Even Better

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I’ve been hard at work on my book, and looking forward to a great day. It began with meeting our friends for a brunch to celebrate my better half’s birthday. Our waitress noticed his Pacific Coast Highway t-shirt and began talking to him, she’s originally from L.A. and they talked about that drive up the coast. Realizing it was his birthday,  she brought him a gigantic, freshly made brownie with an enormous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a fistful of spoons. That brownie was enjoyed by all!

copper cupFrom there, we rode out toward the hill country to Treaty Oak Distillery, where they are producing some of Texas’ finest spirits.  It’s a large piece of land, with picnic tables under shade trees and a little shop selling everything a mixologist needs. Another large building provides places to sit inside, have a cocktail and appetizers, and gab for a while.

We were sitting outside when I saw a helicopter touch down and people exiting. “What fun,” I thought, and went back to my conversation.  A few minutes later, the pilot came to our table and started talking to the guys. The next thing I knew, I was following the pilot back to the copter with my girlfriends!

Heli 1When I was little I used to imagine myself flying on a magic carpet over the nearby orchards, and this was that cool. When we took off it felt like the land fell away beneath us, and with a swoop to the side, we were gone.

We all wanted to see Hamilton Pool, a natural pool created when the dome of an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago.  People can swim there,  it has a beautiful grotto, and there were a few folks enjoying the water when we flew over.

Our reception upon landing, complete with photos and videos, had the three of us feeling like rock stars. That’s one more thing I wanted to do that I can check off my wish list: trains, planes, automobiles, sailboats, motorcycles, and now a helicopter.

I had the great time I was looking forward to, I’m pretty sure we all did.
Everything turned out even better than we had planned.

XO Donna

 

 

Hug a Farmer

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imageDespite being a gypsy, sometimes you don’t have to go far to satisfy your travel-bug. It’s especially gratifying to find something new right in your own back yard.

We went to Springdale Farms last week, a few miles east of Austin. My friend Carla volunteers there. She also helps create some products that are sold there. I’ve never experienced any soap as luscious as the Rose Soap that she and Paula make and sell.

It pays to arrive pretty early for the best choice, since all of the farm-to-table chefs arrive at the crack of dawn. But there was still a wonderful selection of freshly-picked, and carefully cleaned produce, artfully arranged and waiting for us, even at our late hour.

imagePaula and Glenn Foore – the owners – were happy to chat with us, and have a delightfully free-range attitude toward guests; we were invited to wander their property, look at everything, and c’mon back with any questions.

Their fields were rich with winter crops. Flowers were blooming already.  There was even a shiny Avion, complete with striped curtains in the window and a lawn chair beside it’s door, parked adjacent to their farmhouse. Heaven.

Without a doubt, the biggest attraction at the farm are their plump, shiny, and exotic hens.  My Grampa had a flock on his farm, but they were scrawny, bedraggled, white chickens. Decidedly not the showgirls this bunch is.

They have a large grassy yard of their own, and we watched as one imageof the men working there took the time to shred some cabbage and broccoli leaves and give them to the hens along with some seed. When there are parties at the farm, the chefs feed leftover cooked vegetables to the hens, which they also love.

It was a memorable break from routine, and  I look forward to returning soon.  If there are farm stands where you live, I encourage you to go visit them. Meet the folks raising your food.  Buy yourself some fresh eggs, or a bunch of carrots or fresh onions.
That’s the way to hug a farmer!

P.S. –  I just found out that Springdale Farms is having an Open House on March 5th with guided tours and live music. They will also be part of the East Austin Urban Farm Tour on April 17th.  I’ll be there – and if you’re in town, come join me!

XO Donna

 

Oh, Ojo!

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When I awoke this morning it was cloudy, damp, and quite cool.  That’s what winter is here in Austin. Since it’s been summer for the last two weeks, a day or two of winter is welcome, although it’s confusing the hell out of the plants; the Mountain Laurel is flowering, as are the Daffodils and Iris.

The damp chilled me, and my mind wandered to Ojo Caliente in northern New Mexico, one of my favorite hot spots in the country – and by that I mean geothermal hot springs. My other is 10,000 Waves in Santa Fe.

Iron PoolOjo is special because they are the only place in the world with four different types of mineral water. Clustered at the base of a high ridge, open to a big sky, they contain minerals that have been credited with healing powers by the Native Americans who have valued them for centuries.

