Welcome!

I am a teacher and aspiring writer, and keep a blog to keep up with writing and document the daily moments that make up my life. Working with my students & travel writing are my biggest passions. People, art, food, wine/spirits, and culture are other writing interests. Thanks for coming by!

Monday, March 7, 2011

If Houses Could Float....


In the realm of fantastic daydreams there are many that seem so outlandish that it seems that they could never become a reality. But never say never. If you've seen the film "Up," you may have wondered, "Could houses really float?" Apparently so.
Here's to dreaming big dreams that are so outlandish, they might actually come true.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Don't Put Off Your Happy Life



This little pearl of wisdom was given to me from my friend Bonnie. Even though it's just a piece of paper, it is one of my most treasured possessions. The message is worth it's weight in gold. Don't put off your happy life.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

My Field of Dreams


This field is my field of dreams. We found this place as we were driving north from Monterey to Santa Cruz, and it encompasses a dog park, a playground with swings, and a beautiful grassy field overlooking the ocean. In addition, there is a long walking path that winds along the cliffs overlooking the sea. If I lived there, I would go there every day with Coconut. So dreamy.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Neat Things that Neat People are Doing





This guy Greg Magee is an artist in Moss Landing who photographs sea life and coastal habitat creatures for a living. He has a real talent for capturing these animals in their element, and also capturing their beauty. My favorite photographs are of the smiling otter, the exotic birds, and the exquisite jellyfish, of course.

This fabulous lady
photographs chic bicyclists in Sacramento. How fun is that!

This blogger's blog Yes & Yes is a treasure trove of interesting stories, cool links, and all-out fun. I found out about her from my friend Bonnie - thanks Bonnie!

It's getting late but stay tuned for more tomorrow.

Nighty night!

Xo, Jeneka

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Sanctuary




Rob sweetly brought me here to Marina (near Monterey) for a couple of days to have a little getaway before he starts his new job. He won't have time off for awhile, so he wanted to get away before he started his new job. Luckily, I can work from anywhere as long as I have my laptop, so it worked out perfectly. We got here to a stunning view, and had a relaxing afternoon watching the waves while Rob played guitar. We caught the sunset and had a nice night by the fire. Tomorrow we are going exploring and heading back to Sac on Friday. The dunes are full of beautiful flora and fauna. I will share more photos later, Rob's taken some great ones.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Days of Wonder




Dear Friends,

I am changing the name of my blog from Yeni's Notebook to Days of Wonder, because I think that the latter title much better describes my theme in blogging. I like capturing ideas, moments, people and places that bring me wonder, and that is the purpose of my blog. So I thought it would be fitting that the name matched that.

I am thinking back to days of wonder that I've had in my life, and here are a few:

Riding a tw0-wheeled bike for the first time when I was five years old.

Catching my first wave on a surfboard, at 27 years old!

Swimming with dolphins in Hawaii and Mexico.

Watching the enchanting jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The day I got Coconut. It was December 20, 2007, and she was just 8 weeks old.

Seeing Cuba for the first time, and swimming in the Caribbean Sea.

Swimming in the waves at sunset in Hanalei, Kauai.

Meeting my niece Abby Grace on the day she was born.

Meeting my god-daughter Sophia.

Watching the mermaid swim at the Dive Bar a few weeks ago.

The day I got married.

What are some of your most wondrous moments/memories?

Saturday, February 19, 2011

A Love Letter to Coconut


I love it how you sleep with your favorite tennis ball.

I love how you run to the treat cupboard first thing in the morning, and wait for your treat, no matter how long it takes for me to get it for you.

I love how you are so smitten with neighbor Bernie, and how excited you get when his parents come home, because you know you're going to get to go play with him in the backyard.

I love how at the dog park, you always have to rush over to see what the commotion is all about, and then you always get right in the middle of it.

I love how you eat practically everything known to man if it is offered, but on occasion, you will decide that you have quite sophisticated taste, and turn your nose up at something.

I love how friendly and loving you are to all of our guests. Yes, we have to work on the excessive licking, but it is so sweet how happy you are to see our friends when they arrive. You truly love them.

I love how when I am on my laptop you can't stand that all of my attention isn't on you, so you will put your head on my lap, and nudge my hand until I stop typing.

I love how, when I am dancing to a song like "California Stars," you will jump up and dance with me while standing on your hind legs!

I love how obsessed you are with squirrels. I know that it's a bad habit, but the comedy relief that it's provided is priceless.

I love how you greet me when I get home and make me feel like the most important person in the world to you.

I love how you go to bed when I do, take naps when I do, and get up when I do.

I love it that you are such a water dog, and love swimming.

I love it how the first thing in the morning that you do is come and lick my hand. I am blessed beyond words to have you as my dog daughter, and you mean the world to me.

I love you to the ends of the earth my sweet adorable girl!