Where the heck is Topanga? I remember following the directions - take Pacific Coast Highway North, turn right on Topanga Canyon Blvd. and go up the hill.......
I'm winding up this canyon road, in the very dark, quiet night. I roll down the window and inhale the sweet smell of sage. That smell of the brush, the dirt, and the ocean breeze are a fine relief from the usual, stuffy suburban aroma.
I pull up at the house, and climb the stairs that gradually take me up to the front door. It's not so quiet anymore, with the sounds of the crickets in the creek singing backup to the chorus of frogs. It's June, my best friend, Lisa, has just graduated, and I'm here for her celebration in this place that she constantly talked about, but that I, an L.A. native, had never heard of before I met her.
Topanga
This canyon, located between Santa Monica and Malibu on the south and the entire San Fernando Valley, is an L.A. treasure. This wonderful spot that seems miles away from the metropolitan area, is just minutes away from city life.
I had a great time at my friend's party. It was all Lisa's family friends who went way back with each other. These people knew how to have a great time! As Lisa's former roommate, I had spoken to the party hostess, Thekla, on the phone a few times. Thekla was the grandmother of the other person I knew there, a younger girl, Karen, who had visited Lisa at college. Karen introduced me to her mother, Gretchen, and she and I talked for a while.
I didn't know it at that time, but I had just had my first conversation my mother-in-law.
Karen and Lisa had gotten the idea in their heads that I would be great for Karen's big brother. I met her brother the next day and I can now blame those two matchmakers for twenty years of marriage (and counting!) to my amazing guy.
I also didn't know on that night that I had just climbed the stairs to what would be my own front door. I didn't know that it was the start of the next phase of my life, and that phase would be here in this beautiful canyon, full of beautiful, dark nights and bright, mountain mornings.
My children are the fourth generation to live in this house, the one in which my husband and his mother both spent their childhoods. My children look through photos of our home as it was then and see their great-grandparents as a young couple, with a group of laughing friends around our table. They see their grandma as a young girl, in her prom dress in front of our windows. They see their dad and their Aunt Karen as little kids, on our front steps. They see themselves in our home, with our family.
I married into Topanga. This is my home. I found a place to truly live, a community I truly love.
I consider myself blessed to be a Topangan. I'll have to tell you all about it.
Copyright 2008 Elaine Hanson, All rights reserved
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Your Guide to Topanga -- REALTOR® e-PRO, I specialize in the unique properties of Topanga, CA. Real Estate here is a challenge - each property comes with its own history & setting. I can help.
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Elaine, What a beautiful story! The fourth generation to live in the same house now that is REALLY amazing! Your Topanga sounds beautiful!!!
What a breathtaking place you live in, Elaine! And a fine tribute to a town that generation upon generation would stay to raise their families in. It sounds just perfect.
Elaine - You live in the part of Los Angeles County people never hear about. It's one of the hidden treasures of LA. Tell us more!
Hi Elaine...This is so cool! Four generation living in the same house. Talk about putting down roots. : ) I loved learning more about you and your beautiful town.
Elaine - That is a terrific story and Topanga looks lovely. Thanks for sharing this! As you know, I always love your writing.
Elaine, My sister lived in Topanga for a while. we loved visiting her and taking the canyon down to PCH. Great post.
Elaine, I was getting ready for you to break out in a rendition of Sweet Home Alabama.
Marchel - I can't believe it myself. I've got a great spot.
Lisa - We have some great families that have been here for at least a couple of generations. I'm really lucky to have married into this town. Thank you :)
Norma - You're right about that. We are more well known now than when I was kid. Thanks, I will tell you more!
Write more often! I loved the story and you are an amazing ambassador for Topanga, Elaine. There really is nothing quite like a mountain morning, is there?
See, I can author a normal comment when appropriate ;)
Sandra - My kids sure love it here. It's been a terrific place for them to grow and learn about the urban/wildlife interface.
Jason- Thank you, kind sir. I hope I can tell people about my Topanga as well as you cover your Austin.
Mana - I need details! When? Where? I wonder if I ever met her.....
Elaine... Sounds like you've got the best of both worlds being able to shift from Mountain Mama to LA Woman in minutes...
