Remember that show back in the 90’s, California Dreams? Ya I barely remember it too.

I feel so lucky to have had such amazing opportunities to travel to Santa Barbara several times a year over the last few years. That place is like another home. And it’s the home of UNITED. UNITED went by in what seems like a blink of an eye. Speaking, learning, making new friends, trying to catch up with old ones. I think the conference needs to be a week long so I can have more fun with these hundreds of photographers. Left me wanting more. Then again, maybe that’s the point 😉

I won’t lie, the morning after it was over was AWESOME! Because I got to sleep in just a little bit. I’m not a morning person. But conferences always leave you with little sleep, especially if you’re like me and don’t want to miss out on anything. So an extra hour or two of sleep RULED! No where to be, no plans. Just the way I like it.

Breakfast, coffee, a little shopping with Justine, Laura, Taliah, and Melissa. Just relaxing. With A LOT of laughter. The best way to experience Cali… sunset at the pier. With candy. I love candy.

The 5 of us headed to the pier in Santa Barbara. All of us from the Northwest, enjoying Cali winter in light sweaters and sandals. The sound of waves crashing and the wind blowing in our faces and through our hair. Chasing seagulls. Ok I was the only one chasing seagulls. Those girls missed out! Selfie’s galore. And 2 bags of candy in my hand. This is how I soak in life in Cali.

I’m so blessed to have an array of friends. And these girls, they center me a bit. Make me slow down even though I try hard to keep living fast. They reign me in even if it’s just for a moment. And I need this from time to time. Thanks ladies.

Even if you live life in the fast lane, maximizing every minute, take a few minutes here and there to just sit back and center. It’s so hard for me to do sometimes, so I surround myself with some people who help me. I had no idea what was about to happen in the last leg of my Cali trip and Vegas (that will come in the next few days!). Thank you sweet baby Jesus for time with these girls to slow down. Cause 4 hours later I was going to make every minute count. Nothing would go undone.

The only thing though, when I sit back and breath in life I don’t take many, if any, photos of those moments. Lucky me to have amazing friends who capture them for me.

Today, I encourage you to take a second to just center and soak life in.  Doesn’t have to be long, I said a second! 😉

PS Big thanks to these girls for some of these photos 🙂 Love ya MUCHO! Miss you, Cali!

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