Wednesday, I had the rare opportunity to spend some one on one time with my 17-year-old grandson, Gavin. He'd been in town visiting his other grandparents and I was able to steal him away for the day. On my way to pick him up, I began to panic. What do you say to a 17-year-old … Continue reading Hangin with My Grandson

I took a bit of a detour this week. Instead of writing, I enjoyed a walking tour of Old Monterey and photographed doors from some of Monterey's famous historical landmarks so I could join in the Thursday Doors photo challenge hosted by Norm Frampton at Norm 2.0. Here are some of my favorite doors. Stokes … Continue reading Thursday Doors

Hello everyone, Welcome to GratiTuesday. I am grateful to Janis at Retirementally Challenged for inviting me to write a guest post for her blog. Please join me this week at Retirementallychallenged.com and see how powerful the gift of a smile is and how this simple act of kindness can change a persons life. Smiles are contagious; … Continue reading Smiles are Contagious-GratiTuesday Guest Post

I could use a smile. How about you? Here are a few that light up my life.   Thanks for humoring me. Smiles are contagious; let's start an epidemic.     -Laura Smith-

Standing at the sink taking my first sip of coffee is heaven. Eyes closed, I lick the milky froth from my upper lip, take a deep breath, release it with a sigh, and repeat. My morning latte warms me as it travels down to my belly. After my third sip, I turn away from the … Continue reading “the life”

Coffee made, bird feeders filled. The sound of Mourning Doves cooing fills the air. Steel grey skies obscure the sun, the flowers of my bougainvillea flutter in the soft breeze. This morning, I am spending time sitting outside quietly reflecting and remembering my friend, Rick. Rick, his wife Jessie, and their two daughters, Chelsi and … Continue reading Mourning Pages

Recently, I took my first solo bike ride along the scenic California coastline between Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach. 17-Mile Drive with its breathtaking vistas and iconic landmarks hugs the rocky shoreline as it winds through awe-inspiring forests, golf courses, and multimillion-dollar homes. Focusing mostly on the dramatic coastal views, I enjoyed playing tourist, stopping … Continue reading Solo Adventure

Happy Mother's Day, Mom   Smiles are contagious; let's start an epidemic

Sunday is date day. My husband and I generally take a hike, piddle around the house, then go out for dinner.  Last Sunday we changed it up a bit. I’ve been wanting to see Avengers: Infinity War, and, I wanted to see it on the big screen. Going to see this film is unusual on … Continue reading Avengers: Infinity War

Last June, after reading about how plastic refuse is polluting the Pacific Ocean, I published a post about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.  According to one news source, the patch is more than twice the size of Texas (three times the size of France). Much of the debris in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is attributed … Continue reading EARTH DAY