I took them to the ocean. To the cliff jumping rock in Corona Del Mar. We came at high tide when the waves were barreling through the arch. When you had to time your swim to the rock perfectly to avoid being slammed. It was overcast and choppy and scary but I love being in the water in its best and worst. It's exhilarating. Not knowing what's underneath. Letting yourself delve into their world. A world we don't control. Somewhere you can't display your dominance. Somewhere you have to surrender.
I took them to the Ruby's Shake Shack. The place with the view like no other. Tiny bungalows on the beach and cliffs towering over the endless expanse of water. It was midday but I was dreaming of sunset.
I took them to the waves at Huntington. We exhausted ourselves in volleyball games on the sand and ran to the ocean. 15 minutes till work and running, lunging into the water. The waves were big and the best for diving. Out past where you can touch. Sinking into the abyss of water going over and under until we ran back in to make it by 3 pm. I love that.
I took them to Anderson Street. 3 boards and bad waves. The tide was high and the shore break was striking. Surfing isn't really my forte but I love the burn as you paddle to get over the next wave. I love when you just make it and the very tip of the board slices the peak of the wave. I love the surge of power that waves give off. So much strength and daunting control.
I took them to Main Street. To Bogarts and New York Slice and California Cottage. To the places I was raised at. That street alone holds my childhood. The days when I begged to go to the beach and played in the waves fearlessly. I hated laying on the sand. I wanted to be in the water; I wanted to be of the water. Played tag with the waves all day. They couldn't catch me as I dove under for hours and hours. I love home.
This place is my sanctuary. My place to reflect and grow. My place to refresh and restart. My place. It's the place I can drive with my weezer tape on and the wind blowing through my hair. That's what makes me happy. That's what keeps me coming back for more.
I love you.
