Resurfacing

The city workers backed their trucks up at 7:59 a.m.;
I know because I heard the rumbling sound of heavy machinery and the annoying constant back-up warning beeps––alerting the neighborhood that it’s time to get up––if only to shut your windows to block out the smell of tar.
The streets of LA are long overdue for a makeover;
I just wish the cosmetic resurfacing waited until after I’ve had my coffee.
Similar to the condition of the roads, my face is a wreck from the lack of sleep.

Malibu

Sunshine;
Blue skies;
Bikini bodies;
Botox;
Blondes;
Boobs;
Surfers;
Sand;
Delicious.

Another Day of Rain in LA

The sound of rain is becoming a normal occurrence.
In a town full of smoke and mirrors, where movie studio backlots create rain from a water hose attached to a sprinkler, where fortunate for the moisture.
We’ve been in a drought longer than Oprah has been on a diet.
So, I think the rain is a good thing?
But I miss the blue skies and sunshine;
I guess I’ll have to watch a movie for that today, which makes sense, because it will no doubt have been produced on the same backlot that we normal make it rain.

I'm Home!

It's fun to visit the snow––the Christmas spirt feels crisp and alive;
bundling up to go sledding or sipping hot coco by the fire...
But the swaying palm trees backlit by the gorgeous California rays reminds me that I'm an LA baby, all the way!

FALLing Rain

Pouring rain crashes to the ground,
A happy reminder that fall has arrived in Los Angeles;
Before long unnecessary fires will be lit,
And hipsters will be wearing tailored layers and scarves.
I’m okay with that––in fact, I’ll join in the fun.
The temperature might not drop below fifty degrees;
But in LA, it’s always important to dress the part!

Let's Go For A Hike

Hiking through the canyons of LA I realized;
I love nature,
I don’t like rocks in my shoes,
Jackhammers are twice as loud at 8am,
And it’s better to stretch before a three mile hike––unless you enjoy muscle spasms.

Starbucks NYC

It’s been fourteen years since I’ve lived in New York City;
And it’s as if no time has passed as I write from the Starbucks on 40th and Lexington Avenue.
This was not my “home” Starbucks, but aren't they all the same?
I spent so many hours of my life (pre-marriage) journaling, dreaming, and plotting my career path in a Starbucks;
Surrounded by strangers who felt like family at Starbucks––we all shared common themes: aspiring actor–writer–director–students–without–air conditioning in the summer heat.
Which is very similar to my circumstances today.
While I’m much older––and can actually afford air-conditioning now; I am in a city that I no longer have a home––so I found solace in my family at Starbucks.
In between meetings and meeting up with friends, I happily hack away at my computer––finishing a chapter in my new book, and catching up on emails.
The traffic is at a standstill, but my creativity is in full-force;
That’s the beauty of New York––once you're here, you can’t fight the energy.
I’m delighted to visit NYC for a trip down memory lane, however, I’m so grateful that I achieved my goals in this city––with nothing to prove here––I enjoy visiting friends, working my gig, and returning home to my family!
I enjoy NYC, I LOVE LA.

Grey LA

Headed into our fourth day of grey in LA––in May!
Even rhyming it sounds gloomy.
It feels more like winter in London, or every day in Seattle.
But the overcast skies can be a positive reminder;
Despite the trademark golden rays of Southern California––the birds are still chirping and protein shakes are still being consumed for that perfect LA body.
Sometimes life gives us dark days––but you can always find the light; even if it’s only on a movie set.

Awareness

I live in a town full of glamor, fame and ego-driven success;
Los Angeles has a reputation (almost as famous as the movie stars who live here) for being fake.
Admittedly, there are a lot of bodies that have been enhanced, résumés that have been exaggerated and conversations that are less than honest.
Despite the negative aspects, Southern California is surrounded with art, culture, massive mountains and an impressive coastline.
The sun shines, wildlife thrives and those who seek adventure can find it anywhere in the form of almost anything from snowboarding to surfing, opera to  art openings.
So how does a location with so many extraordinary features invoke such negative attention.
Let’s be honest––everything ego-driven in LA can be said of New York City, Paris, London, Rome; yet Hollywood takes the blame.
Los Angeles (the city itself) has become an analogy for the people who comprise the city.
How does fixating on the negative aspects of a circumstance; whether it be a person, city or dream serve me?
How can I shift my perspective to help others become aware of the beauty that surrounds them––wherever they are?

A New Day In LA

Golden slivers pierces through my window;
Enticing me to separate from the warmth of my cozy bed.
Awake the day with coffee and conversation,
Mind fresh, gratitude plentiful, and endless possibilities.

Six Word Essay on my Return to LA.

Sleeping off the New York haze.

Out With The Old, In With The Nouveau.

Waking up to the thunderous roar of heavy machinery at 7:50 AM;
Another McMansion arises from the ash of a once beautiful Ranch house.
Nouveau riche douche-bags are lining the once gorgeous streets of Los Angeles, with monstrous boxes––overstuffed with terribly executed contemporary fixtures and poorly crafted finishes.
I can’t wait to meet the new neighbors, I’m sure they will be hosting an open house soon; if only to show off what little taste they have.

The Rain In LA

The rain in LA falls mainly in the drain.
According to one meteorologist, “We’re receiving reports of up to two inches of rain in Santa Monica! That. Is. Record. Breaking!”
This statement comes in the midst of a drought; I’m not sure that one day of “record breaking” rainfall is going to save LA––but it certainly gave me an excuse to blow off my regularly scheduled day for a book-fest on the sofa with my puppies instead!
I’m currently working on my second book, so I’ve decided that this is the perfect day for some “industry research.”

Home

Sunday in LA; hungover.

Happy to be home with my family.

Ginger and Lily on my lap—Starbucks iced coffee and my journal.

My sister is going to be okay.

God is good. 

LA Poem

Meetings, meetings, meetings;
And a pool.
Life in LA is always cool.
#CheesyPoem

Winter In LA

Lounging by the pool-

Sun radiates the blue skies;

The hot tub's calling!

Dear Bagel,

I realize that carbs are considered the Devil in Hollywood-
But I cannot resist your glossy hard outer shell and warm doughy insides.
Even without cream cheese, you rock my world.
Please do me a favor, stay away from my love-handles and booty, and I will continue to savor you every morning from now until the end of time.
Love,
Matthew
#AddictedToCarbs

California Blue Skies.

Lost in the blue sky,
Living California dreams.
Work first, play later.

EARTHQUAKE!!!

The ground shakes with rage,
Mother Nature is a beast.
Always remember!

Rain, Rain, Go Away! (Even Though I Know We Need You.)

The rain fall heavy through the night,
No doubt we need the moisture in Los Angeles.
It brings a darkness that's not familiar here-
A gloomy depression that I remember very well from my time in New York.
I'm in a bad mood.
It could be left over frustration from a disagreement with a friend at a dinner party.
Or, maybe because my puppies were terrified of the violent weather outside, and hence kept me up all night long.
Either way, I hate the rain.
Some people love it, I loath it.  That's why I moved back to LA.