La Urbanita de Renaissance

Our Wistful Visit To Peaceful San Diego

2009-03-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

The Britt Scripps Inn San Diego, CA

This weekend my husband Ibarionex and I went to beautiful sunny San Diego! We haven’t been there in such a long time together and felt it would be a good thing for us to get away together and enjoy as much as we could. Ibarionex also met some of his very nice colleagues there to teach a photography workshop as well. So as the trip unfolds we’ve have a few reasons for being in San Diego.

It’s only a 2-½ hour drive, however getting through the Orange County traffic was a mutha to say the least. We left at about 2ish and got there @ approx. 4:20ish.

The drive to our destination was well worth it. Just Heavenly!

We arrived at this bed & breakfast inn named, Britt Scripps Inn. This charming Victorian home is to die for, dreamy and so very romantic too! I felt wistful the entire time!

Check out these photos that I created during our stay:

THE "CARRIAGE HOUSE"

A separate cozy romantic cottage in the garden...

Carriage House chairs

Side view

After a long day we walked up the brick pathway to our place.

Come on in!

The Carriage House bedroom...

Victorian cabinet

The Carriage House bathroom

Our plush robes!

Very adoring and affectionately nice...

Taking in the sweet and tender aroma of various breathtaking flowers, filled the air each day

Our Angel, just outside our cottage...

BREAKFAST...

A typical breakfast, made to order always...

Elegance at it's best each morning!

Breakfast normally began with a freshly baked scone or fruit muffin

Fresh cream and freshly ground coffee

Freshly (really!) squeezed orange juice.

A typical breakfast menu, always a mouth watering surprise each morning...

Or, how About this little number below?...

Or how about this one below? (My Favorite...)

Ibarionex & I enjoyed our breakfast and Each Other immensely!

Hubby has this really satisfied look on his face. Hmmm???

Inside The Main House of

Britt Scripps Inn

A little bit about this special B&B...

Each of the nine elegant accommodations at the Britt Scripps Inn, all authentically reflect the various genres within the Queen Anne Victorian movement and interior styles of high-society living during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

All of these rooms have unique antique furniture and rugs, as well as vibrantly colored and lushly textured fabrics and wall coverings. We totally felt relaxed, our hearts were filled with love and warmth and we were extremely comfortable the entire time. It was intense...

I'm wistfully feeling the love...

Our President and The 1st Lady Can Dance!

2009-01-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

My Stab @ Taking Photos!

2008-09-13T23:02:00.000-07:00

These are just a few stabs at taking photos.

I tagged along with the hubby and group of professional photographers as they braved the Hollywood terrain a few weeks back.

Ibarionex gave me a camera and said, "Go for it!"

Trust me, the quality of my photos are NOTHING compared to his photos, but I can say that more than everything...I totally had fun and I learned a few more photography techniques!

Here's a typical sunny whimsical day in Hollywood, with your not-so-typical folks!

Enjoy!

Crused to Ensanada!

2008-09-13T22:31:00.001-07:00

CHEERS!

Last weekend, we cruised Royal Caribbean style, to Ensenada!

My mama, mother-in-law, sister, best friend and her husband and their two children. We had a blast. I wish we took a longer cruise, because it ended way too soon. That’s how much fun we had! But, nevertheless, I feel very blessed to have been able to take advantage of it in these days and times, with the economy of the US ‘n all. Here are a few pics! Enjoy friends!

Mama & Saundra just after breakfast. What a lovely breakfast it was too! Not to mention the service was awesome as well!

My bestfriend Ramona & I toasting!

Ron drying off after a dip in the pool!

Cameron & Maritza (Ron & Ramona's beautiful, intelligent, fun and awesome children!)

My beautiful sister Saundra, "Yea mon, looking smooth!"

Having a fun time!

Mama & Saundra dancing!

Opps! A little sun?

Ron hamming it up!

Iba & Ramona keeping warm later on that day.

Toasting again!

I'm still waiting for additional pixs of my fun mother-in-law! They're coming soon!

This An An Oldie, But Goodie!

2008-07-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Remember These Lyrics?

Makes me want to fall in love every nano second...

