Thursday, January 9, 2014

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."


16 comments:

  1. First of all congratulations on your new blog.

    How surprised I was to find that you are a fellow Del Rioan and that like myself you planned your way out of this town via college, exactly what I did.

    I too had my eyes set on California at the time but the cost of living and being so far from home made me look towards Houston. What young person in their 20's would not like all the amenities offered by the big city.

    I look forward to following your blog.

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    1. Thank you for the welcoming comment and post on your blog! Even though I haven't spent a lot of time there as an adult, it's always going to be home base I think!

      I really like Houston. I've had some amazing times there and met some really unique people in my travels there. I used to go see shows at places like Fitzgeralds, and love the art scene. It always seemed like I place I could end up at, but it just never happened.

      Thanks again and I look forward to your blog as well!

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  2. Traveling is a lot of fun, especially in a motor-home. The trouble is, even though I have an RV, I just don't get to travel as much as I would like to. But I always try to enjoy what ever the day brings me, and guess what? It brought me to your blog. Keep blogging and commenting on other's blogs. Bloggers are unique and wonderful people.

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    1. It sure is! I would love to have an RV someday and do some cross country roadtripping. I like your philosophy-- in the past, with work and the busyness we create for ourselves, I have forgotten to savor each moment. But it's something I'm learning to do. Reading blogs like yours helps remind me of this! Thanks for checking out my blog, hope you'll visit again.

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  3. Good to see a fellow Texan with a blog, welcome, and I am glad to see you here.

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    1. Thank you for the welcome! I look forward to reading about your journeys as well!

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  4. Hello, this is my first visit....

    Moving back 'home'. It's good to have a place you can call home, a place you can return 'to'.
    For us folks who 'moved' all the time when growing up 'home' is hard to find.
    I hope you find what you're looking for!

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    1. Thank you for visiting my new blog. Yes, I feel very fortunate that I have a place to go back to. There's been times in my life when (by choice) I was far from home and didn't have much to my name, so I really had to teach myself that home is where I rest my head at night.

      Looking forward to reading your blog!

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  5. Found my way here by way of Ms Belinda. I happen to be living in Del Rio at the moment but will be gone by the first week of February. I am a 'climate nomad' and selected Del Rio for a couple of winter months. Since I have been Fulltiming it has been my goal to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
    I lived in the Ontario/Upland area for 8 years during the 1980s and was glad to leave when I did. I now avoid California because of the cost of living and the mass of people although Jefferson State is still rather nice.
    You can visit me at www.edwardfrey.com if you care to.

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    1. Thanks for the message-- I will definitely check out your blog. I hope you enjoyed your stay in Del Rio. It's an interesting town with a lot of history and attracts a wide assortment of personalities. There's also some good eats, if you go off Veterans Blvd.

      Yes, unfortunately the cost of living and mass of people is part of what is repelling me from California. I've never been to Ontario or Canada, but would would love to someday.

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    2. The Ontario/Upland area that I spoke of are towns east of LA on the way to riverside. I have never been to Ontario, Canada either although I have been in a small part of western Canada.

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    3. Sorry about that! My reading comprehension failed me. :P I know exactly where you're talking about. :)

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  6. I can relate to your feelings of Southern California. Although more years than I want to admit, I too moved to the Land of Shangri La, never feeling I would ever leave. But I did and for many of the same reasons you are thinking about it. I guess some things don't change even after 40+ years.

    Loved your carnitas receipt, copied it to my notes.

    Keep blogging when you feel like it. I never planned to blog as much as I have, even stopped for a few months but missed all of the blogging friends I had met and their stories. I'm told a "home base" is good, I have one but at times have the urge to sell everything I own and travel. I'm traveling in May for sure, with my hounds....just not sure how much stuff to get rid of. Good luck in finding what you are looking for. Count me as a follower of your blog.

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    1. Almost forgot, do you have a blog currently? I'd love to check it out too!

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    2. Thanks for visiting my blog! Please try the carnitas and let me know what you think!

      I am glad to be blogging, I'm sure it will help me put things in perspective for sure. It's also a great way to communicate with others, like yourself!

      Excited for us both to be traveling! Here's to a great adventure!

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  7. My blog is at www.houndsandrvs.com

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