

Three fun things in my life: 1. Holding the most darling chicken named Bella at the local nursery. Chickens are surprisingly warm; all the more reason not to eat them. They are literally like dogs with feathers, 2. Attended my first Seder dinner, and 3. Received sweet peas from a friend.

Tonight: 'Time and the Conways'

Excited to see this play tonight with my sweetie. He surprised me with tickets. Can't wait!




Leanne Agmon, left, as Carol Conway, Morgan Hallett as Madge Conway and Amanda Quaid as Kay Conway in "Time and the Conways" by J.B. Priestley at the Old Globe. (photo: Jim Cox )  

Review at: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-cm-review-time-and-the-conways-old-globe-20140410,0,505052.story#ixzz2zv6TkERi

Sailing on the Bay

Had the opportunity recently to go sailing with friends Megan and Nick, and it was a beautiful day. Open, calm water and just enough breeze to be cool but not cold.
 
Their sweet pooch, Sugar, was also on board, hangin’ close to her Dad’s legs for safety’s sake. Notice the pink collar. Oh my!

Meanwhile, at home, Gwynnie catches some zzzzzz’s, tongue out, short little grey whiskers, pinned back in deep sleep:

And, Katie Bee, with paw-covered face, on the back of the couch, in a snuggled ball of fur, dreams of exploring outside in the brisk air:

Peace, sailing, and kitty cats,
Robin

Gregory Page Fabulosity

His singing transported me to the 20s. The light in the room was vanilla-colored. If you’re never heard Gregory Page, make time to go. He plays every Saturday night in the very intimate Plaza Bar at the Westgate Hotel. Pardon the blur.

Feline Slumber

On my walk the other night, I came across this little cutie. I’d seen her on a previous walk whereby she threw herself at my feet for about a 5-minute pet session. She’s an older kitty, a little sway backed, a little bony. But so friendly and sweet. I loved catching her mid-nap. And I love the tile address sign on this house. It’s a very cute little cottage.

Living in a Nutshell, book signing & crafting

Last night, my belle mere and I went to a book signing at Warwick’s in La Jolla. The book: Living in a Nutshell: Posh and Portable Decorating Ideas for Living in Small Spaces. The author: the smart, fun Janet Lee. But, this was no ordinary book signing. We not only heard the author’s story, but crafted these really cute tassels using a wine cork, velvet ribbon, and pretty paper. And, yes, that is a bottle of champagne and a cupcake. Now, this, my friends, is the way to host a book signing. The cupcakes were delicious; made by the author’s sister. Her parents were there also; an adorable couple. Her dad invented microsurgery.

More pics from the event:
Mary’s hands, putting on the finishing touches.

This yummy champagne is called Courtage. Made in France by a group of Americans with a passion for bubbly. Quite delicious and light. The bottles are tiny. Just enough.

Finished tassels.

This and that

On a walk the other day, I came across this little new cactus bud. It was like: hi! look how cute and new I am. *snap* And pardon the blurriness.

Also on a walk, this house I like to go by has chickens free ranging in the yard! Well, hi there, chicky! *snap*

And here’s little B. (short for: Katie Bee), mowing down some wheatgrass. She loves it.

Nom, nom, nom…

Peace, love, and Tabbies,
Robin

The Lodge at Torrey Pines spa

Grab a day pass and soak up the peace at the Lodge at Torrey Pines. Be sure to walk through the garden before you leave; it's to the left of the entrance.

Saturday at Matilda’s

This weekend, my sweetie suggested we venture out to Matilda’s in Valley Center. The weather was perfect. Not hot, not cold, just right. They were having their Mother’s Day (a bit early) festivities, and the place was decked out for the occasion. Matilda (the elderly terrier) was in full regalia on the front counter. We even saw her being carried out for a bathroom break, which was pretty cute considering she wears pearls and a gingham skirt complete with black crinoline.

I love this place, but how can you not love a huge barn full of antiques and vintage goodies? And of course, it is Gwyneth’s ancestral home. This is where we found her, hanging in the gold birdcage out front, up for adoption, last kitty to go. Gwynnie is the kitty in the back.)


Here’s Miss Matilda, below, having a slurp of water…just up from her post-breakfast nap. Pampered? Well, I think so! The place is named after her!

Well, hello there!

Williams-Sonoma Goes Vintage, and Mary’s House Gets Bear-y Cute

I was surprised to see that Williams Sonoma is offering vintage items. They had a table with some very nice, older culinary items. Each had a tag that says FOUND, and then a description complete with a wildly expensive price. Um, silver plate tray, $149? I think not. But it was lovely to look at. 
In other news, my belle mere has the most adorable things going on at her house. Can you say candy kitchen? Pardon the blurry photo; it’s on a window sill with light beaming in.

Oh, and the bears are cooking with pink oven mitts I might add:

Excuse me, I need to get over to the stove and grab one of these teensy utensils to stir the soup:

And then, once your tummy is full, it’s time for a Christmas bed time story!

Oh, and make sure both ovens are turned off before you turn in! This little scene sits on the window sill at the kitchen sink. This must make doing dishes much better, don’t you think?


The cast iron rabbit makes the sweetest ring holder:

The Joy of Cooking, in miniature…and yes, there are actual recipes in the book!