Cottage Blessings

Pink blur captured on film

So this is the Storybook Woods

One source of great joy for us here in California has been hunting down the nooks and corners particularly loved by the friends kind enough to follow these reports of our trip. I hope to write more about how these recommendations have added interest and warmth to our time here, but for now I will simply say that when Clarice from "The Storybook Woods" urges you to try a place, be prepared to step directly inside a fairy tale.

Back in early July, Clarice wrote to me about a little town just over a hundred miles south of San Francisco called Carmel-by-the-Sea and an English Tearoom with the charming name, "The Tuck Box." I kept this in the back of my mind for all these weeks, and this past Sunday, I found myself sitting inside a vintage cottage, inspired in its construction by the watercolors of Arthur Rackham, ordering Tea with my girls. The menu at the Tuck Box offered authentic English fare, and I sat down to some of the best Shepherd's Pie ever assembled--second only to the delicious meal my Irish friend Caroline always totes to our house at the arrival of each new baby.

The cast of our recent production of a Midsummer Night's Dream will confirm that the girls and I are ardent admirers of Arthur Rackham's artwork, so an afternoon spent inside one of his paintings was a dream come true. Builder Hugh Comstock created dozens of these graceful structures decades ago, giving the little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea its idyllic feel. On the side of The Tuck Box, I was beside myself to find a built in Madonna and Child tile and wonder if all Comstock Cottages have similar touches. My hope is that someday, my own dear cottage in New York will wear one just like it.

Long before Hugh Comstock ornamented this fairy tale village, it was the favorite Mission of Blessed Junipero Serra. Shortly after tea, we had the happiness to wander the Carmel Mission of San Carlos Borromeo, saying a prayer by the grave of Blessed Serra himself. It is a holy place--a paradise within a paradise--awash in flowers and saints' statues and whispers of the past. We have visited four missions during our time in California, but I, like Father Serra himself, will always call Carmel my favorite. There have been rare occasions in my life in which I have stood in a distant place and felt as if I had just returned home--it always happens to me in Ireland, for instance. I had this same feeling standing in the Mission Garden, listening to bees buzzing in and out the wall of the basilica, catching the glint of abalone shells, and lingering near the well tended shrine to Our Lady.

Stopping for a moment, I offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the Spanish missionaries, the canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra, and the many good souls lying at rest in that bower of blessedness.

*******

[This sarcophagus shows Father Junipero Serra surrounded by three mourning friars. He has a small bear cub curled up under his feet. Interestingly, Father Serra is not interred there. He is buried by the altar within the basilica.]

[This is the simple cell in which Father Serra passed away.]

[The girls kneel by the shrine to Our Lady of Mount Carmel inside the basilica.]

Many thanks to Martha Long, who also recommended The Tuck Box the moment she heard we were in Carmel!

In the town of Our Lady

Question from the previous post: "Would anyone care to guess the name of the California town that happens to be our meeting place . . . ?"

Love2learn Mom, the very first commenter, and Kristen Laurence both guessed it--the lovely Santa Maria, California!

Lissa and I had quite a few possible spots picked out, trying to pin down a meeting plan for months--Monterey, Carmel, and San Luis Opisbo, to name but a few. Still, we just kept coming back to Santa Maria as the one place with the right distance and available accommodations. It seemed fairly clear that Our Lady wanted us in her town!

Special honorable mentions go to Clarice and Lynn who guessed Carmel (we tried!) and Mariposa and Jennifer who guessed San Luis Opisbo (we really, really tried!)

And thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the extremely kind comments on "Back to the Future"! Here are some "couch baby" outtakes and other highlights from our all-too-brief visit:

["Here's something I couldn't do last year!" says Rilla.]

["Hey, come back!"]

[Watching arcade games at the Round Table Pizzeria.]

[The temporary twins watch too!]

[Margaret beams over her tenth birthday cake. She said that having Lissa and family there to celebrate was her "best birthday gift ever."]

[Rilla and Maureen took an instant shine to one another, hugging with the most solemn expressions.]

