Necessary Pauses

Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy. – Guillaume Apollinaire

A whole summer has gone by. A summer of adventure, new experiences, ups and downs. A summer much like the spring and winter and autumn before it.

Except I haven’t blogged as much in this season as I did in all the others.

After moving across the country and getting comfortable in my new home, I found that I enjoyed disconnecting a bit. It’s been nice to just explore and soak up my new surroundings. Take pictures here and there, but not always rush to post them. Think things and feel things, but not always find a way to put them into words.

Of course, those are all things that I love doing – which is why I’ve kept a blog. This summer, however, it was necessary for me to push pause on these Notes and just focus on each day for myself. What I found is that while life will always throw you challenges, it’s a great comfort to take a break from your pursuit and just be present.

Be present so you see a sunset like never before. Be present so you hear every wave crash. Be present so you feel the wind on your back as you bike ride through town.

Even in small doses, these necessary pauses help keep the happy thoughts flowing.

As a new season approaches, and as I sit here typing away, I am reminded that today marks one year since I started my blog. Even with this recent pause, it’s still something that I enjoy and hope to continue. The adventure is ongoing so we shall see what comes next.

In the meantime, here are a few shots from my first summer living in California:

July

Venice Beach sunset.

Beach reading.

August

My lovely sister flew out from New York! This is us having lunch in Beverly Hills at Il Pastaio.

Then, we visited Santa Monica Pier.

A few days later, we witnessed awesome waves at The Wedge in Newport Beach.

We spent her last night in Laguna Beach.

And had the best meal ever! (Dinner was at Watermarc in Laguna.) I’m so happy she was able to visit.

Later on in August…another sunset, this one in at The Deck in Laguna Beach.

Last weekend in August – at the beach with my roommates.

September

Jumping off boats!

It was a great summer. Hope you all enjoyed, too.