Liane Olin

Lisa Halub (The Lighted Pathway) and I took a group to the Mosaic Tile House in Venice Beach. What a treat to visit the artist who spent 30 years building this alongside his wife Cheri. They are both artists who opened a studio in the back of their home to pursue their creative side. They had no idea that what started out as tiling the kitchen would turn into 30 years of love and devotion. Cheri has now passed on, and Gonzalo leads tours of his home weekly. Please visit Saturday’s (12-3) by reservation or book a private tour like we did. It’s such a touching, beautiful place.

This week we had so many beautiful hikes with more to come!

We had another great week of trail hikes: Autumn Ridge, Conejo Overlook, Los Padres Trail, and Ventura Hills Nature Preserve. Spring is the perfect time to get outside and take a walk. We’re so lucky to have so many choices to explore.

First night in Zion was a success. We arrived just in time to tour the front of the park as the sun lit up the peaks. It was a magical stat to seven more days filled with adventure!!

Today’s intention: Self-care without overwhelm.

If I’m being honest, I can’t think of a single day this week where I haven’t felt completely overwhelmed. I’ve realized that when I neglect my emotional self, my physical self starts to suffer too. It’s a cycle I’m working to break.

This morning, I decided to move at a different pace. I started with a single Bible verse - sitting with it, meditating on it. I tended to the dogs, and then I sat down to write about my recent time away.

While I was In this quiet flow, I heard my inner wisdom guiding me toward something simple yet nourishing. I went to the garden, picked a fresh lemon, sliced some ginger, and gathered some blooming thyme to add to my water.

None of those things were “big” tasks, but doing them in a slow, melodic, and peaceful way felt deeply nourishing. Even just looking back at my photos brought a spark of joy I don’t know I was missing.

Simple actions. A quiet heart. A much better combination.

First stop on our birthday weekend escape!