A Hint of Fall

Having spent the past 16 years in Florida, I don't even begin to think about cooler weather until the middle to end of October. Life is completely different in Southern California. I know there really isn't a change of seasons in the New England sense of the word but there is definitely a change in the weather. We have had some phenomenal weather...clear, blue skies, cool temps (70's during the day, 60 at night), no humidity......

I was in Newport Beach yesterday trying out the third (yes, third) hair salon. I don't know if this is as much torture for everyone or if it is just me but this has been a horrendous process. I know I was very spoiled by MacKenzie and the whole atmosphere at The Met in Sarasota. MacKenzie was the first hair stylist in my life that actually listened to what I had to say and then told me to relax, that she would do the driving. I was grateful that she took over the management of my very unmanageable hair. I knew that was special but just how special became very clear to me when I came to southern California. Yesterday, I walked into the Salon and was eventually introduced to the person who would be managing my hair cut and color. Well, the color thing is pretty much a no brainer since I have my magic MacKenzie formula with me....thanks MacKenzie! Of course, the So. Cal stylist didn't have all the right shades so she had to go on a hunt for it. I was a little leary fearing she had made a substitute but it turned out fine so I guess she didn't. Anyway, we get to the cut part.......ARRRRGGGHHHH. In reality, it's not too bad for the first day after a cut....talk to me in a few weeks. I have given this a lot of thought though......As a professional nurse of 20 some odd years of experience, I am expected to apply my knowledge and expertise. If a patient is having chest pain, I don't ask....."would you like me to get you some nitroglycerin? or "what are we going to do for you today?" That would not go over well. I am expected to know what to do and then do what is in the best interest of the patient. I expect a similar response from the stylist cutting my hair. This person is reportedly a professional with many years of experience......I want that person to gather the data about the journey my hair and I have been on and then tell me to relax, they have it under control. I don't want to have to tell them how to cut my hair. I don't want to have to tell them that, yep....I do have a lot of hair....yep, it's really thick.....yep, it's curly too. I understand that my standards are a tad high and I have to suffer the consequences of that. Just know, without a doubt, that I will be making an appointment with my beloved MacKenzie when I am home in Sarasota during the Christmas Holidays.......

Anyway, as I started to say, prior to my little soapbox, I drove from Newport Beach to Laguna Beach by the Pacific Coast Highway on my way home yesterday. I am not sure there are many more beautiful pieces of real estate/beach anywhere. It was stunning, breathtaking, awe inspiring and all those other descriptive words that try to describe the indescribable.






Crystal Cove State Park














Laguna Beach









I am lucky.