New Roots
I haven't written in a while. The hiatus was self-inflicted. 5 weeks ago, I uprooted from New York City and moved to Los Angeles.
I packed all my things into 5 taped up boxes, two suit cases, one back pack, and sold the rest.
From the 1940 film, the Grapes of Wrath
The writing had begun to bear fruit. My television treatment was gaining traction and another was on the way. Meanwhile I was offered a new gig that was too good to pass up. We all strive to reach new heights. The only place to grow is toward the light.
Yet, New York City had been my home for almost seven years. My roots went deep. Close friends, a professional network, and an abundance of life that only New York can support.
The NY nooks made it my city. Broadway Restaurant, a diner with the service of the DMV, but a $7.99 breakfast special always served with a familiar smile. The Abbey Pub, an over the hill dive where Upper West Side locals reminisce under nostalgic neon lights. The park bench under that particular tree where I sat and wrote on Sundays.
I moved because I had no room to grow. The seed had grown too large. The roots too thick. The pot too small.
Although I am merely a small sprout among California Redwoods, Los Angeles is fertile ground. The entertainment industry is creative, expanding, and looking for new material. The people industrious and passionate. It's a city built on dreams. It's exciting.
I can plant new roots here. New experiences makes for a more interesting, well rounded, and visionary human being. New perspectives make you wiser. New challenges stronger.
I can't help but remember a quote my father referenced as I told him of my impending move. I post it below for all you who need more room to grow...
"Go West, young man, go West. There is health in the country, and room away from our crowds of idlers and imbeciles." "That," I said, "is very frank advice, but it is medicine easier given than taken. It is a wide country, but I do not know just where to go."
-Josiah Bushnell Grinnell 1833