Transition Petals

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Express Yourself.”

I can’t remember exactly how the thought came about but somewhere along the way everything unfolded.  This is truly an expression from within. Hope you enjoy it as well.

Transitions Lily

Serenity

San Diego River In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: Serenity

Serenity to me is being a peace with the current surroundings as they are. It personally doesn’t have to be a quiet place but at times I can have Serenity amongst a crowd.  Simply being a part of this wide world we live in.  I’m reminded with this week’s Photo challenge of the words of a Korean monk and how he relates daily activities to meditation. For example when driving we must be a part of the road and our surroundings. Thus making it driving meditation. When eating we should not focus on eating fast and filling and empty void but savoring each bite and slowly chewing while nourishing our bodies. Thus making it eating mediation and so on. Being in the now.

No Equipment Needed

Its 8 days into the New Years and so far so good when it comes to eating a whole lot healthier. One of the things that come to mind is to keep exercise and eating in their own separate world. I’ve heard it before and nothing original on my part but exercise is get us in shape and eating a nutritious diet will shed the pounds. Yes combining the two most definitely is the ultimate and ideal but how many times have I used exercise as an excuse to eat unhealthy? Thinking or saying that I can just ride the bike an extra 30 minutes or so? More times than I can remember. So far it makes it easier to handle those cravings when I no longer think I can use one to cancel out the other.  I was reminded just the other day while out and about on a photo walk that no equipment is needed when it comes to exercise and it can be very spontaneous and unplanned throughout the day. Not looking for the close parking spot at the grocery store and walking to the convenience store within reason instead of driving are two of the many ways I plan on squeezing some extra reps into my workouts. I would love to hear about some of your thoughts and ideas about your routine and what works for you.

Early morning workout along the bayfront

REMINISCING- Walking barefoot with a dime in my pocket.

I was born in Jackson, Mississippi and summertime meant no shoes. We went almost everywhere barefoot. Post bi-centennial when country boy Jimmy Carter shocked the world by winning the presidency. Digging worms for catfish bait. Collecting coke bottles to return for deposit in order to attend wrestling on Wednesday night at the Fairgrounds. The good old days when Coke in the bottle was a dime. My heart and soul warmed a bit when I stumbled upon this old coke machine while walking early this morning along the waterfront. Reminiscing on the positive is a great way to get back on track about the important things in life that can be the simplest. 

Mission San Luis Rey

Mission San Luis Rey.

Mission San Luis Rey

San Luis Rey 1798 is the title of one of my most recent captures. A revisit to Mission San Luis Rey which is located about 45 minutes from central San Diego was in order as the weather warmed up nicely. Of course living in Southern California once must always take these times with a grain of salt as traffic can come to a screeching halt at any given moment. Which is why we visit such places if nothing more than to get away from the hustle for an hour or so. San Luis Rey is one of those such places. Located on spacious grounds surrounded by a picturesque hillside. This is much more than a religious building but a historical site with interesting artifacts.

Happy 2015

Happy New Years to all and best wishes for 2015. I always try to remember that today is the first day of the rest of my life thus not waiting to make the changes needed. I do believe its good that we mark time in years because its a great way to look at a larger scope of accomplishments and reflect on just how important today really is. Please take a look around my created works or better yet purchase one that you can enjoy throughout this year and beyond.

A pristine creation from the grounds of Mission Santa Clara.

A Local’s Guide to San Diego- Weekend Getaway

Five Must See Attractions

1. La Jolla Cove- for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and its rugged coastline.

2. Cabrillo National Monument- The lighthouses, tidepools, and best skyline view of San Diego.

3. Balboa Park- Miles of museums, pavilions, and a spectacular rose garden.

4. Embarcadero- A very popular  destination for locals and tourist. Great eateries, beautiful yachts, and easy stop n go browsing of many shops.

5. Hotel Del Coronado- Historic hotel in beautiful Coronado just across the bay. A splendid stroll along the beach, great food and shops.

 

If you have the extra time:

1. Sunset Cliffs and Ocean Beach- Perhaps the best place for a sunset with Ocean Beach being a hidden gem for casual dining with popular spots such as Hodad’s and OB Noodle house that includes a sake bar.

2. Historic Liberty Station- A patriotic walk through history as this once Naval Training Center has been transformed with houses, restaurants,dance studios and art galleries. Watch the planes take off from Lindbergh Field while having a picnic.

3. Shelter Island and/or Harbor Island- Simply beautiful and relaxing setting with some of the more upscale resorts located on Shelter Island and Tom’s Lighthouse offering the freshest of seafood on Harbor Island.

4. Old Town San Diego- This is where we eat Mexican and pick up a few souvenirs. Right around the corner from the Old Town Trolley Station. Hand made tortilla’s right before your eyes. Historic old houses and more.

5. Mission San Diego or Mission San Luis Rey- One does not need to be religious to enjoy the historic value and opportunity of what early life was in this area. Nice displays of artifacts and casual self guided tours make either or both of these destinations a must see.

 

Feel free to browse my San Diego gallery

Great Effort by California Chrome in 2014 Triple Crown Bid

Racing Program 2014 Belmont

I was first introduced to horse racing after moving from Mississippi to California around 1979. We would go out to Hollywood Park and Santa Anita from time to time. I quickly became a fan of a horse named, John Henry. We had a cousin named John Henry so that was the initial attraction and reasons for betting him. Like California Chrome he was a rags to riches story. Purchased for like 25,000 dollars and became a millionaire. There is a reason the Triple Crown of horse racing is so elusive. I understand the owner was hurt with the loss but strongly disagree with any change in the way its set up. It’s meant to be hard, designed to be hard and should remain hard. How boring it would be to have a Triple Crown winner every couple of years or so. Would be pretty irrelevant and boring. Some horses can’t enter the Kentucky Derby for various reasons including being injured at the time etc. The great Secretariat looks that much greater when you think about what it really takes to win all three races. No nasal strips, lasix and all these high quality advanced techniques in medicine and nutrition. Great run California Chrome its been impressive nevertheless. Hope to see you at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club this summer.

Barracks 17 at NTC Liberty Station, San Diego

The newly transitioned redevelopment area that once served as the world’s largest Naval Training Center is thriving and one of the most popular destinations to locals and tourists.