I've been working super long hard hours and despite it being my busiest time of year, this afternoon I had to play hooky. Had to! Snapped this pic on my way to the movie theatre. (I tried to capture the hushed snow-white sky for you, Bob. I have not missed Seattle's weather one single second.) Caught a matinee of the powerful yet disturbing Before the Devil Knows You're Dead and appreciated it immensely. Philip Seymour Hoffman is one of my favorite actors.
After the movie, I treated myself to a lovely dinner at Wild Sage Bistro. I ordered the Tomato Basil Gnocchi Gratin -- hand formed pesto dumplings, heirloom tomatoes, roasted squash and huge wild mushrooms with fresh mozzarella cheese. Super yummy! Wild Sage offers a beautiful, intimate atmosphere and excellent service too. I sat at a little table, reading my book, enjoying my food, simmering in quiet delight at my own company, surrounded by the presence of others.
I stepped outside the restaurant to fresh snow falling.
Christmas music playing on outdoor speakers.
This is the good stuff.
This is the payoff.
sounds perfect...just perfect.
Posted by: liz elayne | Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 11:05 PM
Sounds heavenly! Good for you for treating yourself, especially when you're ultra-busy. Blessings, O
Posted by: Olivia | Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 11:07 PM
what a wonderful treat! you so deserve it, carla :o)
peaceful blessings xx
Posted by: claire | Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 11:09 PM
What a fabulous smile! I'm grinning just looking at it!
It sounds like you had a beautiful day and you really deserve it.
Posted by: Kate I | Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 11:33 PM
wow that dinner sounds delicious!
sounds like you've had a great day.
Posted by: chocolate covered musings | Friday, December 14, 2007 at 12:42 AM
You look so fresh and pretty and like happiness personified - such a special date with your self. Mmm Gnocchi!
Posted by: Patti | Friday, December 14, 2007 at 12:50 AM
Look at you all decked out for a date with yourself - nnnnice! It is awesome to read that you believe in taking much needed breaks from the grind and pouring. I haven't been to a movie in so long, it's ridiculous. I'll have to remedy that, post-Christmas.
Posted by: eileen (the dream) | Friday, December 14, 2007 at 05:24 AM
Good for you! Lucky girlie. ;)
Posted by: joelle | Friday, December 14, 2007 at 07:26 AM
miss you
Posted by: Scout | Friday, December 14, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Ooh--I want to play hooky, too! A movie and a nice lunch by myself? Heaven!
Posted by: kyoung529 | Friday, December 14, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Good for you and I have wanted to try that restaurant. Now I have to put it on my list!
Posted by: inlandempiregirl | Friday, December 14, 2007 at 05:15 PM
Good for you and thanks for the restaurant recommendation. I am always looking for a new place to eat.
Posted by: inlandempiregirl | Friday, December 14, 2007 at 05:17 PM
Carla - 'tis lovely to see you having fun like this! Thanks for sharing and continue to enjoy everything.
Hugs and blessings,
Posted by: storyteller | Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 05:56 AM
What I love about this entry is how much you savored and took note of the details that pleased you. You focused on what you wanted. I love that. You are such an awesome and powerful creator! This is how you can get it over and over again. Just focus and savor and focus and savor. mmmm mmmm good!
Posted by: Kathryn Knoll | Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 09:35 AM
From 1) no pictures, to 2) rare, obscured by objects or shadows, to 3) unobscured but looking away, to 4) a full frontal exposure looking right into the camera.
You've changed. Good for you.
Posted by: MFromReno | Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 10:52 AM
OMG, so synchronized -- I saw the same movie on Thursday, here in sunny Santa Monica (where you must come visit -- the guest air mattress is inflated and everything). To complete the Philip Seymour Hoffman double feature, now we can see The Savages.
xxoo
Posted by: Isabel | Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 12:39 PM
What a great photo!
Posted by: Marilyn | Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 04:24 PM
Mmmmmmmmm it sounds like a yummy day filled with delights and special moments. Thanks for sharing. I always get a little pick-me-up when I visit you.
My best to you and yours this Holiday season.
Posted by: Angela D | Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 09:14 AM
Yay! You deserve it. It sounds heavenly.
Posted by: Lisa | Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 03:10 PM
You just look so darned happy!! Maybe you need to play hooky more often.
Posted by: chris zydel | Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 05:03 PM
Dude! The candles arrived last night - and I wanted you to know that I
L O V E "Prayer for Peace" - the shape is pretty symbolic, yes? And "Willingness" is my fave scent of all!!!
Merry Christmas, Carla! And to your very cool basketball lovin' parents, too!
Posted by: eileen (the dream) | Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 04:36 AM
Yes! I took myself on vacation- alone- sheer delight. The housekeepers commented on how nice I looked one evening. I replied back, "I'm going on a date...with myself". They just delighted in it as much as I did!
Posted by: Laura | Friday, December 21, 2007 at 06:42 PM
Wishing you a magical Christmas.
mich
x.
Posted by: mich | Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 03:22 AM