I took a giant, running leap out of my comfort zone yesterday: I spontaneously planned an all-by-myself trip to California. Holy crap. Blooming in the dead of winter, I am. This is a big freaking deal for several reasons:
1) I’m a planner.
Before any potential trip, I make lists. I do research. I dream before doing. Not this time.
2) I am tethered to my children.
Since leaving the corporate world, I have rarely been away from my boys. I hated traveling for work and missing precious time at home, so I’ve probably overcompensated these past several years. And now I’m desperately craving some me time.
3) I have never – that’s right, never – traveled on my own for fun.
Vacations have always included friends or family by my side. This time, it’ll just be me and my loudly thumping heart. It both scares me and emboldens me. I know I need this.
California’s been calling my name for a few months. I don’t know why. I never know why I feel drawn towards something or somewhere; I just trust those gravitational pulls. So, I told myself that if a California class or project revealed itself and made my heart skip a beat, I’d strap on my wings and go. None I found felt quite right. Until yesterday – when I saw a tweet from Kelly Rae Roberts about two May sessions announced at Teahouse Studio, an art space in Berkeley I’ve had my eye on, created by these three awesome blossoms.
I could feel my pulse quickening. I started looking at maps and air fares and plotting out a trip that could include meetings in L.A. for projects in the works and then two days of merry-making at Teahouse – with Andrea Scher, Kelly Rae and a small circle of creative spirits. The perfect circle, I’m sure. Within hours of seeing that tweet, I threw caution to the wind and hit “purchase.” And a rush of holy-hell-i’ve-lost-my-mind-and-i’m-so-excited came over me. I love the idea of having a few hours each day of gentle, rejuvenating connection and creation vs. running from class to class at a conference or bunking with dozens of strangers at a retreat. Those can be delightful too, but this feels perfect right now.
My heart races upon the thought of spending days on my own along the California coast, open to whatever comes my way. It beats with fear over the unknown. It beats with courage, pushing me to go anyway. It beats with glee, for following my bliss. It beats with great big love – for myself, for my journey, for recognizing what I need. California, here I come.
Oh Liv . . . SO yes. Y’know what happens with those leaps of faith, right? Wings. (Or pogo sticks. How WILL you be traveling?)
My heart is beating with joy right along with ya. Oh, what a soul-expanding time you’ll have! (It’s already begun here, with your decision.) Can’t wait to hear about all about this.
Oh, Amanda! That made me laugh out loud! Wonder if I could fit a pogo stick inside my luggage…just in case all else fails?
whoo hoooooooooooooo!!!!
good for you my sister …. you are going to so love our sunny state!!
i can only imagine the magic that is Teahouse …. so much yumminess is awaiting you!!!
oxoxoxoxoxoxo
k
I know – I’ve been drooling over it ever since they opened. SO wish I wasn’t flying over you, but driving through your town. I’ll blow kisses from the air…
Congrats Liv! That sounds fantastic. I so get your emotions, too! Good for you for going for it!
Thanks for the support, Lisa!!
Wow…that is cool. I have never done anything like this either…ENJOY!
Good for you! Strangely enough I dreamed about California last night (now mind you this is where we came from so it’s not *that* unusual). In my dream I went to take photographs then decided to stay and go to the Getty Museum. I woke up thinking I need to plan a trip.
Have a great time!
Well, I think you should probably come then! Make the dream come true.
Taking pictures is one of the things drawing me there. To just spend a day photographing w/ others who love it, too…and Andrea as our guide…sounds heavenly.
i’ve never even gone to a movie by myself much less a vacation!! very exciting!! and you will LOVE california…where else can you go skiing and surfing on the same day if you wanted to?!! just slightly way over crowded…but a wonderful place none the less!! have fun!!
Yes, I DO love California! I have been there quite a few times…but it’s been a while since I was there for FUN and not just WORK. Thanks for the love!
I so happy that you decided to just go for it!
All I do is dream, and think that perhaps I
don’t have enough of “whatever” to mingle with the greats.
Thanks, Pat! You ARE one of the greats. We all are!
I hope you make one of those dreams come true one day – you deserve it!
It sound like just the right fit for you! I read somewhere that if you have equal amounts of fear and excitement, it is just the right thing to do. It may have been Michelle Ward that said that and I think she was going to be a part of this. Enjoy!
That’s perfect – and so true! Thanks, Patti!
That sounds so fantastic! I’m so happy for you… I had so much fun imagining hanging out with those fantastic people and take pictures in the sunshine. Thanks for sharing…. can’t wait to hear all about it
Liv, you are an inspiring example! I am so excited for you, and I can’t wait to hear all about your time in Cali!
Good for you Liv! Way to take a leap. I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to hear all about your grand adventures!!
What a fun blog you have. The colors are so vibrant and happy. I would love to go on a trip by myself for fun. Especially to go to an art workshop or such. But like most, I have my family to take care of, money to save for the family vacation, and other obligations. Someday….. Have a great time & let us know how your trip was. California coast is amazing! My favorite place is Santa Barbara.
Yay! I’m so glad you took the plunge and I will get the privilege of meeting you!!! Also, super awesome you listened to the call and jumped outside your comfort zone – that’s a biggie and I have no doubt it will pay off. I can’t wait for May!
Thanks, Jenna! So looking forward to meeting you, too.
Liv this is awsome! I love, love, love California and love SF and love LA. I am just green with envy right now, hehe, thrilled for you though. I can’t wait to read here how it was. And one more thing – I just know, oh, yes I do – how you feel right now. Been there, remember? You will be super proud and content in the end of a trip. Hugs, hugs, hugs
Yes, yes, yes – though you were so brave to go all the way across the ocean, Petra! I’ll keep your courage in mind if I start to lose mine. ;o)
Ditto what Jenna said! So excited to meet you and the others…and I’m right there with you…I haven’t done something for myself like this in ages…and it feels really good
!
Looking forward to meeting in May!
Awesome, Kajal! It’s gonna rock!
OMG Liv!! So excited! I’m going too!!!!! Cannot believe I will get to hang out with Andrea, Kelly and now you!! Awesome! I am ecstatic!
i will see you in class! i am super excited to make the trek from l.a. too! i always want to do stuff but tell myself it’s to much to spend on a trip without the family…this time i knew i had to go…i love kelly rae! i can’t wait….road trip!
Hooray! Janet and DeAnne – So looking forward to seeing you there!