As we were driving back from the birthday party in my last entry, I kept noticing the gorgeous yellow wildflowers. Some growing along the median, along the hillsides that lined the freeway – they were everywhere, they were uber spectacular, and I could not stop talking about them for the life of me. It’s no wonder Scott finally suggested we pull over and try to find a field. (Either that or I somehow uncontrollably veered off the road into one.)

I’ve been admiring all the beautiful wildflower sessions so many photographers have been doing recently and have been obsessed with finding the perfect field of flowers. This one we stumbled upon was pretty amazing. A huge field of tall flowers, a gorgeous mountain backdrop, and a dirt parking lot allowing you to pull right up to the field! We ran around for a bit taking some fun shots with a tripod, dubbing them “self-engagement photos” (maybe the next big trend? [note to Mom: we are NOT actually engaged]) before heading back to the car. We were about to head straight home, but the little cluster of stores across the street from the field caught our eye and we ended up making a last minute decision to check it out.

And there begins the next adventure. Tom’s Farms is like Disneyland for people who like Trader Joe’s. A fruit/vegetable stand, wine & cheese shop, candy store, pizza parlor, a bunch of small booths selling jewelry, belts, and other knickknacks. We loaded up on chips & fresh guacamole, vegetable focaccia, fudge, rocky road, and bunches of other sweets and grubbed on them in the little park area, complete with a pond, carousel, and bright yellow train. Definitely need to make a trip back there sometime, especially since we didn’t get to hit up “Shed World” (Scott’s eyes lit up when he saw it as if it were Tomorrow Land.) Anyway, a definite stop to make if you’re ever in the Corona area!

Some pictures chronicling our adventures…

Setting up the tripod…

Strange field wildlife.

Jumping for joy! This shot took about 12 times to get. Scott got air every time but I kept looking like I was just standing in the flowers with my hands above my head.

>Tom’s Farms!

Picnicky area…

Inspired by Kaga Takeshi (of Iron Chef fame)

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Speaking of Disney/Disneyland, this past Saturday marked a very exciting opportunity for me. Blogging will come soon, but until then here’s a little hint…

I am very much a city girl. I like always feeling like there’s something to do and someplace to go, even if I don’t need to do that or go there at the moment. I love visiting new places and trying new things and meeting new people. I love the color and variety that a big city offers.

But every once in awhile we all need an escape from the hustle and the bustle – from the smoggy skylines and the honking cars and the 405 (which is secretly just a really big parking lot.) Fresh air, blue skies, quiet surroundings – they recharge you and calm your mind. All the gajillion things that run through your head each day are quieted a bit and you get to focus on what is actually most important.

A couple weekends ago I accompanied Scott and his family to the farm which belonged to his grandparents, to work on some renovating projects. I first tried to help out with the curtain hemming group, but upon quickly realizing how useless I was in that area (bobbin what?), I instead joined the outdoor crew, nailing up boards and freeing nearby trees from the death-grips of dried wisteria vines (that stuff is ruthless). I also got to snap a few pics of the farm and the beautiful fields of fruit trees that were all in bloom. It was nice to spend some time in a place where so many of Scott’s childhood memories were created, and nice to get away from the busyness of LA, even if it was just for a bit!