Catalina: Part 3 (the end)

Lately, I've been examining my life and myself pretty closely (I don't know why I said 'lately' as I over-analyze on the regular). I've been trying to be in touch with the things that truly make me happy - things I want to do because they make my heart full, they bring me peace, and make me feel like myself.  I'm not quite sure if it's that the weather is warming up, but I want to be outside all the time.  Growing up less than a mile from the beach, having sand between my toes just feels right.

There was a moment, on the boat to Avalon, where my heart swelled with happiness (Prestyn has captured this in an Instagram which exudes joy).  Being on the water, with a friend that I love so much...it was hard to imagine a peace that felt better than that.  Although my trip was short, it was restorative.  It brought things into focus because I wasn't being pulled in a million directions from work and other obligations.  I know what I want - I want to hike, I want to play in the waves at the beach, I want to read, take pictures, eat fabulous meals, and laugh and discuss every part of life with my friends.  I want to be connected to music, I want to write, I want to find balance.

This week and in the upcoming weeks, when I have a hard moment (which seems plentiful these days, life is stress city), I will think back to the beach.  To the Garibaldis in the cove when snorkeling.  To the sea lions playing as I paddle boarded.  To the millions of blues that the ocean and sky provided.  I will see you again in a few weeks, Catalina - and I can't wait!

 photo Catalinatrip666new_zpsf842562d.jpg
Morgan + Kyle
\
 photo Catalinatrip668new_zps2689bb82.jpg
Morgan wouldn't let go of my hand for the picture, so cute
 photo Catalinatrip674new_zps8f64eb19.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip677new_zps40994844.jpg
our snorkeling spot
 photo Catalinatrip684new_zps42d05713.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip697new_zpscc12b8b5.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip698new_zps9cfa27e8.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip703new_zpsdba30421.jpg
the cross
 photo Catalinatrip707new_zpscf3cc8a0.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip717new_zps07eea800.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip721new_zps97869262.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip732new_zpsc97cc3e1.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip743new_zps63d61aec.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip761new_zps37a00281.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip779new_zps43158ecf.jpg
taking a boat to my express boat in Avalon
 photo Catalinatrip780new_zpsd2cfccf3.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip786new_zps5c69bdda.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip792new_zps0651dddd.jpg
joy
 photo Catalinatrip802new_zps8ba0cb92.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip812new_zps6b1af2e9.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip830new_zps53a55641.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip831new_zps1b72bb72.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip844new_zps0af6bb59.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip850new_zpsfb33c03d.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip872new_zps0f8c390d.jpg
I want this in my life
 photo Catalinatrip876new_zps6dfb25cd.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip891new_zps4d0a8548.jpg
rainbows follow beauty
 photo Catalinatrip896new_zps47235470.jpg
photo by Jordan...our goodbye :(
 photo Catalinatrip900new_zpsdb6b9b7f.jpg
I like pictures of the USA flag in the breeze, ok?
 photo Catalinatrip906new_zps4e274a2b.jpg
a very short visit
 photo Catalinatrip912new_zps31e3d1ba.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip917new_zps45b37149.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip924new_zps7c165dd4.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip927new_zpsf4bfff3f.jpg
watching the sun lower in the sky was breathtaking
 photo Catalinatrip931new_zpsb227d7f9.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip938new_zpsfe474b2a.jpg
you're welcome
 photo Catalinatrip959new_zps2a56ea75.jpg
a casino turned schmancy movie theater
 photo Catalinatrip963new_zps6760a2da.jpg
 photo Catalinatrip980new_zps80b74c37.jpg
Goodbye, Catalina