Into Sara's World

2008-05-22T01:31:00.000-07:00

Our "Uncle" Arubinda

Buying fabric at the New Market

The temple covered with mirrors and Italian Glass

My playin' cricket... 4 runs with that hit!

Extended family members we spent a day with

India "Day 2"

2008-05-22T00:06:00.000-07:00

Journal entry

Tuesday, March 18

"India is calling. Can you hear it? This place is alive - You can literally see it's heart beat. The people, moving around are its' way of survival. This place, Kolkata is breathtaking, yet the city itself gives you breath. It gives you a reason to wake up each morning. I am blown away with everything and everyone here. I have fallen in love with India."

This was written on day 5 of our time in the most amazing country. By that time our days were filled with:

An unforgettable visit to Mother Teresa's House/Tomb (at her tomb I lost all control of my legs and dropped to my knees. I prayed for forgiveness and compassion. I asked for help in becoming the best person I could be. I hadn't prayed like that in years. I felt like a rush of energy ran through my body and I couldn't stop. I couldn't stop. My tears were mini Niagara's. I couldn't stop.)
Our first dinner in a restaurant (my taste buds were constantly high)
Visited the famous New Market (in the heart of Kolkata. This place is crazy! It's the most congested area of the world... well that's my opinion of course. There are people in every square inch of this fantastically insane place! Jenny and I bought some of the most beautiful fabrics here. Whew! What an experience!)
Learned what "Mahalo Legache" means (everything's ok)
Visited our future house (a temple blanketed with Italian glass and mirrors)
ate road side food (a beautiful bite of happiness. All in one little bite. I didn't even get sick!)
Went to the families 300 year old house
Played cricket with children(I was even in a dress... The adult men that were around couldn't believe how good I was at batting! Super fun time!)
Sat in on a music lesson(Another life-long memory was made in a tiny little room, where we witnessed a music lesson. The teacher, a man mid-50's with salt-n-pepper hair playing on his harmonium. The student, a beautiful young lady, sitting crossed legged behind her guru, singing her heart out to the gods above. Her proud mother, on a small wooden chair across the room. Note: this room was about the size of a bathroom. We even got a cookie when we left.)
Visited a Kali Temple outside Kolkata(our uncle Arubinda's family built it many years ago. It is a majestic neighbour to his families house. We had a wonderful day filled with meeting family members and drinking tea.)

Of course each day was finished off by talking gossip about life and the funny moments of each day. All of this talk accompanied by nothing but a cup of black tea. Do you understand why I fell in love?!

2008-04-25T02:30:00.000-07:00

Friday March 14, 2008 DAY 1 INDIA Kolkata

Journal entry... " Woke up this morning to a smell I remember as a kid. The smell of a fire burning somewhere, like a bonfire or leaves burning. I looked at the clock, 6:15am. We had only gone to bed three hours ago, but my excitement overwhelmed me. I am in India! I am in India! I am in India! I walked to the open window in our room and looked down to the waking life below. Puppies and their parents playing in the street. Men washing their bodies. A man selling tea on the curb (that was the fire smell) A priest blessing the tea guy's area. A glimpse up at me from a stranger below... in his face I saw curiosity. Who is that girl? Children walking slug-like to the school up the road. Attached to the house across the street...a tree growing out of the bricks. It's awesome power over-taking the old mortar. I am in India!"

If you don't know this already, I traveled India with one of my most amazing girlfriends, while Steven was trekking in Nepal. When we arrived to Kolkata at 1:00 am, our new Indian family was waiting with the cutest sign, Mrs. Sara Cliff welcome to Kokata! Soooo cute! We stayed with the family of another wonderful girlfriend of mine from L.A. Grandma, Dadu, Sweater Dita, Nabin, Karuna, Bishna Nath, Arubinda, all people you will learn about along our Indian journey.

You will NEVER go hungry when staying with an Indian family in India. NEVER! Every moment we turned around there was another super yummy something they stuffed into our mouths. (not literally but, you get the point) Every bite had a new flavour. One meal consisted of four main components; fish, dal, rice, bitters-the rest was just icing on one giant euphoria sending wedding cake. My opinion... the best food in the world... Indian! They even have a spice for your tea.

Tea! Black tea, milk tea, Darjeeling tea, Assam tea... it's everywhere and if you don't drink it... well you're dumb. Morning ritual was to wake up early, cold shower, dress, head downstairs to the kitchen where there was fruit, about 8 pieces of toast, a couple boiled eggs and then TEA! Always tea! My love affair with tea will live on forever!

