Our last full week in California, we decided to spend a few days in Carmel-by-the-Sea—a mini vacay. The Monterey Bay Peninsula is one of our favorite destinations when we want a romantic getaway. First on our to-do list was to plan our evening hours around the sunset, which we watched from the beach before finding a bite to eat. October is, by far, the most beautiful time in Carmel, as the weather is absolutely stunning.
On our second day, we headed over to Pacific Grove, a nearby town with a unique history. It was the last dry town in California—alcohol was not (legally) served until July 4, 1969. John Steinbeck resided in a small cottage for a time, which still stands on a quiet street and his grandmother’s house is in Pacific Grove, as well. This town is famous for the monarch butterfly breeding habitat which takes place in a residential neighborhood amid mixed oak forests.
As we wandered down Lighthouse Avenue before lunching at our favorite Pacific Grove 
Restaurant (Pepper’s Mexican Grill) we were attracted to the entrance of a beautiful establishment—Miss Trawick’s Home & Garden Shop. How we could have missed it after all the times we’ve strolled down this street is a mystery. The entrance is a charming nursery that bids one to enter with the promise of abundant color and quaintness. Once through the garden path, we came upon the gift shop. I can’t help it, I see a beautifully decorated shop with gift-type things and I’m drawn to it.
This area is an artists’ community in which I expect residents to be liberal, non-Christian. Forgive me for pre-judging, but I’m being transparent. So, when we saw a couple crosses with scripture and a handbag that said “I love Jesus, but I like to drink a little” we were pleasantly surprised. Then we met shop owner, Lisa. As we expounded on the quaintness and beauty of her shop, I noticed her necklace. It was a very small medallion with a cross in the center. I made a comment that a non-Christian would probably let pass without comment, but she nodded, as if she agreed.
We asked about the name of her shop, and she blessed us with the most amazing story of the woman who owned the property (Miss Trawick) years ago at a time when women were not encouraged to be independent and strong. Miss Trawick traveled across the country to Pacific Grove, with her mother in tow, to fill a teaching position. It was rumored that her father did some unspeakable things which broke up her family, which is presumably why she never married—her deep distrust of men.
There is more to Miss Trawick’s story, but I’m keeping it to myself for the time being. I feel a new book genre coming on—inspired by the beguiling Miss Trawick—and I need to ruminate on it a while. In our continued conversation with Lisa, we talked about life in Tennessee and how our faith there is not only accepted, but expected. She completely understood.
“I was at a trade show recently,” she said. “I saw some beautiful pillows and told the vendor that I’d take four. She cautioned me that I’d offend people coming into my shop because the pillows said ‘Jesus is the reason for the season.’ I let her know that if people were offended, they were welcome to leave.” Sadly, that’s not the norm here. But it’s because of people like Lisa who profess their faith and trust God with the details that He is 
honored.
We said our goodbyes to Lisa, and as I snapped pictures of the entrance I decided to go back and purchase the bag. As Lisa wrapped it up for me, she told me that it was a conversation starter—a non-invasive way to share my faith. What better way to draw people to the Lord than through grace and humor?
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Jennifer, we love Pacific Grove and have been in that exact shop. I love those kind of stores too. Last year we stayed at the huge mansion called the Gatsby House on main street. It was a charming room upstairs with a fireplace. We met some wonderful people from England at our wine and cheese time, in the main drawing room. We ended up going to dinner with them at the Fish Wife at the end of town past the golf course. It’s really interesting to wander the shops and engage in conversation with the owners. It sounds like you found a jewel in talking to Lisa. I love it. Thanks for sharing.
When you mention Carmel, it always reminds me of Mom and Dad because they honeymooned there.
A mention of a new series gets me excited. I can’t wait for your next book to come out. I have you down as my new favorite writer. I admit, I am somewhat biased.
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You’re so sweet, Barbie! Thanks for your continued support and encouragement.love you!