Dear My Gorgeous Pretties,

Well, here we are. A new season of life yet again. I’ve crossed over the valley of the shadow of death and immediately landed in the ocean. Oooohh, how I missed the waves crashing against the shore, the sand under my toes, the sun on my face, the smell of salt water up my nostrils. So necessary after 9 months in the desert. I had plans to be there longer, but as we know, we plan and God plans and God is the Best of Planners, and when He says, “Go!” well, you better git to gittin! So I had to get gone and quench my thirst in the ocean. A mermaid gone from her home for far too long.

If you’ve ever driven up the Cali Coast you know there are so many cute little beach towns along the way. I’ve driven up a couple times and took the train down to San Diego once when my nephew was based there. Both directions offer absolutely stunning scenes straight out of a movie, but one of my favorite stops was Pismo Beach, north of Santa Barbara just above Los Padres National Forest. As soon as I left Death Valley I knew I had to go back. I’ve actually never been to Santa Barbara though now that I mention it, so I think I need to add that to my list!

Anywho, Pismo Beach is iconic. The wind carried the salt water on the night breeze a good 10 miles inland as I was approaching and the hair on my arms immediately stood up, recognizing the call of the sea. I was back home. And it felt good to be back. Once a mermaid, always a mermaid.

Though this time we did have to swim upstream to calmer waters.

I got in late so I didn’t hit the beach until the next day, but I did hit my head against that good pillow for some much needed R&R. If 9 months is the perfect amount of time to create & birth an actual human being, then surely it’s long enough to transform our own lives internally, externally, or both. When you are on your path and your growth is obvious and significant to you and those around you, it’s going to make a lot of people uncomfortable, particularly those who benefited from you being small, even if they were with you from day one. But it’s not your responsibility to comfort or conform to their discomfort. You are allowed to grow and outgrow places and people. Those who are meant to walk with you will stay and grow with you, encouraging your evolution, dare I say, even celebrate it. Others will fall off naturally. Growth isn’t always comfortable, but your playing small doesn’t serve the world, SweetHaHts. And it doesn’t serve your Highest Self either. So stand tall, roots firmly planted, and continue your upward trajectory. I demand it!

But back to the beach—

A small, but mighty, beach community of about 10k, Pismo Beach is known for its Pismo Clams, which supported its commercial & recreational fishing industry, and were “harvested by the millions.”

You can still catch guys & gals fishing at the end of the pier.

And what’s a beach without birds? Pismo Pier offers the perfect escape for the birdwatching beach babes.

And if you stare out into the Great Wide Somewhere long enough, something even greater might just crest up from the oceanic depths to blow water at you.

I’ve only seen dolphins personally, but I’m optimistic about my whale watching prospects. Have you seen any whales up close and personal?

*Cloudy with a chance of biker cop patrol.*

*Scuttle showing off as per youzsh. He is pretty tho*

They even had doggie daycare/training while you and the fam bask in the sun

Stop by the Visitor Center at the entrance of the pier for all the to-do & see.

Day 2 took me to pristine Dinosaur Park, a little something for the littles and the adults, sitting atop dramatic cliffs and bluffs overlooking the Pacific. It was truly all the rage. Pics simply do it no justice, but it’s whatcha get.

*Sat perched up here for hours. Could spend the rest of my life.*

And I was a particular fan of the dinosaur playground they had for the little munchkins.

One of the parents looked at me funny for crawling into a shell, but I have decided since I had to be a “mature-for-my-age” child, I shall heretofore live the rest of my adulthood as a grown a$$ kid 😝

The city is planning a redevelopment project, and along with a private citizen, are raising funds to enhance this already breathtaking vista. If you feel so inclined to donate, see more info below.

Be sure to tell them this old dinosaur said so.

*Pictured above from left to right, a sauropod, aka “long-neck,” stands next to a tyrannosaurus, OR, T, rex dinosaur*

Now no vacation is complete without some must dine places from your favorite foodie 🙋🏾‍♀️ Who am I kidding? Vacation or no vacation delicious food is a big part of my life. And sharing is caring so let’s a shine spotlight! Naturally the immediate locale around the Pismo Pier offers a plethora of options for your tastebuds and you fashion icons out there. So many boutiques and bakeries and shops for all your needs, and you know my morning is never complete without a cuppuh if you so please.

But let’s go ahead and get straight to the punch, the Delectable Dining Award of the week goes Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch.

