The Grassy Knoll

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2013

What a beautiful day.  Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling well, so I did not get to hike.  However, I headed over to the park that is literally a one minute walk from my apartment, set out my blanket, and popped a squat.  It's amazing that I've lived in this apartment for a year and a half, and this is only the second time I've visited the park.  Every Monday they have a Farmer's Market (haven't gone), there's a senior rec center (We all know how much I love old people), older men playing chess or dominoes,  tennis courts, basketball courts, a big ol' grassy knoll, workout are...so, why don't I utilize it?  Right.  I need to visit here more.  However, it was a beautiful afternoon (before work) spent relaxing, taking in some sun, and writing.

Beaches and Babies

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2013

 

 I never have Saturdays off so I didn't really know what to do right off the bat, but what a beautiful day off it turned out to be.  I made myself breakfast, went for a hike, and then headed to Santa Monica to hang out on the beach.  It was 80 degrees, so perfect beach weather.  Drew met up with me after work, and Melissa stopped by before she headed into work.  Such a great relaxing and fun day.  I love beach days.   I need more of them.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2013

 

 

 Andrew Steven!  (His pictures may begin to overtake my blog...and I'm totally ok with that. :)  This was the most recent picture taken of my favorite nephew; Mark sent it over to me.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2013

 

Went out for drinks and a movie with Drew Bear today!  I'm glad that we're becoming better friends (We've worked together for over a year).  He's a great friend, interesting person, great story teller, and hilarious.  Needless to say, we laughed a lot.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2013

 

 Julie sent me this picture today of Andrew sleeping.  I've kind of told them that I want pictures sent to me daily or every other day.  So, they're living up to that so far.  I love that I'm still such a part of everything even though I am so far away.

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2013

 

 I officially met Andrew today...via facetime.  He woke up for me and kept looking at me.  He loves me, too!  He's so fascinated by everything, it's awesome to watch.  I could literally just watch him all day.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2013

 My nephew, Andrew Steven, was born today.  I love him so much and can't wait to hold him and spoil him forever.  It's amazing how you can feel so much love for someone you haven't even met yet.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2013

 My first painting.  I got a lot of art supplies for my birthday/Christmas, and this was the first painting I made with them.  I needed something inspirational for my wall because I get so hard on myself so often.  So, staying positive is my mantra.  Dream.  Believe.  I Can.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2013

 

 Out to dinner for sushi with Lo and Matt.  I love our dinner dates.  It's a chance to go out, chill out, catch up, and laugh a whole lot.  Love these two.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2013

 

 Adrianna came into town to hang out with all of us for the night.  It was so great to see her/hang out/catch up.  She's such an inspirational person and great friend.  Very thankful we still stay in touch.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2013

 

 Lo's last day at work.  I don't know what I'm going to do without her there.  She helps me in so many ways, not just work related, but she helps keep me sane. ha.  I'm going to miss working with her so much, but I'm so happy she has a wonderful other job.  

 

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2013

 

I attempted to make my mom's spaghetti sauce tonight again.  I also tried to make meatballs by using a faux meat.  However, they all broke.  So, next time I'm going to have to come up with something else.  I'll get it one day!  I love challenges.  Besides that, the food was delicious and Mattie and Dakota enjoyed it, as well.

 

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2013

 Strawberries for a snack!  One of my favorite times of the year are when strawberries are in season and on sale.  I love them so much.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2013

 

 I walked past this today.  I love paths like this; it's one of the things I loved about my old apartment.  It just gives it so much personality.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2013

 Black Bean Burger Wrap with avocado and bbq sauce.  So delicious.  Easy meal to make, filling, and super tasty.

 

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2013

 How can bright yellow flowers not make you smile. :)

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2013

I know it's just a single leaf, but it struck me.  So, I captured it.  It's sometimes the most unlikely things in life that grab our attention.

The rest of January

THURSDAY JANUARY 31, 2013

 

 A beer and some writing.  Great way to relax and spend an evening in.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 30, 2013

 

 Trish's last day.  I took her to Hermosa Beach to check out the sunset -  one of my favorite beaches to watch the sunset.  It's always beautiful and a clear view.

TUESDAY JANUARY 29, 2013

 

 In front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre.  My hands and feet fit in Tom Hanks's marks.  He's always been an idol for me and I would love the opportunity to meet/work with him one day.  He is a brilliant man, amazingly talented, and extremely intelligent with a great sense of humor.  

MONDAY JANUARY 28, 2013

 Vegas, baby!  Trish and I made the short trek to Sin City for the day/night.  We stayed in Caesar's Palace, played some penny slots, and walked around a bit and took in the strip.  

SUNDAY JANUARY 27, 2013

 Me and E.T. hanging out...at Madame Tussaud's wax museum.  The museum is so fascinating.  It's crazy how they are able to make all of those replicas that are so lifelike.  I really love this picture; it makes me smile. :)

SATURDAY JANUARY 26, 2013

 

 

 Venice Beach.  Not the first image that will pop into your head when you think of Venice, but Venice is also a beautiful beach - even amidst the crazy.  This was the first clear day during Trish's visit, so of course a beach day was necessary.

