Summer lovin July

Well its July and it's summer! Upon writing this blog post, summer lovin popped in my mind and I thought it would be a great cheeky title to kick off this post.

I often think about a certain summer season that sticks out from the rest. Each summer that comes around it make me smile thinking about it. I take that back ,I often think of two that come to mind, one has a teenager and the summer where I fell in love with hot air balloons. The one that I remember has a teenager is the year I received a rose petal glass pendant. Which I don't wear often but I love it and the memory that comes with it . And the hot air balloons summer when I went up in the sky untethered and I was hooked on the experience within seconds. I never wanted to leave the ride, there's something about seeing a sunrise while you are in the sky. Who else has the best summer memory that you remember each year?

I hope this weekend of independence, that you all have a safe ,relaxing one. That there's lots laughs in the air, a little BBQ with all the fixings. Speaking of BBQ all I am thinking about the last few days is about Tri-tip, and ribs from Saltys. It's a must Barbecue place to go if you are craving barbecue. And of course I hope the weather is perfect to enjoy the summer days, summer nights with fireworks and love ones all around a campfire watching the stars. By that being said, Happy Birthday America and let's have better days ahead!

Picking up where I left on from the last month's blog post. You were wondering where I could went at 4 am and be home by noon. Let me tell you where I for twenty minutes in a different state. Woke up at 4 am and on the road by 4:30 am on May 7th 2022. And of course there was a Starbucks stop right before getting on the hwy. And before I get any further into the details of this mini trip, I was just the tag along to help drive halfway through to the destination. I learned two things that morning , one Starbucks opens at 4:30 am and two they sometimes forget to put actual coffee in your coffee cup. I know what are you thinking , "How is that possible?; And did you realize before leaving the drive through? ". Well firstly, I didn't realize because I was busy eating the bacon gouda sandwich first. Then after having a few slips of my Carmel macchiato, I realized something was wrong. And I asked to take a slip my Dad's PERFECT drink ,(his words, not mine) , upon taking a slip there was actual coffee in the cup! And upon further analysis on my coffee situation and it turned out to just be hot milk! Hot milk or warm milk just puts me to sleep in other words it's my version of alcohol, lights out. I am not one to just fall asleep once I am wake. Minus the fact that I was robbed of actual coffee, I got to see the most beautiful sunrise in a long time and it's hard to put into words the actual beauty of all. Other than it was like seeing a cotton candy sunset but in reverse. I only wish there was time to stop on the side of the road and fully enjoy the show.

Now I am sure you are wondering where we were heading to that early in the day. We were heading to las Vegas to place a single bet and for the record , I was just there to help drive and the possibility of a gyro sandwich being involved. By 8 am that morning, we were in the M Resort parking lot. The casino was nearly empty inside for the time being ,one us heading to the sports book and one us headed for Baby cakes bakery. Now it's the time to take a guess which way I went.. one .. two .. three. I went straight to the bakery and placed order for the same coffee. Let me make it clear, I was in heavenly. I couldn't thank the lady behind the counter in enough. Take my word for it , I have been to Vegas each year that I have been alive and baby cakes is one of the best places to have coffee! That was twenty mins in Vegas for coffee, bet made and bathroom break to turn around and hit the road all over again. Then somehow we ended up at Mad Greek and I couldn't be happier to have a Gyro, there's something to their meat and their Tzatziki Sause. I still can't pinpoint what all the flavors are in that sandwich! All I have to say is I wish they were closer to me, I would have one as often as I could ! There was quite a few sand storms on the way back home but we made it back before the Kentucky Derby. I had a quite Hangry pack of shepherds when I walked through the door but they ended up loving again after they were fed.

After that trip, a few weeks later, I got to see Top Gun 2 Maverick. I can quote the first movie like many others. I promised not to see the movie without my Dad because when I watched top gun for the first time it was with him. So obviously I had to see the second one with me. We ended up going to a early showing and sat in D-box seats. I mean it was an important movie to see in my lifetime and to experience D-Box while watching it was a whole another level ! I highly recommend the next adventure packed movie you want to see in theaters that you do sit in one. The overall movie in my opinion was worth the wait from the script to the casting. And don't tell anyone it kind made me want to get a pilots license that much more, It might sound crazy but I always wanted to learn how to fly in the skies! But this from a girl who has never flew on a airplane and if you are screaming "How?" ; it just hasn't happened that's why. But I have this little feeling that will all change sooner than later. If you missed seeing Top Gun Maverick in theaters, definitely put it on your watchlist when it hits on any streaming platforms! After watching the second movie by the time I got home, the first one was on tv and I had to watch it. Maverick watched first part of the movie up close and personal. Mason left the building to hide away from the loud sound and Mr. Max was lights out in the corner by the A/C vent. That's pretty much what happens when theirs a loud action packed move plays in my living room at least.

