I am from the city, from the sunshine state. The land of earthquakes and a big giant Mouse. From the same six block radius my entire childhood. From that rental house and that one and hey that one too.

I am from the pacific ocean, from palm trees and the belief of non-stop sun.  From Sunday morning farmer’s markets and the land of the tan. From Slurpee’s and Double Doubles. From nights spent at Lakers and Dodger games and summer days at Water World.

I am from Converse all-stars, from flip-flops worn all year and roller blades on the boardwalk. From sand castle building contests and the constant smell of sunblock. I am from the sand wedgie and the rain walks at the park.

I am from summers spent with Grandparents in Texas and crabbing with Dad before dawn; from museum visits on Saturdays with Mom and dinner and movie dates with Grandpa each week.

I am from the opinionated stubborn people, who only remember you exist when you are standing in front of them and people who’d do a thing for you as long as you ask.

From, never play in the aqueducts and stories about the one guy they knew who tried to surf down them. From, every child should know how to swim and surf. From street smarts and please just go out and play already. From bright orange colored water guns and days spent pretending to be a mermaid in the pool.

I am from a lapsed baptist and an atheist Jew. From the religion of bonfires on the beach on Saturday night and brunch out on Sunday. Lox and bagels and chips and guacamole. From Christmas trees, Latkas and chocolate Gelt.

I am from divorce. From arguments over holidays and school events, from don’t forget my blankie at that house and whose rules am I following again? From wishing people would just get along already, to wishing I could just join the circus. I’m from a childhood spend at fields and rinks for sports I didn’t play. From piano recitals where I wished I could disappear and reading books on family road trips. From day long arguments over peach Jolly Ranchers and sitting on the side of the road in Death Valley with a busted transmission.

I’m from California beaches and Texas heat and long ago and a world away, from Poland. I am from sushi, fresh crab and fresh fruit all year. From fried chicken,  mashed potatoes and biscuits. From Grandma’s fresh apple cake and mom’s oatmeal cookies.

From the wine cork collection at my uncles house, the year dad set fire to the bushes and the year mom designed clothes for the Disney channel tween show.

I am from a photo on my nightstand of a beautiful woman, the woman they named me after. From the smiling people in my hallway, gone but never forgotten. From farmers around for three hundred years in Texas and a one little old Jew who escaped with his life.

This, is where I’m from.