Have you guys missed me? I have missed you!! I actually really do miss blogging. I talked about it a lot with friends while I was at a photography conference in Santa Barbara. I am now in Austin to shoot a wedding this weekend and just got some time to play with some of my photos from Santa Barbara. (Most of these are taken with my iphone 4S and the others my Canon 5D Mark III.)

There is something magical about the west coast. Flying in and seeing the hills that look like mountains cascading down into the bright blue pacific with palm trees swaying, there is in general a feeling of calm. Of course for me, my most calm is sitting on a deck overlooking a dam with wild animals making noise all around me….aka Kruger National Park, but palm trees and a beach are totes fine as well. Santa Barbara has so far been my favorite place in SoCal. The people are so calm and laid back and kind. There is tons to do that doesn’t even involve the beach. And the weather, aside from some really chilly nights while I was there, was perfect. We drank margs and wine while wearing our Ray Bans and flip flops…in the middle of the day…looking out at water.

Despite the fact that I just moved and was so excited to be playing house…for real…I think it is really great that I had a chance to step back and relax for a few days out here. I think I really needed it. Thanks, Santa Barbara.

Tips:

Wonder up and down State Street. It is like a Georgetown area with better breakfast options.

Hang out at Stearns Wharf. Or then walk across the street to the cutest little diner called Eladio’s. Order french toast.

Go to State and Yanonali – start the Urban Wine Trail. So many awesome tasting rooms on that street.

Go hiking. I wish I had had time.

Here starts the iPhone photos. And my hot breakfast date, Jen Harvey.

Running along the coast was awesome. And definitely reinvigorated my love of running.

So artsy, these folk are.