Shadows in Sunshine
Departing from the Del Mar Home & Garden Show, we hopped onto the 15 north and took the first exit to Solana Beach. Destination: The Cedros Design District. Earlier posts (read here, and here) will attest to my enjoyment of the shops and nurseries along this stylish stretch … except not today. The leg pain caused by my sciatic flare-up was just too much … and although we visited all my usual favorites, I couldn’t really enjoy myself. Still, I had to trek up both sides of the street and take at least a peek. These pictures were taken outdoors, with the iPhone’s hipstamatic filters, and I’m posting them because they seem to capture something of how I was feeling. Featuring mostly succulents, even my favorite plants seem irritatingly too-brightly lit, with shadows that’re too deep and colors either tamped down or garishly bright … plus, it was very warm that afternoon, which added to my overall displeasure … Why show pictures taken while pained and uncomfortable? Because we were in one of the most beautiful places in Southern California — Solana Beach — and I’ll look back on that day differently … just later.
Lady Planter throws shade …
Jagged, sharpened blades …
Odd man out …
Too. Much. Sun. …
No rest here …
Witness to an execution …
The teeming succulent mob strains forward …
You’re right: it’s time to go!
Rancho Reubidoux 
Great photos and what a way to communicate how you were feeling!
Total Debbie Downer moment … !
It comes right through the photos that you weren’t feeling well, that’s a shame. You’ll have to have a do-over soon to do Solana Beach justice!
I know … ; (
I’m so sorry that you were hurting so.. We know around here just how badly the sciatic can
tear us up.. And your pics do so show how you felt. But I still somewhat enjoyed what you were seeing. I hope the pain has left you alone now…
Happily, it’s mostly gone now, Vickie … and good riddance!
If you can’t grouse on your blog, where can you complain? Feel better!
I couldn’t agree more! ; )
i can’t wait to explore that area. as far as the sciatic pain, several friends have tried tumeric with pretty amazing results. guess it’s a potent anti-inflammatory. hope you feel better!
Interestingly, I read that turmeric was something to pursue… I guess i’ll make some curry this weekend (or more likely, hit an Indian restaurant) …