Jumping into the new dimension

Jumping into the new dimension (DSC_4769)
Originally uploaded by Shutterhack

This photo really spoke to me for obvious reasons, but also because I like that the jumper here is not alone. It's as if his jump inspired the others to follow along and join in taking the plunge. I also liked the title the photographer picked - "Jumping into the new dimension". So fitting. That really is how this whole series of changes feels for me. Like my whole world is about to be different. And that is, well...exhilarating!! My personal jump is tomorrow...some friends are going to come and try to document it for me. I have felt very loved and supported this last couple of weeks, it's been just lovely.

Now back to reality, where I have to keep packing, selling my fridge, my bed, my everything...I'm having my moving sale on Saturday and whatever doesn't get sold, gets donated. Phew! A lot to do...

But there's always time for a little gratitude list...

Kelly & Ashley
Craigslist
The Foundation for a Better Life
To do lists
Panna Cotta
Esi's Fig Dish
Flip Flops

And the day came...

:: the risk ::
Originally uploaded by ArtByChrysti

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" - Anais Nin

Quotes are finding me like crazy this week! I have heard this one before but it's hitting me in just the right spot today. The sweet spot of recognition. Not allowing myself to fully step into all my abilities has been very painful for me. It's like I've been living half a life and that is simply not enough for me anymore. I have been so entrenched in fear that it's often hard to imagine a way out because there really isn't a way out...I'm learning that I just have to stop letting my fears dictate my decisions and also my lack of decisions. Fear is never going to go away, so I just need to stop listening to it so damn much.

This Friday is my last day at my job. Sunday is my last day in my apartment. A lot of endings/new beginnings this week. I still don't think it has hit me quite yet...I haven't really stopped long enough to take it all in...I think I'm a little scared of the feelings that might sneak up on me if I do. So instead I think I'll do a little gratitude list...

Mariachi Bands
Gnocchi
Katie
Oracle Cards
Guacamole
"Long Ride Home" by Terri Hendrix
Long talks that should have happened long ago

You have to leave the city of your comfort...

reminiscent
Originally uploaded by jaki good

"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You can't get there by bus, only by hard work and risk and by not quite knowing what you're doing, but what you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover will be yourself. " -Alan Alda

I found this quote today, or I guess I should say it found me...I suppose I'm taking these words literally and figuratively.

It doesn't quite feel real yet...all this change coming my way. The hotel that I work at has two pools on the patio and it is tradition that on your last day the staff throws you in one of them. I think that will feel real. Although my plan is not to let them throw me in but instead to run and throw myself in screaming "FREEDOM" like Mel Gibson in Braveheart. That water is gonna feel good. Like some sort of cleansing away, I hope. Only 11 more days until that happens...



This song is busy soothing my soul right now...

Leap!

B L I S S
Originally uploaded by jaki good

I want to feel my heart coming alive again...

So here I am.  I'm giving it all up.  The apartment I love and its contents...the job I hate at a beautiful hotel that allows me to afford the apartment that I love... and Los Angeles.  My home, my job, and my city all at once.  It has to be this way.  I need a break from all this familiarity.  I've worked at the same place for six years.  SIX years.  The same drive, inching along the 405 in order to get from North Hollywood to Santa Monica (nineteen miles), that takes an hour.  The same customers that feel a lovely sense of entitlement.  The same unhappy co-workers to comiserate with whom I adore.  The same question that I ask a hundred times every shift: "What can I get you to drink?".  The same, same, same.  So I've made the decision to move to Nashville, TN for awhile to get back to ME. The me who isn't cynical, the me who isn't depressed, the me who still believes, the me whose heart is open.  Most of all the me who is a creative spirit.  That spirit needs to see new possibilities, new landscapes, new people, and it's LONG overdue for an adventure.  Which is why I'm driving across the country to get my butt to Nashville.  So this blog will document this trip and the changes made in it's wake. . .

My last day at my job is Friday, August 29th.  That's two weeks from today!!  Jesus peaches, I've got a lot to do in that short amount of time!!  It's going to be a whirlwind. . .

I was really inspired by watching "Hello Dolly" recently.  I've never been a fan of musicals except for "Moulin Rouge", so I was delighted with this gem of a movie.  I wanted to see this movie after watching WALL-E, (best movie of the year btw) which uses some of the music from "Hello Dolly".  I've never seen Babs look more stunning. . .what a beauty!!  Here she is in a clip that captures what I've been feeling lately.  It's a long clip but it's really only the first 3 minutes that I'm talking about. . .