- WIND - SPRING - CAN'T BE -

Walking round town lately has presented flowering plants that in other areas are still asleep in winter time.  This lovely jasmine plant is beginning to flower out and offers such a wonderfully sweet aroma for passersby.  

Saturday was incredibly windy.  My little home was a rocking each time there was a gust.  Megan came into town from Arroyo Grande and we walked to Top Dog for coffee.  Something warm truly hit the spot.  We walked back meandering through the street fair and almost had to hold onto each other to keep from being blown away. 

I also found this wonderful succulent blooming away on my path.  It looks so happy with the bright yellow flowers just beginning to open.  So now I am on a quest to discover as many succulents in bloom as possible.  







This one could be used as a Christmas tree.

This appears to be a hens-n-chickens plant with a flowering top I never knew they made.  Must be a specific variety.  Very stunning up close and personal.

Sunday I discovered additional otters in the harbor.  This little secluded and sheltered area was hosting one otter.  Then there were three and now there are seven.  I have counted as many as twelve out in the harbor closer to the jetty and this is the first time I have seen this many together in the calmer waters of the boat docks in the harbor.  Curious.

I just never know what will present itself when I am out and about.  One of my pure pleasures about being here.

I just heard gas prices are rising again which could have an affect on my traveling.  While I have this wonderful home on wheels, good gas mileage is one of its rather weaker points.  This is definitely one of the things I will consider as I venture forth.

I met Judy, who is the editor of Slo Coastal Journal, a monthly online magazine for this amazing area.  Margie and Dart introduced us Saturday morning while we were all out talking near the jetty. Judy and I have talked since our meeting and beginning with the April issue, I will be writing a column for the magazine.  I am looking forward to doing this and I am fairly certain I can link it to my blog.  You can always check it out ahead of time by reading articles written by the locals at:  www.slocoastjournal.com.  Thank you, Judy.

Life is ever changing.  I learned from my Mom, during her last few months, the grace one receives when living in the moment.  I am doing my best at this and getting better at it every day.  I am letting go of major planning.  Simply putting it out there and allowing it to present itself.  When I lived in Sacramento I had discovered this house in a rather wealthy part of town that I fell in love with.  It had an appeal that I just couldn't resist.  I silently wished that I could be able to see the inside.  

About twenty years later my husband and I were going to a friends wedding at a private home.  When we pulled up to the address, I was shocked, speechless and thrilled to see it was THE house.  My mind was in such a state of shock that I think I was unable to focus on the actual inside.  I remember thinking at the time that the rooms seemed smaller than what I thought they would be.  Everything was English Tudor style.  There was a huge pool, putting green and tennis courts on the back of the property.  I had failed to imagine how large the parcel could be.  I continued to process this whole event and how something I had silently wished for so long ago was actually happening.  

I was amazed and curious and excited.  I suspect this was one of the many things that occurred during those years that were preparing me for the Adventure of searching out my own spirituality.  My path has been amazing, and is so today.  I continually marvel at the discoveries I find, the subtle messages and ideas that come, and at watching how things simply unfold when left to do so.  I am becoming happier and more at peace all the time.  I am aware of my acceptance and comfort at what is happening in my life.  And I am feeling grateful a lot for everything.  Thank You, Universe!  So, I continue on.

"You are already connected to everything you need

when you're inspired

- what takes place is a

realignment within you that allows for everything,

every event, and every person, to merge

in your 'In-Spirited' consciousness."

-  Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

taken from his book

Your Ultimate Calling

Happy Birthday, Roger!!!  (Older Brother!)

Enjoy your inspiration!

- SHORT STORM -

The weather channels predicted a rather hefty storm that in reality turned out to be about five hours of off and on rain.  Periods of gentle rain and periods of heavy rain.  It was clear by 6 pm and then we had clear skies overnight.  Nights have been cold though the days are clear and upper 50's.  I can handle this.


