Natalie Arianna Hodosy Brander

Natalie Arianna Hodosy Brander
December 18, 1999 to November 10, 2009

Monday, September 3, 2007

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Where did it go? I swear it was Chloe's graduation only yesterday and now all of the stores have pumpkins and Halloween candy! Got some fishing and boat camping in, lounged by the pool, read a historical romance novel (Catherine Coulter rocks! :), caught up on life, conceded defeat to the mole in my garden (I'll get him next year!), made homemade pesto and actually found myself at the farmer's market a few times for some home-grown tomatoes. Summer would not be complete for me without a nice caprese salad or two.

It felt good to slow down after a year like I've had - such a whirlwind of changes. New house, moving, death, empty nesting, travel, job, and basically, just LIFE.

I think I'm getting my mojo back. Yeah Baby. Look out. I love Fall.
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No Fear

Ojai is known for its Pink Moment when at Sunset the sky turns mauve and pink over the Topa Topa mountains. Even better than Sunset is watching the moon rise over the Valley, a truly breathtaking view. A full moon over the Valley is magic and is asbolutely my favorite view. One of these days I'm going to have a "Howl at the Moon Party". Its on my short list - golf is on the long list. As a child growing up on a large avocado ranch, I remember space, free time and privacy around me. Being able to get lost in the trees, finding a path overgrown by vines and creating a secret place where my sisters and I could play with our avocado leaf money and our water color make-up for an entire day and no one was worried. No people, lots of imagination, a trust in ourselves and a pace and innocence that most of us have forgotten. Fear is so alive in today's World. Our greatest challenge is to live a life without fear. To openly love. To openly accept love. To embrace life with intent and without reservation. No fear. Nike had it right.

Howl at the Moon

Howl at the Moon
No Fear

Dream House

Dream House
Not a Nightmare - I swear!

Dreams vs. Nightmares

I'm not saying I'm actually remorseful - that would sound spoiled. But I really am wondering what possessed Mike and I to give up an apartment in Carpinteria on the beach and a house in Ojai with a pool for a 2 acre piece of dirt with "Life Long Project" written all over it. Its easy - the answer is Dreams. You have to have them. What would we have done if we could only fish and kayak on the weekends instead of backhoe, plaster and paint? This will be OUR home with new memories and stories. Fishing can be for weekends. It isn't a nightmare...do I sound convincing?