Be still

Well, what do you know, California knows how to live. My last few days were spent smiling, breathing and living a carefree, happy lifestyle. I'm not surprised that I loved it so much here in San Diego, but I could even see myself living here. Now that's rare knowing my vagabond ways. 

There was beach time, bar hoping, bicycle riding, scary and fun Halloween wandering, as well as pure silly joy. But most importantly, there was soul and there was music and my soul was movin' to the groovin'! 

The night of Halloween I decided to paint my face for the first time ever. I've never done face paint, I've only done costumes so I was super excited to try something new. When I finally painted my face while sipping on a yummy cocktail dancing around the room, I was completely happy and exited about my creation. Then came Jamie's turn and I made him into a scary crazy face. No title really, although Jamie's friends were talking about Valhala or something. 

The night continued with wandering to a few different bars and fully loving the vibe of everyone dressed up and just enjoying themselves. I've seen such a variety of costumes, everything from your typical naughty nurses, to Borat (which I was so excited about) and to the more creative outfits like full out zombies, roller coaster rides, Osama Bin Laden, Charlie Chaplin and many more. We were a group of two crazy painted faces, a German and the Arrow and then later the Cowboy and Sky. As the night went on, more fun was had and people started to drop off; go off on their own or go home. Eventually I ended up all on my own and not tired, not particularly boozing since I kept it easy and chill with lots of waters in between cocktails. The night was young and my face was painted crazy, I was not ready to end the night.

So I said goodbye to everyone and decided to take the night by the horns or skull maybe as it was Halloween. After some dancing and mingling, a few shots from the Statue of Liberty and silly conversation about life, sun and traveling, I found myself outside wandering around, looking at people's costumes with a giant smile on my face. 

To my excitement I heard some live guitar music and singing just ahead of me. Of course I migrated that way immediately, following the sound, ending up listening to a very talented street musician just jamming out and loving life. So I stopped and listened. 

As I was already having a heady amazing night, I just stood there and swayed with the music, letting it take me to another level of happiness. 

I'm not sure how the transition from me standing and listening to me standing behind the microphone with a guitar in my hand happened, but it did. And here I was exchanging a few quick words with the musician and then playing and singing to crowds of happy strangers. 

If I tried to describe the feeling to someone who has never experienced performing in front of people, then I would say that it's absolutely hypnotizing and it feels like you're experiencing a beautiful sunrise and a never ending sunset all at the same time. My mind was worried at first and a little nervous but after a few chords and a few minutes I was in the moment, reliving it over and over again, lost in the sounds of his guitar and me singing and harmonizing. I've never experienced this and it was seriously one of the most beautiful moments of my life. Yes, I've traveled, I've seen some incredible views, places and people, but this one moment was a moment I will always remember and cherish. Thank you kind stranger for giving me something unforgettable. 

I never thought that coming to San Diego to celebrate my dear friend Jamie's birthday would lead to me being able to cross out a super giant item off my bucket list. I love these beautiful surprises that life gives. Right time, right place, right mindset, incredible moments... 

You never know what's around the next corner. It might seem like nothing but if you're open to the possibilities, life will take you somewhere good. You just have to let it and let go a little bit. Be in the moment, stop searching for something, just be, just be there and be present. 

Say yes to life, my friends! :)