The best gifts are the ones that feed your soul

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile surprised me with this breathtaking sculpture for my birthday some years ago. It is called the “Guardians of Peace.” Handcrafted in August 2016 and signed by master artist Loretta Yang, it is beautiful to think that this stunning work of art is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. 🏺🗓️The frosted crystal figures represent the gentle balance of past, present, and future mindfulness. There is a quiet, ethereal energy to them that completely shifts the mood of the room. It’s a gentle reminder that amidst the noise of daily life, peace is something we can always return to. Cherishing this forever. Thank you, Cecile!

Cracking the Real Da Vinci Code under the Planetarium Dome at De Anza College! Caroline Cocciardi

by Dr. Dennis Augustine

Huge shoutout to our friends Sarah and Bill for inviting Cecile and me to join them and Bill’s cousin Dell and his wife Cathy for an incredible Friday afternoon!

We attended the 1:30 PM fully immersive, 360-degree lecture at the De Anza College Planetarium entitled "The Real DaVinci Code." It was narrated by Caroline Cocciardi, who happens to be an acquaintance of Sarah’s—and she completely blew us away!

We leaned all the way back in our seats, looking straight up as the stunning images mapped across the entire ceiling dome. For an hour, it felt like we were literally sitting right inside Leonardo da Vinci’s workshop in Milan during the late 1400s, watching him weave his magic.

We all know he was a genius, but Caroline showed us he was also a total Renaissance rebel. Born out of wedlock and treated like an outcast, he didn’t just paint masterpieces—he hid a secret language right in plain sight.

Forget the movie conspiracies! The real Da Vinci code is an intricate universe of mathematical knots, hidden signatures, and breathtaking geometry.

It was such a fun afternoon with great company. If you ever get a chance to catch Caroline's lecture, GO! You’ll never look at the Mona Lisa’s dress the same way again!

For inquiries about the presentation, you can reach out to: monalisaknot@hotmail.com

#TheRealDaVinciCode #CarolineCocciardi #DeAnzaPlanetarium

Pedaling Through the Heart of Silicon Valley to San Jose

by Dennis Augustine

Bill and I enjoyed a fantastic 24-mile round-trip ride from Los Gatos to San Jose today.

We followed the Los Gatos Creek Trail, rode through Willow Glen, and connected with the Three Creeks Trail system under sunny skies and cool breezes.

Downtown San Jose was buzzing with activity. The fountains at City Hall were fully operational, the dome displayed colorful “San Jose 26” light images, and a giant FIFA-themed beach ball installation added to the excitement.

Our reward was lunch at San Pedro Square Market, where we enjoyed delicious Bánh Mì sandwiches outdoors. Special thanks to Bill for treating!

We’ve ridden this route many times over the years, yet every trip has its own unique vibe and surprises. That’s part of what keeps us coming back.

#CyclingLife #SanJose #LosGatosCreekTrail #BikeRide #Friendship

Lunch Date at The Melt: Fresh Eats & Cheesy Treats at the Palladio

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I had lunch at The Melt Palladio in Folsom. We shared a New Grilled ChickenCaesar Salad made with natural, non-GMO ingredients. This fresh addition features plump juicy grilled chicken, fresh romaine, and shaved parmesan. We also shared a gooey grilled cheese on crispy artisan bread. Fun ambiance in one of our top favorite shopping centers!

Family Brunch at the Gold Miner Cafe in Folsom with a Touch of Johnny Cash ☕

by Dennis Augustine

We enjoyed a hearty family brunch at Gold Miner Cafe, a rustic country-style diner known for its generous breakfasts, Gold Rush-era charm, and warm local atmosphere.

The fresh-squeezed orange juice made right on the premises was a standout, along with the classic brunch favorites piled high on every plate. What especially caught our attention was the collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia, a fitting tribute to his longtime connection to the Folsom area and nearby Folsom Prison.

Most of all, it was wonderful spending time together as a family. The only thing missing was Kyle, away on a business trip — and the kids definitely missed him.

Global Rosary for Peace with Pope Leo XIV

by Dennis Augustine

Today, millions of faithful Catholics around the world will participate in a global prayer for peace led by Pope Leo XIV.

As they prepare to pray, my heart is full of memories of my late mother, Maria. I have taken out the beautiful, blessed Vatican rosary beads that I brought home for her in 1992—including the special piece made in tribute to Pope John Paul II. Cecile and our kids had seen the pope conducting mass.

Holding these beads takes me right back to my youth. I am thinking today of my days attending elementary school at Our Lady of Grace Church in Hoboken, NJ, and later graduating from St. Michael’s High School in Union City.

