There's no place like home

Nevada City firehouse, originally built in 1861
(this picture was in LIFE in 1962)

firehouse December 18, 2008
(from my iphone)

Looking down Broad St. 1930's - 1950's (?)

Broad Street December 18, 2008

Fun postcard for Broad St

Again it's December 18, 2008

This place doesn't seem to change much, and that just the way I like it. It's California's Gold Country. I am proud to know and care about the history of Nevada City and Grass Valley. My favorite way to spend a day is eating a pasty while strolling along Broad, Main, and Mill Streets. I am happy to report that my Christmas holiday included this ( and much more.) My mother was born and raised here, as was I. I hope I can keep the magic of G.V. & N.C. alive for the generations to come.

Auld Lang Syne

The time from Christmas until New Years is usually reserved for recalling the past and looking ahead to the future. I will be at work for those six days, so I will post my musings now.
I have been incredibly blessed with lively, spiritual, and caring girlfriends. In fact, I seem to have lived with at least one of my closest friends for the last ten years.
I would like to express gratitude for these wonderful women in my life. You have all helped shape who I have become.

(Rachelle, I am sorry I don't have digital pictures of us. That's what we get for being friends for so long!)

Steph and Sabrina

Diane, Tamera, Steph

Emily, Diane, Steph (Caribbean cruise)

Cindy, Laura, Corene

Corene, Bec, Molly
Molly, Lauren, Corene, Aly (Costa Rica)

posing (ugh, embarrassing) Heather, Caisa, Bec (Hawaii)

Heather, Alyson

Tara, Heather, Alyson

Marisa, Tara, Amanda

Tara and Amanda

Tara

Heather


Amanda, Heather, Marisa, Tara (last Christmas)

Tara, Amanda, Marisa, Heather (Croatia)


For the last three years I have had a close-knit group of girls on whom I have come to rely. This year ( and especially the last month) has brought about much change. Although things seem a bit empty to me now, I know that this is really just a clean slate for me to start anew.
Here's to fun memories, new beginnings and uncharted territory!

My Pretty Woman moment

No, not to worry - I am not a prostitute in a Cinderella story. I am just another victim to opera.

As Edward says in Pretty Woman, "People's reactions to opera the first time they see it is very dramatic; they either love it or they hate it. If they love it, they will always love it. If they don't, they may learn to appreciate it, but it will never become part of their soul."

I have been to the opera in Vienna with my mother (Don Giovanni and another one of which I can't remember.) I loved the opera house and the storytelling.


But last night changed me,
I went to La Boheme in San Francisco. Here is a little snippit:




I absolutely LOVED it. I already knew the beautiful music by Puccini, but I didn't know the meaning of the lyrics or remember the story. The whole event was a pleasure.I may not have looked like this

but it's how I felt.