I'd had this dream to live in California since high school. The first out of state town that I'd visited, (that I could remember), was San Diego. I fell in love. The water, the people, the art, I wanted it all. All the time. And so, after 34 years in Arizona and more than 12 years at one company, I did it. I picked up my life, plucked my daughters from their schools and moved our stuff to California. Less than two miles from the beach, near Redondo Beach and in Los Angeles County. I wish that I could say that it was all really easy. Four months later, it is still hard to believe and a little difficult at times. I left everyone. My family, a couple of best friends, a good job and a ton of memories. Sometimes, when I start feeling a little down about it all, I think of the quote by Henry David Thoreau, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." I am reminded that this is what I wanted for a long time. Fortunately for me, I have the support of my beautiful daughters and together, nothing can stop us. I always want to set an example for them, that money can never buy you happiness. Material things won't keep you satisfied long. If in your heart there is a desire that you need to have fulfilled, then do it! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Anyway, it is very important for me to teach them that it is not only important in life to have financial success, but also mental happiness. I feel this is overlooked at times when we speak to our children about what they want to be when they grow up. Yes, you can be a doctor. Yes, you can be a lawyer. You can be whatever your little heart desires, but most important of all, please don't forget to be happy. Sorry, went off on a tangent there. I know all this has nothing really to do with a travel blog, but I think as adults sometimes we forget to take a moment to just be happy. To find happiness. So maybe my travel blog does have a little something to do with happiness?! It certainly brings happiness to me.
So back to my adventures. I've had quite a few in my short life. Some really great ones. Some mediocre ones. Some down right dull ones. But I am grateful for them all, because I get to have them. I am here, in my body having these adventures, experiences, situations, etc... I am fortunate! I am here in California experiencing a life that I have always wanted, growing up and moving forward. Part of me feels like I have to do this not only for myself, not only for my daughters, but for my sister Ashley too. It is the day before her birthday, I sit here writing this and she is all I can think about. I think about all her little experiences in her very short life and I think, she is happy for me. She is with me always. On all my travels, thru all my experiences, she is with me. And so, this is for you Ash. I love you. I miss your physical form always. Happy 25th Birthday Baby Girl!
And to you, the masses, I am going to get back on it. I will share more. Thank you for being patient! Peace and blessings!
