I am soon moving to a place I never for a moment believed I would live. Southern California. A place where I believed to be filled with silicone, tanning salons, and characters walking the streets trying to look like the cool cats of the time before (Marilyn Monroe, Elvis). As a younger teen, I believed this place to be a wonderland of artificial intelligence, a place for failure to come alive, as one in a million are the successful. it was always a cool place to visit, because i knew I would soon go back home to my life in Colorado or Oregon.
When the crazy idea appeared for me to move to So Cal, it tasted a bit different than before. it was sweeter. it was matured. the idea brewed and aged into a remarkable reality. the 'this's' and the 'thats' all started to fall into place and it made and makes complete sense for me to shift into a California residence. The idea of conforming into an artificial lifestyle is a complete lie. i am not conforming, I am shifting into a greater me, right? that's the truth for any new adventure, right? that's the reality of everyday, for everyone, right?
I find myself 'pro'ing and con'ing'. And the results are hysterical. the cons are silly, and have nothing to do with my current address, or future address, it has to do with a fear I might not find the friends , the hippest coffee shop, the local beer, and that my favorite things will somehow leave me. My music can't divorce me. My best friend of 20 years will still call me. My sisters will still laugh with me, even if we are farther away. Its just a change in scenery. And i still find myself pondering the greatest question us humans deal with....."Will they like me?"
Taking a leap is essential to know who you are. taking life by the hand and escorting it down the yellow brick road. I am ready. and in the move, i will discover one thing above all, i am human. This is the time. this is the place. and for those that are supporting me, thank you.
I traded Aspen trees in for Dogwoods, now i trade in for the Palm tree.
The wizard has nothing on me,
KnM
How exciting! It is my goal to retire to Pasadena. I wish I could live there sooner, but that just doesn't seem to be in the cards. Where will you be living? I'm in L.A. about 3 times per year, and my best friend from college lives there. Oh, and our cousin Tom lived there for many years if you're looking for some tips!
ReplyDeleteYou will find your peeps! You will find love, and you will find both new adventure AND like-minded souls! Having relocated from Calif. to Oregon and withstood a few years of culture shock, myself I think I can safely say, you'll do just fine. Even happy, I predict. Because, I believe, 1) you'll find what speaks to you, & 2) you'll bring it!
ReplyDeleteYou'll absolutely LOVE the diverse people. A vast cauldron of opportunity exists in California like no where else. One can do ANYTHING and do it well there, so I declare that for you! There is a vibrancy of expression & a lot more outdoorsy-ness down there. THOSE 2 things I miss the most.