The Hard Life of "MY" Sparrows!

There are a few sparrows that unofficially live in my backyard. I have a well-used bird feeder, a frequently-visited birdbath, and a shaded backyard with hundreds of branches for them to play hide and seek in!!!

Earlier today, I was thinking, what do "my" sparrows do all day? they neither have to look for food or water since they are provided for them, nor do they have to look for a "shower" since they have their own private bath, or have to look for a safe, or shady place to play since they have their own free and safe garden. So what do they do all day long? Where do they go when they are not "home"?

To top it all off, my sister Mary had an architect called Kevin and a developer called Mark build them a "house" of their own. The deluxe birdhouse arrived this week and I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was in "Nahzi's Blue". I haven't put it out there since I am not done using it as a decorative piece yet!!!

But seriously, where do they go all day?



What are they looking for?!

I am beginning to think that perhaps they have their home and family elsewhere and my backyard is simply their "khooneh Khaaly" (Bachelor Flat for my Gringo readers)

You know how it is; 9 out of 10, my imagination is more colorful and interesting than reality ;)

Happy Independence Day Homeless Veterans!

Creating small care packages for the homeless is usually a joyous occasion for me.

However, something does not feel right when you are putting together care packages for homeless people that include veterans on the anniversary of the Independence Day of the most powerful and richest country on Earth!!!
Don't you think there is something wrong with this picture?!
I certainly do!

But I cannot help it but go on with doing my little tiny part in this vast and deep ocean of a remarkable puzzle!

Brunch on a Rooftop

............."Boxwood on the Roof" - The London - West Hollywood.............

It is not every day that you get to meet the executive chef of a high-class eatery in person. Well, I guess I was in luck because as my friend and I were waiting to be seated at the "Boxwood on the Roof" at the London Hotel in West Hollywood, a good looking man, dressed as a chef, personally greeted us and exchanged pleasantries and welcomed us to the establishment.

Moments later, mimosas and croissants arrived "with the compliments of the chef".
Aaaah.... I had forgotten the feeling of being treated by a true gentleman.
Merci beaucoup Monsieur Anthony Keene.

In My Father's Memory

In Memory of my father, on the 31st anniversary of his passing, I think of him and say,

I hope I make you proud dad, even though you're no longer here,
Your memory grows stronger, with every passing year,

Wishing I could hold your hand, to shout your name aloud,
You're no longer here dad, but I hope I make you proud.

Thanks dad for all the memories. <3

In this picture: He and his beloved sister; late Houri Joon. May they both rest in peace. <3

Red Roses Are Not Only For Valentine's Day!

Today, June 12th is the 'National Red Rose Day'. The BEST excuse to surprise an unexpected recipient; A friend, neighbor, relative, or that special someone. Red roses are NOT only for Valentine's Day. Have a blessed day.

What’s more classically romantic than red roses? Almost everyone knows (or should know) that a brilliant bouquet of red roses is the perfect way to declare feelings of romantic love. Whether in celebration of an anniversary, wedding, Valentine’s Day or even National Romance Month (August), there is no mistaking the implication of passion, desire and above all, love, associated with red roses. So, how has the red rose become what it is known for today? Click here to learn more! http://www.proflowers.com/blog/history-and-meaning-behind-red-roses?ref=organicgglunkwn&prid=pfseogglunkwn