[They were so devoted that I could not stop taking pictures of them standing perfectly still, arms around each other in a comfy hug.]

[After a while, Patrick needed to get into the act!]

The best line of the whole visit came from my good-natured goddaughter Beanie who, after seeing Eileen for the first time in a year, came to me (with an earnest, irresistible expression) to report, "It is almost as if she doesn't remember me!"

Here they are the last time they were together:

Fear not, Beanie! The loving beam of recognition in the picture below shows Eileen won't be forgetting you anytime soon!

One final thought:

I am by nature, an optimist. Reading between the lines of this post, I would say that Lissa has put it on record that visiting me in New York would be even easier than meeting me in the middle of California! Lissa, I'll expect you at the Cottage on August 12, 2008.

[Brigid, we'll get her there yet!]

Back to the Future

It does not seem all that long ago I was saying goodbye to Lissa in my driveway at home in New York. She and her little ones had just spent a week with us, and they were returning to Virginia before moving to the other end of the known universe--San Diego, California.

Waving farewell, I remember the heart wrenching thought that we might not see each other again until our children's weddings!

If only someone could have shown me these photos of that darling pair of couch potatoes--together again and crazy about each other--exactly one year later!

Would anyone care to guess the name of the California town that happens to be our meeting place, not only because of its central location, but also because it was the only one that could accommodate us all on short notice? When you find out, I hope you will agree that it was meant to be.

*I did not even realize it was exactly one year, until taking a look at last year's post only a few moments ago. Amazing!

In a double stroller

[San Francisco Zoo, July 31, 2007]

Meet me in the middle

Perhaps the most wonderful thing about spending a Summer in San Francisco is that it tends to be a port of call for travelers heading north and south along the California Coast. Yesterday, two beautiful families were making such a journey, one on the way down to San Diego, the other on the way up to Sacramento.

And we were ready and waiting at our beloved Golden Gate Park to greet them both!

First, we spent a happy half hour with Erica Sanchez and family. When you consider the brevity of the visit, it is amazing to see how chummy the children look. But, of course, they share a unique bond as the east coast and west coast best friends of a certain loveable and recently relocated family.

Francis Scott Key Memorial:

Apple Cidering Monument:

Out of the sling and ready for action (Eileen races around the Key Memorial, much to the delight of several sweet young Sanchezes):

New friends chat:

How kind of the Golden Gate Park to arrange for sprinklers at just the right moment--the little ones were in heaven:

Friends-for-life, Marie and Annie, take a stroll:

All too soon, our darling Sanchezes were off to their next stop, a Cable Car Ride downtown! Fortunately, we had another treat in store for the afternoon, meeting my beloved cousin Margaret, her husband, and their too-beautiful-to-be-true children at my new favorite spot for entertaining, The Japanese Tea Garden!

Margaret's tiny daughters are almost the exact same age as Maureen and Eileen, so the afternoon of romping and hand-holding continued unabated. Here, three young O'Briens play in the water fountain. (Wouldn't my grandmother have loved to see them together?!)

Maureen and her new best friend exchange a loving glance:

Being from the same stock, Margaret and I both enjoyed stopping for tea--this time I even let my children order hot chocolate! Here we are waiting outside while my older girls browse in the gift shop:

Now, let's say a prayer that I can get my dear cousin and her family to visit me in New York one of these days!

Sunshine, Wind and Fog

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our Summer Banner features the Golden Gate Bridge in sunshine, yet, as you will see, it is perhaps more striking when embraced and softened by a blanket of the Bay's famous fog. The video provides a panoramic view from Crissy Field on the Presidio and begs the question: Is my New York accent as thick as the fog?

