Songs for the Soul

A Thousand Ways to Get There

A thousand ways to get there

Underneath that clear blue sky

A thousand ways to get there

On the road until we die

Keep moving on

Keep moving on

South Mountain Road, 2017

3 Shades of Blue

Walking toward the ocean

Strolling next to you

Hand in hand we stride the strand

Wave on wave of blue

Ventura Pier, 2017

Five Favorites

This week was pretty special. I was reminded of a few things that make me really happy. 

1. A sunny day walking around a city. I've done this many times in Seattle, just meandering around town. I also find myself exploring downtown Ventura on foot. There's something about the fresh air, sights and smells of stores and restaurants, and knowing I have no place else to be.

Downtown Ventura, 2017

2. Live music, especially when it's acoustic. I love being able to hear the harmonies and perfect imperfections of a live show. I watched Danielle Stacy and The Inside Break play in a tiny little room, filled with art and good people. Oh, and my $10 growler of Topa Topa IPA.

Danielle Stacy at The Artist's Brew, 2017

3. Listening to Congressional Medal of Honor recipients discuss life, war, families, school, and values. Equally impressive were their senses of humor and sound advice.

Congressional Medal of Honor recipients Srgt. Melvin Morris, Lt. Col. Charles Hagemeister, Col. Roger Donlon

4. Clouds. I've always loved watching the fog roll in. I remember long drives in fog so thick you could see it creep up over the hood of the car. I've sat and watched it roll in over the ocean or down a mountain side. I also love when you look up to that blue sky and see those high clouds in all their shapes and textures.

Long Canyon, 2017

Simi Valley, 2017

 5. Friendships. The kind that you see all week (my sister included) and still WANT to hang out with on the weekends.

#thismysquad, 2017

Cats, Craft brew, Choices

Alas, the end of winter break. I guess I ought to turn my alarm clock back on, put real clothes on each day, and time my bathroom breaks for lunch periods. Say goodbye to the giant coffee I've been lazily consuming each morning, while snuggling with the cats under the softest fleece blanket, and catching up on the news (and social media).

I tried to incorporate some boldness in my life this week. First of all, I started using my Instagram as more than just a way to catch all the pictures of my friends' lives. Instead, I wanted to make it a place I can go and see pictures of all my favorite things (no, it's not all cats).

(Ok, it's 98% cats and 2% craft brews.)

Check #catsofinstagram for all this cuteness.

I also found myself in the midst of a holiday party for one of my favorite places (Barrelhouse 101). It was being held at a local brewery (Ventura Coast Brewing Company) and included a brewery tour for their staff! I should mention that sometimes, I can be a little shy. I can keep my comments to myself and quietly take in the scene...this was not one of those times. I really enjoyed learning about the brewing process!

As I head back to school tomorrow, I'll do my best to keep moving forward, make bold choices, create this future I dream of, not give in.

Golden China Restaurant, 2017
I will go down with this ship
I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be