The Chicken Festival in San Juan Bautista

Another one of my favorite places on earth is San Juan Bautista, California! There is something about this place that feels magical. It's back in the hills on the way to the coast of Monterey and is the home of the old mission San Juan Bautista on the El Camino Real. A few weeks ago they had their annual "Chicken Festival" to celebrate the chickens and roosters that freely roam the streets of the town.
It was a beautiful day! I definitely got my arts and crafts fix with all of the super cool booths! One of the most gorgeous booths was that of my online pal Heather Bluhm Simpson. It was great to finally see her in person after so many years of communicating online. Her booth was truly the most beatiful and creative of the entire festival!

And... I can't go to San Juan Bautista without visiting the old Mission! So much history there!

Entrance to the mission with the beautiful old bell that hangs overhead. You can really feel the history and the spirits of those who lived here long ago but mostly I feel God's Holy Spirit here.


The gift shop in the mission is really cool. I love the old religious art and artifacts.

Don't you just love the patina turquoise color of this old door panel from the mission? Someday I want to paint the outside of my house this color! Love it! Wouldn't my neighbors love it! lol! Maybe I'll move to San Juan Bautista... I wish!

Life's Twists and Turns.

My life has drastically changed in the last few months! Even though it's very scary, I know it's for the better. Here's just a glimpse of what's been happening.... husband (so called husband) left after 22 years of marriage... been coming for a long time. Started a new "day job" in a new industry (medical) after many years of being a stay at home mom. Moved twice in one year, ugh! Had to close my little art studio due to finances with all this crazy stuff happening. Anyway... que cera, cera whatever will be, will be. I've been taking many trips to the ocean lately. Thank God it's only about a half hour drive from my house. This picture was taken at Moss Landing on the way to Monterey, in back of Phil's seafood restaurant. It's one of my favorite places on earth! This was a particularly chilly day as the season is now becoming fall. It was so accelerating with the cool sea air and the ocean spray. I can't help but think about how many people through the ages of time have stood in this spot and enjoyed God's creation just as I have on this day! Ahhhh. After taking this picture I proceeded to go into the restaurant and enjoy a bucket of steamed clams and chowder in a bread bowl and a wonderful glass of vino! Life is beautiful and getting better all the time!