Tiny Adventures: Snowy Stroll in LA
One of the things I enjoy the most about small space living is that it inspires us to seek new experiences beyond our four walls. This is why I occasionally share Tiny Adventures posts here on the Cottage blog. While these posts are personal in nature and not packed with takeaways for readers, the overarching point is that tiny living has helped us save resources that we can occasionally redirect on special lil’ moments such as these. After all, this lifestyle isn’t about all the things you have— it’s about the things you don’t have, and the flexibility that absence can potentially provide.
After years of passing by the faux snow-topped castle of Hogwarts on the freeway here in Los Angeles, Adam and I decided this week to make a last-minute visit the Harry Potter park at Universal. I love rollercoasters, but theme parks in general aren’t really my thing any more. (Thanks to my childhood in Florida, and more than a dozen years here in LA,I’ve visited my share.) The crowds, the noise and the waste have sent me into panic mode on more than one occasion.
But, on this overcast weekday between holidays, we hoped that the park would be less crowded. Luckily this was indeed the case, and we were able to stroll leisurely, avoid any lines, enjoy the holiday decor draped throughout the grounds, and discuss the point at which West might be able to visit this delightfully compact attraction. We expect he’ll be fascinated by the wonky buildings, the creatures, and the secret spots where kids can stand and wave their wands to spark special effects that do indeed feel a bit like magic…
And since the park wasn’t too crowded, we were even able to find quiet areas in which to take business calls, do fundraising and donating for Giving Tuesday, and meet up with our friends from Access Live, which made the half-day out of the office feel satisfyingly productive.
There were drinking fountains readily accessible for filling our collapsible, pocket-sized Stojo cups with water, and we packed our own fruit and nuts to avoid the waste and up-charge on food and beverages. Though I’ll admit that I forked over a silly sum in exchange for a single ornament to add to our holiday garland.
There are major benefits and drawbacks to running your own small business. The ability to enjoy a day such as this is an undeniable benefit (and privilege) for which we are grateful.
