With Gas Prices Soon Reaching $5 Per Gallon, I Am Glad To Be Walking

Of course prices at the store will rise with gas prices nearing $5 a gallon here in Southern California, but it is good to know that now, more than ever, I can save money by walking.  The pedestrian lifestyle has many benefits, with the primary one being that I never have to pay to go to an exercise class.  However, one thing I have to do is plan a bit ahead when it comes to transporting a cute pair of shoes I want to wear somewhere.  For the last couple of years I had just been wearing tennis shoes most of the time since I am on my feet, but I finally decided to buy a cute pair of flats, which meant I needed to devise a simple plan for carrying my shoes.  I settled on using a cloth grocery bag for transporting my cute flats when I am walking, and I keep my tennis in the same bag when I am wearing the more dressy pair.

This has also allowed me to cut down on the amount of things I take with me on walks since all I now bring are my shoes, and snacks that will fit in the bag.  Many people talk about the different types of exercises they do to stay in shape, but what about being a pedestrian?  Of course on a daily basis I have to watch out for drivers who fail to stop behind the crosswalk line, and those who feel making their right-hand turn on the walking light are of paramount importance, but for the most part the pedestrian walking life is good for me.  During my long walks I gaze upon the San Benrardino Mountains and the beautiful palm trees that adorn our Inland Valley below.

Taking A Walk Near An Orange Field At Sunset

The other day I decided to take a walk near an orange field at sunset.  Loma Linda is one of the few places in Southern California that has a large orange field, as many of these have been cut down over the years to build new homes and businesses.  Taking pictures of the orange field around sunset is like going on a walk down California's memory lane.



As I walk by the orange field I took some pictures to show everyone what this part of Loma Linda looks like around sunset. I highly recommend walking so you can see all the magnificent views that usually wiz by as you are zooming down the street in your car.

"The Pinnacles by Julia Hanna" T-Shirts & Hoodies by Bearie23 | RedBubble

"The Pinnacles by Julia Hanna" T-Shirts & Hoodies by Bearie23 | RedBubble:

This is a t-shirt I designed with my colored pencil sketch of the Pinnacles.  Many of the sights I see on the walks through out my life have influenced my artwork, and this would be a colorful shirt to wear if you go walking around town.

Dressing For The Southern Califronia Weather On My Early Morning Walks

As a Southern California pedestrian who commutes to work on foot, it is essential to bundle up in the early morning hours.  Southern California has major dips in temperatures from about 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the early morning, to 70 degrees in the afternoon.  It certainly can be annoying in the afternoon when I have to carry my jacket because it is too warm to wear, but those who prefer lighter layers can always purchase a well insulated jacket.  I must say that gloves, a hat, and a jacket are essential for me on the frigid morning walks, but at least its better than being a pedestrian trekking through the snow, which is what I used to do when I lived up in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Why A Car Can Be More of A Burden Than You Think

Having a car can be way more of a burden than you think.  As a pedestrian it becomes a bit grating to have people who drive constantly ask, questions such as: "How can you get around without a car?"  Since I never felt ashamed to take public transportation, which I can use that for long trips, and most short trips are within walking distance.  Not everyone wants drive around on the congested Southern California freeways, and living in walking distance from work can actually save you a lot of money.  People always say that they feel more independent with their cars, but I never felt dependent because I do choose not to drive one.  Actually, not having to worry about a car payment, gasoline bills, and washing my car weekly is very liberating.  People think they have to have a car, but a lot of people get around each day fine without one.

"The Magenta Infused Sunset" Photographic Prints by Bearie23 | RedBubble

"The Magenta Infused Sunset" Photographic Prints by Bearie23 | RedBubble:


The are many beautiful images you can see up in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Walking It Alone

When it comes to so many things, I feel I must walk it alone.  When a certain thing perplexes me, usually I am never allowed to share it with anyone because people accused me of complaining in years past, even though others are able to discuss things at length without people telling them they are complainers.  I just learned over the years I am not able to talk about things the way others can, and walking is ideal because it allows me to think of resolutions to problems.  What I have learned this year is nothing is as dark as it seems at the moment, and there is always a bit of humor in things that seem upsetting and outrageous at the moment.  Sometimes you jut have to get out and go walking, and allow the stress to float away.  Not only am I looking thinner than I have in years, but I no longer feel compelled to discuss things most people do not want to hear about anyway.