Yesterday I got my people (Chris, Dorothy and Bob, and Dick), dog (Duke, Abbey, Maki, Daisy and Bridgett) and French Bakery fix.  (Yes, I did the bakery thing!)  It was rather chilly first thing in the morning, then it warmed by the time I walked by the bakery.  I was able to play with Daisy, a dog here in the park, who is adorably sweet.  She is probably the right size of dog for traveling, so keeping my eyes and ears open for whatever shows up.  (Still hoping for a golden, St. Bernard or Newfoundland.)  Unclear just how much room that would leave for me.  Plus dog hair, plus wet dog hair, plus dirt, plus water, plus food, plus brushing, plus washing, plus big stuff to pick up.  I am working all of this out in my mind.  Makes me laugh.

Millie and I have been playing "Words with Friends" on our phones.  Tuesday she was having trouble with the app so we did not get to play for two days.  I actually went through withdrawals.  She and I talked this morning and she is up and running again.  It makes one think about how much time we spend doing these kinds of things and entertaining our addictions.  Of course our other addiction, local port and Belgium chocolates, needs to be continually nourished when we spend time together.  Oh, darn!  I guess we'll just have to struggle through it and do our best.

All of these pictures were taken Tuesday morning during my early morning walk.  It didn't actually rain until about 1:15 pm, just as I walked out of the grocery store to go back to my home.  Fortunately it was just starting and drizzling so I arrived just a bit damp and wet around the edges.  I have discovered one just needs to do whatever it is and let happen what happens.  If one waits around for things to change, they will change, though maybe different than what one hoped for.  So, just move onward.


Years ago there was this wonderful song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy."  It is curious that I still occasionally hear it when it is most appropriate.  It reminds me to let go of any worry about anything and trust that all things happen for a reason.  I may never know why, which is just the point.  Let it go.  Check in with my own happiness and continue to do my best.  Keep in the unconditional love space and be in the moment.  That is all I have anyway.  Who knows what the instant may bring.  All things are subject to change, just as the weather is here.  Locals say that if you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes and it will change.  Pretty right on.

"The one Source of All-Encompassing Love

knows nothing of boundaries,

differing customs, geographic divisions, family splits;

or differences in race, creed, sex, and so on -

It only knows love for all."

-  Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

from his book

Your Ultimate Calling

Enjoy your Love!

- CALM BEFORE THE STORM -

Well, according to the weather channels, it is supposed to be raining.  Someone forgot to look outside.  Again!  The Rock was actually glowing gold this morning as the sun was shining on it.  It was very dynamic since the sky was filled with dark clouds and the water in the harbor was so still and glass like, reflecting the Rock so beautifully.  Very calm this morning.  

I spent quite a while chatting with Jerry at the boat dock.  She comes three days a week to provide food and fresh water for a feral cat that lives under one of the docks.  She and two others care for this beautiful animal that would otherwise be solitary.  They have captured her and took her for a veterinary check up, shots and getting fixed.  These three people are the only ones that can touch and hold her.  I am so grateful for those that care for the unwanted animals in this world.  

While we were chatting, the sky was almost completely clear and the sun was generating much warmth.  All of us, that had checked the weather before we started our walk, had on several layers, ready for the rain and cold. It was certainly eluding us at this point in time.  So, one sheds a layer or two and continues on.  

I also came across a litter critter (one of many) that lives in the rock chunks along the shoreline of the harbor.  It was being very still and I almost stepped on it.  He seemed to be moving a bit slow, maybe because it hadn't warmed up enough for him to be scampering about, which is what they usually do.  Anyway, he posed for a picture before he moved back into one of his hiding places.  Very cute.  Also, looked as though he has been having lots to eat.


There were also otters resting in the harbor near the boats.  It seems to me that many of the animals are behaving a bit differently this morning.  Maybe it is just me, though maybe too, they are getting ready for the incoming storm.  (Where is it?)  So, at around 11:00 am, it drizzled for about three minutes.  OK!  I am still seeing shadows.  It is amazing to see how smooth and calm the water is in the harbor.  There is no wind and everything is still.  

Of course, it is also very calm and still due to all of the tourists going back to their homes yesterday.  I am very grateful for this.  The streets are almost deserted and one can walk down the sidewalks without being mobbed or bumped.  I realize the local businesses rely on tourists for their lively hood, however, I sure do enjoy the peace and quite when they are gone. 

"There are three masteries that lead people to become Toltecs.  

First is the Mastery of Awareness.  

This is to be aware of who we really are, with all the possibilities.  