ROCKET LOVE

"Do Do Do, Do Do Do, Do Do Do, Do Do Do
Do Do Do, Do Do Do, Do Do Do-oo

I longed for you since I was born
A woman sensitive and warm
And that you were

With pride and strength no one would test
But yet have feminie finesse
And so much more

You took me riding in your rocket gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven you dropped me back
down to this cold, cold world
Took me riding in your rocket gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven you dropped me back
down to this cold, cold world

A female Shakespeare of your time
With looks to blow Picasso's mind
You were the best

Your body moved with grace and song
Like symphonies by Bach or Brahms
Nevertheless, oh oh

You took me riding in your rocket gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven you dropped me back
down to this cold, cold world
Ooh you took me riding in your rocket gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven you dropped me back
down to this cold, cold world

Da Da Da, Da Da Da, Da Da Da, Da Da Da
Da Da Da, Da Da Da-aa

The passion burning in your heart
Would make hell's fire seem like a spark
Where did it go

Just why that you would overnight
Turn love to stone as cold as ice
I'll never know

But you took me riding in your rocket gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven you dropped me back
down to this cold, cold world
Baby you took me riding in your rocket gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven you dropped me back
down to this cold, cold world

Cold, too cold, you took me riding in your rocket gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven you dropped me back
down to this cold, cold world
Oh, Oh, Oh, took me riding in your rocket gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven you dropped me back
down to into this cold, cold world

I would not do that to a dog
Took me riding in your rocket gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven you dropped me back
down to this cold, cold world
you took me riding in your rocket gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven you dropped me back
down to this cold, cold world
Ooh baby
Rocket love"

Our Trip To Puerto Rico

2008-06-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

J u n e 2008

This was the most Exciting,

most Intimate,

most Relaxing

Most ROMANTIC

trip we've

E V E R

taken together.....

Our hearts kept racing with anticipation for fun and excitement the entire time!

We danced, laughed, drank, loved....

OMG!

I can't began to tell you how beautiful Puerto Rico is!

But I'm going to try.

The food, my awesome husband, the fruity tasty drinks (or "dranks"depending on how much you consumed at any particular time) were fabulous!

Simply fabulous....

The RUM, the dancing, the majestic scenery, the people, the architecture, the monuments, the weather, the water, the catamaran glass-bottom boat ride to the private island of Palomino, visits to the Yunque Forest and Catano left us almost speechless!

The MOFONGO was to die for!!!

Ahhhh Yes... PLATO'S

We went to a very extra cool (and fun!) restaurant in San Juan, just walking distance from our hotel. The best food, the awesome service, the best presentation of it and the most fresh fruits and vegetables ever. Not to mention the great drinks.

We were impressed.

The name of the restaurant is called Platos and I have to say that we had the best meals everytime we went there! We fed each other often, which was a very fun thing to do, in trying out each other's choices. Loving every moment of it.

Check it out!

Cynthia's Dinner

Iba's Dinner

Dinner is never complete without Tostones!

We had a blast at the The Bacardi Distillery TOO!

Taking the Tour Was very fun and informative!!!!

We met a lot of fun and interesting people

from across the globe

who couldn't wait to take the Bacardi tour as well!

High expectations my friends, high expectations...

Inside the Barcardi distillery

This Barcardi bartender was hooking a sister up outside too...!

We had to give the Bacardi folks the courtesy of trying out their various rums. It would have insulted them if we hadn't!

Hee Hee :)

Our well-prepared drinks of course!!!!

Iba standing beside a ton of Barcardi!!!!

Inside the Barcardi entrance.

Check out the Bat, their symbol...

The Barcardi gardens

The Ferry

We experienced various ferry rides to other parts of the island!

These were tickets purchased to sail to the port of Catano.

We drove (the lovely drive took approx. anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours at any given point of interest) to: Ponce, Carolina, Farjardo, Porta De Sol, Old San Juan, watching beautiful sunsets on the beach together, buying a ton of things, which included buying more luggage to take our goods back to Calif, the Caribbean sea, the beaches, etc. was so wonderful!

PONCE

Ponce is a very interesting, clean, peaceful, full of friendly people, known for it's beautiful old-world architecture and it's historical richness!

