Tis the season
Finding gifts in unexpected places
Today, I hopped into my car and headed to a cozy local bookshop nestled in downtown Half Moon Bay. The nighttime air is getting cooler as winter approaches, but the days remain pleasantly warm—a welcome change from the foggy summertime.
Northern California boasts various microclimates; a short drive can shift you from heat to coolness. The ocean plays a crucial role, moderating temperatures. In summer, warm inland air meets the cold ocean, creating the infamous fog, predominant in June, July, and August, totaling around 100 foggy days annually. As a Texan, adjusting to these seasons was disorienting; the enduring summer fog, days blending into gray, felt heavy and unchanging.
When the summer fog finally dissipates, it feels like a much-needed relief, nature's grace in action. Life bursts forth—deep blue ocean, wildlife stirring, and buzzing bees amid flowers. Observing this spectacle fills me with awe and humility, uncovering incredible natural narratives hidden in every nook.
I've learned to cherish the rhythms here—female sea lions caring for their pups, the occasional whale sighting, the nurturing tide pools, and the beautiful heart stones dotting the beach. Despite not realizing my dream of a home by the ocean, my bond with this place strengthens. The coastline, ever accessible, offers the best gift—wonder and awe just beyond my door.