Once in a Blue Moon in 2010

Wishing you all a happy new year as the blue moon is over Point Mugu. It is remarkable to see the moon, which is 290,000 miles away, and the palm trees, only 30 feet distant, in the same photo.

A Triple Feature

It was my birthday...spent the whole day seeing films at the new Muvico Theater...great choices...Caesar salad in the second feature...glass of wine and sliders before the final movie...(and, never left the building); felt totally involved in the action with those big wrap-around screens, great sound systems and divan-like seats; started late in the morning and emerged after dark...having had a fulfilling day!

Merry Christmas to all...

This tree greeted us at, Frank Gehry's, Disney Concert Hall when we attended our first Gustavo Dudamel concert.

Winter's Eve

I took this photo from the beach on the eve of Winter, 2009. The islands on the horizon are the Channel Islands (off Santa Barbara...an hours and fifteen minutes from here).

The Young Victoria

"It ain't easy being Queen"! That was my first thought after seeing the advance screening of The Young Victoria in Hollywood. Many childhood fantasies about the wonders of being a Princess, and finally Queen, were shattered. Amid all the opulence, being the person in charge of the fate of a country and it's people weighs heavily against the lush life.

Though we all think of Queen Victoria as the architect of the rigid Victoria life, she was capable of great passion, humor and spirit in her youth. Her companion in this romp of young love is Prince Albert. He returned her love by learning to waltz... (that is all it took to impressed me).

Chinese Scholars House

This Chinese Scholars House was disassembled in China and then reassembled on the grounds of Ventura Farms in Thousand Oaks.

"NINE"

The special advanced Screen Actors Guild screening of the movie, "NINE," last night at the Directors Guild of America theater was followed by conversations by the directors and actors. Rob Marshall, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, "Fergie," and John DeLuca appeared, in person, for questions and answers.

The genius behind this dazzling film version, Marshall, claims that musicals are "in his blood;" it is "what he loves." Cruz had never sung before on film and described it as having been the "most happy experience...making a film." Kidman had brought her six-month-old baby with her to the set...and, had an unforgettable time when filming a scene at 3 a.m. in a small Italian village with Daniel Day-Lewis. Stacy Ferguson (Fergie), when committing to her character, voluntarily gained 20 pounds. The discomfort did not end there. She and the dancers who did the production number in a sand pit went home every night with sand in every part of their bodies (even their eyes). All of the performers alluded to how "safe" they felt when working with Marshall. Johnny Depp can now have that experience when making his next "Pirates..." movie. He and Marshall will be working together on that project. Can't even imagine what might come from that collaboration?

Rob Marshall is creating a new genre of baroque film making. His films are an "operatic musical theater." When in that darkened theater, my every sense was invaded until I almost couldn't stand it!

A Rose Garden in Hidden Valley

'Tis the Season

Couldn't resist decorating the tree after Thanksgiving. Nancy's beautiful angel on the top was the inspiration.

Chinatown

Chris, Pam, Joan and I were looking at avant-garde art in the galleries that have revitalized Chung King Road. We were joining other members of The Group, which benefits the Otis Art Institute. Los Angeles based author, Lisa See's, favorite dim sum restaurant was where we lunched. And, did we do lunch...and do lunch...and do lunch! Of course, we couldn't resist visiting the author's family import and export shop (a favorite for any Chinatown visit). Pam bought lots, announcing, "but...I never go to department stores."

54th Wedding Celebration

Could there be a better way to celebrate 54 years of marriage than with the one I love than at the Walt Disney Concert Hall? It was our first time to hear the Los Angeles Philharmonic's exciting new conductor, Gustavo Dudamel. At only 28 years of age, he led the orchestra in Mozart's Symphonies # 38 in D ,"Prague," and #41 in C major, "Jupiter." He, and guest violinist, Gil Shaman, were almost entwined as they performed a work by Berg. The music critic for the L.A. Times cautioned the 12-tone concerto, written in "memory to an angel," almost excessively beautiful.

When performing, myself, at a now-torn-down orphanage near the same site on Bunker Hill years ago did I ever think that I would experience such beauty as Gehry's architectural masterpiece...never? And, nearly 70 years ago, having French-dipped sandwiches at Phillippe's, near the Union Station, could I think it would still be possible, now...never? What a memorable day!

Mr. Murdock's Orchids

In the conservatory, at the end of the allee of nature-sculptured boulders at Ventura Farms in Thousand Oaks, are these orchids. I took so many photos of the gorgeous flowers that it was impossible to pick favorites. Finally, I share with you these four photos, of the beautiful spot.

Joe's Back!

We are dancing to Natalie Cole's version of Come Rain or Come Shine. Joe Giamalva, our revered teacher has been gone for a month and we sure did miss him. In that time he directed a brand new show, being written while in rehearsal, called Fred and Ginger. It played to full houses and got standing ovations. Then he directed our fellow dancer, Joan Benedict-Steiger, in her one-woman show, The Loves of My Life. I heard her report that the Gardenia dinner theater in Hollywood has already invited her back. Seems impossible, but he also directed The Golddiggers

for a special performance at the Thalian's annual show. We are proud of you, Joe, and are glad you are back!

Stars Go Hollywood

Every year, around this time, the STARS give their annual luncheon and grand affair at the Riveria Country Club, in the Pacific Palisades, which celebrates their gift to scientific and medical research. Over the years, including matching grants, their considerable efforts have contributed one-half million dollars to that end. It is always grand, lovely, and is shared with good friends.

Sculptures Made by Nature

This allee of monumental boulders lead to the conservatory of the Ventura Farms in Thousand Oaks. My friend, Jan, treated me to a day of bliss enjoying the beauty at this Arabian Horse Farm. The owner described having traveled to Thailand to find, and have excavated, these monumental boulders beneath the River Kwai in Thailand.

Tai Hu rocks are legendary stones sought by Chinese scholars. Little did I know, when first appreciating them in the gardens in Suzhou, China, that I would continue to see them in the United States. One was just being righted, with scaffolding, at the new Chinese Garden at the Huntington Gardens and Library in Pasadena, California, when I first visited. And, of course, there is one in the owner's California Well-Being Institute and Four Seasons Hotel at Westlake Village, beautifully installed in the center of a pond.

Halloween's comin'

My version of, Munch's, THE SCREAM sits on the front porch...and...did you see that bloody hand reaching out of the large pot? Such fun...even at the garden center.

Paint Out

My dear friend, Jan, invited me to be a guest at an event benefiting the Autry National Center for Western Art. The master artists of the California Art Club were painting, plein air, on the grounds of Ventura Farms. Seeing these artists, being so capable as to create a complete work of art "right before your eyes," will never cease being a wonderment to me.

Making Movies

When driving past Zuma Beach in Malibu I couldn't resist stopping to see what movie was being made.

Seeing this little dog being given a quick refreshment let me know that there were no human stars here today.

Some of the co-stars were just about ready for their close ups, with Marmaduke.

Craft services was prepared...notice the doggie treats for these stars.

New York, I Love You

I do love New York, so it was easy to like this movie. Without blood, gore or muggings, New York, I Love You depicts sweet, sensitive vignettes all about relationships.