Celebrating My 29th Birthday (Again!) and Easter….

"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed."

Kahlil Gibran





I have felt so abundantly rich this week celebrating my birthday. I couldn't have hoped for a more beautiful day of celebration...from the gorgeous sunlight filtering through the vines and persimmon tree in our backyard to the divine food several of our friends and family all contributed (scrumptious ginger lemonade, lemon bars, salads, artichokes, and so on) to the gorgeous bouquets of cala lilies, sunflowers, and pansies that are still bringing such vibrance into our house, to the company and laughter throughout the day!






I'm so happy to have so many incredible people in my life. I feel abundant in friendships and it was the cream cheese frosting on the cupcake to see so many making deeper connections with each other or meeting for the first time. Thankyou also to many of you who-although you weren't able to make it--who sent me such beautiful messages, cards, and voice mails.

It was a special treat that a few intrepid souls stayed throughout the afternoon and into the evening to make another meal, commune over good food and wine, and watch a movie. Any party that goes from 1 p.m. to 10:56 p.m. is a good one!

I feel grateful to live here in Santa Barbara surrounded by such incredible men and women~
It’s probably one of the greatest gifts I could ever hope for...the opportunity to celebrate all the love that surrounds me on a daily basis.

all my love and THANKYOU!
Raquelita, Ever The Birthday Girl!

Mari Martin's Going Away Party at Soho....
Friday April 2nd, 2010

"A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails."
~Donna Roberts

Mari Martin, a most cherished friend of mine and an incredibly talented singer, is leaving Santa Barbara for her hometown out on the East Coast. Aside from being an extraordinary woman, Mari is one of my favorite singers of all-time...incredibly accomplished and ever-so-humble. Last Friday night's Going Away Party for her couldn't have been a more perfect tribute to her...Soho was filled with good friends who have followed her singing career over the past sixteen years. The club was brimming over with feelings of joy, celebration, and sadness as she took the stage for one of her last times this year.

We are going to miss you so much, Mari! Boston is dang lucky to be receiving such a shining star...
I hope that with every day, you can keep this celebration in your heart and remember all of your family here that loves, cherishes, and adores you here in Santa Barbara!