Ahh the yin and yang of life, people, Hollywood. But I always find the truth behind the real backwards and forwards--the stability of ones soul REALLY is the cliche. It's all in the eyes. The clearest can cloud over and cut you. It's been a long time since I've looked anyone in the eye and seen total clarity. Shame. I really miss that connection. Dark or light, what those lashes behold can't fool me anymore. Help me believe again Ethers. Please.

Dear Ethers,

Forgive me for the late post.  I was up until 5am last night covering a lovely event and it was an all day shin-dig that took all of the energy out of me.  I DID sleep, but I’ve just now stopped working.  

Last night was the first night I actually felt an affinity for anyone in Los Angeles.  I met some wonderfully talented people who were in the industry but not pretentious or stuck-up or any of the other stereo-types you might expect from shows like “Entourage” or even “Sex and the City.”  These were really hard-working people who made it happen for themselves and were intelligent and engaging.  I was shocked.  Some of them were celebrities, some of them behind the scenes folks, but it was so refreshing to see the flip-side of Hollywood and not the people who arrived through nepotism or the Paris Hilton’s of the world.  

I spoke to an Emmy award winning writer who did a documentary on Autism.  What a brilliant woman.  I spoke to the daughter of a VERY famous singer who was so down to earth and very intelligent.  And for being so young and so rich (and could have gone the way of Ms. Ritchie or Hilton) she was humble, interesting and knew the value of hard-work and earning a living.  We were talking about expensive purchases and she told me that she saves up for a whole year and only splurges on one thing and treasures it.  Trust me, this girl could live a lot larger.  Did I mention she was also extremely beautiful?  And you know what?  When I asked about her visage–she turned crimson and said she never even thought about it—–that what mattered to her was finishing her degree and acting.  I hope her career soars.  

It is so yin and yang in this city.  Last night reminded me of what I grew up with–a generation I thought had died out with men like my father.  Men who came to this city with a dog-eared script and dreams.  Men (and women) with talent and hope from humble backgrounds who loved the art of writing or performing and were grateful every day for what they had.  I wish I could go into detail about last night.  I can tell you that it was a balmy evening. That champagne flowed, a DJ played great music and it was luxury all the way.  I can also tell you that I got to take English gent with me to the after party for this event and I really enjoyed having him there and seeing him experience a Hollywood moment with good people.  And, of course, he ended up speaking to all the ex-pats there!  But, alas, I was really happy that he was with me.  I couldn’t stay with him for long–I had to schmooze–I was on the clock—but knowing he was there to experience something new and that we were actually living outside of our confined box made me feel happy.  That we could get a little dressed up and have a destination.  It reminded me of London and our days of talking to people and being able to smoke freely (I know, I know…)   For you fashionistas who like my blog, you’d be very proud.  My photo was taken for an L.A. mag as being the best dressed at the party!  Yep—now, that’s pretty cool given it was a high-end fashion event.  See, I might fuck up sometimes on “Fashion Fridays” or my “Wish Lists” but when someone snaps their fingers and says, “Get snazzy” I’m there with the best of them  

But in all seriousness, I’ve lost a lot of faith in people.  I know, it’s very sad.  You hope nights like the one I am describing will repeat themselves—but the shame is they are so rare.  You’d be proud of me Ethers.  I really tried to soak it up–because I knew this was a rare gem.  I want to believe in the world.  In people.  In the goodness of humanity.  But, I’ve had to lick my wounds so often I’m afraid to expose myself. 

Ethers, thank-you for starting to make me believe that there are decent folks in the world.  This is part of the journey of One of 365.  But, I cannot see you or touch you or hear you.  I need to look someone in the eye and see a warmness.  An intelligence.  A gentleness.  A realness.  THAT is going to take a long time because I’ve seen many eyes clear with kindness glaze over with gross ugliness in a flash before……and it is scary.  

Be good……..and I’ll be seeing you for “Fashion Fridays” tomorrow.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365