Reconnecting with Family…

Posted on July 15, 2010 by Barefoot Lovey's Traveloge

Visit with my family…

Aunt Babe just would not smile for the picture LMAO!

I am finally leaving southern California. I have been here since May 1st. I came to So Cal first to be able to spend time with my brother. We didn’t get to spend as much time as I was hoping cause he had a medical scare, but we did get to hang out a bit.

I have visited friends and family and places of my youth, but I am now ready to start the next phase of my journey. We of southern California have a bit of an ego. My ex husband was unable to comprehend how we, native southern Californians, say that there is So Cal then Los Angeles. Then Northern California. As if there is no central California. Well is there?

I’ve always been taught anything above San Fransisco is really Oregon anyway. So that would make LA central California. Well I have found out over the years this might be a SLIGHT exaggeration. So, I am going to be in what is truly Central California for the next several weeks.It is, and there is NO disputing this, some of the prettiest areas of California.

I got to Moorpark last Thursday. It is about an hour North of LA and about 30 miles from Ventura and the beaches. I wanted to reconnect with my Great Aunt Babe. I simply adore her. She is my grandmother’s sister. My grandmother had other favorites of us grandchildren, but my Aunt Babe always made me feel like the most precious person in the world. I love her with all my heart and have hoped through the years that I got one more chance to hug her and tell her how much she means to me and my life. Thankfully I got that chance.

My cousin, Lisa and her beautiful girls, picked Aunt Babe up in Camarillo and then came to get me at the home I where I was couch surfing in Moorpark. I truly felt no time had really past. We went to eat locally and were all comfortable and talking over one another right away. I loved reminiscing with Lisa about what bratty kids we were, our mothers were sisters and both are deceased, and how we have been paid back by our kids. SMILES…

I’m so happy that we got the chance to connect. I have my cousins on my FB, the great connector, and we will continue our relationship, but it was especially wonderful to have the opportunity to love on my Aunt Babe at least one more time in her life.

Casey and Madi my cousins

Aunt Babe and Cousin Lisa











Next post…my fun in Moorpark…

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Learning to Surf: Bucketlist item #38 CHECK…

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Barefoot Lovey's Traveloge

My one and only surfing lesson…

Not often does someone know that the first time they ever try something will probably be their last. But I can assure you I am no surfer in the making. I am very proud of myself for trying and my instructors – Sierra and her boyfriend pro surfer Evan – are both awesome people, but it was a one shot deal. At the very least never to be attempted in the cold pacific ocean. Maybe in a non-wave warm Florida Gulf (hehe).

Anyway I  learned some of the lingo, of course there are many in TN who think I only speak California/surfer lingo, the day before. I learned it when we got to Seal Beach ready to surf and there was a yellow sign with a big black ball in the middle of it which apparently signifies no surfing allowed at that time. We originally were going to surf in Newport Beach, but there was a sewage spill and the waves were way to big for me in Huntington Beach.

I have to be honest I felt relieved. I had made the attempt and couldn’t help that I wasn’t allowed, right? So instead we had the Surfer’s Special at El Burrito Jr #2. It was delicious. Huge burritos and a drink for under $5. Melina was with us on this first day attempt although she was not able to go the following day when we tried again. So we just all sat in the sun with the ocean view and enjoyed our comfort food. Perfect!

The next day the kids came and got me about noon. After all the real surfers were done until evening. I thought this was a very smart idea. And we headed for Huntington Beach. I am actually glad that this is where we were able to get in the water finally because this is where I consider home.

First off learning how to put on a wet suit. Not a comfortable outfit by any means. Especially for someone who can’t even wear turtle necks, because I don’t like anything at all around my neck. It is a chore to get one of these on. But once it was on I think I looked quite cute. I know, I know it is for warmth not fashion! After the suits were put on by the Jeep we grabbed the board and headed to the ocean. Evan brought his dad’s long board. It is massive.

