Super Moon and Eta Aquarids weekend!

Happy Weekend everyone!! get ready for a powerful magical weekend! it’s a good time to make big wishes!

I hope your week was just as busy and productive as mine…  though, I had a tough emotional moments this week, it has turned out to be very insightful, peaceful and abundant. Both of my parents birthdays are this week and just like each year, I am reminded that their deaths still affects me greatly after all these years. The good thing about their birthdays happening in the same week is that I am dealing with all this emotional stuff all at once, the bad part is I am dealing with all this emotional stuff all at once…  It’s like getting hit blindsided in the heart, and feeling something so powerful that it sort of knocks you out. In the course of life, people have such a hard time dealing with emotions let alone death, that we fear sharing this side of us may be a bad thing, so we opt to hold those fears and those precious emotions in.  As I was sorting through my moments of grief, I realize how blessed I am to have found an empathetic husband who is just so loving and understanding of all this… something I never really had in a relationship before, and realizing more and more that it has given me a source of freedom to be as expressive as I want, and that feels good.

photo credit: by daniel fischer.

Now you maybe wondering why I brought up such a somber topic when I titled this post “Super Moon”… how misleading of me???  Well, my dad’s birthday is May 5th, which so happens to be on the biggest full moon of the year, one they are calling The Super Moon, on top of that.. the Eta Aquarids Meteor shower is happening at the same time, giving us two reason to brighten our moods and keep us wishing for more. how amazing is that??

Coincidentally, my hubbie and I had decided on a camping getaway this weekend, not realizing it was a full moon, a meteor shower and my dad’s birthday, so I am very happy we will be in nature out of all weekends. We will be howling at this bright full moon in midst of the trees, an open fire… and the meteor shower!! rad.

If my parents were around… my dad, a free spirited man would be howling at the presence of the bright beautiful moon, and my mom would be smiling at him like a shooting star. I miss them so very much, but it’s weeks like this that shake things up, puts it all into perspective and makes me want more out of life!! 

This post dedicated to my parents Happy Birthday! Mom (2nd) and Dad (5th), May the Moon and the Stars be with you!! Wishing you light and love up there. 

For more on the moon and it’s brightest point check out… and Have an amazing bright beautiful moon shooting star wishful weekend!!

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-super-moon-may-2012-20120504,0,3480096.story

Lucidity weekend

“The career of a sage is of two kinds:

He is either honored by all in the world,

Like a flower waving its head, Or else he disappears into the silent forest.”
Lao Tzu

The rain entered the midnight hour as festival goers were sopping wet as they waited in line for the gates to open. Thunder and lightning storms magnifying the energy for the early riser of the Lucidity Festival. When we arrived the rain had stopped for a few hours, lucky for us enough time to set up our tent before a hail storm.  It was a weekend of every weather condition imaginable,  from cold dark rainy hail to windy, blue, beautifully warm.  We were in nature which can make any event much more magical.  people were barefoot walking in two inches of mud, yet carefree and happy seemingly not affected by the rain.  the positive attitude towards it all made for a surprisingly delightful weekend.

                 The Festival itself in its first year run sold out and did amazingly well for all it’s worth, I am sure the rain made for huge learning lessons on how to deal with the aftermath of heavy storm. We met several camp event coordinators who were so humbled and excited to be a part of it thou’ they did mention the heavy rain set them back which made the work much more exhausting… still it was nice to hear how hard they were working to make it beautiful for us. There was on a few things that I will say need work (hopefully taken positively and constructively).  There was an extreme lack of food vendors that people who didn’t prepare camp food were probably starved all weekend. I spoke to a couple who had gone into town to buy food, because there was such a lack of it.  The idea to have a farmers market is a great one… But it was small stand filled with some root veggies, which was a strange choice. they should’ve opt for more fruits that can be easily made or eaten like berries. Camping is a welcomed treat,  but let’s face it… It’s still a music festival and after hours of dancing people are generally too tired to cook, and would rather look for a quick bite before passing out. I am pointing this out, because we were asked to support the vendors, I am sure most of us would have if they were more options to be had. We were all dreaming up a breakfast burritos!!