The second is the Mastery of Transformation - 

how to change, how to be free of domestication.  

The third is the Mastery of Intent.  

Intent from the Toltec point of view 

is that part of life that makes transformation of energy possible; 

it is the one living being that seamlessly encompasses all energy, 

or what we call "God." 

 Intent is life itself; it is unconditional love.  

The Mastery of Intent is therefore the Mastery of Love."

- Don Miguel Ruiz

from his book

The Four Agreements

Happy Birthday, Chris B.!

Enjoy your calm!

- LEMON ZESTER -

Last week, after Joyce, Carol and I had lunch at Robin's, we went to a local hardware store and each of us purchased a lemon zester.  I have been using it and I love it.  It is simple and effective to use and I have been putting lemon zest in my smoothies every morning, and adding it to my salads.  All are yummy.  The one we purchased has a good grip and creates better zest than anything I have used in the past.  We paid a much more modest price than what I have seen on the internet.    It makes me happy when I find a good deal.  Thank you, Universe!

The People Are Here!  They are everywhere.  This long weekend has brought all of them.  At least, it seems that way.  I took a late afternoon walk and almost couldn't navigate the few streets there are here.  This is probably part of the problem.  Everyone congregates on the Embarcadero or Main Street.  Once I strolled over a few streets, it was fine.  Pretty crazy.  There must also have been a motorcycle group here as well, because I heard them during the early afternoon.  Fortunately the sounds they make were silent by early evening.  

The sun is holding, though they are predicting rain tomorrow and off and on through the week.  It is still so nice in the mornings and I love the walks to the rock and boat launch.  I get my dog fixes and the new day.  I go by the French Bakery and do my best to avoid going in.  I do confess my strength has failed me a few times.  The nice thing about early mornings is most of the tourists have yet to be out and about.  There are some, but mostly locals.  Very nice.

Patty and I went to lunch at the Bayside Cafe and celebrated my birthday.  The Bayside is one of my favorite places to go and I have not been there since I lived here.  They offer skewers of tuna wrapped in bacon and cooked with teriyaki sauce.  Add a small salad and yummy!   We sat out in the sun and enjoyed our meal and attempted to solve the issues of the world, etc.  I am unsure if we were successful, however I thoroughly enjoyed the time together.  Patty and her husband, Stu, just sold their motel and are taking a bit of a break  I wish them well.

" Make it your intention to always stay inspired

and live what your heart knows,

rather than only what your eyes see!"

-  Dr. Wyne W. Dyer

from his book

Your Ultimate Calling

Happy Birthday, Tim!

Happy Birthday, Leslie!

Enjoy your zest!

- PLAYING -

Google image

So, I have been playing with my blog appearance and I imagine it will be changing based on my mood of the moment.  Currently, it is purple and shapes.  Oh gosh, a whole new aspect for me to explore.  We shall see how this all turns out.

Google image

Thanks to each of you that sent me information on local dentists.  I will check them out and let you know how is all goes.  I am grateful it happened on a tooth that had a root canal and hence I am pain free.  Hopefully this continues.


Cooler today.  May have to put shoes and socks on today after two days of flip flops.  The prediction is rain next week which is needed.  We will go from 77 degrees yesterday to mid fifties.  This is the time of year when temperatures go up and down just to keep us on our toes.  I actually have the little heater on right now to take the chill off of my little home on wheels.  I am grateful to be here rather than where it is currently snowing.  



This is a picture of the flowers Megan brought me last Sunday from Malcolm's (her husband) garden.  They are still lovely and fragrant.  And imagine that, they are purple and white.  Love it!!!  Thanks again, Megan.


Smells are something else I have become more aware of recently.  After it had rained last week, the eucalyptus trees were very dominant.  The sweet alyssum little white flowers were wonderful too.  After a rain everything simply smells fresh and clean and new.  The air is clear and all the colors seem more vibrant.  It feels so good to be outside then and enjoy it all.  Although here, it is wonderful to be outside any time.  Even when it is raining or foggy.


It is time to get out there and walk and get the blood flowing.  I spent way too many hours inside doing my tax preparation than being out in the sunshine.  I best do it now before the clouds take over and the temperatures drop.

"What has my life meant so far,

and what can it mean in the time left to me? ...