Girls, sails, and sunset:

Patrick explores a tidepool with Alcatraz blazing in the distance:

This is how I will always envision the Bay--all sunshine and fog and happy children:

Young Eileen will not remember it, but I will be sure to tell her how we once walked the western shore together wearing coats that just happened to be the exact same shade of beachy blue:

[Photo credit: Marie, age 7]

If you visit San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and squeeze your van into a spot on Martin Luther King Jr. Dr, you may find yourself wheeling a double stroller down Ninth Avenue. As you step outside the park, you will want to turn left at an Art Gallery that doubles as a Cocktail Lounge, skim past DaHil's Handwriting Analysis [a business that looks straight out of Dick Tracy] and pause a moment to glance inside the window of Cuschieri's Cabinet Shop. Keep walking, and you will be standing in front of a storefront bathed in the colors of the French countryside--all sage and suntan and strawberry--and crowned with a cheery striped awning and gilded sign: The Secret Garden Tea House.

If you happen to gaze through the door and catch a glimpse of chintz and china, you will no doubt wish to enter, yet the unwieldy stoller and two active babies may give you pause. Have no fear--the owner will wave you in with a smile, "Bring the stroller right in, and have a seat. Your table is ready!"

At least this was our experience, and I am sure it will be yours as well.

As I have written here before, the girls and I have a First Saturday tradition of attending Mass and Confession before spending a special night or afternoon together, usually at a restaurant or bookstore. We had hoped to continue this custom here in San Francisco, but, with no one to watch the little ones (and Daddy working quite a bit), we have had to put it on hold for a while. Several months ago, we read about The Secret Garden Tea House and hoped to give it a try for one of our First Saturdays, but it seemed we would never be able to get there without our spirited troupe of little ones.

A few days ago, I had an idea and proposed it to the girls: "Why don't we call the Tea House and ask them to pack us a picnic to bring to Golden Gate Park?" The gracious woman on the other end of the phone said she would be very happy to pack the Tea for us to take outdoors, but, hearing one of the younger set calling to me in the background, she asked, "Are you planning the Tea at the park because you have little ones?" I laughed and admitted that this was indeed the case, and she said, "Oh, they are very welcome to come along with you. This is a Family Place. Why don't you come in, sit down, and have some tea?"

With this encouragement, I very happily made a reservation for myself and all seven children, including my lively boy, active toddler, and bouncy baby. The staff at the tea house welcomed us with open arms, encouraging me to bring the double stroller right inside and seating us at a table so beautifully set I felt as if we were arriving for a party.

Soon three tiered servers laden with a host of delicacies began to arrive--cucumber sandwiches sprigged with mint, clotted cream and scones, dainty onion puffs, and tiny napoleans (to name but a few), alongside teddy-bear shaped cinnamon toast and miniature brownies for the littlest ones. The children were delighted, all choosing the same type of tea called "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Why am I not surprised?

Lest you feel a bit sorry for my dear boy in a place so lavishly feminine, please do not! He loved it as much as anyone, requesting to return for breakfast the next day. (I kid you not.)

Raggedy Ann was impressed with the food and service, asking politely for second helpings on almost everything.

Although children of all ages were welcome, the place was calm and soothing--even my littlest ones were inspired to serenity in such gracious surroundings. The food was dainty and delicious, and we certainly appreciated the florals and pretty touches all around.

After almost two months, we have learned to love a great many things about this wonderful city, and this warm and friendly Tea Room will remain high on our list of favorites.
[Baby Eileen smiles during her first Tea as if to say, "I am so glad this is a 'Family Place'!"]

Sharon at The Bird's Nest writes about how irresistible babies are in slings, and Eileen and I wholeheartedly agree!

Many thanks, by the way, to Bonny Babywearer Lissa who gave me my very first sling (almost exactly) ten years ago!

[Photo credit: Marie, age 7]

If this shawl makes me look like the kitchen table, then surely little Eileen is the bouquet of flowers at the center.

I would show you a photo of the real tablecloth for comparison, but it is at the dry cleaners! That's right, dear friends, the tablecloth--which saw its fair share of fruit juice, maple syrup, jelly, strawberries, ketchup, and tea this month--is DRY CLEAN ONLY!!!

If the stains do not come out, I may just leave my shawl and hope no one notices!

[By the way, today is the one month anniversary of our flight to San Francisco!]