                       The toilets needed help! very hippie I will say… Get on the ball with that.  Lucidity festival seemed to be in true burner fashion, almost each designated camp had there own DJ decks set up, and busting out the tunes at the crack of dawn. There was a good loving attitude with everyone we met and everyone seem to do a good job with picking up their trash, recycling ( aka Moop)…  Nice Job. We stayed in the Healers Camp which had a big Dome for Lucid Dreaming, yoga, meditational healing…, It was definitely a good peaceful camp to stay at.  I was admiring the Lover “Nest” design built out of tree branches and flowers— there were heart painted tents and more art work over there. Originally Sagey and I had planned to go on our own rather that a big group… but as we got closer to the event a few friends spontaneously chimed in wanting camp with us…  How could I resist?? most of weekend seemed to organically and magically turn out pretty awesome. Everyone came in with so much love energy that by the end of weekend our small camp was filled with new friends and more love!

   how lucky are we?? very!

For a festival to go on the same weekend at Coachella, where the Do lab has reins on the DJ talent pool, the ones who did play at Lucidity had a lot of heart. To be honest the music was very mixed, some goodies but not a plethora… Nico Luminous, Dabis, Black 22, Random Rab, Rook, Seven Lions, were on the goodie list. Cello Joe despite his very odd nude stripper intro—is very talented. He also performed with Nico Luminous which was a pretty dope fun set.. Hooray for beatboxing dubstepping.  By Sunday the weather went from rainy and muddy to warm and sunny— it was gorgeous Sunday. We roamed around finally seeing what the Lucidity folks were trying do if the rain hadn’t stepped in… Even the line up for the evening seemed to be stronger with more “known” artist, but unfortunately we were headed home.  All and all most of the good times were met with the people and the trees that surrounded us, which was an undeniably a good time. Thanks Lucidity family!!

http://lucidityfestival.com/

Bikers on the rise!

Darlings,

One WHOLE week of officially bike commuting. We are taking this city by storm.. bike, bus, walking, hitching, slugging… You name it!! LOL.

So, we realized asking for too many rides off the bat, may not be the best way to start off, but one can’t help how this sitution would affect our social lives. I guess we can’t really analyze it for at least another month or so..  after all it is our first week, but a few friends have offered us rides, their cars… So we’ll see how that works, if it’s all easier said than done.

Trending: Have you heard of the SEIL BAG?? It’s a LED backpack with a detachable wireless signal controller, making it very easy to control your signals. You can view the prototype here. Let’s hope more of these case study’s come to life!

…And early on in the week I watched two cool Bike Commuter vids on-line.  The more bike trending commercials could mean the sign of the times.

 My Bestie Doran’s,  sweet Eddington’s Levi’s commercial!! YAY!!

Local Westisde Yogi, MaryBeth—from Surya Venice, for Lululemon.

Mile…Mile & A Half – John Muir Project

Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.
-John Muir

Darlings, Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was immersed in the beauty of nature and it’s delicious sunlight. It was another gorgeous weekend.

I wanted to share a really great documentary we found through a series of FB’s postings. The documentary of the John Muir Trails called Mile.. Mile & A Half, a John Muir Project found it’s way into our hearts.

Being backpackers my husband decided to contact the films director/producer, and offer up the screening room at his office. Luma has an excellent screening room and perfect for screening these types of films.  Honored by his gesture, they happily obliged.  So Last Friday we viewed a rough cut of the entire film with their close friends and colleagues. I think both my husband and I felt privileged to be in a room filled with people who share the same beliefs and attitude towards the trees, stars and mountains. 

The film itself is shot beautifully with a handful of very insightful messages. Most of the films footage highlights amazing landscapes of the John Muir trails.. areas that most people will not see in their lifetime.

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountain is going home; that wildness is necessity; that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.” -John Muir

There is no survivor type drama,  just group of friends happily getting along and enjoying the beauty that surrounds them. Along the way they pick up new friends who wound up traveling with them throughout their journey. it took 25 days and 215 miles ending at Mount Whitney in the Sierras.

The team is working on raising money for their film project, but they are still finishing up with color correction and some story editing. All in all the JMT project shines a bright light on the beauty of our great California mountains. We are so thrilled to be able to support a film such as this.

“grandest special temple of nature I was ever permitted to enter.” -John Muir 

(Photos taken from our backpacking trip to the Sierras/ Evolution Basin…Hungry Packard Lake).

