SeeCalifornia.com

This picture of Huntington Beach Pier reminds me of why I moved to a California beach town. It was minus 10 degrees just days before Christmas. I worked as a news photographer in Chicago and desperately missed the winter breaks previously enjoyed as a college student. I also longed for warmer climate. Horrifically cold and sad about assignments such as a plane crash where I was the first to arrive on the scene and see the dead man in a pile of snow outside his crumpled plane, I booked a flight to California to visit my parents in Huntington Beach. Anyone who’s experienced a Southern California Christmas knows that the weather miraculously turns warm & beautiful for the millions of tourists visiting. Like so many other holiday visitors I was just thawing out when it was time to pack my bags and leave once again. A voice in my head said, “Don’t go back!”

I did go back to Illinois–to quit my job and move. It was bittersweet–a happy and sad Christmas all in one.  It’s hard to say goodbye to friends, and to leave a paying job with no prospects on the horizon. But  I haven’t looked back since moving to California (Huntington Beach shown in photo).  Have I been rich? Not financially.  Have I been happy? Most the time I am ecstatic about living in such a warm, wonderful place. During this special holiday everything turns magical with thousands or millions of twinkling lights reflecting on the waterfronts, decorated mansions, and spectacular theme parks & hotels. From a photographer’s perspective, I wish Christmas would never end. Happy Holidays to all of you…may your days be filled with magic, too!