Blues

It's been a while since I posted last. I've been so busy and time keeps getting away with me! The hazards of juggling a number of things. So here are just a few shots from my recent trip to Southern California. It was a lovely trip and I got to spend some wonderful time with my dad and my great aunt who is like a grandmother to my daughter. In addition, we were able to spend some time with some friends that we haven't seen in a long while. There is much to say for family and friends that one truly connects with. Home is my word for the year and it was nice to be at "home" with those I love and who love me back as well as being in familiar territory (Southern California was my home for 18 years). My daughter (above) absolutely adores reptiles and has since she was little. She said that this big guy was as cuddly as a kitten! While I agreed that he has beautiful markings (I've learned to appreciate reptiles through her) I stayed happily behind the camera! 

Carmel By The Sea, Part 2

Here's a few more pictures of the way-too-many I took of the ocean in Carmel.

So beautiful.
Walking barefoot in the sand,
listening to the crash of the ocean,
smelling and tasting the salty air,
watching the seagulls soaring overhead
and the waves come in and out,
feeling my breath,
and I think:
this is the way the earth breathes.
And I feel at home, complete and whole.

Carmel By The Sea, Part 1

Carmel By The Sea (sometimes just referred to as Carmel) is a small town with lots of European inspired architecture. The top three photos are from Secret Garden, the most delightful little garden space designed in an alleyway next to Pilgrim's Way Bookstore. Carmel draws lots of tourism from around the world and it's easy to see why. The nature in Carmel and Monterey to the north and Big Sur to the south is just astounding. Relaxed and located in one of the prettiest places right by the ocean, Carmel is a city steeped in the arts. In the early 20th century, many artists, literary writers, poets, photographers and actors came to Carmel to help establish the Artists Colony (video). The ocean here makes my heart go pitter-patter and I think the beach in Carmel is one of the best.

Big Sur::Big Love

"It was here at Big Sur I first learned to say Amen!"

Henry Miller

Yesterday was not only my birthday, but also my blog's birthday. To celebrate, on Saturday, we drove the couple of hours south to do some hiking in Big Sur. Hiking is one of my most favorite things to do, I just love being in nature. Big Sur is every bit of gorgeous that it is known for. A beautiful combination of turquoise blue ocean on the west side of Highway 1 with majestic redwoods populating mountainous areas on the east side. I'm sure I will be spending more time here...as much as I can.

The expansiveness of the ocean never ceases to produce within myself a sense of peace and awe.

"To live is to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware."

Henry Miller

Dear Monterey...

I am in love.

You have wooed me with your beautiful trees

Your ocean and beaches have drawn me to them with a magnetic force I could never resist

Your beautiful light enlivens my soul

Your fresh air has cleansed my heart

After many miles, I finally feel at home.

New In The Shop

In addition to my new art that I just added yesterday, these have just been added in my Etsy Shop, Kari Desi Art :

 

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

At the beginning of September, I and my family took a end-of-summer fling to Seattle.We were lucky and had a beautiful day there, as you can see. So gorgeous that we just had to get out on the water. Since moving from Southern California a year ago, I badly miss my ocean mama. I couldn't wait to breathe the salt air and feel the moisture of the water. I just had to get as close to it as I could! It was too cold to swim, so we went out on a boat. Aaahhhhhh! Just what I needed. It just didn't last long enough, but it did the trick. 

Back at home...

My thirteen year old daughter just started school, as I'm sure your students did. This year, however, is different for us. Instead of a normal brick and mortar public school, like she has always attended, she has decided to attend a virtual school. It requires a bit of a mindset change and yet it will bring much freedom for her to learn the way she learns and at her own pace. She will be able to meet others that she would not otherwise have the opportunity to meet. She will have the opportunity to become even more self-responsible for her work, how she manages her time, and her relationships with her teacher and others. She will also have the opportunity to participate more in the activity she loves the most...

Ballet. 

I have a good feeling about all of this. I am looking forward to connecting more, communicating more and participating more. I'm so grateful and excited about what technology can do for us in these ways and the wonderful people we meet along the way as we continue in our process of becoming.

Happy Back to School,