GOOD. RANDOM. FUN. V.17 {2016}

4.16.16 ~ SHOWER for BABY BEE

BABY SHOWERS are thoughtful, social, & emotional!

SLE's shower was NO exception! While working with my mom, daughter, niece, sister & sister-in-law, it was ALL about thoughtful details. The mother-to-be didn't want a "themed" event, but agreed on greens & yellows. Once the event was in full swing, it was ALL about the social aspect of visiting, eating, playing games, and presents. I hadn't anticipated that I would be so emotional the week following the party!!

SLE told me on the way to LAX (to catch her flight to Washington DC), she "didn't want the party to end!" YEA!!! it was a G.R.E.A.T. success! 

I wish we had taken more pictures of family... urrgh!

Friday, JPE & I met friends for dinner at the Olde Port Inn, Avila Beach. Great conversation, tasty food (although, expensive) & a beautiful evening...

a RANDOM picture of our walk on the pier. We never take for granted that we live in a beautiful community!

Several days before the shower, I scheduled some time to teach Katie to use a sewing machine. She's at that age where she's expanding her creative interests!

Some of the handmade gifts... Katie sewed five burp pads (bottom left)... Nana/Gigi made the baby quilt... Auntie Allie knit the mint green hat & purple headband! the monkey first appeared on this blog a few weeks ago. Auntie Janene (top picture) did all the table decorations for the party! & I know Baby Bee will be getting a handmade gift from Auntie Stacy... Welcome to the FUN club, Katie!!

posting with Tamar at Random-osity

Flying to Washington DC tomorrow!

catch me here, or on Instagram!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY {4.13.16}

this post will be short & definitely sweet!

BUSY... BUSY... BUSY...

cleaning house

packing a bag

packing the car

the E.X.C.I.T.E.M.E.N.T. is building!

pick up ACE & SLE from LAX

on Friday evening

for a 

BABY SHOWER

on Saturday!

memory-making weekend!!

OUR WORLD TUESDAY {4.12.16}

pics taken 4.12.16 - JPE's Garden

in OUR WORLD TUESDAY...

I would have to say... it's all about...

BLOOMING. COLOR. FLOWERS. WEATHER.

we have loads of flowers, in a variety of colors.

the weather? different story!

scattered showers scheduled for today?

oh, that's NOT part of our day on this TUESDAY!!

Isn't this just the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. rose?

the smell is so fragrant!

took this pictures in the direct SUN! 

not the best conditions...

so, blame that on the WEATHER!

posting with OUR WORLD on TUESDAY!

gotta get back to my sewing!

GOOD. RANDOM. FUN. V.15 {2016}

all pics taken 4.11.16

Okay. Here's the deal... I'm totally absorbed with the BABY SHOWER! I'm getting so excited. My daughter, SLE, is having a baby GIRL in June... but she's flying out this weekend so her sister, aunties, cousin & Nana can throw her a baby shower! No worries... GOOD thing she doesn't check my blog often (if at all?). More shower pictures will be posted next week!

Of course we have to play some RANDOM games... one of which is "How Many Kisses FOR Baby Bee?" Since we don't know the baby's name, I have lovingly started calling her "Baby Bee" as her last name begins with a "B"...

While waiting for Saturday to arrive, I've been indulging myself... by creating signs using my scrapbook stash & "whipped into shape" some picture frames (purchased from the Dollar Store) using off-white spray paint! (ok, I know my family is chuckling about my spray-paint habit)... 

Another FUN little project... this is a teaser, so you'll have to come back next week to see WHAT this will be! Needless to say, I've got the bug! crafting & sewing... Cleaning? dust balls are swirling under the beds & in the corners. Cleaning will have to wait another day!

posting with Tamar @ Random-osity

{sorry I missed GOOD. RANDOM. FUN. last week} 

see you soon!

GOOD. RANDOM. FUN. V.14 {2016}

Oh... this is a cute way to advertise! ROYCE CAFE & COFFEE HOUSE (named for the owner, Joy & Rhoda, her daughter). GOOD coffee, tasty cookies & signage!

RANDOM... Loved this shoe form! How would you use this to decorate your home? I'm thinking I would use it as a bookend... or maybe add a couple of brushed silver knobs and use it to hang a coat or dog leash (if I had a dog!!)... Of course, you would have to hang it on the wall!