This bill used to be the only currency they used in the 1930's

The 1st thing we did was get some of Ponce's great food!

We'd driven approx.. an hour and a half and we were very hungry.

We were drawn to a historic restaurant, known for it's great atmosphere, great food and especially known for taking it's time in preparing food to perfection. It was well worth the wait....

La Casa De Las Tias

Our Savory Lunch in Ponce...

Iba's Meal

Cynthia's Meal

MAYAGUEZ

The port of Mayguez was absolutely majestic. Very peaceful, not touristy. So much of this city hasn't changed much from earlier days. (which is a very good thing!)

Some of the city was restored after their big earthquake on October 11, 1918, with a magnitude of 7.5 on the Richter scale. There's such an intimate and majestic romance about it all, we couldn't help but take it all in.

Old San Juan

These birds were literally eating out of Iba's hands!

This was our 1st time visiting this lovely, well kept, majestic, romantic awesome place, and we will definitely return! Really... There aren't enough words to describe this place....

EL SAN JUAN HOTEL!!!

Our hotel, the El Juan Hotel in San Juan was to die for as well. The presentation of the scenery, the comfort of our rooms, the awesome service, peace and quite as we slept, etc. was totally awesome!

The casino's kinda gripped me too!

Especially after investing $20 and winning a grand total of $1,300 on the 2nd day! I'd say that's fair enough!

NEXT....

Our Trip to The El Yunque Forest

The El Yunque Rain Forest is a cool, mountainous, sub tropical rainforest. The Eastern side of the Luquillo Mountains, which has the El Yunque rainforest at the top elevations, gets most of the rain.

A little history... This forest is one of the oldest protected areas in the Western Hemisphere by virtue of having been set aside by the Spanish Crown in 1876 while Puerto Rico was still ruled from Madrid. On the ground, this translates into virgin forest that looks much as it did when Christopher Columbus visited Puerto Rico 500 years ago.

This is a very gentle forest. It's beauty continued to draw me in. The beauty was overwhelming...

Check out these awesome and interesting photos!

Of Course we can't forget the beauty of the

Bioluminescent Bay of Vieques Island!

Next...

FARJARDO

We ended our day with a trip to Fajardo.

We sailed to the private island of Palomino.

We had BIG FUN sailing on a catamaran and snorkeling!

Our catamaran Captain. All Aboard!

My personal catamaran captain, Iba.... Sail that boat Iba!!!!!

A Friend we met getting his groove on!

More friends friends we hung with!

Iba and I are worn out from snorkeling, but as you can clearly see, we're having a blast!

Wild Iguanas Everywhere!

Ohhhh Headed Home!!!

Te Quiero Mucho Everyone!

If You Were His Mama, What Would You Have Done After Being Slapped????

2008-06-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

Child rearing isn't what it used to be!

NYC

2008-05-31T21:07:00.001-07:00

Well folks...

I just returned from NYC. I was there for approx 9 days. Unfortunately, my visit wasn't for pleasure, but rather a family crisis. My sister in law had a life-threatening sickle cell attack. The kind where we didn't know if she was going to make it. At the time, everyone thought it could have been a pending death.
Her name is Taisha, only 23, a bright, funny, intelligent, filled with love, a very spiritual and beautiful young lady, with her entire future ahead of her.
During this time she has been suffering gravely, with vitals going haywire. She was asleep for approximately 13 days.

Everybody has been visiting her, talking to her in hopes that she would subconsciously hear them, family members have been laying hands on her and praying for her day and night.

When I arrived I couldn't wait to do the same (along with my husband Ibarionex) to pray for God's will to be done. Our earthly flesh wants her up, healed and running.

Thank God, yesterday she finally began to open her eyes, just a little. Whenever she had the strength. We all praised God for each and every miracle we were blessed to believe in and witness. As she continued to show more positive results, it brought tears of joy to my eyes. I feel so emotionally invested, words can't explain it what I (or any of us) have been feeling.

She's still not out of the woods yet and needs much attention. The Dr's and nurses there are great @ Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.

It was a blessing to have such a wonderful and close family members onboard, such as my brother in law, Paul, my father in law, Pablo, Taisha's mom, Margarita, my mom Faith and my my older sister Saundra, various cousins, aunts and uncles, long time friends, etc,. in the Big City, there to support each other, in any way that we could.

