Lian Dolan's Blog, page 32

New Landscaping: After photos with captions

As requested, some "afters" of the landscaping in the front of the house.  We wanted  to spruce up the front of the house, creating a little cohesiveness and style for our otherwise plain house.  I wanted some simple and clean, structured but not formal.  That sort of describes our overall style.  Basically, I like using classic lines but with a contemporary twist. Yesterday, we got the Edna Dolan Seal of Approval. My mother came by yesterday, with my sister Monica visiting from Portland, and the whole plan got the thumbs up.

This is the view towards our driveway. We completely cleared out the hodgepodge of plants, put in the pathway and then planted the Little Ollie olive hedge. I love the color of the olive branches and the looseness of the form. We'll let this grow without too much shaping for a couple of year. The pots and trellises are new, giving us some height on walls that don't get much sun. They are planted with star jasmine, a dark green year round with little scented whit flowers in summer. I like scent, hence the jasmine, lavender and gardenia.

 

Looking the other way, we used the same Little Ollie hedge to connect the two side of the house. This bed is a monster, I know. We needed to extend it to create an even line across the front of the house. We used the birdbath as a "anchor" and planted around it. Those are iceberg rose ( which grown like weeds here in Pasadena) gardenia, lavender and in the back, flowering maple in burgundy. The existing tree is a long established camellia.

 

The steps and front porch got a new look. We painted the old tired red brick a chocolate brown that works with the house color. then extended the step area with the same slate path. Berick also did the trim and front door a dark black/green. The little bed features a patio-sized orange tree and lavender.

 

We had this slate left over from a patio in the back yard. Berick and the boys have been moving the giant pile around periodically while we decided what to do with it. The boys were relieved just to finally put it somewhere permanently! railroad ties, a gravel "bed" and the slate fit together by Berick & Co.

Here is the little path to the bird bath, a gift from my boys a few years ago. I like to look out the window in the morning and see the birds doing their thing. The stepping stones will help me get into the bed and clean it out when I need to. It's a cloudy, cool day today, but this side of the bed usually gets full morning sun and then filtered sunlight in the afternoon. In the back, some more flowering maples set to go in. These are very popular here-- and kept getting snapped up as soon as they came into the garden center. We finally snagged two more this weekend.

 

In addition to the landscaping, Berick and boys have painted all the trim and the front door. (I am a terrible painter, slapdash with no prep skills whatsoever, so I've been banned from that aspect of the job.) We're almost done, but who knows?   Several  neighbors have stopped by to ask Berick to work on their places.

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

Upcoming Events for Booklovers: Pasadena LitFest and Literary Orange

The literary festival season is heating up here in Southern California. And, I'm ready to roll. I wanted to mention a couple of events that I'll be participating in over the next few weeks:

Pasadena LitFest and Literary Orange.

Pasadena LitFest: Saturday, March 17th I'm the opening act of this brand new gathering in Pasadena. I'll be kicking off the event with a reading from my new book ( gulp. going public.)  at 10:15 am. Then, I'll be  attending the many great panels that the organizers of LitFest have pulled together for the inaugeral year.  Mona Simpson, Jonathon Gold, Michelle Hunevan, Lisa Yee, Sherri Smith, Denise Hamilton. It's a fantastic list of authors, I must say. Good work, Larry Wilson and all the LitFest crew. I'll also be signing books at the Prospect Park Tent at 1:00 with my PPB  "stable mate, "  JD Rothman, author of The Neurotic Parents Guide to College Admissions.  The event is free and right in Old Town Pasadena. Food trucks, of course. Click here for all the information on Pasadena LitFest.

(In a related note, JD Rothman is speaking and signing at Vroman's this Saturday from 4 to 6, if you fit into the Neurotic Parent category! For more information, click here for the Vroman's site.)

Literary Orange: Saturday April 14th at UC Irvine This long-established book event features Lisa See as the keynote speaker and then lots of panels with authors from Southern California. I'll be on a panel called Coming of Middle Age with Sonya Sones moderated by Amy Alkon. Tickets for the day-long event are $60 and attendance in limited, so it won't be a crush to  get into any panels. For more information on Literary Orange, please click here.

 

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

Skin Care Recommendations: Palmer's Cocoa Butter; Natural Skin Shop Glycolics and Bobbi Brown

Hi, all..

I knew I'd need to do some follow-up to Chaos Chronicles Podcast 506 when I mentioned that my new "No Gifts Please" gift is Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E.  I've gotten a few question on Facebook and in my inbox about which specific product. ( I had no idea the Palmer's Line was SO extensive!), so I thought one simple blog post would help. My personal  goal is to age with grace– and without plastic surgery. So  when I find a product or tchnique that works, I'm happy to share.

 

Let's start with the basics:

Click here to link to Amazon.com. You can buy the paperback version for 8 bucks!

