Sunday, January 30, 2011

Break Loose from a Cultural Fog


Every once in a while I break into an intellectual clearing and run around in a field of revelation before re-entering the forest of daily life. One of my deepest desires is to live more of my life in the meadows and glades. You know what I mean? When the fog clears and you have ah-ha moments. As I get older I have begun to realize that I can actually choose to live my life in a manner that is more conducive to open space. I can live unhurried and peacefully if I pursue it.


Be all you can be. Just do it. Dare to dream. We try harder. Breakfast of champions. These slogans and philosophies of our day sound appealing on the surface, but they are tied to a consumer model of life's purpose that never brings us the whole hearted satisfaction we inwardly crave. Do I want to live life as a consumer? Is that my role in life? Wait a minute...


"Consumerism--- while promising satisfaction at every turn --- relies on our never being satisfied." Beneath its masterfully crafted images and compelling slogans, this life view is about selling products.

This is what I call "double-minded." The bible says that a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. How can you promise satisfaction on one hand, and require dissatisfaction on the other? We're all being conned right out of our happiness.

I will be satisfied when I choose to be content with what I have. To value the wealth I already possess. I may need to even re-define what I consider to be wealth or success. But I'm sure as heck not going to find contentment from a culture that promises me a full glass of water while ripping the bottom right off the glass.


Friday, January 21, 2011

The Bookstore

Alistair and I discovered the bestest little bookstore ever. I'm not going to tell you where it is, but its in Solvang. Oh my goodness did we enjoy ourselves. We sipped coffee, people-watched (my favorite), enjoyed a little relaxation, and played with our new Smartphones.


Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Out for a Drive

Alistair and I went for a coffee this weekend and then out for a drive. It was so leisurely and beautiful out. The air was warm and Al likes to roll his window down and let the breeze blow through. What a break, to be unhurried and relaxed. Ahhhh....



Saturday, January 15, 2011

The Antique Mall

Today was a leisure day. The sun was out, the weather was beautiful... so we headed down to a local coffee shop Cafe Noir. I was delighted to find The Antique Mall a few doors down. Yippeee!!! Check it out.

"The Drive-In"


Alistair and I decided that we had so much fun on our first trip, that we would head out to the drive in again. THIS time I did not forget my camera. But I did capture it through my Retro Camera app on my new evo phone. It was hard to capture anything in the pitch black.
The Snack Bar
Loved this shot of the bathrooms. :)
And the errie red lighting on your way into the restrooms.

Monday, January 10, 2011

A Weekend to Ourselves


Alistair asked me if I wanted to go for a drive on Saturday. I love when he does that.
Look what fun we had. First we pulled off the road in Los Alamos and happened upon the coolest antique shop ever.

I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I saw all the jadeite.

Pink hobnail milk glass sherbert set.
Seriously??? I had to be dragged away.



Ooo... a gun.

A real arrow from Kenya. It looked very dangerous. Alistair was gettin' a little crazy with it. I had to get out of the way.


When we finally emerged from the antique shop we decided to continue down the road to Los Olivos. We sat down and enjoyed our favorite coffee shop. I relished the chance to relax with a cup of Joe at someplace other than Starbucks.