Six years ago, I perched upon the edge of the LA Times Building for this (cover) photo.
I was in love with Los Angeles. (I still am.)
I am in awe at the world. At the wind in the air. The palm tree lined streets. The feeling of my clutch stick in my leather gloves. The french silk sky with ribbons of pink carmel. (read more)
Six years later, I know her curves well, love her no less. Driving down Olympic, the top down (in my second Saab convertible) playing a favorite mashup, I am struck with strong emotion. With the conversations we have as I shift up and down the gears, switching lanes. Wordless expressions. Rubber on grooved concrete. My every glance seems to end at the Hollywood sign, up in those hills me and Mr Pup explore. I think about that Red Hot Chili Pepper's song...
Sometimes I feel
Like I don't have a partner
Sometimes I feel
Like my only friend
Is the city I live in
The city of Angels
Lonely as I am
Together we cry
I drive on her streets
'Cause she's my companion
I walk through her hills
'Cause she knows who I am
She sees my good deeds and
She kisses me windy and
I never worry
Now that is a lie
It's as if my city is the only thing I can love with my full expression. Of course, she can not deny me. Or maybe it's a homecoming, return to the place of my birth after so many years of exodus. Or maybe it's because here in this city, where the wind blows in hot and cold from the Mojave desert showing the sparkle of the San Gabriels, we live on the edge. We create the edge. It's here we can pluck the possibilities from the unknown, from the edge of nothing, and yet maintain a connection to manifest, create, build these things plucked. Audacious possibilities from an audacious unknown. Movie magic, inspired by and inspiring scientific efforts.
Los Angeles, I love you like no other place or person. An abstract affection for a place, an idea, a concept, the possibilities here and the reality of making it real. You are me and I am you, inspired co-creators of this mega-city on the western edge of North America.
I never saw this photo before, but you sure look amazing in it.
Posted by: bradtem.myopenid.com | December 01, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Thanks Brad!
Posted by: heathervescent | December 01, 2011 at 05:43 PM
I like the image of you. The lighting is perfect, the clouds add drama as do you being perched on the ledge. A simple roll to any side and the readers mind is left to wonder. Perched on the ledge it's like you're flying into LA with your keyboard as the control panel. Next time wear the pearls... nice blog. Steve
Posted by: Sdlombardi | December 17, 2011 at 06:10 AM