Some of you may have noticed I’ve been a bit MIA of late. I posted back in January (and haven’t posted much since then) about making a quite a few changes in my life and going on a Californian “adventure” of sorts. Well, I love it so much that I’ve decided to move here! My friends and family pretty much all live in New York, so I’ll be back and forth often, but I’ve decided to leave the concrete jungle behind in favor of sunshine and the beach and a completely new lifestyle altogether. I will always count New York as home, but I’m at a point in my young life where I *can* make a big move like this, so I’m going to go for it!
I’m flying back to NYC this week to tie up some loose ends and get my things packed and ready to ship out here. Once I’m back and settled in you should be seeing more of me around the blogosphere. I’ve been a terribly inconsistent blogger as of late, but I’ve been figuring out some pretty big life decisions (and doing a lot of relaxing in the process). But I promise this won’t be the case forever! I’ll be back in full Hist-Fic Chick mode once I’m a bit more acclimated. The good thing is I’ve done a ton of reading while I’ve been here, so expect plenty of reviews.
Here are some photos taken since I’ve been here:
Venice Beach - Love all the sailboats on the horizon!
Me at the Beach
Sun setting over Santa Monica Beach - I've seen some of the most *amazing* sunsets here!
The Santa Monica Pier
Aside from the obvious beauty here in California, one of the things I love the most is the diversity of terrain. I’m staying in Santa Monica, which is a beach town in LA County I keep referring to as “The New Yorker’s LA” because you can really walk/take the bus everywhere. Public transportation is virtually nonexistent in LA in general, but Santa Monica has a great bus system that’s allowed me to get around without a car (my boyfriend has a car and I’ve rented one to get to interviews and the like during the day when he’s at work; I will eventually have to get one when I get back, but I’ve been good for a month without one!). We recently went and stayed with friends (and historical fiction author) Robin Maxwell and Max Thomas up in the Joshua Tree area, which is only two hours away and a completely different world from LA. I’ll post about that weekend specifically later on, as I have some stunning photographs to share, but it truly amazes me how different the various areas of California are. I so look forward to exploring everything my new state has to offer!
Welcome to my native state! I assume you’ll make the drive to the HNS conference, now just down the road?
Laurel Corona recently posted..We’re Launching- and You’re Invited!
Hi Laurel! Yes, I am attending HNS Conference. Will you be attending? And are you living in CA now?
Great decision! I love the pics of the beautiful vistas – especially since my area is getting another load of snow dropped on us, gah! Enjoy
Mary (bookfan) recently posted..Mailbox Monday – February 21
Thanks, Mary! I don’t think I’ll ever get completely used to the beautiful vistas. Amazing. But I am glad to also have friends in family in New York (both in the city and in the ‘burbs) where I can enjoy a winter wonderland ever now and again
I love California and wish I could go back there (last time was 25 years ago on my honeymoon!) And we did stay in Santa Monica! Good luck there Allie:) Can’t wait to read your posts and see the pics!
Hugs,
Lucy
Lucy recently posted..Book Review- A ROYAL LIKENESS- by Christine Trent
Thanks, Lucy! I’ve missed you on the blogosphere and am so glad to see you are back.
Aw, I can so see taking a honeymoon here! It’s a very romantic area. I had an awesome Valentine’s Day
Congratulations on your decision. It’s a little scary to move away from your friends and family (I did three years ago) but it will be a wonderful adventure and I’m sure you’ll make new friends fast!! Best of luck and I hope it’s everything you want it to be!
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Daphne. I have no doubt that I will love it here, but it is definitely helpful to hear that others count similar situations to have been the “right” move for them. It really does feel right and I am so excited to see what the future brings.
I hope everything goes well with your move. Enjoy the land of never-ending sunshine!
Stephanie Thornton recently posted..Egypts Sites to Re-Open
Oh, I am *SO* enjoying it! It amazes me that it is February right now. How can that be?!
Thanks for the well wishes re: the move!
Best of luck on your move. You are at the perfect time in your life to do it. You are right, home will always be NY, but your life can be anywhere and there is so much out there to explore, enjoy, and experience.
Allie, I’m glad you’re back to the blogosphere and congratulations on your new life! We look forward to hearing what kind of job you land. One that doesn’t interfere with historical fiction reading and blogging, of course.
Ali, write to me I want to hear more about this adventure and sit down with you. I am not that far from you.
First let me say thank you for posting the info about my Win a Week at a Writer’s retreat sweepstakes, and also WELCOME TO Southern California! I would love to get together when you have time, and I will also be at the HNS conference in June. Welcome!
Well, I’m sad you’ll be on the other side of the country from me, but yay for new beginnings! I hope the move went well and you’re getting settled in!
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