Look at that tree…  I mean, would you even guess that I took this running in L.A.??? 

This morning’s run was gorgeous.  The sun was out, it was 70 degrees, and I got to tackle a hill with drinking fountains on the way up, and a surprise at the top:

 

I even found roses lining the sidewalks of homes in the area.  And their scent was so sweet!  Just like the roses at home.

After our morning workout, we went to breakfast and had some delicious eggs and bacon and headed to visit a good friend in Santa Monica.  On our drive in, there were some pretty amazing murals on the walls beside the road:

 

The beach was full of people: using the bike path, catching some rays in the sand, and surfing in the waves.  The wind was blowing, and kites were flying.  With a smile on my face, I decided to go stick my toes in the ocean:

This has been such a wonderful trip – spending time with Brandi is always good and getting to see her and just hang out like we did so many years ago is really … indescribably healing and relaxing.  She is my best friend, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share in each other’s lives despite distance between us and the different paths we have taken.  Friendship like this is hard to find.

Do you have a friend you keep in touch with from your early childhood? 

Does it still feel like it did all those years ago – free, easy, and always accepting?

Happy Tuesday, and Happy Running (and Reminiscing!),
~Alaina