Forecasting Nostalgia

11 weeks. That's how long I have left in Southern California. I have to be honest - I am REALLY EXCITED to be back in the Bay Area. But I will miss Epic dearly, and as much as I love to rag on Southern California, there are some things that I will miss and get nostalgic about.

I had some time to kill yesterday, and since it was a lovely, overcast day, I meandered up to the creek in the back of Irvine Park. I actually enjoy hiking more on days that are chilly and gray; it makes the green of the hills and trees pop, and puts me in a restless, wandering mood. I just have to walk it out, quiet my brain and enjoy feeling the textures of the earth against my feet - the cold flowing water, the supple mud, the soft pieces of grass between my toes, the crunch of sand and pebbles as I walk over them. There is a deeply spiritual peace that comes to me in this place - and that's why I will greatly miss it.

Some of my other "will greatly miss it" spots in Southern California, that I hope you all get to check out at some time or another:

- REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater) in Downtown LA: I've visited this performance venue far more than any other because of the experimental, high quality and thought-provoking art of all genres that is presented here. Dance, music, theater... I've been challenged and inspired by almost everything I've seen here.

- The smell of the Fullerton Arboretum first-thing in the morning, when everything is still cool, dewey and quiet.

- Driving the freeways of L.A. late at night - when I can just ride the fast twists and turns without worrying about bumper-to-bumper traffic.

- Lunch at Les Amis, Orange Sushi, or Anepalco's at least once a week

- Dancing/cups of tea/conversations on the roof at Pieter

- Free parking and small crowds at Sunset Beach (when I actually want to feel like a SoCal beach bum)

- Tasting the latest creations at Bootleggers Brewery and The Bruery

- The crazy antics of Henry Rollins on KCRW Saturdays from 6-8 (thank God I'll be able to listen online!)

- The beautiful children, families, dance and vision at The Wooden Floor

I'm sure there are others, but these are at the top; I am also sure of the moments that will come when I'll remember other lovely events, places and people here that will always hold a piece of my heart.