Photo credit: Theresa, age 11

Teatime by the Park, or I found my heart in San Francisco

If you visit San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and squeeze your van into a spot on Martin Luther King Jr. Dr, you may find yourself wheeling a double stroller down Ninth Avenue. As you step outside the park, you will want to turn left at an Art Gallery that doubles as a Cocktail Lounge, skim past DaHil's Handwriting Analysis [a business that looks straight out of Dick Tracy] and pause a moment to glance inside the window of Cuschieri's Cabinet Shop. Keep walking, and you will be standing in front of a storefront bathed in the colors of the French countryside--all sage and suntan and strawberry--and crowned with a cheery striped awning and gilded sign: The Secret Garden Tea House.

If you happen to gaze through the door and catch a glimpse of chintz and china, you will no doubt wish to enter, yet the unwieldy stoller and two active babies may give you pause. Have no fear--the owner will wave you in with a smile, "Bring the stroller right in, and have a seat. Your table is ready!"

At least this was our experience, and I am sure it will be yours as well.

As I have written here before, the girls and I have a First Saturday tradition of attending Mass and Confession before spending a special night or afternoon together, usually at a restaurant or bookstore. We had hoped to continue this custom here in San Francisco, but, with no one to watch the little ones (and Daddy working quite a bit), we have had to put it on hold for a while. Several months ago, we read about The Secret Garden Tea House and hoped to give it a try for one of our First Saturdays, but it seemed we would never be able to get there without our spirited troupe of little ones.

A few days ago, I had an idea and proposed it to the girls: "Why don't we call the Tea House and ask them to pack us a picnic to bring to Golden Gate Park?" The gracious woman on the other end of the phone said she would be very happy to pack the Tea for us to take outdoors, but, hearing one of the younger set calling to me in the background, she asked, "Are you planning the Tea at the park because you have little ones?" I laughed and admitted that this was indeed the case, and she said, "Oh, they are very welcome to come along with you. This is a Family Place. Why don't you come in, sit down, and have some tea?"

With this encouragement, I very happily made a reservation for myself and all seven children, including my lively boy, active toddler, and bouncy baby. The staff at the tea house welcomed us with open arms, encouraging me to bring the double stroller right inside and seating us at a table so beautifully set I felt as if we were arriving for a party.

Soon three tiered servers laden with a host of delicacies began to arrive--cucumber sandwiches sprigged with mint, clotted cream and scones, dainty onion puffs, and tiny napoleans (to name but a few), alongside teddy-bear shaped cinnamon toast and miniature brownies for the littlest ones. The children were delighted, all choosing the same type of tea called "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Why am I not surprised?

Lest you feel a bit sorry for my dear boy in a place so lavishly feminine, please do not! He loved it as much as anyone, requesting to return for breakfast the next day. (I kid you not.)

Raggedy Ann was impressed with the food and service, asking politely for second helpings on almost everything.

Although children of all ages were welcome, the place was calm and soothing--even my littlest ones were inspired to serenity in such gracious surroundings. The food was dainty and delicious, and we certainly appreciated the florals and pretty touches all around.

After almost two months, we have learned to love a great many things about this wonderful city, and this warm and friendly Tea Room will remain high on our list of favorites.
[Baby Eileen smiles during her first Tea as if to say, "I am so glad this is a 'Family Place'!"]

The Slings and Arrows of Outrageous Cuteness

Sharon at The Bird's Nest writes about how irresistible babies are in slings, and Eileen and I wholeheartedly agree!

Many thanks, by the way, to Bonny Babywearer Lissa who gave me my very first sling (almost exactly) ten years ago!

[Photo credit: Marie, age 7]

Shall I compare thee to a Summer's table?

If this shawl makes me look like the kitchen table, then surely little Eileen is the bouquet of flowers at the center.

I would show you a photo of the real tablecloth for comparison, but it is at the dry cleaners! That's right, dear friends, the tablecloth--which saw its fair share of fruit juice, maple syrup, jelly, strawberries, ketchup, and tea this month--is DRY CLEAN ONLY!!!

If the stains do not come out, I may just leave my shawl and hope no one notices!

[By the way, today is the one month anniversary of our flight to San Francisco!]

Photo credit: Theresa, age 11