A Soft Hum

You know why I love the mountains? 
Because they are quiet. 
Do you know why I love the beach in the morning hours? 
Because it is quiet.

This world is so loud. I've learned to let it just be noise, to be background. Unexpected noises make me jump. I hate using or hearing car horns. I avoid it at all costs. And press lightly when I feel I have to. Timid. Because I don't want to startle others... or myself, really. But the point is to be startled into action.

Growing up in a small house I tiptoed around. Not wanting to break the balance. And it wasn't to scare or creep up on unsuspecting siblings. It was only to avoid breaking the background hum. I became a master at the art of slipping around with minimal noise. I learned all the unique door squeaks and the person walks on the floor. Mind you, most of the time this was carpeted floor. I was that detailed in my trained hearing. 

I often notice the air conditioning switching on at work. I take note when the music changes at a coffeeshop. This morning, I heard the rain falling before seeing the splattered raindrops on the windshield.

I become in tune when the world has a soft hum. 

*written while construction rages at the office*

Rain

Source

Today it’s raining.  While I usually put on music while I work {ahem…working to find work} today I am just listening.  The rain makes beautiful noises and it reminds me of kindergarten; nature walks, leaf rubs, muddy shoes, puddle jumping.  Sound. 

Our world is so loud.  It doesn’t need to be, but it is.  Water makes some of the most beautiful noises.  A few weekends ago a friend and I went paddle boarding out at Santa Cruz. {I know, I was at the beach and in the water in January.  Crazy talk} While we were out, cruising, and getting mad at the boats making wakes, she remarked that this was her quiet.  That is what refreshes her soul. 

Today, the sound of the rain on the roof, hitting the brick patio, sliding down the thirsty plant, is refreshing me.  The world is making music.  This time around I’m happy to listen.

 

{And I’m happy that we have rain in dry California!}

Monterey {Coastal Adventure}

The first day of vacation we {the family} traveled down the coast,

As in the California coast,

 Otherwise called Highway 1,

For you non Californians, be warned this road is windy.  Like a snake.  And I don’t always do well with roads like snakes.  This time it was ok.

My parents repeated the phrase “everyone should take this drive once in their lifetime” before and during the drive.  I agree, but you have to…

a)      Not be in a hurry

b)      Enjoy taking your time

c)       Be willing to stop to take it all in along the way

Before we got to the road like a snake, we stopped off of Highway 1 in Monterey.  I have loved coming to Monterey.  It used to be the place of sea otters and touching sea cucumbers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium when I was little. {I highly recommend aquariums for all ages.}  These days I find it more enjoyable to eat clam chowder on the deck and switch off watching people and the ocean.  It’s always fun to spot a creature out in the kelp.

My favorite clam chowder cart

All gone!

Stay tuned for more coastal adventures!

Check back soon!

It’s been a wonderful week.  I spent time with my family and rested.  Over the last couple of years I’ve learned what rest is and that I don’t take enough of it.

That being said, it’s going to take me a little while to get back in the groove. I loved being by the coast and not having an agenda.  We also didn't have internet access.  Thus, no additional updates.

We had many cameras with our family and everyone capture different events.  Look for updates, but know that I’m rounding up pictures!

Hope you have a wonderful day and check back soon!

At the Coast

I’m off with my family this week, spending time at the coast.  It is potentially our last family vacation for awhile, as just the 6 of us. 

We are going too far and will be cruising the central coast of California.  We are spending time on the beach, visiting Hearst Castle, and going for some hikes.  I’ll be {hopefully} reading a book or two, journaling, and resting.  And the bad news…the house we are renting has no internet access.

I may be popping in to say hello, but we shall see!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Beautiful End...to a weekend

The end to this weekend was precious to me. My family came down for the Monday that we had off in honor of President’s day. We spent Sunday night with my SLO “family.” Every Sunday I go to dinner with a family here in town and so the whole family joined this time.
My sister spent the night at my house with lots of other girls. But lots of girls in the house, that is pretty standard these days.
The next morning the family came over and we went on a quick grocery run {yes, my parents took me food shopping!} and then made lunch before heading for a walk. We wanted to go for a hike, but we went on a trail that was not a hike. It was still very enjoyable. It was a beautiful day and we walked along the bluff.
After that we went on my campus and met up with some of my brother’s friends who are freshmen this year. I am so excited; my brother is going to be at Cal Poly with me next year!
We picked up my cousin from campus {college is a family affair…if you haven’t noticed} and headed to one of the favorite spots in town. As a tradition we at Firestone grill before they headed out of town. It was so fun to see them and was a much needed break for me.
It was so nice that even though I didn’t get any work done, even though I knew that this week was going to be a little rougher because of it, even though all I wanted to do was to get lost in the hugs and love {which I did for while}, I had complete peace. It was going to be ok. My perspective was on the here and now and not the what ifs or what could be. It was truly a delightful feeling.