Going Home

California Street cable car
via A Southerner in San Francisco 

I'm homesick. In the past I would pack up the kids and say "So Long" to my love and hit the road. But the last time I did that my 3rd kiddo was 15 months and we were gone for a whole  month and I came back pooped as last weeks diaper pail. So I haven't done it since. And I guess I'm missing it.

There were a few factors that contributed to this state. And I want to share them with you because they are great.

First was a blog by James A Martin, A Southerner in San Francisco. I really like reading his personal blog and this one touched home. I grew up just minutes from the city and have always thought of San Fran as home. This post about 5 things that can only happen in SF was lots of fun. A great trip down memory lane. I particularly remember trying to drive with my friends to our girlfriends wedding, all done up with a car full of brides maids when we got struck in traffic. Not your run of the mill traffic however as it was the annual Folsom Street Fair. We sat in the throng of the leather queens and got a front row seat to the show. I remember thinking we were going to miss the wedding! We did make it however, and made some fun memories that include backless chaps and lots of chains. 

This brought on so many other memories of growing up so close to the City. The first Earth Day at Chrissy Fields, The Bill Graham Memorial Concert, Shopping in the thrift stores, the commuter train, China town. I could go on. 

Loot store front, Santa Cruz CA

I had a friend post a picture of herself on Facebook that brought another flood back. It was of her on a beach lined with eucalyptus trees. She lives in Santa Cruz. My other favorite city. Memories of the boardwalk as a kid, or the National Beach Volleyball Tournament at the boardwalk as a teen (I was a spectator and enjoyed every minute of it!). Walking the tide pools at Natural Bridges. Again, more memories than I can count. But this friend owns a shop now in SC called Loot and I would love to go see it! She refinishes and sells vintage home furnishings and teaches classes. How I would love to go and learn from her first hand and not through messaging! She also participated in a weekend fair at Yoder's Goat Farm in Los Gatos, close to where my husband grew up and I would have loved to have seen it. 

byrd & vellum photography 

Lastly, another friend started a photo studio, byrd and vellum, and her work is to die for! I want to go have a photo shoot with her SO bad! You can check her out on Facebook here. Can't you just see some great, vintage cowgirl shots but in the city some where!? She is so talented! 

So I guess I have my next road trip all planned out! And now that we have a date for our 20th high school reunion, perhaps it may just happen! Wouldn't that be fun!