Out My Window

This morning, I was sitting at my window and I stopped and just looked. Yesterday it snowed. Yep. Snow. On October 29th. Ah, New England... Today, there is not a cloud in the sky and, at 8:30, is already warmer than it was all day yesterday. It's not Warm ~ don't get me wrong. But nor is it Cold, the way it was yesterday. It is a perfect autumn day. Ah, New England...

As I stopped and looked at the blue sky, the green trees, and the red brick of the buildings around me, a magnificent blue jay swooped down and landed in the tree closest to my window. He and I stared at each other for a moment before he cocked his head and flew away. While I was still wondering at that, a large, black ... crow? I assume...came and perched in the exact same spot. We also examined each other a moment. His/Her black eyes stared into mine what felt like a full minute ~ which means it was probably 6 or 7 seconds because of that strange thing time can do ~ before blinking once and taking off, just as the jay had done.

When I looked back out at the world, everything seemed a little brighter, a little bolder. The blue sky was deeper; the green trees, more lush; the red brick, stronger and more stately. Now, I admit, I don't know much about animals or what they portend. Perhaps there is someone reading this (CrackerLilo? Appsrus?) thinking "Oh No! Pobble, go back to bed and stay there until the horrible thing passes!" Perhaps there is someone reading this (CrackerLilo? Appsrus?) thinking "Oh Pobble! You lucky woman! What a blessing to have been visited by these two birds at once!" And perhaps being visited by a jay and a crow means nothing in particular. (Sometimes the lesson is that there is no lesson...) Still, these two beautiful creatures brightened my morning ~ literally.

And so, regardless of what they are "supposed" to portend, that's the energy I will carry with me today. The energy of these two beautiful, regal beings who stopped by to wish me a good day and left me one in their wake. May you have one as well.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

The Boston-ish Pobble (with thanks to Jaded)

My father once told me that there are two ways to make a decision. One, you want to live somewhere so much you are willing to do whatever you have to do in order to live there. Two, you want to do something so much you are willing to live anywhere you have to live in order to do it. Now, I'm still not sure if this is true or not ~ and I know it is playing out right now.

Last night, I put a deposit down on an apartment in Worcester.

That's how much I want to write.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Me 'n Joe Walsh

So, I'm driving home from the Cathouse today, listening to my favorite classic rock station and bopping along with the high-speed lane traffic. And who comes on but Good Ol' Joe reminding us that Life's Been Good to (Him) So Far.

First time I heard that song, I was 8. It was our last year in Austin. Brooke Olsen was my best friend. David Little was the love of my life. My father was my hero. Twenty was Old. We all struggled over if we would marry Arthur Fonzerelli or Vinnie Barbarino and live happily ever after. We were as likely to be caught singing anything by Joe Walsh as we were to be caught humming Delta Dawn or Colorado Rocky Mountain High. And even then, I couldn't wait to be 36.

Here I am at 36. It seems a lot younger than it did from the opposite side of 10, let me tell you. I don't have a driver and a limo. I don't own one home, let alone three. Brooke and David have long since become memories and Daddy became far too human to stay my hero ~ and it made me love, appreciate and respect him all the more. And you couldn't PAY ME to be 20 again and be that young. While I am still likely to be caught singing Joe Walsh songs, you can also find everything from Bare Naked Ladies to George Winston and Loreena McKinnit to Mozart and Bach in my c.d. collection as well. I didn't become Mrs. Fonzerelli or Mrs. Barbarino (oh thank God!) and my happily ever after didn't work out too well, either.

So, I sit here in my fabulous apartment, with my candles lit and my aforementioned George Winston, which will soon be followed by the also aforementioned Loreena McKinnit, playing. A drink on my computer next to me and the sound of the city coming through my window. And I realize Good Ol' Joe had it right. I can't complain but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far. Makes me look forward to the next 36.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee ~ if not Joe's particular stimulant of choice.

Finally Autumn

Yesterday, I made the drive from Boston to the Lovely Cats's (with a detour to check out an apartment in Worcester) and the leaves are finally changing and there is a noticable bite in the air, even during the day. We are missing the firey orange and the blazng reds this year ~ mostly we have rusts and yellows. But this is the thing about the yellows of New England as opposed to the yellow of Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, or Colorado (the other places I have spent autumn)...the yellow of New England isn't just a tame, bland yellow. It's a warm yellow, the yellow of a house lit by firelight, the yellow of gold sparking in bright in sunlight.

