Clarity and California

I traveled to California a few weeks ago to see my parents and my best friend, and oh my this trip was incredible. It woke me up and made me realize so much. Well for one, I realized how much I missed warmth and a good avocado and I realized that I need tank tops and sandals and will need to strategically plan a few trips to CA during the winter months. On a more serious note...I realized how much I missed my mother and father and sister from another mister. I realized I need to be outdoors more, that I need more silliness, that I need to explore who I am more. A few things have been flipped upside down since this trip, some tangible, some not so much. All in all, it was a beautiful mini-vacation that gave me so much clarity. 

First stop was visiting Emily in the redwoods where she lives and works. She works as a naturalist for a science camp, pretty awesome right?? This is her in her garden!

Big Red

Emily's little naturalist cabin in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Waking up here was a dream. I went straight from cubicle life on Friday, to a plane, to California at midnight, and woke up in the morning to rain in the redwoods; it was pretty soul cleansing. 

Next we headed up the coast to San Francisco. Here are some beautiful shots from the General Store in the Sunset District. I have this thing for the Sunset District. It is quiet and reminds me of a small beach town, even though it is nestled into San Francisco and it is also one of the few neighborhoods where finding parking isn't ridiculous. It makes me want to drink smoothies and attempt to learn how to surf and grow my hair long again.  Plus there are succulents everywhere!! If I were ever to move to here, the sunset is where I'd go. 

 Full House anyone? I have been to San Francisco countless times but have never been to this famous spot. It was fun to play tourist.

We headed to City Light Books in the evening. I bought some beat poetry. It seemed appropriate.

Flaky heaven at Tartine in the Mission District. This place... oh my.

Some bright and sunny shots throughout the city

Amoeba Music in Haight-Ashbury

We headed back to the Sunset District on our last day specifically for Outerlands, the best breakfast you could ever have. The atmosphere of this place is so amazing and the design is gorgeous!

We had the cornbread benedict, levain flatbread, and their coconut almond scone. It was all divine.

We finished off the weekend hiking in Lands End. This hike felt like jumping into a cool lake after a long, hot summer's hike; so refreshing and so rejuvenating. On this hike I talked with Emily and my mama about how lost I have been feeling and how I feel as if this year has been a year of figuring out what I don't want as opposed to what I do. I've been feeling like a failure lately, like I am the girl who can't keep a job for more than three months and constantly changes her mind about everything. They reminded me that I'm 23. (Good gracious Julie, you are 23!) I think being married has been part of the pressure I'm feeling, like "I'm married now so I better know what I want career wise or else!" My goodness Jules, just give yourself a break.

All in all, this hike made me realize how old/young I am and how my career is not my life. How I choose to love those around me and serve others and find beauty and wonder in the everyday is my life. How I choose to love God and other people is my life. Not where I go from 9-5 everyday.  The values I have will effect where I choose to go from 9-5 and how I choose to do that work, but I don't have to have that all figured out right now.

It was beautiful trip, full of so much goodness. While I was there, I texted Mike and said "We're moving, I'm literally defrosting!!" But then I cam back to Seattle and felt the season of fall again and had a wonderful thanksgiving with my in-laws. California is becoming more and more mystical each time I visit, like it is this state of solace and rejuvenation. It is my homeland, but not where I call home at this time, and maybe not again for a long time, or perhaps ever again; who knows! Plus home is really about where the people you love are, and I cannot wait to see my family again at Christmas and my best friend in February!!

A Quick Trip to California

One of my dear friends from high school got married last weekend in California. Mike and I were so glad to be able to attend and soak up some California goodness. We were only in town for less than 48 hours, but it sure felt good to see my family, old friends, and take a walk on the beach. I didn't snap too many photos because we were busy celebrating/spending time with family/traveling. Here we are all in Cayucos, CA with my lovely family, the besty included.

It was strange leaving California and not knowing when I would be back, I usually have some sort of trip planned but I have no clue when I will be traveling here again. Mike and I plan on staying in the PNW for the holidays this year and then who knows!

Where my heart is home

While I was home, I had the sweet freedom to drive up highway one through Big Sur all by myself. I listened to Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and old mix tapes that I made when I was sixteen. It was bliss and I can't remember the last time I felt that free.

 This babe was biking from Monterey to SLO, thats a lot of miles of beauty and sketchy roads. She is such a strong woman. 

Homeland

I went back to the homeland for 4 sweet days over labor day weekend, it was my first time home in nine months. This trip was balanced, peaceful, honest, and kind; just what I needed.

Mt. Rainer from the plane

Whenever I come home, the first thing I want to do is see the ocean. 

Morro Bay, CA

When in California, do as the Californians do.

Pops. During this trip home he told me some crazy and wild stories from his past. It involved adventures working on a yacht in Costa Rica and scuba diving in Hawaii. He is quite the father. 

I ate mexican food, not this "I'm Seattle and I'm a million miles away from mexico" business. After the beach, Tacos de Mexico is second on my list.

My wonderful mother

Sometimes what shocks me the most about coming home is how different the climate is. I missed the mighty oaks and the brown grass.