Tomorrow, I’m off to California, toting a carry-on suitcase and a mixed bag of emotions.
I do love the state and its climate and vibe, having visited many times. I’m the luckiest pal on the planet to get to stay with bestie and podner Erin and her sweet dogs. But that old “funding what you despise'” feeling is gnawing at me a little. I wouldn’t want anything I do – including contributing to tourism – to reflect well on the current US regime.
This is what’s so difficult about being an adult. When you’re a kid, it’s easy. You go where you’re told and you’re responsible for nothing. Things are good or things are bad. When you’re an adult, there are roughly a thousand shades of gray in any decision. It’s incredible that we get anything done at all!
So, I’ll go with gratitude for a break from the cold weather and all of the plans (and non-plans!) we have for while I’m there.
Not the least of which is another Gracefully & Frankly Facebook live! Thursday January 30th at 7 pm EST. Erin and I have so much fun doing these live episodes. We’ll be coming to you from the lovely Palm Springs home of our friends Wanda and Denis.
I’m not taking my voice-over gear and I won’t be able to process online purchases while I’m away. Derek has frozen homemade meals (if he wants them) and the cat’s pantry is well-stocked. My return date is overnight Feb 5th. Don’t hate me because I’ll be warm. Soon enough, I’ll be back to bundle up with y’all are and wondering whether it even really happened.
I’m going to California next week! Also feeling super weird about it. Double weird since we’re going to LA where the wildfires are. I had signed up for a course at UCLA and it was cancelled due to the fires and my stay was non-refundable (trip cancellation covers earthquakes and volcanoes but not wildfires!) so we have decided to make a mini “vacation” out of it but it still feels icky. First trip I’ve ever not been excited for. Hope you have a good time with your friends!
I hope you have a good time too, Rachael, after making the best of the situation. Stay safe!
Your trip is one of love and laughter with your bestie. Please don’t let “him” have the satisfaction of taking that away from you.
Enjoy the warmth, the sunshine, and most of all… your time together. Can’t wait for the FB Live!
Safe travels to you, Lisa.
Thank you, Claire.
You two are unstoppable and that’s why you’re there. Anything else is just orange noise.
I’m feeling so sad that this will be our last trip here, my dear friend. Comes a time when we have to stand for something and his disrespect of Canada, regardless of the fact we’re in a blessedly “blue” state, just can’t be tolerated any more. It’s all baby steps and won’t amount to a hill of proverbial beans, but Lisa we’ll find another place to connect in the sunshine in winters to come. Canada First!
Yes! Canada first. I’m tempted to bring my Canada is Already Great ball cap but I don’t want to tempt anyone to:
A) Mistake it for a MAGA hat or
B) Mention the 51st state which would require a throat punch. 😉
Oh no Lisa, leaving the Canadian cold for I’m sure much warmer Palm Springs? The onetime home of Frank Sinatra and other celebrities. Bill Diehl used to spend a few days in PS after covering awards events in L.A. I once interviewed singer Keely Smith at her home in the Springs. Have a great time, maybe I’ll connect with you on Facebook
while you’re celebrating with stars. Hugs and xoxo
The first time I went, we did a little tour of those neighborhoods. Now we are old hands and just do our thing! Thank you Bill and happy belated birthday!