This past weekend we took a family walk around our neighborhood in Rancho Santa Fe. We made a point to get off our usual routes and explore some of the nooks and crannies we had never seen before.
In the design world, we talk a lot about how travel and shopping can rejuvenate one’s eye. That’s certainly true for me; a trip to a new country can result in a flood of creative ideas. But I sometimes forget to turn a sharp eye on my immediate surroundings. Our walk reminded me of the beauty that surrounds my everyday life. Here are a few pictures I captured on my iphone.
Rancho Santa Fe has quite a bit of history (by Californian standards at least). In 1906, the Santa Fe Railroad began seeding the area with eucalyptus imported from Australia, hoping to harvest the trees for use as railroad ties. Though the eucalyptus wood proved too dense for use by the railway, the trees, as well as many other non-native forms of vegetation remained and flourished in the area. The rich fauna drew great interest, and in 1920 the planning of a residential community began. Today, the houses sit on large parcels of land, and much of the architecture speaks to the area’s turn-of-the-century, spanish-american and equestrian roots.
There is something about the patchwork of white fences and horse stables giving way to sweeping views of the canyons that catches my breath.
Inspiration often has more to do with our willingness to see it than our surroundings. If international adventure isn’t on your horizon, you just might find a walk will do the trick!
Oh, and I have created an Amy Meier Design Facebook page. Please join me here to see my daily adventures as a designer.
I’ve been to your neighborhood a few times…it’s so lovely and definitely feels like your very far away from the noise of a city…so pretty. Thanks for sharing.
Karen
As a San Diego girl you captured the area perfectly…and this weather makes it easy to walk and enjoy all the shade!
I’ve been following your blog a long time and sort of was vaguely cognizant of the fact you lived in San Diego. These pictures suprised me because they’re the neighborhood I grew up in. I know exactly what street that is as I’ve run along it at least a million times. The white/stone house has been my favorite since the moment it was built. I still love that house and look at it longingly every time I visit my parents.
Your photos of your adventure are so pretty. I love looking at nature and admiring all that mother nature has to offer. It is really amazing. I’ve visited San Diego and Rancho Mirage but I don’t remember them looking nearly as pretty and secluded as the backdrop in your photos. What a nice place to be able to explore!
It looks like you live in a beautiful neighborhood! I love to go for walks for inspiration. Sometimes the colors in a wildflower inspires the color choices for a room. Nature does seem to do it best.