Thoughts from the City of Angels

If you were to ask, I'd say yes, I've been lucky. I have my health, a sweetly imperfect family that loves me and good, true friends scattered across the globe; and in addition to already having been able to "live a lot", I've enjoyed the ease that comes with generally being treated well by others. But recently, I've considered how we create our own luck--that maybe it's not an aligning of stars nor fortunate drawing of cards, but rather a reflection of our approach to the world and our lives in it. We can view what we've given with humble gratitude rather than impatiently waiting for more and more. Is satisfaction not little more than the perceived belief that our needs and expectations have been graciously met? And is contentment not the gentle appreciation our applied efforts in it all?

{Topanga State Park}

Suffice to say, I've really been liking Los Angeles... much more than I'd ever believed was possible, if I'm being completely honest.

{Baldwin Hills}

As luck would have it, I'm sharing this city with the kindest, most thoughtful confidantes, my Craigslist roommate and apartment are absolutely amazing, and work has already been stimulating in all the right ways. It's also worth mentioning how impressed I've been with the culture, and sunshine, and charming design permeated throughout. And though driving through traffic everywhere may take getting used to, I suppose I've missed the convenience of having a car at all. A few weeks ago, I wrote "I'd really like to stay awhile" in nervous-anticipation. More importantly, I'd say the same still, now three weeks later and a resident. Perhaps that's what lucky is.