By now you've learned that I love a number of things. I'm a pretty enthusiastic appreciator! One such item is coffee. Pair that with an almond croissant in a historic building, a walk in the rain, being at the beach, and art ogling and you have covered a huge number of things on my list.

Pannikin is the new spot in Oceanside. We were drawn there because we absolutely love the building in which it is housed.

The Bunker House located at 322 North Cleveland Street was first owned in 1886 by Theodore C. Bunker. This two-story building is one of the first brick buildings in Oceanside and one of three brick buildings built in the 1880s which are still standing. It has an interesting history found here.

We both agreed that we'll have to give Pannikin another try as it hasn't unseated Mission Grounds as our favorite O'side coffee place.

Our walk in the rain took us to Oceanside Museum of Art- West's newest exhibit. Baja Silvestre is a "visual and conceptual exploration of the intricate relationships between nature and myth that define the essence of the Baja. The title translates into English as Wild Baja—a place where the wild and the mythic intersect in a harmonious dance. Through intricate paintings, organic sculptures, and art installations, seven artists from the Baja region capture the vibrant colors of the flora and fauna, the elegant movement of the desert, and the subtle dialogue of land and sea in their own medium and unique style."

Maxerà had three pieces on display. Volti was constructed out of paper mache, ixtle (a plant fiber used for cordage, nets, and carpet), dry cactus, and clay.

I love looms. Sol by Oslyn Whizar is a handwoven tapestry on a frame loom created with wool yarns. Its simplicity is so appealing.

Then there's the intense complexity of Isa Guadalupe's Aurora del Pensaminto, a hand-beaded headpiece with glass beads on cotton and felt. I can't even imagine the time this work took. Wow.

Teodoro Huerta uses acrylic and marmoline powder (decorative cement) on cotton fabric to create unusual texture.

Each of the works were unique and interesting to see up close. "Artists found inspiration not only in the magnificent scenery and biodiversity of the peninsula, but from indigenous stories, local folklore, and spiritual secrets passed down through generations, transcending the boundaries between nature and narrative. These contemporary interpretations illuminate the symbiotic relationship between the people of Baja California and their natural surroundings, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. This exhibition invites the public to immerse in a dialogue between tradition and modernity, myth, and reality."

Next stop for artistic inspiration was Front Porch Gallery in Carlsbad. We were there for the current show Save the Ocean 4.

"Embark on a visual odyssey into the enchanting world of our ocean environment at this regional art show. Featuring top artists from Southern California, the exhibition spans diverse mediums, including photography, fiber arts, paintings, mosaic, assemblage, and collage."

Steve really enjoyed this watercolor by Chuck McPherson. Like all the works here, it is one that you should see in person.

Cathy Carey is an artist we enjoyed at OMA's Biennial exhibition. She was actually in the gallery as she is the new Director of Programming. We spoke about art and a shared appreciation of paper crafts (which I will be joining her in next week).

What's not to love about Victoria Griffin's Blu Betty?

Ana Phelps is another artist we appreciated at OMA on Sunday. What a photographic capture.

I have a thing for clay, too. The Oceanographer by Helen Shafer Garcia was just too cool.

One of the most unique was Janet Hansen's Enlighted Echinoderm. (BTW, Dr. Hansen's bio is worth the read).