The Rock N Roll Tunnel

At the Magic Kingdom in Orlando exists the ever-illusive Disney Tunnel.  It's a literal tunnel under the Magic Kingdom where characters, cast members and executives can travel from one side of the park to the other without being seen.

As a Disney Cast Member, you're required to tour the tunnel during orientation.  Which I did in college.  It's exciting to have access to something most do not, but also quite like seeing behind the curtain in Oz; it ruins the magic a little.

I found this to be true at concerts as well.  When you get to see the nitty gritty, behind-the-scenes world of Rock N Roll, it takes away some of the magic.  As a fan, you know lead singers probably say the same thing at each show in cities across the world.  But when it's YOUR show, you truly believe your audience is special; that the band likes you best.

Being on tour, I lost a little of the magic.  But it's also amazing to see how the band DOES react to the energy of a great crowd.  When the crowd is on fire, so is the band.  And after seeing 60-ish Foster The People shows, it's fun to know exactly when the band is giving a little something special.

Fruits Of My Labor

I have a new avacado tree. Well, the tree is actually quite old. But the concept of having fresh avocados at my fingertips is quite new. And, until two days ago, I hadn't actually seen one growing on the tree.

I'd seen our local squirrel taunt me while he took one bite out of an avacado and then drop it to the ground. I've also found a few (bite free) on the ground. But as soon as one of my favorite people in the world came to visit...she seemed to be able to spot the perfectly ripe, ready-to-be-picked green beauty. 

We have a fruit picker. 
It extends. Prett-ty far in fact. 
But after one picking attempt, I realized this wasn't going to be easy. 

So I rigged a chair on top of a saw horse on top of a trash can. A ladder, if you will. Tippy toes, holding my breath and 30 minutes later...SUCCESS! 

Worth. Every. Minute. Delish.

Ivy, of the non-poisonous kind.

My new place is amazing and I've been spending any extra time I have decorating, re-decorating, painting, gardening and sending photos to my trustworthy design-type friends for suggestions.

Today, I spent a few too many hours attempting to pull overgrown ivy out of our yard.  Ivy and I have met before.  I'm no stranger.  But I forgot how scary she can be.  Like little snakes whose tails have a secret end you won't find unless you use all your strength.

I caught myself talking to the green monster.  Directly.  Pleading she didn't have hidden bugs (especially Black Widows that my brother has now made me scared of) and/or any other wiggly creature that might surprise me.

The best moment of the day was my rake taking a fall and shocking me so much, I jumped about 2 feet in the air and proceeded to run directly inside the house.

I had no idea gardening non-guerrilla-style would be so stressful.

Thanks, guy.

A friend texted me from Trader Joe's and asked what kind of beer I'd like. I told her anything but IPA and to just surprise me. Since she's not well versed in the beer world, she decided to ask a trusty Trader Joe's employee.

Then I received this photo and it just said, "Magic 6 pack. Handpicked just for you by this guy."

Fun.

Hitchhiker

Went for a hike today and about half way up the road to the hike, there was a mountain biker waving us down from the side of the road. We slowed down to see what he needed and he asked if he could hitch a ride.

My first thought was, "Not sure yer bike will fit, dude." But I said, "Sure..."

Just as I was about to mention the space issue, he grabbed on to the passenger's window and said, "Just don't go over about 30mph."

So he held on and we dragged him up the rest of the hill, chatting the whole way.

Pretty great.

Los Angeleno Seeks Other Los Angelenos

Moving is an opportunity to get rid of clutter and organize a new life.  But it also opens up shelves and corners and space for new furniture and must-haves on Craigslist. I've been obsessed lately - making my treasure hunt online part of my morning ritual.

I've come across items I could never afford, hilarious postings under "free" and an unbelievable amount of spam. However, I've also discovered it's an amazing way to see who really lives in Los Angeles. In pursuit of new treasure, I've visited a handful of people's homes and each visit opens my eyes a little more.

I met Jack, a polite man in his 60's who sold me 15 old Spanish tiles that I plan to use for a Guerrilla Garden. He was slightly hesitant to hand over the box and asked me what I planned to do with them. After my explanation, he requested I send him photos of the finished product.

I also met Laura who mentioned on the phone there was no pressure to buy anything. She knew it was all fate and if her items spoke to me, I would buy them and I would be very happy. As I stepped into her apartment, she explained she had three kids and a past life and husband she despised. The items she wanted to sell were from that life and she loved them dearly, but wanted a fresh start. She also explained since I was interested in the potted plants, that there would be no bad juju because plants are full of life and can adapt to new love. After helping me load the pots into my car, she offered me a high five and good luck in life and in love.

And finally, Terry, who sold me an antique jewelry box I had my eye on for about a week.  I met him at a tiny studio apartment in West Hollywood and when I walked in, there were literally antiques and knick knacks from floor to ceiling. I almost needed to turn sideways to walk into the space. He was buff and blonde, a gold chain peaking out of his three-quarter, un-buttoned shirt and a matching gold hoop earring in his left ear. He had round, rosy cheeks that reminded me of Santa Claus and asked if I had extra time to take a look at the rest of his loot. He explained he used to live in a big home and collected antiques for years and that he used to have a lot of money but was changing his lifestyle and didn't have space anymore.

I did have time.

And I did find a couple more things I probably didn't entirely need. But when I got home tonight, I received an email from him with the subject line, THANK YOU and this image in the body of the email:

Kindness

I spent some time volunteering today at MEND in Pacoima -- a non-profit we've visited quite a bit with the Do Good Bus.

We actually had a holiday visit this past December where we took family photos for some of their clients. One of the couples we photographed was getting married the following weekend and wanted some pre-wedding photos. When we arrived, we found out the couple didn't have a ride to MEND and luckily, we had brought an extra car with the bus.

I ended up giving them a ride to and from MEND and loved the opportunity to get to know them a little bit along the way.

Today, as I was chatting with Luke, one of the managers at MEND, I found out one of the photographers who joined us last trip offered to shoot the couple's wedding for them at no cost. I had no idea he had done this and was blown away by his kindness.  The couple had even sent the final pictures to Luke so I was able to see photos of the happy couple from their wedding day.

As Luke and I scrolled through the images we both couldn't help but think of the dozens of weddings we've attended that, naturally, had photographers. In fact, I would dare say EVERY wedding I've attended had a photographer.  And then we both realized this couple wouldn't have had beautiful photos of starting their life together if a young man hadn't thought to offer his time.

Inspired.