First day consisted of:
Changing money to Rupees
Visiting an area in Kolkata where you will find all their deities being sculpted!
Seeing the magnificent Ganges River
A couple tea breaks
Visited the house of Rama Krishna's deciple
Visited the temple Birla Mandir AMAZING!
Visited another smaller temple and were part of a Puja (a blessing of their god)
Then headed back to our new home...

The horns on the cars were too much to handle sometimes. It was almost like they were talking to each other. Traffic anywhere else in the world is easy cheesy compared to the "no rules" driving that went on there. Seriously.

Again, eating... a late dinner and then off to bed! Day 1 India was full and exciting and I was falling in love...

Long, long, long time no talk....

2008-04-25T01:59:00.000-07:00

Hello from Shanghai China!

Well, I have sooo much to tell you all about my time in India, Nepal and now China. I am going to write it down in pieces. Basically a day by day account of our whereabouts. I apologize greatly for not getting to you all sooner but, as you probably already know, there weren't many chances to get to a computer and when we did, we didn't have much time to stay in front of them. So, the main things were to email family members letting them know we had made it to the next destination. Anyway, here I go. Come with me on my last 6 weeks of fantastic moments...

First. India. Kolkata.

Inquisitive Beings

2008-03-03T16:50:00.000-08:00

Got up early the other morning (as I do most mornings) to check the cray pots...On the way back to shore what to Pop and I see? Two beautiful dolphins playing in the water. They would swim up to the boat and dive, dive, dive straight down. Then they would pop up right by the side of the boat. They are just amazing creatures. They are so curious, so playful and just a whole lot of fun to be around.

After about 15minutes of teasing and playing, off they went. Just like we were never there. On with their day of frolicking in the ocean blue.

It was a moment I will never, ever forget. What lives in the ocean is just mind boggling to me. It's a whole other world down there. You can watch The National Geographic Channel all you want but, until you are up close and personal with these beautiful creatures of the deep, it won't become real. It's been oh so real for me this past three months. All of it. I will take these moments with me forever.

Be kind to the earth and it will be kind back to you.

With love and respect,
Sara

Ahhh Tropical Paradise!

2008-02-25T02:07:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! It's been too long again since I wrote to update you on our whereabouts...

Today I am writing from the very tippy top of Australia. Steven and I are visiting his sister and her family in Arnhem Land. It's a government protected land. You can't live here unless you are working on the mine. Aboriginies inhabit most of the land. It's like nothing I've seen before.

This place is like a dream. It's very tropical and hot. It rains everynight which causes the whole place to be very, very humid. The trees, the birds, the flowers, the butterflies, the smell of the forest after the rain, the ocean, the thunder, the gekos, the spiders, the mosquitos(ugh), the salt water crocs, box jellyfish, shells, shells, shells, and more shells.

Now, it's not all glitz and glamour mind you...Along with the beautiful parts of the land there are also the very desolate poor parts of the land. It's really very sad. The more I stay in this country the more I learn about it's indiginous people. The Aboriginies.

When Steven and I arrived, I felt like peeling my clothes off, it was so sticky but, as soon as we saw the shining faces of our nieces...well I forgot about it all! We hopped into the truck and headed to an Aboriginal community. The excitement of seeing our family again quickly rushed away as soon as my eyes fell upon the sadness of the state of their little town. To the ordinary person entering this area, well thoughts of discust and anger would run throughout.

Houses in a state of dispair, ferrel dogs running amok, trash everywhere, broken down cars that are just left to rust away, little naked children playing in dirty pools of water, families of 10 or more hanging around in packs like wolves. Why?

Having Native American blood run through me, I feel for the people of this land. To have strangers move in and tell them "how to live their lives" would seem cruel right? It almost parallels how the English first settled America. Strangers moving in and pushing out what they didn't understand. These dark people who live off the land and pray to and the river and the eagle. How silly they thought. They only wanted to make a better life for them. Right?!

This is what has happened with the indiginous people of Australia. Governments from all over only want to better their lives.

There's a very, very fine line however. How much to you push someone who doesn't want to have help. How much money do you give to a people who only use it for terrible, terrible addictions. How much to you roll over and say, "tomorrow will be a better day." How many times to you turn the other way when child abuse and other disgusting acts take place...this is all happening to the original people of Australia. The people who could live off the land and pray to their river and their eagle and be very, very content.

I hadn't really approached the thought of an opinion on this subject. Only because it is so scary to speak out. It wouldn't be right if I couldn't come up with a thought as a writer. So, here in the land of plenty, I have had waves of thoughts. I don't know if they're right or if they're wrong. I do believe that the Australian government needs to get off their asses and go to these communities. See for themselves what is happening. Don't rely on an "apology" to fix things. Go fix it in person.

