Le vin bon marché

...that's French for cheap wine. But, don't those Frenchies just know how to make everything sound more chic?

In addition to endless sunshine and balmy weather, California's other greatest perk is inexpensive vino by the oak barrel full. Why drink water when wine is cheaper?

Two of my recent faves (one white and one red), both under $6:

• Now & Zen Alsatian Wasabi White: crisp on the palette and a delight with Thai or Indian food
• Chariot Gypsy: a blend of Cabernet Sauvingnon, Petite Syrah, and Sangiovese; a gorgeous garnet-colored wine with a jammy taste and everyday versatility

The Fake Housewives

Confession: Ssshhh...Don't tell anyone. I watch The Real Housewives of...everywhere. Dysfunction clearly doesn't discriminate according to geography because those ladies, and the occasional gay sidekick, are just as delusional from Newport Beach to New Jersey.

Why do I watch this crap? Sometimes a gal just need a few wackos to remind her that her life really is pretty normal. Maybe I'm just as disturbed as they are, but, dang, their meltdowns make my occasional hissy fits seem like tea with the queen.

What are your guilty t.v. addictions?
Image from eonline

Cumulus Cloudscapes

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky." Rabindranath Tagore
When was the last time you stopped mid-activity to take a moment and look up at the clouds? You might be surprised what you'll see.

On a recent flight, I looked out my murky airplane window to see this glorious view. High above the clouds, the sunset produced such an array of pinks and oranges across the sky. Up in the air, the clouds became a billowy ocean---a reminder of the unparalleled beauty of nature.