Film Noir once again~~~

Well Sweet Things,

I am going to have fun for the next week,  it will be the 11th San Francisco Film Noir Festival and Peggy Cummings will be there for the first evening,  I've bought my "passport" and special ticket well in advance and indulge in the "dark side" of films.  

Some are available on DVD some are not---yet---but for me it is once again to search for "the black bird", to find my Sam Spade again of my imagination, of my dark and distance dreams.

It rained beautifully yesterday, leaving the sidewalks wet and gleaming, I felt even a slight thrill as I was heading towards to the Ferry building.   I felt that I was not in the San Francisco of 2013 but of 1943.

I turn around and check the way I came to make sure I'm not being followed, and I watch carefully every person walking on the sidewalk, some I can easily ignore, some I become suspicious of, but it turns out they are not a threat.

I stop to give a homeless man with a dog a few dollars, his sign says "Please help me feed my dog, I can take care of myself".  He says to me "God Bless you, they don't take dogs in the homeless shelters."  I give him 5 dollars more, and tears form in his eyes and he whispers "thank you".   His dog wags a friendly tail wag and raises his paw and I shake hands with the four legged companion then checking around continue to the Ferry Building.

The Ferry takes me across the bay as I see my City of light and dark receded from view, as I reach the dock and dis-embark and walk to the bus stop a car pulls up, it is Joe and he says "Get in Sweet Heart" in a way that only Bogie could do.   My Sam Spade has shown up to take me in search of a new mystery ----and to make plans for the weekend and the following week for the Film Noir Festival.

The picture that I have posted is Dashill Hammett's Apartment in San Francisco, several film noir buffs and currently a writer lease it and have restored the apartment to approximate how it looked when Hammett lived in this apartment on Post.

I find that this is a good way to kick off the new year, and I am going to enjoy it.

Kisses Sweet Things.

Starting the New Year 2013~~~

Hello  Sweet Things,

This Diva is getting very tired of the cold, cold weather, I didn't think I would need such a heavy parka here in the Bay Area but Mother Nature is making me a liar.

I went to my first gun show of the season and could barely move around; although there were some gentlemen who would place a hand on my back and I'd turn and look them in the eye, I loved how they'd get so apologetic.  

As a matter of fact everyone was very polite, even if it was crowded.  Sales of Ammo flying out the door, and people discussing the various weapons, WOMEN asking about personal weapons for self defence and BUYING them!

And everyone just---well excuse the word---Pissed Off at Obama and Biden.  

Much of the talk was more about enforcing the laws that are currently in place; that more new laws will Not keep the guns out of criminal hands,  but making the legal gun owners more responsible about the guns they have,  gun safes of all kinds were being pushed,  more training and being aware of the laws, such as if your house is broken into and you are not home and your gun is stolen reporting that immediately.

But with a gun safe bolted to the ground that will be a deterrent, as well as having a home alarm system.

Many people were concerned that Obama will do what Hitler did, leaving the people defenseless against a corrupt government.   And don't tell me it's not corrupt, if Di-Fi can have her own personal weapon and a CCW plus armed guards then I want the same for myself.

There is a  push for more safety training and the NRA signing up people at such a rapid rate made my head spin. I even renewed by membership.  

Yes Sweet Things I am a card carrying member of the NRA.   And I spotted a few darling weapons I'm considering for future purchase.   I am also seriously looking into a CCW.  Joe would like me to have one.

The reason?  Well I am now a consultant to my former firm,  I get paid more, but I have to buy my own health and dental insurance but I can set my hours as well.  My income from fees and investments is more than enough for all my needs.   The fees that my country house brings in for parties and weddings go right into the maintenance of the house and it's taxes and insurance.  I do not keep any money from that so I do not profit from it, but my historic country house does.  A special fund is set up and over seen by myself and my care takers.

But sometimes I have to work late and Joe is worried for my safety which I can understand. 

Joe is now retired, and he was glad to get out of the police force, the insanity there was too much for a reasonable man,  the special consultant that they called in is being resisted by the Police Union and Joe says that the man has produced results in other cities.  To resist what is known to work would make any turn arounds' useless.

Joe is going to start in a few weeks for a private investigation firm, its something he's been planning for a while, of course he will keep his contacts with the police departments, he has many friends, but he's pretty sure that he will be looking into a few missing person cases.   He can only hope they will turn out well but usually they don't.

Heather and her parents have finished moving into Lillian's home, they have kept most of Lillian's furniture since they had to sell off most of theirs, and their future is looking much brighter for them, Heather's folks now have full time jobs and although they are earning less than before its more than enough especially with health benefits.  Heather is still going to college but her art work is still reflecting the loss she feels for her great grandmother.  The little beast "Baby" has become totally devoted to Heather and is doing well.

So are my Folks, Dad should be retiring but he's continuing to work, says he's decided to retire at 70 instead unless he feels the need to retire earlier.  Mom's business is slow now after the holidays, but she has an early spring wedding so she's working on the dresses for the bride and the Maid of Honor, totally 1930's style.

I am off this morning so I'll be leaving in about an hour to the office, I'm putting in a half day since most of them will be at an all morning meeting. 