رُز، گل سرخ، گل محمدی، گل سوری، یا وَرد،[۱] سرده‌ای (رده‌ای) از تیرهٔ گل‌سرخ است که نزدیک به ۱۵۰ گونه دارد. جای اصلی رویش رز خودرو در نیمکرهٔ شمالی کرهٔ زمین است و تاکنون در نیمکرهٔ جنوبی رز خودرو دیده نشده‌است.[۲] گل رز در بسیاری از بخش‌های ایران بخوبی می‌روید همچنین در اکثر بخش‌های خاورمیانه، اروپا و روسیه نیز به فراوانی یافت می‌شود. این گیاه برای مصارف صنعتی بیشتر در کشورهای بلغارستان، ترکیه و فرانسه کشت می‌شود. در سال ۱۹۷۹ پژوهشگران در انجمن جهانی رز توافق کردند تا رزها در سه گروهِ رزهای خودرو، رزهای باغی قدیمی و رزهای باغی جدید قرار گیرند همچنین رزهای انگلیسی نیز به مجموعه‌ای از گل‌های رز باغی قدیم و جدید گفته می‌شود که توسط پرورش دهندهٔ رز انگلیسی، دیوید اوستین بوجود آمده‌اند. تاکنون بیش از ۲۰٬۰۰۰ رقم رز نامگذاری شده‌است و هر ساله صدها نوع جدید نیز به این مجموعه افزوده می‌شود. رز به عنوان ملکهٔ گل‌ها آوازه دارد. پرورش رز تنها برای لذت بردن از زیبایی این گل نیست بلکه از این گل برای عطرسازی، فرآوری چای، مربا، لیکور و بسیاری مواد خوراکی دیگر استفاده می‌شود. عطر رز آرامش بخش سامانه عصبی است و در راحت به خواب رفتن انسان کارایی دارد و به همین سبب در عطردرمانی بکار برده می‌شود. اسانس رز گرانترین اسانس دنیا است و هر گرم آن معادل یک گرم طلا در بازار جهانی قیمت دارد. گل رز از نظر کثرت قرار گرفتن در جایگاه گل ملی مقام نخست را در میان همه گل‌ها دارد و در ۱۰ کشورِ ایران، آمریکا، انگلستان، ایتالیا، رومانی، عراق، عربستان سعودی، مراکش، لوکزامبورگ و بلغارستان به عنوان گل ملی انتخاب شده‌است.

https://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%B1%D8%B2

Love Thy Neighbor ❤💙💚💛💜

A dear friend, who regularly flies on first class, let me have her flight kits of toiletries to include in the 14 little care packages I put together for my local homeless people with the hope that they will cause 14 smiles. 😊❤

It is easy to love one another....
Easy and effortless. ...
I love you ❤💙💚💛💜

In JFK's Memory

My first "encounter" with him (JFK!) was the commemorative plate that hung in my grandma's family room bearing his picture and the Seal of the President of the United States! I guess I liked him, his friendly and attractive face, and his wide smile before I knew anything about him. I must have been but 6 or 7 and already a "fan"!!!

He has been on my mind for the last month or so since I knew we would be approaching his 100th Birthday. I couldn't possibly express my sentiments as his daughter, Caroline could. So why don't we just watch it together?

Click on this to watch the commemorative video his only surviving child, Caroline Kennedy has published.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/24/politics/jfk100-caroline-kennedy-100th-birthday/index.html?sr=fbcnn0524kennedy

Has The Evolution Of This Nation Brought Us To Electing THIS President?

On this "Memorial Day" weekend, I can't help but wonder whether all those who lost their lives for this country could've possibly imagined that what they are fighting for would evolve to a point that a large percentage of their descendants will elect THIS President to sit at the throne of the 'Most Powerful Nation'!
The President that the professional writer of the following article (A Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley) says this about;

"...The analogy is pervasive among his critics: Donald Trump is like a child. Making him the President was like making a 4-year-old the leader of the free world. But the analogy is profoundly wrong, and it’s unfair to children."

Has the evolution of this nation really brought us to electing THIS President?!!! :(


Click on here for the full NY Times article

"4-Year-Olds Don’t Act Like Trump" By: Alison Gopnik is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/20/opinion/sunday/4-year-olds-children-trump-gopnik.html?_r=0

The National Cellophone Tape Day!!!

