Bold Spontaneity In California

by Tess on May 20, 2009

Have you checked out Travelin Local with Lisa Newton?

Lisa will inspire you not only to get out and enjoy your own neighborhood but also you’ll be inspired to visit California.

Motivated by Lisa, on Mother’s Day we hopped a plane (Sout West), rented a car and visited the Santa Moncia Pier.

The weather was sunny and bright, the atmosphere joyful. It can’t get much better than that!

Didn’t you always love Ferris Wheels as a kid? I always felt I was on top of the world if I was lucky enough to have it stop while I was on top!

In 1977 the Eagles song “Hotel California” won the Grammy for Record Of The Year.

At the time I was 23 years old, with four daughters under five years old. I could only dream of California and that I did.

I couldn’t resist taking this photo. It also reminded me of the Beach Boys and the song “Surfin USA.”

I took this photo with my zoom lense. Check out the little girl with her pony tail in the background.

We spent five hours people watching, having lunch, walking and livin it up in California before we returned to AZ.

It’s so easy to get caught up in fear, doom and gloom these days. If you find that happening to you make a different choice. Go places you haven’t been before. Do things you haven’t done. Bring your camera and shoot for the joy of it. Thanks Lisa!

I was interviewd by Chris Edgar for a podcast. You can check it out at http://www.purposepowercoaching.com/site/?p=382
Even if you don’t listen check out Chris’s blog. You’ll be glad you did!

When was the last time you did something unplanned and fun?

Tell me what fun there is to do in your neighborhood!

{ 17 comments… add one }

Hilary May 20, 2009, 2:30 pm

Hi Tess … sounds really good and you both needed the break … now – let alone then – 5 girls under 4 .. heavens above – well done for getting to 2009!! Bet they’re great now .. and have wonderful children as you’ve shown us with Mackenzie.

Hotel California .. brings it all back .. and I hummed the song as I looked through your post .. and saw the sea .. to think I was there 2 days ago .. a bit further south .. amazing ..

All the best
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters

Hilary’s last blog post..Dylan, Dylan and Dylan .. who are they?

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Positively Present May 20, 2009, 4:47 pm

It’s been awhile since I did something fun and unplanned…I think I need to change that this weekend!

Positively Present’s last blog post..how to give the world a virus

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Daphne @ Joyful Days May 20, 2009, 6:52 pm

Tess, I love the Surfin’ USA shot! Gosh, that brings back memories and you make me want to hop on a plane and visit California again.

I also hopped over to listen to your podcast – it was a little soft on my computer so I didn’t finish it. I like how full of life you sounded though. Great going!

Daphne @ Joyful Days’s last blog post..Emptiness

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Alik Levin | PracticeThis.com May 20, 2009, 10:29 pm

I just love posts with real world untouched pictures – it carries out the mood of both the scene and the photographer.
Liked it

Alik Levin | PracticeThis.com’s last blog post..You Are 95 And You Are Dying

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Shankar May 21, 2009, 12:47 am

Tess!
Again you inspired me by a magical concept of visiting those places where you always wished to spend time. Don’t you think to say a few words of gratitude towards God, who is providing these kinds of happiness to you, regularly. Tess! You shouldn’t avoid this practise. There are lots of people who really want to fulfill their dreams but lacks by lots of things which includes FINANCE.

I really would ask you to drop a few lines of your testimony to convince people that, they have the greatest Hope in life in Jesus. ( I won’t force you to write that, let it be a simple request from my side.)

I’m really really impressed about your attitude towards life. keep it up. Say thanks to God, Who blessed you with a sound health.

Shankar.

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jenn May 21, 2009, 9:59 am

I went to a new cafe today with an old friend!! Its a few towns away! lol Usually there is no time for me, but I made time today

I live in Ontario and there thousands of very cool things to check out locally. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and do so!! Although I’m LOVING the beach pictures your posting!!!!

sending love and light!

jenn’s last blog post..long weekend…

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Tabitha May 21, 2009, 12:26 pm

Hi Tess!

I’m in San Antonio and I love going to the Riverwalk or Canyon Lake on the weekends. We are not financially able to travel, but find many fun things to do here in Texas.