When we were in Ohio, we stopped by TAFT'S ALE HOUSE (downtown Cincinnati)... there were several parties of noisy (very, very noisy) people in the downstairs bar. As we passed the door to the outside, we discovered they were taking taking a BEER TOUR. You can check out these FUN tours by going on TripAdvisor.

Well, that's all for now!

Posting with Tamar at RANDOM-OSITY. 

FIVE ON FRIDAY {4.1.16}

 all photos taken 3.23.16 @ The Cincinnati Zoo

JPE & I flew back to visit some of the Elfers Family over Spring Break! On a day that was to reach the mid-70's**, we met Elizabeth & her three kids... Zachary, Charley & Annie. The two big guys, JPE & Greg are cousins.

First stop... the Reptile House. Although the kids were interested in what was inside, I learned this building was the oldest existing zoo building in America. It was built in 1875 & used to house the monkeys & apes. On the bottom right is a "pancake tortoise" which has a flat, flexible shell that allows it to squeeze into small crevices & hide from its predators. 

{Sorry for the somewhat blurry pics - it was difficult to take pictures through the wire & glass enclosures}

The zoo staff had left Easter baskets filled with carrots, lettuces, & vegies. Peek-A-Boo! Can you see the chimp hiding in the bottom right hand pic? JPE measured his hands (& feet) against the model of the chimps. These chimps are B.I.G.!!

Simply beautiful, serene & peaceful! These lovely creatures didn't seem to care if we were taking pictures of them or not.

This picture of Charley says it ALL! Going to the ZOO is EXCITING!

If you think the Cincinnati Zoo was all critters & scary stuff, here is evidence you can see other stuff. I haven't been to a zoo in at least 25 years, so this was an exciting start to our vacation.

** The weather was actually overcast, chilly, perhaps mid-60's... but this fair-weather blogger was pleased-as-punch for the lack of humidity that usually arrives when I visit Cincinnati!!

posting with AMY for FIVE ON FRIDAY

SBP - SFO - ORD - DAY!

all pics captured Tuesday, March 22, 2016

lobby of the San Luis Obispo Airport (SBP)...

birds by Sandra Johnson, a local artist!

boarding the plane - 5:50am

leaving (SBP) San Luis Obispo Airport

bound for (SFO) San Francisco International Airport

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

a R.A.C.E. to catch our connecting flight

taking off for (DAY) Dayton, OH @ 3:20pm

TOUCHDOWN in DAY-TON!!!!

JPE grabbed a cuppa tea!

about 12 minutes after taking this photo,

we learned our luggage was left in Chicago (ORD)...

ummm... perhaps because we had only 15 minutes 

to catch our connecting flight?

posting with OUR WORLD TUESDAY

Tomorrow!

take a trip with me around Lebanon, OHIO

GOOD. RANDOM. FUN. V.12 {2016}

GOOD. GOOD. GOOD.

street sign advertising the Alberta Art District in Portland, OREGON. 

RANDOM. RANDOM.

Richard, our Portland Walking Tour guide told us this statue has many names! Somewhat controversial, the local newspaper said it's a sex-education lesson, it's also known as Three Groins in the Fountain... but, officially, it's called "The Quest"

FUN.

Pretty ceiling in the Portland Opera House. This is the lobby, looking up!

Have to say, Portland, Oregon

"raises the bar" for public artwork.
(even controversial art)

posting with Tamar @ Random-osity

check out her "GOOD" this past week!

PRINTEMPS... SPRING... PRIMAVERA...

all pictures taken 3.20.16

HAPPY SPRING!!!

Do you think my neighbor will miss this??

ummm... love putting this bunny out!

has SPRING SPRUNG in your yard?

GOOD. RANDOM. FUN. V.11 {2016}

GOOD... Water fountain? or Bubbler? Our Portland Walking Tour guide, Richard told us they are called Benson Bubbler's for the name of the person who gave $10,000 to the city to purchase & install 20 four-bowl bubblers. There were two stories that are told about the reason for the bubblers... to keep the loggers out of the saloons & the other was because Benson saw a little girl looking for someplace to get a drink during a 4th of July parade. For whatever reason, there are 52 bubblers through out the City of Portland & a person can download a list of the bubblers by clicking here!
The bubblers flow from 5:30am-11:30pm, unless they are closed down due to freezing weather or wind... the fountains are cleaned bi-weekly... & it was interesting to learn the water is fresh & NOT RECYCLED.