As anyone who has lived with me, worked with me, or knows me very well, can attest to this, cellophane tape is a part of my DAILY, I really mean DAILY, life!!!! So, it is just befitting that I, of all people, honor and celebrate the National Cellophane Tape Day!!! So, here we go.... Hurray :) 🎂

===================================

NATIONAL CELLOPHANE TAPE DAY

Observed annually on May 27th is National Cellophane Tape Day. It is hard to imagine where we would be without this invention. How would we wrap our Christmas and birthday gifts?

This everyday household and office item, which is also known as invisible tape or Scotch Tape, was invented by Richard Gurley Drew (June 22, 1899 – December 14, 1980). Drew joined the 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1920, first inventing the masking tape in 1926, followed by the invention of the cellophane tape in 1930.

Originally designed to seal Cellophane packages sold in grocers and bakeries, the new adhesive missed its mark. By the time all its drawbacks were resolved, DuPont introduced heat-sealed cellophane.

Regardless, with a resounding endorsement from customers, 3M found a market in both the home and the office.

Celebrating National Pizza Party Day!!!

I may be able to "Kick the Habit" but I don't have to "FORGET" the joy of eating pizza!!! In memory of the days, I could indulge in slices of Pizza, I help to celebrate, at least in spirit, The National Pizza Party Day on Friday!
I can just close my eyes and remember the wonderful taste of Pepperoni and mushroom in my mouth! :) ;)

NATIONAL PIZZA PARTY DAY https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-pizza-party-day-third-friday-in-may/

Each year on the third Friday in May, millions of pizza lovers across the nation join in extolling the qualities of pizza on National Pizza Party Day. Celebrate by inviting friends and family to share a night of fun at your favorite pizzeria. Another way to celebrate is with a homemade pizza with fresh toppings or by having one delivered.

In ancient Greece, Greeks enjoyed bread covered with oils, herbs, and cheese.
In Byzantine Greek, the word was spelled “πίτα”, pita, meaning pie. A sheet of dough topped with cheese and honey, then flavored with bay leaves was developed by the Romans.

The modern pizza had its beginning in Italy as the Neapolitan flatbread. The original pizza used only mozzarella cheese, mainly the highest quality buffalo mozzarella variant which was produced in the surroundings of Naples.

It was estimated that the annual production of pizza cheese in the United States in 1997 was 2 billion pounds.
The first United States pizza establishment opened in 1905 was in New York’s Little Italy.
Pizza has become one of America’s favorite meals.

HOW TO OBSERVE
Share photos of your pizza party on your favorite social media and include #PizzaPartyDay

HISTORY
Our research has not determined the origins of National Pizza Party Day.

"The Bodyguard", A Concert Or A Play?!

It would've been accurate if this "Play" was advertised as 'Deborah Cox's Rendition of "The Bodyguard"'s songs. She did a GREAT job doing that. However, it was advertised as an "Adaptation of the 1992 movie; The Bodyguard" and there, it felt short, seriously short!

I admit, that partially, we may fell in love with chemistry and THE LOVE that was radiant between Kevin Kostner and Whitney Houston and THAT, may not be easily duplicated.

Both Deborah Cox and Jasmin Richardson (who plays as her sister) have FABULOUS voices but the rest of the "PLAY" is just a poor adaptation of the movie. As a concert, it was good!!!

The Closing Number, "I want to Dance With Somebody", was very energetic and suggested audience participation. They had EVERYONE up on their feet, clapping, singing and dancing as the entire cast performed on stage.

Overall, a good night. It is ALWAYS good to be at a theater and breath in THAT AIR even if what is happening on stage falls short of your expectations.

Link to watch and hear a sample of songs performed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63BUDrcM7sI

You are so missed my dear....
Every time I hear your name, see your picture or catch a passing glimpse of you in a film, I get teary eyed.
I still cannot watch a movie of yours...
My heart was so broken and it hasn't healed.

I think YOUR passing personified "death" to me and as I told close friends and relatives, 31 years after the passing of my father, YOUR DEATH is what made THAT real for me. REALLY......

Winter In Wonderland!!!

Happy Valentine's Day....

A typical February day in the lovely, sunny, springy, Santa Monica!