Now is the Time

Now is the time to know

That all that you do is sacred.

Now, why not consider a

Lasting truce with yourself and God.

Now is the time to understand

That all your ideas of right and wrong

Were just a child's training wheels

To be laid aside

When you can finally live

With veracity

And love.

Now is the time for you to deeply 

Compute the impossibility

That there is anything

But grace.

Now is the season to know

That everything you do

Is sacred.

-Hafiz

From "The Gift" translations by Daniel Ladinsky

Snowy Plover Habitat

It was Snowy Plover all over! Signs, signs, everywhere were signs. Stop signs blocking out the scenery, crowding my mind, they hung at predictable intervals along the winding wooden dune path. Securely partitioned, parts of the dunes are closed between March and October with metal link fences creating a California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover sacred bird sanctuary. A no trespassing area where these endangered birds are given a second chance to nest in the sand and repopulate. The Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area is expertly managed by California State Parks and together with adjacent Guadalupe–Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, this protected area forms the most intact coastal dune ecosystem on the entire West Coast. We are lucky because we can still enjoy hiking along this amazing riparian corridor to the Pacific Ocean. Wild flowers, native scrubs and trees grow in abundance along the path offering a nurturing habitat for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians...So keep your eyes open! An interesting fact for film buffs...The Preserve was also the location used in the 1923 film, "The Ten Commandments" by Cecil B. DeMille.

Visit the Guadalupe Dunes Center

Learn More: Watch a Video about the Western Snowy Plover

Moonstone Beach

I walked in a zigzag pattern along the waters edge, sand between my toes, eyes searching for moonstones. A semi translucent, polished white rock that once littered the shore and gave it the appropriate moniker, Moonstone Beach. Located near the quaint seaside town of Cambria, this unspoiled coastline offered the nature lover in me a picturesque marine environment. Armed with sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat, strolling leisurely along the edge of the pelagic realm I soon discovered a tiny yet sturdily built beach bungalow. Seeing it unoccupied, I decided to take a closer look inside this intricately crafted driftwood dwelling. A makeshift marvel, this well balanced shelter was intended to offer inhabitants relief from the blazing Summer sun. Landscaped with shells, shore birds, and seaweed, this was a beach bums dream come true and I found it to be the perfect seaside play house, if only for one afternoon.

Moonstone Beach in Cambria, California

One Scoop of Motor Oil

I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream!!! Motor Oil, Rooster Tracks, Sour Green Apple Sorbet, Cherry Pie, Caramel X-plosion, Merlot Raspberry Truffle, Lemon Chiffon, Elvis Special, Mint Fudge Oreo, and Cinnamon Candy Hearts. These are a few of my favorite flavors scooped up by Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab, a unique ice cream shop with three California locations in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo and Orcutt. Doc B's is a Disney-esque frozen food eating experience for the child in all of us. This simply scrumptious sweet shop may create the silliest flavors of ice cream on earth. Melted molded sprinkle ice cream walls offset by glowing ultraviolet catawampus shelves compete with a mad scientist theme while a miniature toy train runs circles around customers, decor befitting Willy Wonka on a sugar binge. Feeling down? Treat yourself to this gooey wonderland... It's just what the Doc ordered!

Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab

The Music Academy of the West

The Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara has been the training ground for many fine classical musicians. Generously supported by the local art community only a few gifted students are chosen to participate in a series of Summer Master Classes led by Marilyn Horne. Ranked among the best, this world renowned program prepares young vocal and orchestra talent for an international career in music. 

This is great news for me!!! I no longer need to travel to a major metropolitan city to hear quality musicians do what they love. And watching opera has never been easier with the NY Met HD live streaming performances in Hahn Hall featuring some of the worlds most accomplished divas.

