♪ "The times, they are a-changin..." ♬

Yesterday I went to Universal Studios Hollywood after almost five years since my last visit.

To me, it isn't just a theme park--I am deeply fascinated with and drawn to Old Hollywood history, so this property to me is about more than just going on rides.

Although... you know what?

I went on the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster and oh, man...!

Let's get this clear: I am not a roller coaster fan to begin with; the only reason I went on this particular one was because I'd been on it in the past after hearing it wasn't so bad, and had a very smooth experience on it. I didn't feel like I was going to get thrown off or like I was being dragged around very forcibly.

Yesterday however, was a different story.

Not only was the attraction slightly, but noticeably, bumpier since I'd last been on it, if I remember correctly they've changed the harness that comes down over the shoulders to hold riders securely in place into that lap bar that is positioned between the legs instead.

If they indeed did, that would explain the sensation that came over me the moment the ride picked up speed and proceeded into the sharp dips that I find most terrifying on roller coasters.

The first time I went on the ride in 2005, I went to Universal by myself yet I wanted to get right back on Revenge of the Mummy since I didn't experience the usual uneasiness that swirls in my stomach when I'm on a fast-paced thrill ride. Yesterday though, my sweetheart was right beside me and even held my hand throughout the trip through Imhotep world, but that I'm-gonna-get-tossed-off-of-this-ride feeling was there.

Even The Simpsons attraction that took the place of the awesome Back to the Future ride has more violent motions and wilder, trippier visuals than its predecessor.

I bet that Universal founder Carl Laemmle (he founded the company in 1912) didn't have any idea it all would be what it is today!

While I'm not complaining--I'm merely observing--I find it interesting to ponder that if these are all supposed to be upgrades reflecting general preferences, does that mean the masses want a rowdier and more raucous experience of life these days? Maybe part of the explanation is, with all the stimuli and noise surrounding us we've simply become desensitized that we have to be shaken quite a bit to differentiate our theme park visits from our everyday lives.

I've always been hypervigilant so thrill rides have never been my thing (I appreciate the story-driven Disney theme park attractions any day over anything designed to scare riders half to death), but since many people I know have gotten more sensitive in that their empathy has increased in even just the last year alone, I am curious--what do fellow empaths feel when on a tremulous, wild theme park attraction?

I hope you're enjoying your ride through life!

~Lea

With my cousin, Rikki, at Universal CityWalk Hollywood in 2005.

Transition

Before you read any further, let me warn you that this entry may seem rather cryptic. If you look back in time to it from the future however, you will understand fully what I am talking about here.

That said...

As I write this, I am nowhere near famous, not even as an "internet celebrity." Probably the only people who read my blog entries--aside from my two friends who signed up to follow it--are other friends and people I already know.

...Which makes this an ideal time to post this particular entry, as you will find me at a more vulnerable place than usual. I am also an intensely private person, regardless of all appearances to the contrary.

Currently, I am on the edge of a life so familiar that I have journeyed to the furthest point I can possibly go without falling off of it into an entirely different world. You can bet your bottom dollar I am making the leap, but I just want to breathe in and center myself prior to what is coming.

The next chapter of my life is like a double-edged sword: It will serve me in some ways, but may wound me in others, which is the reason I am taking my time before I dive off of the edge. Life in that next world will be rewarding in terms of reaching more people and making a difference in many more lives, but it won't be without its challenges.

I have waited my whole life to get to this point, but now that I am finally here, I am bracing myself for the impact of what is to come.

After all, where I am going, everybody who is in the know will be familiar with me and my work. There's no such thing as invisibility in this other world. You may wonder--especially if you're a "Leo" type who loves putting on a show and being showered with attention--what could possibly be so wrong with such a scenario.

See, I enjoy it too, but since I am an empath and can be rather sensitive (though my sensitivity is nowhere near what it was when I was younger, thank goodness), I have to make a conscious effort to remain down to earth and surround myself with positive energy; this way, I remain grounded and clear-headed, especially in a reality so far removed from that of most others that it's practically a fantasy.

Basically, I don't ever want to be swayed from the purity of my intentions, despite the hurdles and temptations that wait for me along the way. Instead, I want always to stay in touch with who I am deep down inside... who I am on a soul level.

...And so I hold that intention.

Thank you for joining me at this moment in time.

For now, I will be sitting here between these two worlds a little while longer before finally plunging headlong into the inevitable.