Packed up my car and headed out of San Francisco – my first stop on the way to LA would be the beautiful Monterey/Carmel area. I have been there before, years ago, this time I was going to be on my own. My husband will meet up with me in a few days in LA. Turned the radio up, sang my heart out as I rode down the coast. Just breathtaking. Living at the beach for the last 25 years has really made me appreciate the beauty of the mountains. That is one of the many things I love about the west coast, ocean and mountains all with in eye shot of each other. The water color is such a deeper blue and clearer than where I live. Looking over the balcony of my ocean front room, saw a group of dolphin feeding and jumping. I got a call from the booker from LA Today – I was booked to appear on the 8:30 time slot the following Monday. He said I was cancelled – there apparently was some kind of road race going on downtown so they were going to pre-empt the show. Bummer! Disappointing for sure, but I still had 3 really fun book events planned for the week.
What a day, what a view!
After lunch, I stopped into the little green gallery across the street from the restaurant. This charming little house is home to the Monterey Artist’s Assoc. Whenever I travel, I always try and support the local artists. I was not disappointed. Picked out 2 beautiful pieces that are now hanging in my house. Great talent, great prices!
Blue Sky, Blue Ocean, Soft Sand!
Packed up early the next morning and headed back down the coast to Shell Beach. Checked in to the Cliffs Hotel and Resort. A really pretty place. Perfect weather, cool, sunny. Loved every minute of it. Although, had another call from my publicist. I was set to do a book signing and reading at a store in Del Mar at the end of the week. The owner called my publicist and said the event had to be cancelled: the reason, “the women of Del Mar would probably not appreciate the subject matter of sexual addiction being discussed publicly.” LOL! Poor Kelly had spent a lot of time and effort setting up these events only to see 2 cancel at the last minute. I told her not to worry, that we are only responsible for the effort, not the outcome.
One of the beautiful views from the hotel grounds.
View from a staircase, leading down to the beach
Birds of Paradise, one of my favorite flowers – saw these everywhere!
Such a relaxing couple of days. I did manage to go for a run around the neighborhoods near the Cliffs Resort – saw a lot of beautiful homes. A great place to visit if you ever get the chance. A day and 1/2 later, I traveled the next leg of my trip to Los Angeles. Must admit, although I was looking forward to seeing my husband again, I couldn’t help realizing how much I enjoyed traveling by myself. Staying wherever I wanted, picking out any restaurant, stopping to take a photo, all at my whim. Reminded me of my early twenties – before marriage and kids!