As those who have read me before know, I write because I love to share or, perhaps, I share simply because I love to write. However, I have been going through a bout of writer’s block. An article that I have promised my editor of www.better-lemons.com and the people I interviewed for it, remains unfinished. I grew tired of my computer screen mocking me with its blankness and decided, camera in hand, to take a walk. I am hoping this will guide me back to my keyboard and to getting things written.
Today I don’t feel like driving (unusual for me), so Baby Bright, aka: my Prius will remain parked in front of the house. Besides, I do not want to deal with having to find a parking spot.
Not that I ever do, but neither do I want to take a bus 
and since I am lucky enough to temporarily reside in Venice, where the best way to really get around is on foot, I head out.
I would have missed a lot of fun images this neighborhood has to offer if I were not walking, like these circus-worthy bikes parked in front of a nondescript house.
Right from the start a smile finds its way to my face as I read a few license plates.
The first one also gives me a pang of nostalgia, reminding me of my Baby Blue, my previous Prius and a bond with it that I will never have with another. But back to Venice… This is a town of unabashed self-promotion, self-confidence and righteousness. Where most are a size 2 (or 4, at the most) which I will never be again which takes me, as I walk, on to the edge of that badland of doubtful self-esteem.
It is also a giving town, 
(So polite as well, the small sign says “Hello and Good Day! Please…) inclusive of all, 
artful 
(There are hardly any blank walls, most have murals on it, some advertising something, others just leading you to a zen place and others expressing social justice.),
with a real sense of humor 
and one that cares for its fauna. 
I have entered the Venice Canals, 
an area of Venice that I love. 
I am very much aware that due to my lack of sense of orientation, it is also an area that I may get lost in. I won’t mind though, for there’s a tranquility here that takes me to my quiet place. Quite an accomplishment since I tend to be a chatterbox.
Right off the bat there’s a “Yes indeed!” in my head as I read a sign. 
More than focusing on the canals themselves,
where swans become boats on steroids, 
or just a canvas for reflections of palm tress,
I delight myself on the pop of color provided by the fact that it’s spring and flowers are blooming 
Even the boats are trying to match them. 
This little plant would be a perfect little Christmas tree 
that would go really well with this deck that seems to have a bit of seasonal identity problem. 
I love that on the canals an open space becomes a place to advertise creatively your art. This one certainly managed to catch my attention and I did go to this artists’ sites once home. 
An abandoned post on the same lot also an opportunity to display art. 
I enjoy the quirkiness of some canal facing decks. 
Here, minimalist modern architecture and make-believe old new construction still live side by side with the old bungalows though there are fewer and fewer around since it’s an area where houses for sale start at 1.5 million and where one sold last year for 5.5 million.
All display some sort of art and my eyes stop at each façade searching for it.
This bridge reminds me that I live in a city where sets are common for this one IS a facade that in true LA mode sports an inspirational/positive quote of “No regrets. No bad days.”
Two hours later I manage to leave heading towards the busier part of Venice. First a walk on the pier. I really enjoy piers.
A brief look at the sea. 
How does the saying go? A couple that surfs together stays together? 
Maybe not.
And then off to find a place to eat as I get more inspiration from store windows.
Reminders that, yes, I’m still in LA. 
Reflections that further remind me that I am in Venice.
And then… Thailand. 
I find a place that has an outdoor patio, a cheap lunch and that makes me want to be back in Asia even after this most enjoyable morning.
On my way back home my eyes don’t rest and fill my brain with images I can’t disregard. I love blue.
I again smile for in this town the garbage cans/bins are not only multi-lingual but a perfect place for art. 
Where a convenience stores looks like it’s still in construction from afar until you get closer and see that’s the way it was painted. 
And where a lone street sunflower reminds me that one should always look up and you will shine.
At the door… thanks for coming along.
Lidia The Explorer 