Danny - I will if you want me to! I think anything by Neil Young or Joni Mitchell would be more Topanga style. I think I could outsing Neil, but I can't touch Joni!
Hi Paul :) - Good form, good form! Mornings up here are so peaceful! Coffee, the newspaper, and quiet. BTW -- I always start with the comics.
Looks so absolutely lovely! I love the vistas!
Elaine ~ What a great story! Love the pictures too! You write so well, I wish you'd post more! : )
Elaine- What a beautiful story! Loved reading every bit of it and the pictures are wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to write this. I agree with Kathy ^ there above me... you should write more often!
Elaine, I have heard it was spectacular in Topanga...and would love to visit there one day.
I love this story, Elaine. My family and I are thinking of heading West on an RV'ing trip this summer and I am going to have to make a stop in Topanga!
Beautiful story, Elaine. I read it twice! You should write more often. I'm ready for a vacation now.
Dan - You said it perfectly! I love that versatility. Thanks for stopping in. How is your marathon preparation going?
Andrew - I'm glad that my heart shows through this piece. This canyon is really special. There are lots of little places around L.A. that defy the typical stereotype, and some that beautifully conform. Thanks for the encouragement.
Jim - The photos were taken from the top of the west side of the canyon, right after a good rain. It was so gorgeous -- crisp and clear! I'm glad you enjoyed the view. Thank you for taking a look.
Kathy- I will have to get some shots from the shady, creekside parts of Topanga. I had better start writing more -- thanks!
Mary - Thank you for your kind words. I'm really glad that you enjoyed my story.
Elaine, I'll try to get the name of the street for you. It was about 7-8 years ago and she lived on a street closer to Ventura Blvd.
OK, at some point today I am going to break down and start crying right here in the ActiveRain office. First I see the article on the front page of AR about finding love on ActiveRain (which had that lump in my throat steadily creeping up) and now this post.
Elaine, truly a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it with us!
What a wonderful story and so well told. Topanga is a neat little hidden place. From one LA native to another well done
My dear Elaine! How very very beautiful your home is, in all the ways that it's possible! You soooo have to write more often... A glorious picture you paint, Elaine... Thank you!:)
Elaine - Extremely well done piece. Spectacular story and a wonderful Localism contribution. I believe you just made all of Topanga proud!
Well deserved Feature, Elaine! Whew-Hew!
Elaine - I have always loved Topanga. Your story is well written and really captures the essence of the natural serenity of the area. What a great Localism piece! Congrats on your feature!
Elaine I meant to get here yesterday but got sidetracked. I love the beautiful way you described this and the mountains are breathtaking!
I grew up just over the hill in Ventura. We had family up and down the Southern coast and I always loved taking the coast route to visit my aunt in Santa Monica. She is celebrating her 95th birthday this coming Monday and your post brought back memories and smells of the ocean and mountains. Thank you for bringing me home.
Carole - I think you would love it. People are very conscious of feng shui principles and the integration of eastern and western philosophies. We have a canyon full of practitioners of health and healing. Check out our Chamber of Commerce directory to see the diverse practices. We don't have a feng shui consultant -- yet!
Amanda - I'd better clean my house! It would be so wonderful to see you -- just let me know!
Lissa - Spring is a great time here. It's really green until the first real heat wave hits. Even then, the ocean side of the canyon gets nice breezes. Thanks for stopping in.
Such a beautiful depiction My Elaine! I love this story and wish we had some photos of your house to go with it! The romance of living in a house as the fourth generation gives me goosebumps! How fantastic for your children!
Congratulations on this well deserved feature!! You can really write girly!!
I always wondered about Topanga as well. Looks really nice from the photos....nice job.
Elaine -the story is beautiful and sooo romantic. The pictures are gorgeous - I would now love to see Topanga. Congratulations on the gold star.
Inna - Thank you. Glorious is a great word to describe the sunrises here.
Jason- Wow. Thanks!! That means a lot. I have a feeling you would like Topanga.
Amanda - Thanks!
Tracey - Thanks, neighbor! We are so lucky to live with these gorgeous hills.
Wow, that looks like such a pretty and pastoral area. I enjoyed your post very much.
Just gorgeous, Elaine. Thank you for sharing photos of your beautiful Topanga!
