Be Still My Heart

I know, I know ... I swore I was done traveling.  I told you how glad I was to be home after four weeks and four time zones.

I meant every word of it.

Then the fires came to Southern California.  Smoke filled the air choking my lungs.  Temperatures soared as a heat wave perpetuated the fire danger and my discomfort.  My daughter suggested we sneak away for a couple nights of girl time in Santa Barbara.  I hesitated for all of five minutes before booking a hotel.  This is our final celebration of summer.

Those of you who have read Twenty Four At Heart for any length of time know that this place, Santa Barbara, is tied to my heart like no other.  This is where I come when I'm upset and want to be alone.  This is where I come on girl weekends.  This is the place where my heart and soul feels at peace.

I arrived yesterday afternoon.  Santa Barbara is a bike friendly city.  There are bike paths everywhere.  My favorite run right along the beach.

Some things about this town never change.  The fact that bikes rule over cars is one of them.

The beauty of the mountains from the beach is another.

Having dinner at my favorite Sushi restaurant is one more.  I will cry if this restaurant ever closes.

Arigato Sushi was named best Japanese restaurant in the city this year.  The recognition is well deserved.  I can't imagine coming to Santa Barbara and not visiting.  It is truly one of my favorite haunts.

It will only be a short visit this time, but sigh ... my heart is so at peace here.

© Twenty Four At Heart

Comments

[Mad Woman]

Have a good visit in SB! Hope those fires are out soon so you can get home without choking to death.

[Jan]

Oh, the envy.

But I'm glad you're getting away. Beloved said it was snowing ash the other day where Jolly and her family are. They seems to be a safe distance from the fires, though, which is good.

Have a lovely time, dear.

[Deidre]

I have family in SB, I've never eaten at Arigato's. It is kind of like a sanctuary isn't it!

Yay for girls' weekends!

[Alan]

Awesome pictures!

[angela]

We wondered if you were near the fires! So glad to hear you are getting away...if only for a short time! Have a wonderful time with your daughter! So good to meet you in person. You are adorable!

[di]

That smoke would drive any intelligent person right out of town. Don't blame you one bit for high tailing it outta there.

Snappy Di

[Kelly]

Beautiful! Beautiful, beautiful! I might be jealous. Have fun!

[Maureen@IslandRoar]

I thought of you when I saw the fires on TV. Glad your home is not in danger, and glad you got away. It looks like Paradise. Don't you just love a place where your heart can be at peace??
That's why I moved to the Vineyard. Enjoy!!

[Sandra]

Thank You Sushi. How funny.

How nice you could get away with your daughter. I hope I have a relationship like that with my girls when they're that age.

[Jack]

I once had a job offer in Santa Barbara. It paid peanuts so I didn't take it. Some days I wish that I had.

[sometimessophia]

Beautiful photos... especially the first. It's a good idea to get away... especially with a favorite daughter or son. Enjoy.

[ByJane]

Funny, my place to Get Away From It All was Laguna Beach. Ah, the heartache the hotel there has seen from me!

[Beth]

Sounds like a great getaway. I'm jealous now.

[Sarah]

I've never been to that part of CA. Clearly, I need to go.