My Garden Is My Favorite Teacher

Happy Royal Wedding Weekend Everyone! For all of you who watched it - I hope you enjoyed every moment and cried as much as I did! Dramatic? Maybe but it was so moving and just so beautiful!  Watching the ceremony (over and over...and over) reminded me of my garden?! Strange comparison, but not really.

My garden teaches me more than I realized. I was a bit hesitant at first to "start digging in the dirt" but now - I will forever be "in my garden." Just like a marriage brings together two strangers who require patience and nurturing for them to grow as people and as a couple - so does my garden. Without the attention, care and love, this garden would just be a bucket of brown dirt?!

LOOK AT THIS GARDEN!!! It's OVERFLOWING!!!  Lesson 1 - Young gardens must put down deep roots first and then they can use that energy to grow above ground.  (Same for people - putting down roots and forming relationships can then allow us to grow as people.)

WOW! Look at these Basil Leaves!! They smell SO tasty!! Lesson 2 - The garden reminds me of how amazing and lucky I am to be able to use all of my five senses!!

Look at how tall the CILANTRO is! Ever since I planted the cilantro in the planter with the basil -  I feel like everything is growing soooo amazingly! Lesson 3 - The garden teaches us that our strength is in our neighbors. Just like we need our friends and family every now and then, so does the garden. 

Look at these amazing leaves! They are getting so LARGE! Lesson 4 -  The garden grows richer as it ages! Just like us  - we only get better with age!?! RIGHT?

These are the green onions! I am just shocked with how quickly they are sprouting! If you'd like, refer to the posting from april 22nd - so just 8 days ago and you will see how fast they are growing!  Lesson 5 - To welcome the unexpected!  

Most recently planted flowers: the Dahlias, Zinnias & Marigolds.  They are taking a bit longer than i thought they would. No buds, no flowers, no colors yet. but.. my garden teaches me Lesson 6 - Be Patient. 

The mixed flowers have suddenly become a bit messy with leaves sprouting in every direction?! I think they "see" me complimenting the Cilantro and Basil so much so now they are competing?! Lesson 7 - The garden teaches me that you can be competitive without being destructive.

These are the snapdragons. They are coming along but to be honest - I thought they would be much taller by now.  They will be one of the tallest members of my garden family but not yet I suppose. Lesson 8 - I believe the garden is teaching me to save our energies for the most opportune moment. I think it will shoot up soon and totally surprise me!

When I first planted these mint seeds, it sprouted a bit and looked like it would survive the harsh rains and winds. I believe because it smelled so spear-minty, the birds enjoyed brushing their beaks with it?! I am sad to report, that lesson 9 is my garden is a lesson of loss. Although gardens are tolerant, this seed couldn't quite stay & grow as I had hoped it would. Just like in life, some things come into our lives for whatever reason and stay our whole lives or sadly, for a short time. We must enjoy the moment while it lasts and be grateful for whatever time we were blessed with.

Stay tuned for an update on the Balcony Garden towards the end of the week!

B.L.T's = Best Lazy Treat!

What's for dinner tonight?! Well since my hubby is traveling, I am being LAZY and making a tasty, simple dinner! 2 slices of Bacon, some Lettuce, 2 slices of Tomatoes, a few slices of Avocado, 2 slices of Bread toasted, a smear of Mayo and POOF --- B.L.A.T's for dinner!!

Absolutely Delicious!! 

Quick & Easy to make and even quicker & easier to clean up! 

So next time you find yourself staring in the cabinets trying to think of something to make - remember this tasty treat!! YUMMMMMMM!!!

What Lies At The End Of This Street?

Here I am in Brentwood - just 4 miles away from our apt. 

So... I am a bit embarrassed for taking this adventure but I mean - How could I not?! I had NO idea this important landmark was so close and even if it wasn't, this adventure has been on my bucket list for quite some time. I couldn't help myself. To be honest, I visited this spot yesterday AND today! I took some quick snapshots yesterday but didn't realize there was a tiny side street where the house actually sits...tucked into a tiny cul de sac. I am so glad I parked and walked down the street while three gardeners stared at me. I assume they get this all the time though? So... what lies at the end of this street?!

Welcome to Brentwood. This is the next town over and it's BEAUTIFUL! It's so close.

I took this from the intersection - about to drive onto THE street where THE house is just around the corner!

This house is just 3 houses down but I was MESMERIZED by all the GORGEOUS Roses! There were SoOoOoO many!!!

Ah.. So Close!!! It's the quietest street and totally "normal." Like any other street in America.  Except this one has a very special house on it!! But who lived here?!??!?!?!

A close up of THE sign. 5th Helena Drive. Ahhh I'm on foot at this point!! About to Trespass?

And there it is!!! THE GATE!!! HER GATE!!! The sexy, mysterious Marilyn Monroe's GATE!!! AND IT'S OPEN!! It took all I had not to walk right in... but the gardeners were in there peeking out at me so I behaved. AH!!! She lived here in 1962 for just a few months before she was found dead in her bedroom from a "probable suicide" but I believe she was MURDERED. And there are so many conflicting stories to possibly prove me right.  

You can see the spanish tiled roof through the trees there. That's a garage I believe.

There was such an eery feeling in this cul de sac. It was so quiet and as you can tell, very secluded by trees and bushes of the most beautiful flowers!

It's changed a bit over the years but that's MARILYN'S House!!! WOW.

I should've just run right in! Not like I haven't done it before?! (Kensington Palace) But.. I was too scared here.

Look at these lemon trees hanging over one of the many gates of the house!

