Bits of my weekend: Vol. 31

5 06 2011

We’re starting to see our garden produce vegetables which is exciting.

I've never grown broccoli before and didn't really realize how many stalks could grow on one plant.

everyone had to take look.

We also went to the Culver City Art Walk.  This year’s experience was a little different.  We didn’t wander around like last time.

several people were interested in Al's fish sculptures

I really love how the single fish turned out. Al's brother did a great job.

Rhonda Voo had some "delicious displays"

do you think the members of KISS would like these?

Jeff used found objects to create this. The vaccum cleaner was rescued from a dumpster.

the end.

 


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Categories : Art, Family, weekend

Bits of my weekend: vol. 30

18 05 2011

This post was a bit delayed due to our lack of internet connection. It felt so strange to be without internet service for 4 days.

a really fun exhibit - a feast for the eyes: MOCA's Street Art

The exhibit actually started outside.

space invader

ouch

I particularly liked this pimped up “candy truck”

glittery and shiny

this reminded me of the "Union 76" balls from Dodger Park professing it's love for LA

he loves mom too

luckily our daughter is too young to recognize candy. or else she would have swiped some of the art

the artist

another crazy car

the interior

the inspiration for Shepard Ferry's "obey"

banksy

all the art was inspiring our own artist to be creative.


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Categories : Art, weekend

Bits of my weekend: vol. 29

25 04 2011

The Marina is always filled with people enjoying the water.  This weekend was no different.

QT observed every seagull she saw

It's always great to see family. Ally's pops was in town to join us for Easter.

Our friend Bobby celebrated his 60th with a wonderful party and a spectactular cake.

His rock/wife, Barbara, threw another amazing party

The only problem with the photo is the other brother is behind the camera.

can't have an Easter celebration without a hunt for eggs

It was a great see family this weekend.


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Categories : Family, friends, weekend

Bits of my weekend: Vol. 28

17 04 2011

We decided to celebrate our anniversary by trying a new restaurant. We set our sights on

NY pizza dough or at least descendants of

Alas, we forgot to check hours of operation and didn’t discover it only serves dinner until we got there.

as luck would have it, Umani Burger was across the street

Umani is all about tasty everything.  And even their ice tea had a little something extra.

a hint of coconut. it was refreshing!

Al loved it.

We had some great portabello mushroom burgers, sweet potato fries and truffle beet salad.

the ice cream sandwich was pretty yummy too.

I believe we’ve had a chocolate dessert at every wedding anniversary celebration.  How could we not, when we choose to serve chocolate wedding cake.

chocolate ganache cake with one layer of raspberry cream. photo by Suzi of Q Weddings

there were barely crumbs left of our wedding cake. photo by Suzi of Q Weddings

post-party at the Prince O' Whales. photo by Suzi of Q Weddings.

This year’s anniversary celebration was extra sweet because we shared with a giggling two-year old.

who like mom and dad, appreciates chocolate!


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Categories : Family, food, Husband, weddings

Spring planting

11 04 2011

I love spring planting.  The anticipation of waiting for a little bud or a little vegetable peeking through is something I look forward to.  This year I’m excited that we’ll get to share this with our daughter.  I’m hoping she’ll be old enough to share in the wonder.

watering isn't my thing, lucky for me - Al is willing to do it

 

can't wait to eat some fresh basil

First buds due in about 45 days.  Hoping by Memorial Day, we’ll have something to eat from the garden.


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Categories : Family, Husband

Try whistling this

6 04 2011

An artist that never disappoints!

I may have hit an all-time record for the musical artist seen the most.  It’s really not a lot when you compare it to a Dead Head or other groupies.  But this week, I saw Neil Finn for the fifth time.  Fourth time with Al.

Every show, whether it is with Crowded House or alone – is an amazing show.  Obviously my love for his music helps this, but he’s entertaining.  Some artists come on and never say a word to the audience.  Neil loves to engage the audience, give opinions and tell stories.  I don’t recall him with a perm in the ’80s – but after he talked about it, I’m going to search for some memorable images.

