SARI TALES

Lake Tahoe - Spring 2011

2011-05-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

Nature Moments in LA

2011-05-10T14:54:00.000-07:00

Israel

2010-07-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

Fig tree in the Galilee, Israel

2010-07-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

Hollywoodland Photo Series

2010-02-16T22:51:00.000-08:00

Abu Dhabi

2010-01-28T23:55:00.000-08:00

Yule in San Francisco

2010-01-24T18:46:00.000-08:00

The Cloisters - Manhattan

2009-12-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

Amazing date: the Empire State Building at midnight...

2009-12-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

Dia de los Muertos 2009 - Hollywood Forever Cemetery

2009-12-15T15:21:00.000-08:00

My Mom in Sri Lanka

2009-09-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

A dispatch from my Mom working in Sri Lanka. Here she is riding Nona the Elephant in Kandy.

Italy Honeymoon

2009-08-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

A few pics from our amazing Italian honeymoon...Rome > Tuscany (Siena, Chianti region) > Florence > Venice...

Hollywood Bowl, 2009

2009-08-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

The Hollywood Bowl is the best! This is the Santigold concert that energized the entire bowl with vibrant empowerment.

Sari & Barry - 4.19.09

2009-06-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Sari & Barry get married at the Malibu Nature Preserve...so in love!

Nature lover

2009-06-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

India

2009-03-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

Meeting my Mom in South India was one of the most amazing experiences of my life so far. She is an incredible traveler, having been to places like Siberia, Borneo, Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, etc...she is currently living in Sri Lanka where she works as a project manager for Oxfam, the British NGO, on a micro-enterprise project for women in Matara. This trip was our Mother/Daughter wedding preparation.

We first met in Chennai (Madras) in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Then we visited the Hindu temples of the Chola Empire in Kanchipuram.
Next we flew to Cochin in the state of Kerala, and drove to Alleppey, where we spent 24 hours on a houseboat on a backwater tour.
After Alleppey, we went back to Cochin, where we toured around Jew Town and the Dutch trading areas.

We said goodbye (messy airport crying moment) in the Chennai airport.
I am so lucky...

August cute picks

2008-08-14T14:04:00.000-07:00

CUTE KITTY & SEAL PUP IN ICE

BEAVER OVERTHINKING DAM

2008-07-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE FROM THE ONION

CRUNK BEAR

2008-07-02T10:30:00.001-07:00

Frog in Rose

2008-07-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

VERY FUZZY FRIENDS

2008-06-10T23:21:00.000-07:00

CAT + DOG

POLAR BEAR CUBS

HARP SEAL

Alpaca kiss

2008-05-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

LUSH FOREST

2008-05-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

I wish I could dwell in a dark green ecosystem...

WINTER LOVE

2008-05-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

WINTER LOVE

BOGEY + BETTE: HOLLYWOOD CATS

ARCTIC HARE

SARI & LITTLE BETTE

2008-05-20T19:52:00.001-07:00

Tarsier

2008-05-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

The tarsier of Southeast Asia has the largest eyes relative to body size of any living creature. The eyes are so enormous that they cannot be moved in their sockets. To compensate, tarsiers can swivel their necks 180 degrees in either direction. Though most nocturnal primates eat insects, the tarsier likes meat and has the vision, speed and reflexes to catch small prey in pitch darkness.

Best Cafes for Writers - by Sari Heifetz

2008-04-28T18:41:00.001-07:00

Here is an article I wrote for the LA Times:

Cure writer's block at a cafe
By -- Sari Heifetz Sarah.Heifetz @latimes.com
April 24, 2008

IF you're a writer, spring is the time to venture out of the solitude of your dark cave (and your procrastination-friendly Internet connection) and experience the sights and sounds of real people! Let the creative energies of these L.A. cafes stir your juices:

The popular Literati Café (12081 Wilshire Blvd., [310] 231-7484; www.literaticafe.com) caters to writers of all kinds (even vegans) and sees that they're well caffeinated and fed in this Brentwood cove.

And should you find yourself in Beverly Hills (home to the big agents, i.e. the antithesis of a creative environment), head to a fireside table at the Urth Caffé (267 S. Beverly Drive, [310] 205-9311; www.urthcaffe.com) -- just make sure that the lit agent eating at the next table notices the way you wield your mouse with confidence and precision. You'll know it's time to leave when you start worrying about the viability of your screenwriting career.

If and when this happens, head to the charming and often inspiring Susina Bakery & Cafe (7122 Beverly Blvd., L.A. [323] 934-7900; www.susinabakery.com) to solve Act III and enjoy a decadent slice of cake, or to the gothic-inspired late night spot Insomnia (7286 Beverly Blvd., L.A. [323] 931-4943).

Head farther east and you'll find that the energized atmosphere and world-class espresso of Sabor y Cultura Café (5625 Hollywood Blvd., [323] 466-0481; www.saborycultura.com) makes it the ideal Hollywood writing spot.

