As the rep goes......Coachella is a must do at least once. A check on your bucket list. A "what to do before you have kids" item. There's where I went wrong :-) I agree it is a must do and glad I did. So much so, I may do it again.
Here's the deal: The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival takes place in Indio, California. Going
strong since 1999 this gig features mixed genres of music (which I love) including indie, rock, hip hop and EDM. Even better, it boasts inspiring art installations and sculptures amongst picturesque grounds (think breathtaking sunsets). The impressive venue hosts multiple stages and artists that continuously bring live music and experiences that will not disappoint. As if that is not enough - these 3 days of musical magic are accompanied by the opportunity to "car camp" just outside of festival grounds. YES - I said camping - so I'm a happy girl. Love me some camping as is yet when you add in friends, party favors, and an impressive music festival ..... not much more is needed. That is, outside of a good shower and strong coffee in the mornings. WHICH THERE IS!
Why is it a may versus a must? Well first off there's the financial investment. I spent nearly $1k this year and let's be honest - there's A LOT you can do for $1k. A LOT that differs from camping, concerts and outhouses. Now of course that down plays it entirely (except for the outhouses - truly gross) yet the real deal deciding factor for me is whether or not I can embrace the majority demographic (18-25 is my guess) and more so - let loose and have fun along side? I did pretty well this go round yet it did admittedly surprise me (along with making me feel old - which I am NOT) and took about a day to get over before settling in. Outside of that there was the head shaking factor which I believe truly came from camping exposure (you just see more) and Motherhood. Damn it. What I'm referring to is Coachella Culture: the abundant youthful drug/alcohol induced scantily clad peeps there to be super hip, make bad decisions and listen to some music they may or may not know. When not jealous of them (cause let's be honest....completely carefree times are fun!) I was just praying Cora would want to camp with her Mother her first Coachella go round :-)
This I can say.....I went with great people and we enjoyed music, moments, beer, laughs, dancing & other nonsense together in a gorgeous setting over 3 beautiful days. This truly is Coachella Culture.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Sonoma Sips, Style & Sincerity
Every sip. Every penny (a lot of them). Every beautiful moment. Well worth it.
This is how it went down..........this past summer while working for GLG I found myself in the quaint and quiet Long Beach, CA airport. Hoping to charge my phone before flight, I asked a fellow traveler if I could borrow his cord, no longer being used. A yes, and conversation on social listening later - an invite to Sonoma came. He and his girls lived in the beautiful and slow Sonoma county and welcomed pleasant guests and wine lovers alike. I fancied the idea.
Then fancied it some more. And nearly a year later when nice weather arrived, I thought, "why would I not make my way to Sonoma to slow down, sip and explore their scene," And so I did.
When I say that I want to go back tomorrow, know that's because yes - I do. As in, "could I live here" thoughts crossed my mind while there and it's still debatable. Not doable but debatable. I settled in so well and how could I not, when my hosts and my scenery were so warm and welcoming. Dennis (my friend and host) would often say "every day is focused on staying in this beautiful bubble of ours" ...... and it was. He knows what he's got and he's working to keep it. What he's got is red, whites and bubbles along with breathtaking views for breakfast (and lunch and dinner) just moments away. Jack London's (think Call of the Wild) impressive estate and grounds within minutes, and Sonoma's Town Square, boasting delicious fare and tasting rooms galore just around the corner. All part of the neighborhood. Only minutes away from his neighbor, Napa.
While there are so many sights, scenes and sips to call out, it would take too many words to recount every worthy moment yet the consistent theme was this: Slow down. Savor. Embrace and enjoy. It's not a foreign country removed from the rush or the everyday business (as San Fran is a commuters drive away) yet they still thrive differently. The ambiance of the vineyards, warm talent and local social scene (all intentional transplants) make it a place you want to be. A crowd you want to join. A tasting that you never want to end.
I loved it. All of it.
(shout outs to my now near & dear missed friends: Dennis, Gerry, Michelle, Connor, Jason and Kyle - you help make it what it is)
This is how it went down..........this past summer while working for GLG I found myself in the quaint and quiet Long Beach, CA airport. Hoping to charge my phone before flight, I asked a fellow traveler if I could borrow his cord, no longer being used. A yes, and conversation on social listening later - an invite to Sonoma came. He and his girls lived in the beautiful and slow Sonoma county and welcomed pleasant guests and wine lovers alike. I fancied the idea.
Then fancied it some more. And nearly a year later when nice weather arrived, I thought, "why would I not make my way to Sonoma to slow down, sip and explore their scene," And so I did.
When I say that I want to go back tomorrow, know that's because yes - I do. As in, "could I live here" thoughts crossed my mind while there and it's still debatable. Not doable but debatable. I settled in so well and how could I not, when my hosts and my scenery were so warm and welcoming. Dennis (my friend and host) would often say "every day is focused on staying in this beautiful bubble of ours" ...... and it was. He knows what he's got and he's working to keep it. What he's got is red, whites and bubbles along with breathtaking views for breakfast (and lunch and dinner) just moments away. Jack London's (think Call of the Wild) impressive estate and grounds within minutes, and Sonoma's Town Square, boasting delicious fare and tasting rooms galore just around the corner. All part of the neighborhood. Only minutes away from his neighbor, Napa.
While there are so many sights, scenes and sips to call out, it would take too many words to recount every worthy moment yet the consistent theme was this: Slow down. Savor. Embrace and enjoy. It's not a foreign country removed from the rush or the everyday business (as San Fran is a commuters drive away) yet they still thrive differently. The ambiance of the vineyards, warm talent and local social scene (all intentional transplants) make it a place you want to be. A crowd you want to join. A tasting that you never want to end.
I loved it. All of it.
(shout outs to my now near & dear missed friends: Dennis, Gerry, Michelle, Connor, Jason and Kyle - you help make it what it is)
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
In The Last 12 Years
In the last 12 years ........
I have travelled throughout the US, Asia, Mexico, and frolicked on many tropical beaches. I started a career that I'm thankful to say remains challenging, purposeful and rewarding. I got married, bought a dog, and built a home. I have enjoyed girlfriend getaways & celebrated degrees, weddings, babies, break-ups, first homes and good wine :-) I have delighted in being an Auntie to a bright and polite young lady, as well as 2 sharp and compassionate little boys. I have settled into 2 different churches, found a community group that changed my life, and prayed with those closest to me - as well as complete strangers. I gave birth to a perfect baby girl who in turn has given life to me. I have made mistakes. Many mistakes. I've leaned on my parents time and again.........as well as church family and friends. They've leaned on me back. I ran a 1/2 marathon, jumped out of a plane, vacationed alone, written and read poetry, and experienced the beauty in music. I lost an incredible brilliant woman who I was blessed to call Grandma & also a marriage, as I mourned loss in many forms. I have learned how to be a single Mother while being guided and encouraged in the process by angels I call: Mom, Girlfriends, and amazing real deal folk :-) I have been blessed beyond words in relationships, finances, spirituality and smarts. I have fallen in love.....more than once..... or even twice. I have quit jobs and leapt off ledges in faith. Anxiety has at time paralyzed me while faith has always saved me. I have embraced experiences, people, learnings', and all small and big moments with an open and wanting heart.
In the last 12 years I have beaten Cancer and I have lived.
In the last 12 years I have beaten Cancer and I have lived.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)