RANDOM shop... In the Alberta Arts District, I ran across this great window design advertising a tattoo parlor.  Located on a side street, next to the Rexall Drug Store... it grabbed my attention with the brilliant colors & a sign featuring cool fonts.

FUN... Bisquick tin! Okui's Strawberry Stand will be opening March 24th! Gotta stock up on Bisquick to make shortbread rounds for our strawberry shortcake!

Again, I'm posting photos from our Portland, Oregon trip.

Posting with Tamar from Random-osity!

SUNBEAMS & RAINDROPS...

patio stone

SUNDAY

raindrops & sunshine

friends for dinner

house guests from Lakewood

GREAT DAY!!

FIVE ON FRIDAY {3.11.16}

All these photos were taken last week on a trip to Portland, Oregon...

Last week on Friday, Mom & I were just finishing a Portland Walking Tour with guide, Richard. He mentioned he was a "DUCK" and his sister was a "BEAVER" --- you would understand this statement if you follow college sports. My grand-nephew is interested in becoming a "DUCK" and attend the University of Oregon (the other rival college, Oregon State University has a BEAVER as a mascot). Later, we stopped by a DUCK Store to check out the orange-billed mascot & capture several DUCK pictures which we shared with "D" in a text message. 

Before the Portland Walking Tour, we wandered around the Pioneer Courthouse Square... Portland has loads of "public art" including this series of game boards. Looking across this chess (or checkers) board, you can see how public this piece of art is. Don't worry! the wallet (cup of coffee too) is part of the art... check out the additional views of the chess board. 

Saturday, we headed to the Portland Saturday Market, down by the wharf... in addition to unique crafts, music, entertainment & food stands, there was an amazing young man demonstrating his balloon making skills. He definitely captured the 1-8 year old crowd with his smiles & twisty shapes.

Heard of 805 BEER? Well, that refers to beer that is brewed by Firestone Brewery in San Luis Obispo County (which is where I live)... this young vendor is capitalizing on this concept and selling t-shirts, caps and other local products using a "play on words"... Portland's area code is 503... 5-0-TREE, get it??? Once again, this is Portland's Saturday Market...

Arriving back at the BENSON HOTEL, I couldn't help but share the gorgeous chandelier located in the main lobby. Simply stunning! I wish my i-phone captured better pictures... perhaps it IS because the ceiling must have been 12 feet tall??? I must add "tips for taking photos on a portable device" to my research list.

Gosh, I never thought I would join the ranks of people who say, "what day is today?" but, just WAIT until you retire... you'll be joining our team. 

Posting with Amy @ FIVE ON FRIDAY

  

O' HEART OF MINE...

If you don't follow me on Instagram @Kritty_k you missed this picture of today's photo. 

Needing a bit of N-U-D-G-E in my picture taking, I've been participating in the Photo-a-Day Challenge hosted by Aussie, Chantelle at FAT SLIM MUM. She's an absolute "kick" & has great words to inspire you to pick up your i-pad, tablet or i-phone to take photos. You might consider following along! some days, it is the ONLY photos I take. And, you can always skip a day if your time runs short. 

Sorry for the quality of this photo! it's not exactly clear!

Anyway... today's word was COLLECTION. I gathered a few of my HEARTS and arranged them on this beaded placemat. It's not my entire COLLECTION, but I had decluttering my towel closet on my list of tasks, so these were handy!

The top right GREEN HEART holds my charm bracelet (as well as charms that I haven't attached - perhaps I should bring that out to share it again?). Several of the HEARTS were purchased to remind me of my Mexican/Native American heritage... I think you can figure out which ones those are! My favorite one to hold is the large ROSE HEART that has rose carvings etched into it. 

So what do you collect?

ONE DAY I WILL...

In RECOGNITION of WOMEN

throughout the world!!!

MARCH 8th

was

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!

turn up the sound

touch the close captioned button [cc] 

tap the brackets [ ] on far right to watch w/full screen

I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did!

