The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for Spelling Bee
Yosemite by Day
One of Yosemite's Wondrous Sights
When I was little, I thought Yosemite the national park and the word ‘Yosemite’ were two entirely different things. Who knew that the little girl who thought ‘Yosemite’ was pronounced “yoes-might” would grow up to be a writer?! I can recall my mom laughing at the way I spelled “weird” in the 4th grade, and yet I won the 8th grade spelling bee. Call it a lack of experience, call it a condundrum, but don’t be surprised when I mispell something else in the future (but don’t be confused either, because I like to make up words as well).
Life is full of surprises… if you let them show themselves.
Years ago, after he offered me my first regular-paying writing job, my editor at the time Ken Mandler asked me to take a drive to Yosemite with him. For the day. ‘Ug’, I thought, ‘What a long way to go for just one day.’ But as it turns out, it was a great trip. I wrote an article about it, got some great photos while we were there, and learned that Ken was selling the papers I had been writing for for the past 2 years.
That particular part wasn’t exactly the best news ever, but I appreciated his respect for me and the manner in which he shared his professional dilemna. Personally, I felt I was close to being ready for a change anyway, so it was rather bittersweet. But I’ll tell you one thing for sure: You never forget news like that when wrapped up in such a magnificent package – or views like that when wrapped up in such a brief but breathtaking encounter.
So since I’m still writing, I’d like to thank Ken for giving me my first opportunity. And even though I lost the regional spelling bee championships to the word ‘scheme’ (tragically, ‘skeme’, in my world), it was because I’d never seen the word before. And sometimes, just one look is all it takes to never again forget.
There is something special about Sacramento; the rich land upon which it was built, the rivers that flow through, the bounty around it and the people who make the Sacramento area their home.
Life is good in California’s Capital City for many reasons, including climate and geography, community and amenities, nature and wildlife, and so much more. It’s hard to imagine a warmer feeling than a sunshine-drenched morning here, an easier feeling than a refreshing post-rain spring day, or a more engaging experience than a night on the town with friends or family.
There’s truly something here for everyone and every mood, for Sacramento is a shifting entity itself, with four distinct but relatively mild seasons, diverse neighborhoods and people, a ripening food and restaurant scene, year-round events and outdoor fun, and daytime and night-time adventures. Its magic is a blend of history and tradition, vision and reinvention. And there’s so much pleasure to be had here – with family and friends, food and wine, adventures and experiences – that they’re likely to create the kind of fond memories that might seem so familiar… but aren’t quite like any other.
