Sorry, my blog posts in this category, Living in the Now, are very repetitive and quite mundane. Like a broken record, I am humming about just one simple thing: how important it is to acknowledge and appreciate every moment, to live in the present.

A loose translation of a verse from a Russian song goes something like this: “Life is but an instant between past and future.” To live fully we have to be alive, embrace the present. Dah.

Last week I went to The Huntington with a very close friend. We planned this outing for weeks. It was supposed to be an inspiration trip. We needed to finalize a planting plan for her little succulent garden.

So, she picked me up and we drove to Pasadena. I think it took us longer than it would have if we were minding driving directions more carefully. It was a nice excursion, we were chatting, truly enjoying each other’s company.

Finally, we got to the gates — they were closed shut. The two of us came on the day when the gardens are not open to the public!!! Feeling stupid, but not defeated, we did not despair. Almost immediately, someone remembered that there is another beautiful place to explore nearby.

Shortly, we were at the Arboretum, Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia. It was truly a blessing in disguise because my friend had never been there. Besides, the admission fee was a fraction of The Huntington’s.

photo credit: Irena Nemirovsky

Feeling adventurous, we were eager to live in the present with all its miracles.

The best part about the experience was that we were utterly open to anything. We walked around, looked at the picturesque succulents, of course. After all, we were on a mission. But that was not as important as soaking in each other’s presence, feeling grateful for a chance to spend time together in this serene setting.

Feeling content, we were here to acknowledge every moment!

With this kind of mindset, of course we had a lovely time. Basking in radiant warmth of our friendship, gazing at wondrous plants, celebrating each lush second. Iridescent peacocks accompanied us, as if showing off their own skills of how to live in the present and acknowledge every moment. Quite a site!

photo credit: Irena Nemirovsky