Black VS White How Our Cops STILL See People

Dear World,
         I have had so much joy in my life since my friend moved to LA last week. He’s black but that never has been a factor in our friendship. To me I see his creative passion and determination. Today it has become a factor because this is NOT OKAY! For the umpteenth time in his life he had his shit thrown around and searched pinned and was in the back of a cop car simply because he’s black. It was santa monica blvd broad daylight and he was walking home from a dance audition- this is our city this is our world.
          Two days he ago he had a mini freak out when he realized I had been driving around knowingly with one head light out. I made a joke about my white girl privilege because “nothing has happened to me yet” he said “it would have with my black ass driving around this posh neighborhood.” I knew he was right his countless examples of incidents that have occurred in his life have proven to me how skewed our experiences are in relation to race. After every incident when I, in my ignorance, say “but why???  I don’t understand why?” he responds with a sincerely solum “I don’t know Sue i’m just black.”   
        When cases like Trayvon Martin happens it upsets me to the root of my social justice heart. For him it means to seal a fate that one day the same will happen to him. With each incident he fears more and more ‘will I be able to get away alive from this one?’ One wrong move, one mis judgment, and someone could kill him just because he’s living in a place, walking down a street, or happens to “look” like someone whose done something (only matching description... the color of his skin). 
          I walk around with no thought in mind that I’m going to be stopped unless I’m doing something wrong and I know it (carrying an open container of booze in my purse for hypothetical instance). He was so set on getting his California ID immediately upon getting here. I knew from HIS stories an ID becomes a golden ticket of proof that I “legally have a right to be here in this city/neighborhood see this card had an address and my name that WON’T show up on your database as a criminal.” He always walks with a small voice in his head saying beware they might stop you.
        He casually mentioned this morning his house key might be missing because of “his scuffle with the cops.” He didn’t want to tell me because he didn’t want to acknowledge that even here in Los Angeles once of the most diverse cities in America it was STILL HAPPENING. I had said when he debated moving here that “It’s different here there are so many kinds of people it shouldn’t be an issue.” I’ve been proven wrong as I sit here so saddened in my heart that he has to deal with this- again.
         I can’t claim to know what being randomly stopped, having my stuff thrown and searched by one cop, as i’m pinned up against a car by a second cop feels like. I do know what the back of a cop car feels like being cadged liked a wild animal whose been “bad” my crime had been being out past town curfew at 16- but what is his crime?!? They claimed the description was for a black man with braids. Well he is black but he has dreads. He is also one of the skinniest tinniest men with a bizarre sense of fashion that never screams “i’m up to no good.” Most likely there was no person they were looking for (they always say that) but “People with braids don’t walk around this neighborhood a lot” said one cop.

       He didn’t fit their vision of what the color of the neighborhood is suppose to look like. Even though he is EXACTLY what weho is.... proud, loud, gay, and amazing. If anything I don’t “fit” into what my area is as a straight, white, girl, who likes to stay home at night and watch Jane Austen movies. Either way all of that is JUDGEMENT- very skewed unrealistic judgement. I thought in this modern age most individuals were like me and saw people as people with different color skin but no longer were archaic to only see a person’s color not them as human being. To me he look likes someone who wouldn’t hurt a fly, got his bad boy stage out years ago, and is “hustling” in the best kind of ways for a future career in movies.
      The thing that confuses me the most is the elevated of aggression. Why toss his stuff, and throw him up against the car. Why anger- why hate? I’m sure there is a way to examine a bag, and question a person, without all the added hostility. There has to be a different way- this is 2013 not the 50’s. Most importantly please beware this is still happening all the time and not just dramatized media coverage on the TV but in real life like 3 blocks from by apartment with my best friend who happens to be black, have dreads, and kinda sorta looks like a guy the cops “might” be looking for. We allow this to happen in the name of safety but who is really getting hurt in the end?

This is just a small clip at the end of the incident there is "no explanation" of why no specifics just vague BS.

One Year in LA Celebration

Vintage Heaven!

