Here In The Hills

a mix of films - part 1

2012-01-29T05:28:00.000-08:00

I have been watching a lot of films these past weeks, and grateful to have them to watch---they have been saving me from the terrible despair I feel with my dear Sweetie gone....I can kind of lose myself in these films. But, it has been a very mixed bag.....And remember, anything I write about these films is just my very personal subjective opinion.....So, here goes.......With the Oscar Nominations now here as well as The SAG Awards just on the brink---I will start with some of the films I've seen that have nominations in one or more category's."MY WEEK WITH MARILYN"...Well, for me, people are behind the 8 Ball from the get-go attempting to make me believe anyone is Marilyn Monroe....For me, she was such an 'iconic' figure and so incandescent...I say, don't even try....So, I really didn't care for this film very much, at all, and again, for me, Michelle Williams, no matter how great an actress she is--and she is a wonderful actress---can just never be MM. I didn't have quite the same problem with Kenneth Branagh, though again, he is not and will never be Olivier....And, Julia Ormand as Vivien Leigh....well, I just couldn't buy it for a minute--Vivien Leigh was one of the most beautiful women in the world, ever. I just feel like I know these people too well, to accept seeing 'actors' pretending to be them. As to Nominations: Michelle Williams is nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress and The SAG Award for Best Actress In A Film. And Kenneth Branagh is nominated for both an Oscar and a SAG Award in the Best Supporting Actor in a Film, category."THE IRON LADY"....Meryl Streep's performance is truly truly wonderful, especially as the older Thatcher....very touching and believable. I realize that Margaret Thatcher is not someone that has the same iconic stature for me that MM had...and those of you across the pond may feel Meryl Streep can never "be" Thatcher....I understand it, if you do feel that way. But, being an outsider and not being as familiar with Margaret Thatcher, I thought Meryl Streep's performance was near flawless.....I'd love to know what all my U.K. Blogger Buddies feel about this......Meryl Streep is nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress., and for The SAG Award as Best Actress In A Film."ALBERT NOBBS".....Glenn Close had a passion for this material, having done this play on stage many many many years ago.(1982)....It took a lot of years, but she finally got the movie made. Her performance is very very good....As many of you may already know, she plays a woman, pretending to be a man, working at a small Hotel in England at a time when women had no 'rights', whatsoever....It is a brave performance and I admire her for her commitment to this material. Janet McTeer, another incredibly talented actress, is also playing a woman pretending to be a man working at painting homes and other odd jobs....Her performance is superb......Glenn Close is nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress and for The Sag Award for Best Actress In A Film. Janet McTeer is nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, and for The SAG Award For Best Supporting Actress In A Film."WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN"......This is a very tough film to watch---often excruciating, in fact.....But Tilda Swinton's performance is about as brave as one can be. It is the story of a mother who's child grows up to be a mass murderer.....She doesn't know how to deal with him from the time he is a baby, and one feels her hatred of him---and his incredible disdain for her---we watch him deliberately taunt her. Meanwhile, the father never sees any of this---the boy deliberately and cunningly hides his true feelings from his father....The culmination of the boys insanity(?) comes when he murders a lot of people all at the same time. Like I said, it is very tough to watch this story unfold.....But, Tilda Swinton deserves her SAG Nomination for Best Actress In A Film. She did not receive an Oscar Nomination and honestly, I will never understand that.....!"BRIDESMAIDS".......I was not crazy about this film.....I really have a hard time with lots of people throwing up and pooping all over the place---I do not find this kind of of 'low' humor funny, at all---I also find that certain "bits" go on too long, as they do on SNL, and what might have been somewhat funny gets really tiresome, to me. Sorry folks, this picture was just not my cup of tea, at all. And, forgive me, but I also do not understand Melissa McCarthy being nominated for an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actress category and for The SAG Award in the same category---Oh, Lord, I really sound like an old grouch, but....it's just my opinion.........

Having already written a post about "THE HELP" I will just remind you that three Actors are Nominated for Oscars: Viola Davis, Best Actress. Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain, both nominated for Best Supporting Actress Oscars and all three in the same category's for The SAG Awards......We will have the SAG Award answers very soon after I publish this post. Also, having written about both "The Descendants" and "The Artist" each of these pictures have multiple nominations in many category's--Including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress,. etc., etc., etc........Stay Tuned.......

There are many more films and they will be coming along very soon.....I hope I'm not boring you to death with these Film Posts.....

