Small Worlds

28 Sep 2026 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized

These past ten days I went to three concerts: Phantom Planet, Rilo Kiley, and Jon Batiste.  Over the years, somehow I met the leads of these bands in one setting or another.  One may say “that’s so La,” but in reality the run-ins were in LA, Ojai, and Manhattan.  Seeing them perform in large crowds fascinates me, whether it was the Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, or the new Pacific Electric venue.   I am in the midst of a crowd of people who wave their arms in the air and sway to the familiar music.   

I am just a fan, a concert attendee, yet for a moment the person onstage was someone in front of me.  We shared the same atmosphere and a brief interaction.  These artists are living out their passions, performing for a crowd that sings the words back to them.  They are the lucky few who get to live out the dreams that so many have, and yet they are everyday people. I only have a photo with one of these three artists, as I was not quick enough to take a selfie when we talked, or it wasn’t the right moment.  It’s as if these days we need proof that these moments happened, and yet these times also reside in our bones, in our visceral memories. 

Living in big cities throughout the world, I have been lucky enough to meet a large majority of people I have looked up to.  They have been comprised of artists, authors, musicians, actors, comedians, djs, fashion designers, models, Michelin starred chefs, directors, tv show hosts, or store owners (yes the owner of the Shakespeare & Co Bookshop).   I wouldn’t say I am star struck, but fascinated to meet the lucky talented people the world has chosen to celebrate and highlight their work.  Oftentimes on television or social media, these individuals are framed as current mythological gods and goddesses.  They are untouchable and out of this world.  Yet in meeting them, it grounds the experience to my reality. 

As childlike as this statement may seem, dreams can come true and these people are proof of it.   Part of the reason I aspire to meet them is hopes that some of their greatness may rub off on me.  Perhaps in some form of osmosis, I too will be great.  Yet in the meantime, I am present for immersing myself in the poetic lyrics of these chosen few.

When my brother and I met Jon Batiste in a small VIP space of a popular Manhattan Italian restaurant, my brother complimented his artistry and said he too was also a musician.  Batiste said “isn’t it wonderful what we get to do?”  Batiste earlier that year had won Grammys for his recent album and had finished being the house band for the Late Night Talk show host Stephen Colbert. Batiste was at the top of his game and he replied with grace and humility.  He was filled with gratitude, appreciation, and sharing in that moment with a fellow musician, being inclusive in his statement.

“With so many ways to communicate at our disposal, we must not forget that transformative power of a live music experience and genuine human exchange.” -Jon Batiste

Ways to Donate

18 Sep 2026 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

In a time of financial crunch, with so many businesses struggling and shutting down, we do not know how to exert our energy and our wallets.  I would love to donate to this dog rescue, every time I see a post of a dog in need that is saved from a kill shelter, but I know it’s not financially feasible.  One thing I did realize and offer this particular dog rescue (where I got Lullaby) is to offer a donation based sound bath where the proceeds go to them.  I am awaiting their feedback, but it’s an offering and a way to serve.  This happened when I entered a Palestinian café in Venice.  I noticed they have yoga classes and third spaced events, and asked if they had sound baths.  They were receptive but noted it had to be donation based. I agreed this could be something I could assist with.  As of today, I have two donation based sound baths in the works. 

There are so many ways we can give to support causes we believe in.  We can offer our financial resources, but also our time, attention, and intention when we post on social media. The scarcity mindset keeps us closed off and protective of all we have, worried that others are seeking to take our resources.  Offerings are expansive, and it’s important to keep this in mind as struggles continue throughout the world. 

Earlier this week, the Mackelmore/Ed Sheeran debate was all over the news.  Ed Sheeran is a worldwide popular musician, who wants to stay out of politics, and yet at the same time has immense power in his platform.  He’s been pulled into this equation because Mackelmore, one of his opening acts, made statements at a recent show in support of Palestine.  He was dropped from the tour for the statements made, which led to several other opening acts dropping out as well. It has sparked conversation throughout the world in what do you stand for and even though you are someone who stays out of politics, should you be brought in during these situations?  Mackelmore then proceeded to donate all the money he had made from the tour $1,000,000 to Palestinian aid organization.  Matching pledges ensued.    

