Shopping and Heading Home

My little get away has passed much too quickly. It is almost time to head back home to San Diego. I am going to squeeze in one last stop before I hit the road. The heart of downtown Santa Barbara is State Street. I am not a big shopper - but I love to wander and browse my way through the wonderful and eclectic mix of shops that line State Street. I also enjoy playing a game of hide and seek, browsing down the various alley's looking for the many displays of public art and fun statues.

Ben Franklin Enjoying A Rest on A Bench


I had such a good time window shopping - and yes, some actually Christmas shopping as well... that I completely lost track of time. By the time I left Santa Barbara I had timed my return trip to hit the northern tip of Los Angeles at the start of rush hour. Fortunately, when you are in a mellow vacation mood and not really in a hurry - the traffic doesn't seem *quite* as bad.

Passing Through Los Angeles During Rush Hour

Queen of The Missions

I have visited the front lawn of the Santa Barbara Mission several times, but have never actually gone in! It seems I am always stopping there "on the way" to someplace else. Today, I planned my day so that I could linger and enjoy the mission.

Santa Barbara Mission


One of things I enjoy about the missions is their beautiful courtyards. I love to sit on a bench and enjoy the tranquility of the fountain and surrounding garden.

Courtyard gardens and fountain


I stumbled across this plaque in the corner of the garden.


He even said
that the brother
gardener ought to
reserve a place
in a corner for a
beautiful small
garden where he put
all kinds of aromatic
herbs and flowering plants
so that they in their season might
invite all men
who looked at them to praise God...
For every creature says and proclaims
"God has created me for you, O man"
- St Francis of Assisi


Words of St. Francis In The Garden


An Altar In The Main Chapel

Riding Along The Coast

This trip, I decided to bring my bike along. I am so glad I did!

This morning it was still a little cool - but that makes perfect bike riding weather. After breakfast I hopped on my bike and set out. I didn't really map out a plan ahead of time. I figured I would head south along the coast and explore a little.



At the end of East Beach I picked up a bike path and was soon following the signs that would guide me along the coastal route. On the edge of Montecito the bike path separates from the road and takes you through gorgeous gardens a top the coastal bluffs. There were lots of lawn maitenance guys out watering the gardens. I stopped along the way to chat and practice a little spanish.



Eventually, I emerged in a residential area of coastal Montecito. I wound my way through the neighbourhood until I I saw a surfer dude. I followed him down to a beach access and stopped for a drink and to watch the surf. It was a pretty flat day. The only other person out in the water had a paddle with them and was standing up paddling along rather than catching waves.



Next, I decided to head inland and found a beautiful path through a tree lined park.



At the end of the path was a wonderful vista with a beautiful view of the foothills and gorgeous estates of the area. Sadly, just a few days later this area was in flames.

The Very Scenic Route

By opting for the coast rather than the freeway - I managed to spend ALL day making the drive from San Diego to Santa Barbara. It was worth it for the beautiful views. It was a great treat to see portions of the coast I had never visited before. Of course, stopping in Malibu and Montecito for *treats* was an added bonus.

As I hit Santa Barbara the sun was going down and now it was getting really cold. I think it may have even dipped below 60 degrees! Somehow, In the midst of the morning scramble to pack, I managed to throw in my Fall coat. Not a wimpy Californian jacket - an authentic flannel lined coat from Canada! I enjoyed a long and toasty warm evening stroll on the boardwalk.


East Beach, Santa Barbara, CA at night

After a full day of driving, I retired to my room and spent the rest of the evening curled up with a book by the warm fire.


Toasty Warm Fire in my room

Winding Up The Coast

After church I was in a mellow groove and decided I would take the scenic route up to Santa Barbara. I was already on Sunset - so I left 'the strip' behind and wound may way through Beverly Hills and to the coast.

