Up and Growing...

I think I started to become a woman when:

I became more interested in seeing and loving the world,

then having the world see and love me. This is a life long

process of course and I still have a lot more work to do...

Silence Please!

Never underestimate the importance of silence in your life.

Talk a little less, say a little more...the ways of communicating are infinite.

Making it Known...

There is an obsession with being known in Los Angeles, and in our society as a whole. People want to have everyone see and pay attention to everything they do. I am particularly fascinated by this phenomena on the internet, but it goes in all areas of life. The desire to be seen and to "make our mark" makes us feel that things in our life will be less temporary and that perhaps the thing we call the self may be frozen in glory forever. But, in the end it is rather silly because some of the greatest things in life are utterly unknown by most.

The most glorious moments in my life were sacred moments when something happened that was so profound and I, or just a few others, were the only ones there to witness it. Some of the most amazing people I have met most people don't know because it was not their priority to be known, they were learning about the world, helping others, saving something, studying something grand. In fact, to be honest...some of the most well known "things", "people", "items", when I encountered in person at a closer glace were embarrassingly horrific. I almost felt sorry for them. It appeared that they were shallower then deeper, and they gave $10 to something and spent $100 promoting the fact that they gave $10. There is nothing wrong with fame, nothing wrong with promoting a cause or a vision, this is all very noble. But, let us not forget that the value or worth of something has nothing to do with whether it is known by others or not. Remember to look for the hidden gems in life, all magical things not yet discovered....

Personal Assistance...

The relationship between the Hollywood type and the "assistant" is a funny one. They love them, can't get enough of them, can't get enough people to do enough random tasks for them in their everyday life. After I had been in LA a few months I was taken back by this anomaly, it seemed that every friend I made, every date I went on they would start a sentence with "my assistant." I thought about my mother who runs a large organization and asked her one day..."mom, how many assistants do you have?" she paused, and thoughtfully said "you mean personal staff?" My parents, so amazing, my mom has had people helping her accomplish millions tasks for years and never once did I ever hear her utter the term "my assistant".

Again and again I say "trees full of fruit bow low...."

There is nothing wrong with assistance, having people help you accomplish a valued mission, or goal, we need help from each other and that is beautiful....but let us not forget the point of the help...not to enhance our status, but as synergy to be able to give more to the world. I've realized now, after spending a few years in LA, that there are many things in my life I will always do with my own two hands...nothing brings me greater joy then to re-pot a plant, hang dry some laundry, cook a home made meal, or walk a dog in the park. Some assistance is necessary, but some things just keep life real and pure and are important to enjoy for your self.

California Car-ism...

A few weeks ago my car window was smashed out in front of my home. Odd, to say the least. I live in a nice and peaceful neighborhood, don't have any terrible enemies (that I know of), and nothing was taken from my car...

I left the car unfixed for over a week after the window was smashed out, I think I was in shock, and also decided in its own way it was kinda comical. People in Los Angles love their cars, an extension of their external self, I wasn't bothered that much, my car is not a place that I hold much personal value (to put it mildly). The window being smashed out, however, definitely took it to a whole nother level. I left the glass in the back seat, the side mirror had fallen off, just road around with the window busted out...sometimes I would dress up real nice if I were going out and valet at a hot joint just for fun...the looks of awe and confusion were amazing...

A stick to California Car-ism: let us never take ourselves or our situations to seriously...I think the lesson for me in this one was a whole new level of non-attachment to perception, my own or anyone else's...fixed the window this week, fine during the day, a little chilly at night... ; )

The not-so-public Library...

I'm a big fan of libraries...always have been...always will be. I happened to mention to a friend the other day that I was going to the library, and they were like "what!? no one goes to the library." And, the sad part is, that is not true at all. The library is filled with people; what she meant to say is that no one who is not homeless goes to the library...

I show up to the library a little before it opens to pick up a book I put on hold. I'm excited. In the doorway there are several homeless men sleeping with their shirts off, basking in the sun. The doors open, they get up and head towards the computers, or the bathroom, or the drinking fountain, either way I am happy that the library is open to them, and to me...

Here is the thing about the library...you can get any book, CD, DVD, and tape you want. Anything. If they do not have it at that branch, then they just order it to that branch for you.
Secondly, it's all free. FREE! Third, you can re-new most items to be able to use them for more time. Fourth, you are helping the environment by not printing out more books. Save the planet! And, last but not least, you are not cluttering your home up with more junk you that will just throw out in a few years anyway. So, my plea for those in Los Angeles and everywhere...go...get a book, connect with all types of people, and support your public library. It's an amazing facility.

A note on humility...

I once read in a book that "trees full of fruit bow low"...

I don't think much more needs to be said on this matter.