Golf -- It's Just a Game

On my way out of town I decided to stop and snap a pix of one of the three golf courses in this little community I call home. Yes, folks, that is the "clubhouse" of this public golf course. I have no idea who maintains this little piece of green -- since it is out of City limits -- but I do see people playing there whenever i pass by...weather permitting. I am not sure if it is just a driving range or a 9-hole course or something in between. What I do know is that Beatrix, the wonder Cairn, has many golf balls from what I am sure are disheartened players. You see the Beck Farm we frequently visit is located just across the highway and without missing a day there are new golf balls to be found in the fenced portion of their property.

I learned to play the game way back when -- in my first years at Cal State Long Beach physical education courses were still a requirement. Yes...students were actually required to stay in shape. I figured that golf would be the easiest since it required no special clothing and the minimum of equipment that I could easily carry, so it was my choice for several years. While I never gained any real skill at the game, I did, over time, learn to appreciate it for being much more than what it seems to the innocent onlooker. Golf is a game of consistency -- therefore it is my feeling that unless you play every single day, it is really hard to excel at it. That being said what I did love about the game was the camaraderie of the group I was playing with. In those days we did a lot of hitting the ball and walking (yes, we walked...no carts were provided...so we covered the course the old fashioned way...with our feet) which left us a lot of time to just talk about life in general. Those early years came and went in a blink; but the good times associated with golf never left my memory. Over the years, I dated many a man who fancied himself the golf expert -- hey, now that I think about it, one was a golf pro at a beach side golf course, wonder what happened to him? I have memories of riding along -- not really playing -- at some beautiful courses, usually in the early morning hours, in the desert of SoCal and the beaches of NoCal (well, more central than north). It seemed that no matter where I was at the moment, there was a place to play golf -- case in point, this tiny little golf course. As I went on my way to Dundee, I wondered if people around the world really play for the "score" or if they play for the friendship that comes out of sharing a game together? I'm going to have to ask my brother-in-law who, as far as I know, still gets up at 4:00 every Thursday morning to meet his friends on a local golf course for a friendly game. Yes, they do wear hats with "headlights" on them -- and yes, they are all crazy, but wouldn't miss a game. I have to believe it is for more than just hitting a ball and driving around in a golf cart...don't you think?

A Look Back & A Glimpse Into the Future

I drive by this historic building several times a week. Located in the historic part of the City of Woodburn, this beautiful building once housed the City Hall. Today was the day I decided to stop for a few seconds and study the building, snap a few images and jot down the information on the For Sale sign that has been posted on the corner in front of the building for several years now.

When I think about expanding Tanya Lochridge Jewelry at some point in the future, I always envision a property of some sort that harbors my home, outbuildings for the jewerly studio/factory and a childcare center that includes a kitchen for preparing the kids' and employees' meals. Grandiose, I know...but it is good to have a dream. While this building doesn't fit into the "farm-type" property I have been thinking about -- with some careful renovation it would be an interesting environment. After checking it out online I figure the top floor would include my living space and the bottom floor would house the jewelry studio/factory, the child care center and the small kitchen. This particular property is zoned commercial so not sure it could be converted into a live/work space and since it is a historical site, the exterior of the building can not be changed...which is fine with me. While there is significant water damage to the interior, there is something about the stately nature of the building -- today surrounded by much newer buildings with little personality and graced by several 100-year-old Victorian homes. While it's historical nature makes it an interesting option -- the best thing is that it is right around the corner from my favorite taqueria in town. Boy, oh boy -- the best food in the world...well not that I have eaten all the food the world has to offer -- but for me, at this moment, it doesn't get much better than Luis's and to think it would be a stone's throw away. So a little something to think about.

Primavera è qui!

While it sure takes a long tme for spring to reach this part of the world -- it is well worth the wait. It seems that Mother Nature understands our plight of living in the long, long, long (get my drift) cold gray rainy days of winter and, as a reward, she blesses us with some of the most glorious colors in the way of flowers and blue sky. Perfect example -- rosemary in blossom and some yellow flower that I know nothing about. I remember the rosemary growing like hedges around many of the homes in Mill Valley and surrounding valleys of NoCal. The fragrance is heavenly -- if you like rosemary -- and it's perfect for snipping and using in cooking and on the grill. The color of the blossom is a bit unusual -- in that it is vibrant and soft at the same time. It might be that the blossom itself is very soft in design -- which in some way tempers the purple color. The deep green of the leaves is a perfect complement. And, the little yellow flower -- well, what can I say? These are the brightest and cheeriest yellow in a blossom I think I have ever seen. If anyone knows what this plant is -- let me know. Every year I think I am going to take a little snip of it to one of the wholesale nurseries here and ask about it; but I seem to always think about it once I am out and about. Hope you enjoy and that spring has shown up on your doorstep, too!

