My parents have retired to Santa Maria, on California’s Central Coast, and I’m so happy about it I feel like I’m the one who has retired. Most of California is great, no question, but Santa Maria is… perfect. It gets a cool breeze from the Pacific Ocean and provides awesome access to beaches, hiking, restaurants, and all kinds of great recreation. It’s not densely populated, it’s pretty safe, and it gets bonus points for being less than a four hour drive from San Francisco. And a beautiful drive at that!
I was there for Memorial Day weekend and we had a fantastic time just roaming around. We enjoyed the lovely garden at the Back Bay Inn, just a few miles north of Santa Maria in Baywood Park, which is where most of these photos were taken. The Inn sits right on the water and the grounds, while meticulously kept, convey a sort of whimsical, relaxed ocean-inspired state of mind. The abundance of Salvia, roses, iceland poppies, fuschia, and hydrangea is visually intoxicating.
Later that evening we stumbled upon a car show by West Coast Kustoms, which drew hundreds of spectators to downtown Santa Maria as car owners, many of whom had driven their four-wheeled beauties the distance of several states, cruised up and down the main drag. Each car was more impressive than the one that preceded it: custom paint, hydraulics, colored lights, plush interiors. Each was unique, and each reflected hours (and hours, and hours!) of love and labor. I’m not really a car girl, myself, but I was enthralled by what I knew those people felt for their cars: dedication, pride, and passion. It was palpable.
And then it hit me. I was standing there on the sidewalk watching these cars roll by, surrounded by men and women of all shapes and sizes and children who had ice cream dripping down their chins, and I realized that I’m really into people who are into things. Whatever it is–as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone or cause excessive damage to the earth–I say pursue your passion! Pursue it, and pursue it with vigor. Being into something, whether it’s fixing up your 56 Chevy or writing a food blog or making quilts or collecting seashells, is what makes life worth living.
What one thing are you really into? I’d love to hear what you’re passionate about. Here’s a seemingly simple challenge a very wise woman once posed to me: See if you can finish the following sentence in seven words or less.
“I’m {insert your name} and I’m someone who…”
It’s harder than you’d think, isn’t it! If you’re stumped, don’t worry… it’s never too late to develop a passion. My dad, for example, discovered wood working at the age of 65. My friend Cheri started a boutique matchmaking service after her husband passed away. You might just discover your passion when you least expect it.
I’ll have to give it some thought Miri! Congratulations on the new blog site and Facebook – fast work!
The site was already in the works, I’m not THAT fast!
Two years ago my boyfriend and I got into ballroom dancing. I had never really danced before but I loved it right away. It’s something that we can do together and we meet amazing people all over the world. We like to compete and now we travel all over to the competitions. It’s a great community!
Funny nuf, I AM into collecting seashells! Little tiny ones, and only when they’re in perfect condition.
Miri – My name is Karen and . . . I am someone who loves (needs) to cook and feed people! I hope to start a second career next year – culinary school and then have my own cooking school!!!!
That’s so great Karen! Go for it!!!!! The sky is the limit. Tell everyone about what you are trying to do, and take all the help you can get. Don’t pass up any opportunity, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. And, keep me posted! I’ll be posting photos from the shoot of my how pilot this week, so be sure to check back.