Into the Woods

I have really missed nature.

One of the highlights of my trip this week was visiting Portland's famous Washington Park, which sits just above the city and makes for a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Mother Nature.







The park has an expansive rose garden that contains countless varieties of the flower that the city has become famous for over the years.







There is also an amazing Japanese Garden where you can relax, unwind, and recharge your brain and soul, while taking in the Zen-like scenery at every turn.














I sometimes forget what it is like to be surrounded by clean air, green landscape, and...quiet.

Over time, Los Angeles unconsciously conditions a person to live without those essential things and, the longer that you stay, you eventually seem to accept that "your world" is fine without it.





















I can't believe I've lived in L.A. for almost 28 years and, until recently, rarely seemed to recognize the effect that the environment there has had on me over time.

However, I do know that for the past few years as I have pushed myself to travel outside of it...I have found it harder to look forward to my return.















It might be time for a change...