With camera in hand Evan was ready to take pictures of Sierra giving me a lesson on how to surf on the sand. I must admit I am a MUCH better couch and sand surfer than wave surfer. I caught on pretty quick if I do say so myself, which I do. I love the fluid motion of going from paddling to actually getting up on your knees then to your feet. It is so graceful. I love to watch real surfers do this. For me it is like watching poetry of motion. Nature and surfer working in sync.

After a few successful stands on the sand we, Sierra and I, headed into the water. I cannot believe how warm the wet suit kept me. Great! I really loved paddling out. I’m actually quite good at it too. After a few pictures, Evan got into the water too *he left my camera with a very nice family on the beach to watch*. He was behind me, but I was so busy paddling out and being proud of myself and feeling so good out there that I went way to far ahead of him and way to far out. That was my down fall.

Sierra came up behind me treading water. Evan got there too and began treading. He is not used to having to tread water as much and got very tired. Sierra is a swimmer so she was faring a bit better. She held the board while I was getting ready to catch a wave. I couldn’t really tell when a wave was coming so she was watching for me. The first one she said to go on I paddled with the wave then got up on my knees when she told me but was a bit to slow and miss the wave so I just rode that one on my knees.

Then the next one!!!! ACK! She again held the board and told me when to start paddling with the wave (mind you we are out a bit further than I needed to be). I paddled and got up when she told me to. I made it all the way to standing before the board went out from under me –  sideways. The board made it safely to shore within seconds. Me? Not so much.

I was thrown to the ocean bottom with my mouth open. When I finally, it seemed like an eternity, broke the top of the water and saw Sierra I couldn’t get a breath in at all. I kinda panicked. Here I have to say that Evan and Sierra were absolutely amazing. They were both encouraging and calm with me.

Evan later told me he didn’t realize at first how badly I was panicked until he saw my eyes. They swam on either side of me just talking me thru. At one point Evan reminded me that I needed to actually swim and not just tread water. And he demonstrated just to jar me. It was needed.

We laughed a lot about it later, but it seemed like I swam for miles when actually it was nowhere near that dramatic. Evan commented repeatedly how choppy the water was. Ends up there was a 5.4 earthquake in the area as I was “surfing”. Great timing, Stacy!!!

So after I was FINALLY back on land I sat my happy self down for a bit of reflection ( oh and to try to start breathing again ) and decided that I was proud of myself for trying. I have two great death fears in my life, well three cause I don’t much want to be tortured either, and they are fire and drowning. So, even though I have a fear of drowning, I tried to do something I’ve always admired others can do so gracefully….surf! GO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seal Beach the Day Before

My day of surfing (the one and only day)...Huntington Beach



















Next my trip up the coast of Cali…

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FOURTH OF JULY 2010

Posted on July 11, 2010 by Barefoot Lovey's Traveloge

Such a fun day. The entire day spent playing by the beach in Huntington Beach. Melina, her gorgeous daughter Sierra, her boyfriend Evan, and I all got up early and headed to Main Street to see the parade. We parked a good mile inland. Which gave us the pleasure of walking the parade route with at least a couple of thousands others. What a great way to people watch. And there was much to see.

There were so many people of all shapes, sizes and age riding bicycles mostly beachcombers my favorite.  All colors and makes. We went to breakfast at Sharkey’s just before the parade started. It was packed so we got our breakfast burritos and coffee to go and ate them out back near the water fountain. DELICIOUS!!! I loved that sitting between to vegetarians I was the one NOT talking about how great it would be to have bacon and sausage in the burritos. Cracked me up.

After a perfect breakfast (simple and so tasty) we headed back out to the front of Sharkey’s and found a front row seat in the audience. All the people around us were delightful. On the walk to the parade we had seen so many wonderful flag and military displays. There was a tree of yellow ribbons with an ornaments made with each locally deployed soldier, there were giant flags everywhere, and there were three small kids holding a sign thanking all the soldiers for their freedom. My favorite audience display was several vets wanting the government to bring them home. An organization called Military Families Speak Out: http://www.mfso.org.

