Silver Safari Web Log

Me + CB2 = Vintage Trailer Chic

2012-03-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

My new obsession is CB2. That's Crate & Barrel 2 for those of you who aren't into acronyms. I love CB2 but we don’t have a store in Santa Barbara. I admit, I have spent many a late evening after hubby and kids drift off to bed perusing the CB2 website for the fun and funky to jazz up my sweet old silver trailer. A couple of weeks ago I spent a few days with my homies in LA (Silver Lake.) Like any group of girls briefly untethered from their significant others and heady with the fever for finer things, we shopped. And shopped. And shopped.

While we were in the mecca of all things LA, I had to drag them to a CB2 store so I could actually finger the merchandise. My friends waited patiently outside while I studied every nook and cranny of the store. When I finally emerged, I had two adorable aluminum chick candleholders, some repro-retro pillows, a petite stainless cocktail shaker, a handful of clothespin chopsticks, a set if acrylic martini glasses, and (my favorite purchase) an orange folding butler tray. What fun, right?

Our next outing will be a turn-around to an LA area flea market so I can round out my purchases. I think I smell a complete interior re-do coming on.

Carefree California - Cliff May and the California Ranch House

2012-02-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

Cliff May Homes advertisement

A funny thing happened to my Airstream the other day. She was invited to a museum opening. And, not just any museum either. The Art, Design and Architecture Museum at UC Santa Barbara (otherwise known as the ADA Museum.)

Now, you might be wondering 'why would an Airstream trailer be invited to an art museum opening?' Here's why. The ADA's grand opening exhibit is titled "Carefree California; Cliff May and the Romance of the Ranchhouse." In case you are not familiar with Cliff May, he was a designer who is accredited with creating the iconic California casual ranch homes in the 1950's and 1960's. His design style became the signature of living carefree in California after the war - and continues to this day. His innovative ideas integrated houses and gardens, indoors with outdoors. His designs often included floor to ceiling windows, expansive open floor plans and sprawling indoor/outdoor patios for entertaining or simply enjoying life. His passion was designing homes that were in harmony with the way people wanted to live.

a Cliff May house

On February 24 - 26, 2012, our silver beauty will be beckoning guests to the opening of this exciting museum opening. She'll be parked outside where visitors can meander in and out and be reminded of this graceful era. The exibit will open to the public on Sunday, February 26, 2012 and continue through June 17, 2012. In addition to the works of Cliff May, the museum will highlight their extensive collection of architectural drawings, models, sales pamphlets, photographs, film and television clips, publications, and building toys. If California casual is your bag then don't miss this opportunity to glimpse back to the grassroots of this mid-century design craze.

And, on a personal note, I am especially honored to be asked to participate in this opening as my own father, Bruce McCurdy, was a professor emeritus in UCSB's Art Department. He spent 30 years teaching art and showcasing the department's talented teachers and students in openings at this same venue. I know he would be proud that our ol' silvergirl is going to be the 'spotlight' at the opening of the university's shiny new art museum!

Click here to learn more about the ADA Museum exhibit 'Carefree California: Cliff May and the Romance of the Ranch House.'

Learn more about Cliff May here.

Oh yeah, and by sheer coincidence, Palm Springs Modernism Week is on at the same time - February 16 - 26, 2012. What a great opportunity to get your mod home design AND vintage trailer fix all at once!

Dream a litle silver

2012-01-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

I need to camp. I've been missing my silver bubble and made this Etsy Treasury to cheer me up. It'll cheer you up too.

Lake City by Rachel Austin (on Etsy.com)

The Next Chapter

2011-11-06T09:10:00.000-08:00

Oh, how these days are slipping through my fingers like sand. It's exciting, but it's a bit depressing too. I love the energy of time marching forward, of change, but I mourn the little things that slip past me unnoticed. I have to remind myself to slowly breathe in each day so I don't miss a thing.

Speaking of change, last week I launched the next chapter in my vintage trailer rental operations. I've re-written my business plan to only rent for film production services like TV commercials and photo shoots. I will miss all the hip, cool camping folks I met while setting them up in the old silver gal, but this change feels right.

Check out my new and improved Santa Barbara Silver Safari website. Hi ho silver, away!

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2011-09-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

In 2007, my husband and I started offering our 1967 Airstream Safari for rent. The idea was for you pick the campsite and we would tow it and set it up for you. Initially, the rentals were a creative way to earn some extra bucks to renovate the trailer, but as time went on, it became a fun and interesting way to meet people and to scratch our creativity itch.

It’s been a fun ride, but after three busy years, we’ve decided to change things up a bit. We’ve re-written our business model and, from now on, we are redirecting our aluminum energies on production services and film projects of all types. TV commercials, photo shoots, and events are our bag now!

The decision to change things up was bittersweet. It was fun to be the only vintage Airstream rental outfit between the Bay area and Los Angeles, and the only business of this kind in Santa Barbara! But, with several new Airstream rental outfits emerging in the territory, our timing seems to be good.

So, creative services, here we come. Santa Barbara Silver Safari website changes are in the works, so check back soon. With any luck, one day you’ll see us splashed on the glossy pages of your favorite magazine or buzzing across your late-night TV screen!

Silver Shenanigans

2011-05-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

Shenanigan is such a weird word. I had to look it up to make sure it means what I think it does. The dictionary says a shenanigan is ‘a playful trick, mischievous prank, or other display of high spirits’ so I think I’ll run with it.

It’s mostly been all quiet in my silver hemisphere, except for our latest shenanigan, a silly Geico TV commercial. It just hit the airwaves last week, so keep your eye out for it when you're watching some obscure home improvement show at 2:30 in the morning. It’s hard to miss if you have aluminitus (the incurable turning of the head when the glint of silver catches your eye) or a thing for aliens. But just in case you don’t, here’s the YouTube video for your viewing pleasure.

And there's more. Yesterday my best friend, Karen, and I were up to more shenanigans. We visited the annual Trail Along to Pismo vintage trailer rally in Pismo Beach. Karen is not a vintage trailer owner, but she is a lover of all things outdoorsy so she felt right at home. We even bumped into a friend of Karen's at the rally. Robin was showing off her stunning coral-colored Shasta trailer and matching svelte convertible tow vehicle. We stopped to chat, drool, and take a few pictures. Ironically, I unknowingly featured a photo of Robin’s trailer in my blog about the 2010 Trail Along to Pismo rally last year!

No trip to a vintage trailer scene would be complete without a visit with my dear friend, Kristiana Spaulding of Silver Trailer jewelry fame. She was there too, and as usual, she was a vision of loveliness in a vintage metallic dress and heels. While we are on the subject of shenanigans, Kristiana will be a facilitating a presentation on Airstream interior design during Alumapalooza 2011 at the Airstream, Inc. factory in Jackson Center, Ohio the week of May 31, 2011. You might want to check it out.

After a day in the sun, surrounded by good friends, shiny silver trailers, kitchy vintage bicycles and tow vehicles, cabana striped canvas, glossy custom paint jobs, rag rugs, oiled wood, white walls, and trailer treasure “yard” sales, I was riding a serious over-stimulation high. I can’t wait to break out ol’ Audrey next weekend and head for points North for a few days of family camping and…you know I’m gonna say it…more shenanigans.

Life is good. Silver is great.

2011-01-28T13:18:00.000-08:00

I hope, like me, you have been basking in the silver glint of this shiny new year. Yeah, I know it’s been a while since I last blogged, but I won’t bore you with all the inane reasons why. Instead, I’ll blow you a kiss and gently whisper a belated happy new year wish in your ear. Now, that’s more fun, isn’t it?

The other day I climbed to the roof of the old 2-story building I work in to watch a midday launch of a Titan rocket from Vandenberg AFB. The rocket was chauffeuring a super secret satellite into eternal orbit. The launch was cool, but while I was standing on the roof, I had an epiphany: Not everything that goes up comes down.

Anyway, if you are a bicycle enthusiast, check out the issue 02 of Peloton Magazine because Santa Barbara Silver Safari earned a little mention in its glossy pages. Or, if surfing is your thing, check out Billabong’s Road Trip ditty featuring our old silver gal in the background.

Life is good. Silver is great.

Silver n' Spurs; Rancho Oso Guest Ranch & Stables

2010-10-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

You might not know this about me, but I’m a cowgirl. Yup, I love a good coating of dust and a bit of saddle sore after a long day on the trail. Sadly, I don’t ride much these days, but I’ve never fallen out of love with horses. So you can imagine how excited I was when Santa Barbara Silver Safari was recently invited to saddle up and spend the weekend at Rancho Oso Guest Ranch & Stables just outside of Santa Barbara.