Spread out various drafts and notes on the large mosaic tables at the Coffee Table (2930 Rowena Ave., [323] 644-8111) in Silver Lake. Its extensive menu, outdoor seating area and tolerance level for writers make this a great all-day writing spot.

And after all of your hard work, celebrate a printed draft by sitting back with a rich latte and reading your genius at the Los Feliz sidewalk cafe Figaro (1802 N. Vermont Ave., [323] 662-1587).

Kitten & Mouse

2008-04-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

Bogey & Bette - Our Cuties

2008-04-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

Start Wearing Purple (Sari's 1st Firedance)

2008-04-07T20:39:00.001-07:00

Zaydeh

2008-04-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

Leopard & Tiger in Love...

2008-04-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

Mexican Axolotl - Ambystoma mexicanum

2008-04-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Mexican axolotl (pronounced ACK-suh-LAH-tuhl) salamander has the rare trait of retaining its larval features throughout its adult life. This condition, called neoteny, means it keeps its tadpole-like dorsal fin, which runs almost the length of its body, and its feathery external gills, which protrude from the back of its wide head.

Gigi (1903-2008)

2008-03-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Gigi is short for great-grandmother, but instead of spelling it G.G. as the abbreviation would imply, our Gigi signed her cards "G-i-g-i" like the 1958 romantic comedy Gigi.

Gigi was one of the few people who could declare, "Darling, you look stunning" and not sound like a complete phony.

We all know Gigi was very interested in her appearance and kept a strict beauty shop schedule. She always put herself together, even when no one was around, because it made her feel good. She would never be caught dead even in the privacy of her own house in a pair of torn sweat pants and an unflattering t-shirt. She wanted to look good, period. But this aesthetic and fashionable quality wasn't without a balanced depth of spirit. She read books by the Dalai Lama and talked with my Mom about various meditation techniques. She felt a deep, spiritual undercurrent of life.

She would not like me saying so, but since we're interested in her secrets of aging well and staying alive, I'll share one of hers that seems to be one of the most important. She liked herself. She thought she was "really something," and genuinely got a kick out of herself. If you don't like yourself, how can you have any fun? And when reflecting upon her life, she would usually end the story or conversation by saying, "I had so much fun."

"Listen sweetheart," she said in that calm, measured voice, "Take care of yourself. Don't worry about anything. Just take what you have in your interlude of life, accept it and feel good." She was somehow able to avoid stress, which doubtlessly helped her get to 104. Of course genetics played a part (thank God), but she very rarely, if ever, got herself overly worked up or frazzled over the nonsense of life. She conserved her energy. I try (try) to apply her behavioral skills in my own life…live life with a light touch, don't get upset, etc. Be calm. (!!!) Easier said than done, but for the most part, she did!

Gigi kept up with the times, never lamenting "the good old days," but rather living from moment to moment, owning this era as much as the 20's, 30's, 40's, or 50's. She was not threatened by change; she embraced it. She did not fear the future; she took part in it. She read the paper everyday without fail. She loved watching presidential debates and engaging in world events. Last I heard she was on the fence between Hillary and Obama. She knew that age was in the mind.

She used to say she was "from the horse and buggy days." As a writer, I loved spending time with her because of her antiquated vernacular…I often wrote down the little phrases she said, like, "He was a real stage-door Johnny," which refers to "an audience member, often shy and unadventurous, who is infatuated with a performer, and who hangs around the stage door in hopes of getting an autograph and striking up a conversation. (See also groupie.)" Without a doubt, she was referring to one of her many suitors.

"Boy, I hope you won't be like me," she said in one conversation. "Too many men." She then confessed, "I had a lot of men who were in love with me." But it might have also worked the other way around…she readily fell in love, as her progression of last names can attest. Having a steady stream of crushes and flirting into her 90's and beyond was literally what kept her blood pumping. And if you happened to have an M.D. behind your name, look out. Her latest mini-crush was my boyfriend Barry's father Les, a doctor. He walked into her hospital bedroom last week, and she sat right up, flashed her winning smile with a brilliant gleam in her eye, and told him what a marvelous sense of humor she felt he had.

"Find a man who can dance," she warned. "It's so important. You have to make a man feel as if he's ten feet tall." She said that being in love is what kept her alive. She was in love with life. She was in love with the sunshine, the warm weather, her lemon tree…if she liked a particular restaurant she had discovered, she would report, "Oh, I have such a crush on Café Bijou." She lived in love.

Without a doubt, Gigi's life was full. She packed in as much as she could by fully living each moment. Last week, Barry remarked that Gigi seemed to have absolutely no fear of dying. She was ready for whatever was coming next. She said she wanted to just "float away on a cloud." In her later years she worried that she would "just keep going on and on and on…"

Of course her Energizer Bunny batteries finally did run out. But we have been fortunate enough to experience the steadfastness of her presence for so many years. It seemed as if she would always be here, like an ageless Yoda reclining on a chaise lounge under a kumquat tree, with a pouffy hairdo and coral painted nails. A visit with Gigi felt like she was bestowing a simple blessing; may you, too live a long, healthy, vibrant, and beauty-filled life.