More To Come........

Note: 7:10pm, Sunday, January 29, 2012...I am thrilled to say that Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer both won the SAG Awards in each of their category's, AND, that "THE HELP" won the SAG Best Ensemble Of Actors In A Motion Picture, Award......Thrilled, Thrilled, Thrilled.....!

the help

2012-01-25T00:05:00.000-08:00

"The Help".....I liked this film a lot! I think it is an important film in many ways---the most important thing about it being that many people don't know about that time in our country, 1960's, Jackson, Miss. Many young people are not familiar with the incredible racism that existed in that period---not just in Jackson, Miss., but all over the South and in the North, as well. It is a great History lesson and a reminder of the bravery of many people of color during those dark days of The Civil Rights Movement---plus, it addresses the very important relationships of black maids and the white children they helped to raise and to whom they gave so much love........The film is based on the book, 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett. The screenplay was written by Ms. Stockett and Tate Taylor, who also Directed the film.....The performances are stellar---Viola Davis, once again, brings such a reality and truth and so much humanity to the screen in the role of 'Aibileen'----there is never a false moment in any performance of hers---(I just watched another film that she is in, "Trust" and again, you are not watching "acting"---you are watching someone "be"----) and in "The Help", once again, hers is an Award winning performance. It is moving and thoughtful in every way----the character of Aibileen "lives", through her.....Everyone in it is wonderful----Octavia Spencer, who plays 'Minny' and who has already won a number of Best Supporting Actress Awards is terrific.....! Above....Octavia Spencer with Jessica Chastain, playing 'Celia Foote'....A superlative performance by a really wonderful young actress......Emma Stone and Allison Janney, (above) who play mother and daughter, are both superb---Emma Stone plays 'Skeeter', the writer who convinces Aibileen to tell what it is like to be a black maid living in Jackson, Miss and to work for a white family, with all the prejudices and humiliations that went along with that.....They're collaboration results in a book that is published, exposing the truth. They are joined by quite a few other maids, telling they're stories, as well. This film is about the courage it took to do this at that time in the early 1960's in Jackson, Miss. If you haven't seen this film.....Do!I wrote this post, finishing it just before the Academy Award Nominations were revealed Tuesday A.M., but...it's no surprise to me or to anyone who has seen this very beautiful film that numerous nominations were handed to "The Help". In the Acting category: Best Actress, Viola Davis. Best Supporting Actress: Both Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer were Nominated. And, last but not least, the film itself was nominated for Best Picture. And....incidentally, Viola Davis, (Best Actress) Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer (Best Supporting Actress) are up for the SAG Awards, as is the cast for 'Outstanding Performance By A Cast Of A Motion Picture'....You can watch this 'live' show, this coming Sunday, January 29th on TNT and TBS.....These are the Awards I vote on......

More To Come........

the artist

2012-01-19T00:06:00.000-08:00

"The Artist" is a charming film with some wonderful and very sweet things about it....It is basically a 'silent film' that takes place just as sound is about to come into the film business, (changing it forever), and the effect this change to 'sound' has on one particular Silent Screen Star.....It is a very enjoyable film and has a feel-good ending....plus, the cutest Jack Russell we've seen since the television show "Frasier". For my money---he, 'Uggie" steals the movie.....This past weekend "The Artist won three Golden Globes....garnering a number of other Awards earlier in 2011 and 2012---some big 'wins', I might add.....It is original in many respects and we certainly haven't seen anything like it---well, maybe ever. Still, it wouldn't be my pick for, The Best Picture, at Oscar time....Just my subjective opinion folks...But, I would say if you haven't seen it---you should because it is a very very enjoyable experience!There has been a bit of a brouhaha about the Musical Score. Actress Kim Novak took a full page Ad in Daily Variety, protesting the use of already written music for part of the score for 'The Artist'---and incidentally the composer of the score for 'The Artist', Ludovic Bource, has won a number of Awards for this score and frankly, I have a problem with that too, just as Kim Novak does....And here is why. The filmmakers of 'The Artist' have used 6 minutes and 20 seconds of music written by Bernard Herrmann for the James Stewart, Kim Novak, Alfred Hitchcock film, 'Vertigo' in 'The Artist'. The "Vertigo" (1958) score is a very well known score---and the 6 min section of music lifted from Vertigo is a very famous and memorable theme written for a very famous and memorable scene in the film "Vertigo"........Mr. Herrmann was one of the premier Film composers of the 1940's and 1950's and continuing almost into the late 1970's ("Citizen Kane", "North By Northwest", "Psycho", "Cape Fear", "Taxi Driver", just to name a few of the films Mr. Herrmann scored).....Parts of "Vertigo" have been recorded for special albums/cd's featuring Mr. Herrmann's film music. I understand the filmmakers for 'The Artist feel that they're use of this music is a tribute to Hitchcock and Bernard Herrmann, a kind of homage, in fact....But the credit at the end of the film is lumped in with all sorts of song credits and there is no mention of "Vertigo" or Alfred Hitchcock...all it says is 'Love Scene Music' by Bernard Herrmann.....I think this is wrong---at the very least, if you are going to use 'original' music from another film, give it full credit. It is not like using Beethoven or Bach or Debussy---always given full credit, and rightfully so. It is using copyrighted music from another film---written especially for that film--I think this is very wrong for the Filmmakers of 'The Artist' to have lifted this music from another film, for they're film. Again, just my opinion, but I do feel very strongly about it.Anyway....this probably will not interfere with your enjoyment of this very delightful and original film---it is, as I said, a feel-good movie and we don't have too many of those, these days, so give yourself a real treat of an evening and go see "The Artist"---it's fun and a lovely story and, you will just adore dear Uggie......! Above....Jean Dujardin, the lead who has garnered quite a few Best Actor Awards......He is terrific! All the actors are terrific!...Go and enjoy!

