Life Journey – Page 2 – I and Thou Reflections

So Long, California

A Series on It’s All in the Reflection

Thank you for traveling with me through California. We discovered cool places to go. Unearthed local gems. And explored soulful stays with intention.

We paused.
We contemplated life.
We listened for whispers from nature.
We reflected on where we are — and where we’re going. We reflected. Released. Reimagined.

And maybe, along the way, you discovered something in yourself you didn’t expect.

Slow Down &
Smell the Roses

Napa taught us to reflect our souls in each wine glass. Fort Bragg showed us beauty in broken things. Sacramento reminded us to soar to new heights with courage. Thousand Oaks invited us into stillness — to rest, reflect, and listen to the quiet questions. To gather strength from within.

Treasures Found Along the Way

A more refined approach to patience and pressure. Like fermentation, transformation takes time — and yields something rich and meaningful.
A more profound sense of grace — for yourself and for others.
A renewed trust in the slow unfolding of change.
A reminder that reflection isn’t a detour. It’s the path.
An invitation to celebrate — not just milestones, but life’s everyday moments.

So here’s to lifting a glass — to healing, growth, and the journey itself.

Till We Meet Again.
May reflections continue to guide you on your journey.

#CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #Wisdom #IandThouReflections #Self-Reflection

Self-Discovery in Thousand Oaks, CA

A Series on It’s All in The Reflection

It’s in Your Reflection,
Isn’t it?

*Image Credit: © Tomas Castelazo, http://www.tomascastelazo.com / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0*

You’ve wandered through gardens. Hiked beneath a thousand oaks or at least a few. And let your soul replenish.

The Looking Glass

Imagine the reflection in the bubbles rising up from Paradise Falls. Or the fragrant scents at the Gardens of the World. Let these tickle your senses and reflect on yesteryear.

Let the questions come. Not the ones that are at the forefront. The ones that are crying out from the oaks. The ones that stick with you and that you can’t shake.

Let’s visit them, shall we?

What have you been carrying that no longer serves you?

Maybe it’s the weight of expectations — yours or someone else’s. Let the nature trail remind you: you don’t have to walk with them. Some burdens are meant to be set down. Or maybe even handed over to God.

Where have you been rushing — and why?

Stillness isn’t laziness.
It’s wisdom.
The oaks don’t hurry, and yet they grow strong.

Let your visit to Thousand Oaks remind you that healing doesn’t happen on a schedule. Sometimes the most important movement is the pause. Or the silence. Or maybe it comes in walking and talking through the world’s gardens, where harmony and peace flow through the air.

What does trust look like in this season?

Trust might look like rest.
Or like asking for help.
It might mean letting someone in — or letting something go.

Let the strength of Thousand Oaks show you that trust comes with time. Whether it’s trusting yourself or someone else, extend more grace as each day goes on. And see where it leads.

Ready To Reflect?

Your journey isn’t over. It’s unfolding — like a trail through the trees, like a story still being written.

You feel the sway.
The shift.
The sacred pause.

Let what surfaced here stay with you. Let it guide your next steps — gently, intentionally, and without rush.

Because self-discovery isn’t always dramatic.
Sometimes it’s subtle.
Sometimes it’s silent.
But it’s still happening.

It’s All in Your Reflection,
Isn’t It?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this self-discovery reflection post.
What treasure can you share with us?

Don’t forget to press the “thumbs-up” button.

#ThousandOaks #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #Self-Reflection #Wisdom #IandThouReflections

Sweet Dreams in Thousand Oaks, CA

A Series on It’s All in The Reflection

Soulful Stays

Now that you have had plenty of time to find your place in this global world filled with gardens, waterfalls, and nature trails, let’s find a resting spot for your refreshed soul.

Best Western Plus Thousand Oaks Inn

Best Western shines in Thousand Oaks. This cozy inn sits at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains and offers simple comfort with a touch of Tuscan flair. Their Italian restaurant will welcome you like family. And the outdoor hot tub invites you to soak in bubbles and relax your soul. Before you leave, park yourself in one of their massage chairs —

your soul will thank you.