It invites you in from the dark afternoon and asks you if you want a cup of cocoa. It hints at brisk days under the pale autumn sun, playing with friends. It whispers of cold nights in front of a fireplace, snuggled in your favorite sweater.

Autumn and all its gifts has been here for a few weeks now. It has been hard to recognize it. Now, with the warmth of the yellows and rusts blowing in a brisk wind, it's impossible to miss.

Those are Pobbble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee ~ or hot cider!

I'm stealing from the Lovely Cats. She didn't tag me. I'm just stealing. And actually, I had this idea while I was hibernating but before I read her blog. Which no one will believe but her (because that's just the way our brains work) so I'll give her the credit. 'Cause while I thought of doing this, I had no idea where to find the quiz. And stealing from each other isn't stealing. It's borrowing. ;)

For those of you who do not read her blog (findingavalon3.blogspot), this is the final quiz given at the end of The Actor's Studio. I have always wanted to take it.

So, without further ado, drumroll please...



1. What is your favorite word? both, followed closely by yes

2. What is your least favorite word? wrong

3. What turns you on, creatively, spiritually or emotionally? intelligence

4. What turns you off? unearned arrogance

5. What is your favorite curse word? fuck and all the derivatives thereof

6. What sound or noise do you love? wind through trees

7. What sound or noise do you hate? any being in pain, emotionally or physically (ok, and that really annoying person who thinks it's okay to start yelling because s/he's drunk at 3 a.m.)

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? casting agent

9. What profession would you not like to do? garbage collector or hygiene assistant

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?they're over there. just follow the singing.

Those are Pobble Thoughts (with a little help from some friends.) That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

To Think that I Saw It on Newbury Street

With thanks to Dr. Seuss for the title!

Tonight I decided I wanted a fire in my fireplace but I didn't have any wood. So, I headed out the the convenience store to grab a load. On my way, I passed...

* 2 bagpipers in full formal highland dress, playing their bagpipes for no apparent reason

* a man in a tux, lighting a pipe and sitting on a bench

* another man carrying four chairs, crown-style, on the top of his head

* five hockey goalies, dressed in full gear, walking down the street (to the beat of the bagpipes but I'm not sure they realized it)

No wonder I love Boston. :)

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

The Worcester Pobble?

(subtitled: DonDon, Step Away from the Pharmacy!)

Interesting to get back online and see how many people have been hibernating recently. I know I have. Contrary to popular belief, I am indeed an introvert. Actually, I am, according to my therapist friends, what's known among therapist circles as a Hub. It means that I require equal amounts of introverted and extroverted times. Personally, I think I'm just an introvert but they're the ones who've gone to school for this shit so who am I to argue. ;) Anyway, there isn't any "good" reason for me to have been offline. Nothing "bad" happened. Just...didn't write. Didn't socialize much. Turned down some invitations to some parties. Didn't even work (too much) on my books (as FAEE looks at the calendar, my deadlines, and grabs her heart, gasping.) Didn't return many phone calls. For no reason at all. And now I'm writing again. Probably still won't return phone calls but that's vintage Pobble regardless of if I'm being introverted or extroverted or whatever.

Okay, Pobble, fine. But what's up with the title? Well, it appears that I won't be moving to Philly anytime soon. Even Philly isn't inexpensive enough. So, until I succeed in making people give me things just 'cause I'm cute (which I will find a way to make happen one of these days), I have to find a place I can afford to live and keep writing.

Here's the thing ~ I can get a "real" job and stay here. Except what I am qualified to do in the real world is exhausting. No matter how much I have loved my jobs in the past (and Lord, have I loved my jobs) they have worn me out. If I choose to go back there, it means, in essence, these three books will be the only three I ever write. Guess what? I'm not going to do that. I'm a writer, dammit. It's who and what I am. It's what I love. So, I will live wherever (almost) I have to live in order to keep writing full-time. And if that also entails getting a part-time job at a bookstore or answering phones, that's okay. But I won't give up full-time writing.

Once this decision was made, others had to follow. The Lovely Cats and the Divine M invited me to live with them. As did my mother. Because I am neurotically independent and stubborn as a mule, I am trying to not take TLC and TDM up on their offers. My mother lives on the West Coast and that would take me too far away from my family (see my first post "Whose Family" for an explanation of that statement.)