The parade itself had all the wars of the last century represented. I enjoyed seeing the WWII vets the most. I was also moved to see the Vietnam vets in their hospital beds pushed the full parade route. There were all branches and MPs. Lots of bands and floats. One of the best parades I’ve been to.

After the parade we met up with the kids for a bit and then headed back to the car to go back to Melina’s to get the phones that had been accidentally left behind. Strange that no one can seemingly get along without a cell phone at their disposal. I for one have never liked being able to be reached 24/7. I often turn my phone off or leave it behind. It always amazes me when I do so and someone thinks it is their prerogative to be mad because they couldn’t reach me right away.  The only few people I have ever been concerned that they might need me and wouldn’t be able to get me are Brittany, Luke, Marley or the Spears.

Anyway, we got the phones, ate a bit, let the dog out for a bit and headed back downtown. We found a parking spot closer. Which wasn’t really that easy, but gave us a chance to drive around looking in on all the yard and garage parties happening all over town. Everyone looked to be having a blast. Small children straight thru to very old people.

Once parked we made our way over and began a pub crawl that lasted until time to meet the kids again for fireworks.

Next post….my surfing adventure

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THE BEST SUSHI BAR EVER… KIKU in Huntington Beach

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Barefoot Lovey's Traveloge


When I first met my ex-husband, Jeff, he and his friends had been going to Kiku’s for several years. They were not only good patrons of Kiku’s, but also dear friends. I loved the place, the food and Sho and Ruth from the first visit.

We would take Brittany when we were dating and she was not ever crazy about men, but fell for Sho immediately. He would say LIMONNNNNNN SHEEKON to her and she would giggle hysterically. They have these small wood boxes that they let their favorite customers write on and then they put them up on a shelf for display. Ours is still there. That was in 1988. The marriage didn’t last, but our box did.

Once moved to Tennessee we bought my beloved chow chow puppy and I promptly named her Kiku.


This was a time before sushi bars had become so popular. Sho and Ruth were the owners back then. I found out the other day that Ruth died a year ago, but had left the restaurant 10 years ago. They had been divorced for several years before I began going, but were still good friends and had no problem running the place together. Sho remarried 10 yrs ago.

I had hoped that I would have the opportunity to go by the place, but had kind of thought this was not going to have the time. Well as luck has had it I did.


We, Melina and I, walked in and I went straight to talk to Sho. I asked him if he remembered me. It took him a moment, but as soon as I mentioned Jeff he knew right away. He came to our wedding and to many other of Jeff’s friends back in the 80s. He asked me about my “little girl”. And was a bit amazed by the news flash that she is now 25 and no longer little. We reminisced about the guys and he wanted me to tell Jeff he misses him.

He has always brought such a warm smile to my face. He is exactly the same except for his hair is completely white now. The place looks and feels the same. Like coming home.


Next post: 4th of July in downtown HB…

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Feels Like Home Again…My week in Huntington Beach…

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Barefoot Lovey's Traveloge

My week in Huntington Beach…

I was derailed from a farm that I was going to work next in Ventura. The details are not important, but I missed a ride I was being given and there were many WWOOFers on the waiting list. So when I didn’t get there in time I had lost my place.
I was really upset, but it sure ended up working out for the best.

One of the places I have not been able to visit is Huntington Beach. The place that I have spent so much of my late teens and early twenties. I consider myself from HB. I met my first husband here and had my son here. I am so happy that I got to spend an unexpected week here.I am staying here till this upcoming Thursday, which means I got to spend the 4th of July weekend.

