In the Beginning...

Have you ever tried to start blogging, only to find that either a. you get serious writers block or b. completely forget about said blog? I think by now there must be several fragments of my writings scattered here and there, but I am determined to see this through this time!

My inspiration for writing has come from the many blogs I anonymously follow, especially those related to moving, nomadic lifestyles, or the Southwest. I seriously enjoy the determination and gusto that drives people to travel, create, be. I want that too.

I currently live in Los Angeles. I wasn't born here, but I've been here for several years, and more than long enough. My life has grown too comfortable, too stagnant.

When I was a child, I idealized living here, and planned a charming life as a grown up in the big city. I didn't actually land here until my late 20's, but sadly it's not been what I expected. It's not like I was completely deluding myself into thinking it would be this wondrous place, but hey, I was hopeful.

I do enjoy the weather immensely, as well as the accessibility to lots of exotic foods and cuisine. I don't love the phoniness, the traffic, the cost of living, among other things.

I grew up in Southwest Texas, in a small town on the border called Del Rio. Although the area is stunningly beautiful and historic, the town can be stifling, and I was planning my escape, via college, early on. Since then, I've only been back in small doses. 1 week here, 3 months there.

 I did spend a year there as an adult a few years ago in-between moves from East to West coast. Not much had changed, except for some new restaurants, like Chili's and Jack in the Box and a heightened federal presence. The people were the same, the culture, a bit more eroded than before.

And yet, it was a good year. The howling wind, nearby trains, and early morning roosters were comforting to me. It was nice to be home, work in the yard, spend time with my family. I also enjoyed day trips to beloved places like Seminole Canyon and Langtry. I could visit there a million times and still enjoy myself. Some things never change, thankfully.

So back to L.A. I've decided it's not for me. At least not right now. I'm pretty unhappy here and growing more antsy by the minute.There's other places in California that resonate with me, like Santa Barbara, Venice and Ojai, but unfortunately they're out of my budget at this time.

So I am plotting my return to Del Rio. It just feels right. Will I stay there? Likely not, but I will land there for a while, catch my breath, and clear my head. It's a good place for doing that, for me anyway.

As my mom loves to remind me, "you always have a home here."