When I was just a lil’ doggie, my family and I used to camp at Rancho Oso. It was a small operation back then, with just a few campsites, a swimming pool, a friendly general store, and an old stone lodge. As we towed our Airstream over the mountains separating Santa Barbara from Santa Ynez, and I reminisced about the good ol' days, little did I know that I was about to get a full history lesson on the life of Rancho Oso.

Upon our arrival, we were met by the Ranch Manager, Bill Kryzston. After we settled our silver bullet into a sweet little campsite under an ancient acorn-studded Oak tree in the original portion of the campground towards the back of the property, Bill scooted his cattle dog, Cutter, out of the guest seat of his golf cart and whisked us off for a whirlwind tour of the ranch.

Over the next hour, Bill zigged and zagged over the guest ranch, pointing out the property’s newer two-story dormered guest cottages, terraced full hook-up RV sites, kids’ play area (complete with a wooden play structure, 9-hole miniature golf course, and basketball and tennis courts), two swimming pools, the Stone Lodge where family meals are served twice a day on the weekends, and the little country store that sells everything from bubble gum to bottles of Rancho Oso Merlot. Our tour ended at the livestock stables where Bill proudly showed off the myriad farm animals housed for the delight of the guests; goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, steers, and herd of nice looking ranch horses.

While showing us around, Bill explained how Ranch Oso Guest Ranch & Stables came into existence. It turns out that back in the day, the property was a vast 50,000 acres and was once home to a Chumash Indian settlement. The area still houses several Indian ceremonial and burial grounds and they proudly display some of the artifacts found on the grounds. In 1845 the land was granted to Jose Dominguez by the governor of Mexico, Pio Rico and then in 1911, Edward Alexander bought a 310-acre parcel of it. Ten years later, in 1926, President Calvin Coolidge signed a U.S. Government deed assigning ownership to Mr. Alexander. The rest of the acreage became a National forest.

For many years, silent film stars like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton were regular visitors to Mr. Alexander’s ranch. Bill even showed us some original art work painted by renowned Western artist, Edward Borein, on the Stone Lodge’s fireplace mantle. From the late 1930’s to the early 1950’s, the property was sold several times until Jay Jamison purchased it in 1952. Now named Rancho Oso (which translates to “Bear Ranch”), the Jamison family used the rolling pastures along the river to raise livestock until the state imposed a ban on cattle ranching because of the close proximity to the city water supplies of Lake Cachuma and Gibraltar Reservoir.

In the 1960’s the Jamison family added the swimming pools, country store, campground, and small trailer park and then re-opened the ranch to the public as a “Fun Ranch” of Western heritage. The Jamison family operated Rancho Oso for 30 years until they sold it to American Trails in 1984. The ranch ducked out of sight as it transitioned into a private, individually held campground for over 10 years. In 1996, Thousand Trails, Inc. became the next, and now current, owner.

For the last ten years, Thousand Trails, Inc. has worked hard to bring the Jamison family’s guest ranch concept to life. The company has added several rustic ranch cabins, some fun Conestoga-style covered wagons sleeping accommodations, and a complete horse camping facility to the ranch. They also expanded the amenities to include guided horseback rides, farm animals, calf-roping and bull-riding demonstrations, a chuck wagon, wagon rides, and family style meals at the Stone Lodge.

After our “education” on the life of Bear Ranch, Jack and I returned to our silver trailer to sip a beer and marvel at what we had just seen. Who knew that all of this has been right in our own backyard! We vowed to start fostering our new relationship with Rancho Oso just as soon as we returned to the city.

The next morning we got up early so we could dart back into town, pick up our kids, and return in time for the working dog demonstration and chuck wagon lunch. Our kids were riveted as Cutter glided around the bull pen, moving left or right at the sound of Bill’s whistles. Finally, it came time for our trail ride. After my daughter and I were introduced to our guide, Mike, and our trusty steeds, Bandit and Dude, we set out on a nearly 2 hour ride across the Santa Ynez River and through the Manzanita and sage covered hillsides. The ride was pure heaven for my daughter and me.

Now that we have become acquainted (or, should I say reacquainted?) with Rancho Oso, I know our family will make it a regular destination. But, more importantly, I will be sharing my new found Rancho Oso Guest Ranch & Stables knowledge with our Santa Barbara Silver Safari guests. What fun to know that a step back into California’s Western history awaits anyone with a little cowboy - or girl - in them. And it’s all just a few miles beyond the Santa Barbara horizon. Rancho Oso Guest Ranch & Stables just might be THIS cowgirl’s new favorite hangout.

Silver Wings for Silver Sisters

2010-08-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

The Fall issue of Airstream Life just hit newstands and guess who's glossing up the glossy pages of the magazine? Yep, it's our very own "officially unofficial" ladies Airstream group, the Silver Sisters. No, we're not a group of silver-haired ladies who meet to play bridge...we're a gaggle of women who have become aquainted through Airstream circles. We meet once or twice a year in a beautiful West coast location to encourage each other to tow our own trailers and experience camping sans our male counterparts.

Becky Blanton's article captures the essence of our special group of silver-guilded female friends. We formed this group to to empower and support each other. We're out to glean new experiences and, for some of us, learn the things the man might traditionally do when towing and setting up our trailers.

For me, the Silver Sisters is more than a ladies camping group. The sisters are also my friends, mentors, and role models. In their midst, I have tried things that I never would have thought I could do, like tow my trailer and set it up all by myself. I have learned that I am stronger and more capable than I thought I was. My new confidence has opened up many new doors for me and I thank my Silver Sisters for that. I guess you can say I've earned my silver wings!

If you're curiousity is peeked and you have a trailer, join us! Our next rally is September 24 - 26, 2010 at Lake Casitas in Ojai, CA. Make your reservations with the campground and then post your RSVP on the AirForums website on the Western Women's Lake Casitas Rally thread. Come and earn YOUR silver wings!

Here's a link to the Airstream Life 2010 Fall Issue

MOO to Me and You

2010-07-21T15:45:00.001-07:00

Every now and then someone passes me a little gem. Today I'm paying it forward.

A couple of years ago, my friend, Kristiana, told me about MOO.com and we've been fast friends ever since. In case you have not yet been introduced to MOO.com, it is an innovative online custom printing company. What sets MOO apart from the jillions of other online printing companies, you ask? Quality and innovation (and it doesn't hurt that they a bit cheeky and hip too.) Their site is stuffed full of creative printing ideas for small businesses or for those with an entrepreneural whim.

MOO.com and I have become such good friends that they just finished re-designing my business cards for FREE! All I had to do was enter their Business Card Project contest and then be selected as one of the 500 small business owners to have their old business cards [insert yawn here] redesigned by a professional MOO.com graphic designer. Lucky me!

Check out my before and afters in the MOO.com Business Card Project Gallery here.

Now pay it forward!

Junkie vs. Enthusiast

2010-07-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was playfully accused of being a press junkie (actually, I was called a press whore, but that’s a little racey for my blog, so I changed it to junkie.) I laughed and kinda agreed, but later I had second thoughts about my new title. I am actually not a press junkie. I am an enthusiast. I am an artist who is fascinated by other artists. I can’t think of a more interesting way to spend an afternoon than to spend it peering over the shoulder of a professional photographer while they are framing a shot of my shiny silver trailer. To prove my point, I will tell you about my most recent press event with 805 Living Magazine.

When 805 Living asked me if their photographer, Gary Moss, could photograph my trailer for their July 2010 "Water Water Everywhere"issue, I said yes before they were done asking the question. Gary Moss is an accomplished photographer and teacher of all things photography. I just couldn’t wait to meet him and watch him in action.

We met at Ojai’s Lake Casitas campsite #osprey-54 on a hot Thursday afternoon. After a friendly introduction and a bit of maneuvering to get the trailer just right for the shot, Gary set about styling the scene with the myriad supplies I had brought at his request. I sat on a rock and watched him move lanterns, rugs, and coffee mugs in and out of the picture until he found just the right balance.

Then Gary turned to me and said "now, we wait." "Wait for what?" I asked (all though, I kinda knew he was talking about the sun...I wanted to hear his professional explanation.) "We wait for the light. Do you know how to tell when the sun will go behind that mountain?" Of course I didn’t, so he showed me how to hold up my fingers between the sun and the top of the mountain. "Each finger is 15 minutes [we both place our fingers in the air] so we have about 30 minutes to get our shot."