Westlake Village Inn

Westlake Village Inn is a romantic retreat with a hidden garden vibe. With two restaurants, plush rooms, and a private lake, it’s a place where time slows down. Whether sipping wine by the water or strolling through their vibrant landscaped grounds, you’ll find plenty of space to breathe. This luxurious resort is on 17 acres halfway between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Perfect for discerning travelers seeking tranquility wrapped in elegance.

Over the Oaks – Airbnb Home

Tucked above the city’s ancient oaks, this residential retreat offers panoramic views and soulful solitude. Over the Oaks sleeps six, so make it a family affair! The porch opens to spectacular views, which makes this a wise choice, where you’ll have plenty of room to spread out.

Time To Unwind

Let the canopy of oaks cradle you. Let the quiet speak. Thousand Oaks isn’t just a stop — it’s a soft landing. A place where souls drift gently. Where the rhythm of rest finds you.

*Image Source: http://www.ww.westlakevillageinn.com*

To reunite your mind with your soul.
To imagine where transformation leads.

Because transformation isn’t a grand event.
It’s quiet.
Subtle.

Sometimes it doesn’t even feel like a transformation. But – it is.
Waiting.
Trusting.
Day by day.

It’s All in The Reflection

Next time, before you leave Thousand Oaks, we’ll sit with questions — the ones that deserve reflection.

See you then!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Thousand Oaks.
Where is your favorite place to spend the night?

Don’t forget to press the “thumbs up” button.

#ThousandOaks #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #SelfReflection #IandThouReflections

Local Gems in Thousand Oaks, CA

A Series on It’s All in The Reflection

Off The Beaten Path

Sacramento nudged you to explore historic railroad ties and cross a golden bridge. Thousand Oaks inspires you to consider a more organic perspective – something simpler, slower, and quietly transformational.

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden

This 33-acre garden isn’t flashy — and that’s why locals love it. It’s the kind of place you stumble upon. Not a place where you aim to go. But once you are there, you’ll be glad you found it.

Wander through native plant trails, pause in the butterfly garden, or let the children’s adventure garden spark joy. A 1.5-mile nature trail dips down along a secluded stream and climbs to a hilltop view of the Conejo Valley — a prize waiting for those who linger.

Direction Matters

Every city has its own rhythm. Thousand Oaks moves gently — like wind through branches, like footsteps on a shaded trail.

Life, like wine, needs breathing room. And sometimes, it requires a change of scenery to remind us what still matters.

Go ahead. Wander off course.
Let the stillness show you what’s been waiting to be seen.

Let nature reset your compass.

Pour a Glass – Will Ya?

Try a glass of Malbec from Malibu Coast. Bold, earthy, with hints of plum and spice. It’s a wine that speaks of resilience — grown in rugged terrain, shaped by coastal winds.

Let it linger. Let it speak. Let it remind you that beauty often comes from places that had to fight to grow.

Reset and Refresh

Sometimes the best way to move forward is to walk on a nature trail beneath the oaks.

To listen to the leaves.
To let the trail do the talking.

Like relationships, trails rarely follow straight lines. They curve. They climb. Yet, if you are quiet, they speak to you.
In stillness.
In nature.
Your heart begins to shift.
Finding rhythm, again.
Where you can reset and refresh.

Because sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery.

It’s All in The Reflection

Next time, we’ll find rest – where dreams and souls drift through time and space.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Thousand Oaks.
Where is your favorite off the beaten path place?

Don’t forget to press the “thumbs up” button.

#ThousandOaks #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #SelfReflection #IandThouReflections

Cool Places in Thousand Oaks, CA

A Series on It’s All in the Reflection

Thousand Oaks: Here We Come!

*Image Source: Bing Map with Image Overlay Wine Glass Image Credit: Alex Levich, Graphic Designer*

Ready for a reset?

Rolling hills cradle quiet trails in Thousand Oaks, CA.

It’s where nature meets nuance.

This isn’t a place that shouts.
It whispers.
It welcomes.
It waits.

Go ahead, explore, my friend.

Cool Places To Go

Paradise Falls

Tucked inside Wildwood Regional Park, Paradise Falls is a 40-foot waterfall surrounded by trails, canyons, and oak trees. It’s not just a hike — it’s a journey.

