Window seat by the wing – a prime perch even on a red eye flight from DIA to San Diego. Not much in view after leaving the Front Range behind until the glowing expanse of Los Angeles appeared on the horizon – soon the lights of our destination appeared and took on more resolution as the plane descended. Today became tomorrow on the ride to the Catamaran Resort and Hotel with a few more first impressions before the opening of the Keep America Beautiful 2024 National Conference Feb. 12.
Seeing a new place for the first time in the dark lends a certain appreciation when you witness it the next morning. A deep orange line and the blue of Mission Bay at sunrise came to mind as the conference officially opened after lunch with “The Power Of Beauty” as its theme. I had time to marvel at the trees and tropical plants on the hotel grounds and watch the Pacific Ocean surf crash on the shore before sitting down to hear about the organization’s emphasis on beauty. What a great backdrop to discuss a quality that can be found anywhere, even though it can take determination for beauty to shine through.
Attending with Keep Alliance Beautiful Executive Director Kathy Worley, this was my third national conference after traveling to Washington, D.C. and Memphis. I cannot recall, offhand, the themes of the previous gatherings. What has stayed with me, however, is valuable information shared by presenters and fellow affiliates from throughout the country during a shift in perspective. Like before, I am still digesting takeaways from a variety of sessions and what could be replicated here. In the coming weeks I plan to expound on relevant issues and topics I found interesting.
For now there are small things that stood out:
> Numerous pieces of plastic litter, mostly smaller than a quarter, on the sand after a sweep by the beach patrol.
> Moths and butterflies, respectively, figured prominently in two presentations that really spoke to me.
> Description of the devastation from fires and efforts to assist people on Maui amidst Polynesian fare and dancing at the welcome reception.
> The stories and images of Martin Luther King Jr. murals in three cities.
> Slides of electric scooters fished out of a river.
While playing the highlight reel in my mind, it stopped on a memory from the first night as I met a few of the resident animals. Arlo, a black cat (with the maintenance department his tag said) went to say hi to a pair of mallard ducks in the pool who swam out of reach. Just one of the moments that made the conference unique.