It got me thinking… Growing up, I loved our family game nights: Sorry, Pit, Uno and, of course, Nertz. We played Nertz pretty fast at our house, but Nertz at Michelle’s was a serious, frenzied, “take no prisoners” affair.

Then came Scrabble, Risk, Trivial Pursuit and Pictionary. And eventually computer games like the classic Kings Quest.

Loved them all…

But living alone my game life became a sad round of Solitaire… …do you hear the violins playing?

Until the invention of the iPhone, that is.

Imagine my joy and delight when Ashley introduced me to Words With Friends! I could now beat all my friends at online Scrabble from the comfort of my own home! LOL (Actually, I’ve got some very word-nerdy friends & family that give me a run for my money).

Of course I still have solo games that I enjoy (until they drive me crazy) like Angry Birds, Boggle, Tetris, Hangman and the ridiculously addictive Pocket Frogs. I love frogs in real life, and breeding these these animated amphibians has entertained me greatly!

But game playing really is more fun with friends. In Bali with Brandon & family, and when Ashley/Kennedy came to visit, we played Spot-It. An ingenious little game that is fun for all ages. No mother’s purse should be without it.

While on her recent trip here, Ashley introduced me to Draw Something. O.M.G. My life is complete.

It’s basically a game of Pictionary. Points are awarded, but they don’t really mean anything – the fun is in the drawing and the guessing. Though you can use those points to buy more colors of paint to make your drawings more interesting. I’m afraid I get a bit carried away sometimes.

Here is a picture I drew for J’Neil last week. Six letters… can you guess what it is? __ __ __ __ __ __

So then there’s gaming where the potential prize at the end isn’t a new colored pretend frog, or glares from the losers. My nephew Alex won several hundred dollars playing Bingo on our Caribbean cruise 6 years ago, and won multiple times. Apparently, Bingo is not just for old ladies anymore! If you’re not sailing away on a cruise anytime soon, you could play some online bingo with the Brits.

I’ve been to the local Indian casinos a couple of times, but tend to quarantine myself in the nickle poker slots while my companions play cards. I did spend some time at a craps table in Vegas a few years ago, but only because Craig and Kristin were there telling me what to do. I still don’t “get” craps.

Lately my “gaming” for dollars has been limited to buying an occasional Powerball or MegaMillions ticket at the grocery store. Not much “game” involved, however, especially if you’re lazy like me and don’t pick your own numbers. I did win $150 once, right before Christmas. That was quite exciting. But winning even $1 is a rare thing. Perhaps it’s time for more Bingo. Just don’t play against Alex!

Any guesses on the picture I drew? Any favorite old or new games to recommend? What games have you been playing – loving, hating, winning or losing?

And I can’t believe it took me 50 years before I figured out how much I love, and how easy it is to prepare, roasted vegetables. They’ve become a favorite food of mine. Especially since I discovered the joys of parchment paper.

I had intended to make some for Ashley while she was here, but we got busy eating out and such. So I made a video of myself making them instead to show her how easy it is.

This is for Ashley, but the rest of you can watch

My favorites are potatoes, carrots, onions, red bell pepper and garlic – with fresh rosemary or doTERRA rosemary essential oil.

By the way, that garlic spinach is easy and delicious too. Just a little olive oil and butter in a fry pan, some crushed or minced garlic… heat it up and toss in the fresh spinach, stirring until wilted. (I hated cooked spinach before discovering this way to prepare it)

What vegetables do you like to roast? Any tips to share?

Balinese practice their own unique form of Hinduism. There are over 11,000 temples and more than a million Hindu shrines on the island. My son Brandon will be writing a bit about this on his blog soon.

We expressed an interest in learning more about the rituals and meanings that are such an integral part of Balinese daily life – and so the language school arranged something very special for us.

Along with our tutor, Daniel, to translate, we were going to not only observe, but participate in the Melukat ritual. We had no idea what that was, or what we’d be doing, but we were excited.

Appropriate attire (sarong, belt and sleeved shirt) is required within the temple, and our wonderful staff shared their own sarongs, belts and a beautiful kebaya (top) for Jennifer to wear. We were told to bring a change of clothing, since we may be getting wet.

We drove to Tirta Empul Temple and were met by Mangku Putu, a priest with a light spirit and hearty laugh who had offered to take us through the Melukat. He had thoughtfully prepared offerings on our behalf (which is good, since we would not have known what we should bring/do.)

He first took us to pray before the banyan tree (which holds the spirits) to ask permission to enter the temple.

