Jan 2010: Friends, Family & Beach Sweet Beach

The first week of January was spent recouping from our awesome and amazing South West Road Trip. But the rest of the month was split between a lot of get-togethers with friends and family and time spent on the beach, enjoying Los Angeles in January.

Mason's Birthday
Mason turned two years old and I can't say enough about this kid. I just love him and think constantly that he is just perfect! He had a riot running around and dancing to his favorite video: Kid Rock's - All Summer Long. He got his fill of spins and tickles, and then he blew out his candles - mostly by spitting on the cake - like the perfect two year old he is!

Smoking Aces
Elida & Damon hosted a Smoking Aces Poker Party and we got to dress the part. I borrowed a fedora from Christian, wore dark sunglasses, brought good luck charms and a fake cigerette. Of course, in spite of the costume I still lost due to lack of patience (or maybe skill) and everyone who has patience did really well. Either way, the money ended up back with Lu and Damon - they were the last two in - the hustlers. Once Texas Hold 'em was done we launched into spoons - to warm up the group, and shortly after we headed straight for Nerts - the best game ever - a Lisonbee classic - and a game I CAN win - no patience required. Super fun - its been a long time since we played.

Zen on the Beach
January has to be the best month in LA. There is weather variation with wind, some rain, and still a lot of sun mixed in. The wind blows any smog out of the way and with the blue sky above, and the sun shining, writing prose about the lovely environment is impossible to avoid.

Twitter in Winter:

• Is walking an empty beach enjoying wild waves crash before the rain starts again.
• Is walking on the beach, with a thumbnail moon above, as the sun melts away along the horizon.
• Is with wetland birds and wild parrots, celebrating loudly, the sunny morning after the rain.
• Is watching white cranes peak out of wetland grasses while listening to sapos sing in the twilight hour.
• Is sun kissed and wind blown on la Playa.
• Is watching the sun set as dark clouds convene with ominous intent.
• Is enveloped in a foggy wonderland, with crows on lines and palms in silouhette to play in macabre harmony.
• Spotted a small pod of dolphins while watching waves roll over.

I went to the beach almost every day. April and I took the beach cruisers out for a seven mile ( bike ride on the bike path. And the day was just brilliant if not a exhausting. I was saddle sore the next day but all was worth it. Every day I am happy I live in the Playa. Because every day I get to be on the beach.

Downtown Girl
I met up with Z and Ray for drinks downtown. I haven't been downtown, or really east of the 405 in so long I can barely remember. But I'm super glad I went because I discovered a whole new, vibrant, changing world in my own back yard. Plus, I discovered a couple of new cocktails I fell in love with - Like The Bitter Bee at The Varnish.

Drive up the PCH
April & I took the dogs back up the PCH for our annual winter pilgrimage up the coast. We love this drive, and if we can't get out of LA but need to hit the road to satisfy our hungry gypsy spirit, we grab our i-pod, the dogs and head up the coast for a couple hours. That's all we need to hold us over until we can get out on the open road.