The day after I got here I spent a bit of time walking around and then went to relax at the library. Once Melina got off work she picked up her daughter and they came to get me at the library. From there we went to Cronic Taco in HB by Main Street in downtown.  As good as the one in NB (I was very disappointed in the one in Mission Viejo). The biggest one I’ve been to with a pool table and beer. Food was as delicious as ever. MMMMMMMMMM

The next day we went to the Huntington Beach Library. So awesome! Huge and full of everything. Huge used book sale area with dirt cheap books. I bought several to send to Marley. I took pictures of

Huntington Beach, CA

all kinds of art and statues. There is an entire area of local artist’s work. They have a room for classes including yoga and dance classes and downstairs (there are several levels) they have movie nights. On the outside of the library they have a park and also a mud lake open to use in the month of August. Crazy beautiful.

On the way to the library we went to lunch at a euphemistically referred to roach coach. I haven’t eaten at one in over 20 years. They have the best food. Two tacos for a $1. Delicious tacos. We got four for each one of us and took them to the car to eat. Fun and so yummy.





On Friday nite we took a trip up the road to Seal Beach. A tiny area btwn Huntington Beach and Long Beach. I enjoy it there so much. We went to a locals bar called Mother’s. Had a beer and listened to good music. Lots of happy and friendly people. Great time.

Huntington Beach City Library

Me being a good samaritan

But before we went to Mother’s we had to pick up Melina’s dog from the Vet Hospital where it had been spade. So as we are driving there with Sierra in the back we had to take a left and the car in front was broke down in the turn lane. So we pulled up beside them and I asked if they wanted me to steer so all three could push. They agreed so I jumped out of our car and into theirs. Made a U-turn and found a drive way right away. I thought that Melina and Sierra had just put on their emergencies and were waiting for me. So I was running forward across a busy intersection while looking and waving backwards. When I go to the left hand turn lane and got it I was quickly made aware that it was NOT Sierra and Melina. The guy screamed, I screamed! I look over and the guy who couldn’t speak English was on the ground laughing and saying “loca loca”.

I had been left behind. LOL…The guy I had helped was so upset thinking she would not come back for me. I had no phone or phone number AND I didn’t know what city I was currently in. He almost had a seizure when I asked him what city it was. Finally about 45 minutes later Melina and Sierra made their way back. There was no place to really turn around so they just went on and picked up the dog before coming back to get me. Once they did we pulled in to say goodbye to my new friends and to take this picture above. Fun Fun.

Next post…my visit to the best ever sushi bar, Kiku resturant….

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Random Day in LA from Beverly Hills to Skid Row…

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Barefoot Lovey's Traveloge

Random day in Los Angeles…

I had to go to an organic farm in the middle of downtown Los Angeles and  talk with them about permaculture and asked Jennifer if she would take me. It is on a property that was donated for the strict use of permaculture. The land can never be used for anything else.

I am very interested in the workings of permaculture. The main ethics of Permaculture are the complete circle of EARTH, PEOPLE and FAIR SHARE. Full sustainability in living within the land and not abusing it. Everything to be used for multi-purposes. The planting of all vegetation is done in a canopy design so that each plant can benifit from the other. For more information this is a good site: http://permacultureprinciples.com.

I had so wanted to work on this farm and went to meet the land keeper. He offered me to WWOOF at the farm, but could not fit me in until August. By then I will be in Northern California working, but it was very cool seeing the inner workings of the place and hope to find another farm that works completely within this philosophy.

Once my time at the farm was over we went for a drive. We drove through Beverly Hills, around Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Blvd. and then onto Hollywood & into the garment district. I was hit on while stopped at a red light by a really attractive woman.  And took pictures of people taking pictures while on a Hollywood Tour Bus. We took a bunch of photos of places  I had visited as kid. Just a fun day!

Next …couch surfing in Huntington Beach…

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An unexpected day at Disneyland…

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Barefoot Lovey's Traveloge

I used to go to Disneyland or Knotts Berry Farm about once a month in my teens and 20s. It was a place to go with family, friends, or boyfriends. We could wake up on a Saturday/Sunday during the school year or any day of the week in the summer and just decide to go. Not anymore. The prices are CRAZY now. But I was lucky enough to be able to go.