FRIDAY JANUARY 25, 2013

 

 Disneyland!  It was slightly damp and rainy, but it made for a perfect trip because we were able to get on every ride we wanted to.  We basically did everything in both parks because of it.  We ended the day by watching the World of Color laser water show in California Adventure - always fantastic and beautiful.

THURSDAY JANUARY 24, 2013

 

 Trish came to visit for a week!  First stop: Hollywood sign.  It's always fun to bring people to see things like this because the genuine excitement is contagious.  I love it.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 23, 2013

 

 Julie and I did a wine and canvas night.  Basically, you go to a painting class and drink wine at the same time.  Great combo, right?  Everyone's given a blank canvas and paints.  An instructor is at the front with the model painting (the peacock) and a blank canvas, and she teaches you how to paint it.  It was a pretty fun environment and something different and cool to do.

TUESDAY JANUARY 22, 2013

 

 Scotty played another show.  This time, it was in Hollywood and a swanky looking bar.  He not only played guitar this time around, but also piano.  I love the interchange between the two; it made his set so great to watch and listen to.  So lucky to have such talented friends.

MONDAY JANUARY 21, 2013

 

The first night we went out with Mattie after he turned 21.  Matt, Mattie, and I headed up to Barney's.  We made new friends and got to hang out with some old ones.  Fun night.

SUNDAY JANUARY 20, 2013

 

Sitting at a Starbucks in Sherman Oaks waiting for my Act Now workshop with Brittani Smith to begin.  I always leave super early just in case there's traffic.  So, if I get there early, I stop at Starbucks, read, prepare for the class, whatever.  It leaves me stress-free and ready to work.

 

SATURDAY JANUARY 19, 2013

I found a new path to add onto my hike.  I needed something more.  So, I tacked on another little path (an extra 25 minutes).  So, it has brought my hike to an hour and a half from my door and back.  I'm so thankful to have this resource so close.

 

FRIDAY JANUARY 18, 2013

 

 Hiking at Runyon.  I've been doing a really good job of going at least 4-5 times a week.  I actually feel different. I feel healthy, active, and feel like I look healthier, too.  I love it.  It's not only a great workout, but a time for me to sort through thoughts.

THURSDAY JANUARY 17, 2013

 

Sitting outside on my lunch.  I really like this picture - it's so cool/pretty.  

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 16, 2013

 

 Matt, Lo, and I being goodballs/weirdos.  This picture is horrible/amazing.

TUESDAY JANUARY 15, 2013

 Mattie's actual birthday.  Finally, he is 21.  I'm so thankful that he will be able to hang out with us when we go out, now.

MONDAY JANUARY 14, 2013

 

 Today was Matt's actual birthday.  We made homemade pizzas.  Soooo good.  We also had some banana pudding for dessert.

SUNDAY JANUARY 13, 2013

 Sitting outside on my break.  It's always fascinating when you look up, down, to the side, whatever, to get a different perspective on things.

SATURDAY JANUARY 12, 2013

 

 

 We celebrated Matt and Mattie's birthday tonight.  Such a great time with some great people.  I love being able to celebrate and dedicate a night to the people I love.

FRIDAY JANUARY 11, 2013

 Tea time.  I love drinking some Mint or Chamomile tea at night to just kind of relax and unwind from the day.  I need to invest in a teapot.

 THURSDAY JANUARY 10, 2013

 Wine, popcorn, and movie night.  We all know this is my favorite combo. :)

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 9, 2013

 

The Grove.  Met up with Matt to eat with him on his lunch break.  The Grove really is such a pretty little shopping area when you stop to actually take it all in.

 

TUESDAY JANUARY 8, 2013

 Scotty at his first show.  Well, he's played shows before, but this is his first in a long time, and my first time seeing him perform.  He played all of his original music in a little Silver Lake lounge.  So awesome.

MONDAY JANUARY 7, 2013

 

 I started making stir-fry's to bring to work.  It's easy and tastes really good cold or warm.  Plus, it's pretty healthy - the only seasoning I add is this amazing trader joe's tropical soyaki sauce.  So delicious.

SUNDAY JANUARY 6, 2013

 

 Lying in bed feeling like death.  This was the beginning of a week long sickness that hit me that I thought I was avoiding.  Everyone had the flu, and I thought it bypassed me.  I was wrong.  It hit, and hit hard.  I was in bad shape and basically stayed in bed the entire week.

FRIDAY JANUARY 5, 2013

 

Reminiscing about the couple of days I got to spend with Valerie and Brian.  The pictures that I have of V and I are all pretty amazing and funny with many different faces.  Always a good time.

The beginning of 2013

Since I haven't uploaded pictures in a while, I'm going to try to upload them in smaller increments in the next couple of days until I am caught up.  I've been taking pictures, I just haven't uploaded them.

