Sometimes all you need is a weekend getaway to escape the weekly grind. My recent getaway to Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort in Solvang, California, the heart of wine country, was the perfect destination. After a long week, we left Los Angeles after dark, and after traffic, to drive up to Santa Barbara. Two hours … Continued
I recently returned from John Steinbeck country. This slice of the West Coast boasts some of the most scenic views in the world as well as rich farmlands bursting with fruits of the region. Fresh strawberries, lettuce, artichokes, avocados, and herbs are in abundance. The area oozes health of the physical, and spiritual variety. Temperatures … Continued
Avila Dog Beach I’m pushing my two-year old daughter Zelia in a chain link swing at the pirate themed seaside park in Avila Beach. She’s yelling “high-urr, fash-ter!” I’m growling “Arrrrrr!” Another couple sashaying their toddler in the adjacent swing asks me where I’m from. I say I live here. “It must be nice to … Continued
Big Sur The term “staycation” is often utilized for time-bereft people looking to eke out a few days of sanity in their stressful version of this world. We were recently blessed with our second baby girl and decided to take the two-year old and the two-month old on a camping trip to Plaskett Creek- in … Continued
Do you like water or mountains? Snow or surf? Shopping or relaxing? Yeah, I like all of them all too. Now, you’re probably thinking that California is a pretty big place and not really a very specific topic. You’re right. It’s huge and that why it inspired me. Some parts of the gorgeous Golden State … Continued
In our day when far-flung places are more accessible than they’ve ever been, sometimes we forget that inspiration, wonder, and awe can come from places much close to home. Or maybe going to those far-off places helps us appreciate the beauty in our own backyards. Having grown up in a small town in Northern California … Continued
A particularly fat marmot has been following me for a while now, peeking over and disappearing behind the granite boulders along the trail. He can smell my M&Ms, I just know it, and thinking about them makes my mouth water. Marmot scampers twenty feet in front of me and perches on top of a rock, … Continued
My special place by the sea I began pacing around the apartment, searching the archives of my mind for a memory that fit just right. I wanted to write about a place that gave me equal feelings of gratitude and awe. I had been to many places both near and far – shouldn’t this be … Continued
We slowly made our way into the park in Jeremy’s dashing Toyota Prius. We were welcomed by a huge white board with the inscription “Santa Cruz Beach BOARD WALK” at the entrance. I took a picture in front of the sign, striking a very fashionable pose with my feet crossed over the other. My excitement … Continued
When I was in third grade, we had to do a report on a landform in the United States. I spent days trying to think of a topic. At the age of nine, I really didn’t know what the world was like. Of course, I’ve seen programs on the nature channel about national parks, but … Continued