Dear California,

How are you? We are fine and newly resettled in Colorado. Leaving you was certainly bittersweet. Our time together over those 19 months was wonderful, but I think we all knew it was time for a change. In fact, our relationship has been a lot to process. Of course, we adored exploring your deserts, mountains, forests and ocean vistas. You romanced us with late night geothermal spring soaks, magical walks under the redwoods on a carpet of sorrel, intoxicating wafts of eucalyptus and creosote, transformation of a gorgeous gorge over the seasons, those sexy low tide waves sliding over the coast at sunset… even the fog rolling in in held us captivated in mystery. Do you remember when you introduced us to that phenomenal San Fran dim sun and those deliciously colorful farmer’s markets? Until you showed us, we never quite imagined the seemingly mythological creatures of the intertidal zones or your massive, diverse botanical collection including those quirky Joshua “trees,” evergreen desert palo verde, giant redwoods of Endor and hillsides of eternal golden poppies. 

We definitely enjoyed meeting your cool friends. There was Sissy, the Chicago lounge singer turned bartender, and her crew who hosted all those snowbird Canadians. Who knew you were so friendly with the northerners, eh? How delightfully unexpected were the vegan motorcyclists with their traveling adventure cat! We were also tickled to meet so many different kinds of hikers who visited Cleveland National Forest and came back refreshed by your beauty. And there is no forgetting the epic walkabout with our old Phriends at your Hollywood Bowl. Wiiiiill—suuun. Wiiiill—suuun. Not everyone would understand, but you openly embraced our disco cat taking night walks around Bodega Bay. Thank you. We will always appreciate how you graciously hosted our friends & family who came to visit and then even watched over our little brother as he traveled on foot from one end of you to the other, before sending him to Oregon. Hope you’ll look out for all our friends there now we’re away.

I can’t say we were always fond of some of your moodier weather… I mean sheesh!—the gloomy, chill summer in the bay, the intense, anxious Santa Ana winds down south… come on. Plus you just couldn’t stop with those atmospheric rivers soaks over the winter. And while you know we are big fans of many of your progressive ideas, damn! you are one expensive date! We can see it keeps all your people constantly on the hustle. Must be exhausting. But please, keep doing you. We know someone has to keep trying new ideas. Your creativity is truly one of your best qualities. Shine on, you crazy diamond! 

California, please know that we are forever grateful for all that you brought to our lives and hope we brought some love and joy to you too. You never know what the future holds. Maybe we’ll meet again? But surely, we will always think of you most fondly as we sat on your beach in silence, listening to the waves and meditating on simple miracles. That was some spiritual connection, soulmate!

Until our paths cross again,
Sending nothing but love,

Khara & Jesse

PS: Thanks for the postcard memories!
PPS: Think there’s a San Diego wedding invite coming for October. Maybe we’ll see you there?