California Dreamin'

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is grey (and the sky is grey)
I’ve been for a walk (I’ve been for a walk)
On a winter’s day (on a winter’s day)
I’d be safe and warm (I’d be safe and warm)
If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)
California dreamin’ (California dreamin’)
On such a winter’s day
Stopped into a church
I passed along the way
Well, I got down on my knees (got down on my knees)
And I pretend to pray (I pretend to pray)
You know the preacher like the cold (preacher like the cold)
He knows I’m gonna stay (knows I’m gonna stay)
California dreamin’ (California dreamin’)
On such a winter’s day
All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is grey (and the sky is grey)
I’ve been for a walk (I’ve been for a walk)
On a winter’s day (on a winter’s day)
If I didn’t tell her (if I didn’t tell her)
I could leave today (I could leave today)
California dreamin’ (California dreamin’)
On such a winter’s day (California dreamin’)
On such a winter’s day (California dreamin’)
On such a winter’s day…
(The Mamas and The Papas)

For as long as I can remember, this song has always ushered in November for me.

When I was very young, you could hear this song playing on one of the older brothers or sisters, or even a parental stereo. When I was in college, and stepping out in November, to walk the campus, all day, going class to class, this was always in my mental playlist.

One of my oldest, best, and lifetime of adventures friend since 3rd grade, used to ride bikes with me, all over the countryside part of the West End. We would talk music, life, and always had a plan that we would trek off to California to open up some sort of communal living place, follow the Grateful Dead, etc. We got older, he went off to the coast guard, I went off to college, we both went our own way, and for a super long period of time, never even chatted. Years and years later, we all reconnected at one of our West End pal’s wedding, and my childhood pal was there, and we began laughing it up, like no years had passed. He is still my very best of pals, and this song still reminds me of those California plans of starting our own community.

Maybe that’s why I love this song so much. It reminds me of this market, building it’s own little community of friendship, sharing, food, and bonding.

I actually did move off to the California dream, right out of college. I was determined to keep my part of the plan. I lived in apartments in Venice Beach, Westwood, and for a short stint, Malibu…and, along the way, collected the most eclectic cast of characters, making for an extended family of friends.

Enjoy this brisk November day, on this first Monday of November. This month is about sharing, drawing in on your own circle of family and friends, and giving thanks for all that has come into your life.

The market is seeing a record week, only on a Monday. You are all catching that same market feeling that I have. Keep the orders rolling in, and you have until tomorrow evening, at 8pm.

California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day…

XOXO,
Cosmic Pam