Janice Marie Foote's Musings

Well so most of you know I arrived in L.A. on August 30 to watch my artistic photographer friend's 2 loving cats.  I am staying with my friend at this sort-of off-the-beaten-path Santa Fe Art Colony.  Though it's close enough to DownTown etc. that one could live here comfortably, especially if one drives.  Or one who is financially independent enough to bus/bike around, etc.  At first I didn't do much exploring on my own until I secured my room, which I did at the end of September, finally, and right near a Metro Subway stop.  I move into this new room of mine on September 30th, the end of this week.

After I did, on September 24th, I went to Chocoholics Hollywood and bought best chocolates in L.A.  I handpicked bought me and my friend 8x2 different delectable chocolates, as well I had a small cup of their luscious Barry Callebaut drinking chocolate.  Steve, who was working the store, turned me on to a Fancy Food Show in S.F., and I turned him on to French Pralus Chocolate and The Chocolate Show. As well I picked up me a sweet smelling honey almond soap made in France.  It was a pretty easy 1x transfer bus ride each way.  Where did I get the $$$ for this splurge, I saved it from two paying jobs I did in Sacramento!

Well on my way to Chocoholics, I noticed an architecturally awesome building that reminded me of the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain, designed by Frank Gehry.  Well it turned out it is also designed by Frank Gehry.  It's the architecturally gorgeous Walt Disney Concert Hall, located at Hope and 1st (right at my bus stop).  So I for about an hour I walked up and down the stairs, exploring its many nooks and crannies.  Where's my new digi-camera when I need it?!?  On the first level mixed in with beautiful twisty trees, there was quite a large beautiful blue/white tile in cement mosaic lily sculpture.  The building design truly magnificent and makes me want to go to Bilbao, Spain and see the Guggenheim he designed there.  Frank Gehry is the architectural awesome!!!  That and see old friends I met in NYC, and have paella and sangria under the Spanish moon.

During my time of staying and looking for a room, and watching the 2 cats, I've been picking up necessary material things for my move into my room.  Bedding, kitchen stuff, bathroom stuff, you know, the usual stuff we need to live day to day at a reasonably comfortably level.  As well I've been gathering images from here and there to start my door of intention collage.  I've made one on every door to every room I've stayed in over the past years.  I never keep the old one after I move, but rather create a new one, for the new room, for new intentions in this life of mine.

Musicwise I've been practicing daily my two songs I have ready for what will be my 3rd open mic to date, Driftwood and Changin'.  It will be at Hallenbeck's in North Hollywood.  Once I get settled into my room I will lay down the rest of the acoustic music for my 3rd song, Songbirds.  So far I like what I've done with it.  In regards to doing open mics, only doing when a new song is up or I find a new open mic venue that really seems like it will float my boat.

Readingwise, this month I read Sit Down and Shut Up: Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen's Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye by Brad Warner.  An appropriate title some who know me would say, as I can sometimes be a chatterbox.  I enjoyed the read for what it was, simple and straightforward while relating Buddhist philosophy to his own thoughts and actions in life.

So this week will be dedicated to having all things acquired, and coming my way for my move.  I pretty much have it all, and will do my food shopping the first day I land, you know, perishables and all are better off left transported with only other food items in hand.  I'll also take a trip out to Venice Beach this Wedensday, since the weather is supposed to be sunny and fabulous that day.  I'll take a long leisurely sandaled walk along the shore, dip my toes in the water, praise the endless beautiful blue skies for all that is.

Until next time morning glory, this is my evening story of my first month back in L.A.

~ Stay Cool - Janice Marie Foote ~