Observations from Hollywood

I see things often that disturb me on my morning walks. As the world awakes, for some, actually many, it just continues. No street is truly desolate in the Hollywood area. There are people sleeping in the shadows often feeling a sense of loss and pain. These souls have been forgotten by society or ignored. We've all have walked by them and acted as if they were not there. This morning as I walked to the post office and drank my $2.50 gourmet coffee only to be witness as a man shed himself of his identity and possessions by emptying the contents of his wallet on to the sidewalk and shedding the last semblance of his connection to society. I wondered, did he give up, was he beaten or was I observing him on the precipice of a new beginning. I felt angry and challenged. Not by him, but by the rhetoric of our politicians that was conveyed last night by both sides. When was the last time a mayor, governor, senator, representative or president walked down Hollywood Blvd. or any street in a city or town and witnessed first hand, people riding the subway to work, exiting buildings after a long night of labor, or coming across someone begging you to play them in a game of chess for simply the cost of a piece of gum. It’s hard for me to relate sometimes considering how fortunate I have been. Having the freedom of a car, the liberty of a job that allows me to be creative and travel, and a home nestled in one of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles where the biggest danger comes from getting lost in the hills or dodging a visiting car driving to fast. Enough said.

Shout out to my buddy Keith…Hey I’m writing!!! Thanks for reminding me of my other talent. This blog is dedicated to those long urban hikes I drag you on at all hours.









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