Mosaic stairway in San Francisco

San Francisco has many famed stairways, like the Filbert Street steps, which is probably to be expected in a city this hilly.  In the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood on the west side of the city, there’s a beautiful mosaic stairway created as a community art project.  Located on 16th Avenue, the staircase has over 160 steps.

From the ocean to the sky…

Detail of a step

The sun and the moon sections at the top are my favorite parts.

As a reward for climbing up, at the top are beautiful views of the city.  On a clear day, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge to the north.

The big strip of trees in this photo is Golden Gate Park.

And you can see straight down to the ocean.  There are islands out there, believe it or not.  You just can’t see them very often.

Grand View Park is at the top and also offers amazing views of the city.

The stairway is in a residential area and along with the park, is a fun way to spend a couple of hours and watch the sunset.

Cat Cafe, Valentine’s Day printables, and more

Lots of upheaval on the personal front the past of weeks.  I'm still trying to absorb it all, but two people left my work in the same week, I began managing another person for the first time, classes started again, and I had another health scare.  Oh my.  

I've been trying to relax and distract myself my catching up on my blog reading. Here's some of my favorite posts I've read this week.

The Cat Cafe is coming to San Francisco.  Love it and can't wait for it to open.

This coconut black rice breakfast pudding by My New Roots sounds yummy. 

And so does this pumpkin coffee cake by Clara Persis.  Can you tell I have a serious sweet tooth?

Ten free Valentine's Day printables, gathered by Poppytalk.  I especially love the floral heart ones.

The birth of an endangered Micronesian kingfisher at the Smithsonoian Conservation Biology Institute.  I had never heard of this bird before, but at only 129 of them left in the world, I applaud the Smithsonian for their conservation work to help prevent this species from becoming totally extinct.

Love this honest post on Designlovefest about anxiety and insecurity. 

A look at inspiring business cards from Alt Summit at Paper & Stitch.  Alt looks like a crazy, fun experience. 

 This fun vocabulary test, found through A Cup of Jo.  I got just under 28,000.  Not too bad!

A fantastic post on regret by Christine Rose Elle.  While I try to not regret things, I strongly related to feelings of her describing regret while trying to clear away clutter.  I feel bad I spent the money on something that I never used, and I feel bad about getting rid of it when it could still be useful. 

Image via Clara Persis

We often take for granted

I started keeping a gratitude journal several years ago  when going through a really challenging time.  Acknowledging even the smallest things as gratitudes, like how the bus actually showed up on time, can make a world of difference in changing your perspectives on life!

You carried the sun

This reminds me of one of my best friends, and one ex.

Lifeboat

A great reminder for me that even when times are tough to practice gratitude and look as much on the bright side as possible. 

You can’t control life, but…

Maya Angelou always has the most amazing quotes.  Why haven't I read anything by her yet? 

The trouble is

Good words to remember.  My friend is having a very hard time getting over a past relationship.  I can definitely understand and relate.  The challenge is stopping yourself from giving these people all of your emotional energy.