Los Angeles and my BFF

Landing in LA this last time I had one mission on my mind.  I was determined to see the only creature on this earth that cries when he sees me, loves me unconditionally and appreciates every minute I spend with him.  He is my BFF - a German shepherd named Buddy.  As I made my way up to the San Gabriel valley to visit him, I was informed by the rental car radio about the tragedy that was unfolding out in San Bernardino that day and the manhunt that was taking place trying to track down those who could commit such a senseless act.  It just really brought home the point that anything can happen anywhere at anytime and this world we live in isn’t what it used to be. It’s such a sad reality check but I’ve come to realize that we can’t live our lives in fear. Acts like this remind us that we need to hold close what is dear and let the people in our lives who mean something know that they matter. Always say what you mean and mean what you say. Actions speak volumes and when you can back them up with words; it makes the impact of words that much more meaningful. Life is a precious, priceless gift that can be taken at any moment and we need to be ready for that next chapter.  Anyway, when I finally arrived on the doorstep to see Buddy he didn’t bark. It was almost as if he knew I was coming.  Instead he cried. It took him about 10 minutes to stop crying and calm himself down.  He knows when I show up, it’s always just for him and it’s going to be all about him. I can’t thank my ex enough for being kind enough to let me spend time with Buddy on those rare occasions when I have the time. It’s been a few months since I last saw him and I always wish I had more time. As usual the visit ended with tears. Pets truly are precious and good for the soul. I think dogs especially can teach us humans some important lessons. We should strive to live more like they do: Living in the moment, not questioning the past and loving with no boundaries.  If we could just be but half of what dogs believe us humans to be, this world would be certainly be a much better place.

On my way back to return the rental car, I caught the beautiful sunset while driving down the 605.  Wish I could’ve been at the beach to capture it but I managed to sneak in a few shots along the freeway.  Thank you LA! See you again hopefully soon.    

Los Angeles, CA

So I’m notorious for just sitting in my hotel room and popping on my area map and looking at what’s nearby.  That’s usually how I find things to do and it’s usually on a whim. Los Angeles is a city I seem to stop in the most for some reason. No complaints, my old stomping grounds.  My home away from my real home of Hawaii.  So it’s always fun to return to this city.  On this visit I looked on a map and saw a nearby park.  Walked to the park and it was just a baseball field.  Either way here are some photos from that simple walk to the park on a typical LA morning.  

Good Morning LA!

Not a whole lot done at this stop this past week.  Just a few hours of sleep and it was back on the road again.  Just sharing the sunrise I did manage to catch. Oh Los Angeles, how I truly do miss you. Aside from my heart being forever in Hawaii; SoCal is my second home and though I get back often, it’s never often enough....  

Los Angels Sunrise Sky

Sunrise Sky in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, CA - Sunrise

My Week: Miami - Washington DC - Los Angeles

Miami - Washington DC - Los Angeles

It’s been a busy week on the road.  This is a quick round up of what I’ve seen. Seems like a big bulk of my week went to the birds.  From the ducks at the waterfront park in Miami, to the geese on the waterfront park on my stop in DC, birds were the theme.

Waterfront Park in Miami, FL

Duck showing off at the park - Miami FL

My visit in Miami was a real blur.  Short blip on my clock.  The ducks were really the highlight of that short stay.  Got a shot of one showing of a bit at a waterfront park that I walked to.

Driving through the trees in Mount Vernon

Old Town Alexandria, Alexandria, VA

Waterfront Park in Alexandria, VA

Resident feeding the birds in Alexandria, VA

 Next stop was Washington DC.  Ended up staying out in Alexandria Virginia, so I had lunch with my old college roommate whom I haven’t seen in about 15 years in Old Town Alexandria. It was nice to catch up. Old Town Alexandria actually really reminded me a lot of Fell’s Point out in Baltimore, MD.  Same vibe.  Nice place to visit.  I later wandered down to a waterfront park where I ran into a resident who decided to feed the birds.  It amazed me how quick those birds were to find the food.  It started with a single duck and then the geese were quick to the show; then the seagulls.  It’s amazing what a little bread can do for the birds. It was an amazing treat to get photos off.

Art Mural in Burbank, CA

Driving on the 134 Freeway at Sunset - Burbank, CA

Being photobombed by my BFF!!

After DC, it was off to my old stomping grounds of Los Angeles, CA for a quick personal visit. Call me weird but I actually find driving in LA traffic as therapeutic in a strange way. Had a impromptu lunch with my old bosses in Beverly Hills while I was there and got filled in on all the glamorous entertainment business work I’ve missed since I moved away. It’s amazing what changes happen in a few months time but I guess that’s life.  The highlight of my LA visit has to be seeing my BFF.  He’s my baby; the only creature on this earth that cries with joy when he sees me - His name is Buddy and he’s a German Shepherd dog. I just wish I could see him more often.  I’m so grateful the ex still allows me to spend time with him and I try to make every minute I have with him count. The funny thing about Buddy is that he’s gotten camera shy over the years.  As a puppy he would plop in front of the camera and practically beg to have his photo taken.  These days, it’s not quite the same.  I tried to get him to take a selfie with me the other day and he refused and walked away.  He then proceeded to photobomb all of my selfies (pictured).  I couldn’t help but laugh.  Love him so much.  Was planning to get down into the jewelry district while I was in LA to shop for some beads this go-around but I didn’t quite make it there. Maybe next time....   

Anyway, that’s where I’ve been all week. Gearing up for next week.  Will hopefully be sitting down some time soon and making some jewelry.  I have earrings on the brain so stay tuned!