An inconspicuous winter afternoon @ Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay under the sun was unusually warm and exceptionally radiant. I started my day at the charming Caffe Mezza Luna in Harbor Village for a cup of cappuccino. While waiting for my coffee, I browsed their CD collections with a big mission in my mind: Christmas shopping! As I picked up a HMB magazine and sat down, the nice young man with a big wide smile brought me the coffee. I smiled back and said thanks.

My next stop was at HMB board shop. When I turned into their modest parking lot, the only blue truck in there made it look unusually smaller. The door was closed tight, and all the windows were covered by posters. I wondered if the shop was opened, and double checked to make sure the neon "Open" light was on. I turned the door knob and sure enough, they were doing business alright. The husky fellow behind the counter looked exactly like a stereotypical California surfer, sun tanned with light color hair. He said hi and asked me to be sure to let him know if there was anything he could help. This kind of friendliness was a bit unusual to me coming from such a tough looking guy.

With my expert-shopper level precision, I picked up a few items and landed them on the counter. It obviously made our shopkeeper's day! He praised me for coming in early for Christmas shopping , "not like us guys, always waiting until the last minute." He even told me about his new-born baby and his dog, judging from my dog hair covered polartec about the dog. As I said goodbye and walked out, he thanked me again for stopping by.

My next stop was Half Moon Bay downtown. My favorite store there is Posh Moon. It is small shop full of nice French inspired clothing and cute gifts. This time they didn't have anything new for me, though I carefully examined all of the racks throughout the store. Carol is this super friendly older lady who likes to wear her hats. If you catch her in a good day, she could give you 20% discount on your total bill.

Next I headed to Toque just at the corner. I followed a group of 4 or 5 leisurely walked in the store. Toque is a high-end kitchenware store. I enjoyed shopping there, but I was a little uneasy about the possibility of my bulky tote touching breakable items, which were displayed carefully everywhere. So I picked up a few things and left.

I then checked out a few other stores, but since I already got my catch of the day, and I was feeling my wallet fatigue, I slowed down considerably. I finally bought something for myself in a clothing store, which happen to have all full-priced clothing 50% off. As I paid, the seemingly young and quiet shopkeeper showed a very friendly smile.

With one side of my mind bubbling with excitement for all that I got in 2 hours, and the other equivalently prepping me for the pain I would unavoidably endure come January, I strolled back to my car, where I found another pleasant surprise. I parked right in front of a bakery, and they were still open! I rushed in and spent my last dollars on cookies. Then I left downtown with no guilt nor reservations.

I had no expectations when I left home, didn't dress up like when I was going to the mall, and got free parking without any hassle. I had a great day shopping with my friendly neighborhood retailers!

Now I can put my credit cards in the freezer and be content.