Never taking anything for granted, no judging...just taking everyone at face value, and appreciating each other fully.

Taking a taxi, the bus or the subway was part of the daily regime. Rain or shine.
We each took turns bringing food to the hospital daily so that we could all have dinner together, paying a utility bill for a family member who wasn't able to, giving a sincere hug, a kiss, an ear for anybody who needed someone to simply listen to them, bringing and adjusting a pillow on the coach of the waiting room for someone, covering a relative with a blanket, giving unconditionally, is what the meaning of family and close friends, is all about to me.

Making the time to give something positive. Not because you felt obligated to, but because you wanted to. It made being there all the better.

For me, regardless of the fact that I hate flying because of the fear that something tragic might happen, it was more important for me to look past my own fears and focus on knowing that I could be there for someone else, such as my husband, my father in law, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc, giving money, providing a shoulder to lean on, being able to demonstrate unconditional love and affection, fetching something for someone, go or look here or there,...To give of myself unconditionally, meant so much to me. To be of service to someone in need (including myself) was and still is, priceless.

I returned back to Los Angeles on Sat. May 31st, while my wonderful and devoted husband Ibarionex, remained in NYC to tie up some loose ends with his family, particularly to ensure that his sister transitioned well out of the hospital. I miss Ibarionex and the rest of my family already.

I am truly blessed to have such a loving, honest, funny, intelligent, prayerful, creative, committed, caring and devoted husband. We've been married for 15 years, and I'm grateful to have him in my life. I look forward to seeing, hugging and kissing his beautiful face when he returns on Sunday June 8th! God is truly good.

It's been years since I've been to NYC, and I've practically forgotten how majestic it can be.

I found some time to take all of the beauty in at Madison Square Park, simply to rest up emotionally. I found myself taking a few photos of my surroundings too.

I hope you like them. It was a good way of shaking up the daily mix of things for me.

This was a typical weekday in NYC for those taking a lunch break in the park. Very relaxing.

Fun @ The LA County Fair in Pomona This Weekend!

2007-09-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful People! This weekend the hubby and I had big fun! We went to the LA County Fair @ the Fairplex in Pomona. The last time I went to the fair was when I was about 10 years old. And…This was my hubby’s 1st time at the fair. We had big fun, no doubt. What an experience. Some of the fun old things that people used to do at the fair is still happening too. That was fun to see and sometimes, be a part of. Of course there was a ton of people, food, dancing, games, art, various shows, exhibits, and just about everything colorful and fun thing most could even think of. There certainly wasn’t a shortage of love, fun and food, I’ll tell you that. So glad we went, thanks to my husband’s suggestion. Check out the shots

My Corny Husband!

Sleepy girl in a wagon.

Hip Hopsters!

Hot Mama with child in her funky pants!

It was ALL Good!

The Birthday Party. Big Island Style...

2007-09-13T23:48:00.000-07:00

The BIG Beautiful Birthday Boy!

Could my smile get any wider?

Recently, My husband, my mama and I went to my best friend's (Ramona's) relatives' birthday party. Initially I thought it was some type of rite of passive for boys that become of age in Hawaii, but I was incorrect. But, it could have been, with all of the detail and hard work everybody seemed to have put in for this special birthday party.

We all had so much fun. They held it in the city of Carson at the Halau Hula o Lilinoe. So many family members flew in from Hawaii for this special event. There was so much dancing, laughing, great food and lots of love, big-island style there. I wanted to share some of the sweetness of culture I was privileged enough to experience, with all of you.

Enjoy!

Old New

2007-08-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

Okay folks, here are a couple of photo's of the before and after of me. This weekend my husband and I attended a very fun "swank" birthday party of a good friend of ours and the picture with the purple flower (purple is my favorite color!) is a photo a friend took of me. The 1st photo was taken in January of this year.

Enjoy.

More photos to come!

