I am an American having lived in the UK for over 20 years. My life is ever changing and evolving. Having spent a large part of my adult life raising a family, I am finally coming into my own and developing my creativity in ways that I never would have imagined or thought possible.
I am a dancer. Music has been the catalyst for my burgeoning creativity and passion. It is something I feel intensely. It may have started with Salsa, but the music of Argentine Tango touched my soul. Dancing the Argentine Tango is a way of expressing myself in movement with feeling and making a connection with another. I also dance Ceroc/LeRoc/Modern Jive and am learning Bellydancing!
I am a scuba diver. This is something I did to conquer a fear. I want to be a person with no limits. I have been an observer and explorer of the underwater world for nearly 15 years and am constantly amazed by my experiences.
I am a photographer. As an observer, I enjoy photographing the details, things that get overlooked. I am fascinated by Architecture and nature.
I am a writer. Although currently unpublished, I am in the process of writing a book. I am also the author of two blogs – Arlene’s New Beginnings and Arlene’s London Tango Pages. I started this blog near the end of 2008 when the company I worked for called it a day and made everyone redundant. I wrote about the trials and tribulations of looking for work and the indignity of being on JobSeekers Allowance. I wrote about Internet Dating and falling in love. I wrote about selling my house. I have written about many things and hope that I have made an impact on at least one person to show that we are not alone.
After living in London for over 20 years, I have moved down to Eastbourne. Eastbourne is along the East Sussex coast. I love it here. I have changed my life completely and am starting over again. I have the beach/seafront at my disposal whenever I want it. I found the perfect house. She is a Victorian old lady and I am slowly updating her.
I took up painting in February 2011 as a way of mending a broken heart. Having healed myself in this way, I continue to explore the artist within and have discovered a new passion. I have lived a colourful life. I am now exploring colour and energy with my work, whether I am making a life drawing, an abstract, a still life or painting a piece of furniture. Come with me on my journey.
Here is one reason why I love Eastbourne so much:
The Eastbourne Pier
Arlene, I love your blog, sounds like we have much in common from the diving to the Hungarian roots. Gypsy is for both travel and ancestry. I look forward to more of your posts!
Thanks Leah,
That’s probably why I have a bit of the wanderlust!
I agree completely about working on your strengths…the incremental benefits of working on my weaknesses are not worth the effort! Here, here…
A change is as good as a vacation! The sea seeks you out – calling its sailors who roam to come home. As a fellow immigrant who has lived on several shores, we bloom where we are planted. You are blooming beautiful!
Oh Lorraine,
Your comments are lovely and very much appreciated. When we met, I was living by the Pacific, it was terrific! Who would have thought I would end up living by the English Channel! x
A change is as good as a vacation! The sea seeks you out – calling its sailors who roam to come home. As a fellow immigrant who has lived on several shores, we bloom where we are planted. You are blooming beautiful!
+1
Just stumbled upon your blog whilst looking for info on life in Eastbourne. Lovely to hear that its changed your life, we’re thinking of moving down from South London so thank you for the positive Eastbourne vibes
)
While I love Eastbourne, it can be challenging for work. But then, if I was working, I might not have started painting! Now I am painting, I am really looking forward to finding some work! There is a lot of stuff to do around here and I think it could be great for kids. Plus, it is only 1.5 hrs from London by train or car!
Good luck with your move, wherever you end up!