A journey of your senses.
Where you hear falling water.
And see bubbles rising like breath.

Take a moment. Pause. Savor the rush of water. Let the falls wash away the worry, guilt, and fear.

One step, one bubble at a time.

Gardens of the World

This cool place will warm your soul. Right in the heart of Thousand Oaks lies the Gardens of the World. Each international-inspired garden invites a different kind of reflection. Go ahead. Try writing poetry. Take pen to paper and describe what you see.

Do you hear the Japanese Garden whisper balance and harmony?
Does peace fill your soul watching the cascading waterfall in the French Garden?
What about the grape arbors and cypress trees swaying in the Italian Garden? Then, complete your tour in the English Garden, where your mood will lift among the vivid blooms.

Try to catch one of the rotating art exhibits in this magical garden. Perfect for a solo wander or a meaningful walk with someone you love. Admission is complimentary.

The reflections are priceless.

The Promenade at Westlake

Ready to shop till you drop?

While at this shopping and dining mecca at The Promenade at Westlake, stop at La La Land Kind Cafe. Their mission seeks to normalize kindness by creating a space of joy where guests can walk in and be themselves. Kooky and all.

Whether you grab a coffee or watch the ducks drift, let the day unfold slowly. Savor each drop of joy.

Remember, we all have baggage that we carry.
Be gentle to others, and be gentle to yourself.

Joy isn’t found in outside places; it’s waiting within.

It’s All in The Reflection

Next time, we’ll wander off the beaten path. See you there!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Thousand Oaks.
Where is your favorite place to go?

Don’t forget to press the “thumbs up” button.

#ThousandOaks #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #SelfReflection #IandThouReflections

Self-Discovery in Sacramento, CA

A Series on It’s All in The Reflection

It’s in Your Reflection, Isn’t it

You’ve boarded the train. Watched the river shimmer. Sipped wine. And let your soul rest. What’s rising to the surface?

The Looking Glass

Imagine the reflections in the Sacramento River. Or in the windows on the train. Let the ripples mirror your thoughts.

Let the questions come – not ones that need answers right away. The kind that echoes. Like footsteps along the waterfront.

What might they be?

Did you allow yourself to be still long enough to hear what your soul was saying? What did the rhythm of the train stir in you — longing, memory, or hope?

Maybe it stirred something once buried.
A gentle reminder that movement doesn’t always mean progress. But sometimes return.
Returning to something that needs to be processed. Or healed. Stillness can be a doorway. Not a delay.

Did the river reflect something you hadn’t named yet?

Still waters don’t always mean peace.
Sometimes they mean depth.
Sometimes they mean waiting.

Which moment felt like a mirror — showing you something you hadn’t seen before?

The realization of considering other perspectives.
Or it could be the instant a stranger nodded and smiled.
Maybe it was the train echoing a sound you forgot about that triggered something you needed to remember.

Did the rooftop pool invite you to float or to let go?

Letting go doesn’t always mean surrender — sometimes it means trust.
To trust in yourself.
To trust others.

Remember, rest can be a form of courage. Floating permits you to lift the weight of expectations. If for only a moment.

Ready to Reflect

Your journey isn’t over. It’s unfolding. Like a bridge over a river. Like a train rounding the bend.

You feel the vibrations.
The sway.
The strength.

We all need strong tracks, especially in relationships. Tracks built on respect and trust.

Tracks that offer grace.
Tracks that guide us in the right direction, even when we get derailed.

Because what matters isn’t just where you’re going, it’s how you arrive. With awareness. With a new perspective.

It’s in Your Reflection, Isn’t it?

Still with me? Ready to visit Thousand Oaks?
Thousand Oaks will be our next destination.

So pull up a chair. Pour a beverage. Something bold or bubbly. Your choice. We’ll meet in Thousand Oaks. See you there!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this self-discovery reflection post.
What treasure can you share with us?

Don’t forget to press the “thumbs-up” button.

#Sacramento #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #Self-Reflection #Wisdom #IandThouReflections

Sweet Dreams in Sacramento, CA

A Series on It’s All in The Reflection

Soulful Stays

Welcome back, traveler!