Bobbi Brown's Living Beauty Bobbi Brown is a my role model and hero when it comes to aging, business and the intersection of the two. I admire the way she runs her business and her life. All hail, Bobbi Brown. When she was a guest on Satellite Sisters, she was as down-to-earth and informative as you would guess. And her message about how to  look great as we age started and ended wit h: MOISTURIZE. We had her on to talk about her wonderful book Living Beauty, a step -by -step guide to skin care, make-up, hair care and dressing that I believe every woman of a certain age should have on her bookshelf ( or Kindle!).   Lots of before and after pictures will make you a Bobbi Brown believer, too . A little effort — and moisturizer– goes a long way in keeping up appearances without surgery. I recently loaned the book to a frieind of mine who commented that I seem to know how to apply make-up and that she, after 48 years on the planet, still did not know how. My answer: Bobbi Brown. Here's a link to the amazon page.

 

Don't eat it. Schmear it.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E This product was totally new to me, a recent British import apparently. I was watching Dr. Oz and he had on a clear-skinned NYC Dermatologist to recommend her best anti-aging products that didn't break the bank. She singled out Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E as a great option for lessening  age spots, scars and, as their packaging suggests, unattractive marks. ( For me, that means all that sun damage on my decolletage from years lifeguarding.) I found a $4.99 jar at Target and I have really seen results. Plus, it smells so good you want to eat it. Palmer's has an extensive product line ( who knew?) and I've branched out to the Skin Oil as well. I'm counting on Palmers to get rid of the "unattractive marks"  left over from the poison oak outbreak on my legs! Find the website here.

 

Be sure to take advantage of the great customer service for the right strength peel for your skin.

Natural Skin Shop Glycolics I've converted a few of you over to the wonder of glycolics, a natural product derived from sugar cane and great for exfoliating.  Today another convert mentioned how much better her skin looked with glycolics, so I thought I'd remind you of the products over at naturalskinshop.com . Exciting news! They have a brand new Peel Center on their site with products, information and great customer service. Take advantage of the customer service reps to get the right glycolic products for your skin type and needs. I'm a big fan of their whole line, from cleansing to their serums and moisturizers. But it's the peels that really make a visible difference in my skin.  Click here for the Natural Skin Shop website.

 

Related Posts:

Basic Skin Care Advice from Ginger of the Natural Skin Shop

Ten Things I'm enjoying Today

 

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

Hope that helps. Let me know what you've discovered

World Read Aloud Day March 7: Literacy as a Human Right

 

From more information about World Read Aloud Day and LitWorld, click here.

 

I know I'm preaching to choir here… so I won't even spend along time on the set-up. Again, this year, I'm a a WRADvocate, a volunteer spokesperson for  World Read Aloud Day. The goal of the global event is to call attention to literacy as a human right.  The mission of World Read Aloud Day is to reinforce the concept that all children have the right to safe education, complete with reading material and technology.

By involving children in the LitLoop of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, we can improve their intellectual, economic and political future. In other words, read a book to kid and change the world.

I know my Chaos Crew is on board with this… so let's skip to the good stuff. If you're a teacher, parent, uncle, concerned citizen and want to get involved in an activity or event to celebrate World Read Aloud Day, click here. Lots of  activities, events, coloring pages, ideas and a chance to support the day with donations.

 

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

Related Posts:

World Read Aloud Day founder Pam Allyn's Blog on Huffington Post

 

Random Thoughts on the Oscars, the Dresses and the Brad Pitt

Please note that my systemic poison oak kept me from sleeping at all last night. So If I drift off mid-Thought , my aplogies. Joining me on some Random Thoughts, Entertaining Sheila who is texting in from the Cozy Couch…

And the Oscar goes to:

Red Carpet arrival highlights: Tim Gunn and his generosity of spirit; Tina Fey looking fab and being funny; Colin Firth for just being Colin Firth; and Jennifer Lopez for giving girls like me a reason to moisturize in the morning. Like seriously moisturize.

Dress highlights poor moi: Penelope Cruz; Robin Roberts; Octavia Spencer;  Glenn Close and Cameron Diaz.

Let us take a moment to thank Brad Pitt for showing up and looking like we all dream Brad Pitt looks 24/7. Thank you, Brad.

Fun to see the film clip start and the musical number by Billy Crystal. But it did cause my teen son  to ask, 'Who is THAT?"

Early slew of awards for Hugo is good for Marty.

Sheila texts that she has a crush on the editors of Dragon Tatoo. A victory she predicted btw.

Okay, now I'm starting to understand why JC Penny signed Ellen. Because she certainly doesn't shop at JCP. But she works in the ads.

Up next for me, The Cameron Diaz haircut ?

