Growing with Spaghetti Westerns on television; I would hear about the folklore of the enigmatic Wild West, the major Gold Rushes across California, and I would imagine warm howling winds across the wide open expanses of vast American landscapes. Step into the best preserved historic ghost town of Bodie. With the discovery of gold in the nearby hills, what began as a mining camp in 1859, quickly flourished to a Wild West boom town in 1870 with over 2000 buildings. The opium bars, saloons, and mines are now closed; the migrants, laborers, young families, prospectors have all left - just a few buildings remain, yet the authenticity of those far gone days is ever so present, preserved in an eerie state of arrested decay and stillness. Camera in hand, I wandered around, childhood dreams under my arm.

A connection that was meant to be - What 30 years will do...

January 2011: A simple question in a random Facebook message: "Were you in Sri Lanka in 1981?"                 

Thirty years later, through this virtual world, the charming young German man in these photos contacts me... I had written my name in his diary... which he kept!

Through the tender and poetic words of the songs of the CD he released just around the same time in 2011, my photos from back then and his words of today have found a kindred spirit. I have included 34 of the songs from his album. Do listen.

China Camp State Park located just moments from my home along the shore of the San Pablo Bay in Marin County is a tucked away gem. it was the water's edge that drew me in one lazy Sunday.

The views from the beach waterfront are beautiful and tranquil. I was drawn to the small historic Chinese shrimp-fishing village nestled in its own idealic cove. Back in the 1880s, this thriving fishing village had nearly 500 people. As fishermen by trade in their homeland of Canton, China, they came, they netted, they dried, then shipped their harvest back home for years.. I am told a descendent of one of these fishermen still tends to the small weekend café.

Marinas, boardwalks, beaches, piers - I always find myself capturing their quiet side. I shy away from the noise of the voices. I step aside to seek the calm in the grains of sand and pebbles. I love how the surf creates edges, lines, angles, twists and knots, only to be washed away, and start all over again. I love those lines.

Have you ever been to an outdoor markets in Europe? It is simply a must - a requirement for the soul. On the other side of the world, in Marin County, in Northern California, weekly Farmers' Markets abound as well. Here too, the earth is rich. The climate is temperate. The sun is shining on the land. The farmers are devoted. The community is hungry.

Often, I just go to soak in the patterns, the vibrant colors, the textures, the tastes, the smells, the hustle and bustle, the feel. It is not difficult to be tempted by the bounty of Mother Nature's richness. It is not difficult at all. 

Oh the places I have seen...

There are spaces I step into that bring together so many elements dear to my creative sensibilities. I revel in the mood, the light, the colors, the imagination, the innovation , the layout - Once I have taken it all in, only then will I sit down and peruse the menu, the wine and craft beer selections, lay the crisp napkin on my lap, feel the breeze through the front door and be present for the invitation to share.

There is a mastery I feel to a man-made space that has been envisioned by its owner and the craftsmen that fulfilled that yearning to create a space so beautiful for all to witness and enjoy.

Living in the Bay Area is a sweet blessing - it doesn't to matter which way I go - I travel north; I travel south; I head east; west is the ocean with its own magic. I will keep adding to this series - that is a given. This is just a teaser.