Went for a walk in the pouring rain first thing in the morning well, actually second thing, first thing I sat up in the living room with a fire and the Christmas tree lights on and journal and meditated, and tried to figure out the Wordle. It was very challenging today!
Later I treated myself to a Philz Coffee (saw a guy dressed up in what I would term a ‘California’ Santa Suit – Santa shorts and a Santa hat) and spent time thinking about what I wanted my New Year to be like. I’m trying to do something a little different from just reflecting back on the past year and thinking about what I want for the new year. I want it to be a time for contemplation but also energizing. I read an article that talked about spending some time on New Year’s Eve cleaning things up, sorting through things you’ve been meaning to do. I think if I set a timeframe of maybe 1 to 2 hours and get as much done as I could then that would be good, like getting rid of things that are holding me back. So I think that’s going to be part of my New Year’s Eve ritual. I’m also going to go for a hike – maybe a hike on both New Years Eve and New Year’s Day. I’m thinking about going out to Pt Reyes and doing the Drake’s Estero hike. It’s a spot I have not been to and would like to check out. It sounds like it’s not a busy place either so even better. If I was living on my own, I would probably stay at the campground that night. I could still do that, though I do feel a little guilty leaving Mom, knowing that I’m probably going to be gone for most of February, and I have been spending half my time at Emmy‘s house. So I’m not sure.
I did the grocery shopping for our Christmas Day food – Safeway was a very, very busy place, but luckily I was able to find everything I needed and get in and out relatively quickly. Stopped by CVS to pick up some photos and then Walgreens and found a 2025 planner that I can use for my yearly reverse planner. It was a good price and has enough room to accommodate a lot of photos. After I got home, I wrapped a few presents, then got out for a walk where I found my omen for the day!
On my walk, I saw lots of water flowing. It always goes to the lowest spot without any effort. It just travels and gains strength that way. Also saw how the water is making everything lush, so maybe that’s an omen for a lush New Year where I go with the flow and gain my gain my strength that way, by just doing what’s natural for me, following the path that opens up and give nourishment to everything along my way, like life-giving water.
Later Javi and Chrissy came over, he was dressed for the holiday. We went to the Our Lady of Mt Carmel Christmas mass which included the pageant with lots of squirming shepherds.
April 24 memories – Visiting the Japanese Tea Garden and the SF Botanical Garden – so much in bloom! Walks around Baker Beach. Floral art exhibit at O’Hanlon Center for the Arts. Going to see Sign My Name to Freedom, a play about Betty Reid Soskin with Mom and Christina at Z-Space. Looking after Winston, going to a Taiko drumming performance at Zellerbach. Volunteering at the Ridge to Bridge fundraiser and doing the hike. CCCBA 75th Anniversary Gala, Hiking at Pinnacles with Julie on a beautiful day. Staying in an adorable place in Arcata with Annemarie, exploring and lots of time outdoors by the ocean, loving the decorated fire hydrants. Taking a nature collage painting class with very mixed results. Having lots of time with Annemarie and not having to worry about work was a wonderful treat and something I want to do more of in the future.