Every time Brad Pitt gets a camera shot, Sheila sends me a giddy text: Can't Get Over Brad Pitt.  I respond with equally giddy text: OMG.

Was rooting for Melissa McCarthy, but  happy for Octavia Spencer who took her moment.

Emma Stone is a movie star and awesome. She is so poised and funny. A delight.

Captain Von Trapp, edelweiss. And the purple tux is spectacular.

Hey , Billy C, stop making "old" jokes about Christopher Plummer. He looks younger than you! AND he just won an Oscar.

Text from Sheila: Chris Rock saves the show. Nice moment of spontaneity.

Text from Sheila: Ugh, Woody.

Best bunch of speeches: the film makers for live short action, documentary and animated short. LOVED you , people. No laundry lists of people to thank. Just some wonderful moments of genuine emotion.

Oh, no, Marty! Looks like the tide is turning towards The Artist. I thought the early wins might mean a Best Pic or Best Director win for The Scorsese.

That ad with the babies made me cry. Thanks, Johnson & Johnson.

Oprah! Lovin' the gold dress and the tears. And, I really enjoyed your Oscar special with Jonah Hill. You should do an interview show. You'd be good at that.

Oh my gosh, Reese Witherspoon, I love the movie Overboard, too!

Teen son objects to Natalie Portman's hair behind the ear. I agree.

Husband obejects to long personalized descriptions of Best Actor nominees. I agree.

30 -second clip of The Artist is enough for me.

How is it possible that Gary Oldman has never been nominated? Crazy.

Formidable is my favorite French word.

Brad Pitt is formidable. So is Colin Firth.

The Oscar for Best Speech: Meryl Streep

The Oscar for Biggest Dweeb Ever to win an Oscar: The producer of The Artist

 

Your thoughts?

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

Friday To Do List: Laundry, Groceries and Moneyball

Hi, all. I'm very busy here,  recovering emotionally from my trip to the ER with Brookes after his allergic reaction to a cat and then diagnosing my own cold/fever/rash symptons. Paging, Dr. Google. And don't worry, I have been in touch with various actual medical professionals on this!

While my  froggy voice recovers, I thought I'd simply jot down my To Do List:

Laundry Self explanatory after a week of illness.

Grocery Shopping See above.

Cramming for the Oscars NOT EVEN FUNNY how far behind I am on Oscar Viewing. What's happened to me this year? All those high school soccer games really conflicted with my movie viewing. Todays Must Watch List: The Help and Moneyball. Why the rush? Because Entertaining Sheila and I will be guesting on The Mark Isler Show this Saturday Night for our Oscar picks! And right now, I'd have to say War Horse in every category because it's pretty much the only one I've seen!

 

To listen to the  Mark Isler Show live or in podcast form, here's what the producer says to do:

Since the show is live, please encourage friends and family to listen (if any have trouble with reception at 870 KRLA on the AM dial, they can listen by going to http://www.krla870.com and clicking on the "Listen Live" button).  Also for listeners to call into the show and ask questions or make comments, the phone number is 866.870.KRLA (5752). The show is now podcast, with shows archived, and can be accessed on the KRLA website or through Apple Itunes.

 

 

Embracing my  Chaos, Lian

 

Do the Work Wednesday #4: Sharing your Ideas

One question I got a lot on the book tour was about working with a writer's group to keep me on track. (Couldn't have done it without them!) Other writers wanted to know if it was "safe" to share your book idea with others writers. Wasn't I worried someone was going to steal my idea? The quick answer: no.

Maybe if I was writing a high-concept thriller, I might have been more cautious. But in my writers group, I was working with other professional writers who  had their own projects going. I didn't get the sense anyone was trolling for ideas. And secondly, nobody else could write in my voice. Even  if somebody had "stolen" my idea, nobody would ever be able to write quite the way I write.

I trusted that sharing my work would have more benefits than keeping it locked up without input.

At the LTD conference  for entrepreneurs a couple of weeks ago, the subject of "stole ideas" came up again. In this context, two women who had started tech companies were relating their experience gathering a team of advisers and getting advice from "anyone who could be helpful" in the initial stages of the idea.  The moderator asked about concern over  stolen ideas, and the CEO of Plum District laughed off the question, " It is SO hard to start a company and so much work, that if anyone really wanted to steal the idea and make it happen, more power to them. "

In other words, steal my idea. I dare you.

I've seen paranoia about stolen ideas really paralyze writers and would -be entrepreneurs. They spend so  much time and energy on protecting the "intellectual property" that they forget to develop and execute the idea! Should you be careful and protect yourself legally? Of course, but don't get so weighed down in the sanctity of your idea and you make that your focus. My advice, find a group of like-minded people with relevant experience and tap into their knowledge. I believe well-considered critiques on a project can only improve the initial idea.

