The Descendents (a film)

My criteria for a great film is one that I am wishing will never be over. THE DESCENDENTS met that criteria. It was evocative, important, unpredictable and I was involved on the emotional ride---all the way. George Clooney is going to win the Academy Award with this one. The role was there and he delivered.

"Then Again"

Academy Award and Golden Globe winning actor, Diane Keaton, has just released her autobiography. The memoir describes her life growing up in Southern California using parts of her Mother's eighty-five journals. Growing up in the same area, myself, I could so easily relate.

But, then, isn't being approachable Keaton's allure?

"Mexican" Modernism(s) in Los Angeles, 1930-1985

"Gypsy Rose" is a 1964 Chevrolet Impala. It is the ground-breaking car, heralding the profile of low rider vehicles in the custom car arena.

"Project for the Flag of a Mexican Colony," made in 1987, was woven wool with embroidery by the artist, Adolfo Patino.

Part of the fountain and architecture at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, California, is the site of this exhibit which shows until January 29, 2012.

The Women

Reading the, almost, Picasso-esque exploits of Frank Lloyd Wright should have been no surprise. But, it was. The huge personalities of some great artists include their private lives. What a great adventure, learning of Wright and his women!

Wanting to read more of this author, I discovered "The Tortilla Curtain." Again, it gives insights into the lives of those around my own. The story in this book juxtaposes the families living within walking distance of each other who couldn't be more dissimilar. The illegal immigrant family is camping in Topanga Canyon and the American family is living in a soon-to-be gated upscale neighborhood. When their lives touch we discover much about ourselves.

California Art at the Weisman

The hard reflective surfaces of the work of Vasa Mihich best expresses the qualities of the art movement that began in Los Angeles in the 1960's, virtually putting California artists on the international art map.

From his "Triangle..." series, Vasa created this laminated plexiglass sculpture in 1977.

This construction, created in 1983 by John Okulick, is painted wood.

In 1985 Charles Arnoldi created "Impound," with acrylic and branches on plywood.

This exhibition is part of the Southern-California-wide display of contemporary art called "Pacific Standard Time." Showing until December, 2011, it tells the story of the birth of the art scene which rivaled New York in its accomplishments.

The banner mounted at the entrance of the Weisman Gallery at Pepperdine University in Malibu, pictures Billy Al Bengston's acrylic on canvas, created in 1977 and called "Klenator Draculas."

Malibu Tiles

Rhoda-May Adamson Dallas, namesake for Adohr Farms and Malibu ranch heir, has died. She boasted an ideal childhood at California's seaside. Born in 1917, she spent much of her early life in an oceanfront Spanish-style house, boating in the Malibu lagoon and hiking the trails in the Santa Monica mountains.

Further enriching her experience there was being exposed to the creation of the vibrant tiles of the Malibu Potteries, a commercial venture her grandmother founded in 1926. The potteries existed only until 1932, making the exquisite tiles even more rare.

"The Greater Journey - Americans in Paris"

After having read this, and three other books by David McCullough, I am convinced if I read all of his books I would know all I want to know. This is the enthralling story of the remarkable Americans who traveled to Paris between 1830 and 1900. They were the architects, artists, writers, politicians, and doctors who wanted to be more excellent. Their story is an inspiration that lets one know what it takes to soar.

Memorial Trip for Lisa's Birthday

Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Lisa and Dick climbed that mountain.

I took this photo from a moving car, looking West to the High Sierra Mountains to the Mammoth area.


The glacier above Twin Lakes near Bridgeport, CA on US Hwy. #395 in California .
Lisa loved this place and hiked here many times, since she was a girl.

Robinson Creek near the headwaters.

The most beautiful spot we know.

March

When finishing the first chapter of "March" it was obvious how it won the Pulitzer Prize. It read like poetry. I was, once again, in awe of what an author does.

If you ever wondered why the father in, Alcott's, "Little Women" was rarely present? This book has the answers. In this well-researched work of fiction, the author makes him the main character. While the young women and their mother stay in Concord, Massachusetts, Mr. March is a chaplain, away in the Civil War. The family and other familiar people are imagined in this make-believe story that is both moving and riveting.

Tea in Pasadena

Thanks, Nancy, for treating me to this tea party with your lovely friends.

The Chado Tea Room has been given the Award of Distinction by the Zagat survey.

Old West and Hollywood on State Street

Such fun strolling on State Street in Santa Barbara. The antiques in this one store, only, offer so many choices of the memorabilia of old Hollywood and the nearby ranches.

Gardens at San Ysidro Ranch

Some of the lovely surprises are the water lilies blooming in the pond.

Fruit trees frame the rose garden, next to the kitchen garden.

The Artist's Hand

An appreciation for what artists do is present at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito. I noticed original art in the stained-glass windows at the main house and on the painted table tops around the pool.

The San Ysidro Ranch is listed in Travel and Leisure Magazine to be the 4th top hotel in the world.

Pools

All of the pools make me think of the California sky.

...pass by this when going to the legendary Melvyn's in Palm Springs...

..copied from the original at Adamson House,this pool is at the Point Dume Club...

...I swim here most mornings at the Malibu Bay Club...





...Dick and I spent an anniversary here at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito...

Trattatoria Mollie

It was a Dottie's birthday. Coming to this restaurant in Montecito, after many recommendations, was part of the celebration. We started with the soup of the day---cioppino.

Dottie choose the seafood pasta.

I had Mollie's famous turkey meatballs.

We savored every morsel.

Line Dancing

I have been dancing two days a week. That isn't nearly enough.

Living with Grace

Viki loves living by the sea. What she chooses to live with reflects her spiritual connection to it.

Last Night's Sunset

Looking West to the Channel Islands. The lights are from the shrimp fishermen's boats.

The Year of the Dragon

I ask Laura to pose by her zodiac head,
depicting The Year of the Dragon. This installation is currently in the north piazza of The Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Entitled "Circle of Animal Zodiac Heads," the artist, Ai Weiwei, has recreated the famous bronze heads that once adorned the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, China.

Flatbread and Art

When taking our children to the new Los Angeles County Museum of Art at the opening in the early 60's, I would never have thought to have so many memorable returns. This time it was enjoying time with a dear friend.

We stopped in for flatbread at the Renzo Piano-designed Stark Bar with herbs grown in the chef's garden behind the bar and restaurant. Exciting art was in our line of sight everywhere, along with the other interesting art lovers. The constant changes have colored every return.