Happy First Month!

The Newlyweds celebrate their one month anniversary

We Are Family

I vaguely remember leading a conga line, however, there are no pictures to prove it.........hmmmm

We Are Family

Another tradition in our family began at one of my weddings....yes there were 2 and I hear the third time will be a charm :)... is my Dad and his tie. We all start the wedding well dressed, in nice dresses and suits, tuxes and shiny shoes, but by the end of the night, its shorts and flipflops. The reception is officially over when Dad ties his tie around his head. Thats our sign.
He drove home that way from my wedding complete with a balloon bouquet tied to the back of his car streaming in the wind.

Chelsea surprised Allan at the reception by belting out one of his favorite songs, "Black Velvet" .

There's one song, that cannot be played at any event without our ENTIRE family getting up and dancing. When that song starts, it doesn't matter where you are....in the bar, in the bathroom, across the room or in a parking lot. When they play OUR song, we hit the floor.

Turn it up some, grab your family and dance!

Sisterhood

Hey Sister, Go Sister, Soul Sister, Flow Sister

Meet my sistas, between us, we total 186 years in age. Yikes....and someone is hitting the half century mark here soon...not me, been there done that, now it's someone else's turn!

It's rare we are ever in the same place at the same time, but thanks to Carly's wedding, it happened. So let me introduce you.

On the left is Joanne, fitting as she is a "leftie"

Next is Gina, also known as "Bean"

me, the Matriarch

and then Teri Ann, the baby, also known as Baba.

I am the oldest, so I blazed the trails for the youngins'.

Gina and Joanne are only 23 months apart

while Teri and I share a 16 year age difference.

Three of us were cheerleaders.

Two of us are divorced.

One of us married her high school sweetheart.

One of us had a set of boy/girl twins

and between us we brought 7 grandchildren into the family.

We all live in sunny California.

One of us lives in a log house.

Two of us drive American cars.

One of us was born in England.

Three of us are blind as bats.

Three of us had braces.

One of us never ever had blond hair.

One is a hair stylist, one is a travel agent

and one has retired from the Air Force.

Four of us however, shared someone really special,

our mum.

In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips.

Carly and Allen

They say a picture paints a thousand words. Out of 1704 pictures, this has to be that one.

Carly and Allen's wedding took place up in the beautiful Santa Ynez mountains. It was a gorgeous summer afternoon, nestled among a canopy of oak trees they exchanged their vows. Carly arrived in a blue and white 1956 Chevy Bel Air, which revved it's engine wildly as she exited the car onto the arm of her father, Bob.

Friends and family were seated on hay bales under the oaks, while two oak wine barrels served as their altar, adorned with two bouquets of long stemmed red roses.

Simple, yet elegant ~ that was their theme.

The minister shared the story of how they met in high school and then parted ways only to meet again many years later by chance at a friend's bbq.

He then told us how he asked both of them separately, prior to the wedding, to share with him what it was about each other that they loved the most.

It was during their vows, that he then shared with each of them what the other had said. They were unaware what the other had said until now. It was absolutely beautiful and heartwarming. So personal and touching. And then a gentle breeze came thru the trees. That's when I felt someone put his hand on mine and that's when the tears began to fall......for everyone.

Even Mr. Moto.

So much joy and love that day,
I will share all the lovely moments with you in snippets

like chapters in a romance novel.

Until then, enjoy the song that Carly walked down the aisle to, covered in red rose petals with her Daddy on her arm.

The Meeting

Funny, the questions I receive on this blog. Last week, someone inquired "where did you meet Mr. Moto"?

Now that's a good story. I dropped in unexpectedly at a peep's home. I ran in thru her back door and into the kitchen which was filled with people. She began to introduce me to everyone. I shook his hand. We exchanged a few words. There was something about his eyes....

I continued meeting the rest of the guests and when I glanced back at him for another look, I caught his eyes doing the same thing....busted dude!

