Year of the Tiger

Revisiting Chinatown in Los Angeles always evokes childhood memories. For me, it is forever a mix of theater and mystery, as I performed on stage many years at a church celebration and, then, was told "not to call attention to myself," when we took our out-of-town guests there.

Yesterday, was wonderful sharing the 111th Annual Golden Dragon Parade with my art-loving neighbor, Elissa. We were "ooing" and "aaing" throughout the day in our quest for the perfect tea, when finding Japanese paper wallets, as we bought hand-made bags from Katmandu, when exploring an import shop that has been there for more than 150 years, as we admired contemporary hand-wrought table ware, and when seeing the magnificent parade dragons.

And, did I mention the fabulous food? The Empress Pavilion's dim sum was so much fun, choosing from the carts that didn't stop coming. Then, after the parade, waiting on the street for however long it took with other devoted diners at Daikokuya, in Little Tokyo.

Did I mention that our day was so full that we didn't even make our planned visit to the Geffen and the Museum of Contemporary Art? According to our local art reviewer the exhibitions are the best in Los Angeles this year. That will be another glorious day...

The Last Station

The world's most read author, Leo Tolstoy, made a new will leaving his work and property to the Russian people...and...boy...it sure made his wife mad! Actor, Helen Mirren played that wife, secretary, muse and mother of his thirteen children to the hilt. The paparazzi of the time didn't run out of subject matter with her around.

Eating Around Town

It took only a few spoons full of the undistinguished soup at Red Seven to know that the decor was the best part of this restaurant. My friends and I did have a grand time finding the art at Art Los Angeles Contemporary at the Pacific Design Center.

The Renoir exhibit was enhanced, however, by the scrumptious food at the Marie Callendar's restaurant on Wilshire. Ordering family style, we were almost stabbing each other with our forks.

Renoir in the 20th Century

The paintings and sculpture of Pierre-Auguste Renoir at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art represent art made during the last 20 years of his life. Though, for me, he never needed to make anything after the masterwork called "Luncheon of the Boating Party." That painting took my breath away when I saw it in Washington, D. C., years ago.

My friend, Chris treated me to a preview of this exhibition which began in Paris and will travel only to Philadelphia.

Mercedes Matter

American artist, Mercedes Matter's, exhibition at Pepperdine University's, Weisman Gallery, surprised me with it's quality. Though uneven, Mrs. Matter's work is a study in American art from the New York School. The art reflects the influences of being in New York City when the world's contemporary art life was centered there. The exhibition continues through April 4, 2010.

Crazy Heart

Why is it that the great creators among us are so frequently tortured? The film, Crazy Heart's, tag line even states, "the harder the life, the sweeter the song." Hard-drinking doesn't begin to describe the main character's disgusting self-destruction. His devotion to the devil drink couldn't make him less appealing...yet, a young worshipful journalist could not resist his immense talent. I won't spoil this film by telling you the ending, but I will say that I continued to muse, "how can this end"?

Jeff Bridges, who has won accolades from most award shows for this acting, wasn't going to make the film about a singer/songwriter until music was added. When a soul mate from previous jam sessions, T Bone Burnette, agreed to do the music, the actor became interested. I cannot miss the chance to acknowledge that the screenplay was written in less than 30 days by the producer/director, Scott Cooper, who had never directed even so much as a high school play. He is another artistic genius...hope he's not tortured.

Wild Swans

You will want to savor every single word of this beautifully written memoir of three generations of women in China. Through their stories you will learn and feel...and, you will be changed. Isn't that what art is about?

3 x 3

The L. A. Louver gallery in Venice (California, that is) always gives so much respect to each work of art. Dear friends and family were at the opening of this exquisitely installed group show.

American Idol Begins Again

When in San Francisco, seeing the Kahlo, Chihuly and Ming Dynasty exhibitions, the American Idol auditions were being held in the hotel where I was staying. You didn't think I was a judge?...or, a hopeful? The 2010 season beginning tonight, reminded me of that time.

Best Garage Art

Imagine my surprise when pulling into the parking facility under the Pasadena Art Museum! I started raving to my friend, "this is the best graffiti...who did this...isn't this fabulous...etc.," and, then, noticing the signature on the first wall...Scharf. Of course, only wonderful American artist who has elevated low art to high art, Kenny Scharf, did this. Since this museum specializes in California art is is so appropriate that this Hollywood-born artist created these murals... the best garage art, anywhere.

Dottie's Party

Those of you who visit this blog have met my dear cousin, Dottie, previously. Last night, she prepared this stunning table scape and a beautiful dinner party which arrived course after course. It was doubly appreciated by me and my cousin, Don, as we were being feted for our combined birthdays. Thank you Dottie!

Just Across the Mountain

Over the Santa Monica Mountains from my home is Hidden Valley. Ventura Farms is located in Hidden Valley. When visiting, the owner told us that this Japanese Tea House and bridge were constructed expressly to be a set for the film entitled Memoirs of a Geisha. So many surprises there, not the least of which was this beautiful setting. Hollywood worked it's magic again! When watching the film I thought I was seeing Japan.

Fran Teaches Tap

Though she is originally a Cecchetti trained ballerina, Fran has been substituting for Diane by teaching tap class. Many thanks to a dear friend and fellow "gypsy."

A New Dance

We are back in the first tap class after the holidays. Joe is choreographing a brand new dance, using music from an old Tommy Tune number from a Dean Martin television show.

Joe proudly told us he is joining the Golddiggers Show, on stage, which he has been directing and producing. Guess what? He will be performing the I WANNA BE A PRODUCER number from the musical named THE PRODUCERS.