Just two words about the film "Tree Of Life", again, just my personal opinion....Pretentious Drivel.....!

More To Come.........

a film worth your time

2012-01-14T00:06:00.000-08:00

Because I am a member of The Screen Actors Guild, (Along with about 60,000 other people), I get to vote on The SAG Awards, which cover Television and Films....But, because I am 'confined' to my home, as most of you know, I don't get to see a lot of the current movies, though there are many screenings through SAG--(Frustrating as all hell, for me---I used to see everything even before it was released in theatres...) Now, I don't get to see them until they are released on DVD's....Except, if The Producer's of these films decide to send a DVD to all 60,000, Screen Actors Guild Members.....
Well....so far, I have seen:
"THE HELP" , "MONEYBALL", "THE ARTIST" , "BRIDESMAIDS"
AND "THE DESCENDANTS" .....and then also---because these next two were rentable from Netflix----I have seen: "MIDNIGHT IN PARIS" and
"THE BEGINNERS". And a dear friend lent me: "A BETTER LIFE".....I will write about these films in the next few posts---but for this post, I want to talk about "THE DESCENDANTS"......I really loved this film....Alexander Payne, ("Sideways") Directed this film and Co-Wrote the Screenplay. It is a wonderful script and a very touching film, as well as being quite funny......George Clooney is utterly superb, playing a character we have not seen him play before! He is the father of two young girls---and both these young actresses are wonderful----The older daughter, played by Shailene Woodley is quite extraordinary!! It will be interesting to watch where her career takes her. It should be a very very big career, I dare say.....When the film begins we find out that his wife, who is the girls mother, is in a coma, having been very badly injured in a boating accident. Hard decisions must be made. The story unfolds in a very fascinating and sometimes surprising way.....It is filled with so much humanity and the kind of conflicts that effect so very many family's and so very many married couples and the children who are left in the 'wake' of their parents struggles......The setting is Hawaii....And that alone, held a certain nostalgia for me, having spent 14 weeks living on the Big Island, many years ago....In a certain way, the Beauty of the place belies the horror of what is happening to this family, but as Clooney's character says---very bad things can happen in what looks like Paradise. Hawaii is also a major and important character in the film, too. So much heartache in such a beautiful place. And more hard decisions must be made about some very large important family acreage....... I want to have an experience when I see a film---I want to feel things---I want to be transported to wherever it is any given film wants me to be transported to....."The Descendants" fulfilled all of that, for me.....I urge you to see this film, if you haven't already.....It is heart breaking, thought provoking and, very entertaining, too, and all the performances---down to the smallest part---are beautifully rendered.....You can't ask more from a film, in my view. Below, Clooney and the always wonderful Beau Bridges......And, I think George Clooney should win ALL the Best-Actor-In-A- Leading-Role 'Acting Awards' out there this year....! (He's already won The Critics Choice, and deservedly so......) And in all honesty, I am anxious to see this film again---so that's what I'm going to do later today. And I will savor every wonderful moment of it.....! Again, I urge you to give yourself an 'experience'---go see "The Descendants".........

