Awaking with the assurance that that today would be both historic and glorious, I stumbled down stairs, children still sleeping, and was greeted by this sight. The rising sun, circled by halo of hope; a symbol of what this day and our future holds.
Join us as we blog this moment in time. 1 photo, 44 words. History in the making.
Thank you Melissa and Alice.
If there is one thing about living in So Cal that is great it's that we're in pretty close proximity to anything and everything you could ever want to do. In this case I'm talking about doing it up Hollywood style at the historic and totally cool El Capitan Theatre. This my friends, is not your typical movie theater. It's an ideal venue to see a movie with your family for sure. It's small and intimate with an old time vibe that takes the experience to a new level. Beautiful architectural details, rich fabric curtains and the unmistakable Mighty Wurlitzer organ that is being played as you stroll in and find your seat. And please note-they have special movie seat boosters you can use for your young ones. Fully Awesome. I'm not trying to be overly-dramatic but it is something to be experienced for sure. It's even worth the drive from Orange County.
Even though I've lived here all my life, I've only visited this landmark twice but both times were absolutely wonderful. Our first trip was for The Little Mermaid Sing-a-Long where Ariel actually opened the show. Talk about a hit!
This most recent trip was to see the latest Disney offering Bolt in 3D. Bolt didn't open the show like Ariel did but a grand Holiday Spectacular did and it was delightful and oh-so-very Christmasy. All the characters were there in their holiday best. Mickey, Minnie, Pooh Bear and all the Princesses. My youngest daughter was mesmerized. She even got a high-five from Goofy (dressed as Santa of course). That's big time.
After the opening act they showed the movie which was an ACTION PACKED adventure. Did I mention it's in 3D? Wow. And the 3D glasses you get are like real glasses, not paper, thank you very much. My oldest daughter and 8-year-old nephew LOVED it. My 5-year-old did too but the storyline wasn't as easy to follow for her as for the older kids. The movie got more fun (as in less on-the-edge-of-your-seat and more belly laughing) when the hilarious character Rhino the hamster got introduced onto the scene. I think he might be my new favorite animated character of all time. His one-liners were so funny that they've already become popular banter in our home.
After the movie we enjoyed shopping and a snack at the malt shop that is connected to the Theater. From the last trip, I was smart enough to be sure my girls brought their own money for a Bolt souvenir. Worked like a charm. You'd better believe we brought home a big fat overstuffed hamster home with us, bucked teeth and all.
If you are looking for something fun to do with your family I would highly recommend making a day of it to experience the magic of the movies the way it should be done. Bolt (along with the Holiday Spectacular) is playing now through Jan. 4th at The El Capitan Theatre. It's a great way to unwind and spend some warm and cozy holiday family time together during some of this winter vacation time we've got coming. You won't regret it. And you won't want to go to just any old movie theater again.
What I Know For Sure
Life is full of surprises.
Magic is happening behind the scenes of our lives whether we recognize it or not.
I am surrounded by an incredible support system both off-line and on. Thank you all!
I choose to live in Southern California for a reason (namely the weather).
Having your hair and make-up done by professionals is worth the trip.
The last few days have been a grand adventure.
This is only the beginning.
And last but certainly not least,
what happens at the Oprah show, stays at the Oprah show.
In the ebb and flow of our everyday lives we walk and wander our own unique path. Some days it's a stroll; a slow but steady meandering, one foot in front of the other. Others we use our big tall legs to walk, taking confident and bold strides into the future following only the map of our heart.
For me, the last few days I have been asked to find the strength of my legs to walk boldly toward a place that is hazy in the distance. Although I cannot make out exactly what it looks like, I can feel that is somewhere I need to be. A place I have mused about for my future. I had no idea my future could come so quickly.
I spent my Saturday filming a segment for the Oprah show. A dear friend, my fairy godmother, my husband and kids and a bunch of strangers (who are no longer strangers) all with me in my home for one of the most surreal experiences of my life. The feeling might only be eclipsed by my flying out to Chicago for the shows taping on Tuesday.
I know, I know I must share the details. But right now my head is spinning and my knees are weak and I am using every bit of strength I have to keep walking, trusting, enjoying, soaring along my path and the opportunities that lie before me. It's all so very overwhelming-good overwhelming but overwhelming none the less.
