On the day after the rain, I felt an uneasy sense of accomplishment, for just the previous evening I had completed the task of putting together the audio and video configuration for my shared living room. I felt uneasy because none of the housemates enjoy spending time in that room, we hardly watch much TV, and our sectional sofa is a misery to sit on. I thought the task would keep me at home but it had the opposite effect and without any hesitation, I booked a flight to Los Angeles that very afternoon. My trip itinerary would include a series of visits via Amtrak with friends I've made over the years. I could stop to visit their living rooms they have so masterfully set up for entertaining.

My first stop is at Jorge’s Highland Park apartment. A week shy of divorcing from his partner, he's moved out to live on his own, heartbroken, I can feel his life's discomfort. When you sign a lease or a marriage license you expect the best but that isn't the case and those spaces we configure can sit vacant for the worst. Regardless of his current disposition, he's managed to be an incredible host. There are two furniture pieces stick out in his living room. There's a giant brown leather Gucci bench in the middle of the two sofas. It looks exactly like an ice cream sandwich bar you find in a freezer and then, there's this brass single cocktail stand that is adorably lonely.