When I was a kid growing up in southern California my mom would sometimes take me driving around in the mountains in her old VW bug. She told me about how she had lived up there, in a little cabin, before I was born, and how she'd had a wood stove–or maybe it was a fireplace–anyhow I could picture the fire, how it crackled and glowed, and I could imagine the smell of woodsmoke as it burned. And while we were driving around up there I could smell it for real–the smoke in the cold air, the smell of wood and warmth and comfort. And there was the fresh scent, when we got out of the car, of sage and earth, sycamore and bay and oaks. The oaks were my favorite; they seemed comfortable, personable–their branches spreading outward, low to the ground, their trunks twisted and sometimes gnarled. Looking at them, there was a sense of age, and something of the dignity or pathos associated with it. To me they were inexpressibly beautiful.
I’m so jealous. I was always goodytwoshoes. I also dream of living among trees but my job binds me to the big city and I hate driving so a commute is out of the question. But I’m curious- how did you got from stealing Mac and cheese to owning a TV?
Loved the description of the ocean. I know those views far off in the distance. Thanks for sharing your young memories and recreating a time and a place.
One of my favorite classes in undergraduate school was “Plants and Animals of Southern California.” I learned how to tell the difference between Hoary Ceanothus (not to be confused with Hairy Ceanothus) and Blue Ceanothus. And it’s a short period of time when they’re in bloom, but the mountains seem to glow when that happens.
I’m so jealous. I was always goodytwoshoes. I also dream of living among trees but my job binds me to the big city and I hate driving so a commute is out of the question. But I’m curious- how did you got from stealing Mac and cheese to owning a TV?
You live in a privileged place Anna.
I certainly do! Answer to your question... I got a job!
It figures 😂
Loved the description of the ocean. I know those views far off in the distance. Thanks for sharing your young memories and recreating a time and a place.
Beautiful! I recently caught the hiking bug, working on learning the names of the plants.
One of my favorite classes in undergraduate school was “Plants and Animals of Southern California.” I learned how to tell the difference between Hoary Ceanothus (not to be confused with Hairy Ceanothus) and Blue Ceanothus. And it’s a short period of time when they’re in bloom, but the mountains seem to glow when that happens.
You gorgeous hippie, you! You’d fit right into the chill vibe on the quiet side of Ibiza. Lovely, vivid writing.
Thank you! Now take me to Ibiza, please...
Easy! My book is set in Ibiza! It’s funny, too! xx