The drive through Malibu was spectacular as always. I stopped of for a few minutes at Malibu Country Mart. It is an eclectic mix of shops. I chuckled as I looked around - it seemed EVERYONE was wearing Ugg boots and winter vests. It was a chilly California day - the temperatures had dared drop below 70 deg F. At the play ground the parents were lined up on the benches in their winter woolies with steaming Starbucks and shivering like mad. At times like these the CDN in me likes to roll her eyes. However, I must confess I was getting a little chilly myself and picked up a Chai Tea Latte to go with my cookies. The truth is, it isn't only the scenery that draws me to Malibu. There is another draw ... Malibu Kitchen and Gourmet Country Market. They sell these amazing peanut butter cookies that I just love!!!

I sat on the hood of my car for a few minutes and enjoyed my cookies and chai and the looked down out at the ocean. Soon the 68 deg weather had me chilled to the bone and it was time to continue my trek up the coast :-)



View as I sat on the hood of my car and enjoyed a chai tea and peanut butter cookie

Get Away

I taking a couple of days off for a little 'get away'. I call these trips 'being a tourist in my own backyard' or 'alone trips'. There are so many amazing things to see - so many peaceful and relaxing places here in Southern California to visit. I love to jump in the car and take off for a couple of days of exploring. I am a classic introvert. I recharge by withdrawing and being alone. For me, there is nothing more restorative than a couple of days on an 'alone trip'.

I decided to wake up extra early this morning so I could make it as far as Los Angeles in time for church. A few months ago I stumbled upon a unique little church. Since then, I have been looking for an opportunity to visit again.

I was not has organized as I had hoped on Saturday evening - so Sunday morning I scrambled and ran around like crazy to finish packing. I ran out the door a little later than planned - but lucky for me the traffic heading to Los Angeles was light. I even managed to arrive early for church. My last church visit was on a holiday weekend where I slipped in the back and then left right away . Even so, several people recognized me and greeted me!

The homily this morning was given by the Seminary Intern. Kobie grew up in South Africa during apartheid. She was there during the suppression of the ANC, the riots, the freeing of Mandela and his subsequent election. Her reflections of her faith journey and growing awareness of the oppression around her were powerful. The parallels between her personal journey and the journey of California and the entire country - of which the election this week was just one chapter - were crystal clear.

The following is an excerpt from an e-mail reflection sent out as preparation for this week's message:

As I was watching history unfold in front of my eyes Tuesday, I could imagine myself thirty years into the future, grandchildren sitting at my feet, telling them the story of my life. I, the white girl from South Africa, growing up during Apartheid, reared to be a racist, twice saw the realm of God breaking into this world, overcoming the forces of injustice, prejudice, and evil. It is a story told many times over in Scripture. It tells the story of a God who did not walk away after creating the world, but a God who is involved in the here and now. A God who does hear the cries and laments of a suffering people. A God who became a suffering servant, sharing in our pain and struggle.

Weaved together in Scripture is a multitude of faith stories, people just like you and I, sharing with us not only their triumphs and jubilations, but also their darkest hours.

- Kobie Vermaak

For many in this congregation recent events have brought some dark hours. I was encouraged and inspired by the time of prayer at the end of the service. The joy and peace despite adversity shone through.

Peace, Love and Grooviness

Groovy Sign
Peace Store, Santa Barbara

Sunday Morning At The Beach

Last weekend I made a little get away to Santa Barbara.

Sunday morning I woke up early and went for a stroll on the beach. Here is a little piece of what I enjoyed.

Child of Wonder. Take off your shoes.

Walking On The Beach, Enjoying The Birds

Road Trip - Santa Barbara

This weekend I am enjoying a little 'get away' to Santa Barbara. It was cold this morning when I packed up. I almost packed my "Canadian" fall coat and toque - but decided against it.

On the way up I stopped at a little French Bakery in Montecito to pick up supplies for a picnic at the beach. The bakery had petite fours - something I have not seen for a long time. My grandmother use to bring these as a treat at Christmas time. In honour of my grandmother, I added a little chocolate petite four to my picnic lunch.

I must admit, since moving to California I am use to strange things showing up in my sandwiches. You can pretty much guarantee when they call something a Californian xxx sandwich or add an 'A' to it (i.e. BLTA) that they are going to slip some avocado into your innocent sandwich. I have learned to be preemptive and have them hold the avacodo. However, it never thought to say hold the cooked peas today when I ordered my chicken salad sandwich? Does anyone know if this is a 'french' thing? Seemed like an odd addition to my little picnic lunch at the beach.

