let us race to the ocean

Beach days start with a trip to Angelo's Italian Deli in Long Beach.

My niece answering the call of the ocean.

Long Beach

keeping my nephew from going too far out into the ocean.

beach reading

new bathing suit bottoms

Sunset Beach, my favorite.

Lately I can’t deny the urge to run into the ocean, and the rapport I have with the waves seems like the most meaningful conversation I could have. I spent Mother’s Day weekend at Sunset Beach. A school of dolphins played within eyes sight on both days. My nephew runs to the water and yells “Agua, Agua!.” I hold him back; he wants desperately to be part of the ocean. He doesn’t understand the danger, he only feels the urge. His little heart is beating fast. I think of my mother, who loved to swim. She was a natural. I recall a trip to Point Pelee National Park in Canada when she dove into Lake Erie and swam incredibly far out like a mermaid returning home, while my sister and I watched her awe-struck and shivering from the shore.
It was foggy but warm outside when I finally took my swim. Have you ever noticed how incredibly hungry you feel after spending time in the ocean?

 Outfit: 50s red shorts (Vets Flea Market); white tshirt, sunhat, Keds (thrifted), watermelon bathing suit bottoms (American Apparel), bathing suit top (DKNY). 

spring time bicycle accidents and pink polyester

Maybe it’s not technically quite spring time in southern California, but mentally I’ve already moved on from winter, and what better way to welcome my second favorite season (after summer) than a leisurely bicycle ride around town. So on Saturday, a bright and relatively warm day, we went apartment hunting on two wheels. (We’re looking for a smaller pad with bigger closets).  It was all spring flowers and birds chirping until my little heart shaped purse that hung from my wrist got caught in my front spokes and over I went.  At least, I think I went over the handlebars. I don’t really recall. I’m bruised and wounded on my right side, and yes, I’ve been bragging about my injuries all weekend. Thank goodness for my agility, as I recovered pretty quickly.  But I still pampered myself after the accident with a beer from the Belmont Brewing Company on the pier, a chili dog from Felony Frank’s food truck, and a soft serve ice cream from the ice cream truck, which featured an airbrushed imaged of a gangster Mickey Mouse on its side panel.

Then Pete and I kicked it underneath a gaudy (in a good way) mural along the bike path, the perfect backdrop for my equally gaudy outfit, enjoying our treats and the last rays of sunshine.

Outfit: vintage pink polyester plaid top; vintage purple shorts, chambray Keds (thrifted), 60s costume jewelry bracelet (cast out by my friend, Stacy, and lovingly scooped up by me), pink sunnies (Linda Farrow for Dries Van Noten via Gilt).

California dreamin'

Eichler neighborhood, Orange, CA.

vintage LB police car, Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Fest 2012

The Theme Building, Los Angeles International Airport

Moonlight Roller rink in Glendale. A total blast from the past. Go on Tuesday night for Old Time Live Organ Music.

the American Dream. Eichler neighborhood, Orange, CA.

Happy Friday, buckaroos. Do you have any exciting plans this weekend? I'm going to try and pick up my room, which I've been working on rather unsteadily for like 6 months. Other than that, I’m going dancing at Secret Affair (until it gets too crowded) tonight, to a baby shower tomorrow (this is the year of the baby), and I hope to run on the beach (my new Nike Free running shoes are the best!) and/or go to yoga this weekend. I also want to sketch out some of my cowgirl outlaw design ideas. Talk to you soon.

Outfit: vintage 60s olive shift dress w/turquoise collar and ascot tie (Elsewhere Vintage, Orange Circle), Cole Haan loafers (thrifted).

photos by Pete (top photo) and the rest by me.

a rainbow from my heart to yours

It's another beautiful day in Long Beach. Pete and I got up on the early side and rode our bicycles to breakfast. The breeze was light, but it still blew my blue straw hat off a few times, so that I couldn't wear it while bicycling. All the trees are vibrant green, the flowers are blooming, and the fruit is ripe. The town smells of jasmine. I celebrate in style with my 70s rainbow crop, which I've had in my wardrobe for at least 10 years. It's definitely one of those pieces that reminds me of Iris in Taxi Driver. Sometimes I get to thinking that I'm too old for such a top, but that's just the devil talking. I finally bought myself a pair of Cork Ease shoes, and boy are these shoes comfortable. Well worth the dough.

We're listening to Bruce Springstein this lovely afternoon. My friend, Hector, just burned me a few of his older albums, and it's so good, especially the Nebraska album. Have you heard it? I hope you're enjoying your weekend.

Outfit: Vintage 70s rainbow crop top (thrifted), olive green pleated skirt (thrifted),green beaded purse (thrifted), pastel ring (Downtown Darling Vintage, Long Beach), lavender nail polish (OPI), Cork Ease Myrna Platforms.

reflections on the water

wearing a vintage bathing suit cover

Jesse, a man of many random talents, showing off his orange peeling skills.

 Despite the large whale murals, this is not the Aquarium of Long Beach. It's the LB Convention Center

dorky poses

dream RV

Some photos of the last couple of winter weekends in Long Beach. The sunny weather has been a boon to this summer soul and just perfect for sunset strolls along the beach with best buds where we witnessed the most vivid reflections on the water, reminiscent of 80s Trapper Keeper binders. Have a great weekend, everybody.

on a sunny winter day

a dance of joy for sunny winter weather

photo by Stacy, taken with her Iphone.

this is my square dancing dress

Hot Dog, it feels good to thrift a perfect square dancing dress in a pucci-esque print! And better still, I thrifted it in the day and dosey doed in it that very same evening.

my half assed attempt at big country hair.

Today is one glorious Saturday. This morning, I took a drive along the coast and in the afternoon I played on the beach with my best buds. The sun has been awful generous these last few days, and I am content.