My day at Disneyland 2010…


One of the purposes of starting my journey in the state of California was to take advantage of the experience by visiting some family and old friends along the way. I have met up with some of the people I went to high school with, some friends I knew when I got out of school in my early twenties and some (although not many yet) family members.

Besides my brother, Sean, the first family member I saw was Jennifer, my dad’s sister’s youngest child. She lives in Mission Viejo where I had been staying working on a garden and some odd and end jobs for some spare money and I looked up her phone number to give her a call and see what might be happening in her life. I reached her answering machine and didn’t hear from her for a few days. Finally she got in touch with me and I met her at the little league baseball field where my second cousin is on an all-star team and was practicing.


My dad died 20 years ago in May and I miss him very much. His sister and Jennifer’s mom, my Aunt Karen, died this past New Year’s Day.


I met my second cousins, Maddie and Sam, at the baseball fields. They are sweet and intelligent kids. I really like them and hope they feel the same way about me. Sam is 11 and Maddie is a senior in high school now at 17. A couple of days after that I went to their house for the day and hung out. Went grocery shopping with the kids and just got to know each other a bit.


Several days later I met my cousin Cass. He came to pick me up and take me back to their home for dinner. He is my dad’s other sister’s oldest child. There I met my other two second cousins. They are also very nice girls. One is really bubbly the other a bit quiet. We talked about all their trips to Europe. I was busy telling them and my cousin Ella, Cass’ wife, about my WWOOFing experiences and all I have done and plan to do. Come to find out that Ella is an executive at Disneyland and can get complimentary tickets. They offered me three of them for the next non-blocked out days. We were talking about who I should ask to go with me and I decided to ask Jennifer. She then suggested her friend, Deena, go with us. Fine by me.


They picked me up first thing in the morning and we were off. We had to get a hold of Ella to come down and sign us in. I’ve always liked Ella so much. She seems so strong and sweet. She has been through so much and has always been a kind and elegant lady. Anyway, she came down, took a picture with us and signed us in for both parks: Disneyland and California Adventure.

I had never even heard of California Adventure. We started off there. First ride – Tower Terror. Jennifer was a brat and trying to guilt Deena into going on to the ride when she was scared. I don’t believe in ever forcing that stuff on someone. My kids are not roller coaster riders. Anyway, Deena allowed herself to be guilted into it and we got right in without a line. The ride is awesome!!!


After that ride we walked around California Adventures for a bit, but only went on one other ride. Soar or something like that. It is a neat ride. You sit in a lift that takes you up and the huge full screen in front shows all kinds of scenes of California. So it is as if you are literally soaring over them. I only got motion sick a few times. Go me. Then over to Disneyland.


I have to admit the Disney I remember is definitely different. Although I loved many of the new art works and the cleanliness of the park, I miss the Disneyland of my memories. The best part is the lack of lines in all my old favorite rides *the ones that were still there*.  The haunted house still great. I don’t remember it having a haunting bride section though. If it is not my lack of memory, but a new addition it is a good one.  


I have always loved Pirates of the Caribbean. So that was not to be missed. They have incorporated Johnny Depp’s character Jack Sparrow into the ride at several places.  Loved it. BUT…when did Pirates of the Caribbean become a water ride? Ha Ha. I was soaked. My entire right side SOAKED. Laughed and enjoyed it so much.

Then a bunch of walking around and going on a ride here and there. Jennifer began complaining about being tired and she spent a huge amount of time texting so we just left her on a bench and went on without her. We had to wait forever for the Splash Mountain. It was well worth it. Neither of us had ever been on it. While we waited we chatted about men and our lives without them. We then laughed about men and our lives without them.


Once we met back up with Jennifer we started back towards Main Street. The best thing about not having to pay the outrageous amount of $80 for one of the parks with an add-on for the other is that we could go at a leisurely pace. Not a neck braking one to be able to get anywhere near your monies worth. We were tired and were able to finish up our day with a tour of some of the stores on Main Street and the newish museum at the beginning of the park about how it all began and the old rides. Several of the ones from my memory that I missed so. And left the parks about an hour before they closed so no traffic. Fun day for all.


