I dream of Santa Cruz ...

Because, you see, I went to college there oh so many years ago, and around this time of year I feel waves of nostalgia for the little beach town I once called home.

It's a sacred place, this northern pocket of California, and while it's been some years, I still have vivid memories of long walks through the redwoods on campus, spending an afternoon curled up with books on the beach, or sipping coffee downtown, jotting notes and people-watching.

Santa Cruz was also a magical place because of the winters there, which are absolutely beautiful, and on certain days, unbelievably mild. There was something transformative about growing up in the Northwest, knowing winter to be a season filled with rain and snow, sharp, dry winds, and a grey that only breaks on the coldest, clearest days, to then discover that California offers a much gentler version of the season.

Sure, I knew there were folks living in warmer parts of the world--people who were not in the habit of layering with so much wool during the winter months--but to actually experience this shift was something else entirely. I woke in the mornings to sun drenched fields stretched out across campus, fog burning off the tops of the Eucalyptus trees, and the bay glittering below us.

Oh, Pacific Ocean, how I dearly miss you.

These are the days that I daydream of visits to the beach, warm sun against my skin, and I wish, hope, and pray that I'll find my way back someday soon.

And while it may be some time before we take any big trips south, here are a few sweet ideas and inspired objects from our friends at Etsy that help bring the ocean a little closer.

{You've got to keep the daydream alive!}

Ocean Waves Pencil Case

This sweet little pouch: Home to your favorite writing or sketching utensils and a reminder of the waves, the surfers, the sand and salty mist.

Sleepy Sailboat: A tiny wooden boat that actually moves over its tiny waves. A reminder of sunny days in Santa Cruz when the bay is sprinkled with open sails.

A pretty planter: For filling with jade and placing near the sunniest window to keep the memory of lush coastal succulents alive.

Seven stacked whales: A print to remind you of that one afternoon you saw dolphins (!) swimming in the ocean, and to recall how very wide and deep and full of life that big body of water really is.

Beach glass mobile: Whimsical piece to catch the light and remind you of the faded, sun-washed colors of the town, and the ocean worn relics of the sea.

Wavy mug: Lovely vessel for sipping coffee and tea and remembering all the favorite haunts around town: Lulu Carpenter's, Cafe Pergolesi, and the Buttery--good coffee & amazing baked treats.


What are your favorite ocean memories? Do you have a place you hold in your mind's eye?
I'd love to hear. Happy Thursday to you!

Cheers, xo


{Photo credit: stylishlyme --thank you!}