Techno-Challenge

I'll agree my head has been a bit fuzzy this week; and working to do my regular tasks took a little more dedicated concentration and double-checking just to be sure things were done correctly. Then it happened -- suddenly and without explanation, my laptop computer that is in my jewelry studio decided it was no longer connected to the wireless network in the house. What?

Okay, I'm pretty tech-savvy (well, that might be a slight over-statement) and, under normal circumstances, I can usually welcome and conquer these types of challenges. So I went through the Rolodex of my mind (does anyone even know what a Rolodex is or was?) and walked step by step through what I thought should bring my network back to normal. Shut both computers down and then warned Beatrix, who has to have her nose in everything I am doing, that I was "going in" to check all the cable connections on the back of the desktop and under the desk. I say "going in" because it is such a tangle of cords and cables back there that a person could go in and never be seen again -- computers, printers, scanners, postal meters, headsets and routers all meet in that one single location. Sometimes I think it would have been wise to go into the cable manufacturing biz -- just in this little location I must have 100+ feet of cable and I am small potatoes by comparison. But I digress. Confident that I had rectified the situation, I rebooted first the desktop and then the laptop. Ah, success...on the desktop. However...not so much on the laptop, I was still getting that annoying error message...you know the one with the tone that sounds like it should end with "you idiot." Dejected, after having sent a text off to my brother-in-law, who I call Rainman since he can figure out any of this techno-crap, only to have him respond with a list of the very same things I already did, I decided to call it quits for the night and just bring in the Big Kahuna, aka my computer guy in the morning.


A few hours later, not being able to just "leave it alone" I went back into the studio, sat with my hands in my lap and stared at the laptop. Suddenly, there it was like a billboard lit up in Vegas. Did you know that in the lower right hand corner of this laptop there is a tiny little switch labeled "Wireless" with the On and Off locations pretty clearly marked? Well, poop. I reached over and sheepishly slid the button to the ON position and booted up and viola -- there it was...IE plain and simple. The only thing I can figure is that it got flipped to the off position when I was on a dusting jag earlier that day. The entire experience was like a little microcosm of life -- makes me wonder how much we miss because we are so looking in all the wrong places. Or maybe, our preconceived ideas serve as the catalyst for us to "force" the big picture when, if we toss away our preconceptions and just let the little components of the picture speak to us, the end result would be a picture that not only functions but is beautiful as well.

Moments

As I sit here waiting for a friend to come out of brain surgery, I am reminded of just how fragile life truly is. While I have lived most of my years with the belief that life, indeed, can turn on a dime; sometimes we just get so caught up in the "living" part that we forget about the "life" part. Life is truly lived moment by moment -- we are only assured of this exact moment right now. When I was studying acting in NYC, coaches would always remind us to "be in the moment" while on set or stage. I carry that thinking with me in life -- it's so important to be present in each and every moment. So, it is my hope to not sound maudlin with all of this. I am a writer under it all and writing is my way to deal with the challenges that pop up along the path I've chosen. So, while my thoughts are with, and for, my dear friend and his family, it also seems important for me to encourage you to stop for just a moment to give thanks and be grateful for all that you hold in your heart.

Decoration or Touchstone?

So, I've been on a pendant path of late. Not sure exactly what inspired it; but it's where I've been lately. Perhaps thoughts (or wishes) of warmer days, lighter clothes and just a bob or bit around the neck or maybe a necklace that can be used as a touchstone of sorts, offering a bit of peace in a hectic day. Here's a secret -- I love big pieces of gemstones! Ha -- so okay, not really a secret but it is so true. Something about the way they look, of course, but often times it is as much about the way they feel. Always cool to the touch, and depending on the cut and faceting, in most cases, there is a smoothness about them that can't be copied in plastic. I do know that when I wear a bracelet made from bigger gemstones, I spend a lot of time fiddling with it throughout the day. Not in an "I can't wait to get this thing off kind of way" but in a calming almost meditative kind of way. I know, I know -- it's just jewelry, right? Well, not for me. It seems that I use jewelry for more reasons than pure decoration.

