(not necessarily in that order)
After morning coffee on the patio and a delicious Mexican lunch, we headed downtown and I indulged my tourist tendencies!
I was a little surprised at how much there was to see and how intriguing I found it all.
I particularly loved the City Hall. In fact, I think the dramatic setting would make handling bureaucracy that much easier.
The theme of the day was restaurants. We ate in at the Natural Cafe (above) on lower State Street for lunch.
In the evening we headed to Mizza (also on State Street) and picked up some delicious pizza to eat while watching a satsang with Jyotish and Devi back at the Village.
It was while picking up the pizza that we discovered La Arcada, a unique outdoor patio/plaza tucked away in the historic center of Santa Barbara. We plan to return tomorrow in order to explore it thoroughly.
Sleeping in. Late lunch on Stearns Wharf, while enjoying the sunshine and view of the ocean. Leisurely walking through Old Town Santa Barbara. Browsing through Cost Plus World Market.
Ah, yes! This is what I need from a vacation.
On top of everything else, I’m feeling especially grateful for an Airbnb in which both windows face onto nothing but greenery.
This photo says it all.
In a thirty minutes walk we saw at least four hammocks strung up between palm trees. What a great way and place to relax (our friend, Jeannie, would especially love it)!
It’s fun being back in the land of palm trees and I love the dramatic backdrop provided by the Santa Ynez Mountains.
The weather couldn’t be better: sunny and warm but with the glorious coastal breeze! We walked the path next to the beach in T-shirts (even Ramesha!).
Packing for five days away and driving all day to get here has left me pretty much done in.
Don’t get me wrong: it was a smooth trip and we actually enjoyed being “on the road again…”
I’m just out of practice is all.
We were finally able to get the car’s tires rotated and the trunk emptied of cardboard recycling.
The Alisal Fire is 50% contained and word is that the air quality in Santa Barbara is not too bad.
Various music ministry details have fallen into place.
So, we’re all systems GO to leave on vacation tomorrow.
Yay!
I was hanging up clothes after doing laundry the other day and — for the first time in a long while — I really noticed what my wardrobe consists of.
This is what an Ananda singer’s closet looks like — bright, vibrant, happy jewel tones.
This is a photo of the sweet Airbnb cottage in Santa Barbara that we’ve rented for five nights starting this Sunday.
Except we just learned there’s a fire about 26 miles from Santa Barbara, which could very likely affect the air quality!
What a bummer to drive all that way and not be able to spend as much time as we want outside. On the other hand, I really don’t want to cancel our vacation!
Ergo, prayers sent and fingers crossed!
Regardless of what you call it, I love the (obviously) cat-loving mind that came up with this.
Imagination and whimsy, defined!
As I was walking through the meadow above Rajarsi Park this morning, looking at the buildings where I get to work every day, I was struck yet again by the incredible beauty of where I live.
I breathed in the perfectly clear and crisp October day with the sun shining, the autumn foliage standing out in the distance, and the palpable sense of peace and serenity permeating the scene.
Then I stopped and took a quick photo to try and capture the moment.
Two thoughts alternated in my mind as I walked on. First I found myself thinking about how fortunate I am to live in such a unique place. Beautiful, peaceful, knowing everyone, surrounded by spirituality.
But then I remembered that — even though it’s something to be constantly grateful for — living in the “perfect place” is not really the point.
Self-realization is the point. Knowing my oneness with God and all that is, that’s the point. In the meantime, I try to remember that this life which seems so real to me is God’s dream.
Yes, I’m living a beautiful manifestation of God’s dream compared to many other people on the planet, but still…the ultimate goal is to awaken from the dream into the pure light and love of God.