This fine line is riden on both sides. I am not supporting either side. If anything my crazy brain has been racking itself silly, trying to come up with an answer to this challenge. I feel for the native people, yet the majority of them choose to live in squalor. The Australian Government has done plenty to help, to get them work, to help them grow. Yet, they turn their heads as a people and choose to be a non-educated society.

Fear is what drives this country...I hate to say it but, that's what I have come up with in my silly little head. Fear on both sides of that line. Fear of ending a struggle that has been too long and too hurtful and just not necessary. Fear of failure! Well in my opinion, it is a failure to this amazing and beautiful country to not come together and help one another. No more brushing aside what's straight infront of them. Challanges, big, big, challenges.

Aside from that opinion of mine, this is what Steven and I have done up here...

Stayed up until 5am drinking and talking with the locals (Steven)
Went bush bashing...almost got stuck a couple of times! It was incredible!
Played golf (Steven)
Went to The Arch for a wonderful dinner
Looked for crocs but, didn't find any
Uncle Steven babysat while the girls went shopping
Went swimming in a swimming hole with an Aboriginie family
Watched an Aboriginal woman dig the meat out of little snails to make necklaces
Listened to the rain every night!
Watched movies with the little girls!
Met with loads of the locals.
Collected shells
Watched a huge storm come in
Gonna watch the Oscars tonight,
then head off back to Leeman in the morning!

It's been an incredibly eye opening time here up north. I would recommend it to anyone! It's a tropical paradise that you only dream of visiting! Our dream came true for five days.

When we get back to Leeman I will put some pictures up.

Much love and respect!
Sara

this is an attachment for more information on the Stolen Generation Apology. Please educate yourself on what is happening in your communities as well! xo Sara
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23117918-5001021,00.html">

More Pictures for you...

2008-01-14T02:18:00.000-08:00

The girls on the town!

The sunset in our backyard!

Steven and I at cocktail hour after our friend's wedding

Steven's parents on a walk back home from the beach

Welcoming in 2008!

2008-01-13T23:24:00.000-08:00

The first crayfish I could keep! Yummo!

Steven with a big Groper he caught while out working.

Eating an Aussie Meat Pie after a night on the town!

With our little herring we caught off the jetty. They were great for breakfast!

Ahhhhh. Christmas on the beach!
Hello Everyone!

Well, it's been exactly a month since I updated and I am terribly sorry it's taken this long to tell you what's been going on in this neck of the woods. Outside the sun is shining and the wind is blowing very strongly from the south. The bloody "Southerly" is what they call it! No use going down to the beach when it's like this because you'll for sure get a mouth full of salt water when least expecting it!

In the past month I have:
~Had my first experience with an Australian Jelly Fish...my foot got the brunt of it's stingers! ugh!
~Gone to the Doctor for too many mosquito bites...
~Been to a little reef to go snorkeling...I was scared shitless but, once I got in, it's just magical! I almost meditated to the sound of my breath going in and out, in and out while huge angel fish swam around me.
~Went kayaking on the ocean at 8am. If that doesn't wake you up, nothing will!
~Had a family of blow fish follow me while swimming.
~Cooked breakfast at work for a party of 12 people. I was on my own, not a big deal but, I was impressed with my quick line cook abilities!
~Been to Perth for the beautiful wedding of our dear friends Bayne and Libby
~Took the Greyhound to Perth to visit our friends Boondy and Erin.
~Rocked out the New Year in true Aussie style (drunk and cheery!)
~Ran over our first Kangaroo. Steven was driving and he really didn't mean to hit it. There were two. The first one hopped across just fine but, the second big guy didn't quite make it across. He basically ambushed the car and we just couldn't slow down. This was quite hard for me to deal with but, it's the way of life around here. In the States we have squirrels and rabbits and racoons... here well, it's big old kangaroos. Just so you know it's a regular thing. About a million a year get hit. ANYWAY, when you come visit make sure you are wide awake when driving or you'll never see them. Well, you should really be wide awake when driving anyway!
~Had four births here at the Caravan Park (four birds)Pop has a big bird cage out the front and there are four new babies that finally came out of the nest!
~Steven killed a black wasp the size of your hand. Ok a bit of a tall tale..but, you get the idea.
~I've seen an ant the size of your thumb. It would hurt a lot if it got ahold of your toe!
~Been fishing off the jetty and caught a skippy, herring and another little tiny fish with a HUGE mouth... it's called a gobble something?
~Caught my first crayfish that was the right size... So, in the pot he went and then in my tummy he went!
~scortched my bum in the sun... ouch!
~Gave our friend Glen a mowhawk! While intoxicated...it's awesome! Tiffany, Marilee, Gabriel, Dasi...look out! I'll be after your jobs!
~Had a champion spew at the closest petrol station on the day of the Perth Cup while 10nicely dressed women waited outside... I felt like I looked like Britney Spears when I walked out, (sunnies on, watering eyes, puffy face) ugh!
~Visited some friends of ours in Perth. They are renting the cutest little shack up in the hills. It's just beautiful up there. The kangaroos come into the backyard every afternoon.
~Bought the perfect little black dress FOR FREE!!! Had a gift certificate and it was on sale... can't beat that!
~Watched the sun set on the beach (our back yard) with a beer in hand, Mum and Pop and Mack at my side! Seriously you can hear it hit the water! =)