Next my random day in LA:

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Balboa Island as wonderful as I remember…

Posted on July 8, 2010 by Barefoot Lovey's Traveloge

GREAT DAY WITH VISTING KNOXVILLE TENNESEE FRIENDS

This was a wonderful day!!!!

I had put a status update on my Facebook asking anyone if they wanted to go deep sea fishing. Of course the funny friends that I have in Tennessee took the opportunity to post remarks saying to “PICK ME, PICK ME”. My friend Mark replied saying he would like to go and would I want to go Thursday or Friday of the upcoming week. Well I figured he was joining the funny guy bandwagon since he lives in Knoxville. Luckily he wasn’t. It happens that he and his wife, Norene, were coming out to visit his parents for a few days in Laguna Beach the following week. We decided on Thursday and that we would go out of Davey’s Locker in Newport Beach. We were both really excited.


The following Thursday they picked me up at  Laurel’s – my couch surfing host – house in Costa Mesa for our adventure. When we got to the pier we parked and decided that it would be a blast to take the ferry to Balboa Island for the day instead of fishing. All thought it was a great idea. We walked over to the pier and were shocked that it was still just a $1. Once all the way to the other side…about a three minute ride…we got off the ferry and began a walk around the entire island.

We caught up on all the happenings in Knoxville. Talked about our families. I know Mark as one of my favorite members at the YMCA in Knoxville. I am used to seeing him every day and look forward to his smile, but we haven’t had time to really get to know about each other’s families and such. This was a great time to do just that. Norene is such a beautiful and sweet person. She added to the day perfectly.  They have done work to their home and knew different structure details we saw around the island that they kindly explained to me.

The island was so pretty. Norene made the comment that it must be some kind of law in Balboa that everyone had to have a gorgeous yard and beautiful flowers. AMAZING. We took so many pictures of homes and gardens and statues.

There was one especially cool statue of four kids playing. The one on top appears to be on a wave. Then there is a boy a level down and a boy on the back that is climbing up and covered in real greenery, but the one that I was so taken with was the girl at the bottom. Everything on this statue was extremely detailed right down to the folds in the Converse tennis shoes. The statue is dedicated by the artist to remind all to embrace the sweetness and simpleness of youth. The one unusual and unique and most detailed part of it was the bronzed minnow floating almost dead-like at the girl’s foot. Norene and I were taken with it and were taking pictures when Mark pointed out that it was indeed a real dead minnow. Our bad.


After walking all over the island and enjoying all the scenery we decided to go to the main street and get some lunch. Of all the wonderful smelling places we choose an adorable Italian place called Basilic. So awesome. My mouth waters now thinking back on it. We all had different food and everything was very good. I had the seafood pasta and gotta say mine was the BEST!!! We had a couple of beers and wine and then set off again.


As we began back to the ferry we were throwing around ideas of what to do next. We had thought of renting bikes or something with some excercise. As we were going back and forth with ideas we went into a little local market. There we, Mark I seem to remember, brought up the best idea….buying imported beer and wine and going to the beach and playing for a couple of hours. So that is exactly what we did!


GREAT IDEA!!! So relaxing. We drank and played by the edge of the water. We, Mark and I, have missed the energy and overall feel of the Pacific Ocean so much in the past few years. Mark even went completely in. And was very thankful that he did.

Reluctantly we had to leave about 5pm. I had plans to go out with Laurel that night and didn’t want her to have to wait on me…


My next stop DISNEYLAND…

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VERY BEHIND IN POSTS… yes I it is Memorial Day not…

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Barefoot Lovey's Traveloge

4th of July posting. I’ve just been so busy. Now I am catching up. All the way through the 4th. Old but not so old I mistake Memorial Day for the 4th of July…BIG GRIN!!

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