When the generation above you passes on, it feels as if you're getting a job promotion, or a life promotion…you're moved one notch higher up on the chain. Maybe this is what "growing up" refers to. A few months ago, my godfather lost his mother, who was around 102. I wrote to him this week to let him know about Gigi, and his wise response applies to all of us. He wrote, "Her life force now becomes your life force. Be the Gigi for those around you. And that will not just do her proud, but ensure that her legacy is your legacy."

So I wish all of us lengthy, healthy, vibrant, and beauty-filled lives. And as Gigi always said when ending a conversation, "Just be happy."

Gigi (1903-2008)

2008-03-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

My beloved 104 year old great-grandmother/best friend passed away today. These photographs were taken when she was 102 or 103! She was a best friend to me, my sister, and my mom, and of course to her daughter, my grandmother, who died a few years ago. She was married 3 times, and flirted with all men, particularly her doctors who year after year said “there’s nothing wrong with you, you’re fine.” Her life was so full, she packed in as much as she could. Parties were here favorite pastime, and her secret to staying young and aging well was avoiding stress and thinking only about the positive things in life. She always had her nails and hair done (literally until her dying day), and got dressed up even just to hang out at home. She kept up with all of the news (last I heard she was on the fence between Hillary and Obama), had a packed social calendar, and watched only romantic comedies. A few nights before she died she told me that she wanted “to just float away on a cloud.” We’ll miss her so much ;)

GIGI'S SECRETS TO LONGEVITY
Be happy
Do your hair
Be positive
Enjoy the sun
Don’t get stressed
Do your nails
Eat fudge when you’re in a funk
Swim and exercise as much as possible
Keep up with the times (she had a cell phone)
Value your friendships
Live and let live
Don’t shout
Stay up with politics and current events
Make sure you find a man who can dance

We love you Gigi...you will always be an inspiration.

Dr. Seuss painting

2008-03-12T23:31:00.001-07:00

The caption below reads:
"Oh, I'd love to go to the party but I'm absolutely dead!"

Hounds dogs

2008-02-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

Armful of cuteness

2008-02-26T14:29:00.000-08:00

Lion Cub

2008-02-21T21:57:00.000-08:00

MHYRRRRRRR

2007-12-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

This goes out to the only Sari Tales reader, Jesse Whynatte.com Kuniansky-Altman.
I think my sister checks it, too...

Reyes Peak - Los Padres National Forest

2007-11-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

"Comin' down from the mountain
 I have seen the high and mighty 
 I will go again someday 
 but for now I'm comin' down..." **



Reyes Peak is a Kings Peak indeed; you can see past mountain ranges and valleys all the way down to the ocean.  Camping out on a remote mountainside, up windy highways and rocky roads...a great way to get your bearings when they are gone.

**From a mix a well meaning crazy person gave me in college, I think it's the Meat Puppets. Stuck in my head on the trip nonetheless.

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

2007-11-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

Take a break
Take a walk
Watch a comedy
Plant a plant
Listen to music
Stretch
Breathe
Do yoga
Spend time in nature
Go camping
Use a calendar
Turn off cell phone
Get organized
Prioritize
Eat a balanced diet
Take a bath
Drink less coffee and alcohol
Write in a journal
Play a game
Have sex
Laugh

THREE SQUIRREL MONKEYS

2007-11-05T08:51:00.001-08:00

BETTE IS BETTER

2007-11-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all of the prayers and thoughts and messages of love...they worked and she is doing very well! Animals are friends, too ;)

Prayer of Healing for little Bette Davis...

2007-10-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

Please say a prayer of healing for our little kitty Bette Davis...

She is only 2 years old, and we've had her for only 8 months. She has had a hard life already, and we just found out today that she has a serious kidney problem. All is up in the air for her now.
Please hold her in your thoughts,
and send her love from wherever you are. ;)

Thank you,

Sari & Barry

I mean Jeez...

2007-10-09T18:10:00.001-07:00

...How cute can you get?

The Tao of Willie

2007-10-09T17:52:00.001-07:00

I highly recommend this book, The Tao of Willie by Willie Nelson...

http://www.amazon.com/Tao-Willie-Guide-Happiness-Heart/dp/159240197X

You won't regret it...

Two friendly horses at the barn in Beachwood Canyon

2007-10-03T22:13:00.001-07:00

Survival Epiphany

2007-10-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

I looked at little Bette today and realized that all she really cares about in her little kitty life is her survival. Everyone is just looking to survive, feline or equine, amphibian or human. The instinct to live!

BOGEY & BETTE DAVIS

2007-10-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

...OUR SUPER COOL CATS!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmFfqjPQP8Q

Einstein knew

2007-10-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
-Albert Einstein

Ahoy!

2007-10-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

Ahoy there from Hollywoodland...
I don't actually know what a blog is, but it sounds fun...
blog...blog...like frog...frog...
Sari Tales soon to come!