Anyway, that's about it thus far. Looking forward to each day to see what happens. There are so many things that effect me. Little things, to the plants I re-potted which are coming to life again on the veranda. To the big things, like spotting an emu in the distance, standing amidst a herd of sheep. This land is just amazing and if you open your eyes, REALLY open your eyes, it's amazing what it will do for your soul.

For those of you that have tried to reach me via my cell... well, it's not working here. I would for sure get back to you if I knew that you called. There is just no reception here for our T-Mobile fancy phones. It's a funny thing really. We spend all this money for a fancy technologically advanced "things" and when you're living, really living, those things don't matter. It's actually been very nice not to worry about my texting fingers getting tired! Now it's my writing fingers that get tired!

My music, well I've got heaps of ideas floating around in my head that will soon explode to paper. I feel that I can't force it... it will just come out when it's ready. I have many influences all around me but, when the time is right...it will all happen. I can't wait for that day! I yearn for that day to come!

All the best wishes for a wonderful 2008! Remember to open your eyes and see, REALLY see the small things. Let them effect you. Let them bring tears to your eyes for their simplicity is just beautiful. Wander around your streets or backyards and just look, breathe it in, smile at it and it will smile back at you.

With sincere happiness,
Sara

some pics for you...

2007-12-13T05:39:00.000-08:00

This is a picture I took of a father and his son fishing off of the Jurien Bay Jetty. I played around with the picture, so it's a bit artsy...

The little farmer's market at Jurien Bay

Mack! Steven's brother's dog who stays with Mum and Dad. He's such a baby!

The Leeman Jetty at night. The water is soooo clear!

Kylie, her daughter Paige, Paige's friend Morgan and Me. Jurien Bay Jetty.

Even Dorothy has to work in OZ!

2007-12-13T05:08:00.000-08:00

The bins where the loads of frozen food are kept

Only a portion of the food I have to drop in the fryer!

"The Bench" that's where it all happens folks! That's where I make a mean steak burger or the most amazing fish and chips!!!

After the goodies have been swimming in their hot bath, this is where they go. Ready to be eatin up by you... come on in! I'm waiting for you behind the bench!
Hiya Everyone!

I trust you are all doing well during this Holiday Season. It's coming down to the wire now! I know you are all scrambling to get things done and presents bought. It's a weird feeling being here for Christmas. It's very different. "How, Sara?" well, we are focusing on the fact that most of Steven's family will be together. It's been 4 years since Steve has been with his family on the holiday's and they are just ecstatic! We aren't worried about what presents to get or what to do... The mere presence of all of us will be enough. I am cooking a turkey and Mum is figuring out what else we are going to have. It's going to be hot outside, so I'm sure the beer fridge will be full to the brim! No egg nog here folks... It's all about the light brown liquid we drink, dreading to "break the seal" later!

Work is going smoothly. Everyone is very helpful over at Crazzel's! Rosemary and Trevor (the owner's) are becoming staples in my everyday lifestyle here. Even if I'm not working I like to go down and chat, have a ciggie and then I'm off again... to the great unknown!

Went down to Jurien Bay the other day. It's about a half hour drive. They were having a small farmer's market. Not quite as elaborate as the one's back in LA but, I got some grapefruit marmalade, pickled califlower and my favourites...lemingtons! They are a sponge cake which has been dipped in a light chocolate sauce which soaks up into the cake. Then they are rolled in coconut... HOLY CRAP! You HAVE to have one!

Yesterday I took of back to Jurien on my own... yes! I was driving a stick, on the other side of the road, by myself! I think it's actually easier on this side of the car. You have to experience it to understand what I mean. The stick and the clutch are being used by the same side... it just seems to work better with me! ANYWAY, went back to do some grocery shopping. Had to buy a few things.. yeah right it's never a few things with me. I came back with about 20bags filled with baking supplies. I will be invading Mum's kitchen tomorrow to bake up some tea rings. They are a Christmas tradition my mom has been doing for years now. They are cinnamon rolls in the shape of a wreath. My mom bakes and bakes for days and then wraps them up and gives them away. So, now I've been doing the same thing for a couple of years... Now Leeman, Australia will know our little tradition. I don't think they'll be too upset about it!

