Visual Art – Los Angeles

A lot of people told me that I was brave to make the move from Portland Oregon to Los Angeles California. Portland was my home for the last 20 years. I brought my daughter up there, I built a life there. So I understand why people questioned it and thought it was a big deal when I told them I was moving. But I never really thought of myself as brave. Because I never really saw it as a choice, I saw it as my life’s path. I knew when I came to LA 5 years ago that my life would be here. And it wasn’t a big dramatic moment that came to me to let me know. It was a simple visit to a coffee shop waiting for my Americano and watching people walking in, getting their coffees, smiling and chatting. I have been the ‘observer’ my whole life. A part of me has always felt disconnected and outside. I am sure that comes from growing up in an abusive household where I had to disconnect and observe for my own safety. But standing in that coffee shop for the first time in my life I felt like I belonged. I felt connected to the smiling people in their bike shorts and work out clothes. Their eyes welcomed me, and seemed to understand me. I can’t explain it really, as it was a just a feeling that came over me. But in that moment I knew that my life would eventually be here. So, when an opportunity came up to transfer here with my finance job, there was no other option but to take it. It was time to go. New Beginnings are Black and White. They are fuzzy and unclear. But as we listen to our inner voice and keep moving forward the color begins to fill in, and we learn that new beginnings are not scary. We learn that as long as we follow our own unique inner voice, we will never be lost.