We sat before a shrine, with our offerings of incense and flowers before us. Mangku lit incense and placed some offerings on the shrine, then prayed with us and led us through the first ritual. It began with rubbing a flower in our palms to cleanse our hands. I had no idea a flower made such a great hand cleanser.

Then (I hope I’m remembering this correctly) a small piece of pink/white flower held in prayer, then placed behind the right ear. Then a mix of colored flowers, held in prayer, then placed behind the left ear. Then mixed flower colors, held in prayer and placed on our heads.

Then we cupped our hands over the incense to cleanse them with fire, then hands in prayer. Mangku repeated prayers and squirted some of the very best local alcohol on the ground for the mother god (earth). She gets mad if he uses the cheap stuff He then placed more of our offerings on the alter – and we made our way through the gates and into the temple.

We learned that not only were we going to be getting wet, we would practically be bathing - and should have brought a second sarong and shirt to wear into the water. Oops. Fortunately, they had sarong and belt to rent at the temple. We (women) were a bit more bare than most devotees, but were not about to let that hold us back

Don’t we look lovely in our improvised sarong styling for entering the pool?

As if we didn’t stand out enough with our whiter than white and barer than everyone else skin, I just had to make a grand entrance. The step into the pool was quite far – Brandon held my hand from in the pool and Daniel, our tutor, helped me from the top.

Unfortunately, I didn’t notice that the step didn’t extend all the way to the wall and my foot slipped into the narrow opening…. and I fell backwards into the pool, pulling Daniel with me. It was a bit embarrassing, but everyone was very kind – we weren’t hurt, and I was just grateful my sarong stayed on!

Melukat ceremony is a ritual to cleanse the body – both spiritually and physically, from our present life as well as past lives – from negative elements by washing the body in holy water that flows from a beautiful fresh water spring inside the temple. Devotees are supposed to do this twice monthly – once at the spring, and once at the ocean. (Being Balinese Hindu takes a great deal of time, money and commitment!)

There are many fountains pouring from the spring into the pool (which also contains koi), and each one has a different purpose/meaning.

We proceeded to make our way to the first of 15 fountains from which we would cleanse ourselves that day.

Mangku went first to make our offering, and then explained that the first fountain is to cleanse the mind. When it was my turn, I paused before it and offered up an intention for mental purification, then proceeded to place my head completely in the fountain 3 times – and then moved to the end of the line for the next fountain.

As we went from fountain to fountain, I came to understand that we were working our way through cleansing each chakra. At the fountain for the heart and solar plexus (digestive area) fountains, Mangku encouraged us to drink deeply from the water as well. Many people brought jugs to collect water from these two particular fountains, as they are not only holy, but are believed to have healing powers for the heart and body.

Two of the fountains were for universal healing of the planet. And I’m unable to recall the purpose of a couple some of the others. There were some fountains that we skipped, as their purpose was for those preparing the dead for cremation, or for the priests.

There were quite a few foreign tourists at the temple taking photos that day, but we were the only ones who entered the pool and experienced this beautiful Balinese Hindu tradition.

This was something that Mangku lamented to us at lunch later in the day – that people come to Bali and take yoga classes and do a little meditation and think they know Bali.

No! He says you can’t fully understand and appreciate Bali unless you come to the temple and partake in the cleansing ritual! You do not need to be Balinese or Hindu to participate… if you come to Bali, do NOT miss out on this opportunity!

After the water purification portion of the ritual, we changed back into dry sarongs, and proceeded further into the temple.

Mangku made more offerings on our behalf, and then led us to an area where another Mangku was leading devotees in prayer.

We sat on the ground, offerings before us, and went through the same ritual we performed at the banyon tree.

Afterward, the priests blessed us with holy water and rice – which we ate and which was applied to our foreheads and base of the throat.

Although I do not claim to begin to understand the deeper meanings behind the rituals, I found that they created a wonderful sense of connectedness in me. It was a very spiritual experience and a perfect way to begin a new year after my birthday.

Mangku Putu then joined us for lunch, where he answered more of our questions and shared a bit about his life and philosophies.

Afterward, he invited us to his personal residence, to enter his “special room” where he would make a protection bracelet for each of us out of black, red and white yarn. This was quite an honor and a very special experience. Mangku invited me to visit his special room anytime I come to Bali.

We met his wife and daughter, mother and other family members. The contrast of our lovely villa to the simple family compounds where most Balinese live was stark.

This photo slide show will give you a good feel for what we experienced on this very memorable day in Bali… and I’d love to hear your thoughts. (A few if these shots were taken by Brandon)

After a 23 hour journey, including layover in Taipei, I arrived to this lush, green island and was welcomed by my son and his family. Except for 9 month old Aysia, who burst into tears as soon as she saw me.