TODAY!!! well, today Pop and I went out on his boat and dropped some cray pots in the ocean! YEAH!! My first time on a fishing boat on the ocean! I don't know how Jesus and crew did it but, they must have had some magic up their sleeves! It was beautiful and calm when we went out at 7:30am but, when we headed back about a half out later, the wind had picked up and it was really choppy. Of course I loved every minute of it. Pop and I on the ocean. Ahh! Then we headed up to Dongora which is about an hour north up the coast. Mum and Pop just bought a house up there and are planning on moving in the next 12 months. I don't know how they can wait that long. When we pulled into the drive, I fell in love! It's an amazing house with two paddacks on either side where they will have some sheep. Big tall trees and a verranda which goes all the way around the house. It's just beautiful and close to the city.

Anyway, had a big day today... actually my intentions are to have big days everyday. It was brilliant to hang out with Ian (Pop/my father-in-law) It's like I've been a part of this family for years! I so adore them to the stars and beyond!

Tomorrow we will go get the cray pots and see if we caught any! If we did, there will for sure be crayfish on the menu for evening tea! YUMMY!!! I'll be baking all day, and get to some postcards that have been sitting on the table for days now. ugh!

All the best to you during this rush around, crunch time of year! Remember it's about the presence of people you love, not the presents from people you love.

With open arms!
Sara

"We're not in Kansas anymore Toto! Welcome to the Land Of OZ!"

2007-12-08T00:59:00.000-08:00

this is Emu Downs Wind Farm outside Leeman, WA

Ebony and Me. She works with me at Crazzle's Cove

Ben and Me. I'm his biggest fan! =)
Journal entry from November 27, 2007 THE JOURNEY BEGINS...

"I have "Free Fallin'" playing in my ear and I am FREE! Free from Los Angeles, free from the pangs of everyday reality, free from my old life! Free to experience my new life. The life of the unknown. "How does it feel to be a complete unknown? Like a rolling stone." - Bob Dylan

"A blank page to fill, lots of blank pages to fill! Soak it in like a sponge Sara. Let your heart lead the way. Be the best person you can. Be a light that leads other's and don't forget to wipe your ass after you take a shit." (metaphor for life)

Well, this will be the second time I've typed this since I erased EVERYTHING I JUST FRIGGIN' TYPED UUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! The first version was a rippa' but, this one will be a little more tame. Sorry about that. I've been on this computer now for about 6hours trying to figure out how to get my pictures off of my camera and on to it's desktop... then transfer them over to Kodak Gallery and so and so forth... Finally I get it all ready to upload onto here... and I fudge it up. Oh well! Just another day in paradise!

Speaking of paradise, you want to see it? Come here to Leeman, Australia! Sit back, relax and enjoy the life of a sea side town. Steven and I are staying with his parents here at the Leeman Caravan Park. If you are travelling the country with a caravan, this is the place to stop and rest! It's amazing. Just about a 2 min. walk from the ocean and big ol' trees everywhere. Just down the road you'll find the bowling club. Not 10pin bowling... this is lawn bowls I'm talking about here. It's a huge thing here in OZ. Competitions all year round. Mum and Pop Cliff are both on leagues. Pop is the president of Leeman's club. So, if you want a roll, just let me know I could probably get ya in!

Go just a bit further down the road and you'll find Crazzle's Cove. That's my place of work! There you'll find me in the kitchen cooking up some fine steak burgers with the lot and the most amazing cray roll you can find on the West Coast! Straight off the boat these crayfish come! It's great being behind it all this time around. I'm still helping the people out but, dining is a bit of a different experience here. You go up to the front and order your food, pay for it, and then sit down and wait for it. Usually there aren't any servers but, if you go into the cities you'll find some restaurants that are sit down service. DON'T TIP! There is no tipping here either! That's just the way it is... so friends of mine who are servers back in the US don't get pissed when an Aussie doesn't tip you. They just don't know. Oh and the deep fryer!!! Holy shit does that thing get a work out. Just about everything is fried here. I have no idea how everyone stays soooooo fit! You grease lovers should really get on a plane right now and head over here for a treat! Your taste buds will go crazy!

Steven has been working sooo hard on a boat. No rest for the weary. He gets no weekends off... Up at 4.30am and home by 5pm. When you folks at home in the US go buy your Australian Lobster Tail, well you just might be buying one caught by Steven~!