We may not all have $1,000,000 to donate. But how do we show up for the causes we believe in?  This may be through visiting a Palestinian coffee shop and posting about them, volunteering at your local retirement home, doing a beach clean up, or even leading a sound bath where proceeds go to a dog rescue you support. 

https://nypost.com/2026/09/17/us-news/macklemore-called-for-free-palestine-at-second-metlife-stadium-show-after-nfl-owners-were-allegedly-assured-he-wouldnt

Meeting Icons

29 Aug 2026 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

“Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism – it’s my least favorite quality, and it doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.”― Conan O’Brien

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of meeting Conan O’Brien after a concert he performed in with his new band The Vigodas at The Lodge Room in Highland Park.  What was interesting is I feel I already knew him after watching him for over thirty years on his talk shows, travel show, and podcast.  After so much familiarity, I feel he already was a friend, we just hadn’t met.  

            In between musical acts, I asked my brother what he would say to Conan if he got the opportunity to meet him. He said he would blame Conan on his poor sleep, because he would stay up to watch his late night show ever since the debut (when my brother was in 4th grade).  I said I would bring up the late Norm McDonald standing me up on a date when I was an extra on his show, because I knew Conan was his beloved friend. I even prepped a photo ready to show him.  

            My brother and I decided to leave during another act, because the LA heat wave was difficult to bear at the concert hall.  Several minutes prior we saw Conan leave from his private room and exit through the front.  We decided to go out the entrance, although my brother warned me the proper exit was preferred, and Conan was probably already long gone.  We stepped into the alley of the front entrance and found Conan there with his crew.  Immediately I was lectured by a staff member that “this is not an exit.” I pretended to not hear the comment, and when I saw Conan I had to say “I love you.” I was wearing a Dolly Parton shirt in honor of her, who had died the day prior.  He said “I love your shirt,” and we both briefly shared our love for her.  

I had prepared to meet Conan earlier that night.  Call it the law of attraction or just an inner knowing.  My brother and I just had discussed this potential interaction.  I showed him and image on my phone of Norm McDonald and I from 20 years ago, stating “your friend stood me up on a date.” He realized who it was, he said “he’s still standing you up.”  After his witty comment, Conan then offered kind genuine words that you would to a friend who had been hurt by someone years ago.  It was a brief interaction but validating.  My brother shared what he wanted to say to him, we talked of his upcoming new season of his travel show Conan O’Brien Must Go which includes the Phillipines this year.  I ended the conversation with giving him one of these itonlytakesasmile kindness cards.  I watched Conan actually reading the Joseph Campbell quote on the back.  The new cards had just come in the mail that day, and I was appreciative I was able to share this with him.  I am not sure if he kept it, but it was an honor to offer something small and tangible to him.  

One of the last things I said to Conan in addition to it being a great performance that evening was “I’m glad you are doing what you love.” Conan has been such an inspiration.  He’s pivoted his career multiple times, and after retirement he opts to start the podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and a travel show, where he visits his fans internationally.  In his 60’s he’s starting a band for the sole fact that it brings him joy.  Watching him and the Vigodas perform helped spread joy to the audience.  We need more of that in our world today.  There is a contagious nature of happiness and curiosity to try new things and share your passions with the world, regardless of your age.  His playful interactions with the audience in between songs welcomed us all into another facet of him, which was entertaining and engaging. 

Thank you Conan for what you do and taking the time to have a genuine conversation with us.  It would have been easy to say nothing, not be bothered after a performance, as you had people to protect you from bothersome fans like me. Yet those several moments engaging with you will linger and live on as I share the story with others.  After years of watching you, it warmed my heart to feel for a moment we connected as friends. 

 “Fall down. Make a mess. Break something occasionally. But know that your mistakes are your own unique way of getting where you need to be and remember the story is never over.”― Conan O’Brien

Synchronicity

22 Aug 2026 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , ,

            Recently I was sharing with a colleague the numerous experiences of synchronicity that I was having at the time.  She had never heard of the term “synchronicity. ” After I got over the shock of her not knowing this I began to describe it.

            Synchronicity is signs from the universe that you see repeatedly, it’s moments that appear to be coincidence but are not by chance.  It is the alignment of things that you have been talking about that appear on your path. 