And there it was. My "compensation" for a sweaty afternoon swatting tiny flies at campsite O-54. A simple tip from a professional photographer. A little gem that I will undoubtably use for the rest of my life. So from now on, if you accidently call me a press junkie (or whore or whatever), just know that I will correct you because I am not a junkie. I am an enthusiast. There’s a difference.

Click here to check out 805 Living website or here to see the magazine pages on my website.

Click here to view Gary’s website. Gary teaches classes too! Check out his Camera Whisperer site for more info.

Sunset Shout Out

2010-06-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara Silver Safari trailer rental received a nice little shout out in the July 2010 issue of Sunset Magazine (it hit the newstands this week.) The cover story, The New RV Road Trip, is a chronicle of the author's first adventure towing and camping in an Airstream. We love that our lovely neighborhood campground, Ocean Mesa, also got a mention in the article. For two small timey operations, this is big news!

Check out Sunset Magazine's guide to trailer rentals here.

The Giving 'Stream

2010-06-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my old silver beauty met a couple of supermodels in a Los Olivos vineyard. They asked if they could sit next to her and have their picture taken. She said yes and they were happy.

Photography by Nicole L. Hill
Styling by Amber Tatum

Check out all the pictures, and the splashy new look of my website at www.sbsilversafari.com.

International Affairs

2010-05-27T23:07:00.001-07:00

My silver beauty just rose to the rank of international film star. If you’re a fan of Dutch women’s magazines, then you already know she’s the featured prop in a Route 66 fashion article in the May, 2010 issue of Libelle magazine.

If not, you’ll just have to take my word for it. Unless you can read Dutch.

Vintage Trailer [eye] Candy

2010-05-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

I attended the All Vintage Trailer Rally at Pismo Coast Village RV Resort last Saturday. I’m a little depressed now. I feel like a kid who had to sit next to a dish full of her favorite candy all afternoon but wasn’t allowed to eat one.

These trailers were amazing. And they really were like candy too. All wrapped in shiny silver or coated in a rainbow of sweet and sour colors. And that wasn’t all. There were also the neat vintage bikes, scooters, striped awnings (with matching tents!), party lights, steamer chairs, and THEN...add the cool retro tow vehicles and poof, over-stimulation.

I should have spread my visit out over two days.

I know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry. I’m still a die-hard Airstream dreamer. Attending the All Vintage Trailer Rally did peak my curiosity, but could I straddle the fence between my beloved pure-as-the-driven-snow aluminum pretties and the sexy Fire Ball or the winged Shasta? Hmm, I will ponder this new concept carefully. And while I’m pondering, I think I’ll have some candy.

Our True Wealth

2010-04-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

Now that I am good friends with the folks at Sunset Magazine [wink wink], I read each new issue with gusto. In the April 2010 magazine, I was thrilled and surprised when I bumped in an article written by one of my most favorite authors, Anne Lamott. I had to blink a few times because this author seemed a bit out of context in Sunset, but after I read the article it all made sense.

Anne’s honest and insightful writings about women, women and their children, women and their relationships, and our never ending quest to live up to a greater greatness are always spot on. In the Sunset article, titled Time Lost and Found, she shares her wisdom on how critical it is to make time for wonder. And then she goes on to squash all of our excuses for why we don’t.

I am not always a fan of regurgitating someone else’s thoughtful writings in my blog, but this was too good to pass up. Anne’s core belief is “that there is nothing you can buy, achieve, own, or rent that can fill up that hunger inside for a sense of fulfillment and wonder.” She brilliantly sums this up by saying “...creative expression...can give a person almost everything that he or she has been searching for: enlivenment, peace, meaning, and the incalculable wealth of time spent quietly in beauty.”

That is such a brilliant statement, isn’t it?

As a self-admitted multi-tasker extraordinaire, never-take-a-nap-in-the-daytime, finger-flinging keyboard junkie, this simple point caught my attention. How many times have I complained that I don’t have time? Sadly, too often. And I know I’m not alone. I hear it from my sisters, my friends, my co-workers, Facebookers. It’s such a tired excuse for all of us well-intentioned right-brainers who are endlessly trying to juggle personal responsibility with personal fulfillment.

You know who you are.

So, what is Anne’s holy advice for seizing the quiet moments needed for creative expression and enlightenment? “Demand it” she says. “Time is not free, that is why it’s so precious and worth fighting for.” And when Anne asks if we want our “...our children to grow up to become adults who spend this one precious life in a spin of multitasking, stress, and achievement...will [we] be pleased that [our] kids also pursued this kind of whirlwind life?” Ouch. No.

Yes, it will hurt, she warns, but it’s more important to live deeply and be present. So in Anne’s words....”Fight tooth and nail to find time, to make it. It is our true wealth, this moment, this hour, this day.”

Read the whole article HERE.

Taking it to the limit

2010-04-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

Next week Jack and I are going to Do Something a little crazy – we’re going to take a little “us” time to check out the Eagles in concert In The City. If you were young and impressionable in the 70’s and 80’s like we were, then you probably understand how much we are looking forward to this concert. I mean, who couldn’t listen to Eagles tunes All Night Long?

Since the concert is in LA, we will be Guilty of the Crime of leaving our kids with family for a couple of days. We feel bad, but we’ll Get Over It. You see, these days we rarely live Life in The Fast Lane or or get Out of Control like in the old days. So on the rare occasion when we can escape sans kiddos, it just takes us a New York Minute before we get that Peaceful Easy Feeling. Yes, I know that Most of Us Are Sad when we leave our kids for a couple of days (and some only do it as a Last Resort), but in The Long Run we know it makes us better parents. In fact, The Heart of the Matter is that it’s not Wasted Time - all parents need breaks from their kids every now and then. You should try it One of These Nights.

So did I mention that we are going to the Eagles concert with our good friends Karen and Steve? Boy, they are some Fast Company! Karen is a travel agent and, as usual, she scored us an awesome hotel in West Hollywood. I Can’t Tell You Why, but she always takes really good care of us. It’s not just Business As Usual for Karen. She goes to the Center of the Universe to set us up in style. Ever since I’ve know her, Life’s Been Good.

So next week when you and your Desperados are eating spaghetti in your Sad Café and watching a Netflix movie you've seen before, My Man and I will be Busy Being Fabulous doing the Hollywood Waltz! Okay, okay, Take It Easy…I get that you Don`t Want To Hear Any More. I wouldn't want to be called a Witchy Woman, so I’ll take the Long Road Out Of Eden and shut up now.

Best of My Love,
Meredith

and the girl was happy

2010-04-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

Just back from the Sunset Magazine photo shoot at the Sedgwick Reserve with my old silver girl. The Sunset crew was a blast and the green wildflowered pastures at the ranch were in top form - it made for amazing pictures. Another experience for my top 10 list.

This photo shoot project was a bit like meeting an idolized movie star for me. A big star like Patrick Demsey. I was star struck. I know because I felt red the whole time. And I talked too much, listened too little, and laughed at really inappropriate times. I even asked if I could have my picture taken with Tom, the photographer. I was hopeless.

But I was also inspired. It was really neat to be in the company of real professionals. I followed them around like a puppy, asking questions and looking over shoulders. My favorite moments were when Tom would stop in mid-sentence to reach over and hit the shutter on his big intimidating camera. It was like he suddenly saw a tiny shift in the light that no one else clued into. And sometimes he would throw out these interesting interjections on the wind in the grasses or the shape of a passing cloud. Fascinating.

I was also mesmerized by the stylists because they would do things that I would never think to do when staging a photograph. Like sit in the canvas camp chairs for a few seconds before jumping out of the shot for Tom, or opening the trailer curtains so you could see out the other side of the trailer. Genius.

We won’t know if one of our shots will be used for the July 2010 cover for a few months. Apparently, the final decision is made by several layers of higher-ups, including Time, Inc., Sunset’s parent company. I’m okay waiting but now that the photo shoot is over, I’m a little sad. What could possibly top a Sunset Magazine cover shoot?

I guess maybe Patrick Demsy could call about a trailer rental…

Hangin’ with the Sistahood

2010-03-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I spent a long weekend swathed in silver and hangin’ with my home girls. No, it wasn’t a bachelorette party weekend or a jewelry party, it was the 4th annual West coast silver sisters Airstream rally.

The silver sisters is a loosely formed group of inspiring and courageous women. We are moms, professionals, artists, teachers, students, wives, 9-to-5ers, daughters, and everything else in between. From all backgrounds and walks of life, the passions we share for our curvy silver trailers and the open road are what bind us together. And our objective is simple - to encourage each other to tow our silver trailers solo.

