My focus shouldn’t have been tchotchkes, books or other media. I was looking to find a few new wardrobe pieces amidst the crowd. I glanced casually at the VHS section. Just a look wouldn’t hurt anybody.
I quickly found myself in a conundrum. I saw the original versions of Star Wars: A New Hope and Return of the Jedi. But who buys the first and third movies (alternatively, fourth and sixth)?! That just seems silly. I knew I could keep my eyes out for the missing Empire Strikes Back, but let’s be honest – if it wasn’t a ‘match’ – that would just irk me seeing them on the shelf. They also had the special edition VHS of all three — ohh, a matching set! But since they’re VHS – did I want to be ‘stuck’ with the Special Edition/Re-released versions? Is that too new school?
15 minutes into this internal monologue, I realize I’m standing in the movie section – clutching all of the Star Wars movies and not any closer to making a decision.
And all of a sudden, it clicks. Today is a 50% off day. The choice has been made by the thrift store gods and it is clear. All three of the Special Edition set are mine for the watching.
I heard about Jade Cove Beach while combing Yelp reviews for our trip to California. Being coastal adventurers appealed to me, so I added it to the list of things we might check out during our drive up &/or down the California coast in October 2012.
It is likely you will miss the shoulder turn-out that is nearest Jade Cove Beach. We did, but managed to pull off 1/2 mile up the road & trek back by foot to the trail head.
Ooh, look down there. At first you will find yourself on a meandering trail along the top of a bluff. & then you will find yourself doing switchbacks and the trail gets steep. & then…then, you find a rope that some kind benefactor has tied so you can have the fake confidence as you rappel down the side.
Yes. You heard me: rappel.
Once you’re down there, there are a bunch of tide pools to climb to and explore.
My favorite seaweed finds.
Below is me on the climb back up, hoping that this rope is tied as secure as I want it to be. Real shoes definitely recommended. It isn’t the place for a lot of loose accessories or bags.
There’s no official ‘Coastal Adventurer’ badge handed out once you reach the top again, but there might as well be! What a remote little find on the California coast.
I’m finding comfort in the small things because the big things are too overwhelming. My mom knitted me these toeless stirrup legwarmers in gradient yarn that is called “Glacier Bay” (Allison power colors, definitely). I have been wearing them around the house ever since they arrived. I am drinking hot cocoa. I’m watching Ro’s hyacinth bulb grow in the warmth of the Zen Apartment. I’m writing more. I’m trying to stay on top of my laundry. The small things are little nudges and reminders that February can be a rough month but that there are better months ahead.
What I’m Reading: The Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde
I was going to die, if not sooner then later, whether or not I had ever spoken myself. My silences had not protected me. Your silence will not protect you. But for every real word spoken, for every attempt I had ever made to speak those truth for which I am still seeking, I had made contact with other women while we examined the words to fit a world in which we all believed, bridging our differences. And it was the concern and caring of all those women which give me strength and enabled me to scrutinize the essentials of my living.
Crystal Cove is one of my favorite places to visit in California because like so many state parks and beaches, there are a ton of different nooks and crannies to explore.
The weather on this trip was grey and overcast, perfect for a misty walk.
The cliffs have amazing textures and colors caused by the erosion of the waves.
If I hadn’t taken pictures of this, I wouldn’t have believed we saw it washed up on shore. Look at those teeth! I think it was an eel before it met its bloated and untimely demise.
And if you’re feeling adventurous enough, you can go explore potential tide-pools. The tide was a little too high this time around.
loving brunch
teaching myself new things in Photoshop!
appreciating moments of stillness
quoting Steel Magnolias (“There’s so much static electricity in this room, I pick up everything but boys and money.”)
stretching whenever I can remember
looking for steady ground
reading Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business by Dolly Parton
listening to bluegrass
eating apples with peanut butter
drinking smoothies
celebrating finishing the first month of 2013
Some pep and encouragement as we plunge into 2013. Take that, new year! (Also be aware of some NSFW language in the songs that lie within)
You got this!
Just no place in particular in January, perhaps – but here at Zen 2.0, it’s time to honour being partners-in-crime with Ro. Even at a wedding photo booth (Congratulations Olivia & Tristan!) our default pose is American Gothic. We look good in squid hats; check out that swagger!
Ro makes me laugh. He holds my hand at the suspenseful bits of movies. I admire him because he follows his heart with steady steps. Happy Zen Anniversary!
Here’s a short list of well-known ladies I think I would be friends with…if we were to ever meet. None of these are rocket science, as far as I’m concerned. There’s clearly a common thread of laughter involved in these pseudo-friendships.
1. Amy Poehler. I know I’m not alone in this one. Her laugh is infectious. She speaks her mind & contributes. Check out “Ask Amy” where she responds to questions from teenage girls. I love that she speaks out about feminism.
2. Tina Fey. She’s a great comedy writer and a hard worker. She believes in women. She wrote a great book. Remember when she and Amy were doing Weekend Update together? Those were some funny times.
3. Rashida Jones. I clearly dig her style. I also like that she didn’t like the roles that were being offered to her so she went out and wrote her own screenplay! Get it, girl.
4. I would invite Rachel Maddow to my dinner party but most likely still be intimidated by her intelligence. She has been open about her struggle with depression, which I also admire from someone in the public view.
