paper glass bottle: places

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O California

Travel Log: California Central Coast
Dates: 05.01.15 - 05.04.15
Towns: San Luis Obispo, Solvang, Santa Barbara
Favorite Eats: Finch & Fork (Santa Barbara), Juice Ranch (Santa Barbara)
Favorite Revisit: The Book Loft (Solvang)
Favorite Beach: Avila Beach (SLO; traveler's tip--Farmers Market on Friday Nights)
Favorite Beach Runner-up: Shell Beach (SLO)
Favorite Surprise Guest: Dolphin in the Santa Barbara harbor

California's central coast captured my heart yet again.
Thought I'd share my memories through these filtered visuals.
Special gracias to mi compadre for a wonder-filled weekend. <3

A Night at the Planetarium

Universe. Hubble. Orion. Andromeda. Stars. Galaxies. Constellations.

For someone who dreams too often about being among the celestial bright bodies of our evening skies, the presentation of Universe at the Morris Planetarium last Thursday night was nothing short of extraordinary.

For a time, I shared this fascination and love of stars with a man quite special. However, as with all beautiful things, our relationship slowly turned to stardust. Sitting in the Planetarium that evening, in the presence of these entities he and I once talked about, I wanted very much to turn to my right and see him sitting next to me . . . quietly smiling as he always does and gently squeezing my hand ever assuredly. And I thought (perhaps foolishly) that if I just closed my eyes and wished hard enough, somehow the Pinocchio effect--that Disney magic--could happen a second time. I was, after all, in the midst of countless twinkling stars. Alas, when the presentation came to an end, the possibility of that real boy came to an end, too.

As I walked out into the night, I was greeted by a sky full of stars (or as he and I used to call it, a sky full of moles). Though bittersweet, I was genuinely happy to be reminded of him and to think about us as we were once, instead of what we are no longer.

And for a brief moment, I stood quietly under the brilliance of those bright stars . . . reveling, appreciating, and simply remembering the feeling of being.

Still

"In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

March 2015.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Santa Cruz County.

These photos came on the heels of my pit bull, Nala, passing and moving onto her next life. I would like to imagine that next life being somewhere over the rainbow, comprised of luscious green rolling hills, the bluest of skies, and an endless stream of glistening water under the oath of a golden sun that never sets further than the three o'clock mark. For twelve years, she graced my life with affection and love, lightheartedness and mischief--not to mention laughter of a very rare kind. It does not feel like she has left my side; instead, I would like to think she has only thrown on an invisible cape and is running wildly and freely beside me now, no longer in pain and ever happy.

Nala, March 2012 (film SLR)

Until I can wrap my arms around you again, run wild and free in the forever place, my love.

Lovers & Strangers

Easter Sunday 2014. After attending service, I indulged my wandering spirit with a walk through the west end of Golden Gate Park. Much to my surprise and joy, I found a blossoming tulip garden (the Queen Wilhelmina) nestled beside a windmill--a windmill that I would stare at curiously from my past trips down the Great Highway.

There were plenty of lovers and strangers in each other's arms that day. The sun was almost too perfect for their little frail bodies to handle. I took out my Moleskine to document my observations. The sight was almost too perfect for my little frail body to handle.

This City in Which I Live

Old military fortifications, vegetation, water, fog, concrete . . . Golden Gate Overlook in The Presidio, what a beaut.

Here & Gone, Part II: Torrey Pines

Inside the lodge, I encountered some rather beautiful wildlife . . . well, sort of.

(There was a recent time in my life when I considered acquiring a couple of pet snakes . . . I suppose the above photo serves as an indicator that the idea has not quite left my mind.)

Get in a good hike wherever you go. Your body will welcome it. Torrey Pines, San Diego. Week of 03-31-2014.

Here & Gone, Part I: Carlsbad & Encinitas

Carlsbad. Field of Flowers. Pot of Argyranthemum. Beach layover. Encinitas. Street roaming. Whole Foods. Blueberry cookie discovery. First part of road trip from the week of 03-31-2014.

Interstate Dreams

When I was driving on the interstate in the rain yesterday, I found myself welcoming the downpour; everything about being caught in an early spring shower was arresting. The stark contrast of blossoming green landscapes to overcast grey skies felt every bit . . . right. I have learned to find beauty in the things that once frightened and scared me; somehow, beyond the scope of my own understanding, these things have translated into parts of life with which I identify strongly. I suppose that is how one knows she is growing in experience and not being stagnant.

I'm leaving this city for a week. Making my way down south tomorrow. I think this is as much a needed escape as it is a needed drive. Eight hours on the road, perhaps at times when it is raining, but who's to say it won't be beautiful? And when I get to the tip of this here Golden State, I get to throw my arms around a compadre whom I haven't seen in over a year. Now that is a beautiful life.

And eventually, in the [near] future . . .