More Books

I am reading everything I can find by Isabel Allende, Anita Shreve and Jeanette Walls. What amazing story tellers they are (even when they tell their own). Allende's, "Daughter of Fortune," is an absorbing tale taking the main character through perils from Chile to California's gold fields. "The Sum of Our Days," is a no-holds-barred memoir. Speaking of telling it all---Jeanette Walls', powerful book, called "The Glass Castle," is the true story of the author's victory over unspeakable circumstances. After this, and her grandmother's story, entitled "Half Broke Horses," I am so looking forward to reading more from Walls. "Sea Glass," by Shreve, was revealing from a real and historical perspective. I couldn't put it down. All three of these authors present the unique plight of women with insight.

The impresario, Jerry Weintraub, teaches the lessons of creating something from nothing, in his autobiography, "When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead." A dear friend has recommended, Dan Brown's, "The Lost Symbol." That's next.

Sculpture Then and Now

These sculptures can all be found at the newly-changed Palm Springs Art Museum.

Knowing artists created these works more than 2,000 years apart is boggling.

Zapotec Mortuary Urn, 600-900 A.D., fired clay w/ traces of red paint

Karen LaMonte, "Pianist Dress Impression," 2005, cast glass


Veracruz, Mexico, "Standing Xipe Figure in Flayed Skin," 300-900 A.D., Ceramic

William Morris, "Medicine Jar (corn with crow and cricket)," 2005, blown glass

They're Back

These darling hummingbirds visit occasionally to partake of Dick's treat.

Happy Halloween

from Maliboooooooo....

Reading, Reading, Reading

All of the books I have been wishing to read arrived at the same time. I fell into Jeanette Walls', "The Glass Castle," and didn't come up for air until it was finished. This truth-is-stranger-than-fiction memoir kept me in disbelief and awe. It's a hard act to follow. Isabel Allende is up next.

Leap of Faith

Being in the opening night audience of the Broadway-bound musical, "Leap of Faith," was a blessing. Not wanting to give anything away, I just want you to know that you are in for a total theatrical immersion.

All miracles don't happen in church! When experiencing the talent in this production--"it's a miracle"! When seeing unbelievable lighting and scenic effects--"it's a miracle"!

When being transported and changed (yes, even saved) in the theater--"it's a miracle"! It is fated.

Resnick Pavilion Opens at LACMA

The Lynda and Stewart Resnick Pavilion opened at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art with a series of parties as only the art world can do them.

Savory in Malibu

It is wonderful knowing that we have the true artist chef, Paul Shoemaker, in our neighborhood . He has opened this new restaurant called Savory. Everyone who loves great food is talking about it.

The decor is wonderfully sophisticated and earthy, belying the emphasis on organic and locally grown foods.

The menu changes daily, depending on the availability of the chef's choices.



For our entree, we had the beef choice of the day, with a sauce so good it was indescribable. In that little pot in the background are the tiniest turnips cooked to perfection. It made my heart sing!

Fashion as Art

The Resnick Pavilion at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art opens to the public on October 2. One of the three exciting exhibits is "Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700-1915."

Corset, England, c. 1900, Leather and Metal.

Petticoat, China for the Western Market, c, 1785. The silk satin is beautifully embroidered with tiger lilies, indigenous to Asia. The silk fabrics were ordered by the British East India Company.



Dressing Gown, Japan for the Western Market, c. 1885, silk embroidery on crepe. The kimono was cut shorter and wider with a softer sash to accommodate a Western woman. "Yes, that's my dear friend, Chris, checking out the fashions."

Lounging Pajamas, c. 1913, Callot Soeurs, Paris, active 1895-1937. Couturiers such as the Callot sisters were inspired by spectacular Ballets Russes productions in Paris. Any style that questioned gender, such as this, was controversial and innovative. This is my favorite!

Ethnic Art and "old" Hollywood

Being in the company of passionate collectors, artists and art dealers is always a treat for me. Seeing ethnic and contemporary original Aboriginal art in the home of the collectors doubled the experience.

Then, we had lunch and a tour of the Sunset Tower Hotel, completing the Hollywood experience. Truman Capote said of the hotel that "all the scandals that happened happened there."


http://http://www.sunsettowerhotel.com/

I am still exhilarated after seeing the ethnic and tribal art and this wonderfully colorful hotel. Seeing the art reinforced the belief that the most universal art of all is that which is the most primitive.

Best Life Guard Stand Art

What a surprise to see students painting graphic designs on life guard stands from Malibu to Palos Verdes. The public art project was entitled "summer of color." This one is one at Zuma Beach, where Christine, Carol and I walk for miles three times a week.

Sweet and Hot Music Festival

If a guest checks in to the airport Marriott Hotel during a Labor Day weekend, they must think Los Angeles is the best city in the world.

The hotel vibrates with sounds of music and dancing.

During the four-day holiday, Jazz, Ragtime, Swing, Big Band and Blues music can be heard from seven stages.

This year's Sweet and Hot Music Festival celebrates 26 years of presenting jazz.

Like the unknowing guests of the hotel, I was grateful to hear the artistry that surrounded me. I continue to be filled by it.

San Francisco Museum of Art

One of the most important collections of contemporary art in the world is on display at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Doris and Donald Fisher collected this magnificent group of 160 paintings and sculptures and Mr. Fisher said, "he only wished that he had collected more."

We, the public, are the lucky recipients of their passions. Previously, the work could only be seen in their offices of THE GAP clothing stores. Through a partnership with this museum, it will be housed here for the next 100 years and beyond.


Frank Stella's "Kyalami," 1981, mixed media on aluminum

Ellsworth Kelly's "Black Triangle with White," 1976, oil on canvas

Cy Twombly's "Untitled (Rome)," 1971, oil-based house paint and crayon on canvas

Alexander Calder's, "Eighteen Numbered Black," 1953, metal and paint