Love Stories

With this kiss, the dashing Kevin Bowler sealed his wedding to teacher Debbie Zaldivar. Adorned in her lavish lace dress suitable for Zorro's bride, the evening was as magic as the gown.



The ritual diving their love shone like the center diamond in a ring surrounded by other stories of love.


At the reception, the tables were marked by placards that the couple chose to make a donation to the American Cancer Society in the bride's late father's name in lieu of favors to the guests.



















The groom's parents glow in approval of the new pairing. They should know a thing or two about what it takes for a successful marriage. Since photo's don't lie- they have been married 47 years- John II was 5 and Trisha was 3 when they "tied" the knot.

I hope the young couple enjoys the gift my husband and I sent as much as I enjoyed wrapping it.

It is always awkward for the receiver when a gift cannot be matched the the giver. To help the couple out, our card is therefore inside the wrapping- my business card is inside the main gift.

The reception table centerpieces were perfect. The colors of the flowers matched colors which burst with autumn joy.

The bouquet cascaded with abundance from artful iron perches, high enough for the table guests to speak comfortably to each other.

I was fortunate to be seated with Art and Carol Herrera. Their son Randy will be home from Europe in February for a wedding of his own.

Art and Carol and Trisha and John go way back. As newlyweds with apartments in Whittier and both husbands in law enforcement, this is the type of couple every newly married should have. Someone to be with you through thick and thin. Who will know your secrets, but never spread them. Someone to laugh with you. Cry with you. Pray for you.

Also at my table were Judy Duvall and Edda Gahm.

As they wave goodbye, I would like to thank the young couple for allowing us to share this moment of your joy.

You did this right. We pray for your continued happiness as you grow old together.

Random Thoughts from Stone Manor

In a former life as a film director, Lance Lindsay noticed that on every set, there was always a red light glowing somewhere.

Artists in every medium are a curious lot. When he asked the lighting director why, the answer was, " It makes everything look richer."

Aime points out the element of enchantment is added when the light source is subtle and artistic, as when it illuminates through bent stained glass petals.





















In designing the property which inspired Stone Manor Lighting, the Lindsay's heightened the romance of the place by replicating nature.

A front garden may tell the world what you wish to project- it is the backyard- where you go and what you do while no one is looking, which says who you really are.

If expanding romance is not reason enough... if you need practical reasons to add these whimsical flowers to your garden- link to the Lindsay's thoughts at http://www.stonemanorlighting.com/htmls/whylighting.htm

Stone Manor

This is a story which won't be rushed. It all started back in the mid 1800's with a beautiful window.




















One century and a couple of buildings later, it was discovered by filmmaker Lance Lindsay.
The son of a prominent architect, when his father died, he left Lance twenty doors of rare Philippine teak.


























Lance found this L- shaped acreage nestled in the rolling hills on the north side of Malibu with an incredible view overlooking the Pacific.

Lance left the film industry and put all of his creative passion into designing and building Stone Manor for he and his wife, Aime.

Lance says he is not an architect. But his passion and creativity more than compensated to change the vacant lovers lane into the most romantic Stone Manor.
























Lance and Aime love to entertain.
But they could not find light fixtures appropriate and fitting the romantic setting.

So Lance set about designing lighting so enchanting that demand required he and Aime form Stone Manor Lighting.

Sunday the couple opened the grounds to a joint meeting of the Region VI chapter of the Garden Writer's Association and the Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers.



















Consider this post an appetizer.

More shall be served soon...

Info on Stone Manor Lighting can be found at http://www.stonemanorlighting.com/

Anniversary

On November 8th, 1975, my last name changed from Lent to Plunk.

It was the year of the crock pot: we were gifted with five.

We forgot to tell the minister that we changed the time. Fortunately he read the program and arranged for a stand in. It was the Reverend Randall Foos' first wedding and he did a great job.

What has 34 years of married life taught me?

Commitment pays dividends better than anything the bank has to offer.

The two most motivating words are “Thank you.”

I have learned that anyone can make it through the good times. The team player who will stand by your side through sickness, hardship and loss: you can’t force another person to be that for you- but you can insist on being that for them.

The most important person in a marriage isn’t who you see in the mirror- it is one’s spouse.

Good will is an invaluable commodity not to be taken for granted in the most intimate human bond.

Because the future is unpredictable is no excuse to drift through it. It is important to have goals with an action plan.

Whatever life brings, it is useful.

The best advice is to seek God’s guidance and strength.

Hope begets optimism which multiplies happiness. Try to be happy- it is much more rewarding than being right.

The only thought as valuable as love is respect. Lose one and the other leaves. Both are easier to keep than to earn back.

Love is a living emotion. It changes so much over the years it isn’t always easy to recognize, but it is eternal.

Every day- laugh, learn, create- ever thankful for blessings great and small.

Brush Fire skirting Diamond Bar

It is a crisp, clear southern California morning. I left to cast my vote at the library. When I went back to my car to check my list of errands- there was smoke slightly to the northeast of the center of town.


The top photo, taken by Gene Sasse in Alta Loma, shows the multiple ignition points on the fires along the 60/ 57 freeway interchange. The widest plume appears to be what is in my images.




















The flames are on the other side of the ridge- but the smoke smells like danger.


















Before Diamond Bar became a city, brush clearance was not rigorously enforced. On a windy afternoon way back then, in less than an hour, a half dozen homes in my neighborhood were reduced to charcoal and ash.




















Let's pray this time we are spared the worst of fire's fury.