These Joyful Mysteries today feel like a beautiful bridge connecting my mother's lifelong devotion, my Catholic school roots, and a aspirational worldwide plea for peace and healing in our world.

The global broadcast begins at 1:00 PM EST (7:00 PM Rome time) live from the Vatican Gardens.

#GlobalRosary #PrayForPeace #Vatican #OurLadyOfGrace #StMichaels #FaithAndFamily #PopeJohnPaulll

Lunch at Gardenia — A Venue of Historic Charm ✨

by Dennis Augustine

Lunch with good friend Daniel Williamson, VP and Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab on the outdoor terrace.

On a sunny but cool breezy afternoon, I enjoyed blackened corn chowder while we shared crispy Brussels sprouts with hot honey, sesame seeds, sweet & sour shallots topped with a sunny side up egg, along with ahi tuna poke.

First visit to Gardenia — a beautifully restored historic Victorian mansion filled with warmth, charm, and character.

Great food, great conversation, and a wonderful Los Gatos afternoon.

Mangia! A Taste of Italy in the Heart of Saratoga

by Dennis Augustine

Enjoyed a wonderful brunch with friends Bill and Sarah at Mangia Mornings in Historic Downtown Saratoga.

In Italian culture, “Mangia!” means “Eat!” —a warm expression of hospitality, love, and the joy of sharing good food with family and friends.

The café features an in-house bakery and a menu blending classic breakfast favorites with distinctive European influences. Owner and baker Nick Miller, a former chemist turned artisan baker , was delightful to meet. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that, like me, he has Sicilian roots , and many dishes on the menu are inspired by his own family’s recipes.

The restaurant offers cozy indoor dining rooms and a charming outdoor terrace .

One artwork especially caught my attention —a beautiful scene of the colorful cliffside village of Manarola in the stunning Cinque Terre region of northern Italy. Seeing it brought back fond memories of time I spent near the Amalfi Coast many years ago at the villa of family friends.

Good food, good conversation, and a touch of Italy made for a perfect morning.

#sfogliatella #pastry #saratogaca #flakypastry #goodeats #mangiamornings

Israel Day on Fifth Avenue: A Powerful Display of Unity and Resolve

by Dennis Augustine

How good and pleasant it is when people dwell together in unity.” — Psalm 133:1

Yesterday, more than 50,000 people representing over 250 organizations filled New York City’s Fifth Avenue for one of the largest Israel Day Parades in recent memory.

One thing that struck many observers about this year’s parade was that it wasn’t simply a political event. The Muslims for Israel delegation, pictured here, lead by civil riights activist Anila Ali captured that spirit beautifully. Alongside Jewish organizations, Christian allies, interfaith leaders, veterans, students, and community groups, they demonstrated that support for Israel can transcend religious, ethnic, and political differences.

In a world often divided, it was inspiring to see people of different faiths and backgrounds standing together for freedom, peace, mutual respect, and Israel’s right to exist in security.

#IsraelDayParade #AmYisraelChai #BringThemHomeNow #InterfaithUnity #Israel

Happy Birthday to Our Nephew Jacob

by Dennis Augustine

Greetings from California to Chicago. Though we celebrated your birthday within the last two years, the milestone celebration that especially stands out was your 40th birthday in 2019 — when our granddaughter Lyla, whom you proudly held in your arms, was still an infant.

Wish we were in Chicago to celebrate with you in person, but for now, here are a few photos and memories from down memory lane.

Wishing you a wonderful birthday filled with happiness, laughter, good health, and the love of family and friends. May the year ahead bring many new adventures and blessings your way.

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

From Burgers at Shake Shack to Backyard Fun & Mexican Dinner from Zócalo

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I had lunch from Shake Shack with our son Jason and granddaughter Lyla and grandson Gus, while our daughter Michelle took granddaughter Emmy to a friend’s birthday party.

We spent the afternoon relaxing and playing in the backyard with the ever-imaginative Lyla pretended to open her own eatery that we named “Lyla’s Café,” while little brother Gus was more than happy to help.

For dinner, we ordered Mexican food from Zócalo and enjoyed another easygoing family evening together in Folsom.

Memorial Day Santa Cruz Mountain Ride with Friends

by Dennis Augustine

This Memorial Day, Bill and I met up with our good friends Jimi and Jennifer Hunter at their home near downtown Los Gatos before heading out on a beautiful ride around Lexington Reservoir in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

According to my Strava app, our ride covered 27.38 miles with nearly 2,700 feet of elevation gain over 2½ hours of riding.

