From the wall at Sika's shop

I've taken quite some time to consider what I will do at this space and I have decided to continue to log the sights of Leimert Park as a 'journal' of sorts to remind me of my time working in this neighborhood. I am looking to find work much closer to home and hope to find it soon, and I think I will.


This time I've posted a picture taken around the corner of Sika's shop...

This is a beautiful mosaic/ art installation on the wall just outside of Sika's shop on Degnan; it's located in the alley next to his shop.


One day walking around the neighborhood, I made a short video with my camera to capture the sounds of the neighborhood. This is what goes on during the weekdays and it often sounds a little magical, but maybe that's just because I love jazz...(I hope this video works!)

At a cross-roads...

I have been out of commission at this blog recently and I feel badly about it, though I have mentioned before that I meant for this to be a short term project. At this time I am at a cross roads because I have begun to lead a double life - office drone by day and creating a more meaningful life for myself by night and weekends...


I began this blog for two reasons:

1. to learn how to use this blogging system so I could launch my personal blog project
2. to use this blog as a means to share something that has meant a GREAT deal to me...Leimert Park and it's denizens

I really can not put into words how much this neighborhood means to me while I work at a day job that has ceased to serve me, and I no longer fit in the culture. However, I do fit in the neighborhood of Leimert Park, though I couldn't really say why. I always felt embraced by the locals and the many business owners I've met and they have shown me so much warmth and generosity of spirit but most importantly, they have honored parts of myself that have gotten lost in "cubicle nation". This neighborhood has been a saving grace and I wanted to share that at this space.


I will take time to consider a way to continue with this blog because this neighborhood is so very dear to me and I truly want to find a way for the world to discover it's many charms. I may continue on a weekly posting basis instead of a more frequent schedule.


I thank any readers who have been visiting this site for your patience and I'd like to know if you have enjoyed the views I have shared from this little area of greater Los Angeles. You are always welcome to comment (please be nice and polite!) and please comment anonymously if you feel shy about it - I know how it feels! =-)

Words to live by...

This is on the wall of SIKA'S on Degnan Street at the alley to the parking lot. Good words to live by...

Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

When Smoke Gets in Your Eyes...

As I have mentioned in my profile in the side bar to the right, I live in the San Fernando Valley, part of Los Angeles County in the state of California. Some of you may be aware of the raging fires that have been happening this summer, as they always do. I could see and smell the smoke where I live but didn't realize the fires were getting so huge you could see the smoke cloud in my work neighborhood of Leimert Park...

...This is taken standing in the median in front of the offices where I work at the corner of Leimert Blvd. and 43rd/11th Street...

...This is at the corner of 43rd and Edgehill...

...This is at the corner of Stocker and Creed...

(I must confess, though, that the only smoke I ever smell is the smoke that comes from Phillip's BBQ two doors away! I'm so glad someone mentioned Phillip's on their blog - they did a better job reporting about it than I could have!! Thank you Aubrey...)

Tree in the Park, Revisited...

Last month I shared a picture of a tree in Leimert Park that I really love to look at and I mentioned that I would share some close ups of the surface texture...today is that day...

I love that it is so knobby and bulbous...

...it looks like an alien landscape...

Isn't Nature amazing? =-)

Peaceful Street...

I hope you have a peaceful weekend...

Comes with club chairs...

I have seen this house on my walks in the neighborhood and wondered if it was for sale...and now it is. This home comes with a lovely fireplace and two huge leather club chairs in the living room. That makes for less furniture to buy!