Made Up My Mind, Make A New Start.

Since I've been terribly remiss in updating the tale, let's start from the beginning.  "A man who couldn't make things go right could at least go. He could quit trying to get out of the way of life. Chuck routine. Live the real jeopardy of circumstance. It was a question of dignity." Inspired by William Least Heat-Moon's observation in the book Blue Highways, I was off.
 

A lot has happened since, not all of which is fit to be printed today. Nevertheless, if only for my own reflection, I will post some thoughts and images from the journey here at Petulant Monkey.



Summer in Indiana was coming to a close. It was time for me to go. Early September, and a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. IND-LAX. Destination: Malibu.

With a sizable assist from my brother Eric, my longtime friend Erik Margerum offered to let me stay in the room above his garage in the swanky beachside town of Malibu, CA. His hospitality, along with that of Annestasia, her two lovely kids, and their three hounds was above and beyond the call of duty. I will always feel a debt of gratitude for those three months.

   Chez Margerum

I'm understating things greatly when I say that Malibu is a beautiful area. Situated on a narrow strip of land between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Mother Nature has blessed Malibu with incredible beaches and impressive hilltop vistas.

Erik on Carbon Beach

Given the natural charm of Malibu, and its proximity to the glitz and cash of Hollywood, it should come as no surprise that many of its residents do not want for money. Carbon Beach is also known as Millionaire's Beach, and pics of some of those houses probably need a post of their own. The hillside mansions, however, are just as impressive.

View from Erik's backyard

So, for the months of September, October, and November, Malibu was the lush setting for my great adventure. In the next update to Petulant Monkey, I'll add some excursions into the Southern California surroundings and the visit of old friends Wes and Melanie Priest.

timothy dee