WHITE WOMAN WALKING..LA

In Los Angeles, the body beautiful, exercise capitol of the country, walking is not the norm. People drive everywhere. Half a block to battle for a parking space so they can attend stretching class at the gym. I've never quite understood this as the terrain is predictably flat, unless hiking in a canyon, the sun almost always shines and humidity is almost nonexistent. Being a walker, I find these conditions irresistible and have taken to the quiet, lonely sidewalks of Hollywood where I can combine exercise with exploration.(Sounds like something out of Indiana Jones!)

Just a block north off the Hollywood Walk of Stars, where throngs of tourists mingle with Michael , Marilyn. Spiderman and CP3O, you will find The Magic Castle, a hotel catering to clients with magic tendencies! Unless your name is Harry, skip the castle and take the steep climb up the hill to the Thursday evening farmers market located in the lower Yamashiro restaurant parking lot. Here tantalizing tastes await you as approximately ten artisan vendors present their goods overlooking the vast LA spread. Indulge in a light supper of freshly prepared tacos filled with a choice of blackened cod, duck confitt, or free range chicken. Four freshly made sauces are for the helping....including all the guacamole you can eat! Crepes are another option with both entree or dessert fillings available. A perfect example of "less is more." Anchoring the ends are a wine bar featuring very affordable wines and at the other, a chocolatier who grinds the cocoa beans on the spot. www.livechocolate.com The freshest sea food is provided by a wholesale vendor. Get there early for oysters on the half shell. They slip away quickly. Stay a while and enjoy the jazz combo. Once you've eaten, back down the hill with calories already burned. This farmers market was sunset magic and the perfume of flowering jasmine permeated the air. Senses are in over-load!

There's something about experiencing one's environment from the pavement. Is it being grounded and moving at nature's pace? I don't have a definitive answer, but walking in the hustle and bustle of LA, on the avenues of NYC or the footpaths of Portland, Maine I always feel more connected. Guess that makes me a white woman walking!

Next walk....to a lush garden shop on Sunset and Sycamore.

Get Back In The Saddle.....

Get back in the saddle and ride.
Get back on the keyboard and write.

I've been feeling the absence from blogging. Was it winter hibernation, the lack of inspiration, or just putting too much energy and focus on other things? Maybe an equal measure of all three. Fortunately, I have a very prolific friend who reminds me that she too, takes breaks from writing. This "laying off," goes against all my training of "doing-doing" until perfection is achieved. I'm beginning to realize that perfection is a state of mind.

Well, my blogging is a choice so I've been able to let it slide. But now it's time to get back on the horse and ride. A break to the left coast has given me a sunny view on life. Different temperatures, different pace, a totally different groove. Clear the Maine winter cobwebs. Celebrate re-birth and a much appreciated early spring.

So I'm getting back in the saddle and letting my fingers dance across the keyboard. I have some LA stories, not from the red carpet, but from walking about. Stay posted for WHITE WOMAN WALKING!