            I realized my definitions of examples could not do it justice, and I looked up articles on synchronicity to share with her.  One article simply described synchronicity as “winks from the universe.”  And this succinctly summarized synchronicity in it’s essence. 

            Carl Jung coined the term synchronicity to be “meaningful coincidences.” Since he offered this term, this word has flourished in the spiritual and psychological worlds.  Jung further went on to say ““Synchronicity is an ever-present reality for those who have eyes to see.”

            I had heard once that when there are frequent moments of synchronicity, it’s the way of the universe and your guides telling you that you are on the right path.  Whether this is seeing frequent numbers, symbols, repetition or themes in our everyday lives and conversations, and “random” encounters with others. 

            Earlier this year, I accompanied a friend to get a Filipino tattoo.  She researched for an entire year about the process, and decided on one particular person in the OC area. She flew from the Midwest to California for this tattoo event, I went with her.  Synchronicity unfolded as we shared our history. It turns out not only was the tattoo artist from the state we were in the Midwest, we went to the same grade school, my cousin was best friends with her brother.  Her brother was the only roommate I ever had in my life, and this was in Brooklyn.  Our thread of connection crossed state lines: Ohio, New York, and now California.

This blew my mind with the synchronicity that occurred, and I decided I need to get a tattoo by her as well.  Months later, I wrote about this experience on social media, and shared an image of my friend, the tattoo artist, myself, and another friend.  On Facebook, someone commented she knew all of us in that photo.  This person who commented was someone I had met one time in a bookstore in Paris, knew everyone of us in that picture from different times in her life and different areas of the world.  This is magic.  This is synchronicity. 

            Having these moments of synchronicity happen layer upon layer was wild.  It surprised me and yet it didn’t.  I feel as if synchronicity always happens to me, and perhaps if you are lucky you will notice when the wonder of synchronicity is visiting your life. If you feel comfortable, please share your stories of synchronicity below, I would love to hear them.

“The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.”-Joseph Campbell

Becoming Poetic

03 Aug 2026 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , ,

            Oftentimes when I hear teachers speak in poetic language, I long to immerse myself in their presence.  I wish I too could quote lines from poems with ease. I was curious how these magnetic speakers do this.  Do they recite poetry on a daily basis?  Do they memorize lines for speeches they can access with ease?  Or are they just blessed to have the poetic gene in their bodies?

            Yet I began to understand that the essence of poetry is noticing the small things.  Simply noticing.

            It’s putting out a hummingbird feeder, stopping what I’m doing when I see one fly by in the corner of my eye, and watching hummingbirds land to take refuge in their sweet meal.

            It’s wiping the folds of my French bulldog’s face after coming in from a walk in silence so I can be totally present. 

            It’s finding comfort in a soft cozy yellow blanket I’ve had for years, while I sit on my couch and read, as my dog snores at my feet. 

            It’s delicious satisfaction after eating a Swiss piece of chocolate paired with coffee.

            It’s taking time to notice the changing hues of the sky during the sunset each night from my balcony, which on a clear night also offers the cinematic view of the Santa Monica mountains.

Paying attention is poetry. And it’s accessible to us all.  What poetry is arising with you today?

I started out wanting to write great poems, then wanting to discover true poems. Now, I want to be the poem.

Mark Nepo

Lullaby Beginnings

26 Jul 2026 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , ,

Yesterday was the first day I gave out Lullaby cards.  I recently ordered them, but was dissatisfied.  They were the first time I brought them with me, although they didn’t turn out exactly like I wanted. The font on the back was too dark to truly see the Joseph Campbell quote in it’s entirety.  But if I kept waiting for the perfect moment to arise, and have the energy to reprint them, it may never happen.  And so I brought the cards with me.  A child wanted to pet Lullaby, his father looked at me querying me if it was okay for him to pet her.  I nodded, and after some time offered the cards to him and his siblings as he pet Lullaby during the sunset.  Another adult onlooker having a picnic dinner wanted her own Lullaby card, and so I shared the love.

            This is the smallest act of kindness you can do to humanity.  Offering a momentary tangible piece of paper that can bring a smile.  And it can do so much, it can be contagious.  Over the past year, I had dealt with the grief of losing my 16 year old chug Bella, and prior to that 15 year old English bulldog Puzo.  I was literally running out of cards and couldn’t therefore give them out as freely, but also during grief it can be difficult to offer more.  I didn’t have it in me to make new cards with their image on it, since they were no longer on this earth.  Yet, with the arrival of Lullaby, things changed.  She could be on one side, while they could greet strangers on the other.

