Recently, I had the honor of attending the San Diego Writer's Festival. It was a wonderful event where I got to meet new people and learn about writing, but as an introvert, there was a point where my people meter started to dial back. The happy bustle and excitement got to be a bit much, and I needed a quiet moment to regroup. I stepped out a workshop and scanned the grounds for a secluded table to sit and eat the cheese and crackers I had brought. I spotted one at the edge of the courtyard in the shade away from all the vendors and food trucks, and made a beeline for it. As I sat down and began to munch on mozzarella sticks and sliced bell peppers, I heard something I hadn't expected to hear at a busy festival.

My Australian Cattle Dog mix Bronte seems to have an endless supply of energy. She would zoomie all day if I let her. Luckily there is a community yard she can run in at the townhouse I rent, but sometimes she needs somewhere new to explore and get her energy out. Here are some of the places I take her around San Diego. If you live in the area and your dog is high energy but also just a little shy, they might work for you as well. 

I love to bake. There is something almost therapeutic about throwing together a bunch of raw ingredients and watching chemistry and a little heat turn them into something completely different. The best part is that when you are done you can give your delicious creations to those you love.