About Me:

Aloha! I'm Wendy Kennar. I'm the mother of a seven-year-old son and a wife living in Los Angeles. I was a public school teacher for twelve years until a chronic medical condition made it necessary to leave my teaching career.

I've always been described as "quiet" - really, I'm just biting my tongue. I've got lots to say, and lots of thoughts to share, I just prefer to write them. That's the purpose of this blog. Each Wednesday, I post a personal essay offering my observations and thoughts.

A few fun facts about me: I've wanted to be a writer since second grade, when my teacher, Mrs. Jones, made me a "book" with a yellow construction paper cover. I have never learned to whistle, have always preferred sunflowers to roses, and have spent my life living within the same zip code.

Through the years, my writing has been published in the Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, United Teacher, GreenPrints, L.A. Parent, DivineCaroline.com, RoleReboot.org, XOJane, and Brain, Child Magazine. Additionally, my personal essays have been included in several anthologies, including: The Barefoot Review, Beyond the Diaper Bag, Lessons From My Parents, Write for Light, Being a Grown-Up: A User's Manual for the Real World, Ka-Pow!, How Writing Can Get You Through Tough Times, Breath and Shadow, The Grey Wolfe Storybook, and Sisters Born, Sisters Found.
I am a regular contributor at MomsLA.com, and you can also find me at Goodreads.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Feel free to comment and share my blog with others!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Smell that Salty Air




   “Smelly that salty air.” 

   That’s what my six-year-old son said over and over during our recent stay in Cambria.  Cambria, half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, has been one of my favorite vacation spots for several years now.

   Sharing Cambria with Ryan brings me back in time to when I was pregnant and we enjoyed two trips to Cambria.  The first was in August 2007, newly pregnant (meaning, beyond family, most people didn’t know I was expecting).  My husband and I arrived shortly after midnight.  I had just completed serving jury duty; the case had gone to trial and it took longer than expected for the jury to reach a verdict.  The second time was in February 2008, a month before Ryan was born.  At that time, my large stomach prohibited me from zipping up my non-maternity jacket.  

   Now, April 2014, was the second time our son joined us on a trip to Cambria.  And anyone who has ever traveled with children knows that a vacation with a child is not exactly the same thing as a vacation without a child.  With Ryan, I am listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean while hearing “Curious George” on the television.  Instead of a purse, I am walking around town with a small backpack filled with the essentials:  baby wipes, juice boxes, Kleenex, and Cheerios (the quintessential kid-friendly snack).

   And while reminding Ryan to use the restroom, I am trying to remind myself the reason why I need to visit Cambria.  Yes, need.  Because I don’t think a trip to Cambria is just a want.  Something happens to my soul here.  First off, I slow down.  There’s little housekeeping and cooking required of me.  There are no phone calls or mail or chores to take care of.  In Cambria, I am humbled and inspired by the power and force and beauty of the ocean.  

   In Cambria, I slow down and remind myself to breathe deeply and “smell that salty air.”



4 comments:

  1. I know how much you love going to Cambria and I am glad you were able to go.You certainly deserve a break considering all you have to deal with each day.It seems Ryan is following along with mommy seeing how much he enjoys it there.I love hearing him tell me all about it.Glad you had a good trip.I love you and I am very proud of you.
    love,mommy

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  2. Glad you enjoyed your trip to Cambria. Ryan had been telling me a lot before you went how much he likes it there. Your mother & I are proud of you.
    love, dad

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  3. Honey,
    Our family trip was wonderful! The laughter and relaxing time together was priceless. I can't wait for us to go back again.
    I Love You!
    Love,
    me

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  4. Oh I am so glad you got to go to Cambria again with Ryan. I know how much you love it there. You can relax and be yourself. I loved reading this post. I was trying to smell the salty air all the way from here. I love the way you write. It makes me feel like I am there with you. I miss you!!! LOVE YOU

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