  

Be Audible

Hello loves,

So how was your week? As you know I skipped town for a few days and between plane and car rides, I have to say listening to my audible on my iphone has come in pretty handy. my sweet husband got me an account as a gift last year, because I love books and haven’t had much time to read. So I’ve been really loving audible. The iphone app also makes it super easy to download books. I listened to Steve Jobs biography, his earlier years and spiritual practice were surprisingly fascinating.  I’m now onto Leo Tolstoy’s, Anna Karenina, a book i’ve always wanted to read but haven’t had the time.

 

i’m in miami (bitch)….

Touched down in Miami today for a quick getaway to visit my in-laws. While walking through the airport terminal wafting smells of cuban pastelitos delighted me. I couldn’t help but get excited for some authentic Cuban food and lounging poolside smoking a big fat cuban cigar. of course the cigar part just creeped into my imagination as we walked out into a beautiful miami morning sunrise.

Organize

Hello lovies– Happy 2012.

How was your last weekend of the 11th? Mine was happily spent in the mountains, snowboarding, playing games, laughing and having great dinners with friends. I love road trips and driving away from the city life, watching the city scape in the rear view mirror fade away.

Every time I get away, whether it’s a short trip, my thoughts wander with grand ideas.  I came back from the holidays filled with inspiration and amped to make it all happen.

First things first.  January is my time to gather my thoughts, get organized, and write down my intentions. I like to spend the first two months of the year as quiet as possible, and detached myself a bit from the social scene.  Just a few days into the year, and I already feel clear with my intentions, my goals, my surroundings… and exploring unknown.

check out potterybarn’s organizing sale here.

Julian

… with Apples and a Rush of Gold, love sparkled on us. 

Last weekend was our 2 year anniversary, so we headed up to Julian, Ca. a 2.5 hour drive south-east of Los Angeles, in the beautiful Cuyamaca mountains. The idea to go to an apple farming town sounded lovely.  I have pretty much covered this entire state growing up in Los Angeles, but Julian is one pocket I’ve never even heard of. I do admit most of the time I’m partial to heading north, and or places like idyllwild or joshua tree. We were looking for a quick but romantic getaway, so I googled apple farms 2-3 hours away from LA, and the town Julian came up. I realized then that they are still plenty of towns and hidden gems to discover southeast of us.

the drive was easy-breezy and beautiful especially once you are on the road to Julian. the air fresh and mountains lush and colorful… bright orange and red leaves covered trees, a bit of snow. It was already a perfect little getaway.

Julian’s beginning is rooted in the historical 1870 GOLD RUSH and where APPLES are abundant...  Everyone in town serves pie and mainly apple especially during it’s peak season, Sept-Dec. Luscious oak and pine trees surround this charming town. the Main thoroughfare has horse-drawn carriages riding through town, and there are wonderful hikes and gold mining expeditions daily. During the day, this town is bustling with plenty of folks from San Diego heading into Julian for a quick getaway and probably a slice of pie, but it’s NOT a town with a nightlife. The town literally shuts down by 9pm, as there are no bars or activities happening at night. Although my hubbie and I are used to a nightlife, it was refreshing to be in a town where it’s ‘emphasis’ was to relax. so that’s exactly how we felt by the end of our stay.

I read and spoke to a few people at the townhall that one of the main attractions in Julian is doing the Sky Tour. The Sky Tour is held by Mike Leigh of the Observers Inn... Where we stayed our first night.  Mike Leigh and his wife Carolina have been running their quiet, comfortable two bedroom Bed and Breakfast guest house for over 12 years. It’s main draw is Mike’s observatory which is located on their property. I was really excited about that part… I love meteor showers! Mike is an astronomer, he’s been written up for his Sky tours and astronomy classes for years. Super nice guy!  He built his observatory years ago which is filled with Schmidt–Cassegrain telescopes. He loves sharing his stories on the galaxies far far away, and even gave us his thoughts on ‘other life’ on earth.  We were bummed that it was too cloudy for the sky tours, but we had a good lecture, as well as a fascinating conversation on the planets.  You can do the Sky tours without having to stay at his B&B, but we thought we’d get the full experience. the Observers Inn– is approx. 1.5 miles from downtown Julian off the main road into Julian. you can find his info here.  It’s $190.00 per night which includes breakfast and the sky tour. the tour itself is normally $25.00

The second night we stayed on the main street at the Julian Gold Rush Hotel. The hotel is a historical building built in the 1800′s during the gold rush, it’s an easy cozy stay with rooms that give you the feeling of ‘how it once was’. The hotel is centrally located in town which made it very convenient.

