I've heard people say that as a creative soul, you won't make it in Northeast Ohio, until you make it somewhere else first. Why does it need to be Chicago,New York, or Los Angeles? Why not Lakewood? In a city where local restaurants like Melt display local artists' workand where clubs like the Phantasy and the Hi-Fi give musicians a chance to shine (or scream whichever they prefer), why is this town of often untapped local talent often overlooked?

As a writer, upon garduating from Cleveland State University, I was bombarded with a variety of questions.

"Where are you going to move?"

"You're really staying here?"

"Why don't you leave like everyone else your age?"

I didn't leave.

I chose to move to Lakewood and I haven't regretted it. Not a bit.

Rent is cheap. I am never bored. If I need to chase the ever elsuive Muse, all I need to do is walk down the street. Sheer artistry faces me at every corner. Be it the construction in front of St. Ed's, or a friend singing karaoke at Corky's, the arts thrive in every fashion.

I attended Beauty and the Beast at Beck Center in early December. The production that I attended was absolutely packed. It was a Wednesday night. The massive turnout and audience enjoyment gave me chills. In one of the most densly populated suburbs around, with a demographic of people that do not fit any mold, people were coming together, coming out for the arts. There are very few sights that can rival that.

Who has the authority to say that someone "made it big"? Literary and art critics and the fickle national media? Yes, they do have their say with large paychecks and swanky galas. But where is the authority on contentment? Lakewood provides that sense of approval and interest for creative types that is so desperately lacking in other areas. It is possible to be content with artistic tendencies in a city that embraces, instead of shuns.

Break out your paints, tune your guitar, write your poem, and welcome home.

You've made it just fine.