Michael and I returned yesterday from vacation in the San Francisco Bay Area. This was our very first experience of Northern California, a bit different from our New Jersey and Illinois existences. Not culture shock, but I would say that I experienced “nature shock” when taking in the landscape. I noted to one San Franciscan that I would never have expected to see palm trees planted and thriving right next to towering pines! Such juxtapositions throw our comfortable assumptions about life into question, don’t they? Such is San Francisco.

The “nature shock” was eased by a stream of familiar and loved faces of friends and family who now live and thrive in the Bay Area. This in itself lead to another juxtaposition. Seeing people from my past led me to consider how I’ve changed, from where to where I’ve been. And yet, something about exploring a new geography and having new experiences always leads us to consider where else we might be going, doesn’t it? If we are open to the newness then our sense of possibility expands and then the direction of our lives changes. It’s one of those laws of the universe I’ve recently become aware of. Take for example this blog! I was feeling so verbose about all the things I experienced on my vacation and no outlet for it all. And then towards the end of our trip we met with two friends who are now world-class bloggers and a light bulb went off in my head! I had been wanting to establish a newsletter as part of my new business, but the logistics of printing and mailing had led me to postpone it. The blog was the answer! Plus there was the added benefit that Michael got to have so much fun doing the technical stuff to set it up. I want to thank Janna and Brooke (the bloggers) and everyone else we saw on the visit. Here are my props to all the friends and family we reconnected with in San Francisco:

Ravi, my brother. Thank you for spending so much time with us when you have so much else going on in your life right now! I love that I got to hear about the extent of your creativity.

Katie, Michael’s cousin. You are a brilliant grad student, and we love your politics and appreciate the depth of your thinking on the critical issues. We’re so proud!

Sanjay and Janna. We can’t thank you enough for letting us stay at your place and for taking us to Muir Woods. Sanjay you are forever my hero because you are so positive, easy to talk to, and fun to be around. I’ve learned so much from you. Janna, you are one of the most perceptive people I have met, and your photos and writing on your blog are proof of that!

Brooke and Lian. Thank you for hanging at the Marina with us and Brooke, my mom loved the photo of us you posted on the blog! You are both so dedicated to the work you do and you have our highest respect.

Charles and Dawn. You are such gracious hosts. Thank you! We loved the shoreline of Santa Cruz, the yummy meal you made for us, and the chance to reminisce the good old days. You are our mentors in so many ways. I’m always telling people to use cloth napkins instead of paper and that washing dishes is not so hard even if you’re having lots of guests. You both walk the talk in every aspect of your lives.

Sheila and Jordan. You define generosity and have the amazing ability to make people feel as if you are grateful for them being guests in your beautiful home. Sheila, I still do idolize you because you are warm, open, can converse with anyone at any level, and you have unassuming confidence. Jordan, you are the perfect match to my dear friend and we are so happy to have spent time with you.

To all our friends and family, be well, and read more about our San Francisco “experience” in upcoming posts.