         So it seemed only fitting that after the Edison was closed on my birthday that it would be the perfect spot to honor my one surviving life in one of America's hardest cities- Los Angeles. In my mind I envisioned a day off frolicking around the city just appreciating it then some booze fest at night. Then I was denied the day of work so literally worked 9:30 to 6 ran home, dashed around, and fancied up. Not to mention I had to open up the counseling center at 8:30 am the next morning....(warning recipe for disaster). Some friends met at mine for dinner at my favorite local burger place and wine. We drove to the Edison which is Downtown (always a little ominous) and upon entry I was ecstatic. It could of been 1922 for all I was concerned. I was a little bummed that they shut off the vintage music and were now playing indie pop I guess?!??! We made it just in time to watch an ariel show :) I ordered The Mistress it seemed fitting. The night proceeded just like most others at a bar would. I was stopped several times and complimented on my feather and outfit. I adored the old machinery and random 20's artifacts they had scattered about the place. Eventually they opened up this private room and we went a bit picture crazy it was everything I imagined. Crystal convinced me into a round of truth or dare her favorite bar time activity. That resulted in me meeting a group of guy one which I somehow convinced to dance to "Be My Baby" as i twirled around in my flowly dress I was overjoyed. It may have been the absinthe or the fact I was so proud for having made it a year but I felt exhilarated. Afterwards we ended up in this cigar shop playing chess with checkers pieces. My big toes were blistered on 3 sides but it was worth it. I'm so happy the ladies were there to share it with me! As I literally rolled out of bed at 7:40 the next morning a mere 4 hours of rest I had no regrets.. I survived it all and celebrated in style- what more could a girl ask for?

Cheers to One Year in LA!!!

LA Year One: Top 10 Moments

Me officially on the West Coast!

So in honor of my one year living/surviving/kicking ass in LA I would like to mention my top 10 favorite moments (in chronological order)

1. My friend Dan moved out here to SD 2 years ago and he was going to be in town 2 weeks after I had been in LA. When he asked "Do you want to go to a vegetarian place?" I nearly died I was so excited. It was in Dtown Culver City and I got a tap on my back as I turned and screamed while simultaneously throwing my arms around him. It was only 2 weeks in but it was so comforting to see someone so familiar and comforting. The food was awesome and I had lavender lemonade to drink :) By using my powers of subtle suggestion I eventually got Dan to "come up with the idea" of going to the Santa Monica Pier. It was just like I had always pictured it and my first view of the pacific ocean in real life. The pier is like a magic world of fun and chaos. The sun was shinning and the ocean breeze keeping me cool it was perfect.

2. Jennie was in town and we had run all over the city sightseeing. One tour guide was like you took  her up to Muhalland drive right? I hadn't -so we went right at sunset to this overlook which shows all of LA for miles (what you can see through the hazy pollution anyways). It's far enough away that all the lights look like twinkling stars. The sky becomes pink/purple/orange and it's amazing. If felt real being there with one of my east coast friends in LA like it was cementing my presence in the city.

3. It was New Years Eve and Jennie and I ventured over to Amy's house for a pre party. There was karaoke and shots. We went to hermosa pier to a New England themed bar. We arrived 10 minutes before midnight just in time to pee grab a drink and rejoice. I remember looking up and screaming that's a celtic banner before Amy screamed back "It's a Boston bar" lol maybe it was the booze, maybe it was the fact I acquired an awesome feather tiara thing and a rose from a drunk guy but it was pure fun.

Such a sucker for a feather head piece!

4. It was my Birthday and at the time had like 3 friends in all of LA Alex/Pam and Amy. She basically said she'd do whatever I wanted. After the Edison was closed for a private party we decided on a jazz bar and burlesque themed place. However on the way I heard the sounds of my favorite British phenomenon -THE BEATLES there were Asian men as this Beatles tribute band! Fate intervened and I found myself singing Beatles in a state of pure joy. At midnight this kid Michael I went up and sang the Beatle's Birthday song (it was his birthday too) I was on cloud 9 is was so awesome. My shoes ended up in the rain overnight but let's not get to into detail....

Posing like a true starlet!

5. Kerri boss's apartment was throwing an event to raise money for clean drinking water. It was hosted my Michael Welch (FROM TWILIGHT) and there was free booze. There was publicity and one of those promotion backdrops. An hour in I was drink explaining to Michal the poverty I saw in Jamaica and how he should come to cabo with us. At cabo I spent hours flirting with a guy who looked like Jason Schwartzman (it was not JS) drank a margarita I don't remember. The stumbled down Hollywood BLVD looking at the walk of fame stars and just being happy to be there..

