Memorial Day in San Francisco

A foreigner approached me today at the SF Memorial Day Ceremony and asked what it is that makes Memorial Day such a "big holiday" in the U.S. He was asking out of complete innocence, not trying to devalue or belittle the holiday in any way. I told him it wasn't a "holiday" like Christmas, but it was a day that we, Americans, set aside to remember and pay tribute to the heroes who have given their lives for our country.

I used to get Memorial and Veterans Day mixed up but have now realized that Memorial Day differs vastly from Veterans Day and from the newly celebrated Armed Forces Day. Veterans Day pays tribute to every Veteran who has served our great nation, while Armed Forces Day recognizes those serving today. Memorial Day asks us to stop and remember our heroes, our wingmen, our brothers in arms and every American patriot who paid the ultimate price for the freedom and democracy we hold so sacredly.

Memorial Day is not a day to be celebrated as if it were the Fourth of July. The distinction has to do with what we are celebrating --not a glorious beginning but an honorable end--an end which, whether it were heroic or not, should be observed and remembered with solemnity and reverence. Memorial Day is a day we dedicate to the dead--to remember those who fell in defense of this country and the ideals which this country stands for.

Here are some of my favorite pics that I shot today at the ceremony... Enjoy ; )

PEACE will come when people live
In friendship, side by side,
And cherish understanding
More than hatred, greed and pride.

PEACE will come when people see
All people as the same,
And no one has to live in fear,
In ignorance, or shame.

PEACE will come when people
Who are needy can reach out
For shelter, food, or love,
And none have to do without.

PEACE will come when people
Learn to listen and to care
About the rights and dignity
Of people everywhere.

PEACE will come when love and trust
And kindness know rebirth,
And on that day all people
Will rejoice in peace on earth.

Hope you all had a wonderful Memorial and had a moment to say "thank you" to someone who has served our beautiful country!

I'm Still Alive!!

Oh my goodness! I have been in and out of town with no time to blog this week! Between moving arrangements and guests and last minute sightseeing- I have failed miserably at my blog! I just wanted to let you all know that I am still alive and will be catching up with your blogs shortly!! I haven't forgotten you all!! And I promise to post a new post soon! Possibly tonight!!

Barely a Minute to Spare!

I have been so busy this weekend that I have barely had a minute to get on the computer! Mother's Day was wonderful- it is one of those holidays that I think should get even more attention than it already does! I sent this sampler to my mom this year because she loves the country/americana/rustic style. Her home is just beautiful! I am so excited to be joining her (and my dad) this June! I can barely wait! I do love where I am now (San Francisco) but I am ready to settle down in an actual home with a yard and normal neighbors! If you've been to San Francisco, then you know what I'm talking about! I will, however, miss the diversity and opportunity that the big city brings, but I think I have lived my fair share of years in big cities and am ready to live in a suburban surrounding once again! Not to mention, Southern California has tons of antique shopping and flea markets!


This is last week's finished project. I love the wire mesh sides. Bought it at a garage sale for $12! Couldn't pass that up!



I wish you all could see my downstairs bedroom right now. You would laugh your heads off! It is just full of projects, furniture for the "new" home (that we don't even have yet), Shabby Addict products, some packed boxes, GALORE! Help! Make it be June already! But at the same time, I don't want Spring to go by too fast, so I am trying to enjoy every minute of my last month in this San Francisco apartment.

Romantic Getaway

Because my husband was honored this weekend (can I brag a bit?) and was inducted into the Santa Barbara Hall of Fame for soccer, we were able to take a trip down to his hometown of Santa Barbara. He was (and still is) an excellent soccer player but decided to stay true to his dream of being a dentist (and let me tell you- he definitely stayed true to his dental dream by turning down an offer to play for Galaxy.. am I mad? well, no- just a little bummed. Okay, a lot bummed) but was honored for his amazing soccer skills and consecutive MVP status. Any excuse to visit Santa Barbara is fine with me!! Among the other 12 Hall of Famers was the one and only Chuck Liddell! (If you don't know who he is, ask your husbands- they will know!) Oh boy, was my husband excited to chat with him!

Okay, on to the more interesting part of this entry!... Because I was supportive enough to sit through this long and at times boring ceremony, my husband was sweet enough to accompany me in return to Solvang! Oh how I love Solvang! From the beautiful florals, greenery, bakeries and pastry shops, to the wonderful dutch architecture, and most importantly, the amazing shops!! Don't worry, pictures to follow!


We asked the most adorable old lady to take this picture. She was standing at her little bus stop, her cute little head secured with a bright pink straw hat and plaid high-water pants. When we asked her to take the picture, she warned us sweetly that she wasn't very good at taking pictures and that she had to take it fast so she wouldn't miss her bus (this spot was one foot away from the bus stop haha).. I just wanted to put her in my bag and take her home with me!
This was the window of one of the many pastry shops in Solvang. It sure worked to get me inside!
My favorite shop had to be Picket Fences. It was a beautiful shop filled with the most amazing vintage and romantic home decor. The owners were wonderful women who were sweet enough to chat with me for quite some time about flea markets, business, Northern and Southern California shopping, and the works!! Thank you Picket Fences for the ultimate shopping experience!








Aren't these beautiful? If you haven't been to Solvang, go! Don't walk, run!!