End o' week musings

Wow! So much has happened over the past two weeks I could almost write a book!

On June 31, I made a regal appearance at the Cocktails with Royalty event to support the Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade exhibit opening at the Pasadena Museum of History in August (for more info, visit www.insidesocal.com/doodah and http://www.pasadenahistory.org/ ). My friend Dean served as my escort and dressed up to match my old Hollywood glamour look-- pretty cool, huh?!

There was a good turnout of royalty and supporters. The food was tasty, the drinks refreshing and the band - Snotty Scotty & the Hankies unplugged - was rockin'. It made for a lovely evening.

My 4th of July was busy. I began my day enjoying the parade in Sierra Madre. There were lots of kids and community entries, which made for great hometown fun. I particularly liked the tractors rolling down the street. I went to a little party in town and then headed to Carin and Tom's for a barbecue.

We were sooo spoiled, as we enjoyed our dinner while sitting in chairs on the lawn watching all the fireworks. They have amazing fireworks in my friends' neighborhood-- good enough to rival the Rose Bowl and, even though there were less than last year, we were not disappointed.

On the 6th, I headed out of town to go camping at the Flat Oak fire tower in Kern County with my drummer Ric, friends Allyson, Colin and Dean and French bulldog Channing. I was surprised to discover so many ranches along the road leading up to the hill where we would be spending our time. The cows would come right down to the road and we had to slow down as we went by, hoping that they didn't step out in front of the car!

Our spot was pretty isolated, but offered a terrific view of the valley and city below. We were able to enjoy all the stars at night, along with some planets and find decent shade during the day. On Saturday, we went down to the river for a splash and picnic.

Ric put a chair right in the river for me, where I sat - in my capris and tank top! - while the boys played around in the water. (Allyson stayed back at camp, as she wanted some alone time with her Kindle). Channing swam too, but then got a little tired and sat on my lap for a while. We must have looked funny sitting in the chair with the water up to our tummies!

Sunday, we got an early start in packing out and Dean and I decided to keep our little vacation going. We drove out to Ventura and meandered back along the ocean and through the cities until finally getting to my house to unload the car. Ric and Ally went straight home and Colin had left at 4 a.m. because he had to get to work later that day back in Lompoc. Friends, s'mores and lots of laughter, what more could one want?!

On Tuesday (July 10) I went to the Christian Hosoi chat at the KPCC Forum in Pasadena. Christian Hosoi is a famous skateboarder from back in the day, whose drug problems landed him in prison and now he's back in the skate scene, as well as being a minister. He has just released the book, "Hosoi: My Life as a Skateboarder Junkie Inmate Pastor" with Chris Aherns. The event was moderated by Joe Escalante, entertainment lawyer and founder of the Vandals.

It was interesting to hear Hosoi share his life, opinions and belief. He has had quite the adventure. Hosoi told some stories from his childhood, his skate days and then touched on his drug problems and time in jail. Then he spent a good part of his time sharing his faith. After the chat, he answered a flurry of questions from the audience. The event ended with a long line of people waiting to get books and skateboards signed. Hosoi took his time through everything, trying to answer every question and pose for every photo. He really wanted to connect with his fans and I think he did.

I haven't picked up Hosoi's book yet, but it sounds like a good read. KPCC holds various events throughout the year that are free and open to the public, for more information visit http://www.scpr.org/

Over the past couple of weeks I've been busy with interviews. I spoke with singer/songwriter Tae Phoenix, Warren Betts of Zoomwerks, gospel & RB artist Bebe Winans and more. My next excitement is Scrat Saturday-- tomorrow I'll be going with Vernor (www.insidesocal.com/vernorsticket ) to see "Ice Age" yay!

In rotation this week: Dio, Orange Sky, Brides of Destruction, The Offspring, Bebe Winans and Tae Phoenix.

Photos we got 'em: A clutch of Doo Dah Queens and a shot of me and my royal escort on the steps of Feynes Mansion at the Pasadena Museum of History in Pasadena both images by Terry Miller and two photos from the Christian Hosoi event shared by Dean Lee.

Thought o' the week: Laughter is the best medicine. When was the last time you really laughed? I mean from deep in your belly, so hard you can't barely stand, laughed. If it's been a while, you need to let go.

Giggling not only gives you a moment of glee, but it has lasting power. Endorphins are released which make you feel good and are good for you. Happiness keeps you young in spirit, as well as affects your health.

The other night my friend and I were joking around as we usually do and one of us said something which had me in stitches. I couldn't stop giggling and I was truly doubling over with laughter. When I finally could contain myself, I felt really, really good. I was revived, refreshed and ready to take on the world. A little mirth goes a long way-- find something to crack up about this week and let me know how it goes.

Keep on rockin'

Mickie