The California Central Coast ~ one simply must.

These past couple of years, I have leisurely rediscovered the unique beauty of the California coastline. Time has a way of flying by, and a backlog of photos is demanding my attention - a pleasure in itself! 
It was late last summer that I headed south to the Central Coast. There I rekindled a long-lost college-year friendship with an amazingly talented artist, Ted Emrick. Be on the look out for my next blog  - it will be all about his art. Get ready to be inspired.

For now, I shall tease you with the beauty of his surroundings, which stretch from Morro Bay to San Luis Obispo to Montana de Oro State Park and beyond. We drove around sheer bluffs, walked through small woods and sandy paths to reach dramatic vista points. We stopped here and there in the grey morning fog light, peaked around corners of sunshine reflecting on the ocean, standing speechless at the beauty. That ocean invigorates Ted's life and his art. He is also an avid surfer, but that weekend, there was no surf board -  he relaxed against the warm stones he is so familiar with as I wandered on the beach and paths capturing the mood, capturing details to tuck away in my own spirit.

Later we ventured inland to the heat and vastness of the Paso Robles wine country - and just like further north in Napa and Sonoma Valley - one simply must stop by and taste the wines.
Join me.

 A weekend of discovery

 - a weekend of relaxation - a weekend of art - a weekend of friendship

Simply so good for the soul

Join me next time as I treat you to the art and garden of Ted's world.

Mendocino County ~ Return to magic

Living in Marin County, I can be on the coast within an hour. Shear bliss. I can head south or I can head north, and no matter which way I look, pure magic happens. Mother Nature has blessed this coastline with one scenic location after the other. 

This time I choose to head north to Mendocino County. I roll down the window to take it all in. The cool coastal breezes beckon. At every turn in the road, I see breathtaking natural wonders: rugged coastline beaches, majestic towering redwoods, hillside artisanal vineyards. 

The picturesque scenery is spectacular. It is grand.

In Sea Ranch, I find serenity and panoramic ocean views. In Gualala, I stop for beach combing and perfect tide pools along the rocky shoreline. The lure of my next stop excites me - more rolling hills with new secrets revealed around each bend; then... Mendocino, that quaint town which sits on a headland surrounded by the Pacific Ocean with its oceanfront Victorian homes, its secluded bluffs, its dramatic surf. 

There is wilderness. 

There is charm. 

There is laziness. 

There is beauty. 

There is lingering morning fog. 

There is art.

It does not get better than this. it is the perfect getaway. There is peace, there is tranquility.

It is April. It is a good month. The wild flowers are in bloom. It is springtime,

You must know... It is good for the soul.

A gift of Spring ~ A Happy Easter

Outside in the front garden, the wisteria is in full bloom with its periwinkle blossoms drooping lazily, soon to be swept away by late afternoon winds. Dainty purple flowers dot the surface of  the rosemary plants while the tulips in full bloom on the back deck welcome the morning sun.

The sweet temptations and the soft pastels of Easter are here as well, with my younger daughter clearly reminding me that last year she was away camping when the Easter Bunny came through town. In her honor this year, I have captured Easter vignettes around the house: you will find hand-blown glass and hand-painted eggs from places near and far - including my own feeble attempt at Ukrainian egg design; traditional French 'dragées' - those irresistible candy coated almonds with that perfect crunch - too pretty to be eaten truly; outlandish floral crowns and hats; and a few Victorian inspired springtime treasures. 

I think I will let them all linger around well into April ~ and I believe even the Easter Bunny will stay a while, and be tempted to read the beautiful words of the poet Rainer Maria Rilke. I found this excerpt from his poem "Spring!" to be just so... read on.

"Spring!" - Sonnets to Orpheus I,21 - by Rainer Maria Rilke

Earth, school is out now. You're free

to play with the children. We'll catch you,

joyous Earth. The happiest will catch you!

All that the teacher taught her - the many thoughts

pressed now into roots and long 

tough stems: She sings! She sings!

A Happy Easter ~ A Happy Spring ~ A Happy Daughter... I know this must be good for the soul...