Some birthdays involve big trips, lovely parties, friends or family, but this year, I’m resting.  My spirit says, give yourself the gift of quiet time. I made no plans except to care for myself.  As I happily played in my garden, I opened a beer and turned on the radio.  A Reggae tune came on, transporting me back to college…good times, good friends and a decidedly slow pace on weekends. (Was it a sign?)

When I give someone a birthday card I always wish them a fabulous year ahead.  Last year was packed with parties/events, wine tasting, work, and unfortunately some personal crises.  Frankly, if the next 12 months are a little calmer, I’d love it.

So this year, all I have planned is a trip to Germany (as a guest of Wines of Germany) & Paris (my gift to myself), a reasonable work-pace and of course, the best gift in the world will be an improvement in my Hubby’s spinal injury.  Keeping my fingers crossed and a positive thought, and making a big wish when I blow out  my candles.

When my Himalayan cat passed away this year, I knew it was time– we had shared 18 wonderful years together.  Over only a week, he just wound down until he finally curled up in the closet and slept. I called the vet, who came to the house (mostly for me).  I laid Claudius on my lap and said goodbye. A moment later, he was gone.

About a year after I got Claudius, we moved to Bobby’s house in Marin.  An indoor cat in the city,  he’d watch the video, A Day in the Park from his kitty condo.  Once in the country, Bobby put him in his own tree and he was delighted!  Claudius was playful, smart and spoiled.  He had his own stay-over pet-sitter so he was never alone; he ate off of china (on his placemat on the floor) and I kept him beautifully washed and brushed. (He was great about being bathed.)

I miss him and I’m grateful for the memories.

**The crew at Etched Images, etched this Napa River rock for me through their fabulous service Etched Eternally.  They offer pet memorial stones along with high quality etching on wine bottles.  (A discount for their celebration line is in my guide.)

First thing in the morning, go outside.  Take time to look at the sky, listen to the birds, walk around your garden or neighborhood and notice the world around you.

I read this somewhere years ago and it is great advice.  When I’m home, I visit my backyard or walk up the hill with my dog.  I look to the horizon while Tulip sniffs for signs of nocturnal activity that she missed while sleeping.

When I’m in New York, I leave the tiny apartment and escape into the busy street life, eyes wide open while my senses catch up.  I feel joyful and curious about the world outside myself.  Even when visiting in-laws in Kansas on a freezing, snowy February morning, a quick walk re-calibrates my attitude and prepares me for an indoor day.

I’ve found that this little trick works all day long, but it’s especially powerful in the morning and before I go to bed.  Saying good night to the stars and the neighborhood is powerful and peaceful.

Alana's Reading Chair

When I was single in the city, I spent many evenings with my friend Randy.  Randy lived in a series of small studios with efficiency kitchens that were owned by neighborhood old timers.

Randy and his long-time love, Shelly, spent months and sometimes years living in foreign countries.  Rumors of their return to North Beach to rest, sock away more money and say hello to old friends would circulate and then one day I’d walk into a local joint and Randy would be behind the bar again. His specialty was bartending, not like today’s mixologist, but an old-fashioned friendly face behind the bar.  Blonde blue-eyed Shelly was enamoured by all things Chinese, so she spent more time overseas, teaching in Chinese universities.

I’d stop by Randy’s place on his day off and he’d often be reading or composing a letter to Shelly. He’d put it down, offer me a cup of tea and we’d sip it at a little table surrounded by shelves stacked with books and CDs that spilled on to the floor.  After tea, we’d pick a book, sit on a low couch strewn with old pillows and a batik cover and he’d read a chapter or two.  As I listened to the story, I entered a familiar, relaxed and imaginative place.

After marrying and moving to Marin, I introduced my hubby to the joy of reading aloud.  As expected, he enjoys it as much as I do, but more so when I read to him, rather then vice versa.  Unfortunately our tastes in reading material presents challenges; he tends towards men’s adventure magazines and non-fiction and I prefer big novels and classics.

I haven’t given up though; I’m always on the look-out for a story that he’ll enjoy so I can relive the simple joy of story-time.

My life sometimes attacks me at a dizzying speed.  There’s plenty to think about…family, home, work, health and friendships. It’s a human condition.  I’ve found that happiness and serenity come when I’m not laser-focused on an outcome, but rather viewing each day as a new adventure–what’s around the next corner?

At a recent party at Palmaz, we were talking about the Napa Valley Mustard Festival kick-off party (in photo) and someone asked, “so where are the best parties?”

My favorite has always been casual private al fresco dinners with 6-12 people at someone’s Napa, Marin or Sonoma home.  We all bring food or wine to share. Sometimes they have a theme, like bring a Rosé. Other times the hosts provide sumptuous food & we open lots of wine.  Surprisingly, wine is not the topic of conversation usually, of course there is some industry gossip, but mainly it’s an opportunity to escape from our careers & talk about everything else that’s important in life.

I learned a long time ago that it’s not where you go, but who you travel with; the same goes for parties, it’s the people that make it fun.

In my home, we make up little sayings all the time.  It’s not a conscious thing, it’s just a part of our personalities.  Sometimes, it changes a grumpy mood into something hopeful.  Today, my husband left this saying on my desk, Something Wonderful will Happen Today.

* For a dog, there’s something wonderful around every corner.

My hubby and I have similar views about Valentine’s Day.  We see it as an opportunity to spoil each other a bit & be romantic. Yesterday I bought red Gladiolas and pink Tulips for the house.  Who cares who bought the flowers? The point is to enjoy them together.  (He did say, hey, I was going to buy you some flowers…and I said, so what’s stopping you?!)

This morning, I delivered this cookie with his coffee in bed. (Tulip ate it while B was watching Maverick’s Surf Competition on the laptop, so she got a present too.)

We’ll spend the whole weekend just doing whatever, but we’ll be together.  This is what it’s like when people are in love. I see this weekend as a time to be together, hold hands, sit close, and say I love you in lots of little ways.

* For other Valentine’s ideas, click here.

Stolen Cookie, Valentine's 2010

I took this photo with my old Canon Powershot at the Napa Valley Mustard Festival Kick Off party.  I didn’t photoshop it because the graininess adds to the illusion that this is a painting.  Instead, as my title suggests, it’s a live model within a theatrical painted set.

I was touched by this modern woman modelling (in a body suit).  With so many women being shy about their body (myself included), it’s lovely to see a strong curvy gal showcased in modern art.  Kudos to the model, the artist responsible and the producers of the Festival.

This post was inspired by my Guidebook being a speed dial gift on KQED’s Winter Pledge Drive. I’m so proud to be part of the great tradition of public radio!

Before television (and Twitter) people gathered around the radio for entertainment.  I’m too young to have those memories directly, but I loved the TV drama The Waltons, about a depression-era Virginia mountain family.  Also, firmly in my memory bank is the War of the Worlds Play read by Orson Welles in 1938. (Available as a podcast.)

Today, I’m hooked on radio story-telling.  I love This American Life on my local public radio station, and even if it’s getting a little long-in-the-tooth, Hubby and I still listen to the Sunday edition of Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion.

There are a lot of interesting new shows on Internet radio but I have a hard time finding them–there are so many it’s overwhelming.  Any suggestion are welcome.  I’ve done a few interviews (audio & video)…fun Tips & Picks from Girl with a Glass!