I'm enjoying this new routine, but still trying to wrap my mind around it as well as dealing with the freezing cold.   I'm glad we didn't have any spare the air days for the holidays, having a fire in the family fireplace was very comforting.

And now looking at the clock I must finish getting my things together before I go out the door.

So Sweet Things, I and everyone are doing well as we start this new year of 2013.  We shall see how it develops.

Kisses Sweet Things

Lady with a Leopard~~~~

My sweet things, your opinion please~~~~~

What does this image conjure up in your mind~~~~~ Personally I like it.

Sometimes I feel as if I do have a "leopard by the tail" or leash as it maybe.  I'm home with my Family right now, and it is so festive!  

One would think it a "Thomas Kinkade" painting,  the house is so cheerful, Mom and Dad looking good and so is Baby Sis and her Sweetheart. 

It's cold, nipping the nose with a bit of frost, even Dad's dog has a nice red sweater to keep him warm.  I loved the train ride home, considering all the difficulties people have with cancelled flights,  unless you're on the west coast, visit family during Easter or the Summer time, and Skype during Christmas or even a long phone call.  Of course its not the same.  But it's safer.

This evening we are going to check out the local Christmas Tree lane and then go the Elks Lodge for a Christmas Dance, with Big Band music, Mom and Dad have become quiet the "Swingers", if I'm to believe my sister.  But it's fun.

And that is what I need right now fun.

Kisses Sweet Things

As she shakes the snow off of her recumberant body~~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

Yes it is I, the Fabulous Diva, I have been silent for far too long.

So what have I been doing?  I am now an independent  working woman, setting my own hours and fees, I'm fortunate that my income from my investment portfolio is very good and my retirement package is excellent, and my company has hired me back on an independent contractor basis so I'm making more.

Joe is still in the retirement process, his last day to work will be January 19, then he is free and considering what is happening not a minute too soon,  he has been covering a lot of shifts especially for those who have families, so right now I don't see him as much.

Heather's parents have moved into Lillian's home, it's paid for, Heather's mother works and the income is more than enough to cover taxes, insurance, utilities, upkeep.  Heather's Dad found work granted at 2/3's of what he use to make, but he is not complaining, he has medical and dental benefits and that is what counts.

The "little Beast' has been adopted by them and Heather is glad, her art work has been selling and she has received several commissions to do Portraits of several children, he portraiture work is fabulous and she has decided to do painting like Owen Smith and one other painter whose name escapes me but I know that he did a famous painting called "Nighthawks". 

But what she does is use her digital camera and takes photos of places, events and people and uses all of that as references for her work, even looking at old black white photo's for ideas.  What helped get her commissions is a painting she did of Lillian, working in a country kitchen but with a little girl helping.  There is such warmth in the painting as to reach out to you, and next to it is a portrait study in oil of Lillian, neither are for sale but it helps show what Heather can do.

She is still going to the University and working towards her degree.

Because Joe is working so many shifts I told him he could "crash" at my place or his little studio but since I won't really be seeing him I'm going to spend Christmas and New Years with my Family.  Joe said he didn't mind, Heather's folks have invited him over for both holidays---especially New Years, that is if he's not working, but they said he can come over for left overs if he needs to and unwind.  Heather's folks will keep an eye on my place until I return.

I will be taking the train again, I will not risk driving during the holidays, so I will leave tomorrow and enjoy my trip. 

If I sound tired, I am.  So much has been happening and I'm still adjusting.  This intense cold is hard to shake, even with a roaring fire and hot soup, I need the comfort of family this time of year and I know it will be a very warm and happy holiday time.

Happy Holidays Sweet Things---Kisses.

Trying to get back to functioning~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

Things of late do not feel normal.  With Lillian gone, there is an emptyness that will take sometime to heal.

Having Heather in my home is the best therapy for her at this time. 

From time to time either her parents or one of her two Uncles stay in Lillian's home for security sake.

Lillian's will (a trust really) help make things move more easily,  at first Heather thought that eventually her grandmother's house would be sold, but instead, the house has been left to her parents, with equal value portions of money to her uncles.

This is good really, her parents had to sell their home at a loss, when her father was un-employed, so even with Lillian gone physically she is still reaching out and helping family.   Lillian left Heather a letter, a lovely long letter, Heather reads it every night before she goes to sleep.   It helps encourage her to continue with what she is doing.

But everything is going to shift slowly, everyone wanting to make sure everything is done right.

Baby Sis is going to come up and visit with me for a week, so Joe is going to retreat to his apartment for a while, as he says "one man in a house full of women is courtin' danger, if I leave the seat up all three of you will come down on my head".   That doesn't mean he'll stay away, but with only one spare bedroom there won't be much space.

I'm looking forward to seeing my sister.  I've taken the week of Halloween off as vacation, with so much of my work already edging over to my associates I can aford to play "Hooky".

But I have to admit, I'm feeling a bit lost without Lillian's presence,  now I must go,  Heather is asking when are we going to the Spirit Store to get a few Halloween decorations, I think we will both welcome that distraction and I need to buy candy for our eventual trick and treaters.

