I never thought I'd be saying this, but I am looking forward to my life in the fast lane once again... Well, almost. Must be the roots in my birth city Los Angeles calling me over the miles loud and clear, "Come Back Now!!" And as a true Cali girl, I'm yelling in response, "I'll be there soon." You can definitely say I move a lot, much more than most folks. In 2007, I was living in Seattle, freezing my behind off and wishing for warmer climes. Out of the blue, my oldest daughter called asking me if I wanted to come to Hawaii and work as her makeup/hair person for a photo shoot for Jupiter Images. Hellloooo, are you kidding? I was packed and ready to go in nothing flat. I decided to get rid of everything and move back (having lived in Hawaii from 1969 to 1980) sans all my warm coats. You actually never need any clothes at all. Well, maybe a bathing suit and a few dresses/t-shirts and shorts. (btw, below/right is one of the photos that ended up in the LA Sunday Times.)
I enjoyed my time in Honolulu, working on the most fun show I've ever done, The Musical of Musicals: The Musical, among other things. I stayed very briefly, not quite 2 years, when I needed to get back to Cali to assist my brother, who is disabled, with some issues. Not long after leaving Hawaii to Los Angeles,(where I went back to school) I decided to move to NYC which I can't say was the easiest time but so many perks came my way, including being on the SAG Awards Nominating Committee, so I have no complaints but I became very ill and moved to Florida to heal.
I lived in this cultural wasteland known as Daytona Beach for close to two months when I got the bug to move to Wilmington, NC. With the adventurous spirit I possess, I moved here not knowing a soul. I've been in what is affectionately known as Wilmywood, because of all the films or TV shows made here, but find it's close to living in the backwoods of a very provincial town. I'm serious. It has only been a year since Trader Joe's and Whole Foods came on the scene so the locals are only becoming familiar with something I have enjoyed for many years. I have been able to sing a bit, performing at the Unity Church and then this Friday at the Unitarian Church. I made a short film for the Cucalorus Cough Syrup Film Festival and wrote two books, a 10-minute stage play and a screenplay, and started up my blog again so it's been productive if nothing else. And once again, I've gotten rid of everything to begin anew in LA.
I have met some amazing, talented folks in Wilmington and then some not so fun people who are capable of sucking the life force out of you, if you let them. (But really, that's everywhere). I'm not one to hold a grudge or even want to make a big judgement so I'll move on only wishing all I've encountered the best of luck in their lives. Now I'm off to a place where I know so many people, have family, am quite familiar with the lay of the land and pretty much prepared to face the big egos and insanity that is Hollywood. The traffic and frustrating parking situation not so much but what can ya do? Sigh!
Living in North Carolina has been an experience, an education, a challenge, but mostly a big fat blessing. I've forged friendships that I know will last the rest of my lifetime and I'm so grateful to all who gave me unconditional love, support and sustenance. Love you!! I've learned how to really love and take care of myself more than ever but most of all I've learned how much God really loves me. Not a God who is separate from me but the vibrating Life Force in all living creatures/creation. To this Light I am truly grateful for all You have bestowed upon me. Learning patience, being one of the most valuable gifts to possess in this life, was at the forefront of my lessons. I've heard, "patience is the key to heaven." I have to agree. Another most valuable lesson was, all things pass and nurturing our connection with the ever-lasting Universe is by far the only worthwhile undertaking.
I honestly don't care what may manifest in the next leg of my journey. I'm very surrendered about the future. All I know is, it will be what God wants for me and I will be grateful. Of course, I'll hope to produce my screenplays, sing in show or two, even prepare a one-woman show a psychic friend of mine told me I needed to do, but that's the gravy or frosting. To feel love, to have love, to be love or even be in love is what I'm holding most dear now. So for the few folks I leave behind that have given me so much, who have touched my heart and soul, I'm sincerely grateful. I'm certain ya'll have a place in Heaven. (smiling here). In my next blog, I'm sure I'll have all kinds of fun stories to tell of my flight, my landing, my new home and what is going to be, at least in my feelings, a very fun and creative time. Good-bye Wilmington! God bless ya'll!!
Welcome back to California.......this is where you belong.I live in Hawaii,for awhile.I went to see the Rolling Stones (three concerts 5th row,With Mick Taylor in the band!)in Hawaii and decided to move there.I was bored after I got a tan (which washed off in the shower when I got back to San Francisco!)but it was fun.......for a short while.I was with a girlfriend who I was fighting with so,it wasn't the best of times.Anyway....great blog.See you next time!
ReplyDeletePilar, North Carolina's loss is California's gain! I hope your new life back in your old hometown is filled with blessings and great surprises. Have a safe trip and keep us all posted. Sending you love!
ReplyDeleteOh Ann, thank you for the message and it makes me feel grateful you read the blog. I hope to just keep getting better and better. Can't wait to read your next book. God bless and much love, P
Deletep.s. I only wish I could have been able to visit Asheville but maybe next time.
I wish for you all that you desire and thank you for our short time together at the "home", but I too have plans to go back home to loved ones. My lesson was appreciation and I hope I have learned it, so as not to have to repeat. Sending you safe travel energy, and hugs.
ReplyDeleteRaeMarie