Present Joys: Dodger Games, Grocery Stores, Flower Goblets and Anniversaries
Week of May 6, 2025
Dodger Game
We went to a Dodger game last week and it was so much fun! It’s been years since I’ve been to a game, so it was my first time seeing the ballpark since their ($100M! 😯) renovations had taken place. I’d been accustomed to the Dodger experience of my youth–one that was housed within a (lovingly) grubby stadium. Times and ticket prices sure have changed. I felt as though we were in an amusement park as we roamed the grounds. We came on Japanese Heritage Night so celebrations that preceded the game included taiko drummers, J-Pop star performances, and Takashi Murakami promoting his kawaii line of Dodger merch adorned with illustrations of sakura. It was fun to experience all that was shiny and new, but we kept it classic with our food picks. A Dodger dog, michelada, and garlic fries is a combo that needs no upgrade.
Supermarket Sweep
I’m becoming quite predictable here, but a joy is a joy. Back again to share another epic grocery store that had me floating. Located in Costa Mesa is Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market, an incredible emporium of Mexican eateries and grocery stalls. This market is truly top-tier. While I was there, the panaderia was buzzing with patrons racking up their trays with mountains of breads and pastries. (Deeply regret only leaving with one concha as it was the best I’ve had, maybe ever?) The cremería was brilliantly serving up samples of cheese within quesadillas. There’s even an outpost of Mexico City’s famed El Moro Churrería. Highly recommend if you’re also a grocery head. HMU and we’ll carpool!
Piano Class / Doggy Day Care
I’ve been taking piano lessons for the past month with the hopes of re-learning an instrument I haven’t played since I was a child. I don’t always enjoy these beginning stages of learning, but it’s been really nice to progress through my piano book (titled “For the Older Beginner” lol). I now appreciate the patience and presence required, something I couldn’t say for my younger self. One additional, very cute perk of piano lessons is that Bruce gets to play with Frankie, the studio owner’s long-haired mini dachshund. Bruce checks his usual timidity at the door and is ready to r a g e as soon as he sees his friend. During lessons, my feeble melodies are always accompanied by the duo’s fortissimo stampedes up and down the hallway. A new skill for me and socialization for Bruce–it’s a win-win.
Compliments
I witnessed such a cute scene while trying on sunglasses the other day. By the mirror next to me was a woman trying on various Celine shades. With each selection, her elementary-aged son would exclaim how lovely she looked. His admiration was so genuine and it seemed as if he simply couldn’t contain these compliments within himself. I told the mom how sweet the whole exchange was and left feeling inspired. Sometimes I can let my shyness impede a good word or deed–why keep that to myself?
A Timely Fortune
This made me chuckle since I cracked open this fortune just as I was writing this newsletter. Thanks Panda Express but I’m already on it!
Flower Goblets
I love these flower goblets from Cousin Home. They are so whimsical and imperfect, I would be so delighted to drink from any one of them.
Pasadena Showcase House
Last week we visited the Bauer Estate, the 2025 Pasadena Showcase House of Design with our client Tess Interiors. It was such a delight to walk through the 18(!) rooms (each one designed by a different designer) with Tess by our side. Here’s to many more client→friend field trips!
Neighborhood Roses
The roses in Pasadena are in full bloom. It smells amazing on every one of our walks around the neighborhood. I’m thankful for the gardeners who plant and prune to make this happen.
Things to Look Forward To
Our friend Lian plans her life in such a way that she always has something to look forward to in her calendar. I’ve been thinking about this a lot and how to incorporate the feeling of “looking forward” more into my own life. Apparently, “…anticipating a smattering of small, delightful experiences can be as enjoyable as looking forward to one big event” and being conscious about looking forward to something can be just as good as experiencing the real thing (NYT). Perhaps it works because looking forward to something contains an inherit sense of gratitude for that experience. In any case, the awareness seems to be what gets you there.
Anniversaries
Lee and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary on Friday. We ordered one too many primis at Donna’s, attended Friday night services, and harmonized along to the Beatles in the car ride home (apparently the first time we’ve harmonized according to Lee - not something I even knew I could do). The whole night was such a treat!
Currently Reading
I was finally able to visit the Henry Miller Library during our trip to Big Sur and picked up a copy of Steinbeck’s Cannery Row while I was there. After perusing the spines, I felt pretty set on selecting this book since we had passed through Cannery Row on our drive up. Reading the first line, though, was what really sealed the deal. 💔 —Joyce
Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.