I Wish They All Could Be California Girls
Letter #11: A catchy Beach Boys song that makes me want to be blonde and tan, and also time spent with my very best friend in the whole world (who is very blonde and also sometimes tan).
What to say about California except that it’s maybe my favorite US state? That and Alie, my best friend of now 34 years going strong, lives there with her family. We spent 4 days together in Woodside, CA, with a one day trip up to San Francisco to visit some of Alie & Nate’s favorite places & people. Having a martini at Zam Zam in Lower Haight is my all time fave.
Then we flew back to LA for 2 weeks of best friend time. It was my first time flying with their daughter who was an excellent baby travel companion. I sunk easily into their daily lives. I took almost daily runs around Echo Lake and spent the remainder of my time working on lining things up for my trip. And writing this newsletter (it’s rewarding by shockingly time-consuming). The winter weather in LA allowed me to work outside on the deck, a treat while being away from NYC & Midwest winters.
On one of the Tuesdays, I borrowed their car and drove up to Angeles National Forest where I hiked the Switzer Falls Trail. At first I thought the hike would be a walk in the park, that is until I found myself precariously balancing on rocks and logs to cross the creek at least 12 times. The Danners held up their end of the deal, save for the last creek hop when I jumped in, the water pooling above my ankle. 🤷🏻♀️ It was more of a climb than I had anticipated, with narrow paths and a sharp drop down to the valley below. The scenery was gorgeous. A mixture of cacti and evergreens spread over jagged white rock. The mountains were especially lush, a result of the unprecedented rainfall California had just experienced due to none other Climate Change rearing its ugly head.
Alie, Nate, and I took turns making family dinners at night. We binged both seasons of Ted Lasso again, and went on a couple dates to have some good heart-to-hearts. I got to be there for their daughter’s bed time routine (brushing teeth to Elmo jamming out on YouTube), her swim lessons, and countless rounds of the Itsy Bitsy Spider (see excerpt re: TOOL). Now she’s saying my name on repeat, sounds like “HA-dah”. I love it.
I love California, to reiterate, not just because I feel at home with the Kadlacs. But because you can order authentic, Mexican quality street tacos at any number of trucks and stalls at all times of the day—they’re around $2 per taco. And people are laid back, they don’t seem to be as stressed out as New Yorkers (or maybe they’re just hiding it well, feel free to correct me). The outfits in the Echo Park & Silverlake neighborhoods are SUPER funky. I’d love to live here for a bit just to build out a psychedelic wardrobe to add to my already eclectic New York wardrobe. Take your pick! You want sandy beaches with surf? Mountains with epic skiing? Towering redwoods? Sprawling deserts? Go ahead! And, yes, it’s sunny EVERY DAY.
I’m sure I’ll say this about every place, But I’ll 100% be back to California to see my best friend (well she’s more like a sister), and watch my baby grow up.
Next stop? HAWAII! ☀️🌊🌴
Things to do:
STORIES Books & Cafe for coffee, indie bookstore, and a great little spot to log on and get some work done. They also have a cute back patio, although I was happy to stay in the cafe and eavesdrop on all the cool east side residents. ✌🏼
Masa of Echo Park Bakery & Café. UGGGHHH THIS PLACE. 🫠 Their Chicago style deep dish pizza has me wrapped around its little finger. I try to have ameal there every time I’m in LA. It’s usually packed and for good reason. A homey little grandma’s house kind of vibe, they make this killer pizza that heats up beautifully for breakfast pizza the next day.
Low Boy for smash burgers. I just…why am I only now figuring out that smash burgers are my favorite burgers next to patty melts?! Low Boy was REALLY good, but not as good as Hil’s homemade smash burger. I’m sorry she hasn’t opened a restaurant yet so her meals are very exclusive but I will let you all know when she does.
Bar Flores is decorated in a way that I wish everyone would leave and I could just turn it into my home. We got margaritas and had to stand to enjoy them because the place was packed with some super eclectic LA folks of all ages.
Bacetti. Dang. 🔥 Alie and I went on a date here and loved EVERYTHING. Especially their insane broccolini dish—and you KNOW all the food is good if the number one thing I rave about is a vegetable. Also our server was from Minnesota and randomly knew people we went to high school with. The world can be a very small place some times.
A Word to the Wise: I’ve been having great conversations with those I love regarding my self-worth and I have two mantras I’d love to share. Sasha has been saying this to me for a couple years now, ever since I received my promotion at work, and now as I travel to unknown lands: “You belong in every room you walk into.”
And a nugget from my brilliant dad, who is full of encouraging one-liners: “You’re valued for who you are, not what you do or what you bring.” Now you can understand why I’m such a mushy, positive person. 😅
Hey! Would you like to connect over creativity, self-growth, and problem-solving? Or just to have a virtual glass of wine or mocktail? Please book a time on my Calendly for us to chat! I can’t wait to see you. XOXO.
If you’re enjoying On the Road, please share with others who you may think would enjoy as well! As always, I love reading your comments and feedback. If you're not already subscribed, please click the button below so I can continue sending you weekly-ish stories and lessons while I travel. 🚙