I’ve lived in Toluca Lake forever — I played on the 134 Freeway during its construction. I love the warmth of friendship and caring neighbors. I take a walk every day, and someone always asks about my mom, Rose, who is 96½.
I’m handling the current situation with music, laughter and work. I go to my store, Pergolina, every day and add to my website. I commiserate with my neighbors, and we help each other with loan info and computer hell. I planted nasturtiums in front of Rose & Sage, Generales & Generales and Spin the Bottle. We are a family. Every Tuesday I send out a mass email to 2,000 Tolucans. I keep it light, tell stories, tease them with new products, and send them hugs and kisses.
Honestly, the biggest challenge has been wrapping my thoughts around keeping my business alive and creative and making a living. This is my 30th year in business, and I have survived many things, large and small — the horror of 9/11, earthquakes, different presidents, writers’ strikes, cold wars … you name it, and we are still here.
I do believe we will be better for this. The Earth will have had a rest, and so will most of the humans.
I love my community. I want them well and happy and safe. I want everybody to draw on the sidewalks. I love to cook and entertain, and I think we should have a progressive block party someday. I want this to be over.
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