Sunday, December 29, 2013

Xmas Road Trip :: Southern California

The days leading up to our road trip to Southern California were filled with lots of busyness and finalizing little handmade projects, packing suitcases and doing all the things you do before you leave home for a stretch of days.
Cornflake wreath gifted to us every year by a dear friend
We were surprisingly calm in the wake of our little adventure and I attribute this to how intent we all were on enjoying the journey.  It wasn't all about presents or staying home this year.  We were breaking tradition and hoped that we would be better for it.
Xmas shopping relief in Bodega Bay
I hit a patch of stress during the week leading up to our departure, but quickly spun out of it.  What I realized is that I have such power over how I react to situations and I rarely serve myself or my family when I sit in that place for too long.
We hiked around the back of our property the night before we left and visited the llamas, hunted for feathers and watched the sun dip down over the hillside.

Our little family was so ready and it felt so good, satisfying even, to turn off the heat, lock the doors and hit the road.
I gifted Grady a few books for the long journey and he quickly dove into reading Riordan's The Son of Neptune and listening over and over again to Lorde's inaugural album on his iPod.
We approached our destination in the early afternoon and marveled at the barren landscape and gigantic, hardworking windmills that dotted the dry, scruffy desert floor.  Palm Desert was in our sights.
We quickly settled in with Steve's lifelong friend and his girlfriend + nine month old baby boy.  They are in the United States for six months, visiting from Paris, and they were nice enough to let us stay with them at their cousin's vacation home for four days.
We enjoyed slow mornings, lots of coffee, unlimited cribbage matches, a trip to the day spa and watching the Sound of Music with Grady.
Photo courtesy of David Silpa
We spotted our first roadrunner, swam in the community pool and hit the local area thrift shops.  I even spent an evening with an old high school friend and his family, who lived just eight miles away from where we were staying.  Steve and his friend went to a local casino (and won!) and we even toured Cathedral City looking at xmas lights.
Grady was smitten with this little french bebe and got a little sad as we readied to leave our friends.  He loves him so much (and so do we!) and thinks they are like cousins.  Well, they kind of are.

We said our goodbyes and made promises of getting together again in the very near future.  We hopped in the car on Xmas even and pointed it towards Oceanside, where Steve's dad lives.
The Dinosaurs of Cabazon
The weather has been incredible so far and we drove with the sunroof open and enjoyed the sunshine.  It was such a welcome change from the cold, stormy xmases that we typically spend on the Sonoma Coast.
We lugged our bags inside and enjoyed a few days of xmas cheer with Steve's dad, grandmother and the errant family members who popped by for a quick hug and a glass of bubbly.
I discovered that the xmas spirit has skipped a generation in Steve's family.  His dad's home was tastefully decorated with vintage xmas ornaments from his mother and grandmother, a train track was set up around the tree and his grandmother's xmas china set out on the table just waiting for xmas dinner.  It's come to my attention that perhaps my husband's disdain for xmas decor was a genetic defect because everyone else in his family is into it.  Grandma Lavinia showed up wearing a xmas vest, Aunt Bev popped by wearing jingle bell earrings, a Santa hat and Santa shorts.  Who knew they made those?  I took it all in and appreciated my in-laws in a new, heartfelt way.
It was a technology xmas for the Hecht household.  After the crushing disappointment last year for the boy over an iPod Touch, my husband convinced me that it was time for Grady to experiment with a little technology and so an iPad mini was the only gift Santa brought this year.  When Grady opened his Santa Sack he looked a little stunned and then happy, really happy.
Steve drew a Willow Tree for Grady using the Brushes application & printed
I have my reasons for holding him back in this area, but Steve also had valid reasons for wanting him to be set free to learn and explore on the iPad.  I will write more about this later, but I chose to embrace it and let my son (and father) bask in all of the technological glory that was in their hands.
Grady carved and painted me the annual garden marker to add to my collection.  This one is a black phoebe and just needs the right sized stick when we get home.  This is a bird that visits just outside our kitchen window in the morning and I can never remember its name.  I will now.
The day after xmas was almost 80 degrees and so we took a drive to the Oceanside Pier and strolled down the boardwalk.
Grady scored some sweet sunglasses at a little vintage thrift store and posed with this suspicious looking brown pelican.
Mom scored some fun glasses, too.
Three generations of Hecht men.  They are from solid, honest, hardworking stock and I love them dearly.
The next leg of our journey took us to Anaheim Hills to stay with my bestie and her family.  We quickly fell into easy conversation, opened a bottle of bubbly and caught up on all of life's happenings.
Her oldest is leaving for Spain in January and we were happy to see her face and meet the boyfriend that she will be traveling with for the next year.
This is the worst picture, but I wanted to capture our little guys (and big) with the limo driver we had.  Scott arranged for a driver to take us to sushi and they took us home in a limo for the boys.  Grady thought it was the coolest thing ever!
We had a great time with our friends and packed it up for home Sunday morning.  It's hard to say goodbye, but we were ready to get back to our little home on the hill in Valley Ford.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Ahead of the game

