2015 Hike #2: Baltimore Canyon

I went back to Marin County for my Friday hike. This time I went to Larkspur's Baltimore Canyon; a forest in a suburban community. What I love most about this hike is the sounds of nature; the trickling water along the creek, the trees swaying with the wind, birds chirping. There were no urban sounds. 

Along the hike are several bridges. For some reason, I really love the sight of rustic bridges. They really are a great feature in a woodsy area. As I cross, I just stop and take in the entire scenery; towering trees, bright green leaves, the water flowing below. It's all just breathtaking. 

2015 Hike #1: Sawyer Camp Trail

Gadzooks! It has been four months since my last hike! Darn that knee injury. But I'm back at it; just as I am back to dancing again.

Today was such a beautiful day for a hike with mild temperatures and a clear blue sky. This time I ventured to the Sawyer Camp Trail. It's a relatively easy trail with mostly flat surface and a small incline at some points. I didn't want to jump immediately into a difficult trail after a long absence. The path is along the Crystal Springs Reservoir providing breath taking views. I don't think my pictures do it much justice.

I told you it was a lovely day.

Ugh! That fence just ruins the scenery.

Such a lovely pop of color.

I just love the sound of a waterfall. It's very soothing.

2015 Vintage Purchases #2: A Perfect Match!

This Valentine's Weekend was spent antique hunting with my family. My parents came up for a visit, and since they, too, enjoy the antique festivals circuit, they wanted to check out new (to them) shops. I took them to this place off Valencia and Duboce. The place is simply called Stuff.  It has a lot of stuff, indeed, and my parents loved it. Towards the end of our perusing, my dad said, "often times I forget to look up at ceiling or top shelves." As he said, I spied a chandelier that looked awfully familiar. I pointed and said, "doesn't that look like my sconce?" Just a few months prior, I purchased a 1930s wall sconce with beading. I quickly went through the pictures on the phone and found my sconce. Sure enough, it was a match. When I purchased my sconce, it had a pair that was sold a few months prior. They actually split apart. =(   So when I saw this chandelier, I knew I had to have it.

My sconce had cost me $200. I figured this chandelier would be twice that amount. In fact, the other chandeliers were going for at least $500. This one didn't have a tag so I inquired about its price. The store clerk priced it at $150. (STEAL) "I'll take it." I didn't even hesitate. It's in great shape, but it will need to have the wiring repaired; that's an easy fix.  Rarely do you ever find a matching antique fixture. 

Chandelier on the left. My sconce on the right.

Later, we ventured down to San Mateo to our favorite antique shop. I purchased another quilt fit for the upcoming spring season. I also found some great antique table mantels, but I'll get those next month. Now that I have a quilt for winter and spring, I'll need to find one each for summer and fall. 

Back in the Groove!

Back in October, I suffered a very painful knee injury. As I was walking down a flight of stairs, I kept my hand on the rail (as I always do) and came to a part that was detached. I lost my balance and my knee twisted. I felt and heard a loud pop! I had to keep it stabilized and walk with a cane. An MRI revealed that there were no tears. I only suffered a severe sprain. Whew! So after months of healing and physical therapy, I was given the clearance to live my active life again. 

In January, I got back on the dance floor slowly. I did my performance with my dance troupe, DJ'd our events, and then had two or three dances thereafter. I started going to the gym to strengthen the muscles around my knees. I considered going to Verdi, but I'd hesitate and sit it out another week thinking the following Tuesday would be the night to go. 

This past week, my friend, Burnie, asked me to DJ his event at Berkeley's Ashkenaz. I obliged and considered it a test-run of my endurance. It was also a live band performance so I made it a point to dance as the band played and not during my set. With pre-recorded music, you already know the duration, beats, stops, and the melodic shifts of each song. A live performance is unpredictable. I had several dances without missing a beat. The leaders complimented me on my grace. A few ladies approached me complimenting my dance skills. This has definitely motivated me to get back on the floor on a regular basis.

This morning I awoke and felt no soreness in or around my knee. I am completely healed! Yay!

At Ashkenaz - Band: Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
The selfie was more about showing my tattoos more than the hair.

