a look back at 2012

It's been quite a year ... wonderful at its best.  And at its ... sad times.  Because I can't really say this was a bad year.  I was sad for awhile but overall, it was a really, really good year.

I was thinking about what the theme of this year has been, and the image that keeps coming to mind is a big wall that collapses down, thus, I call it the "breakdown of walls".  I've been told many times that I had these big walls around me, and that always made me sad because I didn't mean to put up such big walls that no one can get through.  Anyhow, this year, I really worked on breaking down those walls and learning to trust that I'll be okay without them.

Last night, after the movie, my friend and I had dinner and were reflecting on the past year.  I should say, the last ten years for me.  And she confirmed that I did it.  I broke the walls.  And I'm okay without them.  I'm more than okay.  I'm happy.

Anyhow, I think sometimes pictures have a better way of summing things up, so here's just a few of my 2012 adventures:

Secret Stairs hikes

Exploring L.A.

March madness

A new addition to the family!

SF/Napa Trip

Resolved.

Summer fun!

Living the dream.

Happy New Year, everyone!  Have an amazing and blessed 2013.  May it be filled with many awesome moments!

life in pictures: winter 2012

January

February

Lake Hollywood

March

sometimes, all it takes is putting one foot in front of the other ...

and before you know, you'll be right where you belong.

breakfast in paris.

okay, I didn't actually fly off to Paris for breakfast,

but I can pretend I'm in Paris in this cute and charming café.

as for my breakfast, it was delish!

crepe parisenne - Nutella, bananas and strawberries.  Sweet start to my morning. :)

The lady who worked there thought I was a tourist - on vacation. 

Who sits down for an early breakfast, with a book (and camera) 

in the middle of the week, right?

It was lovely.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Vacation is over.  Now, back to work.

photos of Nésmon Café (on Ventura Blvd., between Dixie Cyn. and Fulton)

still here.

I haven't disappeared.  I've just been a little distracted, savoring in happyland.  The other day, I thought, what's the difference?  Because there hasn't been any major, life-altering changes. ...

Then, I remembered, I'm here.  Immersed in the present.  In the beauty that surrounds me.  And in the faith that tomorrow will take care of itself.  So, the weight of worry has been lifted.  And there's just the combined sense of relief, awe and excitement for the unknown that follows. 

"Two" - taken during one of my neighborhood walks.  (Someone thought I was a bird watcher.  Lol.)

"Rays" - during a September afternoon walk.

"Van Gogh sky" - I'm a big Van Gogh fan, and when I saw this, I felt like I was in a Van Gogh painting.

I can't wait for the official fall season ... just a few more days!  I know it is still super-hot, but the evenings have been a little cooler, and the days have been getting shorter.  But the best part of fall this year is that I'll be in one of my favorite cities!  Can't wait!!!

 

movie under the stars

There's something romantic about watching a movie under the stars.  The misty night air and cool breeze just fills me with blissful giddiness.  Now, add palm trees as a backdrop, tombstones all around, and Scarface ... my heart's been won. 


Hollywood Forever Cemetery

the crowd settling in.

the moon couldn't be more perfect.

It was the perfect Sunday evening.  :)

Perfect end to a great summer.

Perfect beginning to fall (my favorite season).

Looking forward to new adventures.

sky snaps

If you know me, you know I love the sky.  My friends think I have this unnatural obsession with it.  Pretty much, they think I'm weird because I'm always taking pictures of the sky.  But, when I went to the Annenberg House a couple of weeks ago, I saw this exhibit:

So, it looks like I'm not the only one obsessed with the sky. 

Anyhow, today was a good sky day.  Actually, a very beautiful sky day. 

Enough to make this day even more awesome.  :) 

Hope you had a wonderful Wednesday!  And hope you got to see the amazing sky, and that it put a big smile on your face. 

By the way, do you see the fox running?

weekend in pictures: palm desert

Resolved.  3 amazing days

Beautiful desert night.

Amazing

I had an amazing weekend.  I wish I could write something more elaborate or eloquent to describe just how amazing this weekend has been, but maybe these pictures will give you a better idea - much better than anything I could write at this moment.

Sunset landing into SF.

Race onto the runway!

Roadtrip to Napa!

Cheers!

A day at the pier.

Then, some playtime ...

... and some ice cream.

The way to my heart.

Another beautiful sunset - view from our hotel.

Fireworks!

more fireworks!

And even more amazing - my niece's baby girl was born today!  As I walked into the waiting room (after rushing through traffic from the airport, and then, running from the parking lot into the hospital), she came out.  :)  And I fell in love all over again! 

I hope you all had an amazing weekend, too!