The Time of Wisteria: So Long

Basecamp, CA -- My heart is breaking.  The time of wisteria will soon be gone.  Wisteria—the pretty groups of light purple flowers that hang on a vine much like a cluster of grapes, are sprinkled throughout my neighborhood.   These flowers smell like Lily of the Valley and last for only a few weeks—too short, that's for sure.   I love this quote:  "Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened."  So long wiseria.

Keep On Truckin: Venice Food On The Go

Venice, CA --  The new way to eat in Venice is from the mobile lunch trucks. These cheap and hip, controversial trucks line trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard offering nouvelle cuisine twist to old favorites like hot dogs, tacos, and cheese steaks. Much to the chagrin of brick and mortar business owners, there’s only one regulation in place that controls the trucks—they must have an agreement with a permanent business to provide a bathroom. Locals claim these trucks take away precious business and leave a lot of trash behind.

Fort Rosencrans National Cemetery

San Diego, CA -- Watching the sunset at the only place on the peninsula that allows people to stay after 5 p.m.—Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, a West Coast version of Arlington National Cemetery.  Admittedly it is a creepy place to watch the sun go down, what with all the identical white marble tombstones and randomly distributed carnations, but my son and I were undaunted. Since it was still so cold we waited for sunset in the car, facing due west.  Jordan took a little snooze and I looked out over the horizon and saw distant ships sailing into the mist, imagining early explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo peering through his scope aboard his vessel the San Salvador to the shore and I wondered if he could see me, snuggled in the car wearing a big warm jacket, set among the tombstones, gently touching the sleeve of my sleeping son’s arm. “Wake up…it’s almost time for the sun to set.”

Cabrillo National Monument: San Diego Treasure

San Diego, CA -- Cabrillo National Monument is at the tip of the Point Loma peninsula.  It offers a panoramic view of San Diego, the naval shipyard to north and the Coronado Bridge and Island to the south.  I took my son Jordan, who was visiting from Davis for the weekend, to see the place where Spanish conquistador Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, became the first European to set foot on what would later become the state of California.

Follow Your Passion: Inspirational TED Talk

Basecamp, CA -- If you've never heard of TED talks, you're in for a treat.  Go online at www.ted.com and see for yourself the myriad educational opportunities for learning.  This morning I listened to contrarian Larry Smith, an economist who helped launch the Blackberry.   His topic? Why you will fail to have a great career.  If you are as passionate about transformation as I am, take fifteen minutes and be inspired. 

http://www.ted.com/talks/larry_smith_why_you_will_fail_to_have_a_great_career.html

Indian Canyon: Heart of Palm Springs

Palm Springs, CA -- Indian Canyon is the resilient, yet fragile heart of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. This holy oasis of canyons and streams is home to the world’s largest grove of Washingtona filifera, known as the California Fan Palm. These skirted, stately guards grow to 60 feet and are over 200 years old. 

Endless Summer: Classic 60s Surf Sound

Carmel, CA -- Brothers Gaston and Walter Georis were founding members of the Sandals, who wrote and performed the soundtrack to Bruce Brown’s 1966 surf documentary Endless Summer—Gaston on keyboards and Walter on rhythm guitar.  The Sandals broke up soon after the movie. In the early 70s, the Georis brothers moved to Carmel and opened up wildly successful Casanova restaurant.  They also own precious real estate and a winery.  They sound as good now as back then.  Watch, listen and groove: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH1K23rAYOQ