 6. It was finally hot enough to go to the beach in a bathing suit although after going in the ocean a sweatshirt seemed necessary. It was sunny and  I was with a bunch of girls just chilling. Eventually they all left and I watched the sun set over the water it was my first LA beach sunset and I took like a gazillion pictures writing I <3 socal in the sand (see blog cover photo). I had watched the sunset everyday on my trip to LA and now I was here at the end of the US, the most West I could be, watching the sunset feet in the sand, hair blowing in the wind, camera in hand- I was happy.

7. Lianne invited me to hang out one night so I popped over after work. Since the first day I moved here I had always heard about Koreatown karaoke- that it was insane and fun. I super <3 karaoke but first we went to a speakeasy with a secret password to get in. It was soo dark you hit things until your eyes adjusted. I met new people and had a blast. Afterwards we went to Brass Monkey to sing and it was a HOT MESS in the best way imaginable. You can really do pretty much anything here.

8. Throughout the summer the Hollywood Forever Cemetery shows movie against one of the mosalium walls. Pam and I tried planning to go but I always seemed to be working. When Dirty Dancing came on the roster I specifically begged my manager for the day off. It was so fun the crowd all huddled together under the 5 visible LA stars. It's so fun to experience a movie with hundreds of people like a premier night for a super hero movie but here were fans of a good love story. At one point a shooting star flew right over the wall and I made a very sincere wish about my future...it was an amazing experience. The graves were really bizarre but that night made me believe in love for a moment again.

9. My job at the store was always meant to be a temporary thing. The hours are so random that it never allowed me time to really audition and live a "normal" life. How I came to get my new job is an epic story in and of itself but when I got a call from the Director of the counseling center I knew it had the potential to give me a better life here. I was in my car when I heard the official "I would like to offer you the position as the evening client coordinator etc etc" I bounced my feet and did a little dance. This job would allow me to audition during the day, it paid better, and it would be around people trying to help people not manipulate them...I was overjoyed.

10. My Buddhist practice was the backbone of my survival throughout the year and my best friend when there was no one else to confide in. A few days after finding about my new job I was invited to a study lecture at a famous Jazz composers home. A) the home is a mansion of sorts with art, plants, and treasure from around the world - not to mention an view of LA that takes your breath away. B) The meeting was about overcoming struggle and perseverance. I cried the entire time but in away that was so cathartic and healing. I had done it- I survived a year - I succeeded in living a life in one of the worlds hardest cities. When I chanted for the dead I was overcome with a feeling that my mother was proud of me but more importantly I was proud of myself. I was happy I live in Los Angeles!

This is what an East Coast girl living and loving Los Angeles looks like!

A Touch of New England in LA

A recent trip to the grocery store had me in stitches..... In New England if you want decorative hay you go to the local farm pay 5 bucks and get a gigantic bail. In LA you go to the grocery and get this...

That's $8.99 for the little bail and $14.99 for the big! Besides price inflation it seems so silly to have hay wrapped in plastic with logos like it goes against the natural outdoorsy feel of hay. However I did manage to find one thing in LA that was even better then New England- the LA County Haunted Hey Ride! There are legit auditions to be one of the creatures on this thing and its in the middle of the woods and it's epic. On the choosen night we were graced with the presence of Elvira. I indulged in some hot cider and french fries. I tried to pretend it was a cool fall night as I was wrapped in a scarf, knit hat, jeans, sweater, and jacket for about 70 degrees... a bit overkill but a little imagination never hurt anyone. Let me add you're advised to wear ponchos on this voyage. The BEST part was when we were going up this hill and there were like 40 bent heads in this chapel I thought "Are they real? they can't be real? they would never pay 40 actors for this one scene." Well a demonic satan rose to the sky and with a flash summoned 40 live satanic worshipers with beady red eyes who chanted and hit sticks like maniacs it was awesomely terrifying. Other scenes included deranged elves, sexy dungeon mistresses, creep playhouse stuff etc. Outside there was a whole walkway of a backwards bone marry go round, cardboard cutouts, a side show, and Halloween snack cart. I could pretend it was New England where fall exists buy hey it's still sunny here a girl can't really complain about that!

What happen to those who don't follow the rules!

A giant walking scary thing!

Riding the bone merry go round

Selfishness VS Survival

This is what most people think. I think: what can I do to get my needs met?