Out of Hibernation

2007-08-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

Hello folks! I know it’s been a very long time since I’ve written anything on my blog. It has truly been a long, hot, muggy summer so far. Some really great mornings though, but,… Long and hot, here in beautiful Altadena.
I have been hibernating intermittently as well. I have been staying on top of my exercising at the gym, reading a lot of literature, praying often, doing Pilates at home (Thanks to my best friend of over 20 years, Ramona!), watching what I eat. Truly being attentive to what I consume, how often I consume it, where (yes “where”) I consume it, when I consume it, and the frame of mind in which I consume it. Makes all the difference. I'm thrilled!

To date, I’ve lost approx 89 pounds! I am very proud of myself on many levels too. Make no mistake, it is not easy, I am just fully committed and loving every minute of it. (I have 35 more to go! And a few folks have even commented that I’ve lost half a person!)
I am thrilled!
(If it seems as though I am repeating myself, so what so! I'm thrilled to bits!)

In November of 2006, I had my annual physical and a week after my blood work, test, etc where completed, at my physicians’ request, I met with her again to review the results. During our discussion, I found out that I was a ticking time-bomb! Ka Boom!

For example…

- I already knew my Blood Pressure on the average was too high because of stress alone. Try having a blood pressure of 185 over 97. (These days on the average it’s 117 over 60!)

- My Cholesterol was 279! (Now 153!)

- My blood sugar was bordering Diabetes. (now 83!)

- And so, on!

Right now, I’m in the best health of my life! I’m loving it! I actually feel beautiful, and not on the account that someone said I was either.

Knowing how much I encourage taking the holistic approach, my Dr. still wanted to place me on medication for all 3. High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and (“borderline”) Diabetes, before I lost the weight.
Thank God I don't have to be on ANY meds! I am taking care of myself, in the manner which suits me best!

In Novemeber 2006, I considered gastric bypass surgery. But then I realized that I really didn’t want to go under the knife either. So… I decided to do it the old fashion way. Exercise, tons of water, proper diet, lots of prayer.

And before I did that, I realized I needed to forgive the “what’s” of my own undermining efforts, and
Try to forgive folks who have wronged me currently and in the past.
Just decided to let go the pressure-filled things I felt I could let go of, in order to make room for something great to start taking residence in my life. My physical health and mental well-being. Once I started releasing that negative stuff and making “it” homeless, I started giving myself permission to really, really love myself, in the manner in which I deserved. All of a sudden, 75% of the pressure, was off others, and onto me, to make ME happy. What a concept!

Loosing the negative stuff to make room for the positive stuff, was one of the best things that I could have ever done for myself, and my loved one. I prefer this to anything else.

“Other” things have changed for the better too. Make no mistake about it, I still have my imperfections. BUT… I’m not afraid to admit the truth to myself and others, be better to myself and those around me, expect more of others as well as except others for who they are, and just seek to build one block upon another in a totally positive manner. I knew I wasn’t a terrible person! Just a little confused for a minute there!

What I’m pursuing now, in support of the new me is getting to know and surround myself with more creative, peace-seeking, enthusiastic, harmonious “eclectic’ people, in support of my liberated eclectic life style.

Sometimes it appears to be the most difficult thing in the world to meet or remain in contact with folks like that. To me, it’s not so out of the ordinary to desire the type of pure friendship kindness, camaraderie and trust, where you can learn from each other, share ideas and theories, share some level of innocent intimate stimulating conversation over a cup of java or tea for goodness sakes! Make no mistake about it, I know many people, I just desire a very good friend I can hang with from time to time, and I really don’t have that. Everybody just seems so out of reach. Maybe that will change. I just want a friend I can talk to.
The great thing is that maybe it will happen, sooner than later.

There's no doubt about it, my husband Ibarionex, has been extremely loving and supportive towards my efforts during this time. And despite our individual imperfections, past issues, I can't help but focus on the fact that I am blessed and humbled in every sense of the word, because I am a very fortunate woman to have such a wonderful handsome, receptive, intelligent, fun, husband, man, lover, best friend, brother-in Christ, continued supporter in my life. No one can fill his shoes. I wouldn't be foolish enough to let that happen.

It's just that there's the "other" aspect of my life which now needs to be fortified by a constant friend, unrelated to my husband's role. It's the kind of camaraderie that one sister-lady friend can only give another sister-lady friend. Someone who truly understands, values me and my strange (yet fun) energy, care and is compassionate makes and takes the time unconditionally and doesn't judge. In the purest sense of the word, "Friendship".