The shot above is the Best way to describe what I am feeling right now. I captured it in our entry way only moments after everyone left our house and the dust began to settle.
Big huge grateful exhale.
Let's see what Best moment you caught this week. Something from the map of your heart I hope.
Wishing Happy Babies to Kristen and Rebecca, two rockin' mamas from Blogville that we know and love and that are ready to deliver bundles of joy sometime in the very near future. Blog buddies have been invited to participate in a remembering the baby years virtual baby shower so I have been pouring over photos of my own daughter's baby years. Sigh.
Moments like this one suspended in time make my mommy heart break into a million pieces. Sniff sniff.
Before I get really nuts and post some kind of slideshow featuring 500 of my favorite baby pix, I will just say to the mothers-to-be congratulations on yet another beginning where a new little person joins the family ranks and the whole world begins again. Despite the sometimes seemingly endless days and sleepless nights, you are welcoming the mystery and magic of the sacred days of babyhood.
Here's to avoiding colic, getting a shower now and again and taking as many naps as humanly possible.
Cheers!
First of all, let me offer an enormous thank you to all of you for your birthday wishes. From comments to emails to phone calls, I was overwhelmed with love! Thank you, thank you.
How can I possibly choose one shot from such an incredible weekend. So much love, support, encouragement, empowerment; words could never express it. But a shot like this one does say a lot about it feels when you can bask in a big beautiful dose of soul sisterhood.
Do you have a shot that says something about what's been happening in your life? Share your joy.
I thought about sharing this shot of my girlies from last week for my best shot but since today is the kick off the fantastic blog series The Gift of Imperfect Parenting at beautiful Brene Brown's blog Ordinary Courage, I figured the much more appropriate photo to share was this one.
Today I'm feeling courageous enough to show you my real life at it's craziest, it's most absurd and with all it's flaws. And you know what? I'll bet you're cool with that, aren't you? See. I knew I liked you.
As I said in you last post, I encourage you to tune in to what Brene has to share in regards to 'raising our children with courage, compassion and connection'. It's a message you don't want to miss. Be sure to pop over to her series and snap up the CD ASAP. You'll be really glad you did.
So...on that note, would you like to share your perfect pictures (or the perfectly imperfect ones if you dare) on this fine yet flawed Monday?
If you do nothing else for yourself this summer, you must get the incredible Brene Brown's brilliant CD The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting-raising children with courage, compassion and connection. I am serious here. GET. THE. CD. NOW. I promise to write more about it but for now, I wanted to at least begin to spread the word since I have a minute of internet connection at my disposal (my internet has been out for days-eeeek!)
You going to BlogHer this summer? Sweet. Me too. And check out what the Shutter Shutters are up to. It's the first ever BlogHer PhotoWalk!
So, who's into roaming the streets of San Fransico shooting photos with with a flock of what Pam calls BlogHer birds? I am, I am!
If you would like to join us, please let us know so we can look for you. Hee hee.
Nintendo threw a fit at my house last night. A Wii Fit
After our little personal training session, Wii are all still smiling. I think that's a good sign.
Since I'm just a beginner I won't try to act like a pro and review it just yet. I do however plan on giving Fit a try to see what happens. God knows, I could use a little Fit in my life. I'm not an exercise kind of gal so it should be entertaining if nothing else. And I plan on sharing my progress. Did I really just say that out loud?
If you'd care to join me in having your own Fit (Wii Fit
More on that soon. Very soon. Wii pinky swear.
I think this post Fits nicely under the Thursdays Theme of FUN over at The Land of Ka. Sure, it may be Friday but Wii partied on Thursday so it's gotta count, right?
Well, actually we're on the air.
But you could be too.
All you have to do is call in to chat with Kate and I LIVE this evening from 6-6:30pm PST to Motherhood Uncensored's Blog Talk Radio show. Want more info? Click HERE.
Yay!
Edited to write: To listen to the show, see the sidebar (over there to the right) for the play button!
Four Days Until Forty.
The necklace was an early birthday present from my sweet friend Jill (of the lovely blue poppy)
