Moments D502: God's Thumbnail

Today was a hot hot day today and the air conditioning in the team room at the drop zone was dead.  The air within its walls were coated with the humid air.  Standing still wasn't still enough to avoid sweating buckets. It was a touch better when I sat outside in the dusty hot wind working on a design for an upcoming competition. (Which reminds me I wonder if my team for Tough Mudder wants to do t-shirts?  Hmmm.  Yes.  I think we must get some!)

As the afternoon came to a close, EQ and I decided to really escape the heat and head to a movie.  Planes was a fun movie and a perfect way to cool off.  Too early for dinner after the movie, we decided to ride into Temecula wine country to watch the sunset.

But the moment of the day that I really want to focus on was when we were riding home.   As we rode, the smells in the air shifted from sweet to earthy and the temperature cooled.   The sky shifted from hot red orange into the perfect purple-blue twilight colour (my favourite).  We rode into the velvety sky and the sliver of a moon and Saturn shone brightly against the twilight sky.  It filled my vision and senses for quite some time. As we continued on the road, I pointed out the beauty of the sky ahead of us.  EQ shared with me that this teeny sliver of a moon is known as "God's Thumbnail".  I hadn't heard it called that before and suddenly the moment was that much more beautiful for I had learned something new and could admire it from a new perspective.  We rode into the beauty for quite some time and I soaked in every moment of it.  The view was very similar to this, though the moon was higher in the sky for us.

Moments enjoying the smells and sights around you.

Moments seeing the beauty from a new perspective.

Moments D501: New Friends

Today was an other day enjoying time with EQ at work.  I met a few more people (like Tony who made me my tasty wrap for lunch).  I love how easy and laid back the world here is.  I find it very interesting to watch the world around me as even a stern conversation ended with a fancy handshake and a sense of positive energy and support.  Brilliant.

As wonderful as today was, with as many moments as I experienced, from reading about raisins as a good food for heart issues (amougnst other things!), to being told I was half the age of my boyfriend (a good laugh as I'm not, but it's flattering to hear!) to riding through Old Temecula.  I have many beautiful moments to choose from today.  I am grateful for them all.

But the moment I really want to share about today is one that unveiled itself much later and connects with me on a much deeper level.  EQ and I had dinner with close friends of his.  We shared finger foods, and three bottles of delightful wines over the course of the evening.  (We started out with a sauvignon blanc from Australia (Adelaide Hills - Lameka, The Lady) followed by a chardonnay from Gary Farrell, Bacigalupi Vineyard which was very buttery and we finished up with on of EQ's favourites, a chardonnay from Frank Family vineyards.)  It was an incredible evening of flowing conversations (from amusing, to sharing life stories, to quite serious), with pretty ambient lighting in the backyard amplifying both the music and the intimate conversations.  I even had fun enjoying the energy of our guests two loving dogs.  It is easy to see why EQ respects and holds such affection for our hosts, they are a wonderfully positive couple.  All of this culminated into my moment of the day.

As our evening came to a close with our gracious hosts, we walked to the door and I felt a tap on my shoulder.  As I turned, I saw our host with a huge smile upon his face and his arms open wide for a big hug.  In that one moment, more pieces of the puzzle fell into place.  A gesture without words that spoke volumes.  What a wonderful feeling it was to be accepted into EQ's circle.  That hug was followed by one from our hostess who also told me she was looking forward to seeing me again on my next trip down.  Of course, I too am looking forward to that reunion as this evening was easy.  It felt typical and natural.  Simply, it fit.

Moments digging deeper with new friends.

Moments looking forward to digging even deeper.

Moments D500: Shared stories

Today was a brilliant day.  It was laid back, relaxed day without much focus.  I don't have many days like that and I was happy to go with the flow.  I met a couple important to EQ's circle and before I knew it the day had turned into evening and we were off to dinner.

We were expecting another to join the four of us that was a no show but I don't think we suffered a loss in the end.  Sometimes less is more and in this case the dynamic was more intimate between the four of us.  The stories shared in this more intimate setting were ones that in a larger group would have been saved for another day.

The energy of sharing must have been thick in the air as our server for the evening, Alfonso, was also quick to share some of his stories with us.  Upon arrival, he and EQ caught up with the typical pleasantries of friends having not seen one another for some time.  As we waited for the rest of our (no show) party, Alfonso shared some of his recent hardships with us, to which we promised that we would help bring him some smiles and laughter while we were sitting at his table.

As a side bar to today's moment - dinner was delicious!  The four of us luxuriated over it and while the couple we were with took their leftovers home with them, I was a total piggie - I ate it all.    Okay - that's not entirely true.  There was (barely) some rice and beans left on my plate, but I ate 95% of my very large dinner.  It was too damn tasty to not enjoy right then and there.  Good thing I hadn't had much to eat earlier in the day!  It was delightful! ~end side bar.

As dinner came to a close, Alfonso paused after clearing our table and sat with us.  He shared a story about how he and a couple of friends had recently found themselves in a charged up situation where fists were flying.  He explained how he felt about that, what he was hoping to do to rectify the situation and suggested that additional violence might be best.  EQ & I were of the mindset to gently remind Alfonso that leaving well enough alone is sometimes the best course of action.

After 10 minutes or so, Alfonso took his leave and the four of us were looking quizzically at one another.  What had just happened?  Why had it happened?  Questions that will never be answered, however, what was obvious was that Alfonso needed to talk and share his frustrations.  Apparently our table was a safe outlet for that.  I was more than happy to share my energy with Alfonso and help him find some peace in the day.  In the end, while a bit strange, it was also kinda cool that he shared with us.

Moments sharing intimate stories.

Moments inspiring others to do the same.  (even if accidentally!)

