SANTA BARBARA WINE COUNTRY

Last weekend, we took a quick jaunt to this city, located just one hour north of Los Angeles for BW's birthday. Wine tasting was the name of the game. Obviously, I had been up there a bunch of times over the years, but this time was different. I don't think I ever really noticed how beautiful it is. I went wine tasting last year actually, but I'm not sure I took the time out to notice the beauty of the surrounding hills in the Santa Ynez valley. Lush, green and just plain unique. Maybe the wine was getting to me. But, I really started to wonder what it would be like to live in a place like this or any other wine-soaked region in California.

The day with the girls was incredible and I must admit, BW was on a mission. A wine-drinking mission. I just couldn't keep up. What was it...5 or 6 wineries in a span of 4 hours? We're talking about 4 women, laughing like it was going out of style, dirty pictures and conversations that can't be printed here. (Thank you DH). Think Sideways. We even went to the Hitching Post for dinner. But,it's all fun and games while the drinking goes on...but, the next day calls for a pounding headache.I ended up staying at the quaint Santa Ynez Inn with a friend and we literally, could not move the next day. Clearly, there is such a thing as too much wine, especially for 30 and 40 somethings.

But, everything in moderation is good. And, I still believe that mantra even after that blurry morning. I mean, I've always wanted to open up a winery. And, it's still a dream for me. I must admit...I don't know a whole lot about wine, except that I like to try them and enjoy what makes each one different. (Wish I had that same attitude about men!) But, I know what I can do...and that's marketing. I've been told that I'm a genius in that department. In fact, I've been told that, only I would be able to sell ice to an eskimo! Nice compliment IM!

Plain and simple...I just need the cash. Said friend mentioned above is actually moving away from Santa Barbara. He's looking to invest in something, but I'm pretty sure that winery isn't in his plan for now. It's too bad because at this point in my life, I'm looking to get into something different, something new. But unfortunately, it looks like I'll have to fall back on what I know best, which I guess would be TV and writing temporarily. Well, for the moment.

I'm sure most people who know me think hey, what's this party girl at heart going to do living this quiet life running a winery? Well,I've thought the same thing. But, as I get older (and more mature, thank you)...I'm starting to enjoy the quieter and more organic life. (Ok my friends, I know you just fell out of your chairs after that comment). But, moving away from the hectic, fast-paced life back to California has done me good. I cannot tell you how many people have told me that I look younger, fresher, rested and just overall, happier. I've found yoga and peace. Maybe I'm just growing up.

Don't get me wrong....I'm still that same party girl with that travel bug underneath it all. And, I will (of course) jump at the chance to visit my old stomping grounds in NYC or travel to new places around the globe. But, whether work or a new venture take me near or far in the short term...California is now and will always be my hub.

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY...

Come again another day...

Well, maybe I shouldn't wish for that explicitly because it really will come another day... and likely next week! It's been one solid week of torrential downpours here... thunder, lightning, the works! I mean, come on people...is this what I came back to LA for?

I must admit...California has been in dire need of rain. So, this is a good thing. I remember growing up here and the word "drought" was mumbled every other day on the local news. Yawn. Conserve water. Turn off the shower while you are soaping your hair, etc. So, I guess I can't complain. We need the rain. But, trekking out in this kind of weather just isn't what you would call easy. Especially for a car-centric city like Los Angeles.

On the flip side...I have to compare this to what I've been through in the last 8 years and you couldn't pay me enough to move back to the midwest or east coast (unless of course the salary was too good to refuse) . Let's see...winter, spring and summer in Chicago. I remember freezing ice in my nose, a black and blue ass from slipping on the ice, unbearable winds, plus muffled and humid summers. Summer and Fall in Paris...ok, but unpredictable. Fall in London...not one day without rain. Washington DC in the winter and spring--worst snow storm on the east coast the year I lived there and lots of humid rain to follow. And then, there was NYC for 6 years. Mostly, freezing and when it wasn't ...it was hot and raining. In fact, I can think of 2 summers, where there wasn't one dry day and that includes the summer I left. I like to think it was city crying because I was leaving.

That said, I need to stop complaining because I've got it pretty good out here in California. It will always be beautiful here and THAT never gets old. I like to wake up to sunshine (on most days). And if I were to ever move anywhere else, it would have to be nice and warm and sunny.

California rain--I say to you...keep the tears flowing for now. But, make sure you pour it all out and stay behind that sunshine for the rest of the year.

DRUMROLL...I PICKED YOGA!

Happy New Year to everyone near and far!

2010 has started off with a bang and it's been a good one so far. Yes...I realize we're only 2 weeks into the year. But, my philosophy is...if it starts off great...it usually runs along that course for at least a little while. I predict it will be a year of adventure for me and I'm just going to go with the flow. Things have already happened that I would have never expected to happen. Good things. Things that make me happy. I realize I can't control the course of life (as much as I would like), but I can at least enjoy the ride. Right?

That said...I'm responding to my last post about yoga and pilates. Guess what? I picked Yoga! I never thought it would happen, but it did. Unexpectedly. Pleasantly and unexpectedly. I know...I was a real downer about the yoga train. But, I went on an unexpected vacation to Hawaii and got sucked into it. Well, more like...FORCED into it.

"What are you going to do while I do yoga?" says my travel partner. Sleep, I'm thinking in my head. But hey...would it REALLY hurt me to get up early and stretch my limbs? I guess not. And, the banana bread, papaya and organic tea revved me up enough to get moving at an ungodly morning hour. So...we trekked up to my first class.

I think it was the view that got me. Sun rising, view of the ocean from a hill. Let me tell you...the scenery definitely helped get me into the practice. A lot of stretching and breathing and a little bit of uncomfortable-ness. But, I have to admit...I felt unbelievably relaxed when it was all said and done. In fact, I couldn't even speak for a good half hour after the class.

So curious about yoga, I was excited to do it again the next day! This time, it was a class on the beach. Looking back now...not the best class or teacher, but still an amazing experience with a great backdrop setting.

So, when I got back to LA, I researched all the yoga studios in my area and found one about 2 blocks away. I am in heaven at least twice a week. But, I try to hit it up about 3 times a week. Now all those poses--the downward dog, child's pose and the warrior don't actually seem so foreign or insane afterall. And, my body feels amazing.

I also have a little secret about my love for yoga that sort of enhances the experience. And, only one other person really knows what I'm talking about. We laugh and joke about it. It's ridiculous really, but I think we'll just keep it between the two of us.

Thanks JS for getting me into yoga. It's something that really enhances my life and helps me clear my head when things get out of control or my emotions and body feel out of check. Another friend of mine said to me today: "I'm not really a big yogi." That's what I said before...but, I think it just takes one incredible experience to reel you in. I say to that friend--try it again. It may actually surprise you.