They weren’t easy to get to the last time I was there – off a main road, then down a long poorly paved one.  My hope is that will prevent them from becoming another roadside attraction. They have day fees, and provide you with a big robe and locker for your clothes. You must wear swimsuits in all pools except one, and signs everywhere  say “Whisper Zone,” in order to maintain the tranquil atmosphere.

SodaBathsSoaking in the Iron Pool, looking up at the red dirt cliffs, my mind and body relax and I become one with the warm water. This pool is my fave, considered beneficial to the blood and immune system.

When I finally drag myself out, I stroll next door to the Soda Baths, the only covered pool. Sound is muffled in here, and I  really enjoy that, and the old rock-work.  Then, on to the Arsenic Spring, purported to offer relief from arthritis, and a variety of skin conditions. (For all of you who think I have a portrait up in my attic, now you know my secret. Ojo, baby!)

MonksOjoThe Tibetan Monks were there this past December to bless the healing waters, and went from pool-to-pool to do so. That would have been an amazing sight!

When your day is done, and you’re as pruny as you can possibly get, you can traipse into the lounge,  and savor a delicious glass of wine.

I’ll let you know when I’m going. You’re invited, of course!

XO Donna

 

An Apology

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Austin by Donna Starnes

Austin by Donna Starnes

For the fantastic weather we are having here in Austin, TX.

We just sent a text to our dear friends in Lincoln, Nebraska when we saw that their high temperature was going to be 27F today.  “Hate to gloat, but it’s 82F here!”  The response was swift and contained an unrepeatable four-letter word.

I have a weather app that tracks the temperatures anywhere, so I have pages for  dear friends, family, and vacation spots. Sitting on my patio, bare legs propped on a chair with the sun shining on them, I can see that it’s only sixteen degrees where Sister #5 lives. And only 63F in Key West, FL – one of our fave places. It’s pretty nice being in the catbird seat, and I am grateful for this glorious winter day.

Days like this explain why people are moving here in droves. It’s exactly why I moved here from New York, after being snowed-in for three days on Valentine’s Day in 1978. Austin was a sleepy little town then, and contrary to what people say, it was not better – just smaller. No traffic, much less people. I think there were about 350,000 then. There are closer to 2M now.

There were almost no decent restaurants then. No good pizza. Not a bagel in sight. Now, there are lots of fabulous restaurants, brewers and distilleries.  But, it took an influx of people to make that happen. Now, there are too many people and too much traffic.

imageWhich is why I really appreciate having this amazing balcony and patio – my little slice of Heaven on a day like today. I don’t have to go anywhere – I can see parts of the river below, cliffs and hills lush with evergreens across the way, and a large swath of cloudless blue sky.

Speaking of colors, I notice my legs are still ghostly white – but there’s self-tanner for that. And it will be cold again next week. The shorts will go back in their drawer. The jeans will come back out.  I’m telling you – living here’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!

XO Donna

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Attitude of Gratitude

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People always make New Year’s resolutions, only to blow them off six weeks later. And, that’s next week. I resolved to give up resolutions years ago. Instead, on New Year’s Day I pick something I want to focus on – and this year it was gratitude’s turn.

image

Besides attracting better things, you will attract even more things, because what we focus on expands. And by looking for things to be grateful for, you will find that you’re  happier.

It’s not that everything will suddenly be perfect, sometimes life turns into a shit-show no matter how well we plan it. But, we can choose to look for something positive to be thankful for in each situation.

Every evening before bed I write down at least 5 things I am grateful for in the journal I bought just for this purpose. It’s still early in the year, why not find a journal or notebook and give it a try? See what happens and let me know.

As far as I’m concerned, the best benefit of gratitude is walking around with a smile on your face all of the time. That’s a sexy look at any age, and it will make people wonder what you’re up to!

 

XO Donna

 

Disappearing Act, Redux

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Tidied up the original. Enjoy!

Donna O'Klock's avatarSexyPast60

imageYes, I did write this post a few weeks ago, and I admit that I was in a hurry when I pushed Publish. I didn’t realize that WordPress had a glitch and posted a garbled blend of two earlier revisions.