Which made me realize...being close to the Muppet, Brian's wife, the Lovely Cats, the Divine M, Nemeria ~ that is as important as writing full time. And others. People who aren't my family but are the best friends I've had in a long time... BJ, the Happy Couple and their evil twins, Peaches, Jaded, my not-ex-friend, FAEE, the Girlfriends. Being near them is important.

Would I have moved to Philly? In a heartbeat. It's close enough that we would have all figured something out. Away from the East Coast, though? I can't. I won't. And not because it's the East Coast anymore. Because of these people. Who mean as much as writing does.

So maybe my therapist friends aren't crazy to have spent that much cash on their educations. Maybe there is such a thing as a Hub. And maybe I really am just that such thing. But no maybe ~ I'll go to Worcester before I'll leave here. At least right now.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Bored and Chatting...

In the "Well, duh" category...





What Sign of Affection Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla



kiss on the lips - you're sweet and simple but
quite daring. you move for the kill confidently
knowing the other person wants the same thing.




If You Were A Barbie, Which Messed Up Version Would You Be?
brought to you by Quizilla




Barbie Got Back! Go you! You're the closest thing
ever to a true black Barbie. Shake that fat
ass of yours.



which happy bunny are you?
brought to you by Quizilla





congratulations. you are the kiss my ass happy
bunny. You don't care about anyone or anything.
You must be so proud





And the "Okay, whatever" category...




Who is your soul guardian?
brought to you by Quizilla




A faerie watches over you. You are charming and
cunning. You have a way with people that you
can lead them and they will follow. You're
active and ambitious. You're smart and
outgoing. You're faerie is always by your
side. Whether or not you may always see it,
your faerie is always there, keeping an eye on
you and protecting you. You're faerie is like
your conscious. It will always lead you down
the right path.






And finally, the "WTF??? You're kidding, right?" category...




Which Disney Movie are You??
brought to you by Quizilla



Your Movie is Pocahontas



Which DISNEY character are you most like?
brought to you by Quizilla




Bambi

Too Angry to Write

This is the birthday present a young friend of mine was given at school. She has just turned 17. She is a senior, taking advanced classes AND college classes. She can act. She is beautiful. She has dreams and plans far bigger than the small town in which she lives. She is bisexual. She is a caring, loving Christian who takes her faith seriously. Guess which ones her peers care the most about?

I am so angry I can barely write. The police won't do anything about it because it "took place on school property." So, apparently, hate crimes aren't hate crimes between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. At that point, they are simply childish pranks and can be handled by the principal. So many other bloggers I know could be so beautifully eloquent right now ~ DonDon, the Butler, and the Lovely Cats come to mind immediately ~ but all I can do is be angry.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

DonDon's Tag

I'm It. DonDon gave me a very interesting tag. Here are the rules:

1. Go into your archives.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the 5th sentence (or close to it.)
4. Post that, along with these rules, in your blog.
5. Tag 5 people.


And the 5th sentence of my 23rd posting was:

"People are dying."

Pretty startling, huh? It was a post entitled "New Orleans." 'Nuff said, don't you think? Now, this could rapidly turn into a pretty depressing post. Unlike if it had been the 22nd posting which was practically an Ode To Life or the 24th, which was delightfully sarcastic. No, it had to be the 23rd ~ people dying in New Orleans. So, we will move along to the tagging section of our entertainment this evening...

1. The Lovely Cats (because I will always tag her, even when I don't really tag)
2. Nemeria (ditto)
3. Jaded
4. Blue Dog
5. The Butler (not sure if he reads this or not but if he does ~ hey! Tag!)

And I'm looking forward to reading the other tags DonDon left, too (yes, Cracker, Ruben, BrettCajun and Hikaruland, that's you!).

Those are Pobble Thoughts ~ past and present, with some help from DonDon. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Looking Around

It's raining. It's raining and it's muggy and it's very un-autumn-ish. I have cramps that go from my chin to my knees. So, I grabbed my smokes and went outside ~ pissy and ready to humph at the world. Here's what I saw:

1. An old man (80+) with a little girl (>10). He was holding the umbrella. She was skipping and splashing in the puddles. They were laughing.

2. Two (apparent) strangers, one trying desperately to parallel park. The other walking by. The one walking by stopped, gave the driver hand directions so she didn't slam into the car behind her, and went on with a friendly wave once she was set.

3. A young woman out for ~ and finishing up ~ a run. Who, when it came time to stop, stretched her arms wide, leaned her head back a grinned into the rain.

