Gifts from the heart...

The gorgeous box below was made in India. I was enchanted by the intricacy and beauty of the design. The pendant is made out of Mother of Pearl, decorated with a moon rock. I thank my suitor :-)

Dirt Diva

Wow, this weekend I had so much fun! On Saturday we went out to Ivan's grandfather's 70th birthday bash. It was amazing, well planned and beautifully executed. For dinner we had birria, macaroni salad, mexican rice and beans. They provided us with a bucket of beers (that Chris drank), shots of Cazadores and Patron throughout the entire night. Whew! There was great music during dinner, and Norteno music for the evening entertainment. We ate, danced and had an wonderful time. There must have been at least 200 people there!

Today we woke up early and headed out to go dirt bike riding at Stoddard Wells. I went over some jumps (and didn't fall!!). In spite of the cold weather we had an amazing time. We rode in the dune buggy too. I was so proud of the beautiful bruise on my knee! I can't wait to go back.

Rain Dance

As I write these lines, I can hear the deluge outside of my home. The rain is falling on the concrete with exceptional force, yet it appears so delicate as it moves through the sky. It is as though our thoughts are more profound when the sky sheds tears. At the moment my mind is inundated with complex thoughts. I miss certain people and think of times spent in the company of others, as the rain poured around us. I consider the possibility that somewhere there is someone who wants the rain to cease because the sound of the rain dredges up memories too uncomfortable to entertain. I only feel, hear and see the following:

fragile movements
force
destruction and life
tears
of joy and sorrow,
but always
renewal

Let the good times roll

I spent most of the day hanging out in Ontario with the girls. Our trip there was bittersweet. I remembered the countless times that we had gone out there to visit Grandma Jean. I contemplated driving by her old house but couldn't bring myself to do it. I really miss her.

The girls and I went to the Youth Museum and then went to visit the local library. It was great to see them so happy. I took tons of pictures! We ended our trip by stopping by Rite Aid to buy ice cream. Though we were disappointed that all of the chocolate malted crunch was gone.

On our drive home we saw a car on fire on the freeway. I was scared to drive by it out of fear that my car would catch fire!

As my beans cook and I get ready to make my carne con chile, I am enjoying the sound of The Dells as they sing,

"The love we had stays on my mind..."