Hope for LA

There are times when I become cynical and lose hope in our city, Los Angeles. There's homelessness, grim, dirt, filth, crime, traffic and so much blah wrapped into this city, it's sometimes hard to see the diamond in the rough. But once in a while this city will surprise you. It's like a real eye opener. It's an awakening.

The cynical me is tucked away and I can once again see the beauty this city offers. It's amazing how many hidden treasures and gems there are. If you don't look closely, it will surely pass you by. You really have to open your eyes, look closely and evaluate the unexpectedness this city has to offer. 

This weekend, after weeks of cynicism (probably due to our house and our neighborhood) I feel like I am once again awaken and more so, excited about the city. There's so much it has to offer that I haven't even begun to discover. Isn't that just exciting?! There's so many 'pockets' within a neighborhood. It's really astounding. Over the weekend, the Man and I discovered pockets of greenery along the LA river and small parks along Elysian valley that we once were looking for homes. Areas where we thought were  shabby and kind of shady have now transformed into a beautiful, semi gentrified, clean space. How can we not know of these spaces?! I've been a Los Angelenos all my life. How have I missed this?!

(Clean, paved bike path along the LA River - which is to the right, and Marsh Park - which is to the left. Who knew
hidden parks and gems such as these existed here!)

(Gorgeous grassy knolls at Vista Hermosa Park off 1st Street and Toluca Street in DTLA. Definitely want to check
it out again, it has so much to offer and amazing views!)

(Entrance of Grand Park looking towards City Hall. I love the complete balance and symmetry of this park. If you
turn around, it's completely centered with the LADWP building as well. Another well done urban park)

(The Suicide Bridge in Pasadena, also called the Colorado Street Bridge. We love taking a stroll on this bridge, it's
historical and the views are outstanding. I am a bit scared of heights so it makes me slightly nervous, but we sat at
a little pocket niche and enjoyed the view and beautiful weather)

I really love LA. Though I may forget sometimes, we are so lucky to live in a culture filled, rich of history, eclectic and fun city like Los Angeles.

Inspired,
The Lady