It’s been a busy month since I’ve last posted. After finishing my time in Oregon, I headed down into California. The first week there was less than impressive. The town, which will remain nameless, was a rather dreary and depressing place. It was creatively draining and uninspiring. Needless to say, when it was time to leave there, I was more than ready.
Fortunately, the next two stops more than made up for that week. A week in Napa and San Francisco, followed by a week in San Luis Obispo refilled my creative tank and reenergized my body and soul. While a lot of the time was spent being a tourist, going into San Francisco for two days, and visiting wineries and other delicious places in Napa, I found inspiration in what I was seeing and experiencing.
While playing tourist in San Francisco I did one of the hop-on-hop-off bus tours and got to see parts of the city I had never seen before. Part of the tour included a lot of walking and I actually managed to walk up the straight part of Lombard street in order to get to the top of one of the most crookedest streets. Though there are streets that are more crooked, Lombard is the one everyone knows from commercials and movies. I also went over the Golden Gate Bridge, twice. Let me just say, it’s an incredible sight, but if you do it and you are riding on the top of an open-air bus, be prepared to hold onto your glasses, hair, hats or anything else that can blow away. Time was also spent in the Haight-Asbury section of the city. A creative melting pot to be sure. The history of the summer of love, which I learned actually began the previous winter, and the independent shops and locals all added to the flair and flavor I was soaking up. Also, a visit to the Walt Disney Family museum helped to inspire me, learning more about Walt and his creative journey.
After the week there, it was down to what has been branded Slo-Cal by some marketing types. San Luis Obispo is a beautiful city, not overly crowded, yet, and has everything you could possibly want. Glorious weather, beaches nearby, wonderful restaurants and local shops, wineries and a farm where you can get local produce, baked goods, and pet goats.
One day was spent over at Morro Bay, exploring the beaches of the state park, seeing sea lions and otters, and visiting local shops and artists there too. Though there were whale watching tours offered, it wasn’t something I took part of, though it would have been fun to spot more whales down here too. I’m not sure if I mentioned, but on one stop in Oregon, I had the chance to spot some whales while visiting a lighthouse in Waldport. What an amazing thing to see in the wild.
The pace of San Luis Obispo is a little slower than other cities, and for me, it was just right. While I like the amenities a larger city has to offer, the hectic pace can be a bit too overwhelming. Here, it’s easy to get around, find what you need, and enjoy the laid back pace too. Also, waking up and walking outside the RV to find over a dozen wild turkeys in the yard makes for a fun start to the morning too.
By the time this is posted I’ll be settled in Los Angeles. Though I’ll only be there for a day before I leave to fly up to Seattle for the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Conference. I’m excited to be going, especially getting to see writer friends and of course, learn a lot too. Though I will admit, having to pack and deal with the entire airport/flying rigamarole, is not something I look forward to. I’ve gotten spoiled traveling and having all the comforts of home available. But at least I will have time to sit and write and soak in more creative energy before returning to the city of Angels for another week. I’m hoping to make some good connections with agents and editors too and maybe come one step closer to getting that elusive publishing contract.
So I leave you with this image – spotted in San Luis Obispo at a wonderful little cafe. It’s advice I’m trying to follow and maybe you’ll find inspiration from it too. Until next time.