Although we may never say this loud enough for our significant others to hear, we long for our silver-lined weekends away from our day jobs, husbands, and responsibilities. A rare guilt free weekend without rules or planned events. Just a bunch of gals, a few dogs, a campfire, and some big silver trailers. Could it get any better?

I’m honored to be included in this group. For a few days I bathe in blissful relaxation. I listen and laugh. I soak up the camaraderie and swallow a healthy dose of silver sisterhood. For me these rallies are a win-win-win. I get to answer to no one for a couple of days, I learn a boat load about my trailer and myself, and I return refreshed and infused with inspiration from my ever-increasing silver circle of friends.

As the weekends wind down, I’m always sad to say goodbye. I even cried a couple of real tears this last trip. But when I return home to my loving family a better wife, mother, friend, and co-worker, I realize it’s just all part of a bigger plan.

And I’m already counting the days until I see my silver sisters again.

Ahhh, the Airstream (rental) Life

2010-02-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

Airstream Life Magazine's Spring 2010 issue is out and it's a keeper. It includes a great article on Airstreams for rent featuring five industrious Airstream Rental outfits around the country; Silver Bullet Retreats (Tampa, Florida), Silver Trailer (Lotus, CA), Airstreams 4 Rent (Arizona), and our very own Santa Barbara Silver Safari. Check it out!

Silver Sisters Ride Again

2010-02-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

Ladies, it's that time of year again. Time to lasso our silver steeds and mosey off into the sunset for a weekend of silver sister comeraderie around the campfire.

4th Annual Western Silver Sisters Airstream Rally
March 12 - 14, 2010
Lake San Antonio (Monterey County, CA - 26 miles from Paso Robles)
McCandless Springs Campground Loop
$25.00 per night, first come first serve

Come and relax, drink wine, kayak, eat, read, sleep, explore, learn, and laugh. Sign up on the Airforums rally thread. Or read more about it on the Airforums discussion thread.

Yee haw

Owl Obsessions

2010-01-10T18:28:00.000-08:00

I love owls. Of all of my many manic obsessions, owls are up near the top of the list. It’s true that owls are rather adorable, which would be a convenient excuse to obsess about them, but the reasons that I lay awake at night thinking about owls are varied. Instead of therapy, I decided to make a list of why I like owls. Thought you might enjoy it.

My top 10 reasons for obsessing about owls:

10. They sleep all day and are up all night. Kinda like a vampire.

9. They are my favorite subject to sketch because you just can’t go wrong.

8. Mr. Owl still does not know how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.

7. Owl pairs speak in their own romantic language (no joke).

6. They look really cute on pajamas.

5. They eat small rodents and my lawn and I appreciate them for that.

4. Owl poop is really cool. Have you ever picked through an owl pellet just to see what’s inside it? You should try it sometime.

3. They are really smart.

2. The Great Horned Owl’s proper name is Bubo Virginianus. I’m sure there is a good explanation for that Latin name.

1. They can turn their head around to look backwards. Any mother knows how important that is.

Star of Happiness

2009-12-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday. I told my husband I'm too old now to make a big deal about it. No silly birthday parties or extravagant birthday gifts. Just a quiet night with family, Chinese food takeout and a homemade birthday cake. And rain. I love the rain.

He delivered and it was a splendid birthday. Perfect actually. It even rained! After my sisters, nieces, brother-in-law and mom went home and the house was quiet again, I cracked open my fortune cookie. My fortune said "The star of happiness is shining on you". What a perfect day.

My New Gnome-Home Office

2009-11-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

There’s something about small working spaces that appeals to me. I mean, how much room does a person really need when you’re stuck behind a computer anyway? I’ve always thought that the bigger the space is, the bigger the mess is. Maybe that’s one reason I like the confines of my modestly sized Airstream trailer so much; keep it simple and no one get’s hurt.

So recently, when the time came to give up my convenient in-house studio/office so my daughter could reclaim her bedroom, I asked myself how I was going to squeak out a new workspace from our tiny homestead. I could squat in the corner of our master bedroom with my laptop perched upon a box. Nope. I could shovel the spider webs out of a corner of the attic. Uh uh. Or maybe I could talk my husband into building me a garden cottage studio in the backyard. Oh yeah, now that’s the ticket.

When I pitched the idea to Jack he was a little less than enthusiastic. It was a big project and both lack of time and money were big factors. But, the image of me sitting on a box in the corner of our bedroom convinced him, and several months later I am the proud inhabitant of a new small workspace in the backyard.

The trip to my new studio/office is a short commute out the back door, just past the grapevined pergola and outdoor dining deck. It is a mere 10’ X 12” and sports a shingled roof, vaulted ceiling, tract lighting, homemade crank windows, and a Dutch door. The small, humble interior is a perfect fit for my Craigslist desk and my funky futon couch. And, the tiny loft Jack added at the last minute is an oh-so-perfect perch for my ever-increasing collection of old, dented tin globes. Finished off with a smattering of homeless garden furniture, some shelving for books and supplies, and a few bulletin boards for my plethora of strange and useless ephemera, the room is my ultimate Shangri-la (or maybe “shedgri-la” is a more appropriate name for it.)

So I say poo-poo to those Pottery Barn catalog sized home offices with their oversized leather chairs and three-tiered desk exchanges. And, ta ta to the glamorous executive home office suites with floor to ceiling library bookshelves and separate lounge seating areas. I’m content with my postage sized puttering space. My gnome-home office. It’s all mine, and it's all I’ll ever need.

…now, if it was just silver.

Sisters

2009-10-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

I have two sisters. One’s older, and one’s younger. We are all about a year a part, which means that we were tight as tots, but things got a little ugly when we hit the teenage years.

Now that we are adults, my sisters and I are best friends. In fact, one of them lives just 14 houses down the street and our kids go to the same school.

The Top 10 Reasons Why I Love Having Sisters:

10. They will babysit my kids.

9. We are as different as the day is long, but we all love spending the day at the flea market together.

8. At least one of them is always around when I need a soft shoulder.

7. They are the only people I can be totally, brutally, painfully honest with and they will (usually) still speak to me.

6. They laugh like me. Or, do I laugh like them?

5. As the middle sister I am, by default, the sister-peacemaker, bridge-builder, clairvoyant, and problem-solver…which I strangely like.

4. They actually take my advice sometimes.

3. We all three share a crazy obsession with owls, wide open spaces, paper ephemera, and neatness (don’t get this confused with cleanliness – waaay different.)

2. We miss our dad together.

1. I always have a sister in my corner, rootin' me on and keeping the faith. She's like a built-in best friend, but better because she can't not return my phone calls or emails, or move away and decide to ignore me. She's just always there for me.

Airwalking in the 'Hood

2009-09-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

A few times a week, I lace up my walking shoes, plug in my iPod earbuds, and go for a walk. I live in a very average suburban neighborhood with sidewalks and streetlights. Nothing too special. There are trees and parks, and sometimes pretty yards to look at, but I get bored easily trudging around the neighborhood. House, house, house, strip of grass, barking dog, house, house, house, ooh a neat mailbox, house, house, house…

Over the years, I’ve learned that the best way to keep myself motivated on these ho-hum walks is to visit the neighborhood Airstreams. I have mapped and charted every Airstream trailer within a three mile radius of my home. Now when I go for a walk, I just choose North, South, East, or West and then set off to check on the welfare of the 6 trailers on my route. I call it my airwalk.

Two of my airwalk Airstreams are brand spankin’ new and you can tell their owners are proud Airstream owners because their trailers are backed into primo parking spots in the front yard where they can gaze adoringly at them out the front window. Sometimes when I walk by, I see their owners clucking away inside with the TV on, like they are camping in the driveway (or more likely, hiding from their spouse and/or kids in their big silver escape pods.) Anyway, it’s really cute.

Two other trailers on my route are older and are in varying stages of restoration. I love to check on their progress as I stroll slowly by. I take inventory in my head and then think out loud “hmmm, are those new tires?” or “oh wow, they made great progress polishing last weekend” or “hey, check it out - new tanks from Vintage Trailer Supply. Very cool.”

