Can You Ever Go Home Again?

California Dreamin’…

We just returned from a three-week trip through California, a spectacular adventure that allowed us to reconnect deeply with family and friends in different parts of the state.

From Carpinteria in Southern Cal where I grew up, to the beaches of Carmel visiting friends from our film business days, to Marin County in Northern California where we lived for many years; each area met us with gorgeous fall colors and reunited us with loved ones who we had not seen in years.

After each visit, Ken and I would glance at each other, wondering the same thing—when will we see our friends again? As we age and time flies past us, we wonder about this more than ever. After visiting my beloved sister, Lilly, and brother Ray in Carpinteria (if you’ve read Junkyard Girl, you know what I mean), I felt an unexpected longing. “Did we do the right thing leaving California for New Mexico? Do I feel regret? Maybe we should move back?”

Travels with Grace

Grace Fischer, our loyal 4-legged canine companion, accompanied us on every outing during our California journey and went with the flow. She embraced the legendary beach immortalized by the Beach Boys at Rincon Point, explored the scenic Marin Headlands with abandon, and snoozed during our meals at restaurants and cafes.

When I first adopted Grace, I wanted to help her become more self-confident, independent, and to overcome her trauma. A safe and stress-free home, consistency, and love have helped her blossom. But so has traveling with us. Meeting new people, having unique and positive experiences, and being exposed to fresh sights, scents, and sounds has encouraged Grace to learn that this is no longer the scary world she once knew. The future is hers to experience, explore, and enjoy to its fullest.

Of course, there are limitations when you travel with pets. Even one as well behaved as Grace. Not every hotel, Airbnb, or home is available or welcoming. But seeing Grace zoom up and down a beach at sunset, or enjoying a hike with us up to Cathedral Rock in Sedona, and seeing her make new friends, human and canine, fills our hearts as we remember where she came from and are witness to who she has become.

Do You Know the Way to Santa Fe?

As we said goodbye to California and headed towards New Mexico, I questioned whether I’d feel that amazing connection to my new adopted home that I once had. Five years ago, we came to Santa Fe on a whim; at the time, a thought had crept into my mind about the possibility of a new life in the Southwest, an idea that guided us to this next phase of our lives. But would our connection and ties to our Santa Fe community and life still feel as strong as before we left?

Despite our extraordinary trip to California, it felt great to be home again! Soon, I was on the courts, enjoying the camaraderie of my pickle ball friends, having meals at my favorite vegan haunts, and settling into my workspace to write my new book.

One afternoon, as I watched Grace zipping past her friends at the dog park, I realized we were both happy to be home. Carpinteria will always be my hometown and Marin County will forever own a piece of my heart. But in the end, home is wherever love is; whether you’re a dog or a just a plain old gal like me.

PS: Where is the most memorable place you’ve traveled your dog? Please leave your comment below!