California Dreamin'

I’ve spent the past 3 weeks in CA and I must say I have enjoyed my time. The first 2 weeks were spent at the beach, the pier, Disneyland and with nieces and nephews. This past week I have been catching up with old friends in my hometown of Atascadero and Paso Robles. It has been such a blessing. I have been inspired by a few of them.
I have one friend who just amazes me. She’s battling breast cancer again and going through chemo. However, did that keep her from doing what she loves? No, not at all. She waited by the phone to see if her white blood cells had gone up at all so she could have her treatment the following day. They had and she bounced up to head for Morro Bay so she could paddle with the dragon boat ladies. 22 on the boat, all but a couple survivors of cancer. How exciting that was to watch. The team competes with other dragon boaters around the state. The following morning, before her chemo, she went to 2 exercise classes and the next morning climbed Cerro Alto before coming to say goodbye at the park. She’s such an inspiration. I think I’ll try a little harder to take a longer walk.
Next I visited S. She has been extremely busy caring for her mother, but she took the time to serve lunch. We had a wonderful time catching up and she always has a little encouraging word or food for thought. I think I’ll try a little harder to eat healthier.
I’ve struggled the past few years about what I should be doing with the rest of my life. I have been trying to figure it all out. P has an independent study program set me on the path to doing a little research and putting together some ideas for field trips and science. I think I’ll try a little harder to work on some plans.
These last 2 days I have spent with a dear friend whom I hadn’t seen in 3 years. We did some catching up, shed a few tears, went to the beach twice and took a walk through the manzanita forest on their property. The kids were amazing--a 3 year old telling me about Toyon berries and a little girl that can make a shelter. I think I’ll try a little harder to teach my little guy a more about nature and to take better care of the environment.
I also met a few more at the park. It was nice they could stop by. I got to hear some terrific kids recite their Bible verses they had memorized. Not just 1 verse, but an entire passage. Nice job C family. I think I’ll try a little harder to memorize a Scripture myself.
Thanks for all the inspiration friends. I hope I can stick with it.