by beachraven | Dec 8, 2023
Quarry Park, Monterey, California By neglect or overwork, whatever the cause, I rediscovered the childhood fracture in my back called a pars defect. A few doctor visits and another round of physical therapy reminded me of the whole ordeal. At the age of...
by beachraven | Dec 2, 2023
Lake Tahoe, California We were the guests of Lynn Scott in the home founded by her grandparents at Lake Tahoe a hundred years ago. On the last day of our visit, Lynn invited us to spend time sitting at the lake’s edge. The sun drifted in and out of clouds,...
by beachraven | Nov 11, 2023
Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove, California When I pulled up to the shore, a dozen photographers stood around with cameras hanging over their shoulders, tripods in hand. I knew no one, and it felt like the first day of a new school. In defiance of the...
by beachraven | Oct 28, 2023
Monterey, California The garden truck pulled up at 8 a.m. sharp. The first sounds to reach my ears were the lilting syllables of Spanish and the easy rhythms of modern Ranchera folk music. Soon, the clipping of sheers and the purr of an electric leaf blower...
by beachraven | Oct 20, 2023
Monterey Cafe, Monterey, California A big red neon sign glowing “Put Breakfast First” adorns the kitchen wall. “Take any table you want,” the busboy says. The smell of hot oil, potatoes, and coffee drifts in from the kitchen. “No, I don’t need a menu.” The room...
by beachraven | Aug 26, 2023
Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, California Even though we were on time, my 50th high school reunion was in full swing when we arrived. A twenty-something door attendant handed me a badge displaying my ancient graduation photo. “Wow, you had long hair,” she...
by beachraven | Jul 22, 2023
Monterey Bay, California In the early morning light, muted by drizzly, low-hanging clouds, I clip into my peddles and careen downhill towards the bay in a free-fall rush. My head is full of thoughts, always full of thoughts, the topic du jour, how much of life...
by beachraven | Jul 15, 2023
Monterey, California I stood beside the grave at the interment of an old friend. For years, the cremated remains had been sitting on a fireplace mantle, and it was time to give them a future. An ice-cold spring breeze blew through our coats as we stood and...
by beachraven | Jul 8, 2023
Veteran’s Park Trail, Monterey, California Children were laughing and squealing with pure joy, and the swings sang a chorus of rhythmic squeaking, filling the playground with scatters of playful sounds. In the distance, cars rushed past up on Highway One,...
by beachraven | Jul 1, 2023
Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove, California It feels like the garden gnomes are watching. I swear their eyes are following me down the street. And there’s a breeze tonight, thankfully, a cool breeze after the heat of the day. Crows chase each other,...
