You know how you look drive down the same streets day in and day out and never really take time to look at them? When I mean look I mean study by taking in their characteristics and experiencing them.
I have a very regimented workout routine that I have had for the last 6-8 months. It originally started when I was training for my first half marathon. I was looking for a run that would fit my needs for distance and still be asthetically pleasing. While training for this marathon I fell back in love with working out. Now I can't imagine life without it. Healthy is my goal.
Recently I injured my knee. Because of this injury I can't do my normal run. What I can still manage to do is walk. Normally I put my iPod in and go.
Today I didn't have my iPod to do my workout so I did my walk with just me and God. Now I must tell you I have this thing I do whenever I move to a new area. I was taught by my father to get lost in the city and find out way back out. Explore; go find all the little whole in the wall restaurants and learn to appreciate the city.
He would drive us into L.A. as kids when we would do business. I remember gaining my appreciation for tagging and art because of those trips. I remember the chaos and traffic and how I loved the smell of L.A.
I have continued that tradition to this day. I love how every morning I pass the half way house down the street. How the same people come out of it every day at the same time and sit in front of the house. How the YMCA is still quiet even though you know in a few short hours it will be filled with kids. How the new achitecture of buildings is added to an old feeling downtown area. The crisp lines and artistic lofts sit across the street from the old Presbyterian church that still has it's old bells ringing each day. How the cafe of love on the corner is still in business even though whenever I go by I never see anyone inside. I love the homeless man who takes his guitar with him all around the area and sits for hours playing and writing new songs. And the crazy lady that loves to yell at the birds.
My favorite part are the trees that line my street. I love how in the fall and winter their leaves cover the sidewalk. There is a peaceful serene that happens in my neighborhood. I am always reminded of My Fair Lady and the song "On the street where you live."
Who knows how long I will be here or when God will call me somewhere else. All I know is I love and appreciate everything I have here in my area. What I have learned, what I have seen and what I have experienced these last three years. Every characteristic, every flaw and every person makes up this neighborhood and it's mine.
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