Utilitarian



Doesn't that sound like a four letter word? Like it's so bad to be described as something that has utility? Or something that serves a specific purpose?

This stand is at an Italian restaurant we frequent in Hollywood, CA. It's compact, reduces clutter, keeps everything organized and in its place. When changing table cloths only this one item needs to be lifted and moved.

As the New Year beckons I need to get my life in order and running as efficiently as this stand. The salt, pepper, dried chili and mozarella cheese shakers of my life are strewn about and my body - the stand if you will - needs to bring them together into one cohesive embodiment.

Brrrr!



It is a very cold, blustery day so what possessed me to go to the beach? A delightful tea brunch at an Old English Tea House. The winds were howling and the sunshine was devilishly misleading because it is cold! I donned a hat and silk undergarments for warmth as we walked about the Promenade and let the wind have its way with us - it was so refreshing and clear. We could see the mountains from Los Angeles!

Merry Christmas!



I hope you're relaxing and enjoying your gifts or preparing to feast on a delicious meal worthy of eating on this very special day.

Lethal Combination



Given my propensity for mugs 16 ozs. or larger and love of snowmen, I was in big trouble Sunday morning while browsing my local Coffee, Bean & Tea Leaf coffeehouse. They're not as popular as Star*ucks, but their coffee and ice blendeds taste heavenly to me. I refrained from buying anything other than a latte and a gift. I so wanted the two mugs shown here. Alas, my bursting cupboards tell a different story of lack of space and too many mugs for one person to use in a lifetime!

Where's my Carrot?



It is very cold, wet and blustery day in So. Cal. and this little snowman looks like he's about to blow off to the North Pole or, at the very least, lose his nose! Driving through neighborhoods appreciating the creativity and work of others and the joy they bring us is a wonderful past time during the holidays.

Happy Holidays!



The holidays can be a very challenging and lonely time for many people. Strained relationships, loved ones departed, mounting expenses and the bombardment of commercials depicting the perfect family - things that make challenges more difficult.

Office Building



One of the things that I most enjoy about Christmas is the decorations. Corporations large and small spare no expense in decorating their lobby's with huge trees and beautiful lights. The originality and variety speak to the child in me and captivate me like nothing else can.

Black Friday



Normally Black Friday (the Friday after Thanksgiving), is slated to be the kick off of the holiday season and the day when merchants are in the black and out of red. All of this happens because thousands of us flock to the mall eager to spend our money.

Well, I confess to being one of the mob but I diverged ever so slightly. I didn't shop for Christmas gifts, we shopped for new Christmas decorations and then spent Saturday decorating. This little guy is our centerpiece for 2006 and once it's completed, I'll post a photo.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!



I'd never given much thought to which holiday is most pleasant or important to me, but as I've ahem, matured - it seems Thanksgiving has become my it holiday.

I'm guessing this is because it's the time when family gets together for no other reason than to give thanks, share a meal and spend time together. There are no gifts to buy or anticipate and no eager eyeing of the stroke of midnight.

It's quiet time.
Time spent sharing and talking.
Laughing and playing.

Of appreciation for what we have and each other. As the name implies, a time to be thankful and give thanks.

Happy Holidays!



I haven't adjusted to the fact that Thanksgiving Day is a week and half away when I'm assaulted with Christmas at my local mall. On Friday the local news reported that Santa Claus arrived at theTopanga Mall in Woodland Hills, CA, replete with carolers and fake snow.

I like Christmas as much as the next person but feel we really need to slow down. The news also reported that the average person plans to spend $900 this holiday season, up $200 from two years past.

I don't know where their stats came from, but I can assure you that I do not intend to spend anywhere near that amount. After hearing the upbeat spending forecast, retailers in So Cal decided to grab the eager spending beavers before they change their minds.

Dia de Los Muertos



What caught my attention at this altar was the calavera (skeleton) of an elderly lady and beside her the calavera of a dog. Near them was a photo of a Siamese cat and mutt dog. Clearly this elderly woman loved her pets dearly and this is what her family recalled about her. Not many altars include the fur companions of decedents.

When I die and if I am fortunate enough to have an altar, I want Buddah's photo, a photo of Boo & me, an iPod/vinyl LP/CD to represent music, a drawing of a computer, and a hot cup of tea!

Present Moment


Oftentimes, I don't know what I want. I simply know that I want something different. It's like the old saying, "The grass isn't always greener on the other side." We just think it is. Sometimes living in the moment is a bitch. That's when I must remind myself that this moment is all that I have. Nothing is guaranteed and tomorrow may not arrive.

Creativity



Is not one of my strengths. I don't have an eye for things: color, shapes, tapestries. It's all a blur and giant mystery to me. I'm too left brained to see the big picture and sorely lack composition.

My photos are very ordinary, rather than being unique statements or representations of things, places and people. It is however, something that I enjoy immensely and believe fills a void.

Therefore, I'll continue with this blog after a three month hiatus and post only when something peaks my interest. I'm not striving to maintain a schedule.

Paranoid?

I never felt the need to have a mirror in my workspace so that I could see who was peering over my shoulder or standing behind me. It's sad when an environment induces one to make changes as this.

Howdy Doody

This scary little guy was hanging around on stage near the bass drum. Unfortunately, there was too much movement for me to adequately capture him, but I think you get the feeling!

