Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.
- Henry Miller
Driving up and down the state as much as I have the past month, I realize that I live in a most wondrous place, a place so unique and beautiful and inspiring in its many faces. I know that I am biased, I am a complete California girl, I mean COMPLETE. And I have not traveled all the states of America, I know that many are just as beautiful, unique, and inspiring. But California is home to me and I cannot separate myself any more than I could separate from my body; the hills have hardened my bones and strengthened my muscles, the air has perfumed my thoughts, and its beauty has lit my soul.
And there is still so much to explore! I still need to travel to the northern easternmost parts. I long to swim in the Salmon river and hike the John Muir Trail. I still have not been to Yosemite. And the desert. What can I say of the desert except that my sisterfriend and I zipped through it too quickly one road trip. But I will never forget our one stop, in the middle of the night, we stopped. We drove off the moonlit road and turned off the car. We lay on the hood of her car and stared at the stars and listened to the sound of silence until it didn't sound like silence anymore...just the night. In the desert.
Cultures for many years, many years ago, worshiped nature and I can't help but join them. If there were ever a hymn or prayer or whispered liturgy I would hear it in the center of a canyon, on the top of a mountain, in the bubbling of a stream, the caress of a wave.
"But my heart cried out for you, california! Oh california! I'm coming home...I'm your biggest fan California, I'm coming home!" The lyrics to Joni Mitchell's "California" rang in my ears as I drove and drove...feasting on the landscape unfolding before me, a litany of beauty I read with my eyes.
Yes, I am a California girl.
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12 comments:
California it's not...but I'm off to sit in the hot-tub and stare at the stars, listen to the owls.....
oh crap, you made me cry.
This is a lovely tribute to your home. I adore listening to a place--your description of night in the desert intrigues me...someday I hope to share your experience!
This was lovely, Jo. And you made your sister cry. ;)
I loved what you said about if there were ever a whispered liturgy you would hear it in the center of a canyon... BEAUTIFUL!
That was beautiful. Wow.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! And many happy returns!!
Happy Happy Birthday!
And if I had to go to a desert island, I would take Joni's complete works with me.
Happy Birthday from one California girls to another!
happy birthday! i baked you a cake. THREE cakes. you have to see them on my blog.
your cakes are almost GONE. i baked you THREE of them. i am going to eat them ALL.
Yeah - it's been so long that I drove all the way to Yolanda's house and HELPED her eat them - and then I drove back home again.
cheap texas auto insurance What are you indicating, man? I know everyones got their own opinion, but really? Listen, your web log is interesting. I like the effort you put into it, especially with the vids and the pics. But, come on. Theres gotta be a better way to say this, a way that doesnt make it seem like everyone here is stupid! Martha - california auto insurance rate
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