I seem to be ahead of the game this holiday season.  I've been making realistic lists and ticking things off said list like a boss.  I've even taken the time to use my hand-carved stamps to decorate said lists because I just like looking at a pretty list way more than a blank, boring list. Yes, lists make me happy and keep me on track and I've needed a guide to help me get to the finish line before we jump in the car and head to Southern California for the holidays.
The last week was all about getting our packages out to loved ones with enough time to spare so that they arrive before xmas.  And by Tuesday, I was done.
This year family members and very close friends will receive the hand-letterpressed poem that Grady had published this summer over at mamalode.com, along with a family photo and a print of Grady's painting, Invisible World, that will be published in the coming spring.
A calm has settled over our home this season and we're working really hard on keeping the crazy from entering our little abode.  So far, it's worked - but we have had to remind ourselves to check in with each other, look at the calendar and discuss whether or not we just want to fill it up or leave it blank.  And I have to say, it's definitely like stretching a new muscle.  My first inclination is to add it to our calendar, but seeing a stretch of days with nothing on them except work and Grady's basketball practices has been a nice, welcome change.
Steve and Grady went down to San Francisco to see the Hockney exhibit at the de Young Museum and, just like I thought, they were amazed by the body of work of this prolific artist.  We had previously watched a Hockney documentary and thumbed through every page of the exhibit coffee table book and picked our favorites.  G was impressed with the Yosemite works that were produced by using the Brushes Application on the iPad.  Steve loved the massive video installations.  I'm so glad they had this father and son outing and enjoyed hearing their take on this masterful artist.
Grady decided to get all of his hair cut off after his basketball last weekend.  We found a wonderful stylist located next to one of my favorite thrift stores.  Kismit, I tell you.  He looks so different!  He's in love with himself and can't stop looking in the mirror or touching his newly chopped locks.
The annual dog biscuit making happened and I went ahead and doubled the recipe and set about churning them out for our canine friends.
Our evenings have been filled with cribbage matches between the guys, while I clean up the remains of dinner and the day.  This bonding over cards has been sweet to witness.  There is a lot of math happening but, more importantly, the gentle ribbing and smack-talking that accompanies this nightly match makes me smile as I shuffle around the house and overhear bits and pieces of their father-son banter.  Grady finally beat his father this week for the first time.  A big, big event around here.
The only social obligation we had on the calendar last weekend was the annual Jenner Xmas party.  We have been attending this social event since Grady was two years old and we were deemed honorary Jennerites from our dear friend, Cheryl.  She pours her heart into this little event and finds delight in the children sitting on Santa's lap, singing carols and having them swirl all around here during this small-town soiree.
I asked Steve to bring his tripod and snap a group photo for all of us.  Bert is acting like a grizzly bear and Isabella is channeling her inner-zombie, but I love it.  It's exactly what I wanted and needed to remember this beautiful day, surrounded by our goddaughters and our favorite Jenner friends.

We all talked about mixing it up next year and skipping the Jenner Community party, but we all agreed we wanted more time with just the nine of us.  Cold bubbly in front of the tree and the children reading my favorite holiday book The Twelve Days of Christmas [Correspondence] by John Julius Norwich.

What a beautiful way to end this quiet, intentional week.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Traditions + Slowing Down

Decorating our fake tree
Linda Mahley's yearly wreath cake baked especially for us with love + lots of green food dye
Back in 2009, I decided it would be fun to get a vintage aluminum xmas tree.  So, for the past four years we've had that little 4 foot tree and it was fun.  You couldn't put any lights on it though or hang any heavy ornaments.  It was over 50 years old and came in the original box.  I loved that little tree, but I was ready for a change.
Peace
After talking with the guys while we were in Big Sur, it was decided that we would have a green tree this year, possibly live, but most definitely green and with lights.  I ran across this five foot tree that came with the lights already on it at Alphabet Soup Thrift Store in Petaluma and bought it on the spot.