I apologize for not getting anything up sooner. It's been crazy getting used to the time change and work and all but, I promise, promise, promise I will update you more regularly!

I'm off to the Jurien Market tomorrow, so I should have some pics for you from that as well! Please respond as often as you'd like and pass the blog page onto your friends. Anyone you think who might be interested in following us around the world!

I have been filming a lot for future webisodes as well. I will keep you posted on that too~! It will be a little while but, when it's ready, it'll be good fun to watch!

I miss you all and trust you are all getting ready for the Holiday Season! All the best to you and many hugs and love to you all!

With open arms, Sara

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T23:29:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

Just wanted to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving! I trust you are all well and have filled up on enough of the gobble gobble bird for a while now. My dad got home tonight and had room to fit a ham sandwich in his belly. UGH! It's tradition though. Dad will get into the leftover ham and put a slab of butter on his bread and pile the ham up high! Mom, on the other hand will dig into the leftover pie! They are made for each other!

I am so grateful to have each one of YOU in my life! What an incredible life it has been thus far! So many memories and so many more experiences to come! May you live each day to it's fullest. Dance like no one is watching and see everything with eyes wide open!

All the best to you and your families. Cuddle up and stay warm it's even cold here in Los Angeles!

With open arms,
Sara

My Dad and Me

My Mom and Me

Thanksgiving table

Taylor and Me

Taylor, Dasi and Me

what have I been up to?!

2007-11-20T23:20:00.000-08:00

Well, everyone I have been a busy, busy girl for the last month. Steven is away in Australia working his little heart out on a boat catching crayfish, while I am busy...

finishing my last day of work
having a going away party at The Abbey
going to a bachelorette party
having another going away party
hosting my parents and numerous other family members
getting ready for my bro's wedding
finish packing
and cry... do a lot of crying

I have a week left till I leave the land of the Stars! I will keep you updated better I promise!

The pictures are from my going away parties! When more come in I will get them up as soon as possible!

All the best to you and I want to hear from you all!

With open arms,
Sara

Bon Voyage Steven!

2007-10-31T17:38:00.000-07:00

I love you honey with all my heart. I will see you in 28 days!

Always,
Your wife

Surrounded in Hell

2007-10-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

Here I am sitting in front of my television watching Family Guy. It's 6:45pm on Tuesday night. My amazing husband is at my side and I'm comfy in my living room with our cat Scout lying on the floor. Only 10miles away a wildfire has consumed houses and left people without a comfy living room to sit in.

We have lived the past two days surrounded by wildfires. Some started by mother nature and some started by ass hole shits who have nothing better to do. I wonder if they thought about the devistation that would occur. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those families who have lost everything.

So, the next time you think about how hard your life is... remember, you have a comfy couch to sit on while thinking about how hard your life is.

With open arms and love,
Sara

My LAST L.A. Show

2007-10-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

Hello My Lovelies!

Well, last night went off like 4th of July fireworks. It was an amazing evening and I thank you all for your support throughout my time here in LA. It's been a fantastic ride. I am so excited to see what happens in the next year, and I am even more excited to bring you along with us.

I will be closing down my website www.sararouth.com in the next month, but you can always find info on my myspace page or here. I will update and add pictures when I can.

I love you all so much and pass along the word of my blog page to all your friends!

With open arms,
Sara

Danny, Me, Jackie and D'Ann Love them to bits!

Dimitri, Me, Keith

Ian and Me sooooo cute!

Ty and Me He's available for all your acting needs... well I think porn is out of the question but, I could ask him for ya!

Surrounded by my friends, Jack and Coke

Tangiers Gig

2007-09-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

I played last night at Tangiers. Another show with amazing friends by my side. I can't express enough how in love I am with all of you. It's an incredible feeling to have you all there. I have two shows left before my journey out into the world and I trust I will get a chance to see you all! The picture below is of my friend Zach. Otherwise known as Zee Jay... if you like music, check out his blog page. It's on my links list.

I want to pass along a tip.... GO SEE "INTO THE WILD" this movie directed by Sean Penn is a life changer. It's based on the true story of Christopher Johnson McCandless. A book was written by Jon Krakauer in 1995. Mr. Penn got his hands on it and knew he wanted to make a movie about Christopher's journey. I am about to embark on the trip of a lifetime... a trip where I can find myself again... a trip that will change my life. Christopher ( Alexander Supertramp ) takes off after college on his own journey, his own life changing experience and along the way he connected with strangers, nature and with himself. This is my gift to you. I am passing along the word of this film/book. "Into the Wild" is a tour de force. It's mesmerizing and heartbreaking. It will change your life.

