LaBrea and the Beach

Our trips to California are largely stressful and demanding; because of various factors we didn't get much sleep, and the tension level is often high at J's dad's house. We're pulled in a dozen directions at once.

I'll admit I'm used to a quieter environment and slower pace, so I tend to get more worn out than I should (came back with a chest cold I can't seem to kick.)

What keeps me relatively sane on these trips is my journal--and my husband's insistence on taking at least one night just for us. He tries to see that I have some time at the beach--endlessly restorative for me--and for the second time, took me to LaBrea tar pits, which I love.

Of COURSE I sketched both of those and journaled about them.

Lifeguard shack at Santa Monica

J. and his dad...

But on these trips I draw almost constantly, anything and everything...it helps me focus, and takes me out of the moment at the same time. Too many conflicting stories make my head feel like it's going to explode...

So my journal helps keep me what passes for sane...