Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, California

The name of this area gives you a clue to what you are about to see; it truly is a pleasure point. It was another absolutely beautiful day and I spent time walking, meditating, and admiring. The surf was low so there wasn't a lot of surfing, though I took a few pics.



This type of setting makes me feel so relaxed. I can just sit and relax and breath. How about you?


Ah! The sound of the waves hitting the beach, is music to my ears.


The cliffs are steep, so there are several stairways that the surfers use to get to the beach. I liked the way the shadows made a cool pattern.


Pelicans! This is for my friend who loves them.


This particular beach had a few dedications to former surfers who loved this beach and had passed on, not necessarily surfing. This one was so inventive and unique, I had to take a picture.


I think this is a quintessential California coast picture: rocks, evergreens, crashing waves, wispy clouds, and beautiful sunshine.


Does it want to make you visit? I feel like staying forever. I always feel at home near the beach. Maybe I can find a little cottage.

I hope everyone is doing well. I haven't been able to keep up with everyone's site, but I hope to catch up soon.

Have a wonderful day!

I'm still in Santa Cruz, California. I decided to stay longer. I think this vacation is therapeutic and just what I need to healing and recovery.

If you ever decide to visit this lovely town, you must eat at a quaint and delicious cafe. It's called Cafe Delmarette. The cafe is adorable and the food is wonderful. It's located on Pacific Avenue, the main downtown strip, right next to the Del Mar Theater.

The decor includes little stained glass pieces, beautiful flowers, vintage lighting, and real wood furniture. It's just adorable!!

The owner puts fresh flowers all around the cafe. You feel the love put into every detail.

The menu is simple and fresh. There a some staples, but you can always count on something special. Today it was was mini cupcakes. Yummy!


The flowers are gorgeous! They give life to the table.

I especially love the caprese sandwich! It's fresh and delicious!

Even the tea looks special. I love the name, "The Art of Tea".

The coffee is brewed locally and it's just perfect.

If you love iced coffee, you must try the "toddy". It a full bodied and delicious. The ice is made with coffee, so when the ice melts, it doesn't dilute the coffee. Brilliant!!



I hope the pictures persuade you to try this lovely cafe. You won't be disappointed.

These pictures didn't turn out as good as I hoped, but I plan on taking more. Hopefully, they turn out better. I'm still on my solo therapeutic vacation and hope to stay for another couple of weeks. I'm enjoying myself and finding new places to explore.

I went home to visit my sister and pick up some of my art supplies. I hope to do some plein air painting...painting on location. It scares me a little, but I want to try.

Isn't it funny how the water is so clear and the surfer is blurry? I'll have to experiment with the camera settings to get a clearer image.


I love the way the water is displaced by the surfboard. I wish I knew how to surf...it looks so exciting and meditative at the same time.


This guy knew what he was doing. This is the only pic that turned out decently.


A huge part of surfing is waiting for the perfect wave. It's a great time to think and meditate. I don't know why the other guy is using the surfboard like a canoe. Does anyone know?



This is how they get to ocean. The hardest part is keeping the surfboard safe, while maneuvering your body on the rocks. The surfers don't seem to have any trouble.

I hope everyone is doing well. Have a great day!!

Santa Cruz East Harbor

I don't think I mentioned that I'm on a solo therapeutic vacation in Santa Cruz, California. I'm the kind of person who needs alone time to think and heal. I have a hard time focusing on myself, when I'm around other people. I can't seem to stop myself from thinking about them and putting their concerns above mine. It's not necessarily a bad trait, I just have to learn to balance, so I don't burn out.

On the recommendation of an old friend, I went to the harbor and took pictures. I had fun with the editing process and some of them look more like paintings? Do you have a favorite?

Click on photo for larger version!!

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I hope everyone is doing well! Have a fantastic day!!

If a picture is a thousand words...

Today my heart is broken. My spirit wavers and things seem a little dark. Everything I see seems a little sad...even when they are beautiful. Yet I have learned that despite all the sadness and tragedies...I'm a lot stronger than I believe. No matter the fear of being hurt, the angst of worries, and the circumstances impossible...I still choose to do what I believe is right or what I really want. I would rather try and fail, than to never try and regret. I haven't always been that way, but I have learned that I hate regret more than failure.

So today I offer more pictures and less words. May it bring you some joy today.