Savoring the California Coast

One of my favorite places in the world is Big Sur. It's one of those areas that emit an energy and beauty that is truly other worldly.

Over Valentines, my Valentine whisked

me away and took me down the coast. We stayed at this fantastic little cabin in Big Sur right near Pfieffer Beach, away from the rest of the world. On top of a hill, we could hear the powerful waves crashing in. Up above, we could see an endless sky of stars. How many times have you seen the Milky Way on a clear February night?

We drove down to San Simeon on a misty cold day. We were literally in a cloud and

I'm looking forward to many more trips down the coast while we live here in the Bay. I figure it would be a crime no

t to take advantage of one of the most magical places on earth being so close.any view on the horizon was covered in a white blanket. This made for an eerie, but magical journey. With so many stops on the way down south, we got to see the eclectic coastline: from sleek gray stone beaches, to soft sand and callalily gardens, to marshy jungles and deep sea cliffs. It's amazing to think that all exist within miles of one another. We got to see the infamous and gluttonous Hearst Castle and the fatted elephant seals on the beach miles below. We got to savor homemade croissants from Big Sur Bakery and grill up our own feast of fresh tuna steak sandwiches under the stars.

On the way home, we made our way through a little luxury, Carmel by the Sea. From the most delectable trip-tip BBQ sandwich at Bruno's Deli to lulling by the sea with a view unmatched anywhere, it was truly a romantic and visually stunning trip.

Weekend Explorers

There are a thousand and one reasons to love San Francisco... and really, don't get me started on a list right now. However, one of the best things about living here is the opportunity to endlessly explore, even in the dead of "winter".

An extra long walk from anyone's doorway will reveal a neighborhood most likely unexplored previously. It's too easy and more than enticing to keep on walking - just to see what's on the other side of the next block. And most likely, there will be a wonderful surprise of a newly discovered vintage clothing store, dog park, coffee stand, street food vendor, prettily painted house, park bench, odd-looking tree, amazing restaurant you've been hearing about, and so much more.

When I was first dating John, I would come here from Colorado for a romantic and whimsical weekend to see him and we would spend the whole weekend exploring. I would arrive and we would step outside and head to a far-off neighborhood in the city... and I always thought he had put so much planning into it. Little did I know that he was just all too lucky to simply live here... and no matter where we headed, it was a treat for the senses.

We still go on these exploring weekends quite often. Each time we head out on a Saturday or Sunday morning with only hours to find ourselves in a new neighborhood; and of course, a good spot for brunch. The newness, unknown and small delightful finds make me feel like I am still traveling... finding my own way in life, tasting new cultures, and harmoniously sharing it with the love of my life.

I always know it's going to be a good weekend when I put on my walking shoes.

Thankful

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
-- Melody Beattie

I love this quote. It's beautifully true and full of hope. There is a serenity and warmth about it, and makes my soul smile.

Over the past couple months I have felt more thankful than ever. Which, by the way, is difficult to imagine, as I consider myself fairly aware of just how lucky and truly blessed my life is. (I also think I am pretty good at vocalizing that gratitude to the people in my life too; A trait I am quite happy to brag about.)

There are so many particular instances and so many larger things, it's a mosaic of appreciation. From cooking a successful Thanksgiving dinner with my husband and catching up with my girlfriend over a long phone call, to spending time with my new family and being able to laugh freely. I don't think a day goes by that I don't feel it or think it. It comes from the wildest of places too - that bright blue San Franciscan sky, the smiling homeless man in front of the Walgreens down the street, the sound of someone singing in the shower, a friend telling a joke, the free samples of cheese and chocolate from the shop around the corner, my mother's long-winded stories, the smell of the eucalyptus wreath in our house, warm gloves... just to name a few.

Just wanted to say "thanks".

FALLing for you

There's something about holiday coffee drinks that make me grin. The whole experience of the holiday coffee drink is overwhelmingly wonderful. From walking into the coffee shop, only to be greeted by shiny do-dads, whizzles, and snowflakes, you are transported to a scene out of a Christmas movie. It's the best of cliches, and I will drink it up! Holiday tunes playing in the background, employees with their festive flair, and the food cases decked out with sugar cookies and gingerbread. (They are always dancing in my head too.)

It's not like coffee drinks were part of my childhood fall and winter experience, yet, the flavors are nostalgic and make me feel like I'm home. Maybe it's being in California and seeing palm trees in November that make me wonder if winter is almost here... but, I really miss the Colorado snow that signifies holiday time to me. So, the hints of eggnog, gingersnap, peppermint and nutmeg greet me with warm, comforting arms of milk and spices. Yes, I drink in the festive goodness and sink into my over-sized knit sweater.

Thank you Starbucks, Peet's, Tully's, and It's a Grind for making it feel a lot like Christmas.

Hungry for more

I had a chance to sit down and have coffee with a lovely and inspiring woman this afternoon. She is a well-known foodie, writer, and blogger and she was so generous to share her stories with me.

I have always had an adventurous palate and enjoyed food more than the average person. This interest has turned into a slight obsession living in San Francisco and I desperately and hungrily want to find a career outlet for this thing that I so enjoy. So, I reached out and scored a glorious 50 minutes with a connected self-starter culinarian. (I think that should be a word, so I'm leaving it.)

Being the admirer that I am, I poked around to find out where she had been and how she got to be this approachable culinary superstar. She spoke with such gusto and passion about what she does, it made me jealous. I so want to have that. That unrelentless knowledge and passion and stronghold of character and career.

It makes me really wonder how many people have that. I don't think many. It's unfortunate to know that so many dreams are tucked away like a winter sweater in Florida. Rarely brought out to see the light of day...

Well, apparently the industry, particularly here, is inundated. It's tough, so I gotta get my foodie gloves on (I think they call them oven mits) and get ready for a fight. I feel lucky to have love for something that is intrinsic to life, particularly in SF. If nothing else, I know that my love for food will always be entertained here.

My favorite spot in the city

There is a community garden at Fort Mason. It is fenced in and behind the buildings, so I think a lot of people miss it or think that it's private property. But, I have a secret... it's not. I figure I can make this announcement since I only have a few friends reading my blog and I trust you all to love and respect this place and not tell too many people. I like the fact that there is a solumn peacefulness to it.

This place is magic. It must be. The colors, the blooms of the flowers, the smells, the life - it's amazing. Every little plot is unique and bursting with different flowers, plants, and vegetables. I like to get lost amongst it all, a maze of garden jungle.

The reason I like this place so much is becasue it completely enthralls me. I am there fully. Smelling, feeling, exploring and in full consciousness of adoring each and every garden plot.

I like this place best early in the mornings when the fog is still cradling the bay. I can walk around the garden and be the only one there. And there is something about smelling a flower on its vine in a garden at dawn that is so pure and untainted by the rest of the day.

I also ;ove coming here with my husband. It turns us into to kids, pointing to the plants and flowers that capture our imagination.

Yes, this is my favorite spot in the city.

Here dahrling, don't you ever forget it!

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age. - Sophia Loren