One trailer on my airwalk is the smallest Airstream I’ve ever seen. I think it’s a Bambi, but I’m too chicken to walk into their driveway to read the plate. So far it’s my favorite neighborhood trailer. It resides in a beautiful Shangri-la of a front yard surrounded by lush greenery and tall bushy trees. Its owners clearly love it because it’s often gone from its perch (I’m always so disappointed when I round the bend and don’t see it’s lovely little silver body smiling back at me.) Although I’ve never met them, I know I would like these folks because even though they have plenty of room in their driveway for both their trailer and tow vehicle, their tiny silver bubble gets preferred seating next to the front door, while their truck sits humbly on the street. These are my kind of people.

The last trailer I visit makes my heart ache. She’s an old girl, maybe 1955 or so, and about 19 feet in length. She has louvered windows and lots of panels up front. She’s backed into the farthest corner of a paved patch of driveway. She’s so far back in there that I swear they built the driveway around her. I’m afraid she’ll never be able to come out of that spot. You’d miss this old trailer if you didn’t know it was there because it’s a grayish brown from years and years of tree branches and moss (yes, moss) growing on and around her. There’s no sparkle, no shine. When I walk by, I tell her to hang in there. Sometimes I round the block and walk by a second time just to cheer her up.

Once I saw a lady walking out of the trailer with some bags in her hand. I stopped and introduced myself to her and asked about her trailer. She didn’t know its model or year, only that it had been in her front yard as long as she could remember. She said the guys that paved the driveway 20 years ago pushed the trailer into the spot that it is now hopelessly squeezed into. She let me peek inside and I’m still haunted by the sight; boxes of who-knows-what stacked haphazardly about, rolls of holiday wrapping paper and tupperware scattered through the kitchen and dining area. Towels, boxes, canned food, and cleaning supplies blocked the path to the bedroom. I thanked her for the tour and said goodbye. As I walked away, I thought “I’ll be back to check on you, my beauty. Just hang in there.”

Even though I sometimes trudge home from my airwalks in a troubled funk trying to think of ways to either steal or rescue the Airstreams on my route, I know I am among friends here in this not-so-special-Airstream-trailer-studded neighborhood. And besides, I usually snap out of the funk when I turn onto my street and catch a glimpse of the big silver beauty my driveway.

Airstreamer Newsletter

2009-08-06T20:34:00.001-07:00

My friend, Kristiana (www.silvertrailer.com) tipped me off that Santa Barbara Silver Safari is front and center on Airstream, Inc.'s August, 2009, newsletter. Check it out. Airstreamer Newsletter, Volume 7, Issue 7, August, 2009. Thanks for the heads up, Kristiana.

Oh, and thanks for the shout out Airstream, Inc.!

The Art of Doin' Nothin'

2009-07-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

Ah, it’s nice to be dual fisted again. Two thumbs up, in fact. It’s crazy how humbling a month in a hand bandage can be. I’m not usually one to ask for help on mundane tasks, but buttoning shirts and tying shoes apparently requires to opposable thumbs, so I had no choice. Here’s a tip for my home girls just in case any of you are considering carpel tunnel release surgery; the hardest thing to accomplish with only five fingers is hooking and un-hooking your bra. Good thing my husband was more than delighted to offer his hand(s) up to help me out.

While I was convalescing, I couldn’t mouse or type very well either. This presented a challenge because, as a court recorder for the Federal court system, I spend about 75% of my time at work on a computer. I was useless, so I took some time off to study the art of doin’ nothin’.

The art of doin’ nothin’, it turns out, is not as painful as I had thought it might be. I’m a doer, always on the go. On the rare occasions when I sit down to read a magazine or watch a taped episode of the Real Housewives of [fill in the blank], a schizophrenic-like voice almost always whispers in my ear “hey, you - yeah, you…what do ya think yer doin? You can’t just sit there. Do some laundry, or take the dogs for a walk. Break out that Scrabble Jr. game n’ challenge them little chickens of yours to a game or two. And, by the way, do ya think dinner is going to start itself?”

So understandably, I was worried when I realized just how crippled I was after my surgery. I was deep into my mandatory self-imposed rest period, and hyper-frustrated at my lack of abilities, when I stumbled upon an appropriately time magazine article that changed my whole perspective. The article was titled “10 ways to enjoy doing nothing.” I am sharing the 10 best suggestions I’ve heard so far this year with you….

“Banish the guilt.” Did you know that Europeans in the Middle Ages felt no shame for lolling about?

“Choose the right role models.” Most great musicians and poets were idlers. So there.

“Sketch a flower.” Bring some divine contemplation into your life.

“Go bumbling.” Bumbling means to wander around without purpose. I never knew that had a name, but now I love to bumble about.

“Play the ukulele.” The ukulele is the sound of not working.

“Bring back Sundays.” Apparently, before my time, Sundays were embraced as a day of rest. Who knew?

“Lie in a field.” Listen to the birds and smell the grass.

“Gaze at the clouds.” Do this while executing #7

“Take a nap.” I still have a lot of trouble with this one. The truth is I’ve always thought naps were for wimps. There’s something so weak about an adult taking a nap. I did notice however that, after a little afternoon snooze, I didn’t fall asleep in the middle of our customary Saturday night Netflix movie. Go figure.

“Pretend to meditate.” Thinking without fear of disapproval. I love this one – It’s like having permission from the teacher to stare out the window during class.

Sadly, my month of studying the art of doin’ nothin’ is now over. Except for the itchy, 2-inch scar on my right palm, my hand is mostly back to normal. And my multi-tasking, monkey mind ways are back to normal too. I think only some hardcore therapy could help me really change my ways, but at least I came out of this with some new skills in my bag o’ tricks. One never knows when bumbling or gazing at clouds or strumming the ukulele will come in handy. I’m sure they will someday. I’ll be sure to let you know.

HAND-icapped

2009-06-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

I know from time to time, when things get rough, I threaten to jump off a bridge or bury myself in a big hole in my backyard. Some might wonder if that's why I haven't been blogging lately, but it's not. It's worse - I had hand surgery.

Now, I am not a good sick or injured person, so I haven't been the most fun person to be around since I went under the knife. I am especially cranky because I can't feel my fingers, bend my wrist, or even dial a phone very well. Oh, and forget about my iPhone or keyboarding - it's just a frustrating waste of time. Hunt...peck, peck, peck...hunt...peck...

So stay tuned, I'll be back when my hand has been liberated, and the feeling ebbs back into my little piggies.

Livin' the Airstream Life

2009-06-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

Check out the little blurb about Santa Barbara Silver Safari in the SB Indepenent's June 17, 2009, issue!

Livin' the Airstream Life; Santa Barbara Silver Safari Makes Retro Camping a Snap, by Matt Kettmann

Meet Me There

2009-06-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

While mining for amazing new work in one of my favorite artist’s Etsy shops, I followed a rabbit hole that lead to this very cool website, Charmingwall. Check it out and you too will be awed at the ingenuity (and be sure to click on everything...absolutely everything.)

“To the illuminated mind the whole world burns and sparkles with light”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love My Airstream Trailer

2009-05-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay, you asked for it, so here it is...

The Top 10 Reasons Why I Love My Airstream Trailer

10. When we are rolling down the road, folks give us the thumbs up sign

9. She’s a great place to hide from the kids (of course, that’s just a hypothetical fact. I would never dream of hiding from my kids...)

8. She makes a damn fine mirrorball garden ornament in our front yard

7. I always have a guest room for in-laws and fire evacuees

6. After she is polished, I can put my lipstick on with professional precision (and everyone knows how important that is when you’re camping)

5. Airline passengers can spot our house from a mile away when flying over us

4. She takes us (or we take her?) places we would never otherwise go

3. As long as I own her, I am an ordained Silver Sister

2. Every time we go camping, our list of amazing family memories grows

…and the #1 reason why I love my Airstream trailer?

1. My trailer keeps me grounded. Yes, she IS a flashy icon of the fashionable mid-century modern 1960’s, but the ol’ silver girl is also a reminder that a simpler way of living existed in the not-so-distant past. Back then, folks didn’t need much to make them happy; just a big aluminum roller-toaster hitched to a clunky fake-wood paneled station wagon, and a clearing in the woods. That's it. A 5-star family vacation. It doesn't get much better than that.

San Francisco Magazine Es(CA)pes to Santa Barbara Silver Safari!

2009-04-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

I just have to toot my little horn every now and then. In this month’s (May, 2009) issue of San Francisco Magazine, my little trailer rental gets a nifty shout out in an article titled

“Es(CA)pes.” The piece highlights time-honored California vacations “with new twists.” Read the blurb here. I love that they used my photo on the San Francisco Magazine homepage (it scrolls, so wait for it....)

And, just so there is no confusion, they have a dy-no-mite photo editor on staff because that's not my trailer on the cover. And, the girl? - not me.

