Chasing Down the Muse: Take the long way home — and enjoy a Laguna summer

Wowza! It’s hard to believe but another year has passed.

It has been a year of up, down and sideways moves, unbelievable jumps and leaps, and yet here we are. We have reached the cusp of yet another festival season in Laguna Beach. The season arrives whether anyone is ready or not.

As one of the many artisans showing at the festivals, I can speak to what most artists involved are feeling right now — crazed. It seems there is always something unexpected no matter how organized one is.

We all handle these things in our own inimitable ways. What about you? What does this season bring for you? How will you choose to handle the changes and occasional surprises that summer in this beach community brings?

I know some folks leave town for the summer if they are able. The crowds are just too much, and so they take the family to more peaceful climes.

But not everyone is able to do this. Most of our residents have to find ways to make things work.

The good news is this is such a beautiful place to be.

The bus and trolley system are a good bet for getting around town — as long as you put yourself in summertime slowdown mode. The system saves the headache of finding parking but is not for the impatient or hurried among us.

Still, it can be a good way to put oneself in that unrushed mind-set that is so good for our mental health. The bus/trolley system also allows for time to meet new people and see Laguna from different angles.

For our town’s young folks, out of school for the summer but with beach and pool activities to attend, the public transportation is a great, safe way to get around. This leaves mom or dad free to do something other than be a chauffeur service.

Getting out of town on early mornings should be not much different from usual, but evening returns will be challenging. What about at least part of the time using what you are given — free parking with your shoppers’ permit at the Act V parking lot? Then ride the trolley to your destination and plan to relax and enjoy your summer evening in town.

Dinner in town or at one of the festivals, followed by enjoying the art at your leisure, might be one way. How about a trolley ride to the beach for a sunset picnic and a walk along the shore? An evening at Pageant of the Masters is yet another option with the opportunity to see the revamped Festival of Arts facade and grounds. If you have never seen the pageant, you should, at least once.

The Passport to the Arts, which can be purchased for $23, is good for so much more than just the festivals. Go to lagunabeachpassport.com to get yours.

Take a trip back in time and watch a movie in our funky small-town theater. Follow it up with ice cream or gelato or even a drink at the Marine Room. And at the end of it all — at least until 11 p.m. — catch a trolley back to Act V and drive home without all the hassles.

About now I am probably sounding like an ad for the local transportation system. What I am an ad for, instead, is choosing to find better ways to deal with what is. Leave your frustrations behind and see what new opportunities await. In fact, it sounds so enticing I may just leave Booth 128 at the Sawdust Art Festival and join you.

Here’s to the adventure that is a Laguna summer.

CHERRIL DOTY is an artist, writer, and teacher who embraces the mystery and magic of all that is life. You can reach her at (714) 745-9973 or by email at [email protected].