Change of Plans

Sometimes things just don't go the way you planned. That was this weekend. I certainly didn't plan on being under the weather, or the awful traffic (even more so than usual), or leaving my camera memory card at home when I was looking forward to some shutter time with the beautiful weather this past weekend.

But it was so. And actually the change of plans allowed for a few lovely surprises.

I was looking forward to enjoying abundant sunshine this past weekend in Malibu. I wanted to visit the Adamson House and the Malibu Legacy Park. While we were having brunch at a lovely cafe in Santa Monica, we became aware of the stand-still traffic going north caused by construction and closures on the 405. And then I also realized I had forgotten my camera memory card. We nixed our Malibu adventures and  headed east instead (away from the ridiculous traffic). Will promised me some shopping to reign in my disappointment.

While we were unsuccessfully trying to make our shopping trip productive at the Beverly Center, I suddenly remembered the email I had gotten earlier this weekend about the Etsy Pop-up Shop event being held at the West Elm just down the street. We took the short stroll over and I was delighted to find the event in full swing. They were serving delicious strawberry and ginger drinks decked out with pretty pink sugar on cup rims, perfect for the warm weather. They also had a mini desserts bar filled with bite-sized treats. It was a lot of fun to browse through the small "shops" that Etsy sellers set up around the store. There is so much creative talent in LA! I just love that West Elm is partnering with local artisans and crafters to put on events like this. Definitely a pleasant unexpected surprise!

While I had a mild cold this weekend, I was still able to enjoy a few nice meals out with my hubby and bake some cornbread with the cornmeal we'd bought from Bale Grist Mill in Napa. For a planner like me, unexpected changes can be really disappointing, but I am learning that even "the best laid plans of mice and men, often go awry" (Robert Burns) and to just enjoy the little surprises along the way.