My name is Langan Kingsley. Several years ago, I moved to Los Angeles, California from New York City. It was a wholly unique migration, one that no other human being had attempted before (or since). I loved living in New York City. I can’t say I feel the same about LA.
When you move here your friends talk to you with the intensity of brainwashed cult victims, convincing you that it’s a better place to live than New York or any other city on earth. This is probably because it’s clearly not and we all have to lie to ourselves sometimes to make it through the days. They talk about weather, how big apartments are, “nature,” etc. They maintain there’s “sooooooo much to do here,” as if we all don’t spend most days sitting in the driver’s seat of our cars, long after the ignition has turned off, wondering what exactly we are doing with this human body we’ve been given for but the briefest of moments.
That said, it has become clear that here I shall remain for the near future, rooted in a place that doesn’t traditionally support deep root systems. So I’m channeling my resistance to this land of surf, sand, sun, and constant circling police helicopters, and trying to find things to like and perhaps even…love?…about it.
This newsletter is for you if…
You want to read something once a week (aiming for once a week here) that’s a little bit funny.
You kinda liked other things I wrote.
You hate LA.
You are in love with me.
You are my mom.
There are probably more but five seems good, right?
Anyway, I want this to feel like a nice little treat in the chore of endless reading that the internet provides. Something you can look forward to and not feel STRESSED ABOUT HAVING TO READ. This is not compulsory in any sense of the word.
For now, it’s free! Let’s learn to love this hellhole…together.
(Also, I named it Safe n’ Warm because my friend Bridger told me I was not allowed to name it “LaLaLang” and naming your newsletter “California Dreamin’” is grounds for immediate cancellation.)
My logo was designed by Steven Polletta. He’s the best.