The route took us through towering redwoods, peaceful reservoir views, and winding mountain roads far removed from heavy traffic. After a steep climb to the upper water level, we enjoyed a leisurely ride tracing the shoreline high above the lake with breathtaking scenery at every turn.

One of the unique experiences of riding in the Santa Cruz Mountains is the changing microclimates — cool coastal fog and brisk morning air giving way to warm canyon sunshine.

After descending back down, we ordered sandwiches from Mr. Pickle’s in downtown Los Gatos, and enjoyed a well-earned picnic lunch beneath the shady eucalyptus trees at Jimi and Jennifer’s home. A perfect Memorial Day filled with friendship, fitness, nature, and gratitude.

VIP Baby on the Way: A Magical Baby Shower in Tiburo

magical, poetic afternoon celebrating Behnaz and Kayvon at the historic Landmarks Art and Garden Center in Tiburon.

Perched on four stunning terraces overlooking Richardson Bay, the romantic setting was the perfect backdrop for the theme: VIP Baby on the Way!

The grounds wrapped us in lush greenery, hiding a mystical spirit house among the leaves. Before the main Persian feast, we enjoyed sweet and savory delicacies that were true works of art.

Ghadam-e no resideh mobarak! (قدم نو رسیده مبارک) — "May the arrival of your new little one be blessed."

What made this day extra special for Cecile and me was sharing it with Michelle and Kyle, whose close, longtime friendship with the parents-to-be brought us all together. Watching our grandchildren, Lyla, Emmy, and Gus giggling and twirling miniature white umbrellas added pure childhood magic to the day.

Our hearts are full as these two beautiful souls prepare to welcome their first child, a sweet baby boy. May his life be as beautiful, rich, and filled with love as the unforgettable afternoon we spent celebrating his upcoming arrival.

@lovelymomentsplanning

The Vatican Reaches Out to Buddhists Worldwide on the Festival of Vesak (Buddha Day)

by Dennis Augustine

APOLOGIES FOR REPOSTING THIS! THE LAST ONE I DID HAD THE WRONG PHOTOS

As a Catholic participating in interfaith dialogue and a longtime student of Buddhist Studies and mindfulness practices — both here and throughout Southeast Asia — for over 40 years, I was happy to see the Vatican reach out to Buddhists worldwide for Vesak, celebrated this year on May 11, 2026.

Vesak is the major Buddhist festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.

For 61 years, the Catholic Church has long affirmed the importance of embracing “all that is true and holy” in other religions. In its Vesak message, the Vatican noted that Buddhism’s path toward liberation and enlightenment “finds deep resonance in our shared pursuit of truth and fullness of life.”

Over the years, I’ve attended meditation retreats and spiritual programs abroad — including in Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma) — alongside Buddhist monks, Catholic nuns, priests, and rabbis, many of whom felt these experiences enriched their spiritual lives and deepened their compassion and understanding.

At a time when the world often feels divided, respectful interfaith dialogue and mindfulness practice can help open hearts rather than close them.

“Let’s Play Papa,” my sweet grandson Gus said on the eve of our first day in Folsom. 😊

by Dennis Augustine

We began with magnetic play structures behind the living room sofa, but things quickly shifted into high gear when I invited him to guess what I had hidden in my hands. Out came two diecast model cars — a red Mustang and a black-and-white police car.

For those unfamiliar, diecast models are detailed miniature metal replicas of real classic or sports cars. To Gus, though, they were pure magic.

We played for well over an hour before dinner, filled with nonstop laughter, imagination, and joy.

Meanwhile, Nonnie Cecile was nearby reading stories to Lyla and Emmy — one of those simple family moments that quietly becomes a treasured memory.

Note: Photos of Gus with me taken by his daddy Kyle and Uncle Jason.

The Vatican Reaches Out to Buddhists Worldwide on the Festival of Vesak (Buddha Day)

by Dennis Augustine

As a Catholic participating in interfaith dialogue and a longtime student of Buddhist Studies and mindfulness practices — both here and throughout Southeast Asia — for over 40 years, I was happy to see the Vatican reach out to Buddhists worldwide for Vesak, celebrated this year on May 11, 2026.

Vesak is the major Buddhist festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.

For 61 years, the Catholic Church has long affirmed the importance of embracing “all that is true and holy” in other religions. In its Vesak message, the Vatican noted that Buddhism’s path toward liberation and enlightenment “finds deep resonance in our shared pursuit of truth and fullness of life.”