More To Come.........

Note: I want to thank you all from the bottom of my very broken heart for your kind and caring words about the loss of my dearest Sweetie....These are hard times for me---I miss him so very very much....And the wonderful loving things you all said were so comforting and so very meaningful to me. It has helped me enormously to just get through the day---the hours---and sometimes, the minutes.....He was my dear dear little family. I know some people don't understand that, but I Thank God for all of you who do and did.....My heart is so full with your tender understanding. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.........And so, we press on as best we can........

more sweetie

2012-01-09T00:03:00.000-08:00

Here he is.....more of "The Mister"....
Okay. See, this is how I try to get through loss....I look at pictures and video's. It makes me feel better because it makes, in this case, dear Sweetie more "present" for me, even though I know he is gone.

Missing him is just too hard to bear, so, this helps me to bear his not being here a little bit better.....
I'm so glad I took so many pictures and video's.....
So.....here is a video of Sweetie playing with a toy. I know, every cat does this...But...BUT...this was my dear sweetheart who was doing it...My dear "Sweetie"......So.....Enjoy! It might make you smile or even laugh...Just like I did, when seeing this again!

And, below, here is another adorable little Video....We had a "visitor"; a funny little monkey named Rabies.....I LOVE the concentration in this one.....I laughed out loud upon seeing it once again......! Sweetie was so so Adorable!

More To Come..........

my sweetie june 1, 1999 - january 2, 2012

2012-01-03T00:06:00.000-08:00

So, the dreaded "Leakage" happened....his Temperature Spiked and he was listless and you could see he was not feeling well, at all......The choices were "terrible" and "more terrible"....Really, it came down to what way do I want to have him leave this mortal coil......So, the kindest and best thing for him was to put my darling little sweetheart, to sleep......I am Heartbroken. He has been my 'significant other' for twelve and a half years....So dear, so funny, so very very sweet and loving.....My house is empty. My dear friend Shawn drove me to the Vets and they brought him out to the car for me.....I had some very sweet special 'alone time' with him....And then the very dear Dr. Hue and a sweet young woman who used to come and give him his pills, Brianna, came into the car with me and after a while, it felt like it was the right time.....It was quiet and easy for him, Thank God, which is what I wanted.....These two women were so very sweet and loving---they loved Sweetie as much as I do----What was not to love?....He was as dear as any animal I've ever known. He died right there as I hugged him close to me.My house is so very empty.I cut off two little pieces of matted fur---mattes which I had been feeling on his 'rough' and had asked them to cut them off---but they didn't. So I did, today. Precious little pieces of Sweetie's soft soft beautiful white fur.....Such a very dear dear little special person....I thanked him for all the love and comfort he brought into my life---he was the perfect cat for me these last twelve and a half years and such a great Beauty, too, and such a humble little guy. How lucky I was to have him be my dear dear companion. My very dear 'significant other' with four legs and a long beautiful tail....I think he was happy here with me.....I know I sure was happy with him.....He lifted my spirits---even today with him just right there next to me, as sick as he was----he was so comforting. I hope I comforted him, too......I wanted to see him on his way in the best way possible......I think I did.....Oh My God, he was such a great cat....! And, maybe best of all, he always made me laugh and smile.Oh, My Lord, My House Feels So Very Empty Now.....

More To Come.........

happy new year

2011-12-31T00:06:00.000-08:00

Wishing all of you a Very Happy New Year with many many more to come.....Peace on Earth, Good Health, and Much Much Happiness.......See you in 2012....!

More To Come..........

Note: Update on Sweetie....! He is holding his own and they are monitoring his insides every day with Ultrasound, to make sure there is nothing untoward happening---I won't go into specifics about that except to say things look pretty good, at this point. The growth they removed was Cancer, but the doctor feels they got it all and this kind of cancer does not respond well to Chemo, so that will not be an option---and to be truthful, I wouldn't put him through that anyway---this has been hard enough on him...! So....once he is eating better and pooping better and does not need to be monitored daily and his sutures come out...He will be able to come home to me....I did visit him, which was wonderful----they brought him out to the car since I cannot go into the hospital with my Lung Issues....It was great to see him and he is one strong little cat, I tell you.....We had some nice quality time together, and I will try to do that again, if I can arrange it.....Anyway....thank you all for your prayers and healing thoughts for my little honey boy....I know it all helped!

