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.

Malibu Pie Festival

I hope this pie won first prize. It could have been one of my mother's pies.

How lucky for my friend and I when happening on the 20th annual Malibu Pie Festival at the Malibu Country Mart.

So much more fun than simply judging the best pie; there was great live music, a silent auction, friends, celebrities, politicians, babies, out-of-towners and families.

The Painted Drum

There were times when reading Louise Erdrich's, "The Painted Drum," that I got so involved with the beautiful words as to forget noticing the story. Whether the scene was current or delving into history, I only knew I didn't want to put down the book.

Georgia O'Keefe

Did you ever wonder what hold Alfred Stieglitz had over the great American woman artist, Georgia O'Keefe? After seeing the made-for-television movie about this tempestuous relationship you will understand why. Jeremy Irons, portrays her irresistible dealer, photographer, lover, husband and champion. Unfortunately, there were others. Joan Allen plays a believably stoical O'Keefe, but Irons' portrayal of an oblivious Stieglitz will win awards.

Hiromi Paper International

I never visit Bergamont Station in Santa Monica without stopping in to see the beautiful rice papers at Hiromi Paper International. Such lovely variations!

Bright Star

How fortunate to have a close friend share the experience of seeing Jane Campion's new film entitled Bright Star. Every character in the film spends their life making art...writing...dancing...designing...singing...making music...a creative backdrop for the passion of a first love. (Is there ever an equal?) Based on the real life of the poet, John Keats, Campion stays true...striving for high art through the film.

I took this photo of the movie screen using the burst feature on the camera with no flash. Will the announcements soon include the admonition to "turn off all cell phones AND CAMERAS"?

A Malibu Morning

Woke up this morning to see the GENTLEMAN, a fishing boat coming from the harbor at Ventura. Sometimes, in October, they fish for lobster.

A colorful new shop next to Starbuck's and the local market.

The palm trees this morning did not look like this photograph. I shot this when there were rare rain clouds a few weeks ago.

Happy 80th Birthday

We started the dancing at this divine party celebrating our dear friend's birthday. Champagne and fried green tomatoes (she is from Kentucky), complimented every sensory delight for a great time.

In My Front Yard

Taking Woodstock

Since I didn't go to the actual Woodstock Music Festival in up-state New York in 1969 I thought I might see the concert at the film. I just saw the movie I still didn't see the concert. Many of those who were there didn't see it either. The film focused on the psychedelic experience and not the rock music