Elizabeth A. Garcia
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California, for Real

12/4/2015

5 Comments

 
I made it to California, no more “California dreaming” for a while. The important thing about arriving here is that I made it to my girls. I was an exhausted, depleted wreck, but when I saw their faces, I knew everything was all right. It seems I made a very long trip to a brand new place in order to come home.  

Right now I’m watching rain and leaves fall with equal abandon. The wind is forceful enough to sway the limbs of the huge trees that surround me. They’re wearing their best colors—gold, yellow, rust, and many different shades of brown. Some show off red berries and some, red leaves. The wind is trying to strip them bare but we’ll see. Many trees hang onto their leaves as if they believe they won’t have the energy to produce more ever again.

Early this morning there were deer grazing in the “yard.” In reality, my girls’ yard is a small spot in a forest with a photogenic view in every direction. I’m talking about forested mountains, giant trees—all sizes and kinds of trees—and a lake. What’s not to like? Even a woman with her heart planted in the desert can’t help but appreciate what this area has to offer. I know a magical place when I see one.

From this large picture window, I usually get a clear view of Lake Berryessa, but today there is fog. Yesterday there were ducks and geese. I’m sure they’re still hanging out, but I can’t prove it. 

For a while, the mountains are shrouded, and then they come into view in a hazy way. As the fog dips and lifts in and out of canyons, I realize how layered these mountains are, like the ones I love in Texas. After a few minutes, all of it disappears for a while.

The scene I'm watching is as purely autumnal as any I’ve ever witnessed: ground a carpet of discarded leaves, showy splashes of color everywhere I look, leaves still dropping, steady rain, fog, a damp chill in the air, and a bright, warm fireplace inside. Some would call this a dreary day, but I see it as absolutely perfect—nature doing its thing with pizzazz. What will it do tomorrow?

That place in me from which all writing flows is filling up again—I feel it. I don’t even know what to call it, but when it’s empty I’m miserable. When it’s full, I’m whole and alive. At last, I feel the urge to write instead of procrastinate. That makes me happy.

And my girls are coming home for lunch.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 Comments
Tommye
12/4/2015 07:22:21 pm

Love reading everything you write, Beth.

Reply
Beth
12/4/2015 08:05:20 pm

Thank you, Tommye.

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Patricia Godfrey
12/4/2015 11:56:22 pm

That was a nice journey into a hopeful world!

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Rani
12/5/2015 10:41:21 am

That was very inspiring ... glad you're filling up - it gives hope to others...

Reply
Vi Dotter link
12/10/2015 11:12:28 pm

Absolutely heartwarming. That love you came home to has colored your world, your view so. The heart and mind has such a powerful connection and no wonder as one fills with such warm wonder that the other is also inspired. Love it. Such a great share. I have been to "beautiful" places before, but they have all faded away now that my little ones have entered my world, altering my view of everything forevermore, too!

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