I spent most of last week in San Francisco with Bill (he had work opportunities there). Brook had school obligations so she couldn’t join us on this trip. Instead, she stayed home with her older cousin Stephanie (they had a terrific time bonding and doing girlie things together).
My visit to San Francisco started off with a burst of sunshine.
And when there’s sunshine and flowers, there are birds. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this adorable humming bird casually going about its day in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city (our hotel was in the Union Square/SOMA district) and this little guy was at nearby Yerba Buena Gardens. I was so delighted to have come across this rare sight, and this reminded me to appreciate the magic of simply being alive. I savored this moment as I watched the hummingbird savor the sweet drops of nectar (another free gift from nature).
Speaking of savoring, the two birdies that you see below seemed to be taking it all in as well. When they felt my near presence, they didn’t budge a bit. They just sat there and enjoyed the view. So side-by-side we remained until I moved on to see more of the garden and city. What a treat it was to have shared this peaceful view with my birdie buddies!
Our hotel was also only blocks away from Chinatown, which to me was a huge bonus!
It was wonderful being able to so easily get my dim sum fix.
Also, I’ve been obsessed with bubble tea lately. I usually get taro flavor (this flavor reminds me of my childhood and tastes like sugar cookies), but they didn’t have taro at this shop so I tried the guava (also yummy!)
While in San Francisco I was on my own a lot since Bill had to work, but he had one full day off so we spent it well…and fully (we walked around sightseeing covering at least 9-10 miles of walking.) The hills everywhere were definitely a challenge!
During our daylong walk I kept noticing signs of love everywhere…
…underfoot…
…up in the air…
…and even within the architecture.
It was so much fun capturing all of these little signs of love as we strolled along. I didn’t have to look hard to find them…they were just there.
Sometimes I don’t always see the love right away. For instance, I originally stopped to snap a photo of this rosy-pink bush.
After getting home and reviewing my photos, I spotted a couple in the background. What a sweet scene this is…sweethearts connecting under a tree with beautiful blue skies all around. Such a simple scene, and yet so romantic and timeless.
In contrast to the quietness of the above scene, there was an explosion of colors everywhere…
…in natural form…
…as well as in art form.
My favorite art scene was located inside the historic Coit Tower. Amongst all the New Deal era murals…
…this portion really spoke to me…
…for what it says, I wish to be true. Coming together in harmony can create more harmony…and peace, through love and common respect…for everyone.
As this trip came to a close, I left feeling the glow…
…of light…
…and of love.
Although the above photo is blurry, one thing is clear…and true. And is everlasting…the love for my love…the one who makes me glow, wherever I go.
I hope that you’ve all been enjoying the summer so far. Wishing you happy days at home, and safe traveling if you’re off to somewhere wonderful. May love be with you…always.
11 Comments, Comment or Ping
what a lovely way to spend your days- exploring, relaxing and taking it all in. San Fransisco is on my list of places to visit. Thanks for the guided tour. Have a great weekend.
June 13th, 2014
Hi Becky,
Thank you for reminding me of how much I miss visiting San Franscisco. Since Tom’s daughter moved to Austin, we don’t get to SF any longer. Oh how I LOVED exploring that city and all the little boroughs with their amazing art and boutique restaurants. Oh, and the people, especially in Berkeley, where Heather lived, were so neighborly.
I had to laugh at your comment about getting your Dim Sum fix; Michelle and I got the same fix when in Costa Rica. Yummy,! I think I’ll need another soon.
Isn’t it a treat being able to travel with your dear husband! I spent 13 years traveling with Tom and was able to explore this amazing country and meet so many lovely people.
Your photos and story gave me such a warm inner smile. Thank you and blessings,
JoJo
June 14th, 2014
Thanks for sharing your experiences Jojo, and Laura, I hope you make it to San Fran some time (I know you’ll love it!)
June 14th, 2014
What smiles I have, Becky, when thinking of you in amazing San Francisco. One of my favorite places on earth. In many ways, S.F. is a place hard to put into words, isn’t it? It is made up of so very many experiences, visual, spiritual, academic…..each its own chapter. We’ve roamed the streets many times, always a new experience, and we’ve made happy memories there. I am so glad you had such a memorable visit there, and are bringing home new wonderful ideas and thoughts to process through the years.
June 14th, 2014
What a great getaway! Loved the hummingbird in the agapanthus. One of my favorite flowers.
June 14th, 2014
Becky,
So glad you had such a wonderful adventure. You always know how to make the most of each opportunity and savor everything big and small. It’s usually the smallest things that bring the greatest joys!!
Hope this summers fills your heart with the warmest rays of sunshine, cools greens abounding and the magic of the first flicker of a firefly…
XooX,
Jeanette
June 14th, 2014
I love SF!!! I’ve walked that town, too! Love Coit Tower! Glad you had a great time!!
June 15th, 2014
You all are so wonderful…thank you for the beautiful energy that you leave here. Please know that I appreciate this very much!
June 15th, 2014
What a beautiful post filled with glorious photos and love Becky. One thing about our children growing up is that it IS nice to be able to enjoy couple time now and then. I think that’s so good for not just a marriage but also for the child(ren). It shows in the happiness of yours and Bill’s smiles in this photo. Wishing Bill a happy father’s day!
June 15th, 2014
Wow! I’ve never been there but it looks like a terrific place for artists to visit … I imagine its so much better in person.
And LOVE the pic of you and Bill at the end! A perfect ending to a perfect trip I’m sure!
June 16th, 2014
I love looking and discovering signs~ You found some beautiful ones-the last one is my favorite~
Oh, your tea sounds like heaven! I am happy to see you had a wonderful time and kept yourself busy with birds, flowers and love~
What a lovely post!
June 20th, 2014
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