Mornin' Glory

I went birding today. 

Not something I would actually do on my own. One of my best friends is an avid birder however, and  I thought I would give it a try because he likes it. We looked through plots of tamarisks (pictured in the first photo) that were used as wind breaks for a park and some crops. We saw yellow warblers, townsend warblers, some bushtits (I giggled inappropriately in my head at this name), and one other species that I cannot recall. Not a very lucky day, as he hadn't seen the more uncommon warblers we were looking for. I couldn't get any pictures of them either, for the tamarisks didn't allow much light to get through and the birds were too fidgety for me to locate them long enough. I don't really have a passion for birds, but I am always open to learning about wildlife. Spending time outdoors with a good friend in the warm early morning sun is also a treat in itself. I really appreciated just walking along a fairly empty road, listening the the chirpy shenanigans of the birds. It was so very peaceful and calming. I don't even mind that my sandals and feet got a little muddy, but that is my bad for poor judgement in footwear for the activity. I am happy I finally went birding with my friend though, as he is leaving to go somewhere for a long while. I guess I will dedicate this post to him, good luck, I will miss ya, but look out for my letters! 

Going to college and all, I am bound to make new friends. I really want to try and stay in touch with a select few though. Just people who love me inside and out, and I the same with them. So here is to the new and staying in touch with the old, let us never lose each other in the journey called life.

~

Also, in honor of this day and its significance to myself & fellow Americans, I am so thankful that I am alive and got to savor the quiet of this morning. Thirteen years ago was definitely a different story for everyone. Rest in peace to those who lost their lives on 9/11 and to those in the conflict that followed after. 

Le citron

Lemon cake is one of my dad's favorite cakes. So I needed a super easy recipe that I could whip out on special occasions. This simple, quick loaf cake with glaze is so easy and delicious though, that I find myself making it every time the there are ripe Meyer lemons on the tree in my backyard. Which has been a lot lately. 

*Please excuse the picture quality of the loaf cake, it was taken on my phone and edited at a separate time on a separate software. I would not have pictured it except that an image of the cake itself did seem necessary.

LA Day

famed avocado toast at gget

Bar at gget

The Los Angeles is such a mix of eclectic aesthetics. One neighborhood I ended up exploring this summer was Larchmont Village, where the coffee bar Go Get Em Tiger is located. It was a gorgeously sunny day. The people working and perusing the area were diverse and some of the most incredibly friendly people I have met in LA. Obviously, Amoeba isn't located on Larchmont but rather in Hollywood which was definitely busier. Then again it had been later in the day once we got to Amoeba, so more people had probably ventured out into the day by then. I would be in LA all the time just exploring if only the traffic wasn't excruciating; it takes forever to travel the same distance I would travel in 15 minutes out here in the suburbs. Anyway, as school draws closer for me, I won't be out in LA as much, also seeing as any friends willing to go with me have left for college already. It's a low blow; the Allah - Las are playing soon and I have no one to go with. I guess it is time to rewatch some of my favorite tv series and reread my favorite books to pass the time. Not a bad thing, but not as adventurous and productive as I would like. 

High School Fruition

I have eaten

the plums

that were in

the icebox

and which

you were probably

saving

for breakfast

Forgive me

they were delicious

so sweet

and so cold

This Is Just To Say

by William Carlos Williams

I guess I wonder what will stay with me from my time in high school. I graduated a little over two months ago, but it already feels like ages have past and the whole world is unfurling before me. 

I have said so long to small responsibilities and insincere friendships. Life beyond high school is exciting, but extremely frightening. I can see that when I apply for student loans and register for classes at my university. I have serious commitments now, and as determined as I am to honor them, I will never know what successes and failures lie ahead. But I have realized that while the trials and tribulations of high school might be insignificant to ones I have yet to face, I still have the same two options in which I can face them. I can allow them to break me down in sadness, worry, and despair or I can set my resolve, and refuse to let the potential risks in life take away my ability to enjoy life and love. 

Life is best lived with both a grain of salt and sugar. I will be prudent and hardworking, but I must remember that I can still have fun. I'll always remember this poem by William Carlos Williams that I read in high school. It never had  earth shattering social commentary or allegorical significance. The narrator acted and owned up to his actions, but took everything with a little bit of cheek. Humor has always been one of life's best remedies. I hope I can always remember the small things; they often help you understand the big lessons in life.

Shadow

- Warmer Days Are Upon Us -

Dress casually with no fuss for a change.

Forever 21 Tee ~ Urban Outfitters Shorts ~ Old Navy Flops (that are sadly not with us anymore)