Located just one exit away from the pier, this restaurant is a must dine for those looking for cuisine that’s delicious & top tier.

*Accidentally caught myself in the reflection 🪞*

As soon as you walk in, the rich flavors wafting from the kitchen immediately transport you down south.

And the interior’s ambiance & soundscape makes you feel immersed in the richness of da bayou.

Unfortunately, I found this place as I was leaving so I didn’t get to immerse myself in the fullness of the experience. And because I was running late—hey, I’m just a girl!— I had to get on the road, so I just ordered something quick to go, and SweetHaHt, lemme tell you, it was SO good it was gone before I could even get a pic. Their fried green tomatoes were out of this world!

I shoulda grabbed a double order. I was licking my lips for the next few hours to try to capture a little bit of the deliciousness, but I guess this just gives me a reason to come back and try out their full menu.

Now that the World Cup is over I can finally put my focus back to my first love, F1. It was so exhausting splitting my focus like that for the past month, but ‘twas so much fun watching all the players live out their dreams. I’m so happy for all of you. Truly. But you fellas had me stresssssssssed. I felt like I was in the game. Ugh. Too much, but soooo worth it. I caHn’t tell a lie, part of me is having a bit of withdrawal. And F1 having their summer break after this weekend DOES NOT help! What’s an old gal to do with herself? But club games are just gearing up so I guess I can hold my horses until then. Are you Pretties able to get some good rest & relaxation before your practices begin? I sure hope so! Otherwise, tell your coaches to call me and I will put in a word for you, ok, My Sweets?

The tournament ended with a battle for bronze like no other. While France didn’t take home the trophy, their performance the entire run was top notch. I thought for sure they were taking it to the finals the way every single player stepped up and showed out. I feel sorry for whoever gets in their way in 2030 because they gonna be bringing the heat! My former student’s favorite player Kylian Mmmmbappé, took home the Golden Boot, beating out Messi by one goal. And, for the first time in all of World Cup history, has finished as the top scorer for the last 2 games. How bout a round of applause for my main mayne? 👏 Sidebar, AnyBuddy know if he’s single? Asking for me. Eeoowwww. Also from France, Michael Olise sets the record for the most assists in a single World Cup, and Ousmane Dembélé joins club legend Thierry Henry, with 6 goals. I could go on, but then we’d be here forevuhhhh, but like I said, the entire squad goes crazy, and I’m exciting to watch their individual journeys with club, and their collective journeys for country. That match was truly one for the books. I was driving but popcorn was spilt, ok?!

My 3 Lions took home the bronze beating out France 6-4. They are seriously nothing to mess with as well. Obviously everyone comes to the games with their focus on the gold, but this is England’s highest placing since winning the games in 1960, so it’s nothing to scoff at. Cutie patootie Jude(y) Bellingham set a Lion record with 7 goals in single campaign, just one above team captain, Harry Kane. And country legend (and the guy I take my pointers from, ala “kick em all straight to the curb”), David Beckham received his legacy cap during the tourney. HooRAH! HooRAH! I’m excited to watch all of these gents too. After all, I am half Brit. I know in 2030 they are coming for heads! Oh, and Hey Jude, I think you’re the bees knees.

The final saw Spain & Argentina going toe to toe (and apparently blow for blow at the end, wth? 🤦🏾‍♀️) Argentina clearly was not going down without a fight, but ultimately succumbed to Spanish forces, led by rising young baller, Lamine Yamal. Again, I was on the road but, y’all had me pulling over to watch because the audio was not cutting it. Congratulations to the champs! Well deserved win after showcasing supreme athleticism, prowess, and poise throughout the run of this campaign. Delighted for you all. Your future’s so bright, I gotta where shades… And congratulations again to all the players. I can only imagine what it was like performing at the highest level on the world stage reppin your country like that. Give yourselves a pat on the back. You stole the HaHt of the Queen.

Well, My Gorgeous Pretties, that’s all she wrote this week. If it’s one thing that travel teaches you, it’s to slow down & take in the view while you have it because when it’s gone, you’re just left with the memories. Sometimes that’s good enough. But it’s even better when you know what you have while you have it. Anywho, I’m getting my Anthony Bourdain on and venturing to parts unknown to you. I hope your adventures continue too! Whoever you are, wherever you may be, you could be anywhere in the world, but here you are with me. And I love that for you and I love that for me. Have a beautiful rest of your week. Stay blessed out there, and of course, God speed.

Love always (& besitos!),

She Who Answers the Call of the Wild

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