What have I contributed in the Great Ledger?"

- John Steinbeck

from his book

Sweet Thursday

Enjoy your contribution!

- WATER -

Google image

Yesterday I managed to get my tax information completed and mailed to the accountant, and I finished reading the book I borrowed and returned it to the laundry room.  Then I took a quick trip to the grocery store where I was shocked to see a huge opossum walking along a four foot tall wall near the store.  I truly thought I was seeing things.  It didn't seem very steady on its feet and finally ambled into some bushes on the other side.  Very strange.

The weather is amazing and I have a load of laundry hanging out on the line to dry.   There is a slight breeze, so this should happen quickly.  The nights are finally a bit warmer too and this makes for wonderful sleeping.

I had a crown come off yesterday and wonder if any of the locals can recommend a good dentist here.  Please call or email me.  Wouldn't you just know this would happen close to the weekend, a long one at that.  I can hear the increase of traffic noise as the tourists are arriving.  Darn.  It has been so quiet and peaceful and even the weather and sea have been calm and serene.  Loving it here, now.


It is so interesting to me that since I am able to avoid being in a hurry for anything, I can relax and do what needs to be done.  So, when I went to the copy place to make the copies of the tax information, there was no one there and I accomplished my mission quickly.  Then there was no one at the post office and I was able to take care of that just  as quickly.  I can remember so many times, when I was on a schedule, having to rush to get things done.  I am so grateful this has changed.  Makes life much more enjoyable.  And, also because I walk everywhere, I am able to avoid the issue of needing to find a parking place.  Bonus!!!

While I was at the copy place I came across a woman making copies of pictures painted by people with Alzheimer's disease.  They were amazing.  As we talked she told be there is a therapist who works with them challenging various parts of their brains.  They do their paintings from a picture that is upside down.  These artists live in a home for those with Alzheimer's disease and the works they have done are on display all over town.  Things to check out.  

"In one drop of water are found

the secrets of all the endless oceans."

-  Kahlil Gibran 

from the book

Patterns of Happiness

Happy Birthday, Rhonda!

Happy Birthday, Susan!

Enjoy your water!

LOVE

Google image

My wish is that you feel the love in your heart

 and share it throughout the world!

Almost have my tax papers complete and so I can mail them to the accountant today.  I had to call her with some questions yesterday and we had a delightful conversation.  Thanks Deborah!

My next project is to finish reading a book I picked up in the laundry room here that someone left for others to enjoy.  I may accomplish this today so I can get on with other projects.  I still have my mending to do. ( Imagine that!)  I also have the crochet scarf I started, while at the yarn shop in Cambria, to continue working on.  I have lots of other things I want to read and do, so I guess I better get to it.

Google image

"Extend LOVE outward.

This can take the form of a silent blessing

toward someone you might have previously judged,

a loving greeting,

a kind remark,

or a thought wishing the highest good for all concerned."

-  Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Taken from his book:

Your Ultimate Calling

Google image

Happy Birthday, Chris!

Enjoy your LOVE!

Tall Ships

Last evening I took a sunset walk down to the Embarcadero and was thrilled to watch the tall ships entering the boat dock area of the Harbor.  They come in every year for people to climb on board and look them over.  For me, it seems to touch a unique place in the heart that yearns for those days of pirates and adventurers of the high seas.  I am beginning to suspect that I may have been a gypsy and/or explorer in many other lifetimes.


An update on Mae, the dog found wandering around the Embarcadero.  Her owner claimed her and she is home safe and sound with her people.  What a relief.  I can only imagine the anxious feelings of the owner upon discovering Mae was missing.  I can almost feel this and the thought of her being missing would be crazy awful.  Hooray for pets/people reunited.

I revisited the balancing rocks at The Rock and found it has embellished quite a bit.  Though some of the stacks have toppled over, probably due to wind, rain and other things.  To me it is inspiring that people do this art form, which is totally non destructive and very creative and peaceful to the viewer.  Great stuff!

This past week end I was a complete social butterfly.  I went to Cambria with Joyce and Carol and we completely enjoyed our meals at Robin's.  In my opinion, the best food in town.  The food is fresh, local, organic and prepared and served with love.  The most wonderful combinations of flavors and textures.  I am a lay person with all of this, however, I am able to taste an awesome meal when I have one.  Great place!  Of course, after browsing around in some shops, we needed to finish off with some sweets at the Sweet Offerings.  Yummy.  