I know that I didn't post this blog post in July, life happens and things get pushed in different directions. I promise things will be all caught up and regular content will be back. But by the time you see this post it will be August and I will be working on that month's blog post. I do open the kick of your summer has been great and the hotter days have been enjoyable. And I hope maybe you found a little summer lovin or you will find a summer lovin. And summer lovin can mean so many things. For me I found summer lovin this year has been just full of happiness and being in the present moment. And you haven't seen my latest blog post and previous book reviews they will be linked down below. As always let me know what you think and follow me on the socials for more !

Love always,

Misread

Is it May or it is June?

Escapism

Hi there all, I know I have been missing in action lately, everywhere. The question where I even explain where I have been,etc. I hope everyone is doing well and Happy birthday to all you Geminis in the world. I started off this blog post with a question above because I haven't even noticed May going by and we are only a few days away from being in June meaning Summer all together. How did we go from Spring to Summer season? And we all know that we need that summer body needs to be in shape and hopefully siting on the sand and toes in the sand. See, what I did there? Fine I was day dreaming for a moment. Let me say, I have tried writing this blog post specifically about fifteen times and started the beginning of May to ! So many things happened since my last little update that in all honestly should be a novel or a movie. By that being said ,I should just get into it before you all lose interest. And if this post is long, I am kind of sorry in advance. Remember I said kind of.

I did in fact somehow ended up back at the beach for a few days at the end of April. What can I say I love the beach before summer. I might be the only one who enjoy the in-between season are the best time to go. I got to watch some airplanes fly on a beautiful day and I may or might have the urge to learn how to fly more then ever from that day. But you didn't hear that from me. But we shall see if I do end up getting a pilot's license. On this particular trip I had Matchas for the road and yes I did say Matchas, that was a good day when one of the barista missed up my order and ended up giving me a second drink for free. During this trip I started to read Love story by Karen Kingsbury which I have enjoyed so far and it reminds of an old fashion love story that you would hear from someone. And that's all I am going to say about that the novel because I will share details before the book review has even come out. Speaking of which the Spring Season Book Reviews are written, typed and scheduled but you have to get through the of this post to find out the date. Back to beach trip, on this trip I was forced to conquer my fear of cliff Hiking. I didn't want to do to which point, I did in the end with may tears later and two cliff hikes in the books. When trails got small and smaller and a straight cliff to the side isn't my ideal hike. But on the day before I watched a lady walking down the same trail in heels! That moment changed my mind a little to do that particular trail and in the same thought I questioned her thought process to get the bottom of the trail, how in the world would she get back up in those heels.

There's something about this moment

Also on the beach trip in Redondo made a stop for a bite to eat at Rocks and Brews. I had their Street Nachos and every time I have bite , I only want more. And of course I had to try their Harvest Vegetable pasta , which was also very yummy. If you find a Rocks and Brews near you , stop in for a bite. Then of course somehow a mud Pie from Blue Water Grill made it back to the hotel room. You can guess ,how I spent my next morning on the beach. Had a quick bite at Scotty's for lunch, one of my favorite places for fish and chips , plus the clam chowder is absolutely yummy! Spent the rest of the day spent Exploring new hidden gems of trails that I didn't know existed. I love days like this particularly, to just be yourself. At one point I was in a tree and yes I did climb up in a tree. Also I got bitten by something in-between the layers of clothes I had on to stay warm. Not on social media nor working are the best trips to take for yourself. I think us as a society sometimes forget how to be. I discovered The Vicente Bluffs Reserve which used to be a rifle range ages go. I recommend going to the Reserve, just for the walk near sunset. The trails are stunning and peaceful to walk on, looking out to the ocean. Plus just romantic place to be in ,just for the stroll with someone you care for. There's also a cute garden that's worth a explore around. My favorite part is seen the big lighthouse at the end of the point, I bet you back time that lighthouse can tell some stories. Before the sunset could disappear for another lingering hour, I headed to trump's golfs course but to not golf obviously but for another trail behind the estate. What I didn't know one; it was prom night for tons of seniors and I mean tons ! And this beautiful trail would be on the edge of the cliff, on the way down and of course on the way back up. Again not my favorite ideal location for a hike but I went. It was the good hike minus the edge and yes I did cry at the end but I finished it. There are a few beautiful outlook spots where it's safe to sit and watch the waves away from the cliffs. I was shocked the amount of people in all walks of life taking on the challenge. Plus it had a great perspective to watch the sunset go down in a hidden peaceful location.

