Who's Who in Benicia: Gayl Gallagher

How long have you lived in Benicia? Eight years.

Where are you from? I am originally from San Francisco. I moved back East to go to school and got stuck there for 25 years.

How did you end up here? When my husband died, I started looking for a place near big water. The ocean was a little too big and too cold, but Benicia was perfect.

What do you do? I'm a retired science writer, but now I day dream without guilt. I often dream about having a business called Day Dreaming Basic and Applied.

What do you do for fun? I do artwork;, painting and quilting. I had a quilting business for five years (long arm quilting) but I am really an art quilter.  My website has pictures of my quilts.   I'm also a dog lover.  I have a rescued dog so I walk her everyday.

What should we know about you? Long ago, I gave up trying to fit in.

Do you have a great quote: “A smile makes a really crappy umbrella.”

How do you start your day? I come for coffee to everyday with friends.

Do you have a favorite spot in town? The marina spit. It's almost sacred to me. I love the marsh. I go there everyday. I love watching where the tide is everyday. I figured out, for me, the tide is a connection to the whole universe. The moon brings up the tide, and if you're touching the water, you're touching the moon. If you're touching the moon your touching the rest of the universe. I'm connected and I belong.

What do you love about Benicia? I moved here not knowing a soul. I spent the first six months finding people I wanted to to know, then spent the next six getting to know them. It's a great community.