Monday's Hiking, Video and Photo Birding at Lake Hodges

Lake Hodges

Though I usually add music to my videos, but in the video above, I chose to not add music since I prefer to listen to the natural music of the wild. The sound of pure joy in nature. I could sit there forever watching the wild and be thankful about this wonderful life, I wish! :) But then of course, life goes on a cycle. Work....home chores....taking care and nourishing physical, mental and spiritual health. That is where the hiking and nature wandering comes in after work, as I get my rejuvenating energy from nature's inspiration.

Lake Hodges is one of the local afternoon hikes we frequent after work because of its amazing wildlife within city limits. Sadly though, we have not been back to this place since Monday because of the smoke from the wildfire Northwest ( Carlsbad, San Marcos, Oceanside ). Praying for the safety of the firefighters and everyone, and praying that the wildfire will be contained soon, and not spread out South. As you could see in this video, there are baby hawks, which are still not capable of flying, matured wildlife may be able to fly away from danger like humans, but the chicks may not. Hoping and praying they stay safe as well.

Anyway, here are more pictures from Monday's rejuvenating in the wild at Lake Hodges.

 Grebes in Courtship Dance

A Peek Into My Joys of Simple Life

**Originally posted September 2009**

"Do you enjoy life at all, like going to clubs or bars?"....... "Don't you enjoy shopping? No woman doesn't, right?" ---- these are some of the questions I used to get before when some probably wonder why they don't see pictures of me, or from me, clubbing or shopping. 

Do I enjoy life at all? I DO, so happy, contented and at peace with the joys of simple life. Let me share with you my simple joys 

......

In my regular days, when most people are probably still in deep slumber at 5:00 am, I am already awake and preparing for school. Though still sleepy, I have to be awake. By 5:45 am, I am sitting on the bus on my way to school. During the ride, I extend my sleep for even just 30 minutes :( Sometimes, I would take a peek at the bus window to gaze at the beautiful sunrise. If I am inspired enough, I would take out my cell phone and take a snap shot of the early morning rising sun.

Sunrise Using a Cell Phone Camera

But most of the time, I am just too sleepy that I simply close my eyes and continue to be in dreamland. However, when I get off the bus, I am as energized as I can be, for after-all, I should! I should not look more sleepy than my students. At school, I am transformed, no more sleepiness. I just have that inherent joy to share what I love to do the most, that is to teach.

Now, after school or after work, here in America, work continues at home. We have to clean the house, water the plants, do laundry, cook meals. Another simple thing in life that I have learned to take joy in it is to be self-sufficient and not relying on helpers to do household chores that we ourselves can do. Of course, at first, I thought it was hard, but as time passed by, I find so much happiness in doing household chores. Self-sufficiency has opened my world not only to how much we can save in the process but also to the ultimate joy of being free at home, free from prying helper's eyes. I am free to enjoy every corner of our house in whatever physical appearance. 

At home, I cook our own meals since I believe it is healthier. Thankfully, cooking is not work at all for me, it is one of the simple things in life I love doing best and take joy in it. I love to whip up everything from scratch.

We prefer to just simply eat at home and take control of what we eat.

When the day is longer, that is late spring to early fall, between school and home, there is enough time for us to explore our beautiful world outside. During weekends, instead of dining out and spending money in the mall shopping, we just take our simple delights to the trails or to the ocean, or both.  

finding joy in hiking, our local work-out @ Torrey Pines Trail

finding joy in hiking, our local work-out @ Lake Hodges 

Either we hike, snorkel, boogie board, or do them all in one day.

finding joy in snorkeling

We have fun, we get exercise, all for free!

Now, if not working, or not outdoors to energize our body and spirit, at home, when there is free time, I blog. I blog because I find joy in sharing the joys of simple life. I blog because I see blogging as an opportunity to  learn from others and also earn on the side to give the gift of education to some deprived kids and some who may be in the most need.

Working meaningfully as a teacher, enjoying life at the great outdoors, being self-sufficient, saving money for the future, earning a little bit more from blogging to sponsor some kids to school and sharing some of our blessings to meaningful causes, are what I call, "The Joys of Simple Life". Come, enjoy life as simple as it can be. 

Flower Happiness :)

I have been quiet here for a while, with so many things going on. But thanks to "flower happiness", I find myself awake. :) However, pardon me if I don't have much to say, but have so much flower happiness to share. :)

I apologize if I have to include myself in the middle of all these flower happiness. :)

Weekend Wanderings (7): Hiking and Birding, Rain or Shine

Saturday, April 26, 2014 Wanderings

Not rain nor strong winds could stop us from hiking and enjoying our wonderful world. Here are some pictures from today's hiking, morning @ Lake Hodges, and afternoon @ Ocean Beach.

Here are some photos of our Saturday wanderings.

Wildflowers @ the trail

 Happy Egret with Fish

 Osprey with Half A Fish ( the other half was with his family )

 Osprey Enjoying His Fish Meal

MEET THE OSPREY FAMILY

My Big Sur Favorites

Me @ Big Sur, CA

One of the places in California that we frequent for a vacation yet never get tired of is Big Sur. What I love most about Big Sur is that it combines two of the Earth's features that I love, the mountains and the ocean. Though between two California big cities, Los Angeles to the South and San Francisco to the North, yet this strip of Pacific Coast appears as wild as it can be. 

The Wild Pacific Coast @ Big Sur, CA

Ways to Cool Down During Summer

Summer is near, are you excited, or do you dread it? Though all seasons are great for me, because each season is unique and we get to see the many faces of nature. Photography wise, my favorite season is spring! Despite my allergies, I just can't get enough of the blooms, whether they be wild in the fields or in garden.

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, San Diego County

I love to imagine myself as the "flower fairy", hahaha, dancing in the middle of the flowers. But could I dance? haha, that is the big question!! But I could smile, at least! :)

No Dancing :) But Rejoicing

In terms of photography, after spring, my next favorite season is fall. I love how the autumn leaves become like flowers in terms of colors.

Hiking wise, my favorite season is winter. Somehow, I  find myself being able to hold better in cold than in heat. 

Hiking in heat  gives me very bad headache most of the time. However, I still do try my best to hike even in 70s F (or low 20s Celsius ) temperature.

So, where is summer in my list? Is it my most dreaded season? Hmmmm, actually, summer is my MOST FAVORITE SEASON! Surprise? Or no?

Let me count the ways why summer is my most favorite season. Or actually, let me share with you the ways to cool down this summer! They are not only my way of cooling down, they are the very reason why I love summer!

1. Enjoy the chilly breeze of the ocean.