Californication

Living less than two miles from Ocean beach means that I have been going on night rides and runs there. There are few things more calming to me than being outside at night, under the moonlight. And, as the nights are now crisp, I don't have to worry about sweating up a storm from the lack of shape I'm in! Today, however, after having liberally indulged in libations all weekend long, I was seriously devoid of energy and in desperate need of motivation. I dragged my ass on a meandering bike ride along the beach, passing the throngs of tourists, weaving through the walkers and tots teetering on their bikes, dodging the new families proudly, exhaustedly pushing along their newborns, slowing to admire the wetsuited surfer boys, periodically stopping to inhale the beauty of the California coastline on a sunny, near-winter day.

When I am awestruck by nature, a feeling of complete tranquility washes over me, slowing my heartbeat, deepening my breath. I have to force myself to stay in the moment because my mind instantly wonders what the hell I am doing in my life that is more important than being able to appreciate sights like this every single day. I had to snap myself out of that today, but it made me realize that I probably won't go into corporate law like my dad. And it made me appreciate living in California, having so many climates at your command in no more than day's drive. Travelling far and wide is amazing, but so is wondering about right in your own backyard, California dreaming.

Make a 3D collage

I'm not gonna' lie--this kid is a HUGE fan of arts and crafts. But, part of growing up means less time for such fun activities. This goal allowed me to indulge in a more socially age appropriate version of that. I made a 3D collage installation for my wall, as I have no t.v. to stare at. My mum found the idea in a DIY magazine.

The background is made of metal gutter stoppers affixed to the wall with cup hooks. I was like a kid in a candy store wondering the aisles of the hardware store gathering supplies, distracted by all the cool gadgets, wing nut brethren and tools, going so far as to briefly fantasize about how awesome life as a contractor would be, vowing that my future husband must like building things with his hands--undeniably sexy.

The project was quite simple and hanging the gutter stoppers only took about 20 minutes. (It also compromised my complete security deposit, as there are now a series of holes in my wall, but we'll worry about that a year from now...) The more artistic part came in deciding how to arrange the postcards, paper scraps, stamps and magnets on the backdrop in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The piece is "organic" (whatever that means...) and "living," as I am free to add or detract from it at whim. I now want to make a contrasting wooden version on the opposite wall. (Saws and power tools may be involved!) I am even inspired to try my hand at a sculpture of sorts, medium t.b.d. Definitely glad I did this :)

(This picture fails to do adequate justice, but it is merely a simple piece.)