Lost

I have lost my path, and need to find it back. I'm tired of all the hostility in our world. lately, I haven't been in the mood to do anything. Motivational speakers say don't listen to what your brain tells you. Get over it. Just do it. Although I do agree with this philosophy most of the time, there are times when I know I need to shut down. (image by Graham Gercken)

If you have been following me on my blog, know me from twitter, or have read my work, then you already know that I'm not just a writer, but also an activist. I'm not big, known, or anything like that. I contribute in my tiny way to help make the world a little better. One example is The Conscience, the humanitarian aid flotilla, that was bombed by Israeli drones in Malta. Everyone around the world made so much noise, pushing Malta to agree to repair it. Otherwise, all the aid workers on that ship would have died.

People don't like activists, and find them annoying. Even most writers roll their eyes, and stay away from carrying a conversation about injustice, because all they want is to sell their books, and don't want to offend anyone. But if it weren't for activists, no one would be enjoying a better quality of life and have some freedoms. Activists are the ones whose legs the rest of the society stands on. They risk their lives everyday so that we can live a comfortable life.

And I'm not talking about me. I'm talking about the leaders of human rights organizations, Amnesty International, student activist leaders, journalists, conscientious politicians and speakers, and many others who have a voice and use it to make people's lives better. I have a big appreciation for them, and do what little I can to support them. 

Unfortunately, I'm also an empath and soak up everything like a sponge. So, I need to disconnect when things become overwhelming like right now, in this chaotic world. Because if I continue, then my health would deteriorate, and I'll be no good to anyone.

So, I'm disconnecting for a bit to remind myself that there is also good in this world. I'm turning inward so that I can unblock whatever is holding me back from writing. I believe that it is in the quiet moments of life where we can find ourselves, and feel whole again. 

Hermit Crab goes to Palm Springs

 

Have you ever had one of those moments in life when nothing is working all around, including work and your personal life. Do you keep doing the same thing hoping that things will change or do you step back to get a better perspective? I’ve been in a funk lately, keeping a low profile, trying to figure things out. I don’t know. Maybe this is the personality of a writer; we sometimes go into a cave to find ourselves. Or maybe I’m like a hermit crab, and hide in my shell when things are off. I normally love to socialize and it is in socializing that I get ideas for a scene in my book or for posts on my blog.

I went for a long walk today to clear my head. And I must have looked utterly unhappy because this lady passing me by said: If you don’t smile, I’m going to have to tickle you. That made me laugh because it was so out of order. We wished each other a happy Friday and walked away. So, this hermit crab is going to try hard to crawl out of its shell for a minute or two to post about hanging out with her nieces and one of her excursions to Palm Springs awhile back.

 

It was my niece’s birthday yesterday, the one in the white hoodie. The third photo is of my two nieces and one of their besties. She’s more like a sister to them than a friend. I have taken them to many outings since their childhood, and we have shared many fun memories together.

Okay. On to Palm Springs…Many people go there to chillax and use the spas. I don’t think I have ever done that. I’ve been to spas before, just not in Palm Springs. My friend and I opted to ride the aerial tram.

There is a bus that takes you from the parking lot to the tram. This tram is a bit weird because it rotates, and if you have motion sickness, are afraid of heights, or are not a people person, you will not like this. Try to get there as early as possible or the ride will be a ride from hell because it’s overcrowded.

There was this guy standing next to me by the window, with his back turned, holding a child. He kept leaning back into me and I had nowhere to move to. I said: “Excuse me sir, could you please not lean back into me?” He said, “What are you talking about? I haven’t moved.” And I was like, “Oh, okay, maybe I’m just hallucinating.” 

I’m just sayin’…get there early. And get your ticket online or you’ll be waiting for hours in a long line.

Is it worth it? It’s worth doing it once because of the views and the serenity you feel when you’re up there. But, I will not do this again. In Switzerland yes, in Palm Springs, no way. Some people took the tram, got off and left to use one of the trails.

 

On the way back, I stood in the center instead of by the windows, which was a better experience. I know what you’re thinking. What about the views? No view is worth having a rude stranger invading my space.

Apple tart and an Americano at L'Atelier Café. Yum! They also have excellent salads and sandwiches.

Art is big in Palm Springs, and just for that, I may be going back for a visit. This show was enjoyable and unexpected. I ended up purchasing two collage arts from an artist named Richard Curtner, his works are currently hanging on my walls. One of them is posted here. I think this show was just a onetime thing. But there are other ones coming up like La Quinta Art Celebration.

If you’re able to, go visit on a Thursday for Palm Springs Village Fest, a fun street fair. There are clothing, crafts, and food booths, and places stay open until late. As you walk, you hear music coming from nearby bars, and it’s chatty, bubbly, and cheerful.

I don’t go to Starbucks much these days unless there are no other choices in the area. But this Starbucks is unusual because the décor is different. So, if you happen to be in Palm Springs, check it out.

We ended the night at Sammy G's Tuscan Grill before heading back to L.A. I don’t eat meat, but my friend who had the filet mignon said that it was good. They gave us complimentary Amaretto digestive and biscotti. Two thumbs up for the service and the food.