Pink


Long one of my favorite colors that makes me feel warm and happy at the same time.

Petals



Three beautiful things about summer:

~ Vibrant colors from the flowers and trees in bloom
~ Variety of delicious fruits and vegetables
~ Longer daylight and warm summer nights

Go Dodgers!

We were doing so good, too. Ah well, maybe next year...again.

Guard Cat

Imagine returning home from a hard day's work and finding this furry guy blocking your doorway. He's my little guy blocking my neighbor's door! LOL

Stitching

Obviously I haven't mastered the art of "stitching" photo segments together. It probably has a lot to do with not using a tripod and inadequate lighting. Toting a tripod is a hassle, especially in situations where doing so would mean blocking a pathway, etc. I don't have any external lighting, though, I've threatened to invest in it.

"Music makes You Lose Control"

So go the lyrics of a song whose title escapes me at the moment. TGIF! Tomorrow evening will be another music fest celebration in my town with plenty of food, entertainment, music and crafts. Hordes of people with descend on my town and we'll mix in the delightful 95 degree plus weather! LOL

Watch Your Step!

These stairs leading to a patio bar are deceiving. Each step is uneven and stepping down is a challenge pre-libations. It's a miracle they're still in business considering how many folks have surely lost their footing.

Dodger Style

Flamenco Dancing

Elegance in swirl.

Gorgeous!



My friend T. brought his Hog Lauren Michelle to work and she's a beauty all right. I can see why he's so protective of her. When Lauren Michelle purrs all the auto alarms set off!

America's Beloved Past Time

Caught a Dodger game tonight and boy, was it an exciting 3-1/2 hours! We beat the Diamond Backs 10 - 4 and the crowd of 47,000 plus was in high, cheering spirit.

On the Road Again



This motor bike has traveled farther and to more places than I will in my lifetime, which is just fine by me because I do not like to travel.

Typical So. Cal.

Yet another Star*ucks with customers chatting and desiring to be seen, while off in a corner sits the lone geek gazing into the shrine of phosphor.

Mirror

Mirrors on the walls and mirror watering can faucets.

Cock-a-doodle-doo!

This big fella graces the courtyard of a BBQ joint and makes quite an impression.

Happy Summer!

As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, free concerts in the park are popular in many communities in So. Cal. A tribute band named Led Zeppagain jump started the merriment in early June to an eager crowd.

Birdman

The Downtown L.A. News nicknamed him Birdman in a 2005 article about the popular Pershing Square Concert in the Park summer and winter series. Birdman is a consistent presence who both amazes and entertains us with his dance prowess and stunts. He doesn't interact and is hesitant to answer questions, but he sure dances his heart out!

Paint Ordinances







Two cities come to mind when the subject of painting one's house is the topic - South Gate and Huntington Park. Both cities have a large influx of Mexican immigrants living in their community and they bring with them their color palette of purple, pink, orange, gold and red. These cities have been embroiled in community meetings about imposing restrictions on what colors are unacceptable for a house exterior.

While tooling around my town I came upon these three eye sores and wondered if it's time for us to construct an ordinance! LOL

Neglected or Abandoned?




This car's been idled curbside for over two weeks and what's remarkable is that it hasn't been cited on street sweeping days nor for overnight parking without a permit, or towed as an abandoned vehicle involved in an accident. It's obvious it was hit while immobile and parked, but where's its owner? Doesn't anyone care?

Upside Down

It's was so hot this past weekend that I felt over heated and couldn't cool down, not having central air will do that to a person. I went to our small porch outside and laid on the swing bench. It was so refreshing and quiet as everyone prepared for the coming work week.

Gorgeous Auto







I came across this beauty in the Target parking lot. She was just parked waiting for admirers and gawkers and her owner never did appear to talk to me about her year, restoration process, etc. After lingering for fifteen minutes, plenty of time to alarm the owner, I left with my photos and drove off to lunch.

Red Steel Bench

Boo and I like to check out new restaurants and so it was we dined at the Barn Burner, a BBQ joint in South Pasadena. The food was good, though, we have had far better.

This bench intrigued me and brought back memories from childhood. Someone in the family had a bench like this and I could sit on that darned bench for hours, especially on a warm summer's night when the bench would feel cool on my skin. I'd love to own one today.

Red

Don't know if it's because I've been so busy and am resentful of lack of time and space for blogging or if it's because I'm on fire to complete projects. Either way, red objects have been capturing my eye and this Mini Cooper was eye candy.

There can be no doubt that this car's owner loves his/her baby. She's polished, as well as primed and detailed. Gorgeous car in the heart of car country...Los Angeles!

Long Beach's Pride Month



Five Great Things about So. Cal.
~ Palm trees
~ Open air shopping and dining
~ A coast that can't be beat!
~ Diversity
~ Gorgeous weather

Poodle clock

No one I knew while growing up ever owned a clock like this. I do remember seeing something similar in The Donna Reed Show, Father Knows Best or Leave it to Beaver. My sisters watched those programs and I always wondered why since they seemed very boring to me!

Beauty or Beast?

At first glance this truck looks average and very unassuming, but then...

...you see the front and realize this truck's butt ugly! LOL

Ahhh, it's warm!

It's been in the 80s all week and finally there's sunshine most of the day and heat, sweet humid heat!

Three good things about today:

Sunshine
Playing with Buddah
Relaxing