Of course, I don't know the guy either...but I'm working on that.

5/6/09 Update - I just got my hands on a copy of the magazine. It turns out that I rent a spiffy NEW Airstream too. Who knew? Funny how the fact that the only trailer I own and rent is a vintage 1967 Airstream Safari blew past both the magazine's reporter and their fact checker...oh well, I've always dreamed of owning a fleet of 'streams. I prefer the real deal to the virtual reality, but I'll take whatever I can get.

Take This Job and Shove it – Into an Airstream

2009-04-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

While obsessing about my most recent obsession, small living and working spaces, I stumbled across a great article in Wired Magazine; Take This Job and Shove It – Into an Airstream.

I’m a born multi-tasker, so the mere thought of taking my work on the road with me makes me giddy. You see, if I could pull down a few hours of work each day, nothing could stop me from breaking out the silver escape pod whenever the urge strikes.

Ooh, I just got goose bumps.

I added even more fuel to my fire at Home Office Highway, Jeff Zbar’s blog about how a family can take their work and fun on the road. To prove it, Jeff will soon embark on a three-week voyage with his family in his hi-tech mobile office. “Functional, informative, liberating & fun”, his trip will include “three kids, two adults, and one teched-out, internet-connected RV-turned-remote-home-office.” Along the 3,000 mile trip, he’ll be chronicling his highly wired adventures for all of us wannabes to enjoy. You can be sure that I will be following him on Twitter.com/HomeOfficeHiWay...and trying to figure out how to take my show on the road now and then too.

A Day at the Beach?

2009-04-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

I’ll tell you a shameful little secret I’ve been keeping for the past 9 years. I live close to the beach, but I hardly ever go. There. I said it. I feel better.

Now, why would a girl, born and raised just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from the beach – a girl who’s best childhood memories are of splashing in the waves, digging big holes in the sand, and meandering along the Santa Barbara shoreline – almost never take her kids to the beach?

In theory, a day at the beach sounds like it should be fun, and it probably was for my kids, but for me it was just whole lotta work disguised as fun. In reality, a day at the beach was a day of blood, sweat, and tears (literally.)

A typical beach day for us kind of broke down like this:

Fun beach day preparation = 1 hour

Lathering up the kids with sunscreen (includes chasing them down) = ½ hour

Packing car, lugging crap to the beach, and setting everything up = 1 hour

Chasing beach umbrella as it flies away in the wind, cleaning sand out of eyes & mouths, walking back and forth to the bathroom, catching kids to reapply sunscreen, and rescuing them from the big wave rinse cycles = 3+ hours

Convincing everyone it’s time to go = 1 hour

Collecting sand toys from up and down the beach = ½ hour

Re-packing and lugging crap back to the car = ½ hour

Cleaning tar off all 6 of our feet, and our bathing suits = 1 hour

De-sanding children = 1 hour

Cleaning bathroom after de-sanding children = 1 hour

Vacuuming out car = ½ hour

Washing the gritty suits, towels, etc. = 1 hour

----------------------------------------------------------------

Total time investment for “fun” beach day = 12 hours

So, there you have it. My big, embarrassing secret is finally out of the bag. It’s shocking really, isn’t it? But, before you go feeling too sorry for my kids, things have been looking up for them the past year or so, now that they’ve turned the corner from helpless little sea anemones to full-fledged surf rats. Now that they’re a little older, they can live without all the sand toys and the nutritional lunch. And they’ll survive if they swallow a little sand or sea water. And when it’s time to go, they know they’ll have to walk home if they don’t come running.

So when Spring break broke out the wow-busting warm sunny days this past week, we went to the beach. And it was really fun. For all of us.

A Top 10 Life Event

2009-03-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, we are fortunate enough to witness a joyous life event that leaves us speechless. The birth of a baby, a reunion, perhaps a wedding…you know, the really momentous stuff. Earlier this month, I experienced one that just rocked me to the core; the final adoption hearing of my little niece, Ella.

Ella’s story is sadly not that unusual; an unplanned pregnancy and two apathetic parents. Abandoned at birth, she was placed into the protective custody of the county child welfare agency. All she needed was someone to love her, and that is where her story turns to happy. My sister and her husband scooped her up and fostered her until last week, when she became their legally adopted child.

Even though I have worked in a court system for close to 20 years, I had no idea what to expect from this proceeding. Children and courtrooms just don’t seem to me to mix very well. So, imagine my surprise I entered the courtroom and saw the juvenile court judge’s bench overflowing with stuffed animals, and large photos of smiling children adorning the walls. As we found our seats, the judge welcomed us with a warm, comforting voice. My sister, her husband, their 6 year old daughter, and each one of our family members, were introduced to the court by Ella’s attorney. The judge spoke to the new family of four, asked questions, and listened intently. He thanked them for opening their hearts and home to Ella, and wished them the very best. As we scrambled for our cameras, the judge grabbed a giant squishy pink gavel, bonked it on the bench a few times, and pronounced Ella to be legally a forever member of our family. Then, in the most uncourtoom-like behavior I have ever witnessed, the audience erupted in hoots, hollers, clapping, and tears.

In the long months that my sister has been on this journey, the staggering reality of abused, neglected, and unwanted children in this country has become clear to me. And, it’s not pretty. Approximately 850 abandoned, neglected, or abused children enter the foster care system in the United States every day. Just a few years ago, there were almost 80,000 children in the foster care system in California alone – those numbers are inevitably higher now in these tough economic times. Of these children, 31% are under the age of 5 years. With so few safe and loving foster homes available to these kids, the average foster child will live in 3 foster homes before he ever has her first birthday.

My sister is now employed with the amazing foster agency, Angels Foster Care, that brought Ella into their lives. She is committed to bringing the plight of these children to the fore, and helping to improve their chances in life by promoting the foster care system.

Now, it goes without saying that, on this momentous day when I became an auntie to another beautiful baby girl, I was overwhelmed with joy for baby Ella. But, I was also bursting with pride for my sister and her husband. This most selfless, generous act of human kindness has forever changed them, and me. They have given this little Ella the most precious gift in life – a loving family. Maybe their experience will inspire others to open their hearts and homes….we’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, I’m adding this day to my list of Top 10 Life Events.

Lucky Pup; A New Life for Cricket

2009-03-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

Ah, Spring. Don’t you just love it? I just can’t help feelin’ good when spring rolls around. This season always put a little more skip in my step, a little extra zing in my zippity-doo-dah. New grass, new flowers, new baby birds, new clothes, new shoes..new weight loss goals…. new fake tan…..oh wait, I’m getting off track here.

This year, spring brought us a new family member. Her name is Cricket. She’s a pound puppy. Cricket is like no other dog I’ve ever had; she’s little. I’ve always had big dogs. Dogs that can pull you down the street on roller skates, or who can swim through a big wave while chasing a stick. My dogs have always been able jump into the car without help, and see over the dashboard from the front seat. Not Cricket, she’s just a little bean. A lap doggie. An ankle biter.

In the 10 days we’ve had her, our little wiggly Cricket has been just a joy. She’s always happy to see us, adores her big lab brother, Riley, and puts up with all the rough love the kids can dish out. This week, we’re starting a class together – a good canine citizen class. Hopefully, we’ll learn not to growl at folks walking by our front porch, chew on the laptop power cord, and chase the cat. [Keep your fingers crossed for me, *sigh*.]

Though this little doggie has a new lease on life, the whimpers and sad eyes of the dogs we left behind at the shelter still haunt me. I wish I could open my own Dog Town and save ‘em all but instead, I guess I can do my part by parading my pint-sized pound puppy around at the dog park and encouraging folks to adopt a new best friend of their own from the local shelter.

The number of animals needing homes is really quite staggering. And, the sad reality is that, as the number of foreclosed properties in California swells, more and more animals are abandoned when families move to new locations that don’t allow pets, or when they find their financial situation too dire to continue caring for them.

So this spring, while you’re out tip-toeing through the tulips, ponder the myriad of ways to help an unwanted animal find a new life. Can’t adopt? Then consider coughing up a little dough to a favorite animal rescue (see my favorites below), or offering up a few volunteer hours to a local shelter. Or, maybe just help spread the good word of Bob Barker to spay or neuter pets. I promise it’ll make you feel good, and it’ll probably even put a little extra zing in your zippity-doo-dah too.