I said my goodbyes and ran out. I remember him yelling goodbye. He then quizzed my peep Patty, about me, who I have known for over 30 years. She has known him 22 years, but amazingly our paths had never crossed at her home until that day in the kitchen. I call that serendipity. He asked her for my number and being the good peep that she is, she called to check with me first for permission. And then he called. That's how it all began, but I knew he would. Sometimes you just know :)

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Hello Darlings,

Yes, I know I have fallen off the blogisphere. But I have my reasons. So now that the planets have realigned, thank heavens for small favors, we can pick up where we left off.

This is a sunflower that is growing thru a tiny crack in the asphalt in a busy Solvang parking lot near my office. When I saw this, I stopped dead in my tracks. How could this be possible in cement? It was leaning toward the sun, swaying gently in the breeze. It stood strong and happy, unnerved by the chaos and noise around it. Where it was growing was not the best of situations, but it did not waiver. It stood proud and happy. It made the best of what it had and it bloomed.

It made me smile, both inside and out. I just stood there and marveled at its determination....how it fought and pushed up thru that cement and grew. And then it hit me.... I am that sunflower and I too am beginning to bloom again.

Remember, we cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand. Bloom where you are planted my lovlies. I've missed you and will catch you up on the last month, pinky swear soon.

Now if you will excuse me....I have over 1600 wedding photos to sort thru so that I may bring you the highlights on Carla and Allen's awesome wedding....

Happy 4th You All!

Hope you all had a wonderful and safe 4th.



Mr. Moto got a new girlfriend. Her name is Kawasaki. She was born in 2012 and she is a hot 450! We spent Saturday morning at the track with her in the 95 degree weather and then headed to the Beach where it was almost 20 degrees cooler.
That's where we tried a new sport...kayaking. After a few important pointers, we were ready to launch. Final words were "keep the kayak straight as you enter the ocean". Andy was on the left side and I on the right as we pushed forward over the surf. And then it happened. Kayak was no longer straight, it was now sideways(my side) in the surf. As much as Mr. Moto tried to keep it straight, the surf had a mind and a strength of its own. Suddenly,
I felt the weight of the crashing wave and the kayak upon me. My little left chicken leg was no match for their strength. But I stood strong, like an idiot, determined not to go down as my leg was screaming to do otherwise. Andy is yelling jump in, jump in and I did as you only have a small window of opportunity until the next swell hits. We paddled out into the glassy ocean. It was awesome and quite peaceful out on the sea. I was secretly hoping I'd grow a new leg while we were out enjoying the ocean. We were also told to keep the kayak straight upon returning to land, so as not to barrel role it coming back in. We had a smooth beach landing and then I tried to step out of the kayak. My left leg buckled and I hopped around the sand like a one legged pirate. I couldn't put any weight on it. It hurt like hell. I was wincing with every step unable to put my foot down. Mr. Moto said to "walk it off". Grrrrr. OK tough guy! I hobbled over and dropped into my beach chair, and suddenly a glass of wine and 2 Advil appear (thank you ladies!) Felt no pain soon after that and stayed on the beach until dinner. Then had a beautiful bonfire. Everyone was gathering driftwood to add to the fire. It was dark and I bent down from my seat to pick up a piece of wood that was near me for the fire. Hmmm, why does this wood feel odd...kinda soft? As I tossed it up and into the fire, I saw fur and a hoof!!!!!!OH MY GAWD, it wasn't a piece of wood, it was the front leg of a dead deer and I had just thrown it onto the bonfire. If I had had two working legs of my own, I would have jumped up and began doing the GROSS dance at this point. But I couldn't. There was not enough soap and water to get the cooties off. EEEEEEEEWWWWW. Poor Bambi. Damn coyotes. I still shudder when I think about it. Bad day for legs I guess.

Had an "old fashioned 4th of July" at the historical Stow house, saw antique tractors, pumps and farm equipment. Even a working blacksmith shop. Spent the afternoon sitting on the shady lawn listening to great country western band with an ice cold
beer. Life is good.

Watched the fireworks from Mr. Moto's roof. Got up there ok, but couldn't get down. Damn leg. Bless his heart, he had to drag out another HUGE ladder to get me off the roof. Looked like something the Fire Department would use.

