2014 Hike #4: Juanita Cooke and Hiltscher Trail

In keeping my New Year's Resolution of weekly hikes, I managed to squeeze in a trail on my trip back to SoCal. This weekend, I hiked along Juanita Cooke trail in Fullerton, CA. It started off quite boring as it was just flat terrain with little to no elevation and trees on either side of the dirt path providing some relief from the sun. 

About a half mile into the trail, I came upon a different path; the Hiltscher Trail. This was much better as it provided more picturesque scenery. Along the trail were creeks, horse stables and chicken coops; a bit of country in the city. I came across a bridge (I have a thing for bridges) where I stopped to do my dancing stretches (the pliérs, kicks, arm stretches). I think for future trails, should I come across a bridge, I will stop for this routine. 

I'm glad I was able to enjoy a bit of nature on my short trip to the southland. Though I must say; the Bay Area has far better trails.

New Ink for the Bookworm

“But his eyes, dimmed a little by many paintless days, under sun and rain, brood on over the solemn dumping ground.”

-FSF

  

I've noticed an uptick in interests for my tattoo posts. It's been awhile since my last session and therefore fewer updates. I've finally made it back to the shop though I had a different artist work on me. Bud, my usual artist, has been on medical leave. I figured I can have someone else do smaller pieces and save the larger more complex pieces for Bud. 

One must have a love of literature to understand this new ink. I changed the colors to reflect my preference. One: yellow ink just wouldn't look right on olive skin.  Two: I wanted the eye color to look more like mine. 

This pretty much summed up how I feel today...

With my primo photobombing.

The day started off well. The game got off to a good start with the Wilson fumble and the first score of the game. We led at the half and throughout the 3rd quarter. But then Kaepernick choked BIG TIME! 

This is one painful loss. I don't know which NFC Championship loss is worse: Roger Craig fumbling the 3-peat away. The Dallas Cowboy losses back in the 90s. Losing to the Giants (again) in 2012...this was pretty bad (though nothing is worse than losing the Super Bowl and I'm still having a hard time getting over that loss).

But in the end, I'm forever a 49er Faithful. I have been since birth and I'm a 3rd generation Niner fan. You win some, you lose some. For better or for worse, they will always be my team.

GO NINERS!

As for this year's Super Bowl...well this will be the first time that I REFUSE to watch. You can find me at the Alameda Antique Faire that Sunday. Should be less crowded next month.

Getting the 'billy on.

It has been a very, VERY long time since I've gone to a rockabilly show. I met up with a couple of friends for a car show/rockabilly show at 23 Club in Brisbane. It was definitely a friendly atmosphere and the people there (mostly car clubs) were super nice. One of my friends stated, "that's because there were more men than women." I didn't realize it, but yes, there were fewer ladies. Of those who were there, most were older and therefore beyond the cattiness and were very friendly. I manage to dance a few songs in addition to enjoying the music and meeting new people. It made me think of the L.A. Rockabilly scene. Though I'm more into the swing dance scene, I think I can leave a little room for RAB. 

2014 Hike #3: Rodeo Beach and Pt. Bonita Lighthouse

Last week was a cold, foggy trek through Hawk Hill, and as a result, I got sick. Usually I go to work sick, but by Wednesday, the flu knocked me out and I missed the last two days. I'm now in recovery mode, and when I saw the beautiful weather outside, flu or no flu, I decided to back the Marin Headlines for another hiking trail.

Today's hike was at Rodeo Beach and Point Bonita. As beautiful as the Peninsula is, I'd have to say that Marin offers far better trails and views.

2014 Vintage Purchase #2: Milk glass earrings

With each vintage purchase comes the research to date the item and understand its history. I believe it's important to know where your items come from to truly appreciate the value as well a know that you're getting a true vintage item. There are many sellers out there who inaccurately describe their items either due to the their own ignorance or they are playing up the "vintage" popularity to make a buck off the naive buyer.

This past week, I bought these lovelies for a steal. The seller described them as true vintage '50s earrings, but I knew better. These aren't 1950s. These are older based on the screw-back. But I wasn't going to tell the seller that. She may increase the price.

A few months back I purchased some earrings that had screw-backs. These types of earrings do not require a pierced ear. These were quite popular during the early 20th century when ear piercing was considered in poor taste. Screw-backs were made en masse up until 1930 when clip-on earrings were invented (perhaps in response to the Great Depression making these earrings more cost effective?). In the 1940s, it was back to ear piercing.

These are also milk glass earrings which were highly sought and valued among the upper class during The Gilded Age (1870s-1910s). Milk glass was widespread thereafter up until the Depression Era when glass was more translucent and thus produced in limited capacity.