            And now with Lullaby we are doing this act of kindness again.  She does this automatically as she greets everyone with joy.  As I write this, I sit in a coffee shop, she’s in a stroller gazing at new customers and the song “send me an angel” plays in the background.  This is poignant, as I am in a coffee shop I used to frequent with Bella.  We stopped in the neighborhood to drop off donations to the rescue I got Lullaby from.  In my old neighborhood, I walked Lullaby along the same path I used to frequent after work, along a marina.  We sat in the same spot that Bella would take in the sun.  There were some tears shed, but also gratitude to be here with her. 

            Lullaby has her struggles, she’s had her fourth seizure in the past two months.  And as we are sorting this out, have her on medication, she still is full of love every other moment of the day.  I hope this blog reminds you that it doesn’t take much to share kindness with a stranger.  It only takes a smile.

Introducing Lullaby

13 Jul 2026 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Years ago I created this blog to accompany kindness quotes I shared on cards I distributed with my two previous dogs’ images on them: Puzo and Bella. After Bella’s death last year, my process of giving away the cards has minimized and I admit I am running out of the hundreds of cards I had purchased. It’s been awhile I have written, with an additional move, new job, and now new dog.

Meet Lullaby.

Lullaby is a five year old Frug (french bulldog /pug mix), who I got as a rescue from Legacy of Love in Ventura. She is believed to be 5, but exerts puppy energy. Her story is like many other french bulldog mamas. What we know is she was used for breeding, and was brought to the shelter for an emergency c-section. All puppies died, and her owners abandoned her due to the high vet bill. Although they made money off of her breeding, they couldn’t pay for her necessary surgery. After one week of healing in the shelter, she was brought to the rescue, and the following week I adopted her.

Lullaby was the name the rescue gave her, but I opted to keep it. There was a preciousness to this word, a gentle song sung to children as they sleep. And she is living into the essence of the word.

Despite the tragedies and trauma she experienced, she seems to be the most joyful soul. She greets everyone with exuberance, love, and curiosity. It doesn’t matter if they are a fellow dog or human, she wants to say hello with a booty shake and excited energy. She still doesn’t understand that not everyone wants to say hello. My friend Isabella nicknamed her Kimmy Schmidt, from the the Netflix show Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. This lead character also went through tragedy, but had a persistent smile , curiosity to the world, and an extraordinary amount of resilience.

Our two months together have been a journey, and I learn more about her on a daily basis. The first several days, she would lay her head on my hip or nuzzle her nose by my neck. It was as if she held me in place, not wanting me to leave. With time, she slowly gained independence. My friend Lisa encouraged me to do a ritual of healing from the traumas for Lullaby shortly after I got her, which intentionally coincided with Mother’s Day. Lullaby has had several seizures in these two months, and is now on medication. I look at her, unaware of what she has gone through but in awe of the happiness she exudes with every walk she takes. For those that are dog people, I notice they smile on the street as she walks by, ask to pet her, and give her blessings for this next part of her life.

She reminds me we always have a choice in how we want to engage with the world. We don’t have to be victims of our circumstances. In the midst of suffering, we can find glimmers of joy, and capacity to share kindness.

I hope one day you have the opportunity to meet Lullaby. Or perhaps you have your own furry friend who reminds you to be present and kind.

Bohemian Glimpses

29 Dec 2025 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , ,

My friend and I decided to stay in the bohemian area of Cartagena to bookend our week long cruise in the Southern Carribean.  The area of Getsemani is peaking towards gentrification, and will surpass gentrification as a Four Seasons is being built there.  I love that one tiny hotel refused to sell their property, so they will exist as the Four Seasons is being built around it.   Per my walking tour guide, whose name was Legacy, the area in the past was filled with drugs and prostitution.  The city wanted to change this and began hiring street artists to paint murals in this side of town to change it’s vibe. Murals exist of their version of Mother Earth, or an homage to an elderly man who fell asleep in the same spot daily and died there, and even of three children bandits who are raising their fists in a power symbol to stop gentrification.