Shifting on to a related topic, Burnie had introduced me by several names since I have so many: First my real name, then The Painted Lady, RoseRed, Rosie etc. The Painted Lady is just a profile handle. RoseRed is my chorus girl name. I'm considering ditching the name Rosie all together and just using my true name. However, being introduced as "The Painted Lady...Noemi" has a good ring to it.

The dancers out there loved my setlist. The one song that wowed them the most was Lalo Guerrero's Chicas Patas Boogie. It is a Spanish language cover of Oh Babe. One of my friends asked if it was a modern cover. She was surprised to learn that the recording is actually much older. I informed her that Lalo Guerrero was a Chicano musician very prominent during the late 30s-50s, and he performed during the height of the Pachuco subculture. This song, itself, was recorded in 1950.

Here is my setlist from last night's dance good for Lindy Hop, EC Swing, Balboa, and Shag.

Goodbye Little Star

It was about that time...

That's right. A trip to SoCal requires a visit to my favorite tattoo parlor in Orange. I was completely undecided on which design to tattoo; Robert DeNiro Portrait, a 1920s diver, Wonder Woman. For some reason, I just wasn't ready for either of those. So I decided on an old idea I once had; the gramophone. After all, I enjoy classic big band jazz. I own a 1912 gramophone and I DJ 1920s-40s music.

At first I was going to place it just below the ditch of the arm; I've always been afraid of that pain of tattooing on it. When I approached Bud (my artist), I told him, "ah hell with it, cover the stars." I knew that meant going into the ditch. He said, "I'm not going to lie; it's pretty harsh." I gave about 5 seconds thought, and just said, "let's do it." 

I got the stars many years ago for no good reason other than to see the ink-slinging process. My dad hated them because it reminded him of the Dallas Cowboys. And us being die-hard 49ers fans...eww! So I really started to hate them. I got them lasered twice; light enough to easily cover them. Now that was PAINFUL! I figured anything else would be more pleasant. And I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn't really much pain in the ditch. Bud loves tattooing me because I give him the concept and complete control on design and color. I trust his judgment completely. As an added bonus, I never flinch as he tattoos.

He came out with a beautiful design and the cover up is just awesome. Now let the healing process begin.

The BEFORE and AFTER

Post Script: As I was getting tattooed, Kenny Baker's "Goodbye Little Star" kept playing in my head. Appropriate for this tattoo post. Enjoy!

Noir City 13: Unholy Matrimony

It's that time of year! The Film Noir Foundation descends upon San Francisco's Castro Theatre for a 10 day film-fest of classic noir known as Noir City. I must say, though, the selection has been less than stellar. The movies are good, but I think the foundation can do a better job of selecting films that are true film noir. There is too much emphasis to fit the marriage theme more so than they did showcasing noir. Of the double-features I attended, only ONE is a true noir. The others were just melodramas that used few elements of noir; very few. Dark shadows and sharp camera angles aren't enough to sustain the mood required to be a noir. There are some true noir films on the bill, but unfortunately I'm not able to see those since:

     A) I have my rehearsal
     B) My first day of Portuguese class is this week
     C) I have double duty DJing and performing with my dance troupe at a private event.

Woman on the Run was a great noir film, though. The best one at the festival so far. What was even better about the film, it was set in San Francisco. Great to see how it looked in 1950, but a little disheartened to see that many of the places were demolished to occupy parking lots or really plain buildings today. The film maker cheated a bit too, by filming a few scenes in Los Angeles and passing it off as SF. Otherwise, it was great noir flick and Ann Sheridan gave a great, witty performance.

IF I decide to go back to the festival, it won't be until next weekend. But on the bright side, going to Noir City is all about the fashion show, and of course I am going to go all out.

NIGHT ONE

I went with my femme fatale look. I wore true vintage 1940s black dress and pumps. To finish off the look, I wore Cuban heel stockings. I must say that I really love my posterior in this photo (and, no pun intended, it's one of my best assets).

I kept my hair simple styling it only in a side part that was very popular during the 1940s. My make-up was subtle using only a bit of color on the eyes and cheeks, the cat-eyeliner and red lips. 

NIGHT TWO

I thought about wearing all black again, but I opted to go more traditional 1940s. I wore an early 1940s green dress paired with late 1930s ankle straps and milk glass earrings. Now the hair!

