Sunday, July 11, 2010

An Ocean

When I moved to Hollywood I imagined life in the fast lane: you know, I'd be a movie star and date incredibly rich men. I'd live in Beverly Hills where my neighbors would be as fabulous as I was. When I wasn't working on my next Oscar-winning film I'd summer on exclusive islands in the south Pacific, sun myself on white sand beaches and dip my toes in warm ocean waters.

I pictured all kinds of wild stuff. I didn't picture this.

Yesterday's exclusive island was a back yard, where we dipped our toes in an ocean of green grass. The kids played in a rented bounce house while the adults shared ample potluck food and drink, and talked of the usual things: work, home, kids, life.

I don't suppose cave people had a bounce house, but I imagine them squatting around the fire, sated after a meal, watching the kids play like cubs while they talked of the usual things: the hunt, the cave, kids, life.

It's deeply satisfying to be a part of this turning of the Earth, this slow twist of the spiral arm of the Milky Way, though this wasn't at all what I pictured. It's better. And my neighbors are even more fabulous than I could have imagined.

25 comments:

Dina said...

Your picture and your words here do say A LOT.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thank you, Dina. Your visits to my blog mean A LOT. You're a good neighbor.

Bellis said...

So much nicer not to be a famous movie star - I don't think their life is all that nice. Imagine being followed by paparazzi eyery time you go anywhere. You'd have to spend all your spare time getting your body buffed instead of walking in Hahamongna. And there'd have been copter hovering over your friend's garden waiting to capture an unguarded Petrea moment for the cover of National Enquirer.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

I was up late last night jumping from blog to blog...oh the horror of it all (scream shots anyone?) I'm talking about those rubber bouncy houses of course.

Katie said...

This seems like a simple backyard snapshot, but I can feel the warmth and happiness radiating from it. Very special that you're living a dream you couldn't even have imagined. By the way, do they make bouncy houses for adults? That would be a blast!

Petrea Burchard said...

Hee hee, PA.

Body buffing sounds kind of fun, Bellis. But considering how often I leave the house without makeup and in my worst clothes, I don't think I was cut out to be a celebrity.

Petrea Burchard said...

Some of the bounce houses are big enough for adults, Katie, and they're certainly strong enough. You can get houses with upper stories, slides and all sorts of accoutrements.

I would wait until at least 20 minutes after eating.

Susan Campisi said...

Really nice post. Though it's not the one you imagined, obviously you're living the good life.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, Susan. It's true. And I'm thankful every day.

Shanna said...

I can't find an email address for you...Feel free to email me if you want about the photos.
shannagalloway@yahoo.com

Virginia said...

Oh I love your neighbors too, especially those next door with the faboo roses! I hope Boz had fun too!
V

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, Shanna, I'll send an email.

I'm lucky people around here know how to grow flowers, Virginia. Not my strong suit! But I still get to enjoy them.

Latino Heritage said...

Spending time with those we enjoy is a luxury that fills the soul.

John Sandel said...

Cute feet. Have they got a sister?

Sarah said...

AGAIN blogspot photos have been hidden for us cause of govermental banning so I can't see your photo but the word was so impressing Petrea.

Petrea Burchard said...

Sarah, I'm so sorry you can't see the photos--not because it's a special photo but because you should be allowed to see what you want to see.

Rosie said...

Lovely. Thank you.

Rosie said...

I also just linked to this from my Facebook site, so don't be alarmed if you get a lot of random East Coast traffic all of the sudden on here. We are a gentle people :)

Petrea Burchard said...

Hi Rosie, thanks! I always enjoy more traffic, especially from exotic places.

Kajon Cermak said...

In a word. Beautiful!

Petrea Burchard said...

Hi Kajon, welcome to PDP. And hey, "beautiful" is the word I'd use for you!

Anonymous said...

Nice, sometimes things actually turn out nicer than what we thought we wanted!

Petrea Burchard said...

Lucky, huh?

Gunn said...

I like both the photo and the text!! :-)

Petrea Burchard said...

This one's a sleeper. Thanks, Gunn!