Judi Stauffer
  • Home
  • Artist
    • Artist Statement
    • Portfolio >
      • Three World Series
      • On The Road
      • My Peru
      • Montana : Homage
      • Cuba
    • CV
  • Shamanism
    • Background
    • A Return To Ayni
    • Joy of Awakening
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Contact Info

Sharing someone else's bucket list

2/3/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
My faux cousin Liv has been visiting for a few days. A cousin of a cousin through marriage, we have gotten to know each other quite well since 2000. Last year we travelled together for the first time to Cuba.

Since her arrival, we attended the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Outstanding Performance of the Year Award event honoring Cate Blanchett, visited niece Taylor at the Beckman Winery, and a Super Bowl party (briefly). Later in the week we will attend another Film Festival tribute . . . Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio will receive the Cinema Vanguard Award. 

But today we're off to Yorba Linda to visit the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum — a "good cousin" gesture on my part as this was a "least favorite thing ever" to do! Honestly, I came away with no better feeling for our 37th president than expected, but also with a lingering question . . . how did someone who grew up Quaker become such a S.O.B. with no regard for honesty and integrity, and who would willingly throw a family member under the bus as a friend or an associate? The Library/Museum leaves this question unanswered, at least for me. Instead, it presents a man who grew up in humble beginnings and who rose through the ranks through the grace of good timing and some luck, who had a strong resolve and achieved much success . . . until Watergate. However, few of our lives are that simple and straightforward, and generally the seeds that express themselves later on in future behaviors/actions (e.g. mean-spiritedness, dishonesty, unwillingness to take responsibility for actions) lie dormant or are slowly nurtured just below the surface from an early age.

Afterwards, in the fading light of day, we make our way to Long Beach for a night's stay aboard the Queen Mary. Our room is on the "B" deck — 421 — shabby chic would be kind. It is comfortable and spacious enough for us two. Being a Monday, the Sir Winston's Restaurant is closed. Instead, we head to the Chelsea Chowder House & Bar where we are met with a refreshing herb infused vodka martini and lobster bisque and a large bowl steamed mussels. Yum. . . Dinner over, we stroll the Promenade Deck and begin our exploration of the ship — the shops, Observation Bar, and back to the Chelsea Bar for a night cap and chat with the bartender.

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    I am an artist and writer who aims to live life consciously and creatively with no "Plan B." My musings include experiences from my travels as well as those who inspire me.

    Archives

    April 2015
    January 2015
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    May 2013
    March 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012

    Categories

    All
    Art
    Cuba
    Food
    Getaways
    Montana
    Morocco
    Sacred Space
    Santa Ynez Valley
    Simba And Peetie

    RSS Feed

    COOL BLOGS

    Cinnabar Foundation
    Further Adventures of the Traveling Nuest'as
    Petunia Girl 
    Christine's Journeys 
    SBDigs 


Proudly powered by Weebly