Opera is full of drama and the tales told are fiery with unrequited love, betrayal, tragedy, and revenge. Now add a big budget, lavish costumes and beautiful set design, and you have a true musical masterpiece that would rival any Academy Award winning film. Today, projected translations makes singing in the original language more practical so one doesn't need to speak Italian to appreciate opera. Generally most operas are sung in Italian, but one can also hear French, German, and English scores. Female operatic roles fall under three major vocal categories: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, and Contralto. While the gents roles require voices of Tenor, Baritone, and Bass range. Operas are broken down into three spell binding acts that can last four hours or more. Ultimately the orchestra reaches the final crescendo where operatic drama is resolved and the prima donna ignites the stage in a flurry of coloratura. Jubilant the audience cries... Bravo!!!

TOP TEN OPERAS
The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart
Don Giovanni by Mozart
The Barber of Seville by Rossini
Rigoletto by Verdi
La Traviata by Verdi
Die Walkure by Wagner
Aida by Verdi
Carmen by Bizet

La Boheme by Puccini

Madame Butterfly by Puccini

Music Academy of the West Calendar of Events

http://www.musicacademy.org/

Don't miss this event...!!!

Best Montecito Rummage Sale

May Madness, the 40th annual treasure and estate sale benefiting the Music Academy of the West’s full-scholarship program, will take place this year from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, May 7, 2016 on the Music Academy campus, located at 1070 Fairway Road in Santa Barbara.

May Madness

http://www.musicacademy.org/shop-and-rentals/may-madness/

Morro Rock

Mariner Park

The air was moist and the ocean calm with sea otters drifting leisurely atop briny waves. Boats safely anchored floated serenely on liquid resembling crystal blue glass. Morro Rock sits solid and Buddha-like in this safe harbor. Long ago its seaward side was dynamite blasted to make the breakwater. Morro Rock was named by explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo during his 16th Century voyage and the first glimpse will take your breath away. Wow!!! That is one massive ROCK!! Drive closer and you will get a true idea of the scale of Morro Rock, the last in a chain of extinct volcanoes, covering 50 acres at its base and towering 576 feet above the entrance to Morro Bay. See those little specs at the rock's base? Those are tourists campers and cars allowed to park, hike, and surf up close. Strong winds often make the beach area perfect for windsurfing and kite flying enthusiasts. Morro Bay's charming Embarcadero has many fine restaurants and shops with a mariner theme. For excellent fish and chips I recommend Giovanni's Fish Market with its casual outdoor atmosphere and view of the rock. And don't miss the Shell Shop, my personal favorite still drawing crowds after 61 years in business. If you love earthy succulent plants and elegant garden statuary the Garden Gallery is the shop for you. Wherever you wander you will find friendly fishermen and easy going locals who have time to chat in this cozy seaside paradise.

Morro Bay California the Home of Morro Rock

Day Dream Inside Tree

Crawling inside this monumental sycamore tree was a gift of immeasurable stillness. Just my size, its interior became my playhouse and offered a peaceful diversion from civilization. The sturdy hardwood trunk is now charred and blackened with ash from a fire set long ago. Hard to imagine, this ancient 40ft tall relic was once a vibrant sapling tree. Planted over 100 years ago along the canyon creek it was helpful in slowing soil erosion and provided a shady home to birds, squirrels and rabbits. Beautiful in its final stage of decomposition the tree stands as an ancient guidepost to a secret waterfall. Huge boulders of blue green serpentine rock provide the falls stunning backdrop. Energetically flowing with liquid emotion a cool creek runs lively after the El Niño rains. Today Mother Earth seems reborn and refreshed after many years of severe California drought. Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve is just off the 101 freeway in San Luis Obispo County. And the best thing is... Every time I hike this trail I find something new to explore. Every moment is the last moment. Its freshness is why it's wonderful. Its fleeting nature is why it's precious.

SanLuisObispoVacations.com

A Conservation Plan for Reservoir Canyon

A Dream of Trees

by Mary Oliver

There is a thing in me that dreamed of trees,

A quiet house, some green and modest acres

A little way from every troubling town,

A little way from factories, schools, laments.

I would have time, I thought, and time to spare,

With only streams and birds for company.

To build out of my life a few wild stanzas.

And then it came to me, that so was death,

A little way away from everywhere.

There is a thing in me still dreams of trees,

But let it go. Homesick for moderation,

Half the world’s artists shrink or fall away.

If any find solution, let him tell it.

