Sometimes the dailyness of daily life is a set of blinders for the “jump in the car and see what’s out there” feeling that can lead to little—but bright—revelations. I have mild OCD, and thus adhere to many regular routines at regular times. Those can include good things, like morning meditation and regular exercise.

They can also included things like being stuck in a rut without noticing the rut.

A little too much rutting had my sweetheart and I playing hooky and going to Pt. Lobos State Reserve late last week. Though it ain’t official, spring has sprung here, and you could see it, smell it and feel it on the nice trail we took from the park entrance to the beach.

Though we’ve been to Pt. Lobos many times, the beach views were bright revelations—sometimes these California coastlines are more dizzying than a fine cocktail. That day was besotted.

Lots of foul things happening in the world, with bombings and lies about bombings; we all can use a respite, while continuing to resist falsehoods and cruelty.

Probably going to play hooky more often this spring. Don’t tell mom.

[Updated March 11, 2026]

This Now page exists at the behest of that clever fellow, Derek Sivers, who provides instructions and encouragement for putting such a page on your site. Thanks Derek!