& With her came the rains...

Jason Smalls and I getting ready to walk into Mexico!
photo: Jason Smalls 

On the way home from Mexico - we walked and saw this breathtaking sunset
photo: Jason Smalls

We found the most amazing bookstore in Carlsbad, CA ! 
It's early Monday morning, and as I type this I can hear the rain outside my window which looks out into a cascade of various plants. I'm staying in Echo Park and although I've only been here about three days, can safely say that I love the vibe of this neighborhood.  First of all, the abundance of trees and plants that surround me, hold me in love.  A simple walk down the street to Sunset Blvd reveals so many plants - I am surrounded by a myriad of succulents, cacti and other tropical plants that remind me of the Caribbean and so, home. The rolling hills and surrounding mountains are also familiar to me, as I lived in a valley in Trinidad, called Diamond Vale.
The local cafe has a sign that reads "Resist Hate." Sunset Blvd is just a 9 minute walk from my house and there are a variety of restaurants, cafes and even a Time Travel museum. The other evening Kelly Curry and I took a walk in Echo Park and there were avocado trees laden with fruit.
Yesterday my friend and former roommate Jason Smalls and I drove to Mexico and had a wonderful time. We found the most amazing bookstore in Carlsbad, CA on our way home LHOOQ/EXREALISM and I realized, as I sat there, amongst the collection of used and rare books that writers were sorcerers - that books were a communion of spirits of some sorts and I am so thrilled to be a part of this tradition.
Tomorrow I will have my first US book event at Stories Books and Cafe on Sunset Blvd, where I will be in discussion with Kelly Curry. I am more than ready!

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