We’ve spent a lot of time relaxing in the pool and in the house, talking, a little time sightseeing, and have been enjoying every minute. I love this opportunity to reconnect with my sweet family. And I’ve been taking a lot of photos for future posts.

You’d think that just being in Bali, relaxing at a villa where all the meals are fresh prepared, all my needs are attended to, a gorgeous pool outside my door and a glorious view of the valley would be enough of a birthday gift, wouldn’t you.

What more could you ask for?

I was given the honor of selecting our meals for the day (prepared by the wonderful cook, Ketut). We had a delicious black rice porridge for breakfast, along with fresh fruit. For lunch, a tasty pasta primavera. For dinner, chicken curry.

I spent some time in the pool, a little time online, and after lunch enjoyed a 90 minute massage on the patio. One of the best massages I’ve ever had, and cost only $22.50.

Little did I know that while I was enjoying my massage, the family and household staff were busily preparing for my surprise birthday celebration.

I walked back into the house to find fresh flowers lining every step, woven coconut leaf decorations hung everywhere, a huge bouquet of fresh tuberose on the table, and furniture pushed back against the walls.

What could it mean???

We decided to take advantage of the open space to dance! Aysia appropriately chose my birthday to warm up enough to let me hold her as we sang and danced around the room to Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten.” We’re good friends again now (though mommy is still her favorite, of course).

After dinner, Ketut brought out my birthday cake and the family sang.

Yes, it was as delicious as it looks.

And just as delicious was the home-made passion fruit ice cream with kiwi fruit. Pure heaven.

While I was enjoying the view of the candles reflecting in the swimming pool, Brandon came to tell me that my guests were arriving.

Guests???

I walked into the living room to discover at least 30 young Balinese children from the neighborhood politely sitting on the floor, and an array of ornate instruments opposite them under the hanging decorations.

I had no idea what was coming next.

While we waited, Aysia delighted the children by crawling toward them and then smiling and clapping for them. She, in turn, was just as delighted that they clapped and smiled back at her.

Soon it was time for the performance to begin…. and I learned that Brandon & Jennifer had arranged for a Balinese theatre/dance company to come entertain us with traditional Balinese dances. (Isn’t he an amazing son?)

Barong, Baris, Pendet Flower and Cendrawasih (Bird of Paradise) Dances, accompanied by the Gamelan… I think the video will tell the story best….

I wish we’d captured video of the whole “Happy Birthday” song from the Balinese children – it was so sweet. Really a special finale.

Here are a few photos from the day to finish off the post. Notice the incredible detail on the costumes… do you have a favorite dance or costume?

This was the best birthday I could ever imagine. The only thing that could possibly have made it better would be to have had all of you attend the party too!

While in Costa Rica last year, I discovered my love of a good mango. Mangoes were so plentiful and fresh – I just couldn’t get enough. I purchased a few from my local grocery store in the states, and they’re okay, but just not the same as a fresh, ripe from the vine mango in Costa Rica.

I was hoping I might find similarly fresh and tasty mangoes in Bali, but it is not their season. Instead, I was served an interesting fruit I’ve never tried before – fresh mangosteen.

Pretty purple/red on the outside – white, juicy fleshy sections on the inside. The texture of the fruit is kind of like the soft areas of a honeydew. Or maybe a bit like a peach. But the taste is different than either…. it is reminiscent of many fruits – but hard to describe.

It was very good, different than I would’ve expected. When we stopped by a farmers market the other day, one of the vendors offered me a mangosteen ‘gratis’, in hopes I would purchase more. One bite and I was hooked!

It was even sweeter and fresher than the mangosteen I had eaten for breakfast the day prior. I purchased 5 and paid 5,000 Rupiah. That may sound like a lot, but it’s only .55 cents – basically 11 cents each. I think they often sell for over $3.00 EACH when imported into the states (if you can even find it).

So mangosteen is the new mango. And now I’m going to go to the market and buy more!

Have you ever tried fresh mangosteen?

I was content with that plan.

But then I got an unexpected invitation to spend a couple of weeks at a villa… in the guest room that is apparently just SCREAMING my name… a red guest room with a Chinese Opium bed… that looks out onto a gorgeous pool… and lush mountains and rice paddies…. in Bali.

My first reaction was, “I don’t think I can do that…” (nuts, I know!) since it was so sudden and I had determined I was staying home this year. And I would have to work things out with Margie (I am her Virtual Assistant), and potentially move an essential oil class I was teaching. I just didn’t have travel to Asia on my radar.

