How often do you allow yourself to dream? Like really dream big?
Perhaps you are a little like me. As I’ve grown older, become a mum, taken on more responsibility I’ve almost stopped allowing myself to dream. My day to day life demands I be realistic, so my wildest dreams have to form an orderly queue at the back of my mind, behind what we are going to have for dinner and whether Littlelish’s school uniform is clean.
And yet they are still in there, my beautiful dreams…
I dream of an ocean front house in California. Waking up to the soft sound of the sea lapping at the shore and spending time collecting shell treasures washed up on the sand with my daughter. While she was at school I’d take time in my studio to paint, inspired by the phenomenal beauty around me. We would finish the day as a family on the veranda watching the sky turn orange and purple as the sun bids us farewell for another day.
I’ve heard it said that California is a place where dreamers end up, perhaps I’m just being called home.
The golden state captured my heart 6 years ago, before the birth of my daughter. I took 2 months off to travel from LA up to the most northern point of California. It was the best summer of my life.
I experienced the beautiful sunset beaches of Monterey, the mighty Yosemite national park, the majestic redwood forests, the hip art galleries of downtown LA. I even managed to actually get lost on the lost coast. I travelled every road I could discovering the wonders and secrets of California and still I probably only barely scratched the surface. The beauty and variety of the landscape is awe-inspiring, there is a greatness that makes you feel incredibly alive and energised.
But is isn’t only the beauty of the place, the sunshine, the blue skies, the palm trees… California has a soul that is almost tangible and truly infectious and it can be found in the people too. I met such wonderful, inspirational friends out there, each one with real creativity and passion. They were so alive, so very free and it was contagious. My mind was opened, I felt inspired, I started dreaming big, mainly of ways I could return to this amazing place.
This week I’ve been inspired once again to dream as I’ve been chosen to be part of Visit California’s #dreambigawards campaign. The question is if the sky was the limit and I was really dreaming big, what would be MY unique Californian dream?
Of course this time I’d share the amazing adventure with my family. I’d be excited for them to be awe-inspired in the same way I was all those years ago. Perhaps we would explore in a campervan. I’d show Littlelish the wonder of the ancient sequoias and we’d blow our minds at the weird and wonderful Joshua tree. We’d certainly take a trip to Seaworld to see the dolphins and The San Diego zoo for my little animal lover.
But after all of that, to finish off a wonderful trip, my dream big California dream would be to throw a huge hippy beach party! Everyone would be invited including all the beautiful Californian dreamers we meet along our travels!
In the words of one of my favourite authors Jack Kerouac
Follow ♥ Lish Concepts ♥’s board Lish ♥ California Dreaming #dreambigawards on Pinterest.
I’m entering my dream into a competition to win a trip of a lifetime to California for me and my family with the #dreambigawards.
What are your dreams, you haven’t forgotten have you?
Image sources: http://www.homebunch.com – http://www.500px.com – http://www.tumblr.com – http://www.freehdw.com – http://www.pinterest.com – http://www.girltravel.tumblr.com
makes me want to go and to dream more!
Oh how I wish I lived by the sea! Beautiful post!
Amanda recently posted..WE ARE MILLIONAIRES! No really we are.
Me too Amanda, I love everything about the coast… I just feel so at home there :)
I love California. It left a similarly indelible mark on my heart as it has yours. Those pictures are amazing and I love your dream. And you’re right, ours get put to the back of the line of daily stuff, but a) I would like to return – especially now you’ve brought it all up again and b) I’m quite partial to the idea of an almond farm somewhere warm. Good luck :)
Wow an Almond farm, what a fab dream :) I would love to grow lemons and oranges in my dream garden! X
Beautifully written and totally true, it is one of the most amazing places in the world! You have inspired so many memories I have of spending time in Califorvia, amazing, thank you x
You are welcome, it was written from the heart :)
Gasp! Sounds (and looks) truly “dreamy”! and MOST inspiring!! I shall be on the Net tonight finding out more about California – never thought of going there before.
Good luck to you.
I keep on thinking to that gorgeous song of The Mamas & the Papas while reading it..
Wow, what an inspiring post, and a great reminder to allow our hopes and dreams space at the forefront of our minds from time to time. There is no place quite like California, and your pictures capture it beautifully. What an amazing adventure it would be to explore by camper van, and celebrate with a fantastic beach party! Best of luck!
Beautiful post and photos! You’re right, our dreams tend to get put on hold as we get older and gain more responsibility – they shouldn’t. Looks like such an amazing place to visit…! Good luck x
Antonia recently posted..Letting the Light in with VELUX
My wife used to live in Monterey Bay and has been saying for ages we have to go and do the PCH to San Francisco and then on to Yosemite, finishing in Vegas. Your words could well be the catalyst to making that trip later in the year. The big question is do we do it on a Harley or in a Winnebago :-)
Great post!
Oooh tough call! I think I’d go for the Harley :)
So true that you don’t have the time or space in your head to dream as you used to once you become a mummy. But loved how your post transported me back to some of the amazing places I have visited in the world. Some of the wonderful dreams that I have made come true. California sounds incredible, and it will definitely feature on my dream list for the future.
Your words really bring this place alive! I want to go there and live the dream, if only for a couple of weeks! How about a big family party?
My suitcase is packed!!
You reminded me how blessed and lucky I am to have the opportunity to be in California right now. I chased my dreams and I won’t stop.
This sounds incredible. I hope you get the chance to travel out here, and I can be involved in your dream and you be involved in mine!
Hope you win!
I am so proud of my little dream chaser!! x
Like always you make it sound so fabulous, the hippie beach party is so you, I can just see you and little lish strolling on the beach flowers in your hair looking for sea shells and driftwood to adorn your house. Good luck with the competion
You’ve just reminded me that I’m a dreamer too! Never stop dreaming and I hope yours comes true cos it sounds fab!
Great blog on a place I’ve never thought much about but perhaps it will appear in my own dreams too especially after seeing such great images!
It is honestly one of my very favourite places, it is amazing! x
This looks amazing. Count me in
I love California! Great post, love the images. Hope you win :)
Awesome dream! Can I come?