living my california adventure

This is my Los Angeles.

It's a bit of a frenetic place with traffic that can dishearten the la la in anyone. But the weather is gorgeous year round that it wouldn't be right to be sad or frustrated too long. My advice to anyone moving here is to keep a good head on your shoulders, keep grounded, and use a good navigational app.

This is my bug, Trinity.

I can't think of driving any other car for a California experience. I found her when I moved here from Boston. She's peppy, strong, and keeps me in check. I've trekked her as far as San Francisco and Northern California for a music festival and often to San Diego for family visits. I can't be a speed demon or drive like a meanie in her.

Folks have told me that Los Angeles traffic can be soul crushing but somehow cruising by in this 78' granny of a car, she brings out the best in people. I don't think I would enjoy driving as much without her. Everyone pretty much shows their manners when we're on the road. That means a lot to me when I'm commuting between piano students. The kids are thrilled when Trinity and I arrive. Strangers wave and actually say hello sometimes. Thank you random kindness!

This place is very close to where I live that I once rode my bike to but had to walk it back home because I had a flat tire. The Hollywood Bowl is one of my favorite places to go and I'm lucky I live so near to it.

Here's me and a view at the Bowl that I was fortunate to enjoy. I danced on the stage for a concert several years ago. Teaching piano and dancing has been my life is Los Angeles. Below, is a photo my brother took while performing in DTLA for a summer concert some time ago. I'm the third dancer on the left. I danced for Kayamanan Ng Lahi Folk Arts Group for many years. It was very demanding and very rewarding. I hope to return when I'm better from my car accident. For now, I'm dipping my toe in the dance pool studying flamenco dance.

There's so much to do and discover. I visit the Huntington Gardens often. Trinity makes loads of friends on the Fridays I take her to Bobs Big Boy in Burbank for the classic car show. And my friends and I checked out a silent disco recently and loved it. Between dance classes, museums and concerts, there's never a boring moment. But my favorite thing to do in Los Angeles is to be a music teacher.....especially when you have students like this one.

Spending time with my students and their families every week (several for many many years) has given me roots to Los Angeles. Being introverted, I enjoy my adventures with a small group or by myself and then need a lot of alone time to recharge. Being in rehearsals and shows, life gets intense and people mostly come and go into my life. But some people are shiny and keep my life bright. They help keep me grounded.

Life at home looks like this...

I like my quiet time. I bake.

Play my piano.

And take care of my patio garden. This Hoya plant came from my mom's garden!

Besides having a good navigational app, friends and family are my best navigational guide. My family is in San Diego and Trinity and I are looking forward to seeing them for the holidays. My mom usually gives me a new baby plant to bring home. We will play loads of board games and dance around the house. During my last visit, my niece told she wants to drive a car just like Trinity when she grows up.

I'm crossing my fingers that the commute is less than three hours.

This is my California. I hope wherever you are, life is beautiful.

Be peaceful!

JNET

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