Lisa and I are in Oregon - one state north - as you speak. And I agree with you about what traveling away from the familiar does to your senses and to your awareness. Here in Oregon, I find I'm operating at a higher plane of existence - noticing the small things that pass by me with greater appreciation - things I'd otherwise be oblivious to. The overpowering presence of nature plays a role in this heightened awareness. In Oregon, as in California, it's too big and in your face to be ignored. One example was when we took a drive down the Columbia River Gorge Highway. Anyone who doesn't believe some type of higher power had a hand in shaping our world only needs to rent a car and get on I-84 East.
Richard loved your reminder about acknowledging the beauty around us. I try to do it every day! It was nice to see you and to meet Gaywyn and the Chinese food was wonderful. Look forward to seeing you all again.
Marvelous. I arrived yesterday in Ventura to visit my daughter and her family. I also love all you describe. Especially awesome since East coast trees still mostly bare.
Thanks for reminding me of how special California is for its natural beauty. I love California too. I went to Los Angeles. Thought I would hate it. I loved it. Whether hiking Runyon Canyon or walking along the beaches the natural beauty won me over.
Beautiful to read and watch, Richard. The photos are vibrant and a great addition to the piece.
The notification for your post literally came in on my screen as I was translating this sentence: "One where I'd have to brush aside the thick, healthy leaves and stems to make my rounds, picking off a hock-sized zucchini here, a fistful of crisp, dirty carrots there"... sound familiar ?
Lisa and I are in Oregon - one state north - as you speak. And I agree with you about what traveling away from the familiar does to your senses and to your awareness. Here in Oregon, I find I'm operating at a higher plane of existence - noticing the small things that pass by me with greater appreciation - things I'd otherwise be oblivious to. The overpowering presence of nature plays a role in this heightened awareness. In Oregon, as in California, it's too big and in your face to be ignored. One example was when we took a drive down the Columbia River Gorge Highway. Anyone who doesn't believe some type of higher power had a hand in shaping our world only needs to rent a car and get on I-84 East.
Thank you for the reminder to look for beauty everywhere---and I agree, California has loads of it.
Happy to see this lovely tribute to my home state! (By the way, Northern California is even more spectacular than the southern half.)
I am dying to go.
Richard loved your reminder about acknowledging the beauty around us. I try to do it every day! It was nice to see you and to meet Gaywyn and the Chinese food was wonderful. Look forward to seeing you all again.
PS, I told your husband that you might enjoy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Cadillac-Desert-American-Disappearing-Revised/dp/0140178244/ref=sr_1_1
Thank you, Karen and thank you for taking the time to write. It was fun meeting you and we sure do. Hope we can see you guys again sometime.
Marvelous. I arrived yesterday in Ventura to visit my daughter and her family. I also love all you describe. Especially awesome since East coast trees still mostly bare.
One of my best and oldest friends lives in Ventura!
Where? Jess is on Varsity Ave.
Thanks for reminding me of how special California is for its natural beauty. I love California too. I went to Los Angeles. Thought I would hate it. I loved it. Whether hiking Runyon Canyon or walking along the beaches the natural beauty won me over.
Exactly! The state is a great seducer!
Beautiful to read and watch, Richard. The photos are vibrant and a great addition to the piece.
The notification for your post literally came in on my screen as I was translating this sentence: "One where I'd have to brush aside the thick, healthy leaves and stems to make my rounds, picking off a hock-sized zucchini here, a fistful of crisp, dirty carrots there"... sound familiar ?
PS, it's really exciting that you're translating the book.
It's a very enjoyable experience.
My mother has had a garden all her life. I read the chapter to her as I progress. She's enjoying it (and we need something like that right now).
Yes, we do!!
Thank you so much, Olivier. Hmm, wonder who wrote that? Laszlo?
Hahaha! Not dark enough for the man.
Took me a minute to get my hand on the original Colette quote about the visitor for whom no sanctum is private."
La naissance du jour. Such a great book!
I know you also like Le blé en herbe.
I will look for it! Love the title.
I meant, I thought you had already mentioned Le blé en herbe to me. But maybe not.