It was another one of those “GREATEST DAYS” again.  Like I’ve said before, whatever moment I am living in is one of those greatest days.  Perhaps it doesn’t even matter WHAT I am doing, but rather, the fact that I am doing it!  Today was unbelievable.  What is so unbelievable can’t really even be put into words.  I went to an aquarium (the number one ranked aquarium in the entire world, so I was told by the aquarium personnel) and it was awesome.  I was spell bound by the intricacies of the different marine life.  So exquisitely and gracefully made.  As I watched some of the tanks full of aquatic life I was mesmerized as if watching an intricate and profoundly complicated dance. And that was just watching one creature.  I even captured some of the choreography  on video so I convince myself that what I saw was not really just imagined.  I wish I knew how to add them to my blog so I could share them with you.  It seemed as if some of the fish were dancing on threads.

I believe part of the joy I feel on these awesome days is just experiencing what I am seeing that seems so magnificent and beautiful.  From the tiniest fish to the vast ocean crashing against the rocks.  Both have a power all their own.  And I am awed.

After the aquarium trip I took a tour on a bus through Monterey and Carmel showing all the places where movies have been filmed.  This tour was awesome even though I haven’t seen the movies (or even heard of some).  There were T.V. screens in the bus where the scenes of the movie were filmed and we would go to that same place, same road, or house, or beach and see exactly where they were filmed.  Most times it was just snippets in the movie scattered throughout the movie, but they would all be filmed on these locations and then back to Hollywood to do the rest of the filming.  My husband would have enjoyed it because he enjoys old movies and has probably seen them all. It was interesting to me to see the beautiful buildings still standing and looking as groomed and graceful as they did 60 or 70 years ago.  Some films were from the 50’s, 60′, and 70’s also.  We were able to get out and photograph in three places.  We went to the water’s edge on the 17 Mile Drive (a famous drive so I’ve been informed), to the lone tree on a rock in the ocean, and spent 40 minutes at Pebble Beach Resort and Golf Course.  FANCY!  Elegant and grand to say the least.  The houses around Pebble Beach sell for between $15 Million Dollars and $50 Million Dollars.  The tour guide informed us that most of the homes there are lived in an average of three weeks a year.  Go figure that one out.

Had the opportunity to meet two delightful sisters on the tour and later meet their mother.  It seems God blesses me with wonderful people wherever I go.  If I remember correctly the sisters were named Vickie and Mallory.  I asked Vickie what her word of wisdom would be to others.  She promptly replied, “Don’t ever take anything for granted“.  I asked her why she said that.  She then told me that her 35 year old son is battling cancer.  I asked her if she minded me praying with her and she responded that she prays every day.  Her son is Daniel.  We prayed for Daniel.  Please say a prayer for this young man.  I know  you do not know him but God knows him and God hears all our prayers.  Daniel’s cancer is in his sinuses.  What a blessing it is for me to be able to pray with others on this trip.  It’s like God drops a little seed of love in my heart for all the wonderful people I meet.  I will remember Daniel.  He is my son’s age.

After the tour my cousin Bill was off work and he took me out for more sight seeing in and around Carmel.  We went to an old old mission .  It was closing soon so we didn’t go in but I did take a few shots around the property.  So beautiful and so old. I am sorry that I have already packed my information brochures so don’t  have any facts or names of things.

After all the sight seeing Bill and I met Vicki at a restaurant and…let’s say…we had a feast fit for a king.  BRUSSELS SPROUTS was on the menu.  And oh, were they ever delicious.  This is what showed up on our table.  Artichoke and dip, Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Root Vegetables, Kale and Beet salad, and Shrimp.  Bill and Vicki ordered Fish.  Actually we shared some of the dishes.  And I still have enough to eat on the road tomorrow.

Before coming to Seaside/Monterey area I had only met Vicki briefly two previous times.  My cousin Bill and I spent minimal time together  growing up even though we are close in age.  I was hesitant about asking if I could come and visit them from out of town.  They were very gracious and willing to have me come.  I came planning to stay two nights and they thought I was staying three nights.  They finally convinced me to stay three nights as they had lots of things planned for me to do.  It was Bill’s sister that I was planning on going to next and she and I made arrangements to have me come another night.  What I didn’t know was that Vicki works in the vacation/resort business.  Well, she gave me two passes to the arboretum and told me if I found someone to give a ticket to,  then offer it to them.  And, she also gave me the bus tour pass.  These were all expensive gifts and I felt so blessed.  I would have felt blessed even if they weren’t expensive.  Just her generosity and hospitality overwhelmed me.  The dinner was a an award she won for being such a valued person in her field and donating her time.  It was such an awesome gift to know that she shared her gift with me.  It was a fabulous restaurant.  All I really wanted was just to come and visit with them and to get to know them both better.  Bill and I look like brother and sister.  He’s quite handsome (Smile).

A note on another pleasant family I met.  The recipient of Vicki’s generous offer for me to offer a ticket to someone.  I had pulled up in a metered parking space and was just ready to slide my credit card in to pay for the place when a lady asked me if my parking place was marked for commercial unloading.  To my surprise it was.  So was hers.  Well she saved me from a parking ticket.  I got in the car as so the other family got in theirs.  We ended up on another street very close together and this time had legitimate parking spaces.  So, I asked them if the were going to the aquarium and they were.  I offered them my guest pass.  These guest passes must be returned to Vicki as they are like a credit card and can be used again.  So the teenage son walked with me, as the others were too slow and I had limited time, and I was able to get him in with the pass.  They were delighted as the tickets cost $40.00 per person. They blessed me by saving me from getting a parking ticket and I in turn was able to bless their family through Vicki’s blessing to me.  I just love the way God works out the details of our lives.

Another beautiful day has come and gone.  I praise God for this day that he has made and I rejoiced in this day.  When I stood at the edge of the mighty roaring ocean today I raised my hands in praise and triumph to the God who created such a world that I would be able to have such joy.  Look around you at all the great and beautiful and amazing creations of God and let your heart rejoice.  I think that when the powerful waves beat against the rock and create the loud roar that God hears that as praise.

Good Night