It seems like only yesterday I caught my first glimpse of Laguna Beach.
It was my 16th birthday and mom had assigned my handsome cousin, Richard, the job of getting me out of the house. She was getting everything ready for my sweet 16 party. As we drove up the coast, I marveled at the eclectic style of the homes perched atop cliffs and scattered up the hillside. When we made the turn on Cliff Drive we marvelled at the sight of one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
One year later, on Prom Night, my date took me his favorite place on earth. It was the gazebo next to the old Victor Hugo Inn (now Las Brisas) that overlooks the rocks and has a breathtaking view of the crescent shaped beachfront. I remember thinking...if only there was some way this incredible place could be part of my life. Even then, I knew this was valuable real estate...how could I even dare to dream?
It was hard to believe I had lived in Southern California most of my life and never knew this existed until I reached the ripe old age of 16. In later years, I spent many happy hours with my husband on our motorcycle cruising down Laguna Canyon to PCH. We spent hours looking at art we could only imagine being able to afford. And, we dreamed of a day when his work would be exhibited in places like this.
That magnetic city of Laguna Beach that once seemed unattainable is now remarkably in my backyard. I'm blessed to live in South Orange County now. It's only about a five minute drive to South Laguna from my home. And, I don't go a day without thanking God for this wonderful blessing. The art galleries, myriad of fine restaurants, and the wonderful boutiques of Forest Street are some of the places I spend some of my happiest hours. When I need a lift, I head to Laguna for "my ocean fix". I watch the waves in their perfect rhythem and after awhile, everything just seems to make more sense. It's so amazing to me that people fly from all over the world to spend time in this extraordinary place...and it's right in my own backyard. Pinch me, I must be California dreamin'.
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Marlene Bridges, REALTOR® 800 777-1775
South Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce
Marlene is a highly experienced South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo.
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