Yes, this is the pool and the house. (Allison, are you nuts???!!!)

And on top of that, this home is currently inhabited by three darling little girls I only see once or twice a year if I’m lucky. And an awesome son and beautiful daughter. And frogs. Oh, and a maid, chef and driver. I wonder if there is a pool boy….

Once the shock of the invitation wore off, I thought to myself “ALLISON! You would be NUTS to say no to that – no matter what it takes to make it happen! !” (I’m sure you were thinking the same thing… my sister was!)

Well, despite the prevailing opinion, I’m NOT (entirely) nuts - so I got the airline ticket and have started packing. I leave on Friday at midnight! I just hope I can survive the 20+ hours flying time to get there… and that I can fit in the seat.

I’ll take lots of photos, I promise. And yes, Michelle, I’ll record myself singing at least a line or two from Bali Hai for you (even though the movie wasn’t in Bali )

Bali haiiiiiiii may call you……

Introducing Strawberry Chocolate Tea by The Republic of Tea.

Yummy, yummy!

Naturally caffeine free (so I can enjoy a cup at bed-time), naturally sweet, smells and tastes delicious. A perfect 0 calorie, aptly named treat. I think I’ll have a cup right now!

Ingredients: Rooibos (red tea), carob, cocoa kernels, chocolate flavor, strawberry flavor, sweet blackberry leaves and bourbon vanilla beans

Try it and let me know what you think.

Do you have any other really yummy teas to recommend?

Honestly, the ruling that corporations are people may be the worst Supreme Court decision ever. It’s ridiculous – and damaging to our nation. This brilliantly silly attack ad shows one reason why. Not to mention how absurd our campaign finance laws are… which this clip illustrates:
.

Thoughts?

Today, instead of being buried in snow on January 1st, I planted primrose in one of my garden pots.

And I enjoyed watching the dozens of birds at my feeders… including a sweet hummingbird who is so happy I have left out a small feeder for him (in the pot with the primrose).

I also discovered a few other blooms in the rock garden. And wondered if the little blob on my finger was a bug…

… or a tiny slug.

It was the latter.

He’s cute, but will grow into a garden menace so I flushed him down the toilet.

To ring in the new year, I also spent some time playing my new Tibetan bowl.

I have been a bit distressed to discover that my formerly perfect pitch is currently off by 1/2 step. When I first played the bowl, I was sure it was an E-flat or even an E. But it’s a D. AGH!

I downloaded an app to help test/retrain me and I am consistently 1/2 step too high. I know what the note is – it’s just a half step off from the rest of the world. It’s unsettling and I hope that I can come back into tonal alignment (or whatever it would be called).

By the way, I started a new blog awhile ago and have made a resolution to update it regularly. It’s called:

FlowersMakeMeHappy.com

It is devoted entirely to my love of flowers, and it’s where I will post lots of my flower photos. I also have a facebook page where I post additional photos, and twitter feed for it. Follow me

So, how did you bring in the new year?

The other day I undertook the monumental task of organizing my ribbon drawer(s) and realized that I actually am a collector…

…of ribbon.

It started in my early 20s. I didn’t have much money at the time, and treating myself to a fancy ribbon now and then seemed like an affordable indulgence.

Over time I became attracted to more and more expensive ribbon – though usually purchased them on clearance, or through the use of my treasured wholesale card for Ensign Floral.

I discovered a $90 bolt of French silk ribbon for $10 at Molbaks after Christmas sale a year ago – I mean, how could I possibly pass that up?!

And so my collection has continued to grow. Here’s the official ribbon count, as of today:

• Red: 10
• Silver and/or White: 13
• Gold: 30
• Colors and non-Christmas patterns: 28
• Christmas: 18

Um… that’s 93 bolts of ribbon.

I think that probably qualifies as a collection.

Those who receive gifts from me will probably attest to the fact that the package is often as big a deal as the gift inside. Sometimes moreso

Do you recognize any of these ribbons from gifts I’ve given you?

I love creating a beautiful gift presentation…. though I find it very challenging to part with my favorite ribbons.

In fact, I’m still holding onto ribbon that is over 25 years old (it’s really cool)…

It’s a bit of an illness, I’m afraid. I buy them intending to use them, but they become like my children and I don’t want to part with them – unless I know the recipient will truly appreciate them. Even then I am oh, so reluctant to use the last of the bolt, knowing it’s a final farewell.

Perhaps I need therapy. What’s the difference between “collection” and “obsession“???

What do you collect?