My Favorite Animal Rescues:

http://www.theanimalifarm.com/ Animali Farm rescues horses who are a by product of the Premarin industry. Premarin is a drug prescribed to women to counter the effects of menopause. When these horses (usually a draft or draft-cross breed) can no longer be bred, they are sold at auction and often end up at the slaughter house. Although they are located locally in Santa Maria, they will help get your adopted horse anywhere in the world. An amazing couple of ladies run this rescue.

http://www.bunssb.org/ If I was a homeless bunny, I would want to hop hop hop to BUNS.

http://www.fetchingcompanions.org/ If you are a lab lover, you'll love Fetching Companions!

http://www.asapcats.org/ We found our Belle kitty at ASAP.

http://www.sbwcn.org/about.shtml The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network cares for the injured wild animals in our area. From baby birds to orphaned sea lions, their volunteer crew does amazing work.

Airstream Girls Gone Wild

2009-03-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, it was all about the silver and the sista’s. Once a year, we choose a campground, hitch up our trailers, wave good bye to the husbands, kids, and baggage, and set sail for a long, relaxing weekend of camaraderie and martinis. Just between you and me, I was giddy for a chance to get away from the rut. It was waaaaay overdue.

It turned out to be a perfect weekend for our escape to Pismo Beach – blue skies, wildflowers, warm sand, and endless waves crashing just beyond our campsite. The silver sisters came from all corners – Kristiana from Lotus, Karin from Petaluma, Lee from Long Beach, Julianne from Arizona, Debra, Virginia, and Lisa from Southern CA, and Janet and Malia from Santa Cruz.

I was glad I was one of the first to arrive because I failed miserably at backing the trailer into my campsite. Lucky for me, my silver sister, Julianne, came to my rescue. I guess I better stop putting on my lipstick and start paying more attention when Jack is parking that baby at the campground. I was successful, however, in leveling, unhitching, lighting pilot lights, and hooking up the sewer/water/power so I did finally get to bask in the glow of personal accomplishment.

Our weekend was loosely planned, and the girls were frisky (you know, when the cat’s away…) We took long walks on the beach, bike rides around the compound, and set out in search of the best clam chowder in Pismo. Back in camp we sipped sangria, swapped trailer treasures, shared amazing potluck dinners, and treated ourselves to warm sticky buns for breakfast (hmmm, that sounds a bit naughty, doesn’t it?) When the fun was finally over, a few of us were nursing hangovers, and one was was sporting a new Airstream tattoo on her shoulder.

It’s really an honor to be a part of this group of amazing, talented, and independent women. We found each other through our aluminum adoration, but so much more bonds us. Can’t wait for next year.

The Silver Affair - Part 1

2009-02-19T21:11:00.000-08:00

I wish I could blog to you a wistful, romantic story about how I fell deeply, hopelessly, in love with vintage Airstream trailers, but my affair with aluminum began rather suddenly, and without warning or fanfare.

It began just a few years ago, when Jack and I realized our kids were old enough for us to step out of our comfort zone. It was time to explore, travel, commune with nature. Camp. We both had fond memories of camping when we were kids.

For my sisters and I, camping was a kid-fun wonderland. Everything was exciting. Especially sleeping bags, stink bugs, dirt, flashlights, campfires, raccoons, and creeks (and not necessarily in that order.) I longed to give our own kids that experience. So, after some husband convincing, we chose a campground, packed up the family-mobile, and off we went…to be one with nature.

I’d be lying if I told you we had fun. Or, if I told you about all the exciting, wonderful memories we made on that first camping trip as a family - but, quite frankly, it sucked. I really had NO CLUE just how much effort my parents invested in a weekend camping trip until I tried it. About 2 hours into our maiden voyage, repressed memories of my Dad stomping around and cursing as he fumbled with the “%#&*ing tent” came flooding back. And of ants in the food, and Mom nursing bee stings and poison oak patches. Oh, and I suddenly remembered being cold and having sand in my sandwich, and of warmish milk, and being freakin’ tired because no one sleeps, and, well, you get the picture. Tent camping was so out.

Thankfully, I’m not the type to give up easily, so after the pain of our first family camping experience began to fade, I pitched some alternative forms of camping to Jack – how about a camper shell? Pop-up trailer? RV? It took a few months, but eventually, we checked ‘em all out. Anything we could afford to buy was white and plastic, and reeked of 1980’s retirement home inside. It was clear that square and fiberglass just wasn’t our bag.

Then it happened. In between two giant white plastic toy haulers as they were eclipsing the sun, Jack uttered the words that I will never forget; “What about an Airstream?” That was all it took. Those four little words. It was all over – and it all began.

Stay tuned for part II……

Don't Divorce Them

2009-02-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

Speaking of love, I believe that two people who love each other should not be denied the right to equality.

Recently, I learned that the Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund began legal proceedings to defend the constitutionality of Prop 8. These proceedings could ulitimately force over 18,800 same-sex couples that were married in California last year to divorce. Sad.

On March 5, 2009, the state Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in this case. To raise awareness, and to put a face to the thousands of committed, loving couples seeking full equality under the law, the Courage Campaign has created a moving slideshow called "Fidelity." Watch it.

And, if you are touched by this video, like I was, then support the Courage Campaign by signing the letter to the state Supreme Court asking them to invalidate Prop 8 (look for the link at the end of the video.)

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

To quote our new president "It's time to move beyond
polarization and live up to our founding promise of equality by treating all our citizens with dignity and respect."

It doesn’t matter if you are black, or white, or gay, or straight. We all deserve equality under the law. Spread the word.

The Man of My Dreams

2009-02-13T22:53:00.000-08:00

It's Valentine’s Day, so I thought I’d share a little about the man of my dreams.

Jack and I have been married for nearly 12 years now. I met him in 1996, when he was bachelor, fresh from 12 years in the Navy, living a bachelor life with other bachelors in a bachelor pad. I was a single girl who was finally mended after years of picking up the pieces of a broken heart. My older sister, Ellen, introduced us, and we were smitten almost immediately.

Here are my Top 10 Reasons for Loving Jack

10.) At 6’5”, I can wear my heels with him and not feel like Amazon Girl

9.) He likes vintage stuff too (when I met Jack, he drove a 1958 Ford Thunderbird. When I used to hear the rumble of that big engine coming to take me out on a date, I felt like Sandy in my favorite movie from the 80’s – Grease)

8.) He’s romantic. He still brings me flowers and sometimes leaves mushy messages on my voicemail at work. When he whispers sweet nothings in my ear, he uses words like “adore” and “dream girl”

7.) He’s a Doctor Doolittle – animals just love him

6.) He has the strongest arms I’ve ever had wrapped around me

5.) He’s got a goofy, awkward sense of humor

4.) He vacuums, does dishes, scrubs bathtubs, mows lawns, and can fix anything that breaks

3.) He is the hardest worker I know, and ethical, kind, and selfless

2.) He is a gifted craftsman and woodworker (the first gift Jack ever gave me was a bench for my tiny backyard garden. He it built it out of scrap wood and carved our initials in the backrest. Yeah, it’s kinda like the line from that Jerry McGuire movie “you had me at hello.” That bench was really all it took to hook me good)

1.) He is an amazing, caring, devoted father to our children, and a loving partner and husband. Happy Valentine’s Day, honey!

Admire & Inspire - Cori Dantini, Illustrator

2009-02-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

Although I’ve never met her, I admire (and am inspired by) artist/mother/illustrator/wife, Cori Dantini. From the moment I bumped into one of her pieces while pouncing on Etsy, I’ve been hooked. Her whimsical and enchanting illustrations fascinate me, and leave me wanting more.

I bet if I met her, we’d be friends. Cori writes in a blog interview that she is inspired by “Life. Awkward moments. Social interactions. Sillyness. Treasure! Music. Motion. WORDS.” On her Etsy profile she writes “i love a sharp pencil, and a .005 black pen, i heart walnut ink, and japanese pen tips, OH and a new pad of paper, i love ANYTHING shiny or sparkly, and consider myself to be a bit of a crow in that way.”

Shiny, sparkly…yep, we’d be friends.

When I need inspiration, I sometimes turn to the two Cori Dantini prints hanging in my green room (can you find one hanging in this crazy mess?) They inspire me, and encourage me to tap into the creativity within. I know it’s in there – it just has yet to be unburied. If she can translate her ideas into this extraordinarily detailed and emotional art, maybe I can too? I dunno, but I try, and that’s really all that matters.

Check out Cori's work in her Etsy Shop, Corid. Or, read up on her blog coridantinimakes.blogspot.com. I guarantee you'll get hooked too.

