The Road That leads To the Ocean

 Driving those roads brings back fond memories. It's relaxing, slow paced and the cool, sea air lightens the mood. Everything is lush and green. With the cooler weather or the clear view down the quaint streets with the sparkling ocean in the background, this feels nothing like the East Bay. 

When my mom and I visited Half Moon Bay a few weeks ago, we walked more than usual. I almost didn't realize how everything is super close to each other. Walking slows down time but also helps with sense of direction. We went the roundabout way from the lunch spot we ate it (our favorite every time) to Our Lady of the Pillar church. There were still Christmas decorations up- how lovely! It's always so peaceful and such a gift to be there and pray for a little while. We found out that there is an adoration chapel they have now, but we weren't sure where it was. 

Driving to the beach has those fun memories like the time we bought Dunkin' Donuts to bring home just because. They've closed now:( Or enjoyed an ice cream treat at the Baskin Robbins a few times, (one time even for my birthday.) Thrift shopping with sisters and my mom many times and finding quality enough items that don't constitute as junk. :)

And passing by that Peets coffee that always looked so inviting. It's where we stopped while I was with a young adult ministry for a beach day about 2 years ago and we also got sandwiches for lunch at New Leaf next door. It's where I had a somewhat tangled and disjointed conversation in Mandarin Chinese with a young adult guy while we were on a way with the young adults back home from the beach. The wildflowers and greenery all faded to the background as I tried to muster up my knowledge of spoken Chinese while riding in a minivan with other catholic young adults, though it was only him and I were who speaking this foreign language, while everyone else was mildly listening. 

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The wind in your face, the sand sticking to your feet like glue, the bird watching while they glide and dance over the sheer blue water, and people watching- watching them walk their dogs, take photos, play with their children, play volleyball, frisbee or soccer, or simply looking out at the shimmering waters and horizon like we do. Nothing beats time with my mom when we go to this special place.