A perfect Sunday, starts with a boozy, indulgent brunch, followed by an afternoon out in the sun with a good book, and then an evening with a nice glass of wine and jazz. It really is the simplest things that make me happy these days. If California has taught me anything so far it is to slow down, and live with intention. (Yes, you can insert your eye roll here). Our move out West came quickly, at breakneck speed. I’d just started my job search, was in the middle of writing a book, and settled when opportunity came knocking. I am so grateful I was wise enough to realize that opportunity may not come again, so I grabbed it and held on for dear life.
I drove across the country, and started our new life in California by myself. My husband stayed behind with our children and closed up our lives in Chicago. I spent almost four months by myself, for the first time in my life. I didn’t know another soul out here, but I kept going. I look back at that time now, and I am amazed that I made it though what was one of the most difficult, unbearably stressful, and grit riddled experience of my life. Don’t get me wrong, living in California, as wonderful as it is, (and yes it really is wonderful) has it’s challenges too. I try to remind myself, to slow down, take in the scenery, absorb as much as I can of this gorgeous place, after all it’s all just writer’s fodder.
I actually started a new romance book set in LA this past winter. I paused midway though to work on something else and have now come back to it. It’s the first novel that I’ve ever written that is set in LA. I could drone on about the importance of place, but I won’t. All I will say is that find a place that makes you happy and your creativity will flow. Slow down and take the time to savor life, experiences, tastes, friends, good books. You’ll be so much happier and so much more creative.
So here’s to the little things that bring happiness….
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