Ghouls Come Out To Play (Baseball)

 R.I.P. DETROIT TIGERS

It's not every weekend that one of your best friends comes to visit, you get to dress up and go to a Halloween party in an old Victorian, and your favorite baseball team wins the World Series, but this was one of those weekends.

Shawn flew up to visit for four days, and he and I spent our first afternoon together having a picnic at Golden Gate Park and walking around North Beach.

That evening we picked up Gio and went to The Lookout for happy hour, where we were able to see people strutting around the Castro in the first round of Halloween Costumes (later that weekend we saw someone there with a cake hat walking around in his birthday suit-literally).  Later that night, Brittany and Jodi joined us for pizza and arancini at Delfina in the Mission.

On our way to brunch the next morning, this was the commotion that welcomed us on the street.  The firemen jumped out and pointed to us on the corner: "Did you call fire?!"  We hadn't, and they couldn't find who had.  At least four big trucks and many smaller ones reported for duty, but there was no smoke in sight.  The rest of the day was spent thrifting for last-minute costumes, watching Game Three, and getting ready for the Halloween party at Jessie's in Oakland.

Here's our crew ready for the party.  I was a Senior Portrait from 1982, and among the others you'll find Daphne from Scooby Doo, a Murderous Mechanic, a Scarecrow, and Rosie the Riveter. 

Jessie and her roommates really went all out with the decor.  Several of them are teachers and had access to great resources, like butcher paper and holiday creativity.  Oh, and I must mention that they had a Super-hero themed bounce house.  Awesome, right?

There were some fantastic costumes out and about.  A few of my favorites were a saucy male French Maid, the Tootsie-Pop Owl, and a chic, mysterious Raven.  Mary's Matador costume (down below) was a great one, too.

 

Our group spent the night dancing, munching on cupcakes, and bouncing (which leaves you feeling quite googly afterwards).  Highlights include Brittany getting her heel stuck in a floor vent, Mary breaking it down to Robyn on the dance floor and singing the Star Spangled Banner in opera from the porch, running from a band of racoons on the sidewalk and basically all the bounce house moments.  At one point, while dancing with the French Maid and a Tigress, Brittany exclaimed, "This is the best night ever!"  The following group shot is compliments of her. 

Driving back home over the bridge from Oakland, one could see all the buildings of the city lit up in Giants orange!

Sunday was basically dedicated to the Giants.  We slowly made our way down to Divasadero, climbing around Cole Valley, through secret stairways and up panoramic hills.  Taking in all the lovely houses in the area, Britt proclaimed, "I'd happily set up house and home in one of these!"  The first photo above, of the Detroit Tiger's tombstone, was from one of the elaborately decorated houses in the neighborhood.  

We made our way to Corona Heights Park, where we had sweeping views of the city, from Candlestick Park to the Bay Bridge and downtown.

Next, we grabbed burritos and headed to The Independent, a venue that was hosting a special showing of Game Four.  It was perfect because we got there early and had our own VIP section, there was a bar, we could bring in our own food, and they had set up a gigantic screen so that we could actually watch the game.  I was praying they would win not just because I love the Giants and a sweep would've been awesome, but for Shawn's sake.  He didn't quite expect a weekend of sports when he came up to a visit a bunch of girls, and I didn't want to make him sit through yet another game!

I was glad Game Four wasn't easy.  We had to fight for it, and it felt better (and more normal) to suffer a bit of Giants torture.  By the Win, it really felt like we deserved it!  The lights were flashing, people were jumping up and screaming and hugging.  It was completely unreal.  After missing the 2010 series while I was abroad, I was thankful to the guys for doing it again so I could participate this time!  What an amazing team they are, playing for the name on the front, not the one on the back.  Plus, they make it fun and they look damn good doing it.

 GIANTS SWEEP THE WORLD SERIES!

We had to walk home because public transportation was so backed up due to the street celebrations, so we grabbed a bunch of orange foods (think Goldfish, carrots, etc.) and hiked back up the hill, wooing and high-fiving our way past crazy-exited fans, with honking and hollering coming from every direction.  Brittany snapped this great one of Gio as we were walking down the cordoned off Haight Street.  We made it home to eat our orange dinner and watch the celebratory madness on the news, and we even got to see my dad, discussing the impact of Sandy on airport delays.  I was in the other room when he came on and everyone yelled incoherently for me to come see, I dare say louder than they yelled for the Giants.

When the Giants flew home into SFO the next day, my dad snapped this photo of Larry Baer with the trophy.  He got to see all the players up close and personal, too!

On Monday, we went for a day-long walk through the Presidio, where Gio lives, and down to Fort Point, across Crissy Field, through the Marina District, and all the way to Ghiradelli Square and Fisherman's Wharf.  Gio lives amongst the most beautiful old brick houses, which were part of the base before it was demilitarized.  Apparently I have to meet someone with a connection to be able to move into one, so it's time to start going to Presidio block parties. 

