I'm in West Hollywood again. I just can't seem to get away from this part of town - which I am coming to love more and more. So much for the future, G. But I think you knew S would eventually win - even before we knew him.
Early on in my LA wanderings I got to know the general grid of the city. I was doing the Santa Monica/Venice to Mt Washington hike on city streets attempting to avoid 10 traffic. These days I don't make it out to the Ocean that much anymore. I don't miss my Malibu mudslides, or tearing up Piuma canyon. I don't miss my morning commute up Hwy 1, coffee in cup holder, top down, wind in my hair. However, I do miss swinging near the Santa Monica Pier.
The Santa Monica swings are the best swings ever. So tall. I would pump my legs back and forth until the seat reached the level of the top bar, lean back, head upside-down as the world came rushing up and then receded as I sucked in air. Up and down. Over and over. I would often come upon the swings deserted. My choice of 6 golden seats. Which would I pick? And often, as I finally jumped away from the swing (in mid-air of course) all other seats would be taken.
I tried to give advice to a couple of German girls once on how to swing their legs to get more lift. (There is a technique for more lift. I learned it when I studied flying trapeze.) I alternated between working for more height, speed and enjoying the ride. I loved those swings. It's almost a reason for the trip West.
But I didn't plan to write about my love for the Santa Monica swings. I was writing about the grid. I've learned the larger grid of the city - main street thorough-fares and even a couple sneak-arounds. Twisty roads, speedy secondary arteries. Walking around the neighborhood with the dog or taking the evening stroll, taught me about my immediate local blocks. All these are data point in the grid of my mind. Pathways, directions, options when I may need them. I like to mix things up and keep them fresh, so when walking or driving, I like to try new routes.
Today I as I headed over to my appointment I thought of the many possibly routes that would lead me to my destination. City street, 5 different freeway exits. Which one did I prefer? Which one would I take? I'm speeding down the 101, window open, blowing my hair thinking about my next move. Usually I take the most direct, fast or efficient route that is the most pleasing for driving, my clutch or my eye. Today my eye was on Hollywood, so I drove down the Boulevard. I passed the stores I always pass (usually going the other direction). Enjoying the view, the music. I passed the Egyptian Theater. I though of all the companies I've almost worked for in LA. The conversations I've had. My dreams, desires, intentions. Of dreams coming true on this very street - filled with stars. It's an inspiring drive.
These streets in Los Angeles have, do and will lead me to my dreams. I can choose the route, streets I may want to take. Which view I want to feast my eyes as I move closer and closer and navigate and explore the grid.
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