I didn’t see it until the next afternoon and I was aghast! But, I must admit, some of it was pretty funny. In the spirit of Marie Kondo and her “life changing magic of tidying up,” I want to tidy up that post.

What I like most about her method is that it works and it’s fun. So much so that I’ve done my closet and dresser since then.

Regarding her rules:

  • Tidy by category, with goals. (Okay, I agree. One thing at a time)
  • Start by discarding everything at once, intensely and completely. (I couldn’t stop laughing after I read this. If you followed my instructions and discarded…

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Disappearing Act, Redux

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imageYes, I did write this post a few weeks ago, and I admit that I was in a hurry when I pushed Publish. I didn’t realize that WordPress had a glitch and posted a garbled blend of two earlier revisions.

I didn’t see it until the next afternoon and I was aghast! But, I must admit, some of it was pretty funny. In the spirit of Marie Kondo and her “life changing magic of tidying up,” I want to tidy up that post.

What I like most about her method is that it works and it’s fun. So much so that I’ve done my closet and dresser since then.

Regarding her rules:

  • Tidy by category, with goals. (Okay, I agree. One thing at a time)
  • Start by discarding everything at once, intensely and completely. (I couldn’t stop laughing after I read this. If you followed my instructions and discarded everything at once, intensely and completely, you’d be done!)
  • Only keep things that spark joy (Agreed)
  • Never pile things: it takes up space, etc. (I piled things. See below)
  • Don’t change her rules to suit yourself. (I changed the rules)
  • Use her folding method for everything. (I had coffee with a friend the other day who is also ‘tidying’ and we laughed about trying to fold thong-underwear using her method. Sorry, Marie, some things need to be piled)

The whole paragraph in the original post discussing the Ghost in the Machine…..ended up being a total clusterf***.  Live and learn.

imageMarie Kondo says, “Your real life begins after putting your house in order.”  So I began by dumping the contents of my dresser on the bed. I wasn’t neat, but I still can’t dump all of my clothes on the floor. I sorted into Keep, Donate, Discard piles. Once the latter two were in sacks (discarded completely and intensely) I folded most things using her method. I was impressed by how neat my dresser was, and shocked by how much I hadn’t used yet had crammed in there.

I’ve realized that I do need an assistant standing-by with a pitcher of Martinis. But, I knew this job was dangerous when I took it!

XO Donna

Healthy Hatred

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imageI know. I know. That’s an oxymoron, isn’t it?

I heard this term used a couple of days ago referring to the rivalry between two college football teams. Rivalry, yes. Hatred?  Uh, no thank you. And to have the audacity to call hatred “healthy.”

To quote Bugs Bunny, “What a maroon.”

Hatred is never healthy, under any circumstances. Just look at all of the bad stuff that’s going on in the world. Every bit of it is brought to you courtesy of Hatred.Inc.

A long time ago, in therapy, I was challenged to pay attention to how many times a day I said that I “hated” something. It was just simple things, day-to-day stuff.

  • I hated country western music (remember, this was a long time ago)
  • I hated people tailgating me
  • I hated shrieking, out-of-control kids in restaurants
  • I hated it when people spit on sidewalks
  • I hated it when people threw their cigarettes from their cars
  • I hated it when people were texting/lap-topping/applying makeup while driving
  • I hated it when the neighbor let his dog bark all. night. long.
  • I hated it when (fill in the blank)

Her point was that I was doing a lot of hating for someone who wanted more love in her life. And that hatred (even though what I really meant was annoyed) wasn’t a healthy, or constructive, attitude. If you look for things to be annoyed about, you will find yourself mightily annoyed most of the time.

Humans tend to get angry when we are afraid. Rather than sit in that fear, we blame. Blame can lead to hate.  Just like we would with a puppy who wants to chew, or a persistent child who wants to play with an electrical outlet, we need to redirect our mind. Let’s focus on what’s working. Let’s appreciate all that we have. Let’s love the ones we love, and even the ones we don’t.

As my Mom used to say when I was being bratty, “You can catch a lot more flies with honey, Donna.”

I never understood why I’d want to catch flies – but I do understand the power of love to change a bad situation.

Let’s stop hating others based on their religion, their skin color, their sexual orientation, their politics, their income level, their education, or where they come from. Let’s save all of that energy for doing something constructive in our own life, and sharing it with the ones we love.

imageWhile I’m on the subject of love. . .even though I’m retired now, I’d sure love to fix Mr Trump’s hair.