Have you gathered a panel of advisers– either formally or informally? Do you have plans to share your idea/project/plans ? What have you gotten out of  seeking advice or help?

Embracing my chaos, Lian

Related Posts:

Do the Work #3: How's it going so far?

Do the Work #2: Getting started

 

My $7 Necklace and Thanks for all the Birthday Wishes

Many thanks for the good wishes. Doing a little writing this morning, then heading out in the garden to mulch. That's a good day…

In the meantime, a long promised picture of my $7 necklace. Please compare it with a photo of the necklace belonging to the Duchess of Cambridge.

Cost seven bucks but looks like a million.

Costs a million bucks but looks like seven million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

Do the Work Wednesday #3: How's it Going So Far?

It occurred to me today, looking at my desktop calendar, that we're exactly 6 weeks from January 1, a day many of us probably used to set our "goals" for the year. (Otherwise known as New Year's Resolutions!) I'm sure any social scientists in the Crew can tell us that most people fall off the resolution bandwagon in, what, 2 to 3 weeks.  I know that's when you start to see the beginning- of- the- year crowds thin at the gym.

So, at 6 weeks, are you where you thought you would be on January 1?

If you are, good for you. How have you powered through? And, if you're not, how do you plan to readjust and get going again?

For me, I had specific page goals for my new book . Am I there, 6 weeks in? No, I'm behind in the total page count. But on the flip side, I think conceptually, I'm way ahead of where I thought I'd be. The story is coming together fairly well and I have an overall creative concept that I'm really happy with but it did take a few weeks extra to get there. I had to do some research, play around with ideas in my head, try out a few pages. It wasn't some creative flash that sparked a writing rampage. It was slow, steady work  but when I got there, I knew it was right for the story. So, I'm at ease reassessing the quantity of my page count goal because I think the quality is high.

I don't believe in beating myself up over work not done. It's not productive in any way. In fact, it  can be really counter-productive, causing you to give up all together or feel trapped in an endless cycle with no forward progress. ( Raise your hand if you start a diet every Monday because you "blew it" the previous Friday?) Life happens and expectations can be re-set. Moving forward is the key for me, not regretting what I didn't do last week, but buckling down to get the work done the next week.

On that note,  I'm moving forward.  Back to the book. How about you?

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

Need motivation? Catch up on Do the Work Wednesdays with these Related Posts:

Do the Work Wednesday #2: Getting Started

Do the Work Wednesday #1

Random Thoughts on the Grammy Awards, Adele and "Deep" Emotions

Of all the awards show, I love the Grammys best. The awards are bogus sometimes, but the show is the best. And, you know why? Because the Grammys don't give out every freakin' award on the show. Just the biggies with lots of performances. Good call, Grammy. So, here we go:

Best Moments: Jennifer Hudson's song; Adele's tears; and Taylor Swift's stunned expression at her well-deserved standing ovation.

Lowest Moments: Chris Brown's graceless thank you speech and whatever that Nicki Minaj number was.

LL Cool J now joins Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris in the elite circle of  Men Who Can Host Anything.

And, he totally pulled off that prayer in the beginning to Sister Whitney.

I see politicians lining up to grab Bruce Springsteen's new anthem "We Take Care of our Own" for their own anthem for the election. Except so few of them actually do.

You'd think after all these years, Bruce could afford to buy Little Stevie his own mic.

I know it's great to have Adele back, but can we take a second to praise Bonnie Raitt?  Wow, talk about sounding great. Loved the Alicia and Bonnie tribute to Etta James.

I don't know how Lady Gaga sat there all night with that fishnet on her face. It was making MY skin crawl.

Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters is the world's nicest rocker. But I'm not sure everybody in the house appreciated his comments about "real"  music vs. computers. Like the dance deejays he performed with ten minutes later who riled up the crowds just as much as the Foos.

The Beach Boys tribute didn't work on any level. Adam Levine looked bored and the poor Foster the People hipster look terrified. And, I'm not sure The Beach Boys even spoke to each other during rehearsal.

Words I never thought I'd type: Rhinestone Cowboy made me cry. Way to go, Glen Campbell.

Rhianna killed. KILLED! Then Coldplay showed up and that was a downer.

I feel nothing for Chris Martin. Not a single flicker of Rock Star Crush. But at least Gwyneth didn't sing.

Loved Fergie's dress. Maybe she'll let me borrow it for a black tie event I have to emcee in June.

No hard feelings, Sir Paul, but I think Diana Krall should have sung your "new standard."

Still, the guy has a rockin' head of hair.

Who are The Civil Wars? Will Google later.

Adele deserved every award she won.

Bruno Mars appeared to be the only person in the house that didn't know Adele was going to  win everything.

Every show should end with a Beatle.

 

Your thoughts…?

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

 

Related Posts:

Random Thoughts on the Golden Globes