 There is a vibrant authentic bohemian energy still that still exists, with local restaurants that have tables on the street next to parked taxis and motorbikes.  Celebratory umbrellas or colorful banners line the streets of makeshift bars in alleys.  There are locals selling art to tourists, and local souvenirs.  Rappers and swindlers follow you and start rapping about what you are wearing, and if you engage with them (for a fee) your story.  A musician plays No Woman No Cry in the background. I hear accents from different countries walk the streets, whose mouths are open in wonder of what they are witnessing.

 Multiple blocks away there are chains that exist, which include Starbucks, McDonalds, and KFC.  But in this little area, only local shop owners, or tiny hotels and bed and breakfasts exist.   As I checked into my bed and breakfast early at Les Lizards, I was greeted with kindness and a second breakfast of a fresh fruit drink, arepas, coffee, and local fruit.  I was told “this is your home,” I could visit the jacuzzi, hang out in the lounge area.  I would only be there for one night, but was offered so much generosity.  Later in the evening, I stood in front of the door and debated to go inside or grab dinner, but I wanted a suggestion. The staff member/owner saw me as he walked down the street and said “you’re right here,” as the door appeared hidden. I queried about dining recommendations, and he escorted me down the street, and talked to the staff.  I sat in the outdoor table on the street and took in the moment.

It was as if I stepped back in time.  This was bohemian Cartagena, but it could be a bohemian town anywhere in the world at one point.  Isn’t this the essence of what directors strive to capture on film? I imagined this was what the East Village was like in the 50’s or Brooklyn back in the day?  Tourists long to linger here, it’s as if you are stepping onto a set that we want to inhale into our memories.

  There’s a dichotomy here of chaos and chill vibe.  Horns are honked on the street by cars taking their time to let people out, and one way streets are blocked.  Music is playing at one restaurant, while rappers are scheming with their boombox down the street. There is a cat begging me for food as I eat.  And yet I am finding a sense of pause as I drink my coconut lemonade, which tastes like a pina colada.  The soft bulbs that line the streets which appear to be pedestrian, make my eyes hazy as if I am in a dream. 

I was here in Cartagena for a short time, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I come back.  Who knows if this place will remain the same? Will the authentic vibe outlast the tourism that seems to be booming here and the Four Seasons to premiere in Spring 2026? Not sure, but for a moment todo es tranquilo.

Have you ever visited Cartagena, or a place so bohemian you stepped back in time? If so where? What was it like?

Holiday Travels

20 Dec 2025 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

It’s that time of year, when people have accumulated vacation time to visit friends and family throughout the world.  Highways are crowded, trains are booked, and flights are delayed.  Generally it’s not my favorite time to travel, as the world is temporarily filled with chaos as people are trying to reach their destination.

            I can’t help but observe fellow travellers around me.  As I write this, I finished my second flight to Panama and awaiting my third to head to Colombia, for a week long cruise.  The first flight was two hours late, from the tiny airport in SLO.  I kept my cool, because my layover of four hours had space.  But others didn’t.  As we landed in Terminal 7 in LAX, some of us walked towards Bradley International terminal.  The shuttle was closed temporarily for 30 minutes. We had the option of waiting or leaving the airport, walking 10-15 minutes, going back through TSA to head to our gates.  One family was worried, they didn’t know if they would make it in time.  Another man in his 60s decided to walk, I walked with him.  As we walked we shared stories.  “I have to make this flight to Tahiti, I haven’t spent Christmas with my family in 30 years.” He had travelled from Denver, a delayed flight, made it to another flight, and was determined to make this particular flight on Air France.  He was meeting his family in Tahiti as his sister and her partner have been sailing the world for six months and the family decided why not meet in Tahiti.  I said I was headed to Colombia.  He reminisced while briskly walking. “I lived there for a month when I was 17, with two other expats. Someone let us rent their place for $8 for the whole month. “ He proceeded to share how he spent six months hitchhiking South America.  What an adventurer.  We parted ways, wished each other luck.  I didn’t know his name, but I will remember his story.