My best friend, is so busy and has her hands full. I wish we could spend more time together. I'm not mad at her though! She's got to do, what she has to do. I can't begin to tell you how much I love and respect her. Endless. Family definatley comes 1st! Gotta love her always!

I can’t tell you how much I’ve discovered how much I need this in my life. I never knew what I was missing until I came out of hibernation recently. As I came out of hibernation I begin to contact some of my “ol friends” whom, seemed to have preferred the “ol’ uncertain easily-controlled Cynthia”. I guess with the new me, it made them uncomfortable to some extent, where it seemed everything I said was White, and everything they said was Black. Just couldn’t see eye to eye with two of ‘em. Sad but true. I would have rathered them be happy for me. You just never know what folks are going through either. Plus, like the ‘ol saying… Misery loves company.

It doesn’t mean that they are bad people, it just means that someone outgrew someone else, is all. The “dress” will always be Beautiful. It’s the Size of the dress that just doesn’t fit anymore.

I’ll be posting pictures soon! Woo Hoo!!!!!

Much love to you all,

Cynthia

Fun @ The Roxy on Sunday!

2007-05-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

Husband and I were invited by a close family friend to attend a concert at the legendary Roxy in Hollywood, CA to see one of their relatives perform in concert.

We saw many bands on Sunday night and I have to tell you that it was crazy loud in that place, however it was loads of fun! There was this band called Solacz and they were were absolutely awesome. My best friend Ramona and I danced all night to their music. This band had a cryptic way of really drawing me in, by slowly captivating my attention with a strong, deep soulful spirit in which the vibration of their movement, vocals and instruments resonated through my body. Their music was a cross between reggae, jazz and funk. No doubt! It was totally hot! I felt tantalizingly crispy all over!
Plus Ibarionex appeared to have a great time photographing all of the bands, especially this one. I am so delighted that we were all able to go and support the all of the bands!

My Sister Graduated From USC!!!

2007-05-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my sister Saundra, for so many reasons! Here's yet another reason that I have to look up to her.

Despite the negative things which has happened to her and (especially as of recent), the thousands of hours she has spent in helping mom & others organize their life and attempting on numerous occasions to help my younger sister Jackie get back up on her feet, with no success, she has managed to be focused on her homework, reports, group & self-studies, quiz's, exams, being in and out of clinics and hospitals to address her high blood pressure due to stress I have no doubt, reluctantly taking meds to maintain her health, kissing (in what seemed to be) a trillion no-good unappreciative, self-centered-self-absorbed, pride-driven, intermittently weak, unhelpful, non supportive, cheating, insecure, lying, lazy, boring, unreliable frogs (As her sister, I think I've captured it all and I believe she's learned to stay away from that undermining self-hurting crap!), moving to a better residential location, trying to make sure she has sufficient money to pay bills and ensure reliable transportation, creatively write, attend social gatherings, still smile, dealing with our mom on many levels (being the parent in some instances, however my mama is still the top Super Duper pioneer "Shero" for so many reasons!) and still trying to hold her own head up high, have a decent level of self-confidence, self esteem, keeping close to her more and more positive & helpful people in her life nowadays, making sure to include prayer & obedience to God in her life and remain awesomely beautiful, AND despite life's crazy turns and twists of challenges, she STILL managed to graduate from the awesomely awesome USC, and graduate with honors!!!!! Woo Hoo!

I am so proud of her and it certainly says to me, that keeping your eye on the prize, obtaining it and in many cases so much more, provides so much more.
As far as I am concerned, my sister Saundra is one of greatest Super-She-ro's of our time! (Super-she-ro's) I'll stop right here because, words really and truly cannot express how much I adore my sis.

Congrats awesomely awesome lady!

Hello, Awesome, Wonderful, Beautiful People!

2007-05-06T06:29:00.000-07:00

Happy campers at the Liberty Grill in Downtown LA, before the opera

Well,

Yesterday evening was more than a sight for some very sore eyes and more than music to longing ears! Because...

We went to see the opera Porgy & Bess!

Yes folks, I was profoundly moved by this opera. Although, there weren't too many of our people there, the entire opera really provided me with a sense of clarity, in terms of certain aspects of my own value system.