The hair! I decided to go big on the front reverse roll. Now I've done this style myriad times, but I decided to tease it up for more height and volume. After I was done, I had the "whoa!" look on my face. How long did it take, you ask? About a minute. Throughout the evening people were complimenting me on my hairstyle. Even as I was walking down Castro St., people stopped me to ask about my style. 

Between the two styles, I prefer the femme fatale. It's simpler yet far more glamourous. I always enjoy any opportunity to doll myself beyond the usual 50s daydress and pageboy hair that I wear to work.

2015 Vintage Purchases: A little this a little that

These next three items have the distinction of being my first vintage acquisitions of 2015. All items were purchased at a local antique shop in San Mateo. It's your typical mom and pop shop and the gentleman who runs it is super sweet. He always has something new since many locals bring in antique items, or he is contacted to retrieve items from those who have lost loved ones. His inventory consists of furniture, linen, housewares, garage items; pretty much everything that isn't clothing.

This is what I brought home:

 Nothing makes your applying lipstick more glamorous than a vintage compact.

 A trivet for those hot pots when placed on the table or counter

And a lovely tablecloth to accentuate the dining area.

So as the year continues, expect a little more antiques for the home and a few accessories here and there. I have a huge wardrobe as it is, so I may purchase fewer dresses. If I do, I'll be eyeing more day dresses.

Ciao!

What's in store for 2015?

Happy New Year! It is now 2015 and although the year's just begun, I still see no flying cars or hover boards. All kidding aside, here are this year's commitments:

1. Go to church every Sunday and FINALLY start the process to complete my Catholic sacraments.

2. Get my knee back to 100% (or closer to it) so that I can continue dancing and hiking regularly.

3. Fix my surfboard and get back to longboard surfing.

4. Learn Brazilian Portuguese

And most importantly, continue to be successful, happy, and healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

Cheers to a new a year and many blessings in 2015.

2014: A Year in Review

2014 - Things just keep getting better.

The Good

You Can Call Me Master

Though I completed my MA degree in December 2013, my graduation ceremony was held in May 2014, and I subsequently received the MA document. Going through the procession helped make it official.

Or Just the Coordinator

Along with my MA degree came a new title, new responsibilities, and a BIG FAT RAISE at my campus. Higher income is always nice. I was promoted to Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction. What does that mean? A lot of work! I re-designed our school's curriculum, oversaw textbook selection and hired & trained new teachers. For the first time in about two years, we have a very balanced teaching staff who collaborate very well. As this year draws to a close, the Dean of Instruction just informed me that I must prepare a teacher education program in the next 18 months. I will also be one of the professors to teach some of the courses. More work = More $$$.

New Home

Okay, so I didn't buy a house. The prices are ridiculous, and it's next to impossible to find the house that I want on my single income. So I settled for an apartment. After a trial and major error (see The Bad), I finally found a place I can call home in Burlingame, CA. I live in a beautiful 1920s apartment building, and my individual unit is definitely reflective of that bygone era. I've been feverishly decorating and arranging my home with a hodgepodge of antiques (19teens-1950s).

Speaking of Antiques

I bought a lot this year. Vintage clothing and accessories, antique furniture and linens, antique appliances, antique decor, etc. I can't possibly link every item on this post. Just look at the vintage page and browse 2014. 

Healing

My therapist reassessed me and determined that I have now reached Post Traumatic Growth. I had suffered from PTSD for years, but after these past two years of therapy, I've found that my anxiety attacks have lessened. What was once a trigger is hardly noticeable. Of course there will be times that I may be reminded of the event, but with the coping skills I've adapted, I'm no longer driven into a panic. I no longer say that I was a victim; rather I am a survivor. Because if I call myself a victim, the attacker wins.

No Cross to Bear

I am completely free and completely clear. And I did it all on my own. Odds were stacked against me; not against me personally but that the chances of success on a first attempt on any case is very rare. However, the love and support of family & friends helped me to declare a long-held truth that was finally heard and confirmed. Justice was finally served, and I prevailed.


The Bad

The Psycho Girlfriend
Originally, I was to share a 2 bedroom apartment with my cousin. He had wanted to leave his current residence at the time because he couldn't stand his roommates. So we went in on a place in Belmont. Everything was going well until my cousin's girlfriend kept showing up everyday. She began using up all the utilities that I paid for (who takes one hour showers?), complaining about my decorating the unit, complaining about my having the master bedroom. She was prone to having fits of anger and would snap on a dime. On one occasion, she snapped at my mother. My cousin stood by and did nothing. I just did not feel comfortable around her and avoided going home. Eventually, she wanted to know why I didn't feel comfortable. I was trying to be nice until ultimately I told her, "I just don't like you. I think you're fake. You are not a good person." A little harsh, but she kept pressing until I finally had to be honest. So I moved out and move on.

