Florida Trip - May 2010

Best Buddies on the Beach



Hollywood Beach Brunch with Lynlee


Mother's Day with Mom



As I mentioned in my last post, I recently visited Florida. With only 1 week to see friends, family and meet James' family for the first time as his fiance, the trip was really packed. I didn't get to see everyone I wanted, but I did get in some much needed lady time, with some of my favorite ladies.

We arrived the day before Mother's Day. Luckily one of my best friends was off that weekend. Lynlee and I spent the whole weekend together, and even got in a sleepover. That sacred lady time was reinvigorating. I also had the chance to see Alison, who I hadn't seen in at least a year. Another highlight was my first pedicure with Lynlee and Tera. Seeing my mom on Mother's Day turned out to be really nice, and I appreciated catching up with her. Some of the last people I saw were Andrea and Sarah. This was a real treat because Andrea is moving to Tallahasse this summer to start Law School.

Visiting James's family is always nice, but this visit was especially important since we are engaged now. We were both wished much happiness, and they have all welcomed me into the family with open arms.

Seeing Grampie was a fun treat. We did our usually, just like I was still living next store, only it was much too abbreviated.

Lastly, I sadly didn't get to see my brother, or my dad for a second time. Unfortunately, time was short and didn't allow the quality time that was needed. Next visit I will surely have to make more time for them. I did however get some much needed lady time, with my favorite ladies. Thanks for a great visit Florida - see you in December!

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Aventura - Miami Townhouse - Lived there 2+ years


James' Family's House - lived there part time


Last Family House for the Crooke's

A few weeks ago James found out that he would be attending school out here, thus we would be staying in Los Angeles for 3-4 more years. This reality was a tough one to swallow, as I really still consider Fort Lauderdale to be my home. The solution to this problem - visit Florida to see the difference and try to remember why I left. I had one week to visit my family, ,friends and see James' family for the first time as his fiance.

One of my goals when I was there to take pictures of the last 2 houses I lived in, as well as my last family house. This process was about preserving those fond times in my life and remembering that those times have past, and that I am creating new memories, as I am now in another stage of my life. The pictures in this post show those different locations. Of chose they are all slightly different then they were when I lived there, but that too is a great reminder that time has pasted.

While in Florida I felt reinvigorated, and inspired about the path that I am on. Leaving Florida was partially about school, but a lot about finding myself and creating my life the way I want to live it. I was reminded of the small scale of Florida when I was there and the limited options. I really enjoy the diversity of where I live.

So while my plans have greatly changed since I have left Florida, especially in terms of school, I am still on a path that is developing, graduate degree or not. I still believe that I will get through graduate school, and find a career path that I feel strongly about, but in the meantime I am loving California and the awesome nature it provides.

Another School Year in the Bag

On May 4th, I completed a year of art school in the graduate program at Otis College of Art & Design. With only one year to go, I feel complete in my educational experience there, and am ready to more on to an education that can create a job for me. This experience has fulfilled my dream of going to art school, and before I drop another 30 grand, I'm ready to explore a more financially sound future. While I still believe that a person can survive, and even make-it as an artist, there is a life-style choice that has to be made and a lot of luck.

While the good-bye has not been finalized, I am at a point of no return mentally. I have lost my faith and trust in the idea that art with be able to sustain me. I suppose I always knew this, but thought I might have a chance at becoming one of those rock star artists. Upon meeting some of those artists types at school, I've decided that that life is not the one I want.

This last school year was good. I had a successful community based project with the Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic, a good LA Times Review, meet some amazing people, got to think and talk art a lot, and enjoyed the sights and sounds of LA.

Now, what do I want to do next?