With open arms,
Sara

Cat Club Gig

2007-09-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the other night.

1. YOU GUYS!!! Yeah for coming to the show! It was a great night. Look out! You might be in another pic at another show.
Then end up here on my blog page for all to see... YEAH!

2. Cutest Ellie. My little pumpkin head.

3. The boys (Keith and Dimitri) and Me

4. Dimitri and Me ( girls he's single ) tee hee!

5. Keith and Me...

I can't wait to see you all at the next show on Monday at Tangiers in Los Feliz! xo Sara

Sara's LAST FOUR LA SHOW

2007-09-16T21:25:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Just a note to let you know I have only FOUR shows left in LA.

THIS TUESDAY the 18th
The Cat Club
Sunset Blvd/San Vicente
9:00pm
21 & UP
Full Band

Monday, Sept. 24th
Tangiers
Los Feliz/Hillhurst
8:00pm
18 &Over
(This is a night of rockin' guitar playin' girls. Gonna be HOT HOT HOT)

Thursday, Oct 4th
The Derby
Los Feliz/Hillhurst (across the street from Tangiers)
8:00pm
21 & UP
Acoustic Show

LAST LA SHOW!!!
Tuesday, Oct. 16th
9:00pm
21 & UP
Full band but, stripped down. Keith's gonna be on hand drums and it's going to be very intimate. It's a full hour set.

For those of you that don't know, my husband and I are leaving the country to go travel the world. I will be playing shows in Australia and England. So, keep posted for the details. I will be in Australia Dec - March and England the end of 2008.

These past four years have been amazing and the people, musicians, bar tenders, fans, friends and random music lovers I've met along the way have all influenced my music. I am going to miss you all so very, very much but, I will be back. Back with vigor and ready to play new music for you my closest, loved friends.

Please, if you can, join me at one or all of the last four shows. The Tangiers show I will be playing all of my old, old songs I played when I first moved here. The music that brought me to the place I am now. The musician I am now. The person I am now.

Thank you for your continued support throughout the years! I love you all!
Another note : I will be closing my website www.sararouth.com in the next couple of months. I will however keep my myspace page, my email and my new blog page www.intosarasworld.blogspot.com

Let me know how you are all doing! I look forward to seeing you all soon!

With open arms,
Sara

Australian Rules Football in So Cal

2007-09-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

The cute guy with the dreads... Mr. Steven Cliff is my husband! Go to this site to see him in action! No. 15! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
xo Sara

http://www.aimsports.tv/tv/programs/sports-highlights/AussieFootball_OCBombersvDallasMags_6-9-07.htm

Yosemite...A MUST SEE!

2007-09-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from our amazing trip to Yosemite National Park over the Labour Day holiday. My brother and his fiance gifted this trip to me as a birthday present. The four of us headed up north monday morning. After a quick five hour drive we started to wind around in the Sierras. I (of course) started to get car sick so my back seat was taken by Courtney as I moved to the front to contain some composure...ugh!

FINALLY!!!!!! after the 1,254th curve we pulled into Curry Village. There we unpacked our luggage and game boards and started off to our cabin. What a cute little house! The fire place was as big as one of the walls and the fold out couch was a grade A bed. We dropped off our bags and headed out to the village for a beer. After a terrible bean and cheese burrito (note: if the talented burrito makers from the south of the boarder aren't making these... I wouldn't get one) and a beer we all headed back to our home for the night. S'mores were in order so out the matches came and up roared the fire, on a 80degree night, inside the cabin, where the windows were all open, causing our clothes to all smell like smoke. BUT, it was totally worth it! It's been ages since we all had them and we savored every bite! Thanks Court! After a couple more beers and lots of laughs it was time to say, "good night."

The next morning we woke up to the birds chirpping and a crisp coat of fresh air. A light breakfast and then we were off. Off to the waterfall! We hiked up and up and up and down and then up and up and up and sideways and then down and then up and up and up and up. Shit forget the stair master... Just go to Vernal Falls! WE MADE IT! Just gorgeous! Everything was just perfect. We stopped and ate our packed lunches and rested for a bit, then down, down, down we went. This time off to the Ahwanee Hotel. Oh what and experience that was!

To the Hotel we jaunted. It was just down the road from our cutest little cabin. We checked in and then went for a drink and a quick little pick-me-up bite. This old Hotel is filled with memories dating back to the 20's. It's insides are filled with enormous wood pillars and hard wood floors. The dining room is something of a specialty. We were to eat there for dinner but, weren't informed of the dress code until too late. I know that the majority of people going to Yosemite aren't going to be packing a collared shirt and some damn slacks... Anyway, off to another place for dinner. It was yummy and we came home with big smiles on our faces. Constantly on the look out for bears we stayed up a bit more and had a nite-cap outside. Then with a stretch and a yawn we went to bed.

