Rolling Hills

I realized recently that I’ve started to take my surroundings for granted.

I remember when I first moved to northern California I would often drive to work each morning amazed at where I now lived. I still occasionally have these moments, but they are fewer and farther between. The bay area has become home to me. I’m finally comfortable here, and if you’re like me, it’s easy to put off exploring and appreciating the world around you.

Vitaliy and I discussed this and decided to make a better effort at getting away from our computers and out enjoying our beautiful surroundings. We were thrilled last week when our friends from Choco Studio invited us on a hike at the Garin Regional Park.

The sun shone brightly and the breeze kept my warm skin the perfect temperature. Everything seemed to be lush with life. Like nature was announcing that spring is near. The rolling hills were dressed in a rich green that only accentuated their depths and layers as far as you could see. I tried to watch my step, but I couldn’t seem to take my eyes away from the beauty around me. There were moments I was tempted to walk backwards because I didn’t feel quite finished gazing at the last view before being taken by the new one.

These same hills will be a sweet shade of gold in a few months. But I’m happy I didn’t put off seeing them just as they are in this season. Both deserve to be celebrated. I’m thankful we were able to capture this memory so that we won’t soon forget.