4. The mailman help my neighbor get her baby, the stroller, her purse, the diaper bag and another bag down her steps.

5. Reddish-brown leaves blowing in the wind, being carried with the rain.

Mind you, the rain didn't stop. Autumnal weather didn't suddenly sweep in. And my cramps are thinking about leasing another body because mine is running out of room for their expansion plans. It would have been very easy for me to be out there, under my umbrella, humphing at the world. There were certainly many other humph-worthy things to focus on. God, I'm glad I didn't.

I don't try to be pollyanna. I believe completely in feeling whatever we are feeling ~ if it's being happy or humphing. And yet, when the Universe innudates us with such unexpected beauty...it's just too damn hard to try and stay humphing in light of that. I hope I remember this next time, too. Because there will be a next time because I do feel all my emotions so I get humph-y. But I hope, in the midst of the humphing, I will look around. Look and at least be willing to see beauty that's there.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Hoops and YoYo

Remember the post I made on taking Time Outs? Well, here it is again in case you don't or are new here:

Time Out

And you may have noticed there's a new link over there since about Tuesday to Hoops and YoYo. Hoops and YoYo have been for several months now, one of my favorite places to Time Out.

Here's the odd thing (okay, the other odd thing ~ Hoops and YoYo are pretty odd to begin with) ~ they are a division of Hallmark of all places. They are not their own independent, funky little website. They just seem like their own independent, funky little website. And they make me laugh.

They make me laugh on days when all is right in my world. They make me laugh when I'm having one of those days. When I am happy, sad, irritated, sarcastic (okay, I'm always sarcastic but you get the idea), they can make me laugh. And that's saying quite a lot in this day and age. Just as we need more Time Outs, we need more laughter.

Now, let me warn you ~ my sense of humor is a bit...ahem...touched. A little random, shall we say. However, for me, an over-caffeinated, sugared up pink...cat, maybe and green...bunny, I think...singing about needing more caffeine and more sugar and telling ghost stories about giant, mutant marshmallows is just random enough to make me laugh.

So, check them out. They may not be your cup of tea and that's fine. Even if they don't make you laugh, you will, at least, have gotten a Time Out. And we all need more of those.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee (and a donut with extra sprinkles!)

Birthday Party

I think one of the greatest compliments I can be paid is "You always throw the best parties." For me, entertaining is an art. It's something I truly, truly love to do and when people are comfortable and having fun in my home, I'm happy (happy lots of other times and places, too, mind you ~ but that's what this particular post is about so...) At one point, I sat back (as I knew I would) and just listened to the laughter of my friends. Mind you, at another point, I looked at the clock to make sure it wasn't too late on a Thursday night for us to be making this much noise! Both times, the sound of it was beautiful.

The candles were lit, the jazz/swing/big band cd's were in the stereo, the daiquiris were icy and the cake was delicious (if I do say so myself!) And I got presents. I do love presents! And because these people know me well, I got great presents ~ which is even better and makes it so much easier to open them in front of other people.

Not everyone knew each other but by the end of the evening, everyone was hugging everyone else. And, when people started pulling me aside to say "You always throw the best parties" it just made the night that much better for me. And when we drink we drink together...

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

And When We Drink, We Drink Together

The title of this post comes from a song by Blackmore's Night. The lyrics are about good friends. When we sing, when we drink, when we fight, if we fall...we do it together. Here's the thing about good friends, as you know, I've got 'em.

Tonight, my favorite Bostonians (most of them anyway) are coming over to help celebrate my birthday. What a week this has been. Started at the spa with the Lovely Cats and the Divine M. Continued Monday night and Tuesday afternoon with my ex-fella (who makes an amazing non-ex-friend). Wednesday, FAEE and I did our Indian food dance (we always order the same thing but we always put up the appearance of studying the menu.) Tonight, these friends. Tomorrow, the Muppet and his Peaches are coming over. If it gets better than this, I can't tell you how. (Unless it would include Nemeria and the One being able to make it in)

Here's an announcement ~ I'm not a neat person. I'm clean ~ but I'm a slob. What does this have to do with my friends? These people don't expect every surface to be dusted. My desk will look like my desk always does. My bedroom door will be closed ~ and they will all know why (I tend to not put away laundry...). That pile of papers there in that corner of the kitchen? It'll be there tonight when they buzz. In fact, I think most of them would be hugely insulted if the place was cleaned within an inch of its life before they got here.