It was a lovely, albeit chilly day, and we just enjoyed the scenery and the last few hours of being together.  I think Shawn really fell for the city, and I fell in love with it all over again.  There's just no place quite like San Francisco.

"The glory that was Rome is of another day...

I'm going home to my city by the bay

When I come home to you, San Francisco  

Your golden sun will shine for me"

-Tony Bennett

And before I go, just one shot of the family (minus Daniel!) on Halloween night, after the parade coverage and between Hocus Pocus and trick-or-treaters.  Hope everyone had a safe and spooky holiday.  Trick or sweep!

Make You Feel My FALL Love

It's always the fall that sucker punches me in the nostalgia glands.  I feel that first chill in the air and I'm suddenly transported back to Italy, exchanging my wardrobe from summer to winter, sitting down to Sandra's pumpkin pasta, bundling up in scarves and boots, and passing the hills filled with rainbows of autumnal leaves as we ride to the local oil mill for the November olive harvest.  And yet, there's this other part of me whose nostalgic associations are inevitably bound homeward, the part that relishes memories of trick or treating, watching Hocus Pocus and Casper, and waking up to the smell of a turkey roasting in the oven.  Honestly, if California didn't have such blasted awesome weather, the fall here might leave me not thinking of Italy at all.

Still, even with lovely weather, us Californians find ways to enjoy the season!  The girls came over recently for a Halloween dinner, and we ate squash in several different forms before carving our ghoulish pumpkins, above.  My dad offered to pretend to be an intruder in the yard to scare us, but I figured someone would probably legitimately get wounded in that scenario, so I called him off.

 

Later that week, my parents and I threw Emma in the car and drove up to Apple Hill, a collection of orchards and farms near Placerville, CA.  Basically, you go to eat.  We had delicious BBQ chicken with macaroni and apple marshmallow salads, apple-infused beer, and apple-pumpkin pie.  We stopped by several farms, including one called Bavarian Hills, where Dad and his surprisingly hairy German barmaid took this photo.

We also went apple picking, which was neat because the lady said, "Try apples from each tree before you pick any to take home with you."  She wanted to make sure we loved them, and we found plenty of delicious ones, plus Emma loved the adventure.

Then this past weekend we celebrated my brother's 21st birthday.  He and I went to see Bob Dylan at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, which was one of the coolest venues I've been to.  It was really clever of them to transport this classic model here, what with its incredible acoustics and added lovely view of the bay.

I have to admit that while I admire Bob Dylan for his impact on music and his accomplished career, I'm not his most avid follower.  One of the reasons I appreciate him, though, is for his writing of "Make You Feel My Love," Adele's cover of which is perhaps my favorite song.  So, you can imagine my pleasure when he included his folksy version of that song on his set list Friday night!  Check out the video below, and that's Bob Dylan at the piano towards the right of the following photo.

That night we went out for Daniel's first (at least legal) beer, which the bartender Johnny offered him for free, and my brother hosted me at his place, even offering me his bed with freshly washed sheets and all.  The next day our parents met us in town and we ate at the 21st Amendment, a connection my brother just couldn't pass up.

Later that night, several of my UCSD friends and I headed to the Disney Museum in the Presidio for an alumni event.  It was cool to be in a room where you knew you have something in common with everyone, plus I had a handful of close friends and, of course, Walt by my side.

My favorite thing about the museum was the extremely detailed topographical model of Disneyland from the early '60s.  The guide was so helpful in pointing out to me all the various changes and developments over the years, and you could tell she was so passionate about it all!  One could really feel the magic of Disney in the museum, and I'd love to go again when I can spend more time appreciating all it has to offer.

But really the fall is just beginning...next up, Halloween!

Ashley + Ryan

On September 22, 2012, Ryan Taylor married Ashley Gomes at Mission Santa Clara at one in the afternoon.  After 17 months of planning (more months spent engaged than dating!), the big day finally arrived and we were all so thrilled to be a part of it.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves.  Before the wedding of course came the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner!  We gathered together at Mission Santa Clara before heading to the Old Spaghetti Factory for a lovely dinner hosted by Ryan's mother, Sue, and her husband, Tom.  Sue and Ryan both got up to thank everyone for their involvement and help with the wedding.  The excitement and nerves were palpable as we mingled and looked forward to the next morning.  We didn't exactly party into all hours of the night, as we needed to get to the hotel and get some beauty sleep!  Below you'll find the bridal party, Ashley's family, me with the bride, Ryan's nephew Santino playing with his ring bearer's gift, and the bride and groom themselves. 

We were up bright and early the next day, and while the groomsmen went out for breakfast and hung out, we were going through our extensive beauty regimen.  A few words about being a bridesmaid: the experience could be likened to being in the military, and this was my first time enlisting.  There's a lot of intense training in the form of manicures and heel-walking and eyeliner application.  One must be prepped for disaster with loaded canisters of pins, both safety and bobby, hoping for the best yet prepared for the worst.  The motto is one for all and all for one, namely the bride.  But the best part of the bridesmaid's battle is that after all the preparation and all the nerves, the action is nothing but fun.