These are growing on her wall of the blue door leading into the courtyard. I should've taken more photos! I may have to go back. Oh boy?!

As I have most likely mentioned to all of you, I am now crazy over what happened to Marilyn. Was she murdered due to the information she had about the Kennedys? Could she have been pregnant with JFK's child (or rumor has it, possibly Robert Kennedy?!!) There are SO many holes in the suicide theory because although there were plenty of pill bottles found around her, there was no glass which she would've used to help swallow them!? And the housemaid later admitted that there wasn't even running water?! Also the police admitted that her body laid in a position unlike that of someone who just suffered from a drug overdose. Not to mention that the medical examiner said no trace of any pills could be found in her mouth or stomach lining! So WHAT HAPPENED!!!  I can't help reading about that fateful weekend and isn't this amazing - NEW INFO HAS JUST BEEN RELEASED WITHIN THE LAST 10 HOURS!! Looks like I'm not the only one with Marilyn Monroe on the brain! And thank god - we must find out what happened to this young, gorgeous star!

Here's some photos from the real estate site which is or was selling her house back in July 2010. It was on the market for 3.6 million (Marilyn bought it for $90,000) but I can't tell if it's been purchased or not? Who is paying the gardeners that I saw today?! Hmm...

This is the same pool from when Marilyn lived here.. I wonder if she had a chance to swim in it? So sad.

This is her Front Courtyard. From what I could see through the open gate, this is EXACTLY what it looks like! Minus the lights on inside. So PRETTY!

Here is a picture of the living room from when Marilyn lived here. You can see the original fireplace with the tile like it is today.

This is the real estate's website photo - of the living room. I'm glad the didn't change the fireplace!  They did remove the wooden paneling and the carpet to reveal the original tiled floor!

These ar the original photos of her house and you can see the same doorway was kept leading into the living room.

And now we are back home in Santa Monica. Right there is where Marilyn did her last photo shoot on the beach with George Barris & the green towel.

She is smiling but I think she's sad here. Maybe her heart is broken?

"Such a Lovely Place..."

Welcome to the Hotel California.

What a beautiful day! The sun was shining, the wind was warm (got up to about 74 degrees) and Santa Monica was lovely! I decided after running some errands I would take a walk to the pier and beach just  to get some exercise (& photos!) Here's just a few from today's adventures! More to follow soon.

I almost fainted when I saw this. It's less than a block away from us. What the heck?

"you can check out anytime you like but you can never leave!!"

This is the spot Jeff and I usually go to when we go to the beach! Now where the hell are my muscles?! 

Bikers, Joggers, Rollerbladers, Paddleboarders, Surfers, Eliptical Bikers,  and the list goes on and on. This is MUSCLE BEACH indeed!!

A view from the Pier 

Hats, Hats - Come get your hats!!! Whatever you want - this cart has it! 

This is a great restaurant at the end of the pier on our street and it just so happens to be Khloe Kardashian's Wedding Rehearsal spot! It looks out onto the water and I believe she comes back here often! I will have to keep an eye out at The Lobster!

Where In The World Am I....

There's the newest Beverly Hills Housewife to join the crazy cast!?!? Watch out Camille...I'm team Kyle. 

Since my hubby is traveling for a bit this week, I need to keep busy, busy! I decided to take the car for a quick ride to a place I've been dying to see - Beverly Hills! I was so quick because I kept getting lost but...it's only about 10 miles from us and I will definitely have to go back soon to really explore the area!! I took a turn on the famous Rodeo Drive (upscale shopping area) but turned off after just a block because I want to walk there with my hubby when we get a chance. I will save that for next time! And some of you may not believe me but I am dead certain I saw Kyle (BH Housewife) again as I was going through a green light on Wilshire!?! She was driving too, waiting to make a turn, and I saw her shiny hair & huge glasses clear as anything! She was definitely talking very intensely on the car phone - who was on the other end?! Camille? Her sis?! Jiggy the dog?! I had my camera in hand, power on but couldn't snap her photo in time while driving! I wish I had but I hope there's a third chance with her?! I actually tried to turn around but with there being so many forks in the road there - I lost her. Next time.. I will be ready!!

When I saw this, I knew I was in the right place!

I just liked the name of this place! With the ZIP!! 90210!!

The main road into Beverly Hills has gorgeous greens where you can walk, jog, read, etc! Very pretty!

 I can't get enough of the Palm Tree Lined Streets! Lovely!

I was searching but this was the only 90210 High School I could find! I'm not sure if this is THE high school in the show though?! I will have to do some research for next time!

This sign scared me - "When it rocks, are you ready to roll? April is Earthquake Preparedness Month"

Such pretty statues & flowers all around.  

Yes, Rodeo Drive. Where all the Rich & Famous Shop. I didn't. lol.

Very beautiful Indeed. Jeff and I are going to get some exercise soon walking Rodeo Drive!!

Another shot of the one block I drove down on Rodeo!?! I couldn't get off of there fast enough lol.

Just off of Rodeo Drive is THE VILLA BLANCA!! The lovely & so sweet Lisa Vanderpump (BH housewife) and her hubby own this pretty restaurant! I think I will ask Jeff to go here one day - maybe we will see them?!

I tried to find parking to take better photos but boy was it busy all around here! So for now.. here's a close up!?! Just like on television! I was SEARCHING for Lisa - or Jiggy?!!? LOL. No luck today.

The Famous Beverly Hilton Hotel - Gathering place of Stars & Presidents: (Reagans, JFK, Marilyn Monroe etc) Place to see & be seen.

Beverly Hills, Part 1. Part 2 will soon follow. I've got to ck out the amazing houses that are here?!?