Our best friends came out for the weekend and of course it was fabulous.... until I fainted. Yeah, that happened. I didn't even realize I did it. Next thing I know, Emory was gently brushing my shoulder and telling me I had another episode. That's what we call it because it's not dainty.
Up until then, we watched Drunk History. I wish this was a thing when I was in school. I might would have remembered names a little better. I might remember dates and scenarios too. It's freaking hilarious.
We went to Solvang after our best friends left. We took our little buddy with us because it was a little late notice to drop him off at the communes (yep two different communes). We did drop by the Port commune to pick up some boat gear for the Oxnard commune. At the Oxnard stop which was closer to our destination, we let Mozart run around their beautiful yard. We just missed the kiddos there because the children went off to another adventure for the week. We filled up on water and then AWAY we go.
Solvang is always such a fun place to be. We got a hotel that was right smack in the middle of everything. We tried our luck taking Mozart out for breakfast. Again, this is a very pet friendly location so very few places will state "no pets" but there is tons of places to eat on patios that allow the four legged kiddos to sit and just relax. Mozart was not one to relax.
I called my mom and she laughed and said, "Now you know what it's like to have a two year old on vacation. It's all about them." It was! I was constantly worried about Mozart having a good time, being bored, etc. I wish we'd brought his blanket, but he slept on the bed between us. Thank Goddess, Emory got a king mattress. Though honestly, we would fit on a queen, because that's what we have at home.
The weather there was chilly. Not as chilly as Oxnard, but still pretty cold. I ended up in a coat and changed my shorts into jeans.
Next time we take a break, we're thinking about heading to Santa Barbara. It's right next to Solvang. Emory wants to try the salt meditation rooms and I think it would be relaxing to give it a go. I don't know what else is down there, but I've seen some pretty neat little restaurants. I'll have to look up more about it.
Writing Update:
Depressed. Pissed.
Just found out that AI scraped the website I write on so yeah, that's frustrating. I never gave permission to train AI on my writing style. I write like I breathe. My heart beats into the words I write. My blood stains the pages. I feel like someone took a copy of spirit.
I seriously hope that my writing ruins the works that are made off my blood and sweat. I hope there are tons of "em dashes" and "ellipsis" Ug! I'm so annoyed. Wishful thinking.
I don't think too many writers are happy about this. A lot of talk is going around about locking stories so only people with accounts can read it. I haven't locked my stories because I feel like anyone should have a chance to read, but even I am considering locking my work to registered users only.
I spoke with Crazy Cousin Nik because he uses the same website for his stories as I do. He joined an RP group that checks your writing for AI as well. We both agree that the fun of RPing is that you come up with a story with another writer. I wouldn't RP with someone who uses AI. Why? What's the point? Change my mind! I beg you!
I just glad I'm not in this alone. Tons of artists are dealing with this.