I would like to pose a a question: when one is in survival mode are you really being selfish or just doing what is necessary to survive? I like many women have spent a good chunk of my time taking care of others and not always myself. I spent an entire year dedicating all my energy to a little amazing girl as her teacher, friend, and advocate. She really loved me unconditionally in a way that was so pure and truthful. She never asked me to devote myself in that way just like kids don't ask parents to give up their wishes in order to get what they want, a trip to Disney vs a trip to Europe for instance. When I was driving to LA I had A LOT of time to think... when your alone in a car with just your thoughts for 8 hours you learn things. One thought that came to mind was that at some point I knew people would feel I left them. For me it was never a question of coming or not coming here it was just a matter of when, I had decided that when I was 16. I haven't been the best supporter of friends since I've been here I actually feel like maybe I have cut people off. I didn't intend any malice but it's just that I only have so much energy and I need to devote that to succeeding and living here. Since everyday is a constant battle to come out the other side alive and well it leaves no time to focus on anything petty. Yes that is a selfish statement but it also is somewhat about self preservation.
S Size Up The Situation (surroundings, physical condition, equipment, & supplies)
U  Use All Your Sensuous, undue haste makes waste
R  Remember Where You Are
V Vanquish Your Fear and Panic
I   Improvise 
V  Value Living
A  Act Like The Natives
L  Live By Your Wits, But For Now, Learn Basic Skills
I am a humanitarian through and through last month I joined a group solely dedicated to being of service to others so I am in no way advocating egocentricity. However I do believe your 20's is about finding out who you are and what is your purpose on this planet. I believe and have always believed that my purpose is to inspire and engage others through my acting. Whenever someone said "oh don't you want a backup plan?" or "do you know most actors are penniless?" it never swayed me in the least. Sure in 10 years from now I may have changed my mind about the whole thing but for now there is nothing that could persuade me to stop trying to be a film actress. I knew the price would come with many sacrifices- missing holidays, major life events, and even the everyday small things amongst close friends. I am trying to find a balance between selfishness and survival and I'm chanting to find that equilibrium.

"My Type" Over Time

One of the first question almost any gathering of new girlfriends brings up is "what's your type?" I've noticed that my type has definitely gone through distinct changes. In middle school I was all about the jocks. It's the typical South Hadley way and I was a cheerleader so it seemed natural. Once I got to high school musicians became my thing. At PVPA the hottest coolest kids would rarely go to class and play guitar on the lawn or steps. In college I was attracted to nerds. The kid at the end of the hall who stuttered and blushed when he talked to girls was my crush. Theater geeks are a whole kind of unique nerd and that covered the rest of college. When I was exploring the world and afterwards I became so intrigued by intellectual types. Guys who are smart, educated, and can hold a conversation about a variety of topics is a super big turn on. Now in LA I found myself rarely getting to even interact with straight men regardless of what type they may be. Most men out here are one of these 3 types: actors aka selfish, writers aka self involved, townies aka no motivation. Is it too much to ask for a little substance?

I think this is funny and only slightly relates to the blog post

J'ai le mal du pays

Home

I don't know what happened in the past 2 days but I became INSANELY homesick. I think part of it may be that now my housing situation here in LA could be ending and I may have to move.... it's hard to set up a life when you don't have a place to call home every night. They say home is where the heart is and my heart definitely wants to be here but it does miss family and friends. You wouldn't think a 3 hour time difference would make a difference but it does! I barley know what any of my friends are up in their daily lives and no one really knows what my life is like. There are 4 weddings I wish I could be at this summer Matt & Michael's, Liz &Dave, Sheila & Elton, and Lorri &Pat's. I think I will be only able to make Matt's I am a bridesmaid after all. I didn't realize how in 2 months I actually need to be home. I spent a good chunk of the day looking at flights and analyzing the best days to take off work and fly on. I hope one day I'll have enough money and freedom to be able to go back whenever my heart desires for any event or any whim. I started a mental bet with myself of who is going to give me the biggest hug you would be surprised how one can miss a true, strong, sincere hug. If you were around circa November 2009 you remember my strong disdain for fake not affectionate pity hugs. I am also convinced my "little" brother will be a full 6 feet by the time I return. I am so curious what things have changed and what has remained the same. 2 months really isn't that long it snuck up on me quite quickly actually. Now I am going in this week to get everything approved at work so I can book a ticket hopefully by next week I will have official dates!!! There a Buddhist quote that reads "Even if someone is close by, their heart may be distant. But if someone is far away, if there is a heart to heart bond they could not be closer. The heart is what counts. In the world of hearts there is no separation. ~S~

The Adventure Seeker

Half way through the cross country trip in Texas!

