Seeking a More Perfect Union

Today is a good day to reflect on how far we've come as a country. Weirdly enough, the founders of our nation would most likely be considered sexist, racist, and homophobic by today's standards*. Yet these men deserve credit for inventing  a country constructed to allow us to continually seek "a more perfect union", a job that will never end since perfection has no finish line.

With the Supreme Court's recent decision to give same-sex couples the right to marry, we've heard the predictable howls of outrage from the gatekeepers of yesterday. We've heard the refusal of some Southern states to accept the court's ruling, just as they did during the civil rights years. As our nation moves forward seeking the dream of "justice for all", this is to be expected. This is the way change works.

So, this 4th of July 2015 is a bright day, a day to look back and see how far we have come. Yes, we have! The work continues as we strive for that perfection that will continue to elude us. But isn't it grand that we keep trying? 

See, Mom...I was listening.

*Thank you to Leonard Pitts of the Miami Herald for this startling thought.

Lighten Up!

 I am sending a mental memo to myself: keep looking for the proverbial silver lining when a rough patch comes around. I believe it is always there, somewhere...and will eventually appear. I want to see the glass half full. Not half empty.

No Biz Like It

I am so lucky that professional theater is right in my backyard. I love all types of theater: semi professional, community, high school, and even the occasional grammar school production; but there is no business like show business done by a professional cast. Period.

Take Book of Mormon...raucous, X-rated fun.  The audience was in hysterics. I could not believe the cleverness of this show, which is a bit of a new-comer to the theatrical scene. I am sure that I will attend local performances of BOM in the future, but nothing (except a trip to Broadway) will top this San Francisco production in my Memory Book. Yes, it takes a pro.

And now take A Little Night Music, the opposite side of the musical coin... formal, PG rated fun.  Sondheim takes his audience on a melodic journey that is not to be easily forgotten. Since the show originated in the 70s, I have been able to see local productions of this show, and - while I enjoyed  these smaller presentations - there is no comparison to what the pros are able to accomplish with the same material.

No Biz like Pro Biz. I guess that's why they get the bucks.

Sausalito

After years of visiting Sausalito to peruse the tempting shops and dine in the wonderful restaurants, I finally selected a different path and took a houseboat tour, just to see what that water world is all about. It was more fabulous than I had ever imagined. Of course, the boats on the tour were fit for a magazine cover, magnificently decorated and a treat for my landlubber's eyes.

The houses are connected by well-maintained wooden "sidewalks" lined on both sides by colorful pots filled with blooming shrubs, succulents, and decorative grasses, making for a very pretty neighborhood.

As much as I enjoyed the tour, the best part of the day was lunch at the Spinnaker, a restaurant I have always wanted to go to; and it did not disappoint.

 I splurged and had a crab Louis, a favorite of mine. It was one of the best I have ever had because the crab was piled atop an avocado half. Divine.

A great day...

Yes, Hillary!

Spring is here, and I am able to think about planting seeds and starting anew. I love this time of year because of the positives that come with the season: new beginnings and energetic growth. However,  this spring of 2015 is not just about plants for me... but people, too. A groundbreaking  event is officially sprouting tomorrow: Hillary Clinton's announcement. Can I assume she will again be planting the seed that I have been hoping will finally take root and flourish?  President Hillary Clinton. Yes.

One Small Step

I found this wonderful topiary duck at the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show...such a grand addition to the plant collection that resides on my deck and a symbol of spring, always a new beginning. And so it goes with my long neglected blog. I am taking baby steps to  begin again, made easier by the fact that I now have a new and very efficient computer. 

Let's see what happens...