 FRIDAY JANUARY 4, 2013

 I spent the day with Valerie and Brian at the Getty Villa in Malibu.  The Getty Villa has a Roman inspired layout with Roman and Greek artifacts on display within.  Such a beautiful, historical, and informative place to learn and explore.  We went on an architecture tour, which was so fascinating.  Looking for something to do in LA? Go.  It's worth it.

THURSDAY JANUARY 3, 2013

 

 Valerie and Brian were in San Diego with friends for New Years and drove up to LA for two days and a night.  After we got guacamole and margaritas (obviously), we went up to the top of Runyon.  Luckily for them, it rained a couple days before so it was a perfectly clear day.  You could see the snow capped mountains, downtown, the ocean, and even Catalina Island.  It was so wonderful to see/spend time them; it had seriously been years since I've seen them last.  I'm very thankful for the extraordinary people that have been put into my life.

TUESDAY JANUARY 2, 2013

 

 Tora sent me this picture this morning and it just made me smile so big and totally made my day.  I just absolutely love Alex.  He doesn't know it yet, but we're going to be good friends. :)

TUESDAY JANUARY 1, 2013

What could be better than spending the first day of the year a. at the beach b. during a sunset c. with your best friend?  Exactly.  It was a beautiful day spent with some absolutely wonderful and important people in my life.  This is at Hermosa Pier with Jamie (Casey, Brynn, and Melissa).

Hello, world.

Apologies for not updating in about a month and a half. 2013 has proved to be a good year, but a challenging one; challenging in the sense of searching within my self, finding new paths and opportunities, dealing with old frustrations, and ultimately learning and growing.  Time.  Time has been something that hadn't been in my side for a while.  I was so caught up in all of my daily appointments - work, dinners, etc., that I never made time for "me."  Not even to just sit and think about the day.  Therefore, stress set in and life was a whirlwind.  However, that has passed and I have found the time to breathe, to do things for me, to live.

My new nephew, Andrew Steven, was born yesterday.  It's a magical feeling to have someone brought into this world that you love unconditionally without even meeting them.  I felt as though my aura expanded and spread across the globe radiating light and spreading love.  I felt as though anything was possible.  Failure is, and was never, an option.  Any dream can become a reality.  The world is a beautiful place.  Andrew brought hope, love, peace, zen...and I haven't even held him yet.  I'm excited for this new journey for Mark and Julie, and excited for my new path as an uncle, being the best we can be. :)

Going back to the beginning

Sometimes you have to go back to where you started to get a clearer vision of your purpose, and to start over.  Subconsciously, I headed in this direction today.  I’m currently sitting at the Starbucks on Melrose typing this.  This was the Starbucks right by my first apartment on the West Coast.  This was the place that I spent hours at refining my acting and work resumes, submitting myself to auditions, and ultimately trying to find my place in this new big city I wanted to call home.  I haven’t sat here since I moved away from that apartment.  However, emotions and memories are now flooding back into my mind.  A determination, a drive, a relentlessness to pursue my dreams and welcome success.  No dream was too big.  Money would come…somehow.  I was naïve, yet not; I was skilled and prepared.  

Throughout the past two years, I’ve faltered, I’ve fallen, I’ve lost my way.  However, I have also picked myself up, I have risen, and I have overcome crazy obstacles that have been on my path.  I would say that I was lost at times, but I would counter that by saying that I always had hope and faith that things will work out.  I still do.

You know those breakthrough moments we get where it seems as if the clouds have parted and the lights of God shine down between them (we all know that specific image I am talking about).  Yea, well, I had that moment this morning.  I had a God light moment.  Shockingly, it happened after spending all morning preparing my tax paperwork.  Normally, I would be stressed and annoyed.  Instead, I was enlightened and excited.  It was as if I didn’t know the next step to take for so long and all of a sudden everything sort of made sense.

The past month has been a crazy one; a roller coaster that would definitely send one screaming because of the loops and the sheer speed of it.  Well, at the end of it, I found my way.  I was along for the ride for most of it, but I finally feel as though it’s slowing down enough for me to take in a bit of the view around me.  It’s kind of exciting to think about the journey and the steps needed to be taken to tread on its path…which leads me back to the beginning few sentences – starting back at the beginning.  I knew what I needed to do when I first moved out here.  However the issues overtook my ability to pursue them.  So, two years of living and learning later, I am ready to take those steps.  I have built a confidence in myself and my craft that I did not have before.  I’ve created a family and support group in a whole new place.  I’ve gained a whole creative force of artist friends that are with me for the ride and always ready to create.  

I’m thankful that I have been given so many gifts in my life; one being life, itself.  I am very thankful that I have the ability to take in everything around me and allow it to influence me in some way – always learning.

Why did I write this?  So that if you feel lost or broken, that you can maybe go back to the beginning, reflect, and maybe your next step will appear.  I mean, we’re all in this together, right?