Goodbye USA

Today we leave on our adventure . . across seas and land. . . 22 hours of flying time . . to the seventh-largest country in the world, the second-largest population in the world and one of the oldest civilizations in the world.

I have found and interested description of India as "the land of dreams and romance, of fabulous wealth and fabulous poverty, of splendor and rags, of palaces and hovels, of famine and pestilence, of genies and giants and Aladdin lamps, of tigers and elephants, the cobra and the jungle, the country of a hundred nations and a hundred tongues, of a thousand religions and two million gods. . ." (Mark Twain 1835-1910)

 

On the itinerary are the cities of Dehli, Agra and Jaipur, in which we will experience a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal, view such wonders as the Red Fort (built in 1648), Laxmi Narayan Temple (in honor of the Hindu goddess of wealth), Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque), Qutab Minar, Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid (first mosque in India), Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daula ("baby Taj") and the Amber Fort (hopefully by way of elephant).

 

We are thrilled beyond words as this is a completely new experience for both of us.  I will try and update this blog as much as possible with our adventures, pictures and, I am sure, a vast deal of information gleaned.

 

Until next time. . . ciao . . adios. . arrivederci. . Auf wiedersehen . . toodles . . . and farewell!

India Visas. . . . check!!

One step closer to our next big adventure. . . we have obtained our India visas after 1 passport photo, 1 page of extremely confusing internet directions, 1 incorrect India visa request form, 1 correct India visa request form, 1 internet order form for India visa, 1 copy of driver's license proving my correct address, 1 intact passport, 1 scanned page of correct India visa request form, $75 of fees, and 1 trip driving to San Francisco.  *wheww*  In the midst of this process, Clayton and I asked each other "How bad do we want to go to India?"  As this was the first time I have every had to apply for a visa I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  I guess I had it better than my dear brother who applied for a visa to China.  He had all of the above plus another trip to San Francisco and an added $70 in fees. 

On another note, a nice lady standing in line with us to pick up the visas informed me that the shopping is incredible!  The very nice pair of sandals she had on were from India and cost a whopping $2.50!  (Clayton did not want me to hear this little gold nugget of information)

India. . . here we come!

Clayton Bradley {the photographer}

Over the last couple of years what has started out as a hobby turned into a passion. . . . my awesome husband has become an entrepreneur, creating what is called Clayton Bradley {not photography}. . . Lensman! His website can be found at www.clayton-bradley.com. He is currently a photographer for Sacramento magazine and has photography for weddings, engagement sessions, maternity, sport events, senior portraits and fashion events as well. Needless to say, I am extremely proud of him and love what he creates. Here are just a few of my favorite photographs he has taken. . .

Sui*Generis

What is Sui*Generis??? In latin it means "one of a kind; unique". It is a name that I came up with to lable my creations. . . . all sorts of creations! I originally started with making crochet baby headbands and adult scarves. Since then I have experimented with paper products, hair accessories, crochet flower pins and now beanies! I also have a passion for "spiffing" up furniture (taking something that was ugly and making pretty in other words).

I have created a blog specifically for Sui*Generis:

www.sg-rethought.blogspot.com

Take a look and tell me what you think!

Treasure Island - Forrest Theater, Carmel by the Sea

As is my custom, when attending theatrical performances, I would like to write a review of Treasure Island now playing at the Forrest Theater. However, my review will be incomplete as I was only able to attend the last half of the show. Do to a few "hiccups" on the way to Carmel from Gualala state park campground, Clayton and I arrived to the said theater at intermission. We stayed for the rest of the performance so I would like to give you what little I can in case anyone would like to attend. The play closes this weekend if you plan to go.

It was cute. The props were awesome, as always, the atmosphere was light and fun (we attended the 2:00 pm matinee on Sunday) and everyone seemed to be in a jolly mood. I did have some problems with the acting however. Young Jim Hawkins left a lot to be desired. OH sure . . . he had his words memorized, but there was no feeling or emotion behind them. ok, ok. . he is a kid . . . but still!! Long John Silver was great along with Ben Gunn. Many of the others were somewhat pitiful actors.

Overall, entertaining but would not go back to watch the entire preformance.

Now.. . . next month they are showing Alice in Wonderland in which we plan to attend. I will write another review at that time :-)

New buddy

This lil'guy showed up on mine and clayton's doorstep about a month ago begging for love, attention and food. We put him in our backyard with food and water but were going out of town for the weekend. When we came back he was GONE! oh no! I happened to see him in our next door neighbors back yard and when he noticed me there, ended up escaping from their backyard to ours. We checked with our neighbors and they were going to take him to the pound. I decided it was a good idea to take him to the parents house (though they didn't think it was a very good idea) After a few days of trying to find a home for him, Clayton thought he was going to take him to the pound. I kinda fell in love with the little guy and convinced my parents to keep him on a temporary basis . . . he is still there :-)

We named him Jack (sometimes referred to as Jackie-Chan by myself and Jack-Squat by my lovely mother) . . . Jack has had some very trying times, escaping the house to be found on the other side of a very main road, being backed up over by a toaster car and having pulmonary contusions, eating a variety of dead animals and leaving them in pieces on the front yar. . but continues to remain OUR DOG! he's a sweetie

recommencement

. . . whewww. . . it has been a while. . . .

I decided to recommence my blogings and pull away from other social networkings. There is so much more to share with a blog . . life experiences, travels, feelings. . .

I didn't know really how to start. . . so I thought I would start by thanking my parents . . . they are truley amazing people and I am so proud to call them my parents. Thank you for always being my encouragement and my security. As I now start my own life adventure (marrige, new house, perhaps children) I want to thank you for everything that you have helped me to become and the keys to success that you have put in my life . .

I love you both more that you will ever know!