It’s the last Saturday of the year and it is such a blessing to be here. It’s cold and crisp, and then the sun rises over the hills and everything warms up. The hills all around me are bursting with so much green from the big rains we’ve had and the beach sand has shifted from the very high tides.
Cody and I walk on the beach at least once every day, sometimes twice if we can time it with the tides. At high tide there is very little walkable sand. These pictures were taken yesterday at low tide on our beach. It is officially Estero Bay, at the north the end of the six miles of sandy coastline that connects Morro Bay to Cayucos. Most of the time Cody and I are the only ones here.
I’ve seen warblers hopping on the sea kelp and a kingfisher regularly perches on the rocks above the surf. There are lots of shorebirds and gulls and vultures and a variety of hawks that sit on the telephone poles along the street just above the beach. And the red winged blackbirds have returned. I’m enjoying these last few days of the year in amazement and appreciation for where I am and for all of the love and support from YOU that has brought me here.
I will be here through February and then I’m heading to Phoenix for 2 months before embarking on the upcoming Heart Sparks Road Tour that will take me all the way east Asheville, North Carolina, a few hundred miles at a time. I hope to connect with many of you in person along the way!
Wishing you a most beautiful new year, filled with love and light and joy!
From my very great-full heart to yours,
Dear Ruth: I loved today’s blog (12/29. I must have gone through there where you live, the many times I drove up Route 1, I just don’t remember it that much. It is beautiful! Too bad. If I still loved in CA, I would make the trip.
Your pictures are beautiful. I can see you improving in every respect. Your writing. Your photography. Your philosophy.
I notice that when you speak of doing things with Laddy, you always use “we”. “We walked on the beach”, instead of “I took my dog for a walk on the beach”. It’s a small point, just that I too, live alone with a dog. And I am always saying “We” worked in the yard or we just got home or we are cooking dinner. I think I do that, so I don’t feel alone. And it is true, I am not alone. My dog is a great companion to me. There is always this “other” soul that you share your life with.
I hope I never have to live without a dog.
Bobbie, yes, Laddy and I are definitely a WE. In fact, on many of our walks, he leads the way, chooses whether we will walk on the beach on on the road above. He’s the best companion and I can’t imagine being here without him.
Ruth,
I found your blog and I have to tell you it is wonderful. You are in one of of my favorite parts of the country, so I truely enjoy your writing and the pictures. In 2012 I began to work with a company that helps those who have taken the leap and decided to follow their dreams. I love to read about others who have done this so I can show people that it is possible. Best of wishes to you and Laddy for a happy and healthy 2013!
Claudia, YES, it is very possible, with a strong and clear intention, lots of support and a step at a time plan! I’m curious, how did you find me?