 

  

 

All of Ashley's wedding accessories were laid out for all to see, even her lacy white cuecas, which we had a nice laugh over.  The morning flew by, and soon it was time for Ashley to get dressed with all of us and the photographer surrounding her!  There are very few private moments on one's wedding day.

Ashley's dress was enchanting, embellished with lace, satin and jewels, and her train fell out majestically around her.  She looked stunning, of course.

After a few photos around the grounds of the Hayes Mansion (how cute are those little cousins?), we filed into our Hummer limo and we were going to the chapel to get married!

 Check the transformation.  I trust you can tell who's who.

We arrived at the mission and suddenly we were lining up, the music was cued, and our feet started carrying us down the candlelit aisle!  The church looked so beautiful all lit up; it was a perfect balance between religiousness and romanticism.

The ceremony was short and sweet.  After the priest shared his marriage wisdoms, their rings were blessed, the couple repeated their marriage vows, and with the help of their mothers, they lit their unity candle.  For a second we thought the priest had forgotten their first kiss, but he interrupted the music to allow them their special smooch, and soon they were headed back up the aisle, but this time as husband and wife!

We took many photographs of the bridal party and family both inside and outside the mission.  I love that most of our informal pictures in the mission have the bride and groom posing in the background.  Thanks for the unintentional photo bomb, guys!

My brother took a cool panoramic shot of us taking photos outside the mission.  Click to enlarge!

The limo ride over to the reception at Willow Heights Mansion with the whole wedding party was a blast.  Think champagne & sing-a-longs.  Once there, we took more pictures with the photographer before being introduced to the crowd.  Then there was mingling, photo-boothing, and hors d'oeuvre-ing, as well as speeches and toasts, before it was time to move up to dinner.

I swung around to the Gomes family table to get some shots with the cousins.  Unfortunately, Brandon and Ashley were nowhere in sight!  Here are the boys, Chris, Daniel, and Mathew, and then Melissa and I joined in.  The next photo is of Melissa and me with Tia Diane and Grandma.

 

Here are shots of the bridesmaids to my left and right at the table, as well as a shot of the beautiful place settings.  Being the huge baseball fan that he is, Ryan had the tables named after major league baseball teams.  Naturally, the head table was representing the San Francisco Giants, and the Dodgers table was, as my godfather proclaimed, "in the bathroom."  Also, the Giants won the National League West and clinched their division's spot in the playoffs the night of the wedding, so the theme seemed extra appropriate. 

My padrinho's (godfather's) speech could not have been more wonderful.  He spoke to his captive audience from the heart, tugging at our tear ducts as he told Ashley that she would always be his little girl, and making us laugh as he warned Ryan about her shopping habits (inherited from one of her parents, not him-you can do the math) and the necessity of keeping her well-fed to avoid serious crankiness. 

I worked my way around to get more family pictures, and I especially love this one of my mom and me.

Here's my mom with her brother, the father of the bride.

One of the top photos of the night, definitely, is the parents of the bride grinning and enjoying themselves at their daughter's wedding.  They deserved to relax-they pulled off everything famously!

This is Tio Mario and Tia Fatima (Tio Mario is one of the many Portuguese uncles you heard a lot about while I was in the Azores), first with me outside, and then with mom and padrinho.

Avó, all the way from the Azores!

 

Here are all the Gomes siblings with Avó and Madrinha; then we threw in my dad and the happy couple, too!
 

Ashley and Ryan's first dance was to George Strait's "I Cross My Heart".  They were so adorable, and I was happy to see them get some time to themselves!

After Ryan and Ashley's first dance, it was time for the beautiful yet sentimentally disastrous daddy-daughter dance, to the song "I Loved Her First" by Heartland.  They both broke down on contact, setting off a ripple effect on the rest of the surrounding family, and I had only one tissue that had to be rationed out.

Then, after Ryan danced with his mother, it was time for all of us to join in!  I got to dance with all my cousins, all my aunts and uncles, and would you believe that even my mom joined in the boogie celebrations?  My cousin Mathew said about Uncle Johnny, "I've never seen him move this much!"  You would think all of this was thanks to the open bar, but this wasn't the reason.  We were all just so overjoyed for Ashley that we had to express it in some way, and what better than shaking our groove thing in her honor? 

It was a blast watching all the traditions, like the messy cake-cutting, the scandalous garter expedition, and the bouquet toss, which fellow bridesmaid Amanda and I caught simultaneously!
 

Ryan and Ashley, you two are such a wonderful couple and it's easy to see that you two are meant for each other.  The wedding could not have been more perfect, and I hope it's a foreshadowing of how your marriage will be, filled with laughter, family, and love.  I love you both, and felt so blessed to be a part of your celebration.  We're all looking forward to being there for the many years you have ahead to love one another.  Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor!