This could be a good day for a forest hike and indoor board games and books. Share this story about baby owls who traveled in a hay truck from Colorado to Watsonville.

"Several beaches in Santa Cruz county have been closed as a precaution because of expected high tides, and waves that could be up to 30-feet tall. Seacliff State Beach’s lower day-use and former campground areas, as well as Rio Del Mar Esplanade and Rio Del Mar Platform areas will be under a hard closure. This closure is slated to be re-evaluated on Friday."

"If you wish, choose one resolution, do it faithfully and the rest will follow in the same direction!" Message from a Grandpa

“There’s an inevitable gravitational pull, a predestined quality to even the perfect holiday, I guess. But, what is perfect anyway? What is normal? And what does the ‘perfect’ American family even look like? Do any of us look like ‘Leave It To Beaver’? Maybe the most important thing about the holidays is just putting aside our differences for a while and try to enjoy the people who matter most. And besides, the whole thing will be over before you know it. And there will *always* be leftovers.” Anthony Bourdain

Warm wishes for your celebrations and a very satisfying new year! Parmalee

Volunteer at 2024 Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

This amazing event would not be possible without the help of volunteers! Whether you’re interested in learning about mushrooms, being a behind-the-scenes helper, or connecting with the community there are different ways you can help.

Learn about volunteer opportunities & sign-up. https://ffsc.ivolunteer.com/fungusfair_2024

by Parmalee

Perhaps you are familiar with The Teen Kitchen Project in Santa Cruz.

"The Teen Kitchen Project is a nonprofit organization that brings young people into the kitchen to learn to cook delicious and nourishing food. The meals they prepare are delivered to individuals and families in Santa Cruz County who are in crisis due to a life-threatening illness like cancer.

The teens gain skills in cooking healthy food, learn about the impact of their food choices, and are offered an opportunity to build connections through community service."

~ ~ ~

I listened to Mike Rowe discussing teens ages 15-19 who are in the juvenile justice system. He was interviewing the owner of the flagship Cafe Momentum, a "food service" with a food theme but a different model than the Teen Kitchen Project. Cafe Momentum helps teens in dire need of escaping wrong paths. I am impressed with the results of the practical, no nonsense, yet inspiring and successful program.

Cafe Momentum

"Through the Momentum model, we provide a transformative experience via a paid internship program designed to provide 12-months of curriculum for justice-involved youth, ages 15-19. Our interns rotate through all aspects of the restaurant, also focusing on life and social skills, coaching and development."

Learn more here: https://cafemomentum.org/



"Café Momentum’s flagship location in Dallas opened in 2015 with expansion underway. The Café Momentum locations in Nashville launched their mini-internship programs in 2022 and Pittsburgh opened in March 2023."

What do you think? Is there an entrepreneur out there interested in bringing the Cafe Momentum model to Santa Cruz and Watsonville?

Read about the success statistics, enjoy Mike & Chad's conversation, and even laugh!

by Maria Popova

Attainable Aspirations Inspired by Great Humans of the Past

Choose one. Which might you choose?

• Hannah Arendt: Love without fear of loss
• Toni Morrison: Cherish your body
• Viktor Frankl: Have more music and nature in your life
• Leo Tolstoy: Choose kindness
• James Baldwin: Have tenderness for how hard it is to be human
• Rachel Carson: Embrace the loneliness of creative work
• Ursula k. Le Guin: Converse if you care
• Bertrand Russell: Broaden your life as it grows shorter
• Walt Whitman: Live with absolute aliveness
• And one from Maria Popova: Choose the eyes of love

Maria comments on these attainable aspirations by great humans of the past, here > > >

Message from County of Santa Cruz

"This is Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience.

A high surf warning will be in effect along coastal regions for Thursday, Dec. 28, with wave heights up to 30 feet. These conditions pose a threat to life and safety. Residents should avoid low-lying areas along the coast, including rocks and beaches.

If you live in a coastal area subject to flooding, prepare now. Volunteers are canvassing these areas to inform residents of the risks. For a list of sandbag locations, visit http://tinyurl.com/scsandbags. Please call ahead to verify availability as supplies are limited.

Coastal road closures are also possible. Look up your evacuation zone at http://community.zonehaven.com in the event evacuations become necessary."

Please be safe and avoid the coast. Thank you.

Parenting Workshops for inspiration, finding ways to help with parenting challenges, tweaking our skills and support from leaders & fellow travelers in this incredible and important journey....