Keep on Dreaminn

A little background music for your viewing pleasure

J and I celebrated our eight year wedding anniversary on June 4. As a surprise, I took him to the beautiful Dream Inn in Santa Cruz. He didn't guess where we were headed until he saw the Highway 17 sign to Santa Cruz.

Best place to stay in Santa Cruz

Although we only stayed one night, we had such a blast! Because it was our anniversary, we were upgraded to a "Cloud" level room; rooms on the highest floors. It was such a treat, as the views are phenomenal. You can hear the waves crashing and seals barking. If you haven't been to the Dream Inn, it's a place for your travel bucket list.

View of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from our room 

View of the Wharf from our room

Dream Inn Pool and Sun Deck

Our day was very relaxing. We walked to the Wharf and saw the seals. There were also a ton of jellyfish in the water. I thought it was the coolest thing ever, because I have only seen them at aquariums. 

Santa Cruz Seals Sunning

J and the Seals

After the Wharf, we headed to Ideal Bar and Grill for lunch. It's right on the sand and truly is an "ideal" place for lunch. After lunch, we made our way to the beach boardwalk. I have not been there since I was in high school. It hasn't changed much, but still makes you feel like a kid. We walked the boardwalk and rode the Sky Ride - a fabulous way to view the scenery. I joked with J that we are getting old; looking for the rides that offer the best scenic view, not the most thrill.

Ideal Bar and Grill - great lunch spot

Ferris Wheel on the Boardwalk

View from the Sky Ride

We spent the remainder of the afternoon on our balcony and later had drinks there before dinner. We wanted to explore more of the area, so went to nearby Capitola for dinner. Always in the mood for Mexican, we settled at Margaritaville (not to be confused with Buffet's Margaritaville.) After dinner, we strolled along the Capitola strand and the full moon was cascading over the water. It was a spectacular sight. Our last Capitola stop was to Starz Cupcakes. The owner gave us several cupcakes for our anniversary and they were delicious! If you are in the area, treat yourself to a Salted Carmel or Triple Chocolate cupcake. You will not be disappointed. 

Capitola Beach 

Moon over Capitola

Monday morning was a rainy day so we were thankful that the weather on Sunday was perfect. After a stop at Rip Curl, we drove up Highway 1 into San Francisco. We stopped in Sausalito at our favorite deli, Venice Gourmet and had lunch. It was a great way to end our trip.

Golden Gate Bridge 

Road into Sausalito 

So, here's to our ninth year together. I know we are both looking forward to what new adventures are in store. This is going to be an exciting year for us. It is the year that we hopefully become parents!

Celebrating 8 years

Until then...

 We will Keep on Dreaminn.

Honoring the Fallen

Happy Memorial Day!

God Bless the USA!

(click for video)

Memorial Day has become such a festive, three day holiday; I have to stop and remember what we are actually celebrating. Memorial Day, originally named Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. It was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan. Shortly after the end of the Civil War, its purpose was to honor the fallen Union soldiers.

By the 20th century, Decoration Day was extended to honor all men and women who have perished while serving the U.S. armed forces. Each year, the gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery are decorated with U.S. flags, remembering the fallen.

As Americans, we are truly blessed to live in a nation where freedom is a civil right. When you look at  the devastative turmoil in other countries, it makes you truly appreciate the great nation we live in. So many soldiers have lost their lives protecting us. They have given their lives to ensure our freedom. I am truly thankful to those who have served and continue to serve.

Please take a moment this busy weekend to remember the fallen. Be safe and remember that...

God Bless the Red, White and Blue!!!

Goodbye Funky Monkey

The music industry lost a great man today. Adam "MCA" Yauch, died after a three-year battle with cancer. Yauch, 47, was a founding member and key part of the group, The Beastie Boys.

Adam "MCA" Yauch: 1964 - 2012

You didn't grow up in the 80's without being a huge fan of the Beastie Boys. The Beastie Boys soared to the top of the music charts in 1986 with their album, License to Ill. Every teenager from my generation rocked to hits like "Brass Monkey" and "No Sleep till Brooklyn." Their biggest song, "Fight for Your Right" (To Party), became every teenager's anthem.

Fight for Your Right (To Party) Video

Yauch, musically gifted from a young age, was a self taught vocalist and bassist. The Beastie Boys first public debut was at Yauch's 17th birthday party. Yauch, who was the oldest member of the group, grew up as an only child in Brooklyn. The group was just inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last month and has sold over 40 million records. Their fame also includes four Number 1 albums and three Grammy Awards.

Mike D and Ad-Rock at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Yauch, who went by the stage name, MCA, founded The Beastie Boys with his two friends; Michael Diamond (Mike D) and Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock.) The trio made a domineering move into the rap industry, which at the time, was primarily dominated by African Americans. These three white, Jewish boys, seemingly overnight, changed the rap world.

The Beastie Boys: Ad-Rock, Mike D, and MCA

What many didn't know about Yauch, is that he traded in his party boy image in the 1990's after a visit to Nepal and listening to a lecture by the esteemed Dalai Lama. He converted to Buddhism (Tibetan Buddhism) and later became a leading advocate for Tibetan Freedom. His strong Buddhist ties paved way for the formation of Milarepa Foundation, which helps raise money and awareness for the cause.  The Milarepa Foundation also raised money for September 11 and continues to aid other charitable causes.

In Yauch's last years, he founded Oscilloscope Pictures. This was founded through his passion and keen aptitude for filmmaking. In 2008, he released his debut film, Gunnin' for that #1 Spot, a basketball documentary. He had since become a strong contender in the independent video sector.

Oscilloscope's Picture's  First Film

MCA will definitely be missed. According to close friends and music colleagues, he wast not just a wonderful musician, but a caring and respected man. Along with millions of other fans, especially those who grew up in the 80's, thank you for making music that fueled our teenage angst. Sometimes, you really do have to fight for your right.

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