Well, I have entered into a phase in my life where I am no longer driven to write a blog, ferociously attack social media and "get myself out there". I think this means it might actually be a good time to start a blog. No expectations, no worries, just some random thoughts and let's see what happens.

With that being said, the primary motivation for beginning this process right now is the dawn of a new era for me. I will be moving beyond the boundaries of my precious Berkeley and entering into the borders of Oakland. For those of you that live in this area there is a good chance that you are already familiar with Temescal. For those of you that aren't let me try to paint a picture for you that hopefully gives you some sense of what it is all about. (Naturally, I am only just beginning this process myself so bear with me if you are already familiar with it.)

Let me first say that for the most part Temescal is a title used to describe a relatively small part of Oakland. Exactly how small I cannot precisely say and I am forcing myself to not stop and google it because I want my impressions to remain rather abstract and experiential. What I do know of it's proximity is that it runs from around 51st to around 40th st, north to south. And the approximate east to west borders are Shattuck/Telegraph (they merge at 46th st) stretching out to Broadway-ish (again not googling to find precise boundaries).

Ok, what is the point of this blog anyway?

I am hoping to utilize the back drop of a new locale to communicate multiple layers of human understanding, experience and search for meaning. Temescal strikes me as a great microcosm to utilize as a back drop for just such a thing. From the thriving northernmost corner store, Bake Sale Betties (sp?) with their oddly limited hours, menu and unending loyal customers to the southern side metaphysical bookstore. There is a toy store that offers "game rentals" by the hour for people to come play games there. There is an art center where a variety of events occur like a progressive sex class on the technique of Orgasmic Meditation. There is an old school tattoo parlor, any number of amazing restaurants, old and new, Tara's Ice Cream, this bizarre hole in the wall kind of place. An art gallery/print shop that has until the first of the year and then their building will be turned into condos. I am imaging a lot of change over the coming year. Gentrification, land grabbing, general craziness, and Temescal is one of the ground zeros for this.

I am giving myself free license in this blog to meander and ponder. I am holding myself to no standard other than the pursuit of depth and honesty as it relates to whatever subject or topic I may be exploring. I have no expectation that anyone will find this of interest but if that happens then I will honor any and all that come along on this journey with me.  (I will also be open to help making this blog look as good as it can so any wizards of web design please feel free to chime in)

My official move-in date is July 1st and I will hold myself to a new blog entry by every Friday for the month of July and see where it goes from there. One blog entry per week sounds like a manageable quota for now.

I am super stoked to begin this journey and explore all these questions and observations that have begun stirring as my feet first hit the streets of Temescal. I have already found a spot to have an art show and a place to sell some work. I have purchased the most expensive bicycle I have ever owned and am currently in search of a new couch for my new apartment.

New days are ahead! Thanks for reading and let me know you stopped by with a simple comment if you wish. Even just a role call..."I was here" would be fine. It would be neat to know if there were others joining me on this journey.

Cheers for now.

O.