Kisses Sweet Things

Loss of a Friend~~~~

Dear Sweet Things,

As you know I said I would be blogging only on occasionally----sad to say this is one of them.

My dear, sweet, wise and funny friend Lillian, passed away 2 weeks ago.  Blessedly in her sleep at home.

We had gotten together for dinner her, I and her great-grand daughter Heather, we also snuck in the little "Beast" Baby in her carry all, and had a wonderful time exchanging what we were doing in our lives.

Heather is nearly complete in her studies and has decided to look into the more business aspects of art, perhaps as a conservator or historian but she is formulating her goals much better,   she's had some art work sell and bring in a nice bit of change to help with her finances.

I've been slowly turning over things at my work, and finishing up projects and coaching people on certain things.   My Bosses want me to come in on a consulting basis as an independent analyst, and set my own hours. 

Joe will be retired after January 1 of next year,  he said he wanted to help cover the holiday hours.

BUT~~~~~~~

The following morning Heather came running over to my home, crying.  She couldn't wake up Lillian.

I ran back with her, and found Lillian very cold to the touch and no pulse, but I said we need to call an Ambulance, even though I knew it would be futile.  At the hospital we were informed that she had indeed passed away peacefully in her sleep.   Her heart simply stopped pumping.

I thought that she looked a bit tired when we got back to her home the night before, she said she wanted to go to bed early, but she and Heather had hugged each other and said 'I love you',  then she looked at me and said "Take care of my Grand daughter, some day I might not be around"  and I promised her I would.

Heather has not been able to sleep in her Grandmother's house so I've had her and the little beast sleeping in my spare bedroom.   Her parents, uncles and aunts have attended to all the arrangements and Lillian had a splendid funeral,  many police officers current and retired were there, she was well loved.

And now it's the process of settling the estate.  It will be a slow and for Heather, a painful process,  I've talked to her parents and offered to have Heather stay with me for as long as she wants while she goes to college until she completes her education and decides what she wants to do in her life.

I have to admit and so does Joe, it is nice to have Heather and the little beast around, and it helps Heather, so she can heal.  We've had talks, long talks, it helps her process her grief.

And I've noticed recently her drawings and paintings have taken on a new subject Grandmothers and grandchildren.   She has some wonderful photos of Lillian so she's planning on taking special classes on portrait painting, I think so she can complete at least one of one special person.

Now I have to get use to a shift in my life, I miss Lillian's presence very painfully and I appreciate my phone calls to my parents and e-mails from them even more now.  Yes, Dad has finally succumbed to using e-mail, he says it cramps his hands a lot less than writing a letter, but I still send him and mother a card with a little letter in it to keep the personal touch.

Now the weather is beginning to turn colder, Halloween is coming, even though one loses a loved one life still goes on.  And we must endure.

Later Sweet Things.

A Major Happy Decision~~~~

Hello Sweet Things,


As you can see I have not been blogging for a while.

These last few weeks I’ve come to a decision and have decided to quit work, I have a very good income from my investments and a very loving man at my side.

What brought about this decision was recently I began to experience rapid heart beat, brought upon by stress. I value my health too much to jeopardize it.

No, I’m not going to desert Lillian or her great grand daughter; I will continue to live in my Bay Area home, enjoy my friends and my family. I will use my Home as a base of operations and watch my own personal investments and really ENJOY life.

I will take the train to visit my parents, baby sis and her future husband, I will continue to drive up to my country home and enjoy its own peace and pleasures. I’m planning on converting it to a historic home museum that can have caretakers living in it for years and years to come, it has serious historic value and I’m going to make sure it and the land around it can never be developed, to preserve its bucolic peacefulness forever.

I’m young enough to be able to make these decisions and to enjoy everything and everyone around me.

Joe has also made that serious decision as well, he is in the process of retiring from the force, he feels that it’s time, he’s fed up with the stupidity of politics and wants to focus his talents on finding missing children, he is going to be joining a private investigation firm. Frankly I’m happy for him. I was worried about the invisible target on his back every time he went on duty.

He will always keep his contacts with the force; even some of his friends are considering retirement as well and for the same reason. If we decide to move up to the country there is a possibility he can join part time the sheriff’s office up there.

This decision was really not hard to make, but it took something like being in the hospital for nearly a week and tests to discover what was wrong to help me make up my mind. No it is not congestive heart failure, it’s just stress. That I can assure you.

I will regret leaving my position at my work, but I know in my heart and mind it is the right decision. I cannot do it quickly as I have to set up things so that others can carefully take over for me. But it is the right choice-----

Because it’s now time for ME TIME.

I’ll most likely be blogging here sporadically, because I’m going to be busy enjoying life. I may even help out Mother and Baby Sis, looking for things and patterns, Hmmm never know what will develop.

Not really a bad decision to make.  I will not desert my City by the Bay, nor my search for "The Black Bird".  It's just that things have taken a turn that was slightly unexpected, but not unwanted.

So for now, to all of you Sweet and Darling Things, get out there and enjoy life, yes be careful, but enjoy life.

The Fabulous Diva is discovering the Simple things in life and feels so much better.

Kisses Sweet Things.