Meanwhile I bend my heart toward lamentation

Where, as the times implore our true involvement,

The blades of every crisis point the way.

I would it were not so, but so it is.

Who ever made music of a mild day?

When the Levee Breaks

Santa Maria Riverbed - Dry as a Bone

Mr El Niño
Hopefully you will arrive as predicted and fill this riverbed with water. Precious water. Much needed water. As much of a hoped for event, the perils remain to be seen. Can this levee and sandstone cliffs hold the expected deluge? Or will the levee break?

In January 1969 this humble riverbed in Santa Maria, CA was brimming over with water. Breached by a magnificent 100-year storm who's downfall lasted 10 days straight. One for the records books. Soon water was overflowing and threatening to expand its containment area. Mud and debris flowed bank to bank. Farm lands so desperately in need of rain were flooded and crops destroyed. Nearby houses normally high and dry were flooded. Families and businesses were displaced and daily life disrupted. The seasonal cleanup was huge and county resources were stretched to capacity.

Recent draft maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency showed that much of Santa Maria, including 20,000 parcels and 17,000 structures, would be designated as in the flood plain, triggering a flood-insurance requirement for many property owners. Fortunately mistakes were learned and infrastructure improved in a critical 2009 federal/Santa Barbara County project that rehabilitated approximately 6.3 miles of the 50-year-old structure. Five years and $47 million dollars later the old bridge that crosses the river has been retrofitted and the levee re-engineered. Now it stands ready to take on this Winter's expected heavy rain storm. Assuredly, one day, Mother Nature will test this levees structural ability to hold back water. So come on...My sandbags are ready. I dare you Mr El Niño! Give me all you've got! Let's end this drought!

Slide Show Santa Maria Levee History

Santa Maria River Levee Trail

Rocky Nook Park

Mosaic Reptiles Turn 20

Just when you think the day is over and you've seen all there is to see in town, suddenly you spy Ethel. A six foot long, brightly colored, red mosaic alligator lizard staring back at you from the banks of Santa Barbara's Mission Creek. She's nestled in-between the natural river rocks giving you a wink and a whimsical grin. Upon closer inspection you notice more toothy creatures just past the footbridge at Rocky Nook Park. Shocking at first, a second blue tiled reptile named Harry comes into view. These beautifully crafted mosaic sculptures are the work of Dan Chrynko, a unique local artist known for his intricately embellished boulders. Perfect for climbing, children of all ages will adore exploring these fanciful tile works of art. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a day hike amidst ancient oaks and sycamores in soothing natural surroundings. This is what happy memories are made of.

Creek Lizard at Rocky Nook Park

Visit Rocky Nook Park

Jocko's Nipomo

Historic Jocko's! Some would say the best steak house on the California coast. A restaurant with years of staying power and a permanent line out the door. This is a prime meeting place for the carnivore foodies. Where fellows bond over the perfect oak coal open pit seasoned beef. They exchange shouts of glee as the first perfectly cooked morsel is consumed. A cherished family pinto bean recipe and golden garlic toast will accompany your baked potato, salad, relish tray and steak. And yes, complimentary ice cream and coffee are offered for dessert. If you don't already have dinner reservations, plan on waiting until 8:45pm for seating. Don't be scared away by the restaurant's cinder block exterior. This is definitely the eating place to visit any time you are in the Nipomo area. For early risers a hearty breakfast of ham steak and eggs is popular and at lunchtime the Jocko burger is a local favorite. Afterwards take out bags are graciously given to weary chewers who leave content having eaten their fill of succulent aged steak. A down home western setting with lots of local dim lit bar flavor and savory open pit custom meat cuts. The perfect place for birthday's or retirement parties this local legend is a "must eat here before you die" restaurant destination. So why don't you "Come in an monkey round" sometime.

Call for Reservations (805) 929-3565

The History of Jocko's

I Love My Prius!