I stopped at East Beach, which has become my favourite beach in Santa Barbara to stop for a picnic and reflect. Today, for the first time I noticed these cool trees.

Cool Trees at East Beach, Santa Barbara, California




Not bringing my fall coat and toque - bad decision. It is FREAKIN' cold here in Santa Barbara. 47 degrees F tonight as I walked State Street. I stopped at the local Starbucks and picked up some hot chocolate to take the chill off. The downtown was a buzz with holiday music and all the palm trees are wrapped in white lights. The trolley was full of enthusiastic tourists jingling bells as they passed. I have to say despite shivering, the cool temperatures added to the holiday atmosphere.

Snacking My Way Home Again

On my way back from Santa Barbara I decided to make a snack themed tour through some of the trendier areas of LA.

I started in West Hollywood at Pinkberry.

Pinkberry With Fresh Mango, Rasberry and Banana


Sing along with me ...

Sorry Ice-Cream
I am dreaming of a different dessert
Frozen Yogurt and Shaved Ice
Sorry Ice-Cream
I'm on my way to Pinkberry
P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y
Pinkberry for me
PinkBerry


Check this out. Only 25 calories per serving!!! Zero Calories from Fat.



On my walk over, I am pretty sure I saw Wanda Sykes coming out of the Bohdi Tree Bookstore. With my snack theme for the trip, I had my sites on a different bookstore - Book Soup over on Sunset. It reminds me of The Different Drummer Bookstore in Burlington -- without the cats curled up in the corner!

A Literary Snack At Book Soup


With all the calories I saved at PinkBerry I decided to head over to Beverly Hills and splurge on some Sprinkles cupcakes.

Yes, you too can wait in line out on the street for over half an hour just to get into the store! By the time I had purchased my prized cupcakes it was already 4 pm. That meant I would spend the next 3 hours snaking my way through LA on the 405 parking lot. Looking back, I have to say the cupcakes were worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat!!

Sprinkles in Beverly Hills


My Prize!!

Relaxing In Santa Barbara

The freeway was busy for the drive up - but other than the Hollywood Freeway traffic was moving well. When I reached Montecito I pulled off the freeway and took a scenic drive through town and along the coast. Stopping along the way to eat the picnic lunch I packed.

I am staying at a small Inn across the road from East Beach. I choose it because it received rave customer reviews on the internet. It was also the most economical option in the area I wanted to stay. All the internet reviewers raved about the Inn Staff. Well, now that I am here - I have to agree. Even better, they were out of standard rooms so I rec'd a free upgrade to a suite. I have a full kitchen, a fireplace, King size bed and of course free wireless -- on the beach and for less then staying at a Super 8 by the freeway. Schwing!!!

I love East Beach - you can walk on the beach for what seems like forever.

This wasn't meant to be a shopping a trip - but after the sun went down I left the beach and took a stroll up State Street. It is an ecclectic mix of little shops and eateries. Along the way I stumbled across a Territory Ahead and a Crazy Shirts. I came away with a new jacket and a couple of new shirts. I guess it is a good thing that I am heading back to work on Monday!

Room With A View


Strolling East Beach Santa Barbara


Rainbow Sculpture

On The Road Again...

Well I am back from Mississippi and home again in the land of fruit and nuts!

In all honestly I am exhausted. I had planned to read on the trip home - but instead I slept on and off and watched the movie. So now I have arrived home with my night and day all turned around.

Only a few more days and it is back to work at the new/old job(don't ask it is complicated?!?).

I have decided to make a little personal retreat before returning to work. My favourite place to kick back and relax - is at the beaches right here in San Diego. Since I have the opportunity 'get away' I am going to sieze it and drive up the coast to visit the beach in Santa Barbara.

My favourite part of the trip is on the edge of Ventura County when you turn the bend and all of a sudden the ocean and mountains appear. At that moment you are rewarded for persevering though all the traffic and the concrete jungle of L.A. and Ventura. No matter how many times I make the trip - turning this corner always takes my breathe away!

Turning The Corner