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!}

Coffee Shop thinking

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, I love coffee shops. 

And you know what I love is that there is a coffee like beverage that is a part of almost every culture.  Ok, so some cultures its tea.  But when I think about some of the best conversations I’ve had with complete strangers have been the ones that take place in a coffee shop, at a park, or while riding public transportation. 

These days I’m loving the coffee shop because it is a place to stop, sit, talk, and think.

I recently moved back to the bay area.  That would be due to graduating and going with the assumption that living at home is the best option right now.  It’s been a transition, and it will continue to be.

I’m back on the central coast for brief weekend trips this summer.  And as I sat in one of my favorite college coffee shops I was sitting enjoying the surroundings.  There are the most beautiful paintings up on the wall. 

This particular shop has revolving art displays.  Some I have enjoyed, but others aren’t my favorite.  This one, I moved seats just to be able to look up and see two specific pieces.  We all know that in Europe I was the art junkie that went to museums and learned about the history and the times.  I could walk around art shows most days.  {I also like the outdoors}  I’m feeling inspired to ride a bike and find a huge oak, thanks to these paintings.  I love that something indoors can move you to be outdoors. 

I encourage you to go sit in a coffee shop soon.  No agenda.  Simply taking it as it comes.

Large and in charge

It’s big.

It’s an endangered animal.

It’s a mammal.

It lives in the water and on the Central Coast.

It’s an elephant seal.

When I saw them last week on the Central Coast it was just males that were around.  Come spring time all the babies are out and about.  Talk about big babies!  You can only see elephant seals on the California Central Coast.  I suggest you come for a visit!

Ok, If you look at the pictures not the most beautiful animal.  But they are incredible.  Huge and heavy and yet they swim and dive. Amazing.

 We also went to Heart’s Castle that day.  I loved being able to see the architecture again.  Having been in Interior design class in Italy, I studied many of the art forms that we saw.  Hearst had a unique taste.  Although I don’t really like his style I did enjoy being able to pick out the time and country of the pieces display.  His house is truly a museum on display.  There are so many wonderful things that I could say about that place, but to understand one must experience it.

Hearst had his own private ZOO.  He had a polar bear at one point.  And there are still zebras who roam with the cattle. This the first time that I’ve seen them in the area.  And we saw zebras 3 days in a row! 

Lucky us!

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!