Here's another announcement ~ I'm painfully shy. Painfully. If I'm in my own territory and with people I feel comfortable around, you would never guess it in a million years. If I'm not ~ well, I'm painfully shy. I'm also an introvert. Seriously. And these people know that, too. When, at some point this evening, I sit back in my chair and just watch (as I undoubtedly will), smiling at having most of my favorite Bostonians in one place, no one will ask me if I'm okay. No one will force me back into the conversation until I am ready to rejoin. Taking the time to soak it all in and appreciate the moment is not only accepted, it's expected.

I believe a couple of things are happening here. First, as I am getting older (not that 36 is old, mind you; I'm not saying that!), I am coming to appreciate the people in my life more. Second, this is probably my last birthday in Boston for a while. And I've been celebrating it with these people for years now. Hell, one of them, I've been celebrating it with long enough that when we started, she was the only friend I had here and it was just the two of us.

Last year, I threw a huge, blow-out party at a club. I'm told I had a good time. ;) This year, I just want these people with me. A couple drinks, a cake, some munchies, and my favorite folks. It's going to be a momentous year. I can feel it. What better way to get it started than this?

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Clarification

First, let me say that this post is not based on any of the comments I have received here. It is based on feedback I have received in other forums.

Re: The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book...

Yes, I get that I was lucky enough to grow up shopping there and that my mother still does.
Yes, I do dream big.
Yes, I do intend to spend thousands of dollars on quality furniture, luxurious linens, and table settings once Pauline starts making her mark.
Yes, I do want to own a large monstrosity of a house on the coast of Gloucester one day with about 14 more rooms than I need.
Yes, I do understand that not everyone who shops at Neimans and other high ends stores are selfish, socially unaware, or shallow.
Yes, I understand that there are people who shop at Target who are selfish, socially unware and shallow.
And yes, I understand that these people's $840 for an iPod carrying case has nothing to do with the defense budget and soldiers getting equipment they need.

And yes, I still feel the same way and that paying that much money for something that you probably won't be using in another year is outrageous. Especially considering how much need in the world there is.

You don't have to like it. I won't apologize for it.

Those are STILL Pobble Thoughts. And that and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book

First, if you haven't left me a birthday comment, I would still love one. It's the next post down. Yes, this is a Shameless Pobble Plug. :D

Now...

The Neiman's Christmas Book showed up today. If you don't know, Neiman Marcus is a high-end, very expensive department store based out of Texas. Their flagship store is in Dallas (and the only store where the actual, real, honest Santa Claus goes. Macy's has nothing on Neiman's!) God, do I remember as a kid when my parents would get it, flipping through this and ooo-ing and ahhh-ing and pretending I could buy anything I wanted out of it. I still can't afford a damn thing ~ I mean, come on, does anyone really need an $840 iPod carrying case? And no, that's not a typo. That's not supposed to be $84. It really is eight hundred forty dollars. Honestly, I would hope that, when (when!) I can afford an $840 iPod carrying case, I will still have the good sense not to buy an $840 iPod carrying case. The even more amazing thing is that after the oil markets in Texas crashed in the '80s, the prices and selection in the Neiman's Christmas Book went down ~ and they still haven't completely recovered. But I digress...

This morning, I sat on my stoop and flipped through this catalogue. The five-year old in me got incredibly excited again. Glitteries and silkies and slinkies and strappies... A set of dominos at $295. A $5000 dog sculpture made of watch faces. A $20,000 personal photo booth like you see at malls. A 1.5 million dollar private concert from Elton John (yes, you can buy Elton John from Neiman's). And, I shit you not, a 3.5 million dollar sky car. Neiman's is selling a car that flies. How can the kid in any of us not geek out over this stuff. So I feel no guilt at the vicarious rush I get reading this catalogue.

Then I start to think about...
...the Gulf Coast devastation
...American soldiers without proper equipment in a war
...thousands and thousands of working poor who are doing what they are "supposed" to do and still can't insure and feed their children
...the elderly trying to live on the pittance offered by social security after a lifetime of paying into it
...and, and and...

And there is so much. Which makes me ask again, does anyone ~ anyone ~ really need an $840 iPod carrying case???

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

And Then There's Reality...

Today is my birthday (and yes, honestly, 36 comments might be nice if we can manage it. that was a cool idea!) . It is not yet noon. I have spoken with my mother and instant messaged with my bio-sister. Mom is feeling better (has the flu wicked bad); bio-sis has a really busy day planned; and my mom's stepdaughter's wedding was lovely. Thanks, Nemeria.