I hope your New Years Celebration is a lovely one, my dears.......

a lovely christmas

2011-12-27T11:54:00.000-08:00

It was a lovely Christmas Day at the Parks, though somewhat Bittersweet....The first Christmas without Betty, but her wonderful boys and their wives, did her proud, and all of us lifted a glass to her...... The table looked lovely and my little contribution to Christmas 2011 were the Chocolate Teddy Bears for the table..... There was a lot of hustle and bustle in the kitchen, naturally.....Much attention was being paid to "The Turkey"...... And then, 'the boys', took the Turkey over to the Table, to 'rest'. The other contribution that I make to Christmas Dinner each year is---I Carve The Turkey! Yes! And I really enjoy doing it very much.That's Andy with me---we are talking about the readiness of this Beautiful Turkey......Andy had done all the preparation of the Turkey, including the Brinning and the Stuffing........Back in the late '70's or early 1980's Betty sewed an apron out of some old sheets of mine. It was for a scene we were doing at Theatre West for a Musical we were writing..Betty: Lyrics, Me: Music, based on the play "Cheri", by Colette....Betty and Andre Landzat played the leads and I played the maid and then went backstage to play the piano for the songs they sang---the Apron was part of my Maid Costume.... Forever after, this was and is the Apron I wear to Carve The Turkey...! The Beautiful Karen had washed it and ironed it so it was fresh and clean before the onslaught..... And then, she helped get me into it......I sat on a stool in front of this gorgeous Turkey so I could carve it using the Electric knife. This is the first time in all the years I have been doing this, that anyone has taken pictures of me actually carving the Turkey...... I actually only carved one whole side of this beautiful Turkey.....I'm sure the family will have another two or three meals out of it....It was deeee-licious, beyond words.....Tender and Juicy and perfect! Andy, you did a beautiful job.....Your Momma would have been so very proud....!

More To Come........

Update on my Honey Boy: Sweetie came through the surgery very very well.....Though he is still not out of the woods, as they say...The next few days are rather critical, because of the possible bad things that can happen from this very serious abdominal surgery....Poor little guy....And we are still waiting for the results on the Biopsy. Best case scenario---what they removed, is Benign.....Keep those prayers coming......

happy holidays to all!

2011-12-22T01:52:00.000-08:00

My little Patio, at Twilight........two additions---The little tree I mentioned and a few more Poinsettias.....That's it for the Front Door Entry.......The "star" at the top of my little tree is shaped rather like a Jewish Star.....Well, Hanukkah began on the 20th So....here is a nod to both Holidays......A Very Very Happy Hanukkah and a Very Very Merry Christmas to you all.........! And, I now have two other Santa's sitting inside my house.....Here's one, below....... And below, again....here is the other one......He actually lights up and moves and plays a song....! I think it is appropriate that he is standing next to my little white, Baby Grand Electric Piano......And one last photo.....my 'display' as you enter my front door....... So......I wish each and every one of you a Very Merry Christmas......May you enjoy all the Joys of the Season and have a Peaceful Healthy Happy New Year, too.....

More To Come..........

Note: My dear little "Sweetie" is in the Hospital and will be operated on tomorrow......Please keep him in your thoughts and your Prayers. I pray he comes through this with flying colors....It is quite a serious surgery. I'm trying to stay as positive as possible and I would dearly appreciate any and all good thoughts coming this way for my 'dearest'......

decorating

2011-12-16T20:27:00.000-08:00

This is just the first step in my meager Holiday Decorations for my little Front-Door-Porch---I don't do too much...and what will be added are a few more Poinsettia Plants and, perhaps, a little tree......But, if you want to see a really special beautiful magical Christmas display, go to Joey's Pad.....here.......and be sure to see the very last picture. I so wish he could drop by my place from 'across the pond' and brighten up my little Patio for The Holidays..........What he did, and what more he will do, is my dream of what Christmas should look like........

More To Come..........

nada-nothing-zero

2011-12-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

Oh Lordy....I have nothing to say. Zilch. Zero. Nada. Life is overwhelming these days......So, I think I will share a video with you that means a lot to me. I need to be inspired again....maybe this will do it....This is from "Sunday In The Park With George"(1984), the beautiful musical that Stephen Sondheim wrote about the great Artist, George Seurat....This was sung at Sondheim's 80th Birthday Celebration at Lincoln Center in March 2010, by Original Cast Members, Mandy Patankin and Bernadette Peters.....Stunningly Beautiful....... "......Anything you do, let it come from you, then it will be new.....Give Us More To See......". Oh, My God...Yes! And here is the same song 'back in the day'...1984-85.....Perfection!