Silver Sister Leisure Wear

2009-01-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

With the Silver Sisters 3rd Annual California Airstream Rally just around the corner, I thought it was about time we had original design to wear on our Silver Sister leisure attire.

The Hell's Angels have their own boss insignia, and so do those crazy Red Hatters. Heck, even the Girls Scouts sport an unmistakeable logo on their cute little uniforms. Why not the Silver Sisters?

My shirts are now available on CafePress.

Silver at Circus Circus

2009-01-23T12:01:00.000-08:00

Have you heard the news? Circus Circus's Vegas, NV campground is sportin' some new digs - Airstream trailers! Ten Flying Cloud models to be exact. The trailers are part of a new promotion with Kampgrounds of America (KOA.) Each sleeps up to four and rents for $170 - $220 a night.

Now, isn't Vegas all about the bling? It's about time some Airstream trailers classed up the joint!

Read the USA Today January 23, 2009 article

Calling all Silver Sisters - Rally with the Cali Girls!

2009-01-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

If you’re a girl, love silver, and have a lust for wandering, then you’re a Silver Sister.

Don’t miss the 3rd annual Western Silver Sisters Airstream Rally at the Pismo Coast RV Resort in Pismo Beach, California on March 6 – 8, 2009. What could possibly be more fun than an amazing group of women, a sea of silver trailers, and a weekend by the beach?

Rally Information

AirForums Rally Thread

Appreciate Your Dragon Today

2009-01-16T20:59:00.000-08:00

I am not kidding about this. My 6 year old just told me that today is Appreciate A Dragon Day. Wow, that was a close one. I almost snoozed through this entire day without appreciating my dragon.

Here's a link to a little ditty about dragons that we all know and love. Come on, sing it with me, and appreciate all the special dragons in your life.

Good Moother Kowma

2009-01-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

My little sister, Kate, and her dog Angus, live idyllic lives on a big ranch in Santa Ynez, CA. My family and I love to visit her, to breathe in the wide open spaces and grand views. And ahhhh, the silence. I love the silence. It’s a haven from the jarring pace of life in the big city. One of my wishes for the New Year is to spend more time ranching with Kate and Angus.

There is always something neat going on at the ranch; like tarantula season or the arrival of an Army surplus jeep. Lately it’s been the Oreo cow herd. Yep, Oreo cows. Dark chocolate on both ends, with a creamy white center.

Yeah, I know a cow is just a cow. But this herd is pretty cool. And, their story is neat too. The real name for the breed is Belted Galloway, or Belties for short. Belties were first recorded during the 16th Century in the former Galloway district of Scotland. My ancestors emigrated from Scotland, so I guess that makes Belties our native cow?

While their curly milk n’ cookies coat is a real show stopper, the story goes that the Belties’ markings actually have a practical benefit. Their two-tone coat makes the cheeky monkeys highly visible, which helps locate new calves or strays from a distance. Some Scottish cowgirl was really using her noggin when she came up with that idea, huh?

And if that wasn’t enough to make you want to run right out and round yourself up a Beltie or two, I’m also told that Oreo moms are renowned for her mothering ability. That seals the deal for me. I’m definitely planning on hanging around the ranch more these days. In addition to the perks of country life, I could sure use a good dose of that Oreo Mom kowma to start 2009 off right.

Taylor's Rat Year

2009-01-06T21:31:00.000-08:00

I had no idea that 2008 was the Year of the Rat when I succumbed to my daughter’s passionate Christmas wish for a rat. Yep, you heard me right, a rat. When other girls are dying for an all-the-rage-American Girl Doll, or gaggle of Webkins to add to their multiplying collections, Taylor wanted a rat. And, she wanted to name her Daisy, or Rose, or Charlotte.

How could I say no? I had rabbits when I was her age. I loved my rabbits. I tethered them to tiny leather leashes and took them for walks down our street. I gave them rides on Polly, the neighborhood pony, and delighted in grazing them in the longest backyard grass I could find. They came when I called them, were rewarded with all the goodies I could smuggle from the horse barn or the fridge, and seemed generally happy to be my friends. How could I deny my daughter the opportunity to experience that unconditional, uh, rodent love?

I just couldn’t. So now we have a rat named Daisy. She is living a charmed life in a big purple rat condo on Taylor’s bookshelf. Taylor is basking in the glow of her new furry friendship, and so far, taking on the responsibilities of her tiny charge with passion.

They say a Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity, and renewal; a good time to begin a new project, embark on a new adventure, or make a fresh start. Well, that certainly happened for me in 2008, so maybe now it’s Taylor’s turn. We will listen to the wise ones’ Rat Year advice to be patient, let things develop slowly, and make the most of every opening.

While the official Year of the Rat is almost over (January 25, 2009 to be exact), our Rat Year is only just beginning. Who knows, maybe we'll have a Rose and a Charlotte too before long. We'll see how how it goes. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that little miss Daisy can keep Taylor on her toes because I recently heard that 2009 is the Year of the Ox. Gulp.

Make Lists, Not War

2009-01-01T16:20:00.000-08:00

I have never liked New Year’s resolutions. I think they are an excuse to put off until later what you should be doing now. Why wait? You can start fresh any day of the week. Just do it.

I do like lists, however. I am a list-maker extraordinaire. I have lists for everything – grocery shopping, home improvements, flea market treasure hunts, Airstream repairs, kid fun activities, travel preparations, art projects, and of course, the ever faithful, everyday ‘to do’ list. There is something so satisfying about making a list, and then scratching off completed tasks one by one. It’s a perfect little package - an acknowledgement of commitment, a validation of efforts, and finally, proof of hard work.

So instead of hocking New Year’s resolutions, I’m pushing the good old fashioned list. If you’d rather not draft your lists on the back of an old phone bill, I found a couple of neat listing tools on Etsy. Check out the set of pocket sized List Books by YourSecretAdmiral, or the Yellow Owl To Do List by BoyG irlParty.

For those of you digital-saavy list makers, there are some nifty new online alternatives to the hand-written to-do list. Like Jott.com where you can make online lists and even call in additions using a toll free number, or Evernote.com where you can capture information from the web, and create convenient, searchable lists.

So now you have no excuse for waiting until a shiny new year to make resolutions. Just log onto your computer, turn on your iPhone, or grab a pencil, and make yourself a to-do list. Just do it.

Happy New Year!

Gnome for the Holidays

2008-12-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

For those who know me, it’s no secret that I have an obsession with strange little men wearing hats. I invite them over, or lure them to my home, and then I imprison them on a living room bookshelf or kitchen windowsill for eternity. I know it sounds weird, but I even hang them from trees in my backyard, and plant them in my garden.

Collecting effeminate little men is not typical, but I think it’s better than collecting cow figurines or crocheted pot holders. Besides, who doesn’t want to come home to a bunch of little smiling eyes and rosy cheeks everyday? My favorite little guys are the oldest, craggiest of the bunch, or the ones with a story - like the kabauter (that's Dutch for gnome) who escaped from a Holland street vendor and made the journey to my living room lair after stowing away in my friend's suitcase.

And while I am confessing my strange obession, I should mention that I don’t stop at gnomes. I love dusty old Santas too. In fact, during this time of year, I can hardly wait until Thanksgiving is over to liberate my santa collection from the attic. I clear off the best table surface in the living room, and lovingly arrange them for their 30-day reprieve.

My gnomes and Santas may not have chosen this life, but it’s a better life than the lonely, cold one they were destined for on eBay or a flea market junk table. At least I offer unending adoration and a good dusting once in while. In return, they warm my home and give me a good chuckle. It's a symbiotic relationship.

Wishing you the most merry Christmas!

The Garden Hose Theory

2008-12-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

For weeks, months, well..., years really, I have been tortured. Not the tie-me-up and spank me kind of tourture, but the rattle of the mind kind of torture. I hear it in my head day and night...rattle, rattle, clank, clank. I cannot sleep it's so loud sometimes, all these ideas banging around in my head.

I know what you're thinking - get that girl some therapy. A good doctor and some shock treatments should do the trick. Well, that may be, but I'm going to try blogging first.

My theory is that blogging is kinda like a garden hose turned on just a little. A blog is like a slow, constant trickle of ideas. Ideas that nurture, fortify, and grow things. For someone like me, who has lots of ideas and things to say, but who just can't get them to spill out of her mouth the nifty way they are arranged inside her head, blogging could be just the ticket. I think I'm ready to join the ranks of other hosers, ahem, I mean, bloggers.

With any luck, some flowers may grow. I guess we'll see. But, at the very least, the grass will be greener. And, maybe I'll get some sleep too.