H Y B R I D 

H A I K U 

Zoom past gas pumps smile
More money in my pocket
I drive a Prius
 - Andra

Toyota Dream Car Art Contest

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

Like prize fighters from the gloomy depths these elephant seals lumber onto the shore and drop in a heap as spectators silently do a countdown. Fleshy globules weighing in at over 2,000lbs these marine mammals have a face only a mother could love. Slow moving blobs of blubber cluster together and lazily dream of salty sea mermaids and swaying palms. Inertly waiting until the next meal, they flip ping pong sized flipper full's of sand onto their neighbors back. Sunbathing and frequent rough housing give onlookers a chance to document the rituals with cameras and videos. During mating season you can hear their loud threats and grunting retorts to other males. You can almost hear one seal bark to the other, "Hey meathead stop throwing that sand around and hitting on my female or else!" Bloody sores and gashes from bites makes this a real street fighting lesson for the kiddies. Colorful kiosks educate while a wooden boardwalk allows viewers of all ages the chance for a closer look. This coastline is subject to high winds, harsh sun and cold so don't forget your windbreaker, sunscreen and visor. Plenty of parking makes this Highway 1 coastal treasure, just north of San Simeon, a must see main event. Showtimes are....

January

Female elephant seals continue to arrive on the shoreline. 

Peak of births usually are the last half of the month.

February

Elephant seal births continue. 

The peak of mating is around Valentine's Day. 

More females leave.

March

Last adult elephant seals leave.

April

Female and juvenile elephant seals return to molt.

May

Female and juvenile elephant seals molt.

June

Sub-adult male elephant seal return to molt.

July

Sub-adult and adult males molt.

August

Last adult elephant seals molt.

September

Young-of-the-year and juvenile elephant seals haul out to rest.

October

Young-of-the-year and juvenile elephant seals haul out to rest.

November

Sub-adult elephant seal males haul out. 

Mature males begin arriving at the end of the month.

December

Elephant seal bulls continue to return. 

Females arrive. 

The first birth is usually mid-month.

Get Involved: Friends of the Elephant Seal

Oso Flaco Lake

Skinny Bear is the translated name for Oso Flaco Lake in southern San Luis Obispo County. Today a nicely built wooden boardwalk over the sand dunes to the Pacific Ocean allows hikers, strollers and wheelchairs quick access. All sorts of fine feathered friends are easily seen by bird watching enthusiast. Docent led tours and educational exhibits can be arranged at the non-profit Guadalupe Dunes Center. Beautiful to look at the enormous waves often result in strong riptides so exercise caution. Surf fishing is the big draw at this State Park and the entrance fee of $5.00 per carload helps maintain this natural wonder. Parking tickets are given out often by the ranger so do pay at the kiosk before you start the nature walk. Posted signs say: no dogs, no bicycles, no horses and no camping allowed and these rules are strictly enforced. Dune buggies and four wheel drive autos have a separate designated entrance called Oceano State Vehicular Recreational Area to the north at the end of Grand Ave. in Grover Beach.

Learn More About the Dunes and Estuary

Read an inspiring novel set in the Oso Flaco Dunes.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Like graceful ballerinas ruffling their tutus these jellyfish put on a show. Living happily in a rotundas tank at the Monterey Bay Aquarium they capture the attention of both young and old. Viewers gaze with gaping mouths and delightfully squeal as the jellies open and close, slowly they float up and down in a natural syncopated rhythm. Perfectly choreographed to natures silent symphony translucent forms dance endlessly. A must see for anyone visiting California, this world class aquarium offers an entire days worth of marine life observing. Watch as divers feed albacore, sunfish, and sharks; while knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to offer scientific answers to your marine biology questions. Amateur photographers are sure to come away with exceptional National Geographic-esk snapshots and videos of sea life. Set in the historic seaside town of Monterey, this coastal wonder will quickly become one of your favorites places to revisit.

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Cave Landing

Cave Landing near Pirates Cove

Cave Landing is a natural rock pier which forms the perfect scenic divide between Avila Beach and Shell Beach. Jutting 150 feet out into San Luis Obispo Bay this cavernous arched tunnel was once used by trading ships as a warehouse and loading dock. Along this rugged coastline many small wind-swept coves and caves offer beach goers a uniquely framed view of the crystal azure bay. Small, serene, and hidden by cliffs, the adjacent clothing optional beach of Pirates Cove offers a private blue lagoon feel. Bring your Frisbee, volleyball or floatation device and join the fun. Don't forget the sunscreen! An easy hike to all sites from the dirt parking lot you won't believe how close this is to the 101 freeway. Hungry? The pristine seaside town of Avila offers convenient food and lodging nearby.