Did I mention he still opens the car door too?

Me and My Bee Gees

Yes I am needing a BeeGees fix.

Go ahead, make fun. Most people do.

But, next to country music, I love these guys. And right now, it's long overdue for some Bee Gees.

So crank it up and sing it loud.

Seacrest out.

Three Weeks and Counting

In just the last three weeks I have - in random order

- packed and moved a two story, 4 bedroom home with 20 years of crap in it.
- unpacked the above crap and moved it into my Dad's home (thanks Dad!)

- had my 4th garage sale in 3 months

- started a new job

- trained at new job

- attended my youngest child's high school graduation and threw a bbq
- attended my first husband's wedding reception. (Congrat's Bob & Deborah!)

- planned and sent out bridal shower invites for Carla's shower (a luau here at new digs)

- celebrated my first niece's 21st birthday at a cowboy bar

- stepped on glass and embedded it in my heel

- shopped for a MOB dress (mother of the bride) to no avail

- had my awesome sista Gina stay with me for a week (I miss ya already)

- gave myself a 2nd degree burn on my wrist with my curling iron

- entertained out of town guests on graduation weekend

- spent time with Mr. Moto :)

- had the most insane job interview EVER

- visited Neverland in honor of Michael's 2nd anniversary of his passing

- had a meltdown.

- had glass in foot cut out by Dr. and curling iron burn "cleaned" on my lunch hour. OUCH.

- killed the ivy plant in my bedroom due to neglect.

- wrote this blog post

-saw Hangover 2 movie

- and finally

wondering how I could possibly hire my own personal assistant.

Never Can Say Goodbye

It's been two years now.

I will be at the gate soon and will be joined by many others, some staff and many, many fans. There will be tears, (like now) laughter and dancing.
I am filled with such emotion as I try to put into words how special you were.
"I'll Be There" was the first song of yours I remember in my childhood. It was the first song I "slow danced" to at a school dance. Your pictures graced my bedroom walls.

When you performed on the Motown 25 year anniversary special with the sequined glove and your breathtaking moonwalk, I knew history had just been made. It was a defining moment, not like one where a war has been announced, or a tragic incident, but one of those RARE historical moments that was fun and brought joy for a change, where the history involved magic.

You were magic.
And then you brought the magic to Neverland.

In my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined I'd be a part of your world. You taught me such grace, generosity and love. You were a gentle soul. You inspired me by your humanitarian efforts and your indescribable influence on dance and music. But your biggest role of all, Michael, was that of a Daddy and you rocked it, my friend.

I miss you so. May you sing with the angels above.

The Highlights and Lowlights

Burning my right hand with my curling iron. Somehow, hanging flesh is not a good sign.
Chelsea's dec0rated mode of transportation named "Mango".

Moving, load number 28.

My niece's 21st birthday. Let's just say she slept in the shower to stop the "spins".

Two year anniversary this Sat.

Bikini staple wound healing, week 4.
Right thumb. Looks nice next to burn' t right wrist.

Grand Prix in Virginia City with Mr. Moto. Just finished 125 miles in just over 4 hours.

Chelsea singing "National Anthem" at graduation while holding onto hat during strong winds. 240 graduates in her class.

The wind beneath my wings, my kids, Carly, Chelsea and Kyle

P.S. Did I mention I have a piece of glass in my right foot too?

Santa Ynez Graduation 2011 "National Anthem"

Do Something You Love

I have a new job....it's called the Professional Job Applicant. I go to work every morning looking for employment, making calls, sending resumes and doing research. I report to my laptop every morning at 8:00 am, complete with hot coffee in hand and search, and search and search.

I blast off my resume and cover letter into cyberspace. Most times, I never hear from these companies. I can count on one hand the amount of interviews I've had, only to be told I am "overqualified and would be bored" in their positions. I could do a documentary on my journey, especially my "Norma Rae" moment while on my last interview when they asked me why I was applying for such an "entry level" position. I let them have it. They sat straight up in their chairs. It felt liberating, I walked out of that office with a smile on my face and thought, your loss, not mine.

