Yielding to nature.

                                                    

                                                   

As I sit here on a Sunday afternoon, getting caught up- on my reader, on my inbox, my house, my car, my life, I am making a personal commitment to never again let the holidays take over my life... so that I have to play such a grueling game of Catch-Up.

Our holiday was a good one.  A wonderful time with the family.  More than a few moments of holiday bliss- in the form of a movie, a smile, a song, a shortbread, a card, a cocktail.  A nice - and generous, I might add - visit from Santa (I guess personalized letters really are the trick).  And to my surprise and delight, a wish granted (he is paying attention)!  

Yet- too many "normal life" items were dropped from the list... the things that keep me sane, focused, happy- balanced.  That is what I vow to change.  Planning and preparing for the holiday train ride in July, not getting RUN OVER.
    
Catching up does not make for an interesting blog post, so I've spent the majority of my time over the past few days reading others' blogs- holiday pics, gift lists (yeah, I was pretttty behind in my reading), goals for the new year... lots of good stuff.  When I came upon this post, written by Estelle (@ Under a Pink Moon)- one of the most talented and classy {blog} writers around- I knew what I wanted to share (thanks, Estelle!).

Just a simple observation, actually.

On our way home from San Jose, we had to make some navigational changes.  Unfortunately, we weren't the only ones to switch routes.  Daylight quickly faded.  The rain continued to pour.  And we sat.  And sat.  And sat.

By the time we finally got past this jam, onto the coastal highway, we were still over 4 hours away from home (without traffic).  We decided to stop and check into a hotel.  And I am so glad we did.  We got to experience the pure tranquility that is California's coast.  We've driven through time and time again, but each time I'm mesmerized by it's stunning beauty and splendor.

 

They say nature has a remedy.  I say "they" are absolutely right. 

...Exactly what we needed.