Layoffs and Lotusland

I was laid off last week. It happened the same morning I saw this headline. If furlough days (pay cuts for all, due to slashing school days--and teacher prep days) go through, positions will be added back. Or else class size goes up to 40?  I half-expected it...It is based only on seniority, not evaluations. I feel supported and appreciated and get great marks on my observations. Sadly, it isn't up to my boss. I told a mom volunteer in my room and she teared up. I really do love the teaching part. So much uncertainty about the future makes me a little weary.

I am still determined to do my best. Still not sure how to do this and have a balanced life. I worked 12 hour days 3 out of five days last week which left me exhausted. Now, I'm headed to a coffee shop to do report cards on a Sunday.

On a happier note, the weather has been incredible. And, I finally visited Lotusland. Lotusland is the private, historical estate of a 6x married opera singer. It is 73 acres composed of smaller, detailed, themed botanical gardens. It is located in nearby Montecito, where Oprah, also has an estate.

Lotusland happens to be featured on the cover of Martha Stewart this month.
Check out the 10 page spread. 

It was SO incredible. I wrote Visit Lotusland on a now-tattered post-it before I moved here. I was in awe and very moved by the beauty, drama, and detail in every direction. We got a private tour--the only other person on our tour was a guy on a board for a garden in Walnut Creek. We all asked many questions; the plant enthusiast(s) and the scientist. Our retire-ee guide said, "Well, this is just so fun, I love it when I get smart people." I felt flattered and the pleasure was mine.  More picture and posting on this excursion soon.

Lazing about Lahaina

My Auntie's pretty condo... We got a chance to play tourist for a day. Our one outing without the family.

Coffee Berry Tea.

I was inspired and made my own

from my dad's yard. Yum. Antioxidants!

Peaceful Sunset. Same Pacific Ocean.

Can you believe it? I say the ocean is my favorite thing,

but maybe it is the sky above the ocean.

Sir Wilfred's, the cigar and coffee joint of my youth, is now on Front Street.

My mom's artist friend Karen, featured herself in this piece, sitting on the bar.

This creative spirit, passed away over 10 years ago. Rainbow Kelly, aka "Uncle Bo"

also looks over us with his Santa Beard. He introduced my parents 30 years ago.

A radio personality with a hearty laugh. These were the characters from my childhood.

Both gone now, but I discovered them again on Front street, among celebrities, in this old painting.

My handsome boyfriend, I mean husband. I don't know when I will get used to saying HUSBAND.

Someday, I guess. He is my favorite date. We hung out under the giant banyan tree and listened to the

myna birds squawk.

Maui Summer I

A dip in a neighborhood waterfall.

 

Walking a labyrinth.

At 10,000 feet atop Haleakala.

Brown orchids growing in my mama's yard, 

used in my brown/gold bridemaid's boquet.

Lizard's Mouth

 

Hi Brett! Thanks for taking us up the mountain (again).

View of UCSB and the coast from the mountain.

Over-exposed film grain.  Lots of crevices to leap over.

I might like the sun too much. 

 

The strange and beautiful yucca.

Warm rocks.

 

Cave men find shelter.

Chillaxed!

This is a wonderful, easily accessible, short hike with an amazing view.  It totally chilled me out the day before a big job interview.

P.S. I got the job!

Baldwater Basin, Death Valley

 

Among the throngs of tourons (mostly European) we explored the lowest point in the western hemisphere.

Cold snow or hot salt? 
Taste test time!
Two recent chemistry PhDs were in our party.

This is what happens when you travel with scientists.

Proof I was there.

I've retired these to garden-only status. My sister says she wants more blogs about me. I'll try, still working on my style.

Ghost Town Gallivanting

According to a Death Valley park ranger, Rhyolite, NV is the second-best-noncommercial-ghost-town in North America and if I'm at all interested in human history it's a must see.  And oh, how I am!  Plus, it was my very first time ever in the glitzy/barren state of Nevada.  While it was far from thrilling--the idea of a ghost town had sounded utterly romantic and eerie to me--I gave it my best shot...  Enjoy. 

The Old Bank Building.

 Magnifique! Rhyolite sprung up as a mining town in 1905 and grew to around 5000 wanna-be prospectors overnight.  It emptied out about as quickly as it grew.

The Warning: Rattesnakes signs posted throughout the town kept me on the beaten path.  I saw zero snakes in Death Valley so I got the sense it was to keep bottle-collectors and antique-scavengers away.

You could almost hear the ghostly pitter-patter and haunting squeals of the children of yesteryear...

 

I hoped for a tumbleweed and creaking saloon doors. This general store was the best I got.  The clap-board-front can also be found in Makawao, Maui or Sisters, Oregon.

Stylin'! 

The famous Joshua Tree hangs out in this National Park too. 

Utterly bizarre 20 foot statue next to a tourist trap on the way out of "town."

Wine Country 2010

Andrew's dad came to town and we had a fine time taking him around nearby wine country. Remember our first visit those grape fields?

Back roads and mossy trees. I love that A is always willing to pause or pullover for my photos. This lovely stretch took me back to our Wildflower Drive & Rainbow Dance last spring.

Solvang and that European flair.

Multi-purposed barrels.

Sunset: che bella!

Train to LA

Depart by train from Santa Barbara at dawn.

The view.

Why it is called the Surfliner.

Venice Beach color.

Cool dudes.

Black & white boardwalk.

Crowds attract crowds.

Almost sunset.

We spent a day in LA before flying out of LAX for the winter break on the East Coast. I figure even when I have a loss of the blah-blah-blog words I can flash around some images. What's your take on these photo-journal blog posts?

Elephant Seals, Central Coast

Staring us down with those innocent eyes.

Twins!

The pick of the litter.

The chest bump: males begin the dance for dominance.

Open wide!  They make the funniest sound. 

The California Central Coast and Highway One are definitely worth checking out.