The other thing is that Neil always picks cool venues.  Coach House, Orpheum Theatre, Greek Theatre and of course the El Rey.

love these art deco theatres

I love that he also went way back and sang two Split Enz songs.

a great encore

We haven’t been going out much as a couple.  So this was really a great treat.

 


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Categories : Concerts, Husband

3 years gone in 30 seconds

9 03 2011

I’ve been growing my hair long so that I could donate it to Locks of Love. I realize that I am fast approaching the age where long hair looks ridiculous and makes me seem desperate to stay youthful looking when in fact make me look like an old hag.

Obviously the new addition to our family and the desire to get ready for work in 60 seconds (okay it takes more like 15 minutes in total) also prompted me to cut my hair.

10.5 inches worth

I remember for a long time that my hair represented something powerful for me.  From an early age, short hair wasn’t something I enjoyed.  Maybe it’s because people thought I was a boy at the age of 7 with short hair.

Now I realize, it something that can come and go as life goes on.  I was worried that QT wouldn’t recognize me when I picked her up from “school.”  There was no hesitation from her and she saw me across the playground.  So I’m just happy to cut my hair for a good cause and give myself more time to hang out with the QT in the mornings.

my little buddy still recognized me


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Categories : Family, Musings

8 years ago

18 02 2011

I met a guy wearing a pork pie hat reading the sports section of the LA Times at Starbucks.  Who knew it where it would lead to but here are some highlights:

 

My first of seven trips to New Orleans. My first and last Brennan's Hurricane

My first crawfish boil and meeting with a Quinn

The first of many amazing vacations with that guy wearing the hat

A ring. And the incident when the diamond fell out - but was found in the bath tub by Al.

Our intimate wedding

A trip of a lifetime to Paris and Al's homeland, Italy

Brought the best dog in the world, Coco, into our family

My first trip to Brooklyn and Sheephead Bay, Al's hometown

took niece, Jessica, to the Kid Choice awards.

said goodbye to my dad

torn down a few walls in my house

transformed our living space

Celebrated my in-laws 50th anniversary

reminded ourselves how beautiful our national parks can be.

Loved my husband even more for embracing my mother and bringing her into our home

Missed my brother-in-law's wedding

But sent nine dozen mini-cupcakes

Welcomed two Sperrazzo kids (James was in his mommy's tummy when we got married)

welcomed twins, Kayde and Kayle into the family

said goodbye to Coco

Traveled to China for a trip of a lifetime to welcome, Quinn, our daughter into our family.

Celebrated all the wonders of my life with this great guy

Additionally celebrated many birthdays, friend’s weddings and births.  Met so many new friends through Al.  Had lots of amazing meals and laughter.   I can’t wait to see what life has in store for us!  Learn more about some of the cupcakes I’ve baked and my daughter Quinn by click on the links.


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Categories : Adoption, Coco, Family, friends, Husband, New Orleans, Quinn

How different life can be

13 02 2011

Two months ago, we met our daughter Quinn for the first time. I can honestly say that our lives are very different – but in a positive way.  There really is nothing like a giggle or grin from your child.  It’s like a drug, you just want more.


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Categories : Adoption, Family

Two weeks seems much longer

28 12 2010

Two weeks ago we officially adopted our daughter Quinn in China.

Signing the paperwork in Nanjiing, China

A week ago, we went to the American Consulate for an oath ceremony

We took the oath on Quinn's behalf. And she became a U.S.citizen on Dec. 24, 2010 when our plane touch down in the U.S.

It’s mind boggling that only two weeks have past.  We’ve actually been a family for 15 days; we met on Dec. 13.

Here is Quinn today, during our daily dancing session.

We love this kid so much.  I guess until you are a parent, you cannot comprehend how quickly and deeply you can fall in love with a little being.


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Categories : Adoption, Family, Quinn

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