Moments D499: Sunsets and Synchronicity

Today was a pretty incredible day.  First, I met a lot of new people and was welcomed into a whole new world. And then EQ & I tried to escape the 105F temperature by hopping on his bike and heading over the mountains to the ocean.

We failed.

It was just as hot there!  After walking through a small farmer's market, we stopped for a horchata as I had  never had one before.  We paused for awhile to enjoy our horchata at a shaded table.  It was absolutely delightful and a great way to spend watching the sun get lower in the sky.

Around 4pm we made our way to the beach near Dana Point.  There I played in the waves for a bit and then EQ and I  lay on the beach with our backs to the sun.  There we chatted about life, love and what's to come. A beautiful moment in its own right.  But as the sun set and we began to hunger for some dinner, EQ reached out to a dear friend of his that lives in the area.  This is where it gets really good.

We headed our way to the area's well known (it's been in business since 1939!) cafe for dinner.  Harbor House Cafe.  Just as we arrived to the restaurant, EQ sent a text to his friend.  Within seconds he had a response:  "See you in 10 minutes."  Smiles all around.  Talk about great timing!  Not only having connected, but for his friend to have the time to meet up with us for dinner!

Within 5 minutes, one of his dearest friends walked in the door and sat with us and introductions were made.  Shortly into our conversation, we found out that EQ had been invited to a house warming party for his friend and his girlfriend`s new home this coming weekend.  This was news to EQ, even though the invitation had been sent over a month ago!  Done.  We were going.  No doubt about it!

Talk about synchronicity!  Had we not met up with his friend, we never would have known about the house warming party.  AMAZING!  A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!

Twenty minutes later, the girlfriend joined us, dinner and more laughter ensued.  It was such a wonderful evening.  Watching the sunset with the man I love, then meeting one of his dearest friends (and his girlfriend) and knowing that all of this culminated in not missing out on an important milestone between friends (the house warming).  Incredible how things just fall into place sometimes!

Moments enjoying a sunset.

Moments meeting new friends and finding synchronicity!

Moments D498: Riding in the dark

Today was a travel day.  A day to say goodbye to Milwaukee, I found myself wishing we had more time to explore the pretty city of Milwaukee!  With only a brief tour of Milwaukee, but it looks quite beautiful.

What I look forward to?  Is seeing Milwaukee nights:

Today was also a day to say hello to California! Our travels from Milwaukee to California were thankfully uneventful and we managed to sit beside one another on both flights.  (A big bonus since we weren't sure that would happen!)

After a couple of movies, we found ourselves at the John Wayne airport in Santa Ana and we were packing the trailer on EQ's bike.  Now, for a gal that's only been on the back of a bike twice before, and for very short rides, this was a new adventure in its own right and its the moment I share with you today.

Within a few minutes we were on our way to EQ's home.  I've never been on a bike at night.  It was quite interesting.  The lights, the smells, the mini changes in the temperature of the air enveloping us.  Incredible. The one moment that really sticks with me is as we were heading to the highway home.  As we entered the on ramp there was a flock of birds (late to rest for the day) that flew above us.  It was incredible to see it all out in the open and watch them on their path without a roof above me as we sped past.

After 50-60 minutes of riding, I was feeling a lot more confident on the back of the bike.  Good thing considering we'll be travelling up the coast in a few days!

Moments enjoying a new experience.

Moments pausing on the back of a powerful bike to enjoy the softness of nature around me.

Moments D497: Lemonade anyone?

As we were driving to the Milwaukee Skydive Centre this morning we happened across a cute lemonade stand at the end of a driveway.   We blew right past it, after all it we were on a country highway.   And then, in a blink of an eye, EQ hit the breaks and threw the car into reverse.  I was a whole lot surprised at the action and very, VERY happy that he did so.  And yes, fortunately there weren't any other cars on the road this time of the day!

And so, we met Andy and his lemonade stand:

As we parked, I put the window down and asked him if he would deliver.  Poor Andy looked a bit perplexed and said no!  When I explained that I was only looking for him to make his way from his table to the car he brightened and said, with an enthusiastic nod, "...yes, yes.  Just one?"    When I asked for two he brightened a little more.

He walked over his two lemonades and proudly handed them over to me.  We gave him a $5 bill and told him to keep the change for the delivery.  With a wink, we sped off again.

It was just one of those fun, silly feel good moments to bring a smile to a entrepreneurial boy.  It was a lovely reminder of my childhood when my brother and I would do silly things together.  I remember our Kool-Aid stands!  What fun we had!  Sharing a smile and walking down memory lane was a great way to start our day.  

Moments stopping to appreciate the little things.

Moments bringing a smile to a child.

Moments D496: Storm clouds rolling in

Today has been a fun day watching EQ in his element.   Meanwhile I spent most of the day soaking in the sun . 

But the moment I want to share with you today is when I was all alone watching the storm clouds roll in.  It was a beautiful quiet,  introspective moment.   As the pretty white fluffy clouds moved out, the dark rain heavy clouds moved in.   

It took about 30 minutes for the sky to darken completely.  And then she unleashed.   It poured!   

As others ran for cover, I made my way to a chair under an extended roof.  It didn't save me from the wind rain when it picked up,  but at least I could sit outside and enjoy the sound of the storm hitting us.  The eaves troughs were overflowing, the kids at the drop zone were out splashing and playing in the rain.   I was jealous!   Had I had dry clothes with me, I would have joined them in playing in the deluge. 

And when my love finally found me, we watched the end of the storm arm in arm.   As fast as it rolled in, the storm moved out and the skies cleared.   Perfect for one more jump of the day at sunset.  And what a beautiful sunset it was with the lightning filled storm clouds in the distance. 

Moments enjoying a storm rolling in and out.

Moments enjoying the sunsetting.