Know Topanga so well. Met a future biz partner there a few decades ago... and we created a public company on it w/ our offices in Brentwood... Thanks for the photos.
cheers
Sounds like a wonderful place. Or maybe your family just hates to move!
That's an amazing connection. Family history with a place is great. We have that here on the farm, also. Enjoyed reading your post.
Elaine:
I nearly moved to Topanga about 13 years ago. What a beautiful place. Your post brings back memories.
Linda- Thanks for coming back by. That is the view from the top. I'll have to do a post from under the oaks trees, too.
Claudia- 95! She's seen it all! best wishes to her. I'm glad you have good memories of this area.
Andrew - Thanks again for the encouragement. :)
Hi Jennifer :) - My kids do think it's pretty special. Four generations does = old house. If you saw how much work it needs, you might not feel so romantic. Oh, I forgot -- when you are in love, everything is romantic ;)
Neal - What are you wondering? I welcome post ideas! I do have to post more photos. Thanks!
Faina - It worked! When are you coming out?
Keith- Next time you travel south, get off the 101 at Topanga Cyn. Blvd South. I think you'll like it. We drove through Santa Cruz last summer and it really reminded me of Topanga.
This is such a wonderful post! For four generations to have been raised in the same house is amazing! Your photos are beautiful and really highlight the area you obviously love. This is a sensational post and am glad it was featured.
That was such a sweet post. It's funny how life can throw things our way and we don't realize it. It must be nice to have a home that you know the history of!
Please post more about this treasure of a place. Look forward to hearing more.
Elaine - I just wanted to point out that you have three featured posts out of 18 written. You are clearly very good at this. Please allow us to hear from you more often, my "gem".
Diane - Thank you. I hope to write more posts, soon.
Kelly - I hope to get more photos out. I'm still learning my new camera. Thanks!
Gary- Now I'm curious -- what company, on what? A few decades ago, Topanga was quite the hippie village, although my family was not into that side of things!
Wayne - LOL! It is such an ordeal to move! I think we just feel lucky to be here.
Judi - A family farm sounds like a great history. Have you written about that? I'd like to read about it.
Chris - Really? How come you didn't? Share a memory, if you like.
Rich - Thank you so much. To be clear, four generations lived in my home. The first generation came over from the old country. That's another story!
Christy - I had no idea where that party would lead! life is funny that way.
Bob & Carolin - It is a pretty interesting place, so I should have lots of material. Thanks!
Jason - I love it when you call me your gem!
Elaine, congrats on the feature...you deserved it. What a wonderful post. I thoroughly enjoyed it. We do want to hear more about Topanga....the photos are wonderful! Great job!
Jeanean - Thank you for your lovely compliment. I'm hoping to have the next Topanga Story soon.
Elaine, It seems like a really happy home. I love your stories.
ELAINE - I'm sorry that I'm so late to this party. It's great to see you writing, and I look forward to hearing more about Topanga from you. The photos are great. It's really cool how long the home has been in the family.
Judy - It is a happy home. We are blessed with a beautiful spot. Thank you for your compliment.
Adam - I'm glad you stopped by. I will be writing more and I'm getting into the habit of getting more pictures. Thanks!
Elaine, your commentary was great and you have beautiful photos of your area. You are my Topanga connection. Happy Easter to you and your family.
Gary - Thank you! i appreciate your confidence in me. I hope you weekend was lovely.
Those pictures are great ! That is really cool how long the home has been in the family ! Great Job Elaine !
Elaine - What wonderful photos! I'll be in Topanga for a wedding in May.
Melissa - Thank you! I hope your home is coming along nicely. It all takes time.
Tom - Who's getting married? Anyone related to LF? You might need some coffee before the wedding......
I used to ride motorcycles through Topanga Canyon and visit the "Rock Store" on Sundays. It's a beautiful area, I agree!
Nice pics Elaine, if Topanga Cyn looks any thing like the 126 corridor now, then the hills look like they exploded with yellow's, purple's and golds.
Tina - That is one beautiful ride. We hear the sound of the Harleys on the weekends. I welcome the sound, because working in real estate, I need something to tell me when it is the weekend!
Rob - We are having a great spring, aren't we! It is so gorgeous, especially after the long dry spell we had. I hope it doesn't dry up too fast.