Pure

Hi,

Well kids, we just spent our last night in America.  Now it’s off to the Land of Smiles.  Not that there haven’t been a lot of beautiful smiles in California.  I will leave with a whole new set of fond memories.

‘Easy Monday’ is from 1964.  Even if you’re not old, you might remember:  “…You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go __ where all the lights are bright, __, waiting for you tonight, __ you’re gonna be alright now

(__, __).”  Clue: The singer also cautioned us about sleeping in the subway, in another song.  This song title is one word.  How hard can that be?  Special clue: What is the opposite of up.

This morning Lisa and I made a brief trip to Venice Beach, saw the Pacific Ocean, a bit of the boardwalk, and the local ‘color’ before dashing off to the next location on our list.  We made a pact that next trip, we are going to return to the beach with no time limit.  It is a thing to be savored, not rushed.  

At the mall, as well as the boardwalk, I was reminded of Chiang Rai and the Night Bazaar.  Being in the midst of strolling crowds speaking different languages felt very familiar.  If only I understood what everyone was saying.  Or not.  

Every time we visit the states, it seems there have been changes.  This trip is no exception.  The first big surprise came when we went to get gas at the Arco station we lovingly called ‘Fedco’.  The station was gone.  Not just closed, but nowhere to be seen.  Then we discovered that Rally’s Burgers is gone.  We were fans for a minute, but it was such a landmark for so long I thought they would never leave.  It appears as though condos are going to devour Culver City (555).  I could go on, but I won’t.  Still, it’s amazing.

Meanwhile, back on the road, we left the mall and headed for Alhambra to visit Lisa’s childhood friend, Deb.  A traffic report warned of three blocked lanes ahead so we got off and took an alternate route.  It worked great and I’m sure it saved us a lot of time and aggravation.  We exchanged info on family visits and life in general.  She told us about her grand kids and we told her about the young people in our lives.  It was a good visit. 

In Altadena, we picked up my mom and went to dinner.  We have a lot of fun hanging out with her.  While driving across town she told stories of my elementary school days.  Apparently, I was a pretty sweet kid...   

Today’s photo was taken at Venice Beach, California.  

Have a Happy Tuesday

             Peace,

                       Danny

“The teaching is simple.

Do what is right.

Be pure.”

~Buddha