January 6, 2015 - San Francisco

Douglas Playground, Noe Valley

Fort Bragg - January 8, 2015

We arrived in Fort Bragg after the scariest drive of my life. We took the 20 over from the 101 and that was a huge mistake. Extremely curvy, this narrow road snaked through dense woods, and it was dark. A car was on my tail for much of the two lane road and I was already going too quickly for my taste. We learned later that it was really mostly a locals/logging road.



We didn't hang out in Fort Bragg for very long. That drive really took the wind out of our sail. But we did visit Pacific Star Winery, the westernmost winery in the country where I tasted a Muscat I liked and bought. Then I took a quick walk over to the cliffs above Glass Beach for a few photos. Luca had fallen asleep in the car and Sergio stayed behind with him.







It really was beautiful.







Damn. This is one set of photos I really wish I had time to edit, color correct, etc.

This day was part of a 10 day roadtrip exploring northern California.
Itinerary: LA, SLO, SF, San Rafael/Mill Valley (Muir Woods), Fort Bragg, Napa, SLO, LA
Travel Dates: 1/2/2015 - 1/11/2015

The light in Muir Woods - January 7, 2015

I fell in love with the sunlight breaking through the dense canopy, illuminating intimate spaces in the woods. I marveled over how the rays brushed past each branch, frond and leafy tendril in their path, enrobing each touchpoint in bright, gold light. "Wow, look at that light," was a phrase I whispered quite a few times - mostly to Sergio but sometimes just to myself.

























There are a few things I wish I could fix or crop but I just don't have time! So everything posted here is totally raw. Don't get me wrong, I'm itching to bring a few of these into Photoshop but honestly, I have other things to do.

This day was part of a 10 day roadtrip exploring northern California.
Itinerary: LA, SLO, SF, San Rafael/Mill Valley (Muir Woods), Ft. Bragg, Napa, SLO, LA
Travel Dates: 1/2/2015 - 1/11/2015

Babymoon

Sedona is absolutely beautiful. It was the perfect getaway for us to take a breath and a pause from our increasingly hectic lives. It was a place that allowed us to reconnect with what's real and true: nature and each other.



We took our time and never rushed. We slept in and meandered. We talked about the baby and our future. We casually picked out sights from the map, but were ok if we didn't make it. We delighted in the discoveries we did make.





I forget how vast the sky and earth is out in the desert. The famous fiery Sedona sunsets did not disappoint. No filter or color adjustments needed.




We stayed at the cheery Saguaro Hotel in Scottsdale. The walls were a little thin and honestly thought the room could have been renovated with higher quality materials. But the grounds were beautiful and serene, and the service was absolutely impeccable. Also, our meal at the restaurant, Distrito, was DELICIOUS.




I selected a handful of souvenirs from a Sedona shop that carried rocks and minerals from all around the world. But we made sure to select what was local to Arizona. Chrysocolla, Desert Rose, and Peacock Ore to remind us of this special trip.


Full photoset here.

East Coast Trip 2012 - Photo Diary 4

On Memorial Day, we hopped in the car and traveled a gorgeous scenic route up to Harrisville, New Hampshire. Our destination was the prettiest lakeside cabin -- Nora's cabin. The petite white structure is cradled by tall green trees all around and sits just above the road for the perfect gaze right out to the smooth, calm lake. The cozy inside is filled with so much art! Love it. It was fun to witness Sergio reminisce and rediscover childhood trinkets stashed around in nooks and crannies. I think this place deserves its own photo post so here it is.
















Isn't it adorable? I just wish the weather was a touch better. We never got to enjoy that wonderful deck! Next time. Also next time I'll bring a real Sancerre. Not a red one.

P.S. I have to admit, I am very much a city girl. Sergio was my hero in helping me handle a heightened fear of bugs in unfamiliar territory. He indulged my irrationality and did most of the cleaning and vacuuming as soon as we arrived since the cabin had been closed for the winter before us. It wasn't so bad. I guess. Mostly old cobwebs. He said there were slugs in the toilet coming up from the septic tank but he got rid of those before I saw them. Thank goodness.

Spring

Our front yard is wild. This is what it looked like last Summer.

Dad's Secret Garden

His hands have toiled every square inch of the tiny back yard, coaxing an ever changing array of vegetation from each nook and cranny. Throughout childhood I nursed a secret garden fantasy (a la Frances Hodgson Burnett) gazing into and playing in that yard. My sister and I shared a room that looked into the garden and dad purposely chose the most fragrant rose bush to plant under our window. The man is 81 and he still describes his plants with bright, open enthusiasm. Now that I have my own garden to tend, I aim to channel some of his instinct and deep sense of wonder while I move amongst the leaves and flowers.