The Light Show Just after Dusk

Traveling In Europe- Nice was a must see!

I, like most people, love to travel. I however think I enjoy it for different reasons then some people. Often times a person wants to get away for awhile forget their life and forget time. When I travel I want to live in the moment and experience everything I possibly can. For as long as I can remember I always wanted to go to Paris. I begged my mom to buy me Muzzy tapes so I could learn French when I was 5. It wasn't until I got to France did I realize it was probably Belle from Beauty and the Beast that started my French obsession. Paris changed my life in so many ways- I literally think the trajectory of my life path changed when I was there. Some people are content to be just where they are and don't have any strong desire to think differently. Whereas as I long to explore new places, things, and cultures. My roommate was describing me to someone and said "She's probably at home eating mashed potatoes and watching mad men." At first I was taken aback at this description..is this how people see me??? as the girl who stays in watching period tv shows and eating??? I like to think of myself as someone who is always striving to learn and explore her world an adventure seeker of sorts. I always have a next destination plan- first it was Europe followed by the cross country voyage both which I did completely independently. Now I want to see Alaska i'm dying to see the glaciers and wildlife. It takes a lot to have fears and yet still do something anyways. I have never not done something because I had to do it alone so it's interesting be here in LA because it's like an adventure in life as opposed to traveling. However I still can't seem to get enough... the thrill of exploring something new is never fully satisfied ~S~

Reflections at the 6 Month Mark

It's official I have been in Los Angeles for 6 months now- which is half a year in the grander scheme of things. It is literally unbelievable to me. Sometimes I think I have done much and taken so many steps in being here. Some days I feel like I have done nothing considering how little I am doing in terms of anything artistic or worthwhile. I had a lot of ideas of what it would be like- I knew it would be hard but I'm finding it's harder in ways I didn't anticipate like the immense loneliness and lack of genuine human interaction being  the biggest deterrent. It's inspiring in a way that's hard to explain but every "typically hollywood" thing makes me ecstatic. Like being in the surroundings of something amazing makes you feel amazing too. Sometimes I wonder if people think about me like I think about them or have they forgotten me? What is life like when someone is no longer in it?When I first got here everyone the first 6 months is hell it's still hard after that but the first 6 are the worst. So cheers to surviving 6 and here's hoping for  6 more!

HOW I almost MET Jason Segel (not your mother)

The Den

It had the makings of a great night...it was Maria's (my favorite co worker and close friend) birthday celebration at the Den in Hollywood. Erica and I were late because well it's LA and you have to look good, and drive far, parking etc.. Needless to say when we finally got in the place it was alive with young adults living it up. Per my usual game plan I did a lap to see if there were any attractive straight men about...after a few minutes I resigned to sitting on the patio next to the fire pit. These 3 drunk guys were repeatedly having this stupid conversation :
Idiot 1: "Jason Segel man"
Idiot 2 : "who is that"
Idiot 3: "ya know the guy from that movie the tall one"
Idiot 2: "From the office"
Idiot 1: "no the one from the movie with that blonde girl"

this went on for several minutes I had to jump in considering they could not actually name a single Jason Segel anything A- HOW I MET YOU MOTHER! B- The Muppets just came out C-Forgetting Sarah Marshall.. the puppet musical!! D- I love you, man all this I could spurt out in 5 seconds. I was not drunk so I did have a bit of an advantage. Either way Idiot 2 still had no clue and the conversation went another direction. 10 minutes later this comes up again when I hear "Damn he's gone now" I ask whose gone? Idiot 1 "Jason Segel" ... picture me mouth agape staring with dagger eyes. I come to find out Jason was at the table one over from the Idiots. He had been there the whole time and I hadn't noticed why cruel god of fate and the universe did I not see him?!?!? What was the point of my lap- maybe I should wear my glasses for the initial intell and then take them off??? boooooo. I began to think what I would say "Hey Jason I think you're fantastic and super funny, not to mention tall which is super sexy, do you like fries? I have some fries we could share, do you date civilians? do you want to date me? did I mention I think you're super sexy and funny...just saying" I imagine it would have gone something like that. On a more serious note my plan would have involved falling- it's something I am totally capable of and he's a good guy I'm sure he'd catch me..or I'd fall on my face start bleeding and he'd feel obliged to help. Anyways he was gone and I had wished I could have made had more sense of the drunk Jason ramblings earlier on. I preceded to have fun danced with some Swedish guys and overall had a fantastic evening. Sure a kiss under those white twinklings lights next to the fire pit with Jason's arms around me would have been nice but after that moment my heart said "you'll see him again" so if anyone has any good lines let me know- I'm thinking singing "I would walk 500 miles and I would 500 more just to me the girl who walked a thousand miles to fall down at your door"....that might do the trick.

