Musical Stylings

Elton John
"Madman Across the Water"
Live at the Royal Festival Hall, 1972

On Losing a Pet

When I lost Stella nearly two years ago, the grief I bore was immense. There were the people who get it (pet owners, all) and those who don't. The ones who don't seem stymied why you would get all bent out of shape about a dog.

I found this captivating and raw documentary entitled "Last Minutes With Oden" by Eliot Rausch, Lukas Korver and Matt Taylor of Phos Pictures. It details the painful process of euthanizing a trusted companion whose best years are behind him. Narrated by Oden's owner, Jason, this six minute piece is worth a watch and your eyes will not be dry by the time it's over.

I still miss Stella, especially when I see that Thisbe shares some of her best traits.


Last Minutes with ODEN from phos pictures on Vimeo.

A Drizzly Day at the Santa Barbara Polo Club...with a side order of Nacho Figueras

Does Ralph Lauren have discerning taste? Why, yes he does. So when Nacho Figueras became the face for the men's Polo brand a few years back, I immediately noticed. And commented. Something like, "Who is that spicy dish?!" Anyhoodle, a little (harmless) research later, I found out that in addition to being a full-time dreamboat, he is an accomplished polo player. Sigh.

My stance on the matter isn't much of a secret with friend and fellow UVA Club of Santa Barbara committee member Jeep Holden, who is himself and hails from a lineage of accomplished equestrians and also a member of the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.

Even though it was a bit drizzly, Rose and I first watched Jeep and Nacho play in the exhibition match, followed by the finals of the USPA Presidents Cup. Jeep introduced us to Nacho and I was surprised by how reserved he seemed. Later, we watched him play with his adorable toddler son who kept teetering underneath his legs and giggling. My grinch heart grew three sizes that day.

From the Archive: Incubus "Dig" Live at Santa Barbara Bowl, 2009

An all-time favorite with a beach campfire sing-a-long vibe.

Carpinteria Avocado Festival

I've never made it to the Carpinteria Avocado Festival...until now. And don't think this is some ramshackle, backyard production, no sir, it is a BIG. DEAL. Early estimates say that over the course of the weekend nearly 100,000 avocado aficionados lined the streets of Carp for three days of festivities.

A few highlights:

I had heard rumblings from years past that the avocado ice cream is a must. With friends like mine, you can never be too sure...but lo. Avocado ice cream is delicious despite obvious apprehensions...I might even need to root around for a recipe to try my hand at it. Have I mentioned that avocados have their own food group in my household?

Next stop: The Carpinteria High guacamole stand. Each year the cheerleading squad mashes up, purportedly with their feet, more than 5,000 avos to make the world's largest bowl of guacamole. 

Lastly, it was over to the Holy Guaca-Moly stand to take home a little souvenir (which became dinner...), a container of the World's Winningest Guacamole Ever. Can't argue with that logic.

Next year there are two goals on my list: try the tri-tip sandwich which got rave reviews and enter the guacamole recipe contest. The year after? Win the guacamole recipe contest.

Musical Stylings

Bjork - "Isobel"
Live at the Royal Opera

Terrarium: A Love Story

Dear Terrarium,

From the moment I laid eyes on your fern tendrils, I knew you were the one. You oxygenate my air.

Kiss,

Sally