Did the train ride exceed your expectations? Did the Sacramento River offer space to reflect? To soothe your soul?

Now, let’s find a place to stay.

The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection

Reminiscent of classic DC architecture, this turn-of-the-century hotel is in Sacramento’s downtown. The Citizen Hotel boasts the famous Michelin-rated Grange Restaurant, where you will savor the freshest locally sourced ingredients. The culinary delights whisper to your soul. “Stay a while.”

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel

This contemporary boutique hotel is steps away from Downtown Commons. Ranked as Sacramento’s top hotel, the Kimpton Sawyer blends contemporary charm with soulful detail. A yoga mat waits in your room and quietly nudges you toward inner stillness. The rooftop pool whispers relaxation. And after your soul rests, greet the new day with a fresh Nespresso before you venture out.

IreneHouse Victorian INN

This quaint Victorian inn books out far in advance, and it’s easy to see why. Just 10 miles from Sacramento International Airport, IreneHouse is cute as a button. Its gingerbread-style house offers quiet charm and homey comforts:
a kitchenette for slow mornings,
a patio for unhurried evenings,
and a porch where you can finally… just be.

Time to Unwind

*Image Source: http://www.sawyerhotel.com*

Wherever you decide to stay, may your soul find rest.
Let serenity lead you where you’re meant to be.

To drift off to sleep.
To imagine the world as a better place.
To truly see yourself — without hurry or masks.

Because tranquility isn’t found on the outside. It’s found within.
To just be…because

It’s All in The Reflection

Next are questions to ask yourself before you leave Sacramento. The kind that will open up a new perspective and you may even soar to new heights.
I’d love to hear about your favorite stay in California’s capital.

Don’t forget to press the “thumbs up” button.

#Sacramento #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #SelfReflection #IandThouReflections

Local Gems in Sacramento, CA

A Series on It’s All in The Reflection

Off The Beaten Path

Napa invited you to sip through a world steeped in aging wine. Fort Bragg sparkled with sea glass and offered reflections in every wave. Sacramento says: Let it rest. Let it reset.

Whether it is the waterfront, the train tracks, or the bridges. It’s also about the picture-perfect spots. Places where you can feel like you are a local. Where the town whispers to your soul. Go ahead, explore, my friend.

Tower Bridge Walkway

Tower Bridge is a bridge across the Sacramento River. It is not just a bridge but also the shortest highway in California. It links Sacramento to West Sacramento. Officially, it’s called State Route 275, at 738 feet long. This golden-toned bridge offers a pedestrian-friendly walkway with the most spectacular sunset views. Perfect for reconnecting after a long day. With yourself or with a special someone.

Direction Matters

Life, like wine, needs breathing room – and sometimes it requires permission to pause.

Go ahead. Wander off course.
Experience something different.
Unique.

There’s a different kind of invitation here. It moves. Slowly. It arrives from the present, yet echoes the past.
To pause.
To reflect.
To be.

Relationships, like road trips, need a change of scenery, a compass, and ways to navigate through the pause.

Let the pause reset your compass.

Pour A Glass – Will Ya?

Try a glass of Cabernet Franc from Clarksburg. Rich, structured, with a whisper of blackberry and wild sage. A tip of the hat to the region’s heritage and resilience.

Reset and Refresh

Sometimes the best way to move forward is to walk across a bridge to gain a new perspective.

Stop tracing the map and follow your heart.
Let the land guide you.
Let the breeze carry you.
Let the train’s rhythm echo through your thoughts.
Sometimes the next step isn’t bold — it’s gentle.

Just like the best bridges, relationships aren’t built in a day. They’re tested by time, tension, and tenderness. And like any landmark that still stands, their foundations are rock solid.

Every city, like every relationship, has corners worth rediscovering.

Ready to rest?

Next time, we’ll check out a few places where you might find rest and refreshment for your soul as well as your body.

Because sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery.

It’s All in The Reflection

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Sacramento.
Where is your favorite gem?

Don’t forget to press the “thumbs up” button.