I got a notice from my car insurance company that they had been unable to reach us (my ex or me) regarding the reduction in coverage for the '98 jeep wrangler. Which is mine. Which I have not reduced coverage on. Which is covered by insurance to be managed and paid by my ex per our divorce settlement. I have emailed her back.

When I woke up this morning, something had bitten me. A lot. So I had welts all over my arms and face. Have taken a benedryl which is making me sleepy and not want to have to run the errands that need running. (for those of you who are now freaking out ~ no, I didn't need my epi and it wasn't anywhere close to anaphylaxis. just itchy.)

Sigh. Still today is my birthday and that makes me really, really happy. I'm 36 and things just keep getting better. I had an amazing weekend and am still glowing (literally and figuratively) from that. Later this week, my Boston friends will help me celebrate the day. Today, I will celebrate the day. And I will deal with the insurance. And I will go ahead and take my mid-day nap now because the benedryl is knocking me out and that's Just Fine. Reality may be back but I'm in a pretty good place to handle it.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

By the Sea

Sigh. The Lovely Cats, the Divine M and the Boston Pobble spent the weekend at a spa. Sigh. We had salt scrubs, wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures, and massages. We have been pampered and relaxed and released to within an inch of our lives. We have laughed until our stomachs hurt. We have cried over nothing and everything. We have done both at once.

All three of us had different providers: I had Lara; the Divine M had Tina; and the Lovely Cats had Beth. TLC looked at me Friday night and said, "I have to talk to you about something. I'm in love with a woman named Beth." I laughed because I totally understood. You know what the sign of a good spa is? We've decided. It's when three people sit around listening to the raves of the others and each one still pities the others for not having her provider. That's a quality staff, right there.

And we met the Earth Mother. Wow. What an amazing lady. Technically, she is the room manager/cleaning crew for the inn. In reality, she is a huge part of the inn's heart and spirit. She's hot shit. After the Lovely Cats left, the Divine M, the Earth Mother and I sat in the suite and talked for over an hour, until if we hadn't left when we did, the Divine M would miss her train. And we still thought about telling one more story, sharing one more thought...

Okay, there was one person on staff that we didn't like. I'm not going to talk about her here because that's not what this is about. Tomorrow, when the owners are on site, I will call and give feedback ~ the positive and this one person (who really was the ONLY negative of the entire weekend). That being said, the staff is the friendliest, most professional, most caring group of people.

When I met the man who lives on site and acts as the innkeeper for the owners, I said "Hi! I'm the Pobble. My friends and I are staying in the Ivy Suite." His response? "Oh! You're the really great ones everyone is talking about!" I don't know if that was true or not but it certainly made me feel great. And the three of us kept thinking that we were the only people staying at the inn. We thought that because we were treated so incredibly attentively and well. Turns out, the place was booked solid the whole weekend. We had no clue.

The three of us kept trying to come up with new words for "relaxed" and "peaceful." The best I could come up with was that I was too relaxed to live. The Lovely Cats mentioned something about "being too relaxed to call it happy." The Divine M contributed something witty, appropriate and pithy but I was dozing and don't remember it any longer. I laughed and agreed at the time so it must have been dead on target.

And we kept bursting into tears. Sometimes, it was for understandable reasons. Othertimes, it was because the air felt so good or someone mentioned a baby or just because we loved each other so much. When the Divine M asked (sniffing through her tears) why she was crying so much, I said "Because have none of the emotional defenses up right now. We are all one big gaping, bloody, opened, relaxed wound." Hey. It worked for us.

Now, odds are this place isn't for everyone. If you are looking for rooms that come straight from a 4 or 5 star hotel, not for you. Television, fax machine, dedicated phone lines, and WiFi? Not for you. Saunas, jacuzzis, and the latest in exercise equipment? Still no. But if what you want is to relax, be pampered, sleep in the most comfortable bed, live in an immaculately clean room, and be respected and listened to by consummate professionals...This is your place.

Has a year passed yet? Can I go back now? Sigh.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

By the Sea Inn and Spa

I will post more on this later. For now, I am too relaxed and too delightfully happy for even Pauline or the Pobble to form words. Let's just leave it at this:

http://www.bytheseainnspa.com/index.html

Those are not Pobble Thoughts because the Pobble is incapable of forming coherent thought. A buck fifty will still get you coffee.