Grady selected the ornaments and decorated the tree for us and I put up the Advent calendar in the kitchen.  In an effort to minimize holiday stress this year, we decided to take it down a notch in the decorating department - as we have been discussing more and more how environment and design affect our mood here at home and, especially, with each other.  It's true.  When my house is in disarray or the flow of my living room isn't working, it's time to change it up and purge the space.

The house feels warm, seasonally appropriate and calm.  Oh, and bright.
These shoes are all the rage around here
1st game of the CYO Boy's Basketball Season 19-23 Win in OT against St. Elizabeth
As we discussed how to avoid the holiday madness, we talked about switching it up this year and skipping xmas.  Not really skipping it, but getting away and trying something new.  I've been a real stickler for being home for Grady each year and letting him wake up and lazily open presents, shuffle back to bed if we want to, eat a late brunch, stay in our pajamas all day and watch movies together and independently.  It's one of my favorite days of the year for those reasons.  So, while I really love the comfort of xmas day in our home, I was willing to mix it up.
Bloomfield Farms CSA box was gorgeous this wee
Lunch box notes for the boy
After a few calls to friends and family, it was decided…we were going to meet up with our friends from Paris in Palm Springs and meet their new baby, Lilan.  We plan to stay with them at their family home for four days leading up to xmas eve.  After that we'll head down to Steve's dad's house just in time for xmas eve dinner and spend xmas day with him.  I'm really looking forward to this trip to Southern California and I'm sure Santa will have no trouble finding us.
Making those plans spurred me on to making birthday plans for Steve's 50th.  I had been toying around with the idea of a big party, but that's not really my guy's style.  We even talked about having a series of small dinner parties to commemorate his half century, but that seemed more stressful that fun to me.

In a stroke of genius (yes, I'm going to take full credit here), I remembered that my man has wanted to go to Costa Rica for over four years.  I have been hesitant to jump on that vacation bandwagon and I'm not sure why.  He started talking about Costa Rica again and asked if he could slip away with his best friend next year for his birthday and would I mind?  I didn't mind at all, but it turned out that his friend couldn't go.  My guy was deflated and that's when I decided to get on this party train and plan a trip to Costa Rica.  I called our friend who owns a home down there and has offered it to us many times and made a plan.  We leave February 28th.  Happy birthday, Steve.
The oh-so elusive photo of the two of us
We attended Steve's work holiday party last Friday night and asked Grady to snap a picture of us.  We still cannot master the posed photo.  These are blurry and funny.  Looks like Grady needs to work on his focusing skills in photography, as well as school.  
Doggie cookie packaging over the years
My sweet little boy all lit up
My health has been on my mind a lot this year and I still haven't been feeling great lately.  After a quick visit to the doctor, she informed my blood pressure is now too low and took me off one of my medications.  That was the good news.  I then went to get an EKG and they found some sort of abnormalities in the test.  That news triggered a stress test appointment and it turns out all is right with my heart.  I continued to feel lousy throughout the weekend and ended up with the stomach flu.

Sickness is a great, humbling thing.  I had so many things to do this weekend, packages to wrap, items to bake & make - but I was in bed for 36 hours straight.  I listened to my body, I had no other choice.
We have had freezing temps for about a week along the coast.  The citrus trees are covered and I'm trying to keep them alive…but it doesn't look good.  Meanwhile, the stores are packed full of my favorite winter fruit - satsumas!  This is a harbinger of winter and I look forward to it every year.

We purchased Grady a new comforter for the Valley Ford Mercantile & Wool Mill and it is made from wool sheared from sheep from our local fibershed.  The owner of this business is Steve's client and it's amazing what she is doing on site at her Wool Mill.  Grady had previously been sleeping with flannel sheets and FOUR blankets!  He was still cold and the temperatures have been in the 20's every single morning, going on eight days straight.  Now he's toasty and warm and I feel lucky to know about this wonderful source for bedding.  I'm going to slowly start replacing all of our pillows and get a comforter for our bed, too.
Beauty + Sparkles
I've been busy buying a few things for the holidays and wearing accessories that sparkle as often as possible.  I love this time of year.  The art above is by the son, Daniel, of artist Geninne Zlatkis.  We are huge fans of her work and I was impressed by the work of her 16 year old son, as well.  I'm gifting the rabbit print to Grady for xmas.
Sunrise w/ xmas tree reflection
Lunch notes for the boy
I'm going to work on slowing down this week and really be intentional with where and how I spend my time.  I feel like it all goes so fast and I'll do my best to stay in the moment.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

How I Survived Thanksgiving...