Charles Schulz Museum

Emblazoned on lunch pails, school notebooks, and T-shirts, the Peanuts gang of comic characters was my favorite as a child! Even today the sight of a Snoopy or Woodstock emblem makes me nostalgic for days gone bye when life was simpler and the biggest crises one faced was which home room teacher you were assigned for the year, the nice one or the old wicked witch one. It was a welcomed Sunday tradition to be the first among my family to read the funny paper comics with the Peanuts strip being at the top of the newspaper header in full color! Charlie Brown always had a way of being the ragged underdog, while Lucy became the know-it-all group psychiatrist, Schroeder a talented piano protégé and Snoopy the coolest dog, made for light hearted reading with a deep moral lesson. A recent trip to the Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA reminded me what a great talent he was drawing and writing my generations collective world view in a profound yet childlike way. You can do it!..... Never give up....! Became familiar advise the characters gave to their imaginary life problems. Over Peanuts fifty-year history, some 65 characters later, the creative genius of Schulz tackled many childhood issues with amazing insight: school bulling, summer camp, loneliness, sibling rivalry, faith, hope, heartbreak, and love.

Visit the Charles Schulz Museum

Huntington Library Art Collections & Botanical Gardens

I'm in heaven when I can walk for miles and not see a blade of grass out of place. Aphids on roses not a chance here. Nary a dry crumpled leaf or slimy snail trail on site. Seriously this is almost heaven on earth with a reputation for being the prefect first date destination. Stone fountains, marble statuary, koi ponds and bridges beckon so bring your camera and plan on spending most of the day. I like to start my wanderings in the desert cactus garden and meander towards the main art buildings as the day slips into night. No need to rush because you'll be back another day soon and this time swinging a big picnic basket.

Huntington Library & Gardens

Avila Valley Barn

It's a fruit stand. No, it's a farm. No, it's a petting zoo. Really,... it's a gold mine! The Avila Valley Barn is all these things and more. What began in 1985 as a simple home grown veggie stand has blossomed into the funnest kid pleasing place around. Barns filled with yummy eats: BBQ corn, homemade fudge, sandwiches, pies, ice cream and lots and lots of pickled, fresh and canned veggie concoctions. Things your grandma used to love to make! Grab a bag of animal food and feed the baby goats, calfs, donkeys, or llamas. Ok, raise your hands, I mean hooves, if you're up for some spumoni ice cream!

Avila Valley Barn

Ragged Point

Snaky curves line up for us to maneuver like reptiles in the sun. Don't blink on this drive or you'll be pushing up daisy's. Posted twenty mile per hour signs keep us riding the brakes, eyes super glued to the road. We breath a sigh of relief as we rounded the last set of switch backs. It wasn't until we got down to the Ragged Point Inn rest stop and eatery that we really saw the view. Amazingly shear cliffs meet pacific ocean waves in an unforgiving manner. Sculpted cypress trees and sage chaparral are the only things keeping the red soil in place. Breathtakingly beautiful this section of the Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1) is considered by many to be the finest scenic drive in the world, boasting the name Big Sur.

Big Sur California

Elfin Forest

We loved hugging these 500 year old pygmy oaks for some Mother Earth comfort. All around us Spanish moss hung like furry chandeliers. Lime green luminescent lichens lit the forest floor and Chumash voices whispered from times past. Looking north from the 90 acre forest refuge we could see the estuary and Morro Bay State Park. A breezy boardwalk loop along the salt marsh made for pleasurable trekking and clam shell middens gave us archaeological dreams. We could almost smell the campfires from native settlements long ago; a paradise they must also have appreciated. With promises to visit again soon we called it a great 28th Birthday!

Visit the El Moro Elfin Forest