Now Only A Memory

On our recent trip to California, I saw this beautiful painting hanging on the wall in a local shop. I knew it would be expensive, but I had no idea it would be three times what I make in a month! So, it will stay a nice mini-sized photograph in my memory.

(Painting by John Cosby.)

California Dreaming

A peaceful day at Laguna Beach. Oh, Pacific Coast Highway! One of my favorite drives ever! California has just so many places to explore. Even without Disneyland nearby!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Discovering California

Traveling around the world? Not happening soon. But when it happens again? Great! What about traveling back home in California? Here's some of my favorite posts throughout the years- without Disneyland in sight. Not all, but just a few:

Snapshots of Napa- The vineyards of Napa and Sonoma are world famous for a reason! 

Coast Stories- California as I love it! There's so much more than Disneyland. The natural beauty of the state shines through here.

Outside the Norm- All the quirkiness of San Francisco obscures the beauty of its attractions- sometimes to the detriment of those who've never lived in the State. 

Mission San Juan Capistrano- A bit of California history preserved for the adventurers of today. Sometimes you have to look backward in order to see the future.

The American Rivera- Arguably one of the most beautiful cities in California, Santa Barbara is showcased here.

No Disneyland?- Palm Springs to Newport Beach and beyond, I never get tired of exploring the Golden State. Here's proof a visit there doesn't need to include Disneyland or California Adventure to be terrifically fun!

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Breathe In, Breathe Out

Stop and take a look at this photograph- and breath in and breathe out. Relax. Pause and pray. Focus on something other than your fears. "But what about the Coronavirus?" you say. God is either in control or He is not. This doesn't mean everything always goes the way we want- Jesus did die on the cross, however willingly- but it does mean God knows what is best. Take those precautions, be wise, but rest in Him. It's the best health insurance plan you can get.

(Photograph by Chon Kit Leong)

Southern California Coast

Given that the holiday rush has now officially started, I thought I'd offer this small slice of serenity. A look at the simply beautiful Southern California coastline. I took this shot several years ago while walking the beach, and it has become one of my all time favorites. Enjoy- and may God bless you with peaceful days as you celebrate the birth of the King!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Another Blizzard, Another Daydream

On this day of 10-13" of snow and more to come on Saturday, I give you one of my photos from Orange County, California- the lovely Laguna Beach to be exact.

Sing with me now, "All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray..."

California Dreaming indeed.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Loving Laguna

Our latest big snowstorm has arrived, so I thought I'd share a little California coastline. I snapped this photo a couple of years ago, and Laguna Beach is still a favorite place. I just love it! Enjoy!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

California Dreaming in Laguna Beach

Just a short drive away from Disneyland is lovely Laguna Beach, California! Always one of our stops on a trip to see family. I took this shot a few years ago, and it sits as my desktop photo. It was one of those perfect beach days when the world seems to stop and everything just seems right.  I have it in a very, very, large size, so one day, I'll blow it up and frame it. But for now, I'll just enjoy the view on this cold wintry day in Denver.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Lovely Laguna

The sand, the sea, my wife, and a vanilla latte from Starbucks. What a wonderful way to start a day in beautiful Southern California. We lived up the road years ago. Years ago! And we never really understood how blessed we were to reside there until we left.

Laguna Beach is one of the most lovely places along the Golden State's coast. Along with Corona del Mar, it's a must stop for great food, a relaxing place for an adult beverage, and to enjoy the arts. 

There's a big world out there beyond Disney. I love to explore it!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Lovely Santa Barbara

Isn't she a beauty! In all of California, you'd be hard pressed to find a town as beautiful as Santa Barbara. The beaches are not as stunning as say Laguna Beach, but the town itself is chock full of interesting places to explore. The "American Riviera" indeed!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Sea Dreams

Dreaming of the ocean today...

(Photograph by Mark Taft.)

A Quiet Coastline

Not your typical beach glamour shot today. During most of our recent trip to the land of LA, the skies were over cast everytime we got even close to Newport Beach or Laguna. It certainly wasn't swimming with people, but the fact that it was empty and calm made it a delightful time. There's something about me being at the beach regardless of the season. It's a time I always feel the power and presence of God- and Jesus himself feels so close to me here. I know he is everywhere, but the roar of the ocean always calls me to him.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Welcome Back!