My gosh, cultures run so deeply. Certainly the ancestors. spoke to me last night.

This opera certainly took my mom down memory lane. And many times it took my breath away. So much so where I found myself fighting to keep from sitting at the edge of my seat in anticipation and excitement of the next scene.

Also, I couldn't help but watch my mom beam with pride, not only by being at the majestic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion but more so, the contents of the opera, as her eyes were filled with tears of joy from time to time.

Where we were seated, there were several celebrities seated near us, such as David Carradine which was known as Kwai Chang Caine from the television series Kung Fu. My mother-in-law was thrilled beyond belief because she really enjoys the way that this actor performs. (and so was I! I have to admit that I used to watch Kung Fu often, mainly because of the philosophical approach Kwai took. In watching that show, there was always something to learn)

Anyway, I wanted you all to know how much I enjoyed the "majesticness" of it all, and if you haven't purchased your tickets for this opera and desire a treat, please take time to give yourself a present and see this show, before they are all sold out! (Last night was a packed house. I have no doubt the remainder of the shows will be too). So take time and make a commitment to yourself to buy your tickets and attend, or atleast do something kind 'n sweet for yourself and or possibly the ones you adore because you won't regret it. Times like this are priceless.

Much love, kisses & hugs!

Seeing Porgy & Bess Tomorrow!

2007-05-04T05:17:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that I'll be seeing the play/opra Porgy & Bess tomarrow evening at the Dorothy Chandler. I purchased tickets for my hubby, my mom & my mother-in-law recently, and I believe it should be real treat that evening. I have my outfit laid out and ready to go and feeling good about what I am going to wear. Life is precious and exciting right about now.

It's a mazing how so many people take what they are going to wear, for granted. But since being in weight-loss mode, I've been particularly grateful about my on-going success. So I take nothing for granted.

Tomorrow evening, I'd like to take us out to a funky restaurant in LA near the theater too, but I don't have a clue as to where we'd go tomorrow evening for dinner, any suggestions?

This year it's been rather social in a really positive way, (unlike last year) and it's because I've really pushed for it. Spoken Word series, mini concert series in the park, various friend's book readings (especially as of recent), plays, operas, traveling to San Jose, CA and Tucson, AZ to visit friends, and heck...even the Eric Clapton concert in a limo and all!
It's totally been awesome. Oh! And did I mention I'm eating much healthier, dropping this weight and feeling much better about myself ?

I am totally tickled right about now, my dear friends!!! :)

So, now I have to leave and do my pilates this morning, take a shower, fix my hair, brush my teath, clean my face, put on a tad of make-up, spray a dash of perfume here and there, get dressed, quickly prepare my lunch, feed & pet our pups, pray with my hubby before I leave for work and dash out the door for another fun-filled day!

Life is usually busy for myself and my dear friends, but...In between all of this, I hope to hear from some of my dear friends I miss so much as of late...

Anyway, I wanted to share what was on my mind as of lately and I trust everyone is doing just as well and better than I am!

Much love and tons of hugs,

Cynthia

Precious, Priceless Moments...

2007-04-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I feel really good.

And for good reason. As of yesterday I've lost 39 pounds! Is that awesome or what!?! I feel so much better mentally and physically. I have 65 more to go! I know I can do it and will do it. Pilates @ 5:30 in the morning, aerobics after work. A low fat, high-protein, low carb and tons of water type of plan, seems to really work for me. I am so happy to report that my beautiful husband Ibarionex, my loving family and priceless & close friends are supportive too!

Yesterday I visited my mama at home, talked quit a while and then we picked a few juicy lemon’s from her backyard.