The Oscars from an LA perspective

This photo does not do the moment justice!

Since as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be an actress. The movie Honey I Shrunk the Kids was one of my childhood favorites (non cartoon) and I wanted to be Amy badly.  I thought "I could do that one day" and spent many afternoons reenacting the film around my house. Since that moment 20 or so years ago I have wanted to be a film actress more then I have ever wanted anything in life. Any major step or decision was made with that goal in mind theater summer camps,performing arts high school, theater degree etc. I knew one day if I ever wanted to be a film actress I would have to move to LA. Well many steps later I arrived in Los Angeles on October 11th 2011. It's been a little over 5 months and I am still continually in awe that I am even here. Sure I have only been on one audition I need more head shots, a reel, and contacts but hey I am here so that is one step closer then I was a year ago! Then it was the night of the Oscars. I have watched the Academy Awards Show religiously for many years and I could feel the energy all around town and all the roadblocks as well adding time to go anywhere in Hollywood. I actually had to work at the store so I was going to be missing the majority of the show. A friend asked "what is it like being in LA for the Oscars?" I responded "Annoying and trafficey." After work I had to grocery store so not considering where I needed to go I went my normal route..... well when I reached Sunset I started to see all these cops and road blocks I immediately panicked. I heard stories of immigrations stops where they check everyone for licenses and Cali registration....I had neither... I didn't have $1,000 to pay the fine either. I felt an anxiety attack coming but there was no way out of the line....then up ahead I saw sky lights and the vanity fair party signs. I let out a deep sigh of relief there were about 15 news vans and a few random people going in (it was still early only 8). After my shopping I made it home in time to see the last 3 awards Best Actress, Actor, and Movie. Once the broadcast was over my roommate noticed all the sky lights outside our window. It was an enchanting light display in the night sky. It looked like 12 dancing faeries or something- I almost cried. I could feel the energy and the excitement of the Oscars it felt so close and yet so far. I text my friend and said I change my answer- The Oscars in LA are magical. ~S~

LA Life to Date

I have been thinking about creating a blog ever since I first moved to LA 5 months ago. I love being able to share the outlandish stories and adventures that come about when living in one the craziest spots in America. Of course one of the first things most people want to know about is the celebrities. So here is a running list of the ones I’ve seen or interacted with:

• Emmy Rossum ( I love her!!!)
• Nikki Hilton ( one part of the infamous Hilton sister duo)
• Jamie Foxx ( awesome action/ dramatic actor)
• Keenan Cahill (Youtube personality http://keenansroom.com/)
• Ali Landry (Married to Mario Lopez for 2 weeks)
• Ashley Rickards (Jenna from MTV’s Akward)
• Reshma Shetty (Divya from Royal Pains)
• Weird Al Yankovich ( Shopping at whole Foods!)
• Either Max or Charles Carver (porter and preston from Desperate Housewives) their twins which one was it who knows lol
• Lisa Vanderpump (Housewives of Beverly Hills)
• Joe Manganiello (Alcide aka the hot ware wolf from True Blood)
• Michael Welch ( Mike from Twilight and super cute/sweet )
• & Jason Segel was at the same bar I was at (The Den) but I didn’t see him.... BOOO! 
• Ali Landry (Mario Lopez's ex wife)
• Doris Roberts ( Ray's mom in Everybody Loves Raymond)
• Mario Lopez ( launching his new brief line Rated M)
• Andrew Rannells (at Ralphs pondering bread)

I also want to include some of the amazing places you always see in movies that I have now have had the pleasure of visiting:

• Venice Beach ( any skateboarding/hippie looking beach shot in any movie ever)
• Griffith Observatory ( Rebel Without A Cause)
• Santa Monica Pier (The cutest place to go on a date)
• Grauman’s Chinese Theater ( Where you can see screen legends hand and foot prints)
• Hollywood Walk of Fame (Which becomes a slip and slide when it rains)
• Sunset Boulevard  (Where you can find anything and everything...Japanese Tapas anyone?)

Since it is hard to go back in time and write about the last few months I’m going to do some reflections of major events/parties then update it from now on ~S~