What’s Really Going on?
With Language.
ALL THE GOOD ONES ARE TAKEN – is it true?
Let’s break the language and take a look.
If you think all the good ones are taken, do you know all 8 billion people in the world?
If “Good = Taken,” then what are you? If you are single and seeking a “good one,” haven’t you just labeled yourself as “bad” for being available?
Define “good” and “bad” (because to believe something requires first understanding what the belief is about).
Is it possible that someone who is a perfect partner to another person might be a nightmare for you because you’re not compatible with them but their partner is?
What is the difference between being taken and being chosen?
If you think all the good ones are taken and you want a relationship, doesn’t it mean you are focusing on people who are already in a relationship? Are you then a safe person for couples?
Is it possible that the thought “all the good ones are taken” is a defense mechanism?
If so, defense against what?
Do you still believe all the good ones are taken?
I used to do this for a living (after extensive education).
I also write my books ( as well as scripts and comedy) with a signature linguistic twist.
Language is much more than just words.
Don’t you agree?
A warm welcome following my blog – What’s really going on?
Check the first post of all it’s upcoming dimensions.
-Angelika Bravus-
What’s Really Going on?
California as it is – Road Tripping Series
You’re welcome to join us…
To Solvang, Ojai, and Ventura
Solvang: Symbolic Coziness
We started our drive early in the morning, from home LA, and didn’t got stuck in the traffic – which was a breath of fresh air in it’s own right.
Our first stop was the adorable Solvang.
It’s so cute you almost feel cute aggression from the overwhelm of awww while walking through town.
Founded in 1911 by a Danish community, Solvang remains faithful to its roots: folk schools, windmills, pastries, and an Old World aesthetic.
But Solvang is not Denmark.
It’s Danish style combined with Californian friendliness and wine country customs.
Nordic visitors find themselves asking: Where are the drunk people, and why is everyone talking and smiling?
Psychologically, Solvang works because it offers symbolic coziness without the cost of Nordic reserve.
It’s a “European village” that creates familiarity and comfort.
Neuroscience would call this fast associative processing: your brain scans the environment and immediately labels it as beautiful, safe, and pleasant.
Ojai: Lower Pressure, Inner Attention
On our way to Ojai, we made a stop at a local grocery store.
Grocery store exploration is a hobby of ours-we do it in every city.
And yes, we have the Trader Joe’s tote collection.
But more about Ojai first.
It became what it is through geography, spiritual reputation, and migration.
The valley is enclosed and calm.
The long-standing presence of J. Krishnamurti gave the place an identity as a center for questioning beliefs and conditioning.
So Ojai became “hippie” because it provided the conditions for lower external pressure and increased inner attention.
You can feel that shift immediately-suddenly you want to quit your job, sell everything you own, and just stare at the famous pink sunset.
Just kidding (Mostly).
But Ojai definitely has its magic. 
Of course, we visited the local grocery store.
Isn’t the organization beautiful?
Ventura: The Beauty of the “In-Between”
We arrived in Ventura after dark, so couldn’t see much.
But we could hear the waves.
Soothing.
We did some romantic cuddling.
Ventura never turned into a polished coastal city or an optimized tourist spot.
That’s why it might feel “unfinished” to some. Not because it is, but because it stayed in between.
We stayed the night at Ventura.
We favor motels over hotels; a highly-rated motel is the hidden gem of travel.
They are usually bigger, better equipped, and make your wallet smile.
Not to mention the ease of parking.
The shower was like a pressure washer.
Amazing.
We voted it the best shower we’ve ever had.
Better than any spa.
All in all a great start for our road tripping around California.
Next Stop: Palm Springs
Our next destination is Palm Springs.
I bet you can’t wait to see what kind of grocery stores they have and what our shower experience will be-alongside other adventures.
Thanks for driving with us.
-Angelika Bravus-
What’s Really Going On?
Road Tripping Series – California as it is
Palm Springs: Multileveled Oasis in the Desert
Hold on to your California Road Tripping seat because as epic as this trip was, it didn’t go as planned – it ended up in the desert without my luggage. But let’s start as was actually planned.
Comfort in the Predictable
We stopped to have our regular breakfast in Anaheim when heading from Los Angeles to Palm Springs. American diners never fail. They are cozy, homey and in a good way predictable. Diner demands nothing extra from you.
