…and play we did

It’s been a while since I went frolicking in the woods and wading through streams and waterfalls, so our plans for yesterday afternoon turned out to be even more fun than I anticipated. I immediately started climbing trees pretending I was in the circus (or dreaming about being 8 years old again) before we were in the woods for 5 minutes:

The weather couldn’t have been better and sun streaming in through the trees made for a beautiful walk:

Gasp! Do I spy a rope swing?! Yessss!!!

The water was chilly and I had not planned on swimming, but I had to at least pretend I was Tarazan a few times while my friend took photos:

You should see the other photos of me flopping and flailing! Holy embarrassment Batman. I had to suck up and post at least one here because they were too funny.

***This is where I practice not being an insecure girl. Lets face it, no female I know likes midriff bearing photos of themselves. (Ok, maybe Brooklyn Decker does.) Especially unplanned ones that are of us unshowered and wearing ratty old shorts and sports bras. Reality is though; What’s the biggie? I’ve got one go-around on this life dance, I work out in some form or fashion every day, but I like chocolate waaaaay too much to probably ever have 6-pack abs, and poking fun at myself letting it all hang out here on Blue Lollipop Road somehow makes me feel happy and empowered so I’m just going to keep rolling with it. I’ve also decided to finally debut regular video posts starting with my upcoming Honda Adventure, so this is very good practice. I should’ve been making videos all along, but have been too much of a chicken until now with absurd obsessions of having to look perfect if I am going to be live and uncut or something. I know right?!- I think that’s foolish too. It’s now or never. Time to live on the edge of glory. (Yes, I was just channeling a little Lady Gaga right there.)

Now back to nature…

On the way back down I noticed this wall of rocks that people had scraped things like their names and other varies notes on:

…and lots of pretty, slightly imperfect green things:

Playing in the woods is fun and sure makes you thirsty for some sips of wine! Where better to visit than one of my annual favorites: The superbly quirky, crazy and never fail fun Rasta Ranch Vineyards:

(Ohmigosh they don’t even have their own website. They know they’re cool enough they don’t even need one. That in itself should give you a good idea of what’s about to come.)

How does Rasta Ranch roll? With a tasting room in a barn of course:

A peace dude, relaxed, and welcoming vibe that makes you very excited to be there. It’s like there’s an unspoken memo you get as you walk in; Everyone is welcome and lets enjoy, so don’t even think of bringing your pish-posh attitude, or easily-offended self in here. If you do we will promptly throw you out on your ass. Kapeesh? (How could you not love that?)

There are things filling every square inch of space. No frills or fancy, just impeccably crammed and entertaining:

Tie-dye tees and peace scarves for sale:

Funny signs covering the walls:

…and I’m sure no surprise to see Janis Joplin Ave:

…near wines in jugs named Piece of My Heart:

…and Purple Haze:

We were so busy chatting with Jessie (The Owners daughter/Partner? Jessie- are you out there to confirm?:) who we’ve met in years past that I forgot to get a photo of her. Next year I guess.

Thanks Rasta Ranch! You never disappoint. I always find something new to look at, and walk out of your doors smiling thinking indeed there should be more peace in the world. You are ridiculously fun.

Walks in the woods: Free
Tastings at Rasta Ranch Vineyards: $2.00
Fully embracing your true colors and putting it all out there whether you’re a person writing a blog or a no b.s winery: Priceless