Just returned home from our vacation away. Oh, my back! Small seats on United, uncomfortable at best. Lots of pains, but lots of stories to tell. Including my one son-in-law's first visit to Disneyland and California Adventure. Stay tuned...

Countdown to Relaxation

Let the countdown begin!

It won't be long until we are on our way for a fun in the sun filled week in California. The land of dreams and opportunity. (Sounds like a great advertisement, doesn't it?) Cannot wait!

Wanna see more great photos and a detailed trip report from another visit? See "Coast Stories" here.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Take Me Away

Loving the summer but not digging the mountains this year. I miss the ocean. Missing the body surfing, the breezes, the balmy nights, and most of all- I miss the gentle lapping of the waves on the shore. Take me away...

Coast Stories

True confession time: Disneyland was not the highlight of my recent trip to Southern California. It wasn't the construction at California Adventure that made my mouth fall open. It was the beach, or I should say, the beaches that captured my attention, my heart, my thoughts. 

Admittedly, I am an Orange County snob. There is not a single beach in Los Angeles County that compares to the beauty found in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Capistrano or Dana Point. And please, don't get me going about San Diego- it's absolutely gorgeous, too. Los Angeles does have it charms, however- more on that later as well.

As I had two and a half days to myself, I started the morning by sleeping in and then heading down to Peet's Coffee for my morning java. I sat by the fountain in this little plaza by Fashion Island, sipping my brew, reading the paper, and thinking about the day ahead.

This was to be a driving day, and I'd stop along the way as the spirit moved me. Jumped into the car and turned left onto Pacific Coast Highway. Driving all the way down to Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano, the beauty of the endless stream of bright red bougainvillea contrasted with the gorgeous sky and deep blue waters. There were many moments I wished I were the passenger instead of the driver. Although I missed the company of my wife, it was really a treat to quietly drive and just stare at the seascape I grew up knowing and loving.

After a couple hours at Mission San Juan Capistrano, (photos to come in another post), I stopped in Dana Point for a short little nap on the beach. What a treat to feel the warm sand, hear the ocean waves, and bake in the 80 degree sun of late October. It is an odd thing to say, but I always hear God speak to me in the sound of the waves. The beach is my preferred perfect place to rest, to pray and to focus on the majesty of God. It is more rejuvenating to me than just about anything else I can think of.

After an hour or so, it was time to move on, so I headed north. Eventually, I could feel the calming of my spirit and the gift of quiet. It's impact was undeniable. Things seemed right in my world.

This was my first true vacation since February, a short trip to San Antonio for my Dad's 70th birthday aside. It had been a busy work year for me. Between the planning for three big service projects, including my participation in a two week service trip to Asia, and my heavier than normal work load, I needed this rest. I was tired but not discouraged. Yet, it had been a full, satisfying but very tiring year.

Next stop was Laguna. I had planned to just walk the beach, but once I walked on to the sand and into the water, I decided I had to go in. I quickly tore off my shirt, dropped by sandals and camera. Diving in straight away, the briskness of the water was refreshing, its salty taste brought me back to my youth. The sun instantly began warming my body. This was why I loved the ocean- and this was what always seemed to be my siren's song.

More time passed as I watched families on the beach. The squeals of little kids experiencing the surf was a treat to hear and a riot to observe. The combination of apprehension, a bit of fear and sheer delight of the unknown brought a smile to my face, and I couldn't help giggling a bit inside.

After enough time, I hopped back in the car and took off for Huntington beach. There were more adventures ahead that day. Those hours before me of quiet, rest, sun, surf, and sand were just what I needed to regroup, pour my heart out to my God, and be encouraged. Soon enough I would be back in Colorado and all would be a memory- but what grand ones they would be!

(Photos copyright Mark Taft.)

In the Eye of the Beholder: Laguna Beach

Here's an absolutely wonderful shot of Laguna Beach, California at sunset. Stunning! My youngest daughter took this during our latest family vacation. She's a great photographer, but with a view like this, almost anyone could get a beautiful result. Doesn't God do great work by creating evenings like this?
(Photography copyright Lauren Taft.)