Glitter on the Side: California

(Just getting into my rental car- so happy!)

I'm never going to get enough.
Not enough time, space or luggage....

Not sure if its cuz something is missing deep within me...
Stuck there from my childhood or just the methodical vibe.
The smell.
The air,
Friendships.
Sights.
But definitely not because of their freeways.
Seriously....I totally understand road rage now.

CALIFORNIA.

My total nirvana.

My happy place.

Farmers Market.

Yes, full of childhood memories. Tangible, life altering moments of days gone by. Memories so alive that I can touch them. Feel the skin and smell the scents.
My childhood.
My adolescents, my teens, my years.
All stem from the memories of Cantors deli.
One Matzo ball at a time:)

Right on Fairfax Blvd.
Danish and corned beef.

It is just that.

The sweet smell of the weeds that grow in abundance on the freeway entrances.
The kindness from a state full of transplants.
The love for art, and the desire to be you.
Individuals.

The wanna be's merge with the endless homeless.

The sun shines bright like a garnet and the wind blows through my over colored hair like a whisper of sweet melodies.

I love it there.

From the moment my plane lands. I wear the smile of a lottery winner.

Maybe I really did make a wrong turn in my 20's.

But my story ended me here.

With 5 outstanding children in a home that is blessed with "I am's".

Something happened to me again on this trip.
No solid Oprah "ah-ha" moment.
Better.
So much better.

As I sat alone on the sandy beach of Venice, I was star struck by natures beauty. The fact that I was alive and well and able to enjoy.

Simple.

I took the breath in as to waken my soul and I let the goodness attach to my being. It did, it just oozed right in.

Magical moments were at every door that I entered.
Friends- somehow became family.
The family I have always dreamt of.
Sisters, brothers, extensions of myself.
Accepting all the crazy and enjoying it as well.

I walked the boulevard in hope of reconnecting with an artist that I have met twice before. Discouraged that I could not find her....
One more block I gave myself and kept my hopes high.
There she was.
Turned to me and smiled, cried that I remembered.
Honored that she remembered me.
Touched within.

I live for those moments. Was it the hair that made the memories permeate or was it so much more?

Kindness.

Simple kindness.
We spoke about life and our journeys and we never forgot.

How friggen cool is that?

Happiness kept me awake.
Smiles were tattooed on my face thought-out my week.
Deep broad colorful stokes of beauty from within others, that were gifted on to me.

Gone in a blink.
But will be remembered for a life time.

The kindness I received from my extended family,
The friends of theirs that they shared with pride to me.
The simple nightstand that was decorated with love and goodness.

The stories that were given,
The tears, hopes, fears that we all shared were bonded together.
Happiness, laughter and family enlivened the table.
Unforgettable meals, a bottle or two of RumChata, ocean waves, sunshine and harmony.

My California.

My Nirvana.

How does one thank the kindness of others?
My simply writing a blog or sending a gift?

Nope mine will be covered in glitter and wrapped around my arms like a warm and fuzzy stole. Never leaving it behind.
My new friends, family and loves are there to stay.