A MOOD CHANGER - PDX...

Concourse C - Portland, OREGON Airport

While waiting for our flight on Jet Blue (headed to Long Beach, CA), we had a bit of time to check out the public art displays. Colorful barber-pole columns were topped with sculptures that were designed by Larry Kirkland, an artist with an environmental design and fine arts background. 

The symbols represent landmarks & icons from the Portland area, with bronze plaques telling the story of each column's art piece. 

Time passed quickly as we admired the art... we sat underneath this sculpture as we ate our "comfort meal" of oatmeal & a cup of coffee. While public art stimulates our "senses" of sight, touch, and hearing it also changes our moods. Think about the feeling you have when you FINALLY get through security, find a place to sit and take that deep breath knowing you didn't miss your flight! Most airports are a bee-hive of busy-ness, but the Portland Airport (affectionately known as PDX) exudes a "sense" of calm-ness... I attribute this to the public displays of art. 

The current research about MINDFULNESS comes to mind! Being "in the moment" decreases our negative emotions and stress. Watching the sculpture twist through the air, trying to interpret the designer's ideas, and listening to the sound of the movement requires a person to STOP! and use their senses. When this happens, your breathing slows, and your stress levels drop. Next time you become stressed, STOP! listen to the sounds around you, or look at the fine details of the space around you, feel your heart slow as your breathing begins to match a slower pace. This is MINDFULNESS! and art can create opportunities to experience this mood changer. 

Curious?? Check out Greater Good, The Science of a Meaningful Life... it's good for your body! mind! & emotions!

posting with OUR WORLD TUESDAY

more of Portland tomorrow!!

GOOD. RANDOM. FUN. V.10 {2016}

taken 3.5.16

Mom & I flew to Portland, Oregon last week! We got an inexpensive flight from Long Beach to Portland, rented a car (although you can use public transportation) and stayed at the historic BENSON HOTEL. Here are a few GOOD - RANDOM - FUN pictures that I captured. Check out the LINKS in this post for more detailed information about Portland.

Thursday, March 3rd

After visiting with Mom's friend in the historic Hollywood District, we drove over to the ALBERTA ARTS DISTRICT to check out a few fabric stores, BOLT FABRIC BOUTIQUE & MODERN DOMESTIC. What a colorful, fun, creative place to stroll... and capture some pictures... I plan to post some of my favorite shots later this week. After an hour browsing (& buying) at Modern Domestic, we asked the staff where they would recommend eating... she suggested SWISS HIBISCUS just behind their store. What an incredible dining experience! small, intimate... Mom enjoyed pork schnitzel & spätzle, while I had a mouth-watering brat & creamy potato salat. Heavenly food! the owner-chef came out to speak to all the tables asking how they liked the food. Oh yum! will visit this spot again to try another dish! absolutely GOOD!

Friday, March 4th

Portland is a city for walking OR riding bikes. YES, they ride their bikes in the drizzle & pelting rain! Perhaps they are immune to the chill and dampness?? Mom & I took the Portland Walking Tour which met at Portland's historic "living room," also called the Pioneer Courthouse Square. More about the sights near this landmark will be coming in another post, but for now, two RANDOM pictures.

A dog carrying a basket... he wasn't homeless, but on closer examination of the basket, it said SMILE... and you could drop a donation in his basket. He was crossing the square and didn't approach us for spare change. Perhaps he met his $$ quota?

And, finally, the Portland BLUE MAN pontificating from notes he had written... objecting to government regulations... or lack of action on the part of the city council. Apparently he is a regular & his name is Mike! he keeps his face covered! And loves to SHOUT OUT his opinions via an electric megaphone. His ranting was a bit annoying!

Saturday, March 5th

FUN... of course eating donuts is FUN! We walked by Voo-Doo Donuts several times, but the line was so long (no surprise!! as you can see the donuts are legendary) we missed carrying around our own PINK BOX. But, any number of people eating a donut were willing to share their "puffy selection" for this photo op! What we were surprised to learn, Jet Blue allowed passengers to carry on their PINK BOXES to share their donuts with the people back home. Mom & I think Voo-Doo Donuts should open a shop in the Portland Airport!!

posting with Tamar at RANDOM-OSITY

more of Portland coming!!