A Good Moment

Have you ever had one of those moments when you take a second to slow down - no matter what’s going on around you - and realize that life is pretty good?

I had one of those moments two Saturdays ago. I was ice skating with my best girl in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles of all places. We skated for awhile, taking pictures and laughing. I didn’t even fall once or hurt myself or anyone else. As I saw my best girl coming around the turn waving to me, I knew that this was a good moment. The good feeling continued while having Chinese for dinner and for desert, a Vanilla Blended for her and a cold Coke for me.

But even better than that moment was when a few hours later, I proposed to my best girl at the site where we shared our first kiss, commonly known as "the most awkward first kiss in the world."

But even better than that moment was when she said... YES.

What's Up Doc?

I recently had a bout with that stomach flu that has been going around. The worse of the effects has passed thank you for asking. But the worst part of the spell was not the symptoms. No, the worst part was that as I - a man in his 30's - discussed my situation with my doctor - a man in his 40's - he kept referring to my ailment as a "tummy bug". I think it has been way too many years since I have had a "tummy" right? No need for another grown man to refer to my stomach as a "tummy" while he is using medical terms for other things happening with my body due to this bug. I'm just saying.

So What's The Weather Like?

So if you live in Southern California, specifically in the Los Angeles area, regardless of what your calendar tells you, it is really hard to distinguish one season from another. Especially this year which has been rather hot even for Los Angeles standards.

But now that the Christmas holiday is upon us, we all look for the first sign of the coming winter. Most people would think that it would be the making of the first chocolate caliente of the season but you would be wrong. Because as all good Mexicans know, it is not really cold outside until you pull out your very own, handy-dandy cobija San Marcos. Because no matter what kind of heater you may own or what kind of insulation your home has, nothing - and I mean nothing - keeps you warm and toasty like a cobija San Marcos. And as of yesterday, it is time. Often imitated but never duplicated. I have mine, do you have yours?

And before I start getting any angry letters calling me a wanna-be, I know that the picture above is not an OG cobija San Marcos. But I have a reason for showing off a knock-off blanket. It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that after over twenty years of keeping me warm, my reversible brown and tan cobija with the image of a horse and pony did not make it to another winter. A moment of silence please... So with great regret I must use this imitation blanket until I make a pilgrimage to the land of cobija's San Marcos (Tijuana, Mexico.) May my blanket rest in peace. As for those who still have your blankets, cherish the moments.

The 16th Annual Poinsettia Street Fair

When ever I have time, I like to take my mom to places or events that I think she would enjoy. Partly because it is payback for all the things she did for me growing up (read standing in line to see the original Star Wars trilogy amongst many other things.) But mostly because I like spending time with her.

And since my mom’s version of "Star Wars" revolves around plants - attending botanical gardens, buying them and tending to her garden - I thought it would be fun for us (actually her) to attend an event I saw listed in the "5 Things To Drive To" calendar section of Westways, AAA’s bi-monthly magazine. It was the 16th Annual Poinsettia Street Fair in beautiful (and far away) Encinitas, CA.

I figure with that kind of recommendation from a respected organization, it would be a good time. My mom would see a plethora of poinsettias and it being close to the holidays, I figure we could pick some up for the house as souvenirs. A win-win. So off we went on a Sunday afternoon, driving two hours towards Encinitas.

And once we arrive to the bustling streets of the 16th Annual Poinsettia Street Fair, what do our eyes behold... absolutely no poinsettias. There were a lot of people, a lot of vendors, a lot of flyers and street light decorations promoting the 16th Annual Poinsettia Street Fair but absolutely NO poinsettias to be seen or bought.

Let me explain. Apparently, Encinitas is the poinsettia capital of the world (that is what the information booth told me.) Most of the poinsettias available at your local store come from this little slice of paradise (except for the ones from Costco - those are raised on a super-farm in an undisclosed location.) So because there are so many poinsettias in the area, they thought it would be a good idea to name the street fair the Poinsettia Street Fair. They just figured everyone would get the connection.

Needles to say, although we did walk around the street fair, we returned home poinsettia-less. And I had to explain to my mother and later my father and siblings that even though I have a college degree that I should not assume that an event called the 16th Annual Poinsettia Street Fair would actually have anything to do with poinsettias. So now if you excuse me, I need to go to Costco to purchase some super-poinsettias.

Life and Death

Actually, it's more like death and life but I felt it may be to creepy for a title.

My original intentions to help celebrate this year's Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) was to attend the annual community festivities at Self-Help Graphics with my once arch-nemesis and now best friend. Later followed by building a virtual altar on this here blog to honor all those have passed before me. Like my grandfathers - whom I never met - but have always been a part of my life. Or my grandmother - the first person close to me who passed away, helping me to understand death and its traditions a bit better.

But I didn't. Not because I came home too late from the revelry. But because on the very day that was reserved to honor and respect the final sacrament we all enter into here on Earth, I was at the hospital. Sitting with my brother and father in a room full of strangers. Waiting. Waiting, for my youngest brother to burst out of a room and yell, "It's a girl! It's a girl!"

My niece was born on the 3rd of November and I couldn't be a prouder uncle. My family is growing which is the way life should be.

Boo!

Now a few words from Little Frankie on this most festive of nights.

To all good little monster girls and monster boys, have a very happy Halloween!

Robert Zimmerman

Bob Dylan to you and me. And as of two nights ago, I can finally say that I have witnessed and participated in the never-ending traveling show that is Bob Dylan. And what a show it was. San Francisco was a very generous host, offering up the grand Bill Graham Civic Auditorium to hold the festivities. Along with my friend since the ninth grade as my tour guide and partner in crime for the evening, the night was set.

Now I know that regardless of how many critics and fans worship at the altar of Bob Dylan, some people just don't get him and would do OK if they never heard his music. But for me, I get it. The music can be thunderous as well as heart breaking and the lyrics at times simple but hit you hard and fast. I also know that after sixty-five years of life, the young rock and roll messiah has been replaced by an old country gentleman who takes each step carefully. And the years and touring have tortured his voice to no end. But even through all this, it was still an amazing show. There was still fire stirring in his soul that needed to escape - and escape it did.

For all those who smoked (not me,) danced (not me,) played air instruments (me,) sang (me) and drank (me,) a good time was had by all. Even by my friend, who only recognized one song.

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to you

cha-cha-cha

Happy birthday to you

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Happy birthday Dark Monkey Chronicles

Happy birthday to you!

This is the 3rd incarnation of our beloved Dark Monkey Chronicles. Who would have thought an e-mail intended for a quick laugh would have taken on such a long and crazy little life of it's own. So sit back, relax, pull up a drink and enjoy the ride. Please check back often and see what is happening in the life of our hero.