Author Archives: Chronicles of a Blogaholic

The Hallmark Inn

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“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.”
Robert Orben

Hallmark Inn Entry

I arrived in Davis at almost 1am Friday. The drive took an extra two hours due to two major car accidents on the 5 Freeway. Just so thankful we made it in one piece.

The Hallmark Inn is a lovely boutique style hotel set right smack in the heart of old downtown Davis. The area is surrounded by great eateries and shopping. So much more different from Southern, California. Northern California feels more like you’re on the east coast, especially this time of year while the tree leaves are beginning to turn color for fall.

Hallmark LobbyThe Hallmark lobby and my room were exactly as they had advertised. At first I was a bit concerned when I heard the Amtrak train come through town in the early morning hours, but I actually enjoy the sound of a train so it doesn’t bother me.

The Inn has a great selection for breakfast, which is complimentary each day from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Also, was happy to see they offer smoothies on their breakfast fare.

The staff at the Hallmark were friendly, helpful and extremely accommodating. What I really appreciated was the underground parking and no extra charges on the bill like other comparable hotels.

Hallmark Room

The first day in Davis was extremely relaxing and I enjoyed all the great food and shopping. The weather was a perfect mid 70 degrees, which I like.  My son stopped by later in the day to enjoy the pool and exercise room with me.

Hallmark Pool Side

Saturday we plan to visit the Bicycle Museum just two short blocks up the street as well as the wonderful farmers market they offer every Saturday morning right across the street from the Hallmark Inn.

Shine On

Taken a Road Trip

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“A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike.
And all plans, safeguards, policing, and
coercions are fruitless.
We find that after years of struggle
that we do not take a trip;
a trip takes us.”
John Steinbeck

Road Trip

Today I’m heading to Davis, California. Why Davis you may ask? Well, my son’s girlfriend is studying for her veterinary degree at UC Davis and my son invited me to drive up with him for a visit.

I’ve always wanted to visit Davis, so this is a perfect opportunity for me to explore. I found a lovely hotel in the heart of town that I will be staying at while my son stays with his girlfriend.

I don’t usually travel on Labor Day, but I’m looking forward to four days of exploring by bike (the hotel provides bicycles free of charge) all the sites Davis has to offer. Also plan to relax, read and work on my novel.

It’s been quite a few years since I’ve taken a road trip.

Shine On

J. D. Salinger

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“The worst thing that being an artist could do to you would be
that it would make you slightly unhappy constantly.”
J. D. Salinger

J D Salinger

J. D. Salinger, January 1, 1919 to January 27, 2010

In February this year I read the classic novel The Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger. If you follow my blog you know that when I read a book I always Google the author and learn as much as I can about them.

After reading Salinger’s famous book, I wrote my post on The Catcher in the Rye. I wrote about the similarity between Mr. Salinger and his character in the book, Holden Caulfield.

Salinger was an extremely private person and was not a fan of movies or Hollywood. In fact, during success of the novel, Salinger received (and rejected) numerous offers to adapt The Catcher in the Rye for the screen, including one personally from Samuel Goldwyn. Salinger was so adamant about this, he left specific instructions in his will. He authorized a timetable, to start between 2015 and 2020, for the release of several unpublished works including instructions for movie rights to, The Catcher in the Rye.

I wasn’t surprised at all today to read in Variety that actor Nicholas Hoult will play J.D. Salinger in the upcoming movie Rebel in the Rye. The movie explores the life and mind of the secretive author and will tell the story of the birth of The Catcher in the Rye. The story will touch on Salinger’s rebellious youth, his experiences on the bloody front lines of World War II, enduring great love and terrible loss, a life of rejection to the pages of the New Yorker and his writer’s block — which led to a spiritual awakening.

I don’t know what his will stipulated but from what I’ve read about the man, it sounds to me that Salinger wouldn’t approve of this biopic movie or the fact that his name and life are being depicted in a movie. However, like I said in my original post, I sure hope they do right by him and the captivating life story of J. D. Salinger.

Shine On

Peek-A-Boo

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“You cannot share your life with a dog, or a cat, and
not know perfectly well that animals
have personalities and minds and feelings.”
Jane Goodall

Peek A Boo

When a two-year old child plays peek-a-boo for the first time, it’s usually the first game they learn from their parents. But who would ever believe that a two-year old child could teach and play this children’s game with a baby gorilla.

Watch how a little boy at the Columbus Zoo actually tires out the baby gorilla playing a simple game of peek-a-boo.

Shine On

Be Yourself

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“Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”
Oscar Wilde

Be Yourself

Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde, October 16, 1854 to November 30, 1900

From a very young age, we are told to just, be yourself. Great advise at any age. But, some of us don’t know who we are or what truly drives us and our passions. So how can we “be ourselves” if we are not sure who we are?

Throughout our life, we will have beliefs, experiences, hobbies, interests, and skills that form our lives. When we are young, we may not realize that all of these things make us who we are. For some it may take half of their life to discover who they are and how to be yourself.

It’s difficult to work, pay bills and find time for our passions. But then again, what are we living for if not to follow our dreams and what we truly love and believe?

I saw a video the other day that got my attention titled, Be Yourself. It’s a ten minute award-winning documentary about being yourself. I was blown away by the young pianist in the film, Ash Williams who said, “In my dream I love to play the piano and I hope that everybody else has a great dream about something that they love to do.”

Words of wisdom from an eight year old boy, who is following his dream and has already learned to just be yourself.

Shine On