Day 2691: Confessions of a first time Santa.

Arlene: acrylic, quick brush sketch

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Click here for Sam Cooke, Unchained Melody.

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Confessions of a first time Santa.

Saturday, Ann and I attended the Nakamura party,

after an afternoon concert at the La Mirada Playhouse.

It was totally unexpected when Susan Nakamura asked 

me if I would be Santa? I asked if guys wouldn't be better?

She said she had no takers? I thought for a minute and said okay.

In thirty minutes I was upstairs adding a Santa suit over my own. 

It was a deluxe costume with a beautiful beard, hair & hat.

It was fun high-fiving kids in the restaurant as I returned to the party room. I was being looked at as a different person. 

And, a popular one at that. Fun.

The older kids were more eager, they knew a gift was coming.

The little ones were curious, or leery. Who was this guy? 

Wasn't Santa a tall guy? One 3 years old refused to come to Santa.

The adults kindly welcomed Santa. See more pics here.

I've thought about it several times today & smiled each time.

Just because ...

A smile for Monday ...

Day 1907: When it rains, it pours!

grimace, junk mail collage

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Click here for Oh Happy Day, from the movie Sister Act.

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If you are young, you may not know this saying.

Or, if you live in Austria, like my great blog friend Heidi.

I had replied to one of her comments ...

"when it rains, it pours", leaving her puzzled.

I later explained that we have a product called Morton Salt,  

and their logo is a girl under an umbrella,  

with the tag, "when it rains it pours", 
meaning their salt still pours regardless of humidity.
But it came to mean a time when we are 
overwhelmed by problems ... work, illnesses etc. 
We don't hear it much anymore, even here, 
but I remember when it was common.
Do you remember?

And, would you believe I went to an adult event,

Susan & Leo's costume (preferred) party Saturday night as Eeyore!

 

Imagine wearing a bathmat to a party & you'll get the picture.

WonderWoman bought it for me years ago.

 

 

                                           

At this age,

 I don't even try to look sexy or pretty, 

funny is just fine! And I surely achieved that.

Bonus points for courage?

Demura Sensei & belated birthday cake & Santa & Eeyore

Buddy, Juan Moreno & Eeyore.

You get to hug a lot when you are dressed like that!

The cutest party-goer, the great food, the cutest couple, Santa & our great hostess, Susan!

Thank you Susan and Leo, for another wonderful party!

Eeyore & Ethan, the most handsome guy at the party. photo by Denise Bongiorno-Nguyen

Eeyore is also flashing a peace sign, or is it?

Happy Birthday to my son, the best husband to my daughter 

and best father to my three Grandhunks, ever! 

I love you, Bassel.

 

I thank you for all that you for your family and so many others,
I wish you the best birthday today ever, so far, and a wonderful, healthy, happy year ahead. I love you

 

A smile for Sunday ...

Day 1657: What I did with my rainy day.

ink brush, watercolor & collage

I usually train Mondays, but will go on Tuesday instead.

You see it's raining & I have new duck boots!

I've always wanted duck boots, and when WW & I 

went shopping (here) she talked me into splurging.

Okay, she didn't have to work too hard.

Weather-ready, I went out in the rain to check on my lil' tree.

I've been wanting to show it to you ... I rescued him. 

Actually he survived coming up through a tiny asphalt crack.

You've seen them right? And wonder if they will make it?

A while ago I eased him up & out of the crack and 

planted him in this pot, where he seems to be just fine.

He's doubled in height, I'll keep you informed.

I have a lot of jade plants enjoying the rain,

and other succulents.

I prefer low-maintenance ...

in my plants & people.

On to Edwards Marketplace Stadium Theaters ... 

cheaper on Mondays.

Checked my parking ... I'm going to a show.

Lion, the movie some of you highly recommended.

And you were right, it was excellent.

Here's a trailer:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RNI9o06vqo

I was early and had my seating choice which was ...

front row so I could look at my cool boots.

reflection in a parking lot puddle, i photo

Above is my favorite close-up of the day.

This is the way I shot it, catching the reflection at right angle.
Another fun rainy day.
 

A smile for Tuesday ...