Saturday, January 23, 2016

Spilling truths and...

...saying yes

When I chose "Mindful" as my word this year it was with full intention to help boost my creative side by changing how I think...along with improving self awareness in the here and now. The world is changing & I feel like I'm being sucked in and jaded by the ugly side~quick to judge and even quicker tempered. That's not me and certainly not how I want to live. So now, everyday, I practice the art of slowing down and really surveying what's around me, reminding myself that I can only control myself and how I react. 
You and I know there's beauty out there for the taking. We see it everyday in the photography and art from the people we follow on social media.


The "in-betweens"
I tend to be a homebody, safe from the pitfalls of what's going on outside my walls. All the while, swooning over abandoned buildings, barns and the little nooks and crannies of other people's world, wishing I was the one taking those photos. Funny thing about that, Can't Shoot It Sitting At Home!
So, last Sunday when The Mr. asked if I'd be interested in driving up to Vandenberg AFB to watch Space X launch a rocket, he barely had to finish his sentence when I blurted out "YES". Even though it was a 2 Hr. drive and me...not a fan of road trips. Gimme an airplane to get from point A to point B anytime. Problem is, you miss a whole lotta in-betweens!


I was a happy mama when our youngest, Austin, wanted to go with us. College, a girl friend and social activities keep him pretty busy so it's rarely just the 3 of us. We found a great place to eat breakfast in Lompoc. It was buzzing with chatter & full of locals and visitors alike.
Bellies full, we drove down the street, parked our car and started walking to find the best vantage point. I was thrilled to see hundreds upon hundreds of cars and other space enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the fog never lifted to see the launch...but it put on a sound show for us.


The Mr didn't understand my fascination with this old out building.


It's something only a person that loves old, dilapidated ruins could understand.


It was the perfect day trip.
 I loved it SO much I googled the half way point between my daughter and I. Her coming from the North~me coming from the South. We get to meet in one of my favorite places, San Luis Obispo. I've been waiting for an opportunity to try Groupon getaways and after a quick search, found a great hotel for a great price by Morro Bay. 
The end of February can't come fast enough!

Happy (traveling) snapping!
xo
Kelly 


15 comments:

  1. 'The art of slowing down'....I am finding it's a daily decision but try we must. I am sorry you didn't get to see the launch but sound like the three of you had a good day together. Any day you can send with a child making memories is a treasure.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I absolutely agree with you Nancy-I wasn't even upset about not seeing actual launch-it was all about being together, and taking in everything at the moment

      Delete
  2. Wow! Wonderful finds, Kelly!
    Definitely my kind of photographs.
    The first part of this post reminded me of a quote I saw this week...
    "You can change the world with your smile, but don't let the world change your smile."
    xo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Lisa! I love that quote-thank you for sharing. So glad you stopped by-xo

      Delete
  3. Great word for this year, Kelly, mine is 'change' ...
    Looks like you all had a wonderful day !
    Gorgeous photos ... and I love that old building !
    Thanks for your lovely wishes ... I didn't make the cake, it's from a bakery in a village nearby.
    Have a nice Sunday,
    Sylvia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a great word Sylvia-I hope it serves you well. So happy you stopped by xo

      Delete
  4. Ah, it's nice to shake things up and get yourself motivated...I need to take a lesson from you, I've been in quite the rut myself. I think if you look up the definition of "homebody" you'd see my photo :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just say yes my friend! I'm in good company at the whole homebody thing!! ( insert laughing emoji!)

      Delete
  5. I LOVE road trips as you know, and exactly for the reason of everything that you can't see from a plane. Planes have their purpose, but give me the open road any day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do love your road trips and you're an inspiration for the hidden treasures that are out there waiting to be discovered!

      Delete
  6. Sounds like you had a fantastic time Kelly! I too am a homebody but have been converted to someone who also loves road trips, and travelling. However, I still think home is best. I love the photo you took of your son, as well as the barn (I get it ;))!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I look forward to more adventures! Thanks Barb xo

      Delete
  7. I so envy Sarah from Paisley Rain Boots and all her adventures with her camera. Love your philosophy and glad you not only got out with your camera, but your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aren't Sarah's trips amazing!? I'm learning to look at things differently and it's already made a positive impact. Thanks Nicki

      Delete
  8. Looks like you had a great road trip! I love the 'old out building'. My husband doesn't understand why I love the old run-down buildings either. I think the boy in him just wants to have fun tearing them down and building something new. Although he does point them out and will gladly find a safe parking place for me to jump out and grab a photo. :)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. Your comments always put a smile on my face. Hope to see you again real soon.