Let’s trek to the Santa Monica mountains from Mulholland boulevard! The path starts with mustard seed plants leading to renewal and growth at the Cistern Trail overlooking Malibu Lake. It was a glorious site to see after the destruction of fire that rampaged close to my home located at the foot of the Santa Monica mountains and this trail.
We were evacuated and then after five days of courageous fire fighters on the scene, we thankfully returned home to do some clean-up. Instead of the usual cool, clean air from the Pacific Ocean, the smell of burned soot was everywhere. Air filters were changed and changed again. Rain cleansed the earth that brought up compacted ash. When I began to see new growth of green sprouting on the hillside, it gave my heart hope.
“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5
Light shines its renewal after the fire on Cistern Trail, Santa Monica mountains.
A fire burned tree shadows the flourishing beauty of Lupine flowers.
Cistern trail to Lookout trail on the Santa Monica mountains.
There were lovely flowers along the way, butterflies and caterpillars. My daughter and my sister trekked ahead of me down towards Cage Creek trail, while I took some pictures.
Nature’s beauty along Cistern trail and Lookout trail.
Lookout trail to Cage Creek trail below.
Where’s Waldo? Or should I ask, “Where is Marianna?”
Marianna does a leg stretch along the trail!
Hiking with my daughter, Marianna, my sister, Linda and her two dogs.
Hiking is fun but can be strenuous exercise. After this hike, I decided to invest in some hiking shoes as I want to do it more often. It’s a free adventure that is inspirational and stress relieving. It is a breath of fresh air, away from computers and traffic!
My sister, Linda lives in Westlake Village and she showed me some Poppy and Lupine flowers that were growing in all their splendor. It’s hard to believe that the mountains behind me in this picture collage were also filled with fire.
Enjoying the flowers blooming in my life!
The hills are now beautifully draped with yellow-tipped, mustard seed plants too numerous to count.
I wondered if Jesus was walking or hiking on the hillsides with his disciples, Matthew and Luke, when he spoke about the faith of a mustard seed that can move mountains and uproot mulberry trees. Yes! I think so!
Wishing you a blessed Easter,
Maria Lauren, AKA Maria Elena Alberici
Your Powerful Life blog
Your Powerful LIFE blog is about Living, Inspiration, Fitness, Entertainment…. It is produced in my own time and solely reflects my personal opinions. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of my employer, past or present, or any other organization with which I may be affiliated.
YourPowerfulLIFE Blog 