            As I made it to my gate, I sat and wait.  There were 2 Copa Airlines headed to Panama within several minutes of each other. I asked the agent why, if it was overbooked.  She said “we always have two flights.”  I later learned Panama and Copa Airlines is the gateway to the rest of South America.  I listened as people shared their final destination.  One American man said he was headed to Brazil.  The staff member asked for his visa, he didn’t know he needed one and panicked.  Could he get one virtually?  No, it would take five days.  He wanted to still take the plane and just hang out in Panama, she wouldn’t allow it.  I recall my aunt and husband went to Brazil for their wedding, not knowing they too needed visas, until being turned away at the airport.  They headed to NYC for an emergency embassy visit and made the most of their honeymoon.  Noted for future me, check for visas for Brazil. 

            I felt bad for this man, he probably organized everything for this trip.  In my head, I hypothesized he paid for his parking, coordinated vacation days, paid for a pet sitter, hotels, excursions, and this ticket.  Perhaps he wasn’t meant to go to Brazil and will be redirected to go on a journey somewhere else or have a staycation.

            Holiday travels don’t always go as planned, and we need to leave space for this.  It definitely is a time of stress.  I noticed I craved Asian fast food and headed to Panda Express after running to my gate.  A staff member ate Cheetos as she looked at her list of to dos.  People scrolled on their phones to distract themselves from time spent waiting.  Another passenger on the second flight to Panama came to my gate and requested to get on that flight.  The other flight was delayed and he would miss his layover, could he switch? The gate agent said no and would not help him.  I thanked the stars that my plane was not late and I could make my layover.  But this could have been me too.  Yet in the midst of this, I noticed two Nordic travellers having a beer, as I wolfed down my Chinese food.  They appeared as they were in total chill mode, as if they were just having pints at a local bar.  These two seemed to be enjoying the travel moment, something many of us were missing.              During the holidays we all have the potential to be stressed.  Give yourself some grace during this season, and also compassion to your fellow travellers and humans.  You don’t know what they are going through.  Notice the little things that make you smile, however ridiculous.  At this café in Panama as I write this my Almond Cappaccino was $8, the same price as that fellow traveller’s month in Colombia.  The duty free shop was filled with holiday carolers and Mr. and Mrs. Claus available for photo ops.  One bathroom cleaner played Reggaeton as she cleaned the sinks.  In another bathroom, a cleaner wore a holiday reindeer headband.  Somehow they were making the most of the busy work day.  Take in the joy where you can, and spread some if possible.  Notice what’s going on around you, how other people are engaging with the day, observe the moment versus totally distracting yourself from the world.  Find gratitude for what is working.  We’re all just trying to make it to our next de

Present Magic

17 Dec 2025 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Today, I opted to walk towards the beach for my morning journaling.  This is a practice I’ve been doing on my days off, while living a five minute stroll downhill from Avila Beach. The sun was just about to rise over the cliffs.  As I walked in the distance, I saw something large moving.  It takes practice and a keen eye to watch areas for movement, and it’s easy to be fooled. It could be simply a larger bird bathing, yesterday I was at a loss, and thought I saw an animal playing with a ball in the distance.  It was a human swimming with a bright orange vest. But today, my eyes stared into the horizon.  As I walked closer, I saw in the water a dolphin, swimming solo towards the sunrise.  I watched with awe and wonder. How grateful I was to witness it.  Another passerby noted, “it’s beautiful isn’t it?”  I pointed out the dolphin I just saw, he informed me he had a seen a group of 20-30 seals that just swam by. 

            I was just about to sit on the cement steps looking onto the pier, when I saw something moving beyond me.  A woman was looking through a telescope at this little being, and as she walked by me she smiled and was wearing an “awe of god” shirt.  The universe was definitely speaking to me.  I walked onto the pier and saw a little otter down below, cleaning himself, having fun rolling in circles in the water. The sun glistened like golden flecks in the water as I stared at him with joy.  He seemed to notice me and I’d like to think he was putting on a show.  On the other end of the pier, I saw something move at the corner of my eye, but did not stay above water for too long.  I caught a glimpse of a seal.

            And although I went to the beach to journal, I spent an hour being mesmerized by what was in my presence… The morning sunrise served as the backdrop for the dolphin, seal, and otter, and the variety of birds that were greeting my morning.  Sometimes life redirects us to just be and witness the magic that lies before us.  But we have to be present to observe this.

            What magic have you witnessed today?

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