Third Places, Week 1

The term “third places” refers to a community place of gathering that used to be a normal part of daily life and is not lost somewhere in the world of social media.  These places were defined as community places in which one could walk there from their own home.

They had to enjoy the journey to the destination.

Third places were even sometimes a front lawn or neighbor’s house.  It was before curtains were drawn at the 5:00 hour or porch lights turned off so no one would come and bother you.  The closest thing we have to a third place today is Starbucks.  And while there is nothing wrong with Starbucks, I can’t help but think of how that is mostly a comforting habit for most people, not a community gathering place.  Sometimes, though, it is.

Anyway, I’ve set out to re-embrace the third place.  To visit places in my community that I can walk to, or at the very least, walk around for a long while.  And each week, I’m posting my Instagram shots from these places, as a reminder that social media does not count as a third place.  We can’t see faces, we can’t hear voices.  There is a time and place for that too, but we mustn’t forget to get out of our homes and into the world.

All photos are taken on my iPhone 4s.

Here we go, week 1:

We had breakfast down the street at a little cafe where my son loves to eat hash browns, sausage patties and pancakes without any syrup.  I managed to grab a photo of the ceiling fan.

It’s been in the 70′s and 80′s here and while some complain that this isn’t Christmas weather,  I am absolutely more in love with Southern California this year than ever before.  This was taken on the way to church.

Baby boy loves cups and water.

California sunsets are beautiful.  Taken during the end of a hike on a local trail.

Self portrait of my son and I on our way to the local Farmer’s Market upon which we drank our spinach and kale smoothies I made before we left, and each had a croissant.

I had the chance of grabbing dinner and dessert with a food blogger friend, Stephanie.  She was so very sweet and we enjoyed crepes all sorts of ways!

Image from hike# 2 of this week.  We have mountains AND sea near us, and I couldn’t be more thankful.  Im still sore from this one, although I am not sure if it’s because I was carrying a 25 pound baby or because I hauled it after I saw the sign that notified me that mountain lions were known to attack without warning. Awesome.  May be the last image you see from this hiking area.

What’s dinner without a game of peek-a-boo?

These kids were so excited about their donuts, they made me want some, and I don’t even like donuts.

Hope everyone is having a good week and great weekend ahead planned!  Link below any recent pictures you’ve taken so I can see what you are up to!

Love.