Recommends:  Romano’s is a good Italian restaurant.. ( try the Pork Chops, Lasagna, Calamari.)  There are not many places to eat that are open late night ( and late meaning 9pm!),  only 3 in the actual town which is no more than a half mile. “Jeremy’s on the Hill” was frequently recommend, but it was outside of town, so we didn’t make it up there.

I also tried a few different pies, but APPLE is what Julian is known for, so of course, I had to do a taste test.  (in my opinion) While the lines were long at MOM’s pies.  Julian’s Pie Company had the best pie, a nice flakey buttery crust, perfectly tart yet sweet. I had mine with fresh whip cream! So GOOD.  Mom’s bakery has more style… their shop is in the center of the town, and there is usually someone in the window making pies.  Julian’s is down the street a bit, much more non-descript, sorta resembling an IHOP to-go??.. they too had a long line, but given that Mom’s is in the center of town it’s easier to find.  Mom’s is also opened a bit later than Julian’s. Definitely get a slice at Julian’s or do a taste test and compare yourself. They are not the only places serving pie, every eatery will have their own version.  If you like pie… you’ll be in heaven!

Julian Cider Mill is pretty awesome!!  A specialty and candy shop. All sorts of goodies, candy, caramel apples, honey, dried fruits, apple butter, jams and jellies, marmalades, preserves, nuts, wasabi peanuts, pancake mixes, cider and much more!

We got a couple packs of Dark Chocolate covered Cherries and a jar of Apple Butter.  Normally, I am not into packaged candy confections but one bite of these chocolate covered cherries from my husband’s bag, and I was hooked… I was plopping it in my mouth like a bon bon, until my husband says… Slow down!  Ha. Oops. smile.  The dark chocolate and the cherry was not to0 syrupy sweet. just how I like it!  Hot Apple Cider with whip cream and cinnamon,  is being served while you shop, so perfect for the cold evening.

   Other things to do if you’re not panning for gold, hiking or eating apple pie.

Antique shopping— There are a handful of shops with random goodies, but we loved The Rose Path, the owner makes Goats Milk soaps and Candles, and also has a good eye for vintage finds.

Grandpa’s Old Time Photo! This is totally hilarious and a great time for everyone! Gramps will dress you from the gold mining days and take a photo your photo!

There is more to do in Julian… We missed panning for GOLD (schucks!). It was, cold, drizzly and snowed a bit when we got there… so our weekend was mostly about sipping hot cider, eating pie, browsing around antique shops and getting to bed early.  Regardless of the weather Julian is a beautiful little town and a MUST visit.  We loved it!!

I created a little video our experience, rather than posting a bunch of photos per usual, I compiled my selects onto video. I’m practicing my editing skillz, so If you have the time b/c it’s a bit long, then you’ll get the feel of the town Julian and it’s sweet charming spirit.  Enjoy!!!

song: as the rush comes by motorcyle *gabriel & dresden mix*

This video is dedicate to my  greatest love: Here’s to our romantic, relaxing two year anniversary. 

LOVE…. is the greatest gift of all.

Everything I do is because I LOVE. I love cards, I love eating, I love smelling the fresh air after a rainy afternoon. I love making new friends, I love time with my girlfriends, I love long conversations, I love analyzing, I love playing jokes and acting silly,

I love making someone feel special

I love birthdays

there is so much more I love.

But most of all…

I love being in LOVE. He’s the kind of person that no matter what, loves me for me, supports everything I do, is SO thoughtful and selfless, that his power of love has forever changed me. He affectionately says I love you at least 25 times a day.  and that to me is the greatest gift of all.

In honor of my upcoming two year wedding anniversary (7th)… LOVE affirmations dedicated to my beloved.

We are off to explore an Apple & Gold mining town   (yep! apple picking and panning for gold)

southeast of Los Angeles for a three day romantic getaway.