Tabitha’s last blog post..Serenity Devotional

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Patricia May 21, 2009, 6:32 pm

“shoot for the joy of it”….thank you Lisa and Tess

what a Mother’s Day!

Patricia’s last blog post..Summer Reading: Thin is the New Happy ~By Valerie Frankel

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Helen May 21, 2009, 8:25 pm

Tess…….the Farmer’s Market just opened here in GR, MI. It is such a breath of fresh air to walk through it and just take in the sights and smells. Buying local is my new mantra, and with the Farmer’s Market soooo very close to my house, it is a pleasant walk, pleasant people-watching, and good for my soul.

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janice May 22, 2009, 7:04 am

We drive through gorgeous mountain and forest scenery here, just to get to the supermarket and friends’ houses, but unfortunately, we take so much for granted. So thank you for this, Tess.

My idea of heaven is to get to a cosmopolitan city and people watch, or spend a day next to the sea. Like you and Lisa, walking around with my camera everywhere, loving details with a new eye, is making me feel like a happy kid again. It looks like we won’t be able to afford an away holiday this year so we’ll explore more of Scotland instead.

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janice May 22, 2009, 7:07 am

PS Sorry, menat to add this. here’s the official tourist site for visiting Scotland if anyone wants to see where their ancestors are from!

janice’s last blog post..Writers Write: Your Comments are Part of Your Writing Mosaic

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janice May 22, 2009, 7:09 am

Sorry, Tess. Can you delete/combine these last two please. My brain’s not with it today http://www.visitscotland.com/

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SpinDiva May 22, 2009, 2:28 pm

This brings back memories of when I lived in Southern California. So much fun. The East Coast beaches just aren’t as fun because they are always packed, at least in my area of VA Beach but one of these days I’m going on a trip get to know my local area better. Thanks for sharing.

SpinDiva’s last blog post..Don’t forget to fill the tank…eat breakfast!

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Kristy May 22, 2009, 3:02 pm

Hillary
Thanks for your kind words. We must of past each other while we were there.
Yes the girls are all wonderful. We are blessed!

Positively present,
Yes please do something fun soon! I’m glad I inspired you. All work and no play isn’t good.

Daphne
Yes I could live in CA it’s just so pretty, fun and perfect weather. Lisa has inspired me. My podcast…I appreciate you taking the time to listen to it. I am lively there’s no doubt about that!

Alik,
Thanks I probably would touch them up but I don’t know how! So I guess I don’t have to learn. Thanks.

Shankar,
I am grateful and yes I express my gratitude and appreciate my blessings continuously. I live in a state of gratitude.

Jenn,
Life is not balanced without fun. I’m glad you’re out enjoying yourself.

Tabitha,
That’s why I like Lisa’s blog she encourages all to get out in their own back yard. I love San Antonio and the river walk!

Patricia,
Thanks for stopping by and it was a joyful day!

Helen,
I used to live so close to the Farmer’s Market and I miss it so! There is nothing in AZ that even comes close.

Janice,
I understand taking for granted. However I know you’re a grateful person and so am I!

Spin Diva,

I’m sure you’ll find much to do. I do think you should visit home I don’t know how you ever left. Yet I know…life changes and we move on.

x

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Jannie Funster May 22, 2009, 9:12 pm

So glad you got away for such a wondertul trip! I’ve been to CA twice, hard not to be in love with that place.

In my neighborhood the lake is a wondrous place to cool off.

And our Zilker Park is always a rejeuvenating paradise year ’round.

I can’t remember if I ever asked you this before, but have you ever been here in Austin TX, Tess?

Jannie Funster’s last blog post..“Sugar Lady” Video

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Tess The Bold Life May 25, 2009, 6:35 am

Jannie,
Nope not Austin but Brownsville where I taught English as a volunteer.
I’m coming to you sing at some point. Yeah!

Tess The Bold Life’s last blog post..Bold Spontaneity In California

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Jannie Funster May 27, 2009, 8:49 am

Yes, you’ll get here. Eventually. And I’ll get to Arizona.

Jannie Funster’s last blog post..Bord on a wire, 9 & 10 1/2

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