Over the years, I’ve attended meditation retreats and spiritual programs abroad — including in Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma) — alongside Buddhist monks, Catholic nuns, priests, and rabbis, many of whom felt these experiences enriched their spiritual lives and deepened their compassion and understanding.

At a time when the world often feels divided, respectful interfaith dialogue and mindfulness practice can help open hearts rather than close them.

Mother’s Day Dinner with Cecile at Cetrella 🍷🌿 A Mediterranean Escape in the Heart of Los Altos

The venue features a full bar, terrace seating, an arcaded paseo, and colorful umbrellas floating high above the walkway . There is even a downstairs speakeasy dining area and teaching kitchen, giving it a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

For starters, Cecile enjoyed crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with pomegranate glaze while I had the Organic Tuscan Kale salad . Cecile paired dinner with a Cabernet Sauvignon and I enjoyed a Riesling .

For our entrees, Cecile chose grilled filet mignon with purée and asparagus , while I had a tender lamb shank with polenta, garbanzo beans, and green olives .

Dessert completed the evening beautifully Cecile had an Affogato with house-made vanilla gelato and espresso, and I enjoyed a Blackberry Panna Cotta .

We also had the pleasure of meeting Director M’hamed Bahet, whose inspiration for Cetrella comes from the Isle of Capri .

With exceptional hospitality, ambiance, and cuisine, it’s easy to understand why OpenTable gives Cetrella five stars.

Happy Mother’s Day to the Wonderful Women in Our Lives🌸

by Dennis Augustine

Today we celebrate the love, strength, and kindness of mothers everywhere.

A special Mother’s Day to my wife Cecile — the heart of our family, whose warmth, wisdom, and steady love continue to inspire us every day.

And to our daughter Michelle, who has blossomed into a wonderful mother to our beautiful grandchildren Lyla, Emmy & Gus. Watching her raise her family with such love and devotion has been one of life’s greatest joys.

We were also grateful to celebrate with extended family including Kim, Al's brother Rich’s wife Lisa, and their mother Dana (great grandmother) Kyle’s dad Ed’s longtime partner Gerry, the third grandma, whom the grandkids affectionaltely call GG, my sister Josie in Rutherford, New Jersey, and other dear family members across the country.

Many of the photos I’m sharing were taken over time — together they form a small gallery of memories, laughter, milestones, and family love.

Wishing all mothers, grandmothers, and those who lovingly fill those roles a beautiful Mother’s Day.

She Passed Away on Mother’s Day 🌹

Remembering My Mom, Maria Micalizzi Augustine

By Dennis Augustine

There is something both heartbreaking and strangely meaningful about losing your mother on Mother’s Day itself.

My beloved Sicilian-born mom, Maria Micalizzi Augustine, passed away on Mother’s Day in 2013 at 88 years old. A devout Roman Catholic, she lived a life centered around faith, family, sacrifice, and love.

When I received the call from my sister Josie that Mom was critically ill, I booked a red-eye flight from California to New Jersey, despite hearing later that she seemed to be improving. Something in my heart told me I needed to go.

By the time I arrived at the hospital in Hoboken, my siblings and I gathered around Mom’s bedside, holding her hands, praying, and comforting one another. Not long after, she peacefully passed surrounded by all of her children.

Josie later said she believed Mom waited for me to arrive before letting go. I’ve never forgotten that.

One of my most treasured photos is of my siblings, my 97-year-old father, and me together after the funeral at the historic Clam Broth House for the repast — where Dad once worked as a young cook many decades earlier.

Thinking today of all mothers who are forever loved and deeply missed.

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He Is Gone, But Not Forgotten 🕊️ Remembering our Dear Friend Mark Brodsky

by Dennis Augustine

Three years ago we lost our dear friend Mark to pancreatic cancer—far too soon.

Mark was a true mensch—kind, generous, and always there for others. He served as Mayor of Monte Sereno, was active in Rotary, and worked with the VTA to better our community.

He was an engineer and entrepreneur, but more than anything, he loved his family, his friends, his faith—and celebrating life, often on the dance floor with Marleen . When Cecile and I moved to Rinconada Hills, Mark and Marleen soon followed, and he quickly became part of the community.

I’ll always remember our Seascape Beach gatherings each year and the Tashlich ritual from the Jewish tradition, tossing morsels of bread into the ocean, symbolizing letting go and beginning anew .

After his passing, Cecile and I, along with Michelle and Kyle, and Mark and Marleen's family and other friends visited his gravesite to pay our respects.

We are thinking of Marleen today and beloved family members. Mark’s life was a blessing—and his memory remains one.