Desert Trust and Safety
Driving through the California desert was our dessert: it’s raw, beautiful and comforting. Unlike the ocean that is ever-changing – we live on the shore of the Pacific – the desert and the mountains stay the same. So they create trust and safety fast. Just remember to keep yourself hydrated. In the drought you don’t necessarily notice the dehydration. Also watch your step: rattle snakes and scorpions love the desert too.
The Wind and the Valley
You will see the iconic windmills as you drive into the Coachella Valley. They are part of one of the most consistently windy places in the USA. Just one of the modern turbines produces enough electricity to power roughly 1,500 homes annually. Across the entire San Gorgonio Pass, there are currently about 650 to 800 turbines in operation. Fun fact: The famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival actually takes place in Indio, not the city of Coachella. But because the whole region is called the “Coachella Valley,” the name stuck.
Postcard Scenery and the Luggage Realization
When we arrived in Palm Springs we both said simultaneously outloud: “Oh wow. Looks unreal.” The city really is that beautiful with all the palm trees and oasis type of plants. And the preserved and perfectly upkept mid century aesthetics. The mountains combined with the bright blue sky look like a painting. With two words: Postcard scenery. Luckily some of the impressed “wow” still carried us when we saw our motel room because our reaction was the opposite kind of “wow”. It was: “Okay, wow.” And even more so when we realized that B had left my luggage in our garage because he thought I had it in the car already. We both went pale: I didn’t have even a toothbrush.
A Sanctuary with History
While B is apologizing his heart out – and offering to drive back to LA to get my luggage and me opposing the crazy drive – I will tell you that Palm Springs is a city with indigenous history. The area was originally settled over 2,000 years ago by the Cahuilla people. They named the site “Se-Khi” (boiling water) because of the natural mineral hot springs. Later Palm Springs transformed into a world-famous sanctuary for the Hollywood elite. Settlement began 1884 when Judge John Guthrie McCallum moved his family to the desert for the dry air to help his son’s health. He was the first permanent non-indigenous resident.
Desert Modernism
Palm Springs is famous for Desert Modernism, a style that peaked between 1945 and 1975. The “signature” look is Mid-Century Modern (I had to Google especially this because I have no idea what the style of architecture is called). We absolutely loved the desert style flat roof houses and lush yards. It was like you would have just come out of a time machine to an era when aesthetics still meant something.
Accountability and Aerial Views
I eventually made the decision that I will just get some stuff from the CVS and wing the rest. We had tickets to the famous mountain tram ride and after that and dinner it would have been so late for B to drive back and forth. Although he insisted he didn’t mind. That’s some serious ass accountability – a huge respect for it. The famous Aerial Tram ride was so worth it. Incredible scenery and awe while pushing away the persistent thought: can this thing drop? It didn’t drop, but we got to feel and see full blown winter conditions in the middle of a desert. The cold air rushed through our skin and bones on the top of the mountain. The ride back was even better. The driver played oldies and led everyone to group singing. I bet also to distract us from thinking: Can this thing drop?
Food Culture and Comfort
I figured we needed some comfort food because B was still feeling bad about me being without luggage. I was bummed about it too but I decided not to let that ruin our trip. We chose an ace to have dinner: Old Spaghetti Factory. Excellent gluten free choices and the salad, bread and desert ice cream was included – convenient and so nice. The food was so good. Speaking of which. Palm Springs is actually known for its food too. The Palm Springs restaurant culture is shaped by the city’s resorts and history of catering to celebrities who demanded privacy and high-end service. Palm Springs pioneered the “boutique hotel restaurant” concept. Hotels are food destinations in their own right, even for people not staying.
The Best Shower in California
While there are expensive fine-dining spots, the city has a massive “mid-range” offering. Because competition is so high, many restaurants offer happy hours, “early bird” specials and high-quality ingredients at prices often lower than what you would find in LA. Palm Springs is definitely the place to go for a foodie. You will find everything from classic steakhouses and authentic Mexican to vegan cafes. We couldn’t have been happier that the shower in our otherwise tripped motel room was excellent. Great pressure and no need to wait for the hot water. If you’re wondering why showers are so important for us there’s two reason: They tend to be crappy in LA. And well, we’re American (although I’m later born where B is natural born). Showering and high hygiene is as separable part of the culture as freedom.
There’s so much more coming that it asked for part two. So let’s get back in touch on the following post about our Palm Springs adventure.
Did you enjoy the ride so far?
-Angelika Bravus-
