Welcome to California

Being a long time Californian, I am ashamed to admit that I only recently made the journey out to Venice Beach.

The sun was out, but boy was it chilly. Not to fret, I am a smart girl and remembered to check the weather. I made sure to layer.

I heard tales from my roommate of the wonders of Venice. I imagined blue skies, vendors, and cool people. My dreams were fulfilled, to a degree. The vendors weren't as plentiful as in the summer months due to the cold and lack of tourists, but I did see a lot of neat stuff.

 I was greeted by a totally tubular painting (I recently watched "Valley Girl.") on the side of a building and had to snap a photo to document it in the photo album that is my life.

Man, I wish I had some artistic talents. Whenever I try to draw, I am so ashamed I have to throw it away. My talents lie elsewhere I suppose.

There was a lot of amazing art to see. I saw cute paintings of funky looking owls with bold, colorful backgrounds. There was a guy making various necklaces and rings out of beautiful stones, beads, and metal.

I bought some fantastic incense; they last so long and they smell fantastic. The smoke lingers, hovering in my room until I swat it away.

By the end of the Venice adventure, my hair was so windblown, I was ashamed to be seen in public. The LA traffic was a mess coming back, but that is to be expected.

I had a pleasant time. This photo captures the essence of Venice Beach. The palm trees, the grainy sand, and vast blue sky.

This is California.