I dreamt I walked through the blooming Flower Fields of Carlsbad. A sea of pink, white, red and orange flowers in rows of waves as far as I could see. I stepped into a painting with the breezes blowing off the ocean and could see the ocean from atop the hill. I realized I wasn't dreaming. This was a dream come true.

Life Lessons Carson Valley teaches my kids on Spring Break: "Don't wait," he said. I can't remember his exact words after that, his wisdom mixed with the wind, the nay of the horses, the crunch of earth beneath our boots. It was along the lines of life is short. People put off their dreams, or traveling for too long. Sometimes, you just have to go for it. This is a man who truly follows his passion.

Alas, during my time in Phoenix last week, I heard the horses down by the Salt River, but as I hiked down the rocky incline,  I could hear the hooves as they scattered.  I spent an hour at the bend in the river, watching the early morning light change and dissipate my cold breath in the air.

As we share our stories, we have been fortunate to meet others along and...

The Uncomfy Room is the most bizarre room of Un-Natural Gardens at Descanso. I step into a space covered in pink, fuzzy fur carpet. The walls have wigs growing out of them. I feel disconcerted. Also, I am a little creeped out by the hanging nylon stuffed objects dangling from the ceiling. I navigate through the weirdly lit room, and there are nooks and curves that should be invitingly cozy, but it just makes me more uncomfortable. Turn the corner, and the passages are tighter, with more of the pink things (reminds me of intestines) hang in my face. Part of me wants to stay and figure out what this is, and part of me wants to get out of there as fast as I can. It's funny, and bizarre, and definitely thought provoking. The interactive exhibit at Descanso Gardens. #WhereGalsWander

There is such a sense of pride, community, and patriotism as soon as you step on deck.  Guests are greeted as they arrive, and asked if they have ever served in the US Military.  If Veterans arrivals are announced across the loudspeakers of their position, rank, and service dates.