Los Angeles
A Place of Freedom Where Nothing is Free
From what I’ve seen in America – from my current limited perspective, as I’ve only been in the country one week – everything is BIG… big flags, big cans of beer, big meals, big 6-lane freeways and big cars, along with big expenses! No wonder the time was ripe for me to be here. However, stepping from that identity who knows how to remain small and launching myself into the bigness of life in LA, ain’t easy.
Driving in LA is in a league of its own… and I’ve only been the passenger! There’s the Cali-roll (California roll)… not stopping for a red stop sign. On the freeways, the far left lane is for car-pooling… all you need are two or more people in the car to qualify. There are no redlight cameras so it’s common for drivers to run a red light. And when it comes to speed, the signage is ignored. It would seem every man and woman are out for themselves and it’s a case of be big and bold or stay home.
From day one in the LA city of millions I sensed a deep underlying freedom that we simply do not have in Australia—at least on the surface, for we all have a choice in how we respond to life. Paradoxically, where the freedom to be yourself exists, there also is the well-known fact that nothing in America is free.
This was evident when parking a car at the beach, costing 18 USD in Venice Beach and 15 USD in Malibu. Who deemed nature be owned, especially the sand and ocean waves? More importantly, where does the money go and why do we play along with such rules?
Thanks to my dear friend, Priya, I was introduced to Sheri who kindly picked me up from my son’s place and took us to Venice Beach. I never would have anticipated I would be in Southern California on Independence Day, and connect with Mother Earth’s waters—our final act before she took me back to my son’s apartment. In the lead-up to feeling the cool bubbles wash over my feet and splash over my ankles and lower legs we had picnicked with hundreds and then thousands, after perusing unique street art along the esplanade.
Amongst the seeming creatives were those who have succumbed to another source. As they sauntered along the sidewalk of Venice Beach, I observed how now and then their physical would collapse into an uneasy stupor. To regain their upright form, appeared to take them much focus and energy.
From suburbs known for living their dream to those demonstrating being seen, and a myriad of others in between, it was those highly creative beings who stood out to me… a testament to their courage and strength to be themselves no matter the external influences. With so many variations of people seen, heard and energetically felt, in many ways, they strove to connect through their wellspring of creativity and in forms I’d not experienced before. Being known was all about showing up and being big!
Check out this young skateboarder… I’m sure she is all of 7 years. She’s clearly bold and has big moves!
Once upon a time, the Gingerbread Court Bungalow was Charlie Chaplin’s summer residence… built in 1922 by Charlie Chaplin. Curiously, Charlie Chaplin was 5ft 4" the same height as me! Despite his height, it was his acting and comedic skills that shone like the biggest star.
So… as we are all navigating from previously small functioning to big, in some way or another, how are you finding the transition?
Thank you for journeying with me from the beginning of my new adventure in LA. In my next post we grow even bigger! 😉
Love in Harmony,
Leanda Michelle ✍️📚