NEXT MORNING! I woke up first (as usual) and went down to the dining room for breakfast. (no dress code for breaky) So, there I am waiting for my three other comrades to awake and join me. I am drinking a coffee and sipping some very tart fresh grapfruit juice. My waiter keeps giving me the evil eye. Now, I know I'm holding his table but, Judas Priest there is only five other tables there and the place is huge... point is, there was no wait and the guy didn't need to be so pushy with his looks... Anyway, an hour goes by and then the rest of my family joins me. After a while we order, get pissed about the service in the poncy, stuck-up, overpriced place, complain, then laugh about it, then eat and get an apology from the EYES waiter, leave him a hefty over-priced tip and leave.

Off to the bikes. Each of us hopped on our beautiful, rented, red beach cruisers and rode around the park. It was awesome! It's been ages since I've been on a bike. After our trip around we decided to take a trip to the top of the park, Glacier Point. There we could see everything. It was like being on the top of the world.

Then, well then it was time for us to leave. We stopped briefly to see some Redwoods and then piled into the car one last time. I started out in the front seat this time. Prepared for the 1,254 curves I was good to go and off we wheeled. The four of us. Driving down the road remembering the laughs and forgetting about the bad service. Remembering the beauty and forgetting about smoky flavoured clothes. Remembering all the stories we told, forgetting about the one's we didn't.

Yosemite....A MUST SEE!

Holy Hell it's Hot!

2007-09-02T23:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Labour Day Y'all! What a fantastic day today! Went to work like I always do on a sunday... mixed my cleanse gunk together and chugged it, made myself an egg white omelette, served a couple of cops and then in walks Kenneth (Janet Jackson's manager) Kenneth and I have become pretty good buddies over the past couple of years. I bug him with music business questions and he tells me about how he beat my brother in basketball... during his breakfast I felt a sudden urge to tell him that my good friend/co-worker is a HUGE Janet fan. Now, my friend was at work at the time and had no idea I was telling Kenneth this info. Kenneth responded by saying, "why didn't he tell me before?" " well he doesn't really like to meddle in other people's business" I responded.

I walked away and Kenneth introduced himself to my friend and they spoke about Janet and how many shows he had been to and how much he LOVED her... Kenneth interrupted the conversation to take a phone call and excused himself from the restaurant. Kenneth comes back in still on the phone and then looks at my friend... hands him the phone and HOLY SHIT WHO'S ON THE OTHER END? JANET!!! So, my friend Zach gets to talk to his idol for about ten minutes. What a random, amazing morning! Imagine going to your job in the morning, making a coffee, thinking about anything other than work and then the next minute you are talking to your idol on the phone...

Who would you want to talk to? What would you talk about in ten minutes?

Ok, so second part of my day... I am sitting at a red light awaiting my turn to go, and I take the time to soak up the sites! My sights are on an old man wiping the sweat off his brow. I felt my heart skip a beat for all the elderly and homeless who have passed away these past few days because of the uncommon, sweltering heat here. He stopped his slow steps and patted his brow again. I watched him like a hawk hunting his prey. His right hand disappeared into his pocket and out it popped with a packet of gum. Off the little ribbon from the top came... and then it was tossed to the side. Off the top of the gum packet came and it was tossed to the side. Off the gum wrapper came, then it was tossed to the side. While his self made confetti was hitting the sidewalk a family of five jaunted by him. The old man I was feeling pain for a second ago, covered his paper party favour with his feet while they walked by. He obviously knew littering was bad but, did it anyway. After they walked passed, he continued to chew his yummy Juicy Fruit, dab his brow again and walk away leaving a little part of him behind. It's amazing what you can see when you sit at a red light and take in the sites!

I trust you are all well and have paid your Sept. rent! xo sara

Dirty Thirty!

2007-08-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

So the day came and went! Sunday the 26th got together with of my closest friends here in LA. We met at Pat's Topanga Grill in Topanga Canyon at the butt crack of dawn...Ate a wonderful breakfast and then went off to the beach. A cloudy morning turned into a beautiful sunny afternoon.

Here I am a year older and a year wiser. Thirty isn't a scary number for me. It's an exciting one! I'm so ready to see what the next thirty years has to offer!

Much love to you all,
Sara

My Future Home

2007-08-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

what I saw today

2007-08-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

I saw a kid throw a barbie doll head out of her car window and watched the head get smashed by the car behind it... that's what I saw today. Icky!