The Bum Knee
I seriously injured my knee in mid-October. I could not walk the first week. Thereafter, I had to use a cane to walk. What's worse, I haven't been hiking or dancing in weeks. My MRI results showed that I had no tears. Thank God! I'm now able to walk, climb stairs and dance no more than 160 beats per minute. Still, I need to be careful not to overexert myself.

Fair Weather Friends
What's life without a little bit of irony. I learned that there will always be people who come into your life for the purpose of having their gain. I encountered two of them this year. However, one of them was a person who I considered a good friend; that is until she threw me under the bus when she no longer needed my help. The irony? We had just done a radio show about Fair Weather Friends. Little did I know at that time, she was using me for her own gain just as she has done to countless friends before me. Well, good riddance to bad rubbish is all I have to say. All I can do now is laugh about it.

Who's Got it Better Than the 49ers? EVERYBODY 
I'm totally bummed that my Niners didn't make the playoffs this year. The team was marred by controversy both on and mostly off the field. I've got to say, though, Levi's Stadium is very impressive indeed. Thanks to the bandwagon fans who've now jumped ship and are hawking their tickets for super low prices, I am able to go to more games. Sad thing, though, each home game I've attended, they've lost. And they'll probably lose when I go to the game this Sunday. But I'm always a 49ers Faithful. Win or lose, they're always my team. I gotta say, though, I can't wait for baseball season to start.


The Ugly

Gia the Heifer
Gianelli Mari-Faye Guzman. This stalker is relentless. But she isn't worth the feces scraped off the bottom of a street-bum's boot to devote more than this sentence.


Final Thoughts
So in retrospect, 2014 has been a very good year. There were many ups and very few downs. Of course, nothing is ever 100% good or bad. You always have to take a couple steps back to take a giant leap forward. Yes, I will always encounter negative people and/or situations, but what's important is to always keep smiling and keep thriving. And that will be the same mantra I take with me into 2015. Cheers!

2014 Vintage Purchase(s) #16: Decor

After missing the last three Alameda antique shows, I finally made it back. I was actually concerned that it would be cancelled due to the recent rainfalls, but the weather was very kind today.

This flea market is HUGE. I would say that it's about a three mile walk if you meander through every single row, all the way to the back (and I always do). Because of the myriad goods available, you need to know what you want to buy. At least that's my method. I stick to a "to buy" list and won't let myself purchase anything else. However, if there is something else I like, I make a mental note of it. If I don't find what I'm looking for, then I'll purchase it at the end of my first walk through. I do that because what if later down the line I find what I want, and I've already blown money on something else? Of course, I run the risk of not finding anything on my "to buy" list and whatever it is I found earlier may have been purchased my another buyer. To that I say, "If it's there when I get back, then cool. If not, then it wasn't meant to be."

I've been looking for the following: an antique hand mirror, bathroom wall decor, McKee salt/pepper shakers for my kitchen and any vintage linen for my dining table. 

And here is what I found:

I finally got my hand mirror that hails from the 1940s. It is silver, has an Art Nouveau design and is quite heavy. These tend to run for at least $75 whether it's at a flea market, brick/mortar store, or online. I got this for $15. Why it was so cheap, I don't know. It's in very good condition. But I won't complain.

I really wanted some old wall art for my bathroom. I was looking for mermaids, and this seller had them, but she was charging $35 each piece (and there were 3 in the set). These two pictured above was price at $30 total. Considering that my restroom is green, I decided to buy them. There is plenty of wall space left for me to find other wall art. I want to say this is from the 1950s, but the girlie fish has a hairstyle that emulates the 1940s. Hmmm...not sure. It is definitely a heavy ceramic.

Overall, it was a good antique hunt in Alameda. Though there are a few weekends left in the year, it's quite possible that these may be my final antique/vintage purchases of the year. There will be fewer estate sales due to the Christmas holiday. But we'll see what the small antique shops have available. Until next time...