California Lilac

The next morning before leaving, I did the bigger cliff hike to start the morning off from the previous day. To be honest if there wasn't coffee involved for some courage, I would stay where it was safe. Getting their early morning there was probably about fifty surfers, gearing up to surf and walking down the trail. It was a bit sketchy at first to walk down and balance, of course the wind decided to pick up during the hard part. Then the trail starts get narrow where you have to wait till person coming up pass first before you can move down. The only way I could keep ongoing was just watch my feet and pretend I was on top of the cliff. But once I made it towards the end of the trail I could understand why so many surfers come down to this spot to catch a wave or two. On that particular morning there were quite a few photographers in a spot watching the surfers catching the waves, I was a jealous of their hidden location to photograph.

Lighthouse

Now after that hike back up, I did in fact enjoyed the view a lot more than going down and the weather was perfect. I was promised the Best Pastrami of all of LA ! And before I say anything else, it's a fact the Best Pastrami of LA! Johnnies Pastrami on south Sepulveda Boulevard is a must TRY, just go and trust me on this. It started in 1952 and it's in a small restaurant but I can see why it's so popular and why they can have a line out the door seven days a week. And quite a celebrity spot if you like to go where the celebrities' go. When you go just try sandwich just how they make it, there is no need for anything else. I never eaten a sandwich that was so yummy, so fast in my life! I am a slow eater in general to enjoy the food that I am having. But once I bit into the sandwich there were no words. And after the yummy French dip, I still couldn't find the words to how I ate the giant Pastrami. Side note they don't skip on the pastrami at all. To this present moment , I can still taste the warmth of the bread, the pastrami and the yummy mustard on my tongue. If you are in LA or coming to LA; It's a must stop ! Forget about Inn and out ,head straight over to Johnnies Pastrami for a bite.

A few weeks later there was Mothers day and I would like to say to all the strong Mom's out there, you are amazing. And it's never to late to tell them when's its not a holiday, they should hear it often. On mother's day had an enjoyable meal at Raffi's Place with family. If you have never been there , I highly recommend that you give it a try! You must try the chicken Soltani or the beef Soltani and for appetizer try the Kashk O’Bademjan, eat all the purple basil (Its yummy) they give. I am telling its worthy spot to enjoy some amazing food. On the trip back , I tried Dutch Bros for the first time! I got the Golden Eagle, I do have to say it cheaper than Starbucks and it was yummy but the wait was a little long but that goes with everything now days.

To end this blog post that took too long to produce something worthy of a good read. Now there will be part two this saga of the last two months, this was suppose to go live June 3rd 2022 and let's say it didn't happen for a reason that Friday. There has been so much that happens in life when you think you have a moment to just catch up with it all, it throws you a whole book and then some. And we all go through things differently at certain seasons. And during those seasons the days blur together that next thing you know you are two months down when you thought it was just a long hard week. I guess my point to the question is is it May or is it June ? Is that when we stop just document life for the world to see , we forget to live. To be in the present with our ups and with our downs and live our novels for what they are. Our day to day lives create an unique story to us solely and take on the unexpected if anything that taught us from the last few years, days blur into months.

See you

I will leave you with this cliffhanger I will pick up in the next blog post where I was going at four am on a Saturday morning and didn't get back home till noon that same day. And the spring book reviews will be published the day after this on goes up. I hope you give it read and seen if I inspire you for your next read. Until then I hope you are enjoy the beginning days of summer and things are going well!

See you soon !

Misreaders

Can We Say Spring Has Sprung In April?

How are we in April ? Let me repeat, How ? I feel like the days have just blurred by so fast for this year already. Aprils fools' happened and if you are wondering I did do a little prank and that backfired but everything is good.

I know we are all the mist of tax season and around the comer is the deadline. Back to has spring has Sprung part, I know April Showers brings May flowers. I don't know about you but the flowers have bloomed around here and some of the greenery has already gone away. But it's nice seeing the mountains, the rolling hills having green grass then snowy peaks. Its also the end of the poppy season in California at least around here. I have been thinking about last super bloom from 2019 lately. I guess because once you experience a super bloom of not just poppies but everything in full bloom ,nothing else compares. Or maybe I am just a wildflower lover and I just want to surrounded them to the max. Have anyone of you seen a super bloom in your lifetime?

