L.A. Times - Venice Beach

 

Since moving to Texas whenever we mention we're from California ,everybody ask or assumes we're from Los Angeles. Actually in all my 37 years of being a Californian I've never been to L.A.

Last month we went on a  mission during a hurricane approaching our gulf coast, heading to wildfires in our home state ,smack in the middle of a pandemic! Time is of the essence when life grabs you by the throat, and Mama Bear don't play when it comes down to protecting the tribe at all cost.

On the return trip back home as we were heading out of California, I asked my daughter how far was the nearest beach. Santa Cruz and San Francisco were out of the question because of the fires and we were in So Cal already. Red Hot Chili Peppers singing about under the bridge and a 45 minute away response from the back seat had me mapping us down to Venice Beach. We didn't come all this way not to touch the sand and feel the power of the Pacific Ocean we miss so much.

It's crazy how  Pandora just kept playing music as we were driving through L.A. about the places we were passing by.  A spiritual journey pathed us on the destination. When life gets so synchronistic you stop questioning if what you chose to do was right. Go with the flow, time is but a construct at some pivotal points in life.

Friday morning work traffic in Los Angeles is crazy, but we made it down to Venice Beach.The first thing you see is homeless tent cities everywhere, and the transients roaming around. Being from the hood, we knew what to expect. We were called Rats and asked if we were having a nice f*$%ing day from a woman who thought we were following here. In retrospect we were also blessed by a man who showed gratitude for $2.00 towards a cup of coffee.

First kiss of the day, with gratitude that we are all together as a family again. Behind us is a Mark di Suvero sculpture called "Declaration".  I declare that nothing about this day was planned, but I was feeling blessed as the sea breeze filled my lungs under clear blue sky's at the beach, under the golden California sunshine.

SKATEBOARDING

VENICE GRAFFITI WALLS   Location- Ocean Front Walk Venice, C.A. 90291

FLAGS FROM DRUM DANCE PRAY- ONE LOVE

GRAFFITI WALL COLUMN

CALIFORNIA LOVE

SANTA MONICA PIER  Location-200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, C.A. 90401

 

PRIDE LIFEGUARD STATION  Location-998 Ocean Walk Front 90291

SURF & MANGONADA

LIFEGUARD STATION & ROOMS WITH A VIEW

"LUMINARIES OF PANTHEISM"  Location-2201 Ocean Front Walk -Paradise Project

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS location- Speedway & 19th Venice, C.A.

"MORNING SHOT"  JIM MORRISON MURAL

 Location- 1811 Ocean Front Walk Speedway & 18th Place, Venice C.A.

So now when it comes up as us being Californians in Texas we can say "no we are not from Los Angeles but we've been there"........... and Arizona & New Mexico. They are the roads that lead back home in either direction.

P.S.  Although California was and still is on fire, we didn't encounter any flames directly, the hurricane had missed our neck of the woods, and the mission that spurred this roadtrip is an ongoing journey.

Let's Get Stranded !

Our last beach trip before the start of school was quit the respite we needed before we got back into the full swing of things starting a new school year. Here we are enjoying the Gulf Coast in Galveston at 8:00 a.m. already sweating, combing the beach for shells, and taking a refreshing dip. After some sand and surf we headed out to discover the Historic Downtown known as "The Strand".

I would love to visit The Strand again , possibly as an overnight date  just me and the Hubby. I didn't get to explore and immerse myself like I would have liked to. We had to head back into town in time to do {L}s Jr High schedule pick up and meet the teachers. So far so good for the kids first week of school. I may get out this weekend and visit a farmers market to get fresh food and some creative inspiration. I've been creating some jewelry and working on dream catchers lately, of which I will post soon. The leaves are drifting down from the trees and there is a promise of some rain in next weeks forecast. I wish everyone a safe and splendid Labor Day weekend.

Greetings From Galveston

Early in March on a beautiful Spring morning we ventured out on a road trip that would lead us to the ocean. This was the first time we experienced Galveston together. We took 45 South which takes  us though Houston. The drive is more spectacular at night when all the buildings are lit up.

STEWART BEACH

When we arrived in Galveston, we parked at Stewart Beach. Here there is a playground, building with a store, ice cream shop, restrooms, and a huge Adirondack chair to have an awesome photo opportunity. Along our walk toward Pleasure Pier we came across the memorial of  "Lil Jacob", an unidentified 3 yr old boy that was found onshore in late October last year.

SEAWALL SEATING

The walk along the seawall provided beautiful and educational benches to rest on. Bright tiled mosaics with references to the structure of the seawall and historic era establishments. The last bench pictured is an ode to the Balinese Room a posh casino-dance hall in the 1940-1950s.

MURDOCH'S

Murdoch's was originally a bathhouse in the early 1900's and had to be rebuilt several times due to Hurricanes throughout the years. All sorts of trinkets, souvenirs, and coastal flare are available in  this wrap around store. The porch which has a relaxing view of the Gulf provides a row of rocking chairs and a bar where you can sip, relax and take in the salt air.


PLEASURE PIER

 We finally made it to Pleasure Pier which was a long walk from where we parked. Even though me and the Hubby didn't go on rides we still had to pay $10.00 each just to be on the pier, that was a bit of a bummer. The kids rode rides, played games, and got temporary tattoos. Then we continued to stroll Galveston Seawall with a new friend in tow.


MURALS

There are so many bright and vibrant paintings, art, and signs. I did not bring my camera this trip so these are what I captured on my phone. We ate at a spot called the The Gumbo Diner. The waitress's had such sweet southern hospitality and the vibe was great for family's. After we ate and rested for a bit we needed to make the long walk back to Stewart Beach were we parked.


THE BEACH

The sand is a finer texture than the west coast and the shell variety is different as well. I have to admit this whole trip had us missing Santa Cruz and there were moments of sadness for what we had left behind in California. But the move to Texas is our new chapter and we have to look at the bigger picture of  the life we have here.

THE SUNSET

We rode off into the sunset headed back through the city that leads to the country which has us nestled in the woods.