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.
     

14 comments:

  1. Estele is wonderful. I've known her for 17 (?) years. She is as wonderful in real life as she is on her blog. So happy to know you enjoy her posts.

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  2. I totally agree with you about life and catching up and nature! I only wish I could wake up every morning at my parents house and step out onto the pier on the lake and watch the beauty! Its a scene you can't forget!

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  3. Torrie, what a fun surprise to wake up with! Thanks for sharing with me (and your readers) that you were inspired by me. That sort of honesty really means a lot to me.

    I'm sorry to hear you had that huge delay on your way home. So frustrating. But I'm glad we both got to enjoy the California beauty!

    Here's a to an mutually inspired 2011!

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  4. "They" are right!! Nature is an amazing cure for everything!...well, most everything! :)

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  5. love these photos, especially the first....allowed me to take a moment.

    happy monday!

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  6. Nature is such a healer. Love the new boots! =)

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  7. Yay! So happy you have a good listener (& enjoy the boots!)!
    Amen to yielding to nature!

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  8. Bruce-
    Welcome, and thanks for stoppin' by!

    Danielle-
    I love your blog too, so it's only fitting that you two ladies are friends!!

    Jessica-
    That is absolutely, unequivocally AMAZING that your parents live on a lake. One of my daydreams:)…

    Estelle-
    You are very welcome:).

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  9. Sometimes when life turns us upside down we find the best view!
    Glad you enjoyed the rest of the trip!
    Best,
    Tina

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  10. I still haven't adjusted to the traffic situation. (Why, California, can't you fix this?) But I'm glad something beautiful came out of it for you!

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  11. mm yes, my two year old son is my biggest encouragement to get outside since it is one of his favorite things to do. even a few minutes does the soul some good.

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  12. That sounds amazing, Torrie. I'm so glad you stopped and enjoyed the central coast. It really is beautiful up there. I agree that I was run over by the holidays this year.

    xo
    Valerie

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  13. Such a privilege to live in California, right? I love our homestate.

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  14. ah good decision! I would go crazy sitting in that traffic too. And I have not checked out that blog. Will add that to my list! A bit unrelated here but I have to say that lately I am enjoying not doing too much. Maybe it's because I started my blog in 2010 but honestly just being able to sit and catch up on a few of my favorite blogs, or watch DVR'd shows is so nice! Less is more these days

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