#Sacramento #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #OffTheBeatenPath #IandThouReflections

Cool Places in Sacramento, CA

A Series on It’s All in The Reflection

Sacramento: Here We Come!

Ready to explore?

Where history unfolds before your very eyes, and golden dreams still linger in the air.

If Napa invited you to sip, and Fort Bragg drew you to the sea glass, Sacramento nudges you.

To discover.

To see what makes it tick.

Cool Places To Go

Old Sacramento Waterfront

This 28-acre district has something for everyone. Wander through time as you wine, dine, and shop yourself silly, taking in views of the Sacramento River. Check out over 100 places, including vintage shops, museums, and dining options. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to contemplate life as you let the river carry your reflections.

California State Railroad Museum

All Aboard!

Travel like it was over 100 years ago. This fun for the whole family activity will leave you wanting to dig for gold. Reserve your tickets for the 45-minute, 6-mile round trip from Old Sacramento Waterfront and chug along the Sacramento River in style. While there, consider visiting the museum.

Capitol Park

This is a lovely park set behind the State Capitol. Plenty of shade and several monuments are dedicated to notable Californians, the military, and first responders. Right now, there is a lot of construction going on, so some of the grounds are closed, but it’s still a nice place to take a walk and get some fresh air.

It’s a quiet place to think about choices — the ones behind us, and the ones ahead.

Whether you walk on land or ride the train, these places will take you back to a simpler time.

A time when it was okay to sit for a while.
To grab a drink at the saloon.
To sit around the fire pit.
To watch the sizzle and feel the sparks…
To listen to what the embers might be saying.

Because the beauty isn’t just in what you see or hear.

It’s All in The Reflection

Next time, we’ll peek around the corner and see where the locals hang out.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Sacramento.
Where is your favorite spot?

Don’t forget to press the THUMBS UP button.

#Sacramento #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #SelfReflection #IandThouReflections

Self-Discovery in Fort Bragg, CA

A Series on It’s All in The Reflection

It’s in Your Reflection, Isn’t It?

*Image Credit: © Tomas Castelazo, www.tomascastelazo.com / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0*

You’ve sipped coffee, sampled wine, and watched waves roll in. What’s rising to the surface?

The Looking Glass

Imagine the reflections in Pudding Creek.
Let the ripples mirror your thoughts.

Let questions come — not with urgency, but with patience.

What do you see in your wine glass or mirror?

Sea glass doesn’t start out beautiful. It’s broken, tossed, and reshaped by time. Relationships are no different. Some break. Some get tossed around. And some are reshaped by time.

What might they be?

Are you affirming your partner? Or ignoring them? Do you value what your partner says? Or do you dismiss them?

Does your partner feel known?

Sometimes you think you’re connecting, but really just skimming the surface.
Have you asked deep questions to make your partner feel heard?
Is there anything brewing beneath the surface?

Are you focusing on changing them more than cherishing them?

Sea glass is shaped slowly. So are people.
What beauty might emerge if you paused the polishing and celebrated the shimmer?

Do you offer grace before you are asked?

Relationships aren’t exchanges or transactions.
They breathe like a fine wine.
They ebb and flow.
When have you extended patience, like a wave that rolls in slowly, with nowhere else to be?

Have I mistaken quiet for distance? Or space for rejection?

Sometimes silence isn’t pulling away.
Sometimes it is necessary to rise to the surface to take a breath.
When was the last time you asked about the silence?

Ready To Reflect?

Your journey isn’t over. It’s unfolding. Like flowers blooming. Like a hole-in-one. It’s in the swing. The direction. The movement. Then gentle alignment. Like the stars. You feel them. Yet, sometimes, can’t see them behind the clouds. And that is okay.

Why?

Because what matters isn’t just what you see up in the sky —

It’s in Your Reflection, Isn’t it?

Ready to go to the next destination?
Sacramento will be our next stop.

So pull up a chair. Pour a beverage. Something bold or bubbly. Your choice. We’ll meet in Sacramento. See you there!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this quiet time for reflection.
What is the nugget of wisdom that you want to share?

Don’t forget to press the “thumbs up” button.

#FortBragg #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #SelfReflection #Wisdom #IandThouReflections