Coincidentally, one of David's best buds, Tim, and I share the same birthday. So to celebrate this special day, Tim and his wife, Faith, and David and I took off to the mountains above Los Angeles to enjoy a few days of cabin life.

It amazed me looking up on the mountains where Big Bear lay. You would never guess, at a glance, that on the other side were pine forests and sparkling lakes, basically, a whole other world. (Technically we were in the city of Crestline, CA – it's just easier to say Big Bear because that name is more widely known.)

We spent a short time walking through the small downtown. Most of mountain happenings relate to fishing, hiking, and sports of the like so the "town" had little to offer us. We perused the local antique shops which were all uniquely quirky and fascinating in their own special ways. Some you could spend hours in, others (let's just say) not so much. After about an hour of that, we moved on into the trees.

We found a lovely walking trail where we could enjoy spectacular views in the solitude of nature without the need for changing into our hiking get-up . The trail was easy and enjoyable. A chance to talk, take pictures, and slow down for a bit.

I also didn't mind the time I had to sit by the cabin crocheting to the sound of birds chirping and wind whistling. Although, it was quite hard to stay focused because I kept finding myself getting caught up in my surroundings and dreaming of living amidst the pines.

The weekend was marked with beauty and ease. It astonished us how full our days felt yet how relaxed and refreshed we were at each closing.

I'm so thankful for where I live. There is so much to see and do so near to home. I really can't believe that Big Bear is only 4 hours away from SLO – it felt like a far off land. In every direction there's a new sight to be seen. Roads that take you deeper into the trees. Roads that wander around lakesides. Roads that skim the sides of mountains. We saw them all. We will definitely be going back soon. I can only dream of having my own cabin one day to escape to. If only.