Morro Rock and Harbor, early morning!

I had a wonderful breakfast with Dart and Margie.   Then Margie and I went to Cambria and the yarn shop there, and worked on our yarn projects while chatting with a few other women doing the same.  A lot of fun.  Margie and Dart go back to Washington State at the end of February.  They expect to be back next year.  Safe travels.

Morro Bay back Harbor, early morning.  Sun shining on boats.

Then I met Megan for dinner and we celebrated my birthday.  She brought me some, oh so wonderful, flowers that Malcolm grows.  They smell heavenly and look so beautiful.  Much better than the ones that struggled to bloom in November while I stayed with them.  We had a great time.  I look forward to spending more time with her.


I have accomplished many chores (you know; laundry, groceries, etc.) and yesterday I worked on my taxes.  If things continue this way, I will have my part of tax preparation complete today and in the mail to the accountant.  Yay!!!  I have, of course, stopped by the French Bakery and indulged in some of their incredible edibles.  




I have a smart phone.  It fascinates me when it shows a red weather icon alert.  This morning there was one for Morro Bay (Dense Fog Advisory).  Since it was clear when I awoke earlier, I looked out the window and saw that it was still clear.  Humm!  Perhaps there are some things better handled by humans rather than robots and computers.  Though for the past several days, I must admit, they were right on with the Frost Advisory.  Had there been pumpkins, they would have been covered in the white stuff.  Extremely cold in the mornings, with the days being delightful.  

"Sometimes you pick your friends.  

Sometimes they pick you!"

-  unknown

"Happy Birthday, Pat!!!"

Enjoy your weather!!!

Water Fowl!

Today seemed all about birds!  I went adventuring early this morning and it was a bit nippy.  I bundled myself up well and almost immediately came across this magnificent snowy egret along the walk to the Rock.  Depending on my viewpoint, (especially with the blue water background) determined just how well it stood out.  These amazing waterfowl are so beautiful with how, literally, snowy white they are.  This one is a great snowy egret with is mostly yellow bill and deep black legs and feet.  Quite a contrast and very striking.

This is picture is from the other side of the rock it was perched on and gives another dimension to its beauty.  Each time I attempt to get closer, they fly off and relocate.  Usually and fortunately they only go a short distance before landing.  Sometimes, though, they squawk at me and leave the area.  I do my best to avoid disturbing them to this degree.
















These water fowl are far from being song birds.  The sounds of the snowy egret, heron and pelicans are a rather harsh squawk that is difficult to describe, though they let you know when you have disturbed them.  




















I wasn't much further along with my walk when I came across these cormorants and a heron sitting in the sun to warm themselves.  I was feeling the chill in the air, as well.  I love how they are all facing the sun to get warm.

The waves were crashing over the jetty again this morning and since I was earlier than yesterday, the shadows were very different.  

These waves create the mist sprays that can feel so refreshing!

I personally could sit and watch this all day.  Each wave on the jetty results with a different splash.  While some are gentle and seem to roll over the rocks, others can be extremely large and powerful and very dramatic.  I spent only a small time here this morning as my fingers were cold from being outside in the air while I was attempting to capture a picture of each wave as it crested.


On to the boat launch to see what was going there and found a great snowy egret and a lesser snowy egret (they have orange feet) getting sun on the rocks.

This is not a very clear picture.  The great snowy egret is to the left while the lesser snowy egret is on the rock below and to the right (preening itself).

The water in the bay this morning is very calm and almost glass like which allows for reflections. I really like it this way though when it is rough, the small white caps can be very stimulating.











So, this morning was full of water fowl and I was able to get rather close to them without disturbance.  They watched me to make certain I stayed a respectable distance.  I apparently followed the rules this morning.

I was also to get a good amount of dog fixes this morning with some old friends and several new ones.  People seem so willing to share their pets with others and it is most common to see several gatherings of dogs with their people on the boardwalk to the Rock.  A great social time for all.

-    from Jane Seabrook drawings

Enjoy being yourself!