Moving on, I am finishing up my late Caramel Macchiato at two pm, which I might regret it later but it's my after doctor appointment treat and I was due for a cup of coffee. Also good news to share that has absolutely do with this blog post, I found Outlander Wine that I have been looking for since the beginning of the lock down. And yes, I have been on the hunt for it all this time. Which by the way; I don't drink at all, it's what I used to cook with occasionally. So if you want grab yourself a bottle, you can find it in Aldi under ten dollars. Any who, I thought I would share that little bit of information.

Back to the update, I did in fact finish reading: The Last Checkmate by Gabriella Saab when I was back at the beach. To say again its just amazing novel, it's a swirl wind of emotions and definitely a novel that you have to read. I am currently reading : I was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon which is another Historical Fiction and it's absolutely breathtaking novel and started that novel at the same time I finished that last one. I almost don't want the novel to end and yes, I am dragging my feet to finish it for that reason. For example, I tried not read a full hundred of pages in one sitting in the sun. I will share it's one of those novels that makes you feel like you are the fly on the wall watching someone's life in their own words. And if you haven't noticed I haven't published the three other book reviews that I owe you all. It just seems in current life that I haven't had the time to write it up yet but I promise you that it will go up sooner than later. Currently the notes for each novel is sitting right to my keyboard. To add that every novel that I have been picked up lately has just need a hook me novel. And at the same time, I have been taking my time enjoying each authors words to the fullest. I hope you kind understand my point, like that old saying " The don't make them like they used " and I have found those novels that you can read ,over and over again. They are just timeless in shorter words.

Chess game ,anyone ?

And about my trip by the beach it was three days by the ocean , it was a relaxing little treat just to be. We all need a little stay vacation once in a while. I had a giant room with a couch, a chess set for the first night. Having the chess set was fitting at the time because I was reading The last Checkmate and of course I used that same chess set a prop as well. Then had a linder across the street at the cheesecake factory and let me tell you it was yummy one ! Had their eggroll sampler to start and they were delicious, I almost didn't want to share. My favorite ones out of the four choices were the Tex mix eggroll and the avocado eggroll. Then how would fate have it their special of that night was a white wine Salmon, potatoes and broccoli which was so yummy that I completely finished it besides the tiny bit mashed potatoes I had left. The following morning I set foot bright and early had my berry mix cinnamon Belgium waffles with my coffee on the pier. There is something about walking on a semi foggy empty pier, finding a table and watching the boats heading out of the marinas to start their day. Hearing the ocean wake up with the sun is something that everyone should experience. But its definitely one of the coldest times to go the pier so I highly recommend a jacket. Then after that I take the still hot coffee on the hunt to find the peaceful spot the beach to read and sun tan for a bit. Just doing that on the beach is probably one of my favorite thing to do by the beach, never get's old. Then that night had a early kind of the dinner to watch the sun go down. This spot is a little hidden gem that I am about to share and worthy of a stop by to! The place is called Scotty's on the strand in Hermosa beach. It's near the pier, peaceful and free parking to boost but that's not even the best part. They have the best clam chowder, the best fish and chips ever ! I am the best fish and chips expert but out of the fish and chips I had it makes my Top three instantly. If you are ever in that neck of the city ,great service and amazing food plus the view looking at the beach is great to.

White wine salmon

Yummy Fish and chips

Clam Chowder at scotty's

Then spent the rest of the day light hours with another cup coffee and a cruse around the beach. Chasing for the perfect spot to watch the sunset show and it was one of the best sunset's I have seen this year so far. Enjoyed my time near the ocean to the fullest in my opinion and I hope you all have the chance this year to do just that, at some point. To be in the present in the moment and enjoy the world around minus the craziness of reality and the gas prices to add. Lately I have been counting the moment's like this more then working so hard and spending the time with those around the balance out with solitude as well. Life seems long but it's also short in actual time frame. If there is anything I want you take away from this monthly post is to enjoy life to your version your solitude and with those in your circle to the fullest.

To end this not to long monthly blog post that seems I have typed to blog that bum feels numb here and yet it's quick little read altogether. I hope April is good for all of you, the weather is enjoyable. The garners at there are enjoying your time in your garden. And you are enjoying Easter with those you love and color those hard boiled eggs. You know my family will be playing the egg cracking game into a heavy competition but I won't get into those details. And yes the next post should be those Book reviews coming up this month, hopefully I will be all caught up by the end of April.

See you later Misreaders,

As always,

Misread.