I’m excited to post our travels finds from our love getaway next week upon our return.

“Incomplete,” a large print from the Etsy shop of Georgian photographer Mariam Sitchinava. ($43.76)

“so lovely,” a hand-embroidered piece on vintage linen from Joetta Maue’s shop. 

“Make Love,” an origami love poster by Field Trip. ($15)

“Simplify Our Love,” a beautiful piece for the great Rob Ryan. ($40)

“Grow Old With Me,” another gorgeous new print by Lisa Congdon.

Raw Secret

I drove up to Ventura today for an interview… We ( who shall be nameless for now), met at  a Superb Raw /Vegan restaurant off the beaten path called Mary’s Secret garden. This bistro is a bit away from the strip malls and big shops you’d normally find in Ventura. Off the California exit nearing the Ojai Fwy exchange. It’s directly across the street from a park so it gave it a small town feel. The ingredients were well crafted, and for a moment there I forgot I was eating raw!

Owner Mary delighted us with a extra special tomatoes appetizer dizzled with balsamic pesto and cashew cheese– mmm!!

The Raw Burger (Chipotle Cashew Cheeze, sauteed mushrooms, onions, tomatoes) on  a raw onion bread .  w/ side salad.  SOO GOOD!!

If  you find yourself wandering around Ventura, or on your way to Ojai or Santa Barbara?? perhaps make a stop for this delicious vegan, vegetarian joint ??

  https://maryssecretgarden.com  

a thirty two hour getaway

I’m quite spoiled living so close to the beach, still I crave being surrounded by a landscape of trees and a blanket of stars.  Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara is a great, quick and relaxing getaway. If you leave Saturday around 7am-you can get there by 9am (traffic permitting). Head down 154fwy to 5050 Paradise road and you’ll come to four campgrounds, we stayed at the Freemont campsite (site # 13 is great).  this is probably the smallest campground out of all but that lay out suited our needs. There are plenty of hikes, streams and swimming holes to explore, or if you just want to relax underneath a tree, it’s a great spot.

ps. there are pesky little skeeters and buzzing critters.. so bring bug spray!

Sunday was a sleep in day,  but waking up to the smell of the mountainous air puts a smile on my face. rather than cooking up a camp breakfast, we decided to grab brunch on our way out… We heard of a great little-biker-stop tavern back down the 154fwy about 2 miles down the way, that serves up some mean BBQ grub.   Cold Springs Tavern serves up delicious BBQ and ice cold drafts at their cozy old western-like tavern. Definitely a must-stop!

Historical Landmark

  Crispy Chili Fries… mmmm!

BBQ’d Pulled Pork Sandwich…  Delish!!

With our belly’s full… this is a good time to a take a stroll, take in the beautiful scenery… and shoot photos, of course?!

…before heading home.

 

                                                                                            We decided to stop by the sleepy beach town of Carpinteria for a little sweet treat.

Robitailles Fine Candies hits the spot!

a throw back to the good ole days, when it felt right to get a piece of candy or fudge on your way home from school or work.

Nothing like a satisfied sweet tooth to help you journey home!

What a great thirty-two-hour-getaway!!

Venturing Joshua Tree

When I ventured around Joshua Tree’s main drag… while staying at my pal Doran’s lovely little B&B.  I wanted to take Stacy to Crossroads for Breakfast…a favorite little spot. Come to find out it was under new ownership and just re-opened after eight months of construction.  The place did look a little different, but the food was just as delicious (thankfully).  After,  we  took a stroll to check out the neighboring shops, and discovered a few new cool ones that just opened up… Richocett relocated their cozy country diner filled with adorable vintage aprons. Natural Sister- a new Vegan Hot Spot was packed, and Grateful Desert- an wonderful herb shop that has teas and makes herbal tinctures. Owner Jenny was super friendly and very helpful. Seems like Joshua Tree is moving and shaking.

savory polenta dish & blueberry french toast @ Crossroads

aprons @ Ricochet  http://www.ricochetjoshuatree.com/

PHOTO: JAPAN memories shared.

