There it is. Take it.

In 1913 William Mulholland spoke these five words at the opening ceremony of the Los Angeles Aqueduct. He was an Irish immigrant and self-taught engineer whose efforts to send thousands of gallons of water to what was then a chaparral-covered desert, helped to lay the foundation of one of the world's largest cities - LA.

  Marc Jacobs shoes

vintage dress; BCBG sweater; vintage brooch 

I think the words "There it is. Take it" have taken on new meaning for those of us who have come here from all over the world with a dream... Mine began simply enough - I was in love with a native of LA and wanted to build my life here with him. When it all fell apart what blossomed in it's place was a love affair with this city.

I think it only fitting I wade into the Art Deco fountain memorializing Mr. Mulholland just as Anita Ekberg did in the Trevi Fountain in Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" (only heavy on the joyful and sans the sensual)! For my experiences in this beautiful city - despite all the struggle, disappointment, and adjustments - have come to embody "The Sweet Life".

(thank you to my sister Amy for playing photographer!)

The fountain, designed by Walter S. Clayberg, was completed in 1940 and declared a historical cultural monument in 1976. It's located just down the street from my apartment and near Mulholland's humble one room shack where he once lived as a penniless immigrant.

Anything is possible in this great city...