I'm pretty sure I have residual childhood post-traumatic stress disorder and I mostly attribute it to Thanksgiving.  Yes, it sounds strange and even made up - but it's my blog and I'll make shit up if I want to.  And even curse.  There.  Five years of therapy have taught me a thing or two and this year I decided to put it into practice.
The 2nd Annual Valley Ford Pie Auction
Grady made two cherries pies this year - one for the auction & one for us
I'm starting off this post kind of surly, but I turned all of that around this year.  After a disastrous Thanksgiving last year (no one else knew, but I let if fly after everyone left), we joined forces as a couple, as a family.  We divided duties, made a plan and talked about how to let the steam out of this emotional stress pot of a day.  It worked.
Rare family photo
Grady's "Logo" on top of the auction pie
G giving a whipped cream pie to the face of farmer/auctioneer, Nick
To that end, we decided to help Grady make a cherry pie and donate it to the Valley Ford Pie Auction. We had such a good time last year that we wanted to participate by baking AND buying to help support the Valley Ford Volunteer Fire Department "Save Our Old Schoolhouse Fund".  Grady's pie went for $60 and a total of over $3700 was raised in a few short, fun-filled hours.

Steve even bid on a beef kidney + parmesan pie that came with a mason jar full of lard…for $50!!!  Needless to say, he's not allowed to have the auction paddle next year.
Annual school turkey trot raffle winner = Costco pumpkin pie
We kept our guest list small and I enlisted the help of all of my guests and delegated food assignments.  It all worked out perfectly and relieved my anxiety level big time.  I have the best friends.
Morning coffee + sunrise
table linens + origami cicada place cards
Isn't it funny how our childhoods creep into our adult lives and wreak havoc?  I mean, the thrown away turkey dripping debacle of 2012 was still fresh in my mind - but I pushed it aside and even purchased a gravy base from Williams-Sonoma this year.  I was going to make damned sure that the gravy didn't push me over the edge this year.  One tip I'd like to share is that I used a crock pot and set it up on my buffet table.  I made the gravy ahead of time and added pan drippings in the last 15 minutes.  It worked out just great.  My gravy was prepared and ready, out of the way and super silky and delicious.  I'm definitely incorporating this into any future plans that include gravy.  I think Steve is still my friend after this year's meal and that was my goal.  ;-)
We have a lot to be thankful for and we focused on that this year, as well as deep friendships with the people who we were sharing the day with.  We are lucky and grateful.
Steve knocked it out of the park with his turkey, again, this year.  He brined it the day before and it looked and tasted just right.
Sweet potato pumpkin pie + tablescape
By the time dessert rolled around, we were all so full that we just slowly sashayed into the living room and plopped down.  I had purchased digestifs for all of us to try and those really hit the spot.
Grady "the hands" Hecht
Bitters + Jill
Steve opened up a special bottle of 1968 armagnac, while the rest of us sipped on the remaining bubbly.  Jill + Scott shared with us a special bottle of french champagne, as well as a 2004 Iron Horse late disgorged brut sparkling wine.  It was all a treat.
Pie + Coffee
Lone White Egret on Bodega Bay marsh
The day after Thanksgiving is my favorite, really.  I woke up and put on a pot of coffee and cut a slice of cherry pie.  I watched a horrible movie with Grady (The Addams Family) and went on a seven mile walk in Bodega Bay with my girlfriends.  It felt good to work off the food and get caught up on what's going on with everyone.
Saturday found us relaxing on the deck and catching up on our reading stacks.  I just love watching Grady get lost in books.  Right now he's all about Rick Riordan and the Percy Jackson series.
Our goddaughter, Isabella, decided to turn 12 this year - even with my pleading with her to stay little.  She's just not having it.  She called us and invited Grady to a last minute bonfire birthday party on their private beach in Jenner.  He was the only boy (as he usually is) and had a great time eating hot dogs, roasting marshmallows for s'mores and telling scary campfire stories.

He fell into bed smelling like smoke and his face & hands were still quite sticky.  As I tucked him in and kissed him goodnight, I couldn't help but think about how we re-wrote this holiday weekend and made it a stress-free zone.  I know it just takes a little intention and follow through and I'm glad we finally figured that out because I want him to catalog our Thanksgivings a little differently than I have.

And that's how I survived Thanksgiving this year.

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