And I Think to Myself, What a Wonderful World

Bill and I wanted to snag a little time away before I got too big to really enjoy it, so a couple months ago (when I was around 6 months pregnant), we headed about an hour away to downtown Redlands and then into the mountains for some fresh air and quiet time together. This day was blissful. We had no agenda and took it as it came. We checked out Downtown Redlands for some breakfast and discovered a small farmers market and a great little downtown area with an outdoor book sale and Norm made a new labradoodle friend named Ziggy. We found a crepe place and a quaint little ally set up with tables and beautiful murals to sit and enjoy our breakfast to-go. We both agreed it was a great stop on our way to or from the local mountains.

Upon the recommendation of a local, we went to a smaller lake than we had originally planned. This was one that we could walk all the way around, and when we got out of the car I felt some tension fall off my shoulders immediately. Isn’t is crazy how sometimes all we need is a change of pace? To breathe some fresh air and get away from the congestion and the day to day for a bit. We soaked up every moment up there, and Norm was a very popular dog. Everyone stopped us to say hello to him, and of course he loved all the attention. Spending time in nature is something I am increasingly realizing is very important. It is a spiritual connection as much as it is physical. It reminds us how small we are and how great the landscape of the world is.

I wasn’t quite ready to leave in the afternoon, so we stopped at a coffee shop/outdoor patio spot (the identity of the place was a little lost – there was a tiki bar with taps that didn’t work but locals would just help themselves to a beer/wine fridge on the patio AND a coffee shop run by a mother/daughter combo) and listened to a local group of guys play some throwback rock n’ roll from their era. It was like we stumbled into an episode of a small town sitcom. Everyone knew each other and Bill and I thought it was hilarious and wonderful and the perfect way to end our day.

When we headed home that evening I was at peace. It reminded me to get out in nature more and take in different settings more often. I can’t wait to go back to this little town again. While my pictures of the day are limited, my memories are vivid. I slept blissfully that night and look forward to many more days like it.

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