Maybe a trim and a little honey to hold it place??

 

XO Donna

 

Stardust Memories

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Last week I was listening to Danielle LaPorte co-interview Steven Pressfield. Toward the end she said, “I will tell you, this is a trick question; Beatles or The Rolling Stones?” When he answered that it was The Stones she laughingly said, “aw…the real answer is Led Zeppelin!”

I laughed along, and thought, no – the real answer is Bowie. On Monday morning I found out that David Bowie had died. We all have our favorites, imageand while I loved it all, I loved Ziggy Stardust most of all. His music was the soundtrack of my life.

I bought my first album, The Man Who Sold the World, in 1970. Having never had a dog as a child, as soon as I had my own place I bought a Black Lab and named him Bowie.

A couple of years later, I was in beauty school and listening to Aladdin Sane. I cut off my lovely brown curls and dyed my new haircut a vivid Clairol Flame Red, a la Bowie.

I must have listened to that album a lot, because my son (who was three or four at the time) was in the car one day as my cousin and I drove my aunt on an errand. When the car started, the cassette played the song Cracked Actor, and my son started singing along in his small voice: “suck baby suck, gimme some head, before you start saying that you’re knockin ’em dead!”

My aunt became apoplectic, my cousin couldn’t eject the tape fast enough, and I sat there dumbfounded.  Secretly, I was impressed – I had no idea he was paying attention and knew all of the words. Like any dirty word that children pick up when they’re little, if  you don’t make a fuss, they move on. Or, as my aunt did, you can totally freak out.  Poor Jason burst into tears!  We still laugh over that story to this day.
imageDavid Bowie was always on the leading edge, never resting, continually growing and evolving. His movie credentials are as impressive as his music. About creativity he said, “Always go a little further into the water. . . a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are touching bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.”

He was always exciting. And I’m blue, blue, electric blue – but I have movies to rewatch, albums to linger over, and his final album was released on his birthday, just two days before he transitioned back to whatever brilliant star he came from.

XO Donna

 

 

Disappearing Act

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imageI’m referring to the KonMari method of organizing by Marie Kondo which has been all the rage in Japan for a while.  I heard of it a few months ago and bought and reviewed her book, “the life-changing magic of tidying up,”  but I chose to wait until after the holidays to tackle yet another project.

What I like best about her method is that she’s even more anal-retentive than I could ever imagine being. Did I say that?  I meant organized. And in her defense, her method WORKS and was FUN.

Her “rules” are legion, but mercifully simple:  Tidy by category, with goals. In my case, it was my cosmetics and toiletries today. Start by discarding everything at once, intensely and completely. Only keep things that spark joy for you.  Never pile things: you can’t see what you want, it takes up more space, and the iteams on the bottom feel neglected. Don’t change her rules to suit yourself. And she even has her own unique folding method.

Some of her concepts are based on Feng-Shui principles, and a few might be considered a little airy-fairy, but they make sense when  you think about them in a Ghost in the Machine way; things have feelings, too, showing respect and honor to what you have, and the idea that putting your house in order can benefit your life.

In my experience,  creating spaciousness of spirit, and environment, is a way of attracting love, money, opportunities, and vitality. Nature abhors a vacuum.

imageAs Marie Kondo says, “Your real life begins after putting your house in order.”

I began by (neatly) dumping all of my bathroom toiletries on the floor, as advised. If I didn’t love it or use it, into the trash it went! Then I found some containers and sorted by category: hair care, styling tools, medicines, skin care. Back they went – easy to see, to use, and to put back afterwards.

My sweetheart had been meaning to pare his closet further, so he placed all of his clothes on the bed, (not thrilled by the idea of dumping it all on the floor, like I was) and sorted into Keep, Donate, and Discard piles. Once the last two were in sacks, he re-hung the dress shirts, sorted his tees by color, then folded them using her method.

We were impressed by how many more he could fit in his dresser and the ease with which he could tell them apart.image No more digging for that v-neck.

For my next act, I will make all of the unloved stuff in my closet, the under-stairs storage, and our garage disappear. Abracadabra!

I think for the last two I may need an assistant standing-by with a pitcher of Martinis. I knew the job was dangerous when I took it.

XO Donna