Monterey

Living in California is a blessing in and of itself. Some of the most spectacular land and seascape on the planet can be found here. We are very fortunate to live and play here. We are even more fortunate that our professional work affords us the means to explore some of these sacred spots.

We had a long weekend this past week so we took the extra time off to head south a couple of hours to one of those special places here in California; the Monterey Peninsula.

We arrived in Seaside (just next door to Monterey) in the late afternoon. The sun was strong and warm. I knew the forecast called for rain on Saturday so I suggested we check in to our hotel and then head straight out for the beach. All were on board, so off we went. We didn't change our clothing. No bathing suits needed here because we wouldn't actually be swimming. This confused Amara, who was associating beach and ocean to our recent trip to Hawaii.

For those not familiar with the coastline here in the West, it's not like back East or down in Miami. The water is too cold for swimming (surfers wear wetsuits) but the sand and sea still make for great exploring and playing. And explore and play we did! After more than two hours in the car we had lots of energy to burn.

What fun we had running through the river that met the ocean. And how exciting to run from the waves that came rushing onto shore. (I had to suppress a laugh at Havana, who got frightened. I was not laughing at her fears but the look on her face...so glad the camera caught that expression!) And what a thrill to find natural sand slides that the girls (and their papa) climbed up over and over again! I am not too fond of sand (other than walking on) so I enjoyed myself by watching them.

At some point, I looked in a different direction and saw an abandoned bucket on the sand. There were no other humans in site. No little hands to play with the pink bucket. It was then that I realized we were having such a great time without anything other than ourselves. Our own bag of beach toys were abandoned way down the beach, not being needed that day. I was reminded once more, that we need so much less than I often assume and that left to their own imaginations the girls can have a fantastic time creating by themselves.

After an hour so so on the beach it was time go. (Noticing Havana's naked bum was turning red was one of the indicators!) It took a while but we finally persuaded the girls to get going. A quick bath at our hotel room, followed by the girl's full, hands-on inspection of our room, we headed out to find some grub.

One of the things I love about going to new places is trying new food. Another thing I love is meeting local folks. We experienced both when we stumbled up a great El-Salvadoran restaurant (El-Migueleno). The authentic food, the warm people who worked there and the relaxed atmosphere made for a successful dinner outing. We enjoyed it so much we went back the next night with our friends, the Hass-Jajeh who would be joining us.

We met up with our friends, Roger, Ed and their sweet girls, Hana & Angela the next day. Our girls were quite excited to see them and get the chance to explore the aquarium with them. The day was rainy and cold so it was a perfect outing. As our family was leaving breakfast, divine intervention stepped in. Don turned around and saw an old co-worker and friend from L.A. It was most definitely divine intervention. The two spent time catching up and exchanging contact information.

Something of importance that I want my girls to know, is that when we run into an old friend or even current friends, or when we hear the same thing repeatedly in a short period of time, it is a sign; there is something to be noticed. Creator is giving a message. The Universe will orchestrate who and when we run into people for a reason. In this case, it seemed Don was meant to catch up with someone from the past and who shared some valuable information. Sometimes the reason(s) are not clear and that is when we must listen to our gut and heart to find out why Creator orchestrated this (un) chance meeting. And we must keep our gut and heart open and listening more often than not because the signs and messages come anytime and anywhere; even in a small hotel in Seaside, Ca.

We had a really fun rest of the day exploring the aquarium and by nap time we all crashed! There is nothing like a mid-day siesta to recharge body, mind, spirit.

In the afternoon, once again, less turned out to be more! There was a lake a few steps from the hotel so we didn't need to get in the car. We had heard about Dennis the Menace park but there was no need to seek it out. Instead, we walked (well some ran!!) around the lake, said hello to the many birds and ducks and eventually made our way a playground. Amazing how we could be anywhere on the planet and a playground can just make the day! We had almost drag all four little ladies away for supper to El-Miqueleno!

An after dinner walk down a cold Cannery Row and a stop for yogurt and we were done! Well, the adults. The girls were all riled up!!! But we headed back. Our family enjoyed the hotel's hottub. Silly me thought it would relax the girls for bed!!

By (loud, begging) request, we made another visit to the aquarium in the a.m. (it's really nice getting there when it opens; few people, less frenetic, more manageable and enjoyable). We explored the jellyfish and seahorse, played in the kids area and then outside, had an early lunch (with an incredible view including two otters playing the ocean) and then it was time to call it a weekend. It never ceases to amaze me how a few days away can feel like a week. I guess that's what being in the moment and having so much fun can do!

A great weekend excercusion with our good friends made for some sweet memories for all! I am very thankful for that our lives are rich in so many ways!