She’s got this Mississippi green-thumb for days. Everything she touches seems to be automatically blessed and it ends up growing beautifully beyond belief. Southern Vogue I call it sometimes. She makes her own compost too. One of her most meaningful, soulful and freeing passions is her garden. Welcoming-Mississippi-style. I love those lemons, because they aren’t like “regular” lemons. These lemons are produced from a Mandarin Dwarf Lemon Tree. When we were little, my mama planted three of these trees. One representing my eldest sister Saundra, my youngest sister Jacquelyn and one for myself. They are the largest (at times), tastiest, juiciest, almost seedless lemons in the world as far as I am concerned, not only because my mama lovingly & thoughtfully planted them for each of us & the fact that it seems to heal me mentally, she also told me it represents to her: The Father, The Son & The Holy Spirit. How awesome is that? (Not to mention, the neighbors can’t get enough of these lemons!) So we picked some of those wonderful “lemons” yesterday, and afterwards I took her out to breakfast at this café called Dish, in La Canada. This is my favorite, down-home eclectic eatery. Our time was very special. We had fun. We talked, laughed, cried, hugged, had a couple of high-fives, laughed again and shared so many feelings, opinions and overall thoughts. There was nothing constricting and off limits this time around. Very liberating environment. I felt like she was more my best friend at that moment than everything else. How precious is that? That moment in my favorite café, and while picking lemons in her backyard and sharing the priceless and precious time together provided much needed peace and calm for us both I believe.

Love my Mississippi mama!

After breakfast I drove her back to her home and I came across these pictures of my dad’s relatives. Relatives I still have yet to have really known at some point in my life. Some passed before I was born of-course, and some I barely recall as a little girl.

I do recall how much they displayed so much love my way though.

The kind of unconditional love , just-because love, you’re always welcomed kinda love, Southern Hospitality come-on-in have a plate kinda love, I have no excuses kinda love, I'm not afraid kinda love, I wanna hold & squeeze you kinda love, I'll always remember you kinda love, the kind of love folks rarely give or experience nowadays.

I thought I'd bring them to life on my blog and share them with you all.

Enjoy!

Grandma Leah

Grandpa Wilbert

Daddy

Mama & Daddy

To the right, is one of my relatives (it's one of my father's cousins) known as "Sweet" (not sure who the gentleman is, but he sure knew how to dress up a bit!) and Sweet's friend to the left is, Lucy.

This is my grandma's cousin Frankie

Grandma again! (I couldn't resist!)

Uncle Bill

Great Uncle Joseph

Great, Great, Great Grandfather Kennedy....

Uncle Nehemiah

2007-04-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

My Uncle Nehemiah passed away and my heart bleeds tremendously because of this loss. This is all that I can write about at this time. Because the physical ache in my chest hurts so much. Life is precious. I will always cherish, adore and love the spirit he blessed me with. Forever...

This Artist "Sings" From Her Soul...

2007-04-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

I am in love with her music. I have this unquenchable desire to continue listening over and over again to her music. She is totally speaking my language with a passion no doubt.

Miri Ben-Ari

Check her out if you haven't already.....

AND...

Josslyn's 7th Annual Sweet Taste of MLK Tea Party

2007-01-16T06:07:00.000-08:00

7th Annual Sweet Taste of MLK Tea Party!

Ok people,

I have t tell you that this year has gotten off to a really great start. Christmas was awesome and now January is just booming with all types of enlightenments! Last night my husband Ibarionex, my mama Faithie and my sister Saundra went to Josslyn Luckett's place to bring in the new year with Consciousness.

This was Josslyn's 7th Annual Sweet Taste of Freedom MLK Tea Party. In the air, there was such a positive "freeing" creative energy that words couldn't and wouldn't do justice to. There were so many wonderful and creative people there. We were surrounded by the likes of Roger Guenveur Smith, Michael Datcher, Peter J. Harris and so on! It was great!

People read poetry, there was a lot of spoken-word spoken, we watched some very powerful documentaries, sung powerful songs, Jason Luckett performed for all of us, folks shared their creative ideas, there was a warm love that filled the rooms and we all shared the works of Dr. Martin Luther King!

We shared ideals of new found freedoms and past oppressions of the dehumanizing effects of slavery. We shared as Josslyn puts it, "heros" and "sheros" of peace and what they stood for and currently stand for. We shared how we view violence today and what we felt we needed to do additionally, to rid our lives, those we cherish and the world of the various forms of it. We shared many new-found freedoms.

There was a lot of love in that house and I felt it. Just when I thought I could be myself and be totally accepted, here's a freedom I have never experienced until last night.

People who fully accepted me for who I am and my values. I loved every bit of it!

A freedom tea party indeed...