#reflections – I and Thou Reflections

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

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

Sweet Dreams in Fort Bragg, CA

A Series on It’s All in The Reflection

Welcome back, wanderer!

Now that you’ve soaked in the sea glass and serenity, let’s find a place to rest your soul. And your suitcase.

Soulful Stays

Beachcomber Motel

If you’re craving ocean views and a roof deck where you can sip coffee while watching the waves roll in, The Beachcomber Motel is your spot. It’s casual, cozy, and just steps from the beach. And you can’t beat the complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi. So, go ahead and post those pics you have been taking all day.

It’s Good for Your Soul.

North Cliff Hotel

Gas fireplaces, ocean-view balconies, and luxe suites? Yes, please!

The North Cliff Hotel is perfect for couples looking to rekindle that spark. Ooh, La-La. It’s polished, peaceful, and practically made for long talks and slow mornings.

Emerald Dolphin Inn

You want mini-golf and a pillow?

Emerald Dolphin Inn is a roadside gem ideal for families who want extra eye-candy for their kids. Mini-golf and a video arcade make this place ideal for an overnight stay.

Time To Unwind

Wherever you decide to stay, your soul will find rest. Serenity will lead you where you’re meant to be.

To drift off to sleep.
To imagine the world as a better place.
And to see yourself.

Because tranquility isn’t always found on the outside. It’s found within.

It’s All in The Reflection

Next are questions to ask yourself before leaving Fort Bragg — the kind that rise to the surface when the glass is half full and the heart is wide open.

I’d love to hear about your stay in Fort Bragg.
Don’t forget to press the “thumbs up” button.

#FortBragg #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #SelfReflection #IandThouReflections

Local Gems in Fort Bragg, CA

A Series on It’s All in The Reflection

Off The Beaten Path

Fort Bragg isn’t just about sea glass and mini-golf. It’s also about the picture-perfect spots. Places where you can feel nature speaking. The local secrets that whisper to your soul.

Pudding Creek Trestle

Want to find the perfect backdrop for a photo?

Don’t miss Pudding Creek Trestle. It’s a historic wooden bridge with panoramic views of the Pacific. Ideal for anyone who appreciates old things that have endured the test of time.

Sip Wine Bar

Tucked into East Laurel Street, the Sip Wine Bar is a cozy spot offering a curated selection of local wines with a relaxed, coastal vibe. If you happen to be there on Memorial Day weekend, ask for the red, white, and blue mimosa flight.

Direction Matters

Love, like wine, needs breathing room — and a little aging to reach its full flavor.

Go ahead. Wander off course.
Taste something unexpected.
Relationships, like road trips, need a change of scenery, a compass, and ways to navigate through unforeseen circumstances.

Let the unexpected reset your compass.

Pour A Glass – Will Ya?

Try a glass of Mendocino Pinot Noir — earthy, elegant, yet quietly complex.

Just like the best relationships. Right?

Reset and Refresh

Sometimes the best way to move forward is to sit still, sip slowly, and listen to the vineyards.

What does that mean?

Ask less.
Listen more.
Let the stillness answer for you.

Like sea glass on the shore, relationships weather storms, tumble through time, and are dragged through the mud. And if given the right amount of space, they can flourish when the sun comes out.

Ready to rest?

Next time, we’ll figure out options to sleep the night away.

Because what matters isn’t just what you see around you —

It’s All in The Reflection

See you next time!

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

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

#Fort Bragg #MendocinoCoast #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #SelfReflection #IandThouReflections

Cool Places in Fort Bragg, CA

A Series on It’s All in The Reflection

Fort Bragg: Here We Come!

Ready for a reset?

Rugged coastline meets sparkly sea glass in Fort Bragg, CA.

The salty breeze will refresh the most harried spirit.

This tucked-away gem on California’s Mendocino Coast is a must for your Bucket List.

It delivers charm,
a bit of nature,
and just enough quirkiness for the flower-child within.

Cool Places To Go

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Wander through clifftop trails lined with rhododendrons at this ever-blooming botanical garden. The scenery at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is like walking through a watercolor painting with every step. Try to catch a sunset, too.

Glass Beach

Feast your eyes on glass pebbles at Glass Beach, where it feels like you are walking on polished sea glass. Even the most brokenhearted will appreciate the beauty of this place. It’s extraordinary.

Sea Glass Museum

Less than a mile down the road, stop at the Sea Glass Museum, where you can learn more about sea glass. Did you know that Fort Bragg, CA, has the world’s highest concentration of sea glass?

MacKerricher State Park

Ready to enjoy nature?

MacKerricher State Park is a great place to rest and breathe!

Practice with me:

Inhale wild serenity,
Exhale the wild worries of the day.
Sure, you can hike and sunbathe, too.

Whatever you decide to do,
Beauty will take you where you want to be.

Remember, it isn’t always on the outside.
Sometimes it’s right in front of you.

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

It’s All in The Reflection

Next time, we’ll explore where the locals go in Fort Bragg. See you there!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Fort Bragg.
What is your favorite cool thing to do there?

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

#FortBragg #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #SelfReflection #IandThouReflections