Mr. Moto asked me what I would love to do for a living, not what I know how to do, but what I would LOVE to do if given the chance.

My dream job would involve -

adirondak chairs

seashells

vintage things

pretty things

sweet things

romantic things

picket fences
treasure hunting

girlfriends

flea markets

coffee with cream

white chipped paint

quilts

vintage china

old clocks

cozy things

lace curtains

sea breezes

home cooking

shutters

roses from the backyard

chocolate
&

laughter

Now put that all in a blender and what do you have?

Tracy's dream job.

i LOVE my friends

Today, my BFF took me to a movie.

I soooooo needed it!

A chick flick.I laughed out loud

and I cried.

It was the best medicine for me.

Somehow your peeps just know that.

Thanks Wendy,
i love you.

and

i loved the song too.

p.s. rated R

Days of Chel

Prom with Max Santa Barbara Idol Goodbye Santa Ynez High

Chelsea graduates in 7 days.

She has just turned 18.

She received the Theatre Achievement award.

She is on her way......

Counting down

8 days til Chelsea graduates.

53 days til Carla's wedding.

Oh my.

Where have I been?

Well, its a tale of two homes and I really don't even know where to start...other than the good news is I am back at a computer keyboard, with lots of blogging material and I miss you guys!

Sadly, I have joined the other bizillion people that have lost their homes. So for the last 3 weeks, I have been moving twenty years of "stuff" from my two-story, four bedroom home.....box by box, tear by tear (sniff) into my new place. Emotionally, it has NOT been easy, but it is what it is and life goes on, so put your big girl panties on and deal with it!

Let me begin with DAY ONE at my new digs. I awake at 5:30 a.m. to have a garage sale. As I have an interview later that day, I jump in the shower to wash my hair. Five minutes into the shower, a horrific noise begins. Gads, what the hell is that noise???? The plumbing? Nope. It was the LOUDEST "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" I have ever heard! I jump out of the shower to discover...it is the smoke alarm. Apparently, the steam from my shower set it off. No problem, I will just wave some pillows at it until it stops. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! That's not working. Mind you, I am dripping wet and the noise is deafening. I grab a chair and try to reach the ceiling (I am on the 2nd floor of the house next to the staircase). No go. Too short. I know the neighbors can hear this shrill noise and I can't make it stop. Naked, I run down stairs to the garage to find a screwdriver or a hammer or both in this case. Back upstairs, on the chair, still can't make the blasted thing stop screaming! I am now standing on the iron staircase railing, holding on with one arm and smashing the smoke alarm with a hammer. If the fire department arrives right now, I swear to you I will just die....Forget the hammer, I'll just pick it off the ceiling with a screwdriver....EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE, I am waving madly at it like I am weilding an icepick! The noise is absolutely ear splitting, I swear it gets louder the long it is on. I am like a mad woman stabbing thin air. Finally it comes off the ceiling momentarily but it won't stop screaming. What the hell, is it possessed? It is still plugged in! With all the strength I can muster, with one wet left hand, and balancing myself on top of the stair rail with the other, I yank the thing out of the ceiling and fling it across the room. Ahhhh, suddenly, there is peace. And there I am, naked as a jaybird, balancing myself on the stairs. Soaking wet hair, can't even remember if I rinsed out the conditioner, but don't have time now, garage sale starts in 10 minutes....so off I go. Later as my hair dries to the consistency of straw, I discover the stuff I thought was conditioner in the shower was really body lotion........ but me and my straw hair made it to the interview and by gosh it went well!

(p.s. the deceased smoke alarm is still laying on the floor, three weeks later :)

"Oh and Dad, I promise to fix the smoke alarm and thanks for letting me come home....again"

WHERE'S THE BLOG?

Dear Blog Follower in Arizona (you know who you are)

This one's for you!

Thank you so much for your inquiry and yes I've been feeling like the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz lately.....if I only had a brain.......

It's because of caring people like you, that encourage me to write even when things are tough.

So sit back PB, read on and enjoy the post below.