Floral designs were a popular theme during the 1930s. Jewelry from this era featured more metal than gems with intricately designed patterns whereas the 1940s incorporated more silver.

Based on this research alone, these earrings could date no later than the 1930s. And all for $8!

2014 Hike #2: Hawk Hill

I was a bit iffy about trekking it out to Marin considering the poor weather we are having. The forecast called for rain which means a muddy trail and low visibility. But I made a commitment to myself; I would continue my hiking every weekend. So I set out to hike a new trail in the Marin Headlands: Hawk Hill.

Along this particular trail there wasn't much to see beyond the chaparral and big black crows. It was really foggy which meant drab photos, but there were still interesting things to see. I must say thank goodness for the bunkers along the trail which provided a great short cut after climbing several flights of stairs. Even Daisy was getting tired that I had to carry her by her harness. Though I could hear the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, the view was completely obscured by the fog. That means only one thing; come back on a clearer day.

Next week's hike: Rodeo Beach South and Point Bonita Lighthouse

Vintage Finds! New Year, New buys

I took a three month hiatus from vintage shopping to focus on completing my MA degree. Now that it's done, I've more time to continue shopping the Alameda Antique Faire and estate sales. So far, there haven't been any estate sales (at least none that have antiques or vintage).

Today I went super early to Alameda Pointe because I had to be back in SF in time to watch the 49ers game. (I'm a 49er Faithful!) As I always do, I walk straight to the back and weave my way toward the front. I had only one purpose: to find a vintage chair to go with my vintage vanity. It was row after row of disappointment. Chairs were either too expensive, the wrong fabric color, or the wrong wood. Some came in pairs, and I just couldn't bare to separate the pieces. As my search was growing more futile, I decided to look at clothing. Even that was fruitless. Not a single one of my usual sellers were at Alameda. Perhaps they're still on vacation.

Then I came across the vintage eyeglasses booth. I bought my cat eyeglasses from this seller a couple years ago. Since I've been purchasing more clothing from the 20s through early 40s, I've been looking for glasses from that era. They're tough to find since many are really small or don't look good on a round face. Until today. I finally found a pair of glasses from the early 20s.

My Eyes of Dr. TJ Eckleburg

What I love most about these frames are the wire handles that wrap around the ears. Guaranteed these will not slip of my face. Now I just need to have my prescription filled.

Just before I was ready to exit the fair, I spied with my little eyes the perfect seat for my vanity. It had its nicks and scratches, but that's what gives the piece character. What I loved was the wood detail of the carved flowers. The intricate needlepoint on the seat. I nearly had sticker shock. Not because it was so high, but because it was so low. TEN dollars. It's over 100 years old, so the price couldn't be right. I asked the seller, and indeed she was selling it for $10. Apparently because it wasn't in pristine condition, she lowered the price. So I bought it. And it's perfect.

Lets see what 2014 has in store for vintage purchases. Stay tuned.

First Hike of 2014: Slacker Ridge

Slacker Ridge. Don't let the name fool you because it certainly fooled me. I was thinking I'd start simple since it's been a very long time since my last hike. Was I proved wrong. This trail is not for slackers. Clearly, my body is no longer conditioned for strenuous hikes. I'm only conditioned for swing dancing as I never lose my breath (or a beat).

Nonetheless, it was a beautiful trail. When I stepped out of my truck the smell of pine filled the air. It smelled like Christmas. As I ascended the hill, the sound of life fell silent. All I could hear was the crunch of gravel beneath my footsteps. It was absolutely peaceful.

I came to a cross roads, I turned north to reach the first peak. On my way up, I noticed a lady sitting and facing San Francisco. As I came closer, I noticed she was writing in her journal. Every person has their own method to record their hiking experiences. Some keep a written journal, others will photo document and comment on a blog.

At the peak was a beautiful view of the Golden Gate and the San Francisco skyline.

Even Daisy took time out to appreciate the scenic beauty.

Later, I walked across to the next peak where the was a breathtaking view from the East Bay to the Pacific Ocean. I took a couple of panoramic photos.

On my way back down the trail, I noticed several others in the Marin Headlands. Next Saturday will be The Coast Trail. Stay tuned.

New Year, New Goals

New Commitments for 2014:

1. Back to my weekly hikes and photo documenting them on a new page of this blog. After hiking all trails on the peninsula, I will now explore Marin County.
2. Improve my Italian language abilities. 
3. Yoga AT LEAST once a week. 

Of course, I will always continue to live happily and healthy in mind, body and spirit. Cheers to a New Year and many blessings in 2014.