Midnight in Sacramento 1Y-6M-9D

Last night I made my way to my favorite spot in Sacramento, the Tower Theater. Tower is widely known in the independent cinema community in town for the consistent quality in selection of film, not to mention appealing ticket prices.  I'd been waiting for weeks to take in Woody Allen's latest Midnight in Paris; and was therefore happy to trade an evening at the bars with friends, with what was sure to be a love letter to Paris written in Woody's trademark snark. 

Owen Wilson is charming as the Allen-esque lead; but even he is overshadowed by a parade of well cast artists and writers of the 1920's ranging from a spot on Hemingway to a comical Dali. Wilson's character Gil is discontent, engaged to the unlikable Inez successfully played by the usually delightful Rachel McAdams. Gil is enraptured by the streets Paris, longing to have lived there in the 20's, what he considers to be its 'golden age.' 


The film explores questions about the disappointments of life, love and fear of death. A quotation by Hemingway (Corey Stoll) particularly struck me.  Although I cannot remember it exactly, it was something to the effect of "If you fear death, have good sex until you no longer do."


While enjoying this beautiful film I couldn't help but miss Paris myself.  The last time I was lucky enough to visit was 2008, and I am once again keen to make the trip.  That of course will take some time, and until then I am satisfied to have walked the Champs-Elysées without having to leave mid-town.


And yes, I even made it out to the bars in time for last call...what a night.

No Place Like Home 1Y-6M-7D

I left Ireland on January 7th 2009. A place where a California girl will destroy four pairs of heels on cobblestone and still call it 'home away from home'.

Dublin, 2008

It was my fifth and last visit to date - and time for a change.

Leaving Dublin that morning had never been more difficult...literally. It was snowing as I walked to the bus stop at six a.m.  I knew I'd have to spend at least $20 to mail the coat I wore back over the Atlantic to a friend who'd lent it, but it was worth it.  Irish weather doesn't fuck around.

Anyone who has been lucky enough to be caught in a snow "storm" in Ireland knows that the lightest drizzle of snowfall will shut down the entire country for a day or two. This being the case I should have been thankful the busses were still running and I would make it to the Aer Lingus gate on time. Yes, Lingus...giggle.

After I made it through customs, I knew it'd be a long time before I'd be on the other side again. As I tucked my passport back into it's charming leather cover, I told myself I would not leave the US until I had the means to relocate to Dublin or even London. Let me say, it hasn't been easy.

I would need:

$8,000 to be sure I could survive in either city (and still pay for drinks.)

A work visa.

A job. 

By June 2010 It had been six months of discomfort, readjusting to life in American society and trying to control the amount of "this one time in Europe" stories I told.

Three truths were concluded:
One: There were no jobs to be found in the UK or Ireland for an American who did not have the legal right to work and could not interview in person.
Two: The "best" option was to go back to school overseas. HA! I'm still paying off my degree from the US and would like to be able to pay rent and eat when I move.
Three: This was going to take much longer than anticipated.

At that juncture, I made the decision to enjoy being a Yank for a while.

It turns out, if you look around a bit, there is some pretty impressive stuff. Living in California allows for many freedoms. For instance, one may drink as much coffee and do as much yoga as one wishes with little consequence. There is art, and fashion and night-life. Wanderlust it seems, can't be cured - but it can be treated.

Which is why I've started this blog. To express  aspects of American culture that make it unique, stylish and even sexy.

Fuck, I'm out of coffee.