There are some evenings so precious they’ll be remembered forever. After returning from a most beautiful vacation at a little “Pink Gem” on the Pacific Ocean, it’s just such an evening I’m writing about today. This is for you, our Precious Goddess of the Central Coast! You are loved!
First, I must give you a little of the back story. For decades, I’ve traveled to a tiny little coastal village nestled on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. This small town hasn’t changed since the first time I visited. It’s timeless in its charm and simplicity. A place most people would believe doesn’t exist anymore. A family-friendly town, there are miles of beaches where you can hunt for shells and driftwood. Surfing is a popular pastime. Randolph Hearst loved it so much that he built his castle to the north.
The Goddess of the Central Coast is indeed a true Goddess living in a magical place above the blue Pacific. As a young woman, she migrated from the Atlantic to the Pacific, long ago, choosing a west-coast port city. Far from home, she spread her wings, becoming the independent beauty she was always meant to be.
This Goddess and I lived in the Central Valley of California for years. Although strangers back then, many years of our lives were spent in a severe, desert environment. While my family took respite in Santa Cruz, she found her spot a little further south. While summers on our part of the coast were in the foggy 50s, her days were spent in a place that bounced from 70 – 80. Such a relief from the 100+ degree days in the valley.
This Goddess found the one true love in her life, and boy did they live! I imagine the wit and wisdom we’ve all come to know and love carried her through life’s ups and downs, serving her well. Her MR. Goddess was one lucky man. Eventually, they came to live on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, with views that fall over the blue horizon. There, she became The One and Only Goddess of the Central Coast. I assure you, there will never be another.
Timeless as a treasured jewel, she is just as beautiful now as the day we met, some decades ago. She and the ocean have battled many times, and she’s won (but just barely). Befriending sea life everywhere, she once saved a baby elephant seal that carries her name to this day.
When she first moved to her ocean perch, there were only a handful of homes in the tiny village. Eventually, homes were built and filled with interesting people from around the world. From movie stars to highly educated professionals, people came and went. Although most of the houses have been bought and sold many times over, she remains in hers.
Hubba-Hubba-Hubby and I have established our own Valentine’s tradition. Three years ago, we visited our little town by the sea with Auntie TJ and The Goddess. They’ve been friends for many more decades than I’ve known her. Being “Across-The-Street” neighbors, they’ve shared everything from stories about new neighbors to the mystery of the dismembered deer carcass. The two beauties have aged well, and like two fine bottles of fine Cognac, they just get better and better as the years go by.
HHH and I love the time spent with Auntie TJ and the Goddess. Visiting them is the cherry on top when it comes to vacationing on California’s Central Coast. It began with the terrible news that Auntie TJ wouldn’t be able to visit due to a nasty virus. I’ve had just about enough of this horrible virus. Enough Already. First me, and now TJ.
With plans still in place, HHH and I put our heads together to make alternate plans. With CC on her way to visit, we’d take flowers to the Goddess and then ask her to dinner. HHH would make steak and lobster for his three favorite gals. We held our breaths, hoping she would accept our offer, and, to our delight, she did.
Picked up in a silver chariot, she was not without gifts. The most beautiful bag packed with freshly baked blueberry scones AND blueberry jam for our breakfast the next day. With that, our evening began.
With few topics missed, there was never a lack of conversation. The evening, rich and warm, was completed by apple pie and ice cream. It all ended much too soon, and by the light of the silvery moon, we safely delivered our Goddess back to her front door.
Of everything about our vacation, Valentine’s Evening will remain a memory of the sweetest kind. One that we’ll need to repeat very soon!
As for our beloved Auntie TJ, she could use some prayers. As you can only imagine if it hasn’t hit you, the Virus of 2025 knocks the strongest person for a loop. We can’t wait for our next visit while looking forward to a beautiful springtime!