There is much lore around the powers of gemstones -- and it is fun to read up on the different stones. I do think they carry a certain energy of mother earth -- of all things that came before. How could they not? Considering the fact that many of the gemstones I use in my designs are thousands of years in the making (gemstones, not the jewelry...I'm old but not that old) that's a lot of energy to wear. I think my fascination with these simpler designs has to do with showcasing the beauty of a single stone while giving you a touchstone that hopefully offers a bit of calm and peace when you wear and touch it. Not quite sure why I feel the need for this right at the moment -- but I have learned over time that when an inspiration hits me it's best to just go with the flow and see what comes out of the studio. When I follow my heart the result is usually pretty nice -- at least I think so. I hope that you feel the same -- it would be fun to hear your thoughts.

Tiny Gifts of Spring

Spring finally arrived with three days of glorious sunshine this week! And, today more rain...but somehow it is much more tolerable after the steady sun. Out back, these little gifts were waiting just for me when I went out his morning. I love the tiny little grape hyacinths. Not only is the color lovely, but if you look real close you'll see the tiniest little bell-shaped blossoms, tipped with lavender and white. If that treat for the eyes isn't enough -- take a deep breath and you'll experience their soft sweet smell -- not as heavy as regular hyacinth - but a lighter angelic scent. They just make me smile -- I had to bring some in and nestle them in with my other treasures. I'm inspired -- I want to gather my amethyst -- cape and chevron -- and get hopping on a few new pieces to add to the site. Stay tuned.

Breaking Rules with Beautiful Jewels!

Oh boy -- while I was trying to do some fancy-schmancy collage image in PhotoShop Elements that included both of these images in one, I just about lost my mind. I am sure it is much easier than I am making it -- but it's another old dog story. That being said -- I am so excited to share an article penned by moi in the new Wedding Issue of Gladys Magazine! Imagine me...writing about wedding jewelry. Not so hard to do really. I am a writer and a jewelry designer -- and I have designed jewelry for brides and wedding participants for many years -- so it shouldn't be too hard to fathom, right? Why then was I stumped when the time came to actually write something entertaining? I think it is one of those things that no matter how many times you do something -- every time still feels like the first. At least to me. When taking on a writing task, other than the blog you are reading, I like to do my homework and be sure I have all the background material needed before I write even one word. I know that I probably gather too much information; but it has always been my experience that it is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. Since this article was about a few things near and dear to my heart I decided to look back at my own wedding -- I mean way, way, way back. In doing just that, I came across old pix (it's true, they did have cameras in those days!) and I was reminded of many of the challenges I had as a bride. Back then, there were so many rules -- I couldn't have this kind of music, I couldn't have that kind of cake, I couldn't have those flowers mixed together -- honestly, it's no wonder people elope! Anyhow -- the end result is what I think is a fun little bit of prose about breaking the wedding rules -- especially when it comes to jewels.

If you aren't familiar with Gladys Magazine -- I say run, don't walk, to the nearest Barnes & Noble and pick one off the magazine stand ASAP. If you live in a little tiny town like I do and it is a day trip just to get to the bookstore (by the way, I feel your pain) you can subscribe to this unique magazine by visiting http://www.gladysmagazine.com/. And, in just a few days -- there in your very own mailbox will be your very own Wedding Issue to indulge your senses. Don't be expecting your cookie-cutter bridal mag. This issue is filled with magic -- gowns that are exquisite, settings that are beautiful and just lots of uplifting and nice things to experience. Oh, did I mention they highlight one of my old haunts in SoCal -- La Quinta Resort with all their little comfy 1920s casitas. Oh, I remember lots of laughter, some great golf and relaxing days spent there with friends. Sigh...I was actually surprised to see it talked up in the same issue as my article -- coinky-dink? Not sure -- but it was enjoyable for me and I think you will not be disappointed in the magazine. It's a must for all brides-to-be and anyone just wanting an escape from the ordinary. Thank you Gladys for believing in me and my jewelry. I so appreciate your love and support since first we met. And, that my friends, is a message from the heart. Now, go, get your issue before they are all gone.