When the massive earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, churning up a devastating tsunami that swept over cities and farmland in the northern part of the country on March 11, 2011, the world felt the emotional hardships the Japanese community would have to bear in the coming months. Inspired by a (CNN) story on rescue workers and volunteers creating a makeshift photo gallery set up for villagers to look for their memories before the disastrous waves hit; Ben James, Jaewon Cho, Stephan Baik, Josh Jefferis, Jason Ambrose wanted to help, so they came up with an idea for a local photo exhibition PHOTO:JAPAN where a gallery of “Photos from friends’ trips to Japan”would be on display, the proceed would benefit Save the Children International’s efforts in Japan. PHOTO: JAPAN is this Friday, May 6th  6:00 – 11:00, 1118 Abbot Kinney (near Westminester), this is a First Friday Abbott Kinney event.

                                                                                               photo by Jay Booker

                               Photo by:  Kabri DWL Brian Guerrero & Katalina Arboleda-Guerrero

 PHOTO: JAPAN Exhibit.

Additional Information
-A poster that will be going up in the windows of the space this week, and one of the images that will be included in the show. They will be printing close to 600 4x6s and 5x7s. We have also chosen 20 images to be printed by on Photo Giclee canvas (by http://YPOC.com/).

Every image will go on the wall and we will start selling each smaller photo for a suggested donation of $5.00. When the viewer purchases a small photo, they can take it off the wall and away with them. We will take the larger canvas images down throughout the night as they sell as well. These will be sold for prices to be set later this week. There goal is simple: empty the wall by the end of the night. All proceeds will go to Save the Children International’s efforts in Japan.

 

 

Girl date ala La Villa De Valle

If you happen to plan a girl date– do something you really love. for my girlfriend and dearest foodie gal, we share the love of a delicious meal along with a heart to heart conversation. it’s these kinds of get togethers that I live for.

my gal surprised me with a special invite to a pop up restaurant held by our mutual friends Phil and Eileen Gregory, who own a wonderful bed and breakfast, LA Villa Del Valle in what as known as Mexico’s wine country in the Guadalupe Valley in Ensenada, Mexico. From the beginning it was acres of bare land but now after five or so years, this B&B has evolved into a full-fledged vineyard, offering a wonderful selection of full-bodied Vena Cava wines ( try the Big Blend).  Along with great wine, comes a great chef to prepare divine dishes to pair with the tastings. Voted the number one chef in Mexico, Diego Hernandez delighted our taste buds with a 4 course tasting menu that boasted dishes like vanilla infused cauliflower soup, geoduck tartare with avocado wasabi gelee and cucaph beer braised short rib, just to name a of few. This 4 day pop up restaurant was a huge hit leaving behind a room full of foodie hipsters with a true taste of Mexico’s Napa Valley lingering on their lips.

Note: While this pop up was in Los Angeles for smidgen of time, there location is a mere 3 hours away. Check out their site then head south of the border. http://www.lavilladelvalle.com/en/

where the wilds ones are..

While there were doubts the cold weather would dampen our camping trip, we were rest assured to find a peaceful, sunny and mellow campground in Idyllwild. this magical wonderland of trees deep within it’s five thousand ft elevation is quite the getaway. while viewing the landscape and the bright blue sky I suddenly felt grateful. with so much going on in the world.. it was good to embrace the gentler spirits of mother nature.

Pop Quiz-  Manzanita trees grow wild here.., it is said that Manzanitas are a good source of vitamin C, and the early settlers proclaim the leaves are a natural teeth cleaner.  Idyllwild is less than 2 hours outside of los angeles and has been known to be more than just a secret hippie hideout.

Note: Called the  Idyllwild Campground in San Jacinto State Park just a 1/4 miles from town.

this well manicured family campground, is $20 per night, dogs allowed and complete with amenties; bathrooms, showers (.50cent for 3 mins), grill, picnic table, lot’s of hikes, rock climbing with mini waterfalls, a nature center at the top of the mountain, with tranquil views surrounding the area… some good spaces are 5 & 14 thru 19, but pick one that suits your needs.  There are several campgrounds to explore in idyllwild, but this is the one we camped and loved.  If you are into renting cabins,

check out Casa Manzanita  http://www.casas-del-sol.net .  I did a write up last Sept for my birthday cabin getaway. this place was perfect place to share birthday or retreat with friends and family. all the more reason why I love Idyllwild.