Oh, Oh, Ohhhhh, Yes.
I was younger.....They were younger.....And the message of this song for any Artist?......Utterly Timeless..............

More To Come..........

miss peggy lee

2011-12-06T00:03:00.000-08:00

Peggy Lee....one of the "GREATS".......she was a great singer and a consummate composer and she was unique, and just 'something else', as they say.....I mentioned this song, "Is That All There Is?" in my last post about the tv show "Boss"......I ended up feeling like what the song says...."Is That All There Is?", and then I found it on YouTube......This song was written by Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber. I think it is my favorite of all their many songs.....
Back to "Boss" for just a moment: Having watched the next to last episode of this first season of "Boss"...I was overwhelmed with the fact that it is huge...Like Greek Tragedy, or a play of tragedy on a Shakespearean scale--like The Scottish Play that begins with "M".....So, I guess, there really is nothing new under the sun, as they say.....People have been corrupt and power hungry and stop at nothing, for centuries. "Boss" is our present day Greek Tragedy....Our "King Lear", or The Scottish Play.......
Now.....going back to the fabulous Peggy Lee: One of her GREATEST Albums in my opinion was "Norma Deloris Egstrom From Jamestown, North Dakota" (1972)....I understand this album was reissued in 2004 by EMI, using some alternate takes because the Original Master was somehow destroyed...(OY VEY!!), but it appears it is no longer available---a crying shame, because this is a record to cherish....! There are so many wonderful songs on this terrific album....Here are just two of them....Enjoy.....!
I was lucky enough to spend an evening with Miss Peggy Lee many years ago....dear friends of mine, Ken & Mitzie Welch, who had worked with her, had a "Game" Party, and I was one of the guests along with Ms. Lee.....All the "games" were music related or film/stage related. For one of the musical ones, we were divided into teams of four....I was on the same team as Miss Peggy.....Songs were played by different artists and you had to fill in their names going across the page, one right underneath the other like a crossword. When it was all filled in---another "Artists" name was spelled out going down the center of the musical crossword and that was the Final Answer for that particular game.....The most unforgettable moment was when one of Peggy's songs was played and she did not recognize that it was her singing. Truly, My Hand To God! This was Hilarious and absolutely honest on her part.....For me, this was a precious and delicious experience......She was one of The Best singer/songwriter's/performers---Ever! And here is one more video...."A Song For You", written by the great Leon Russell. This song is on that most memorable album I mentioned above.....I wish this were a better video, but I'm thrilled it is available at all!
A Song For You Lyrics

I've been so many places in my life and time
I've sung a lot of songs, I've made some bad RHYMES
I've acted out my life in stages
With ten thousand people watching
But we're alone now and I'm singin' this song to you

I know your image of me is what I hope to be,
I've treated you unkindly, darling, but can't you see
There's no one more important to me
So baby can't you please see through me
'cause we're alone now and I'm singin' this song for you

You taught me precious secrets of the truth, withholdin' nothin'
You came out in front and I was hiding
But now I'm so much better so if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody cause my love is in there hiding

I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for my life, 'cause you are a friend of mine
And when my life is over, remember that we were together
We were alone and I was singin' this song for you,

We were alone and I was singing this song for you.

More To Come.........

boss

2011-12-01T01:06:00.000-08:00

There is a new series on Starz called "BOSS" with Kelsey Grammer. This is a Kelsey Grammer as we have not seen him before---so far away from 'Frasier", well....it is almost frightening. But he is good! Really really good! The series is about a Mayor of Chicago, who is corrupt and power hungry to the point of addiction, who finds out he has an incurable neurological disease which will end in death, (something HE cannot control), and what happens as a result of that. I just re-read this sentence and feel it is so inadequate as far as the "plot" of this series is concerned....Overall, what this series is really about----what it is really saying is that: "Everyone Is Corrupt!" Yes, EVERYONE. According to this 8 episode series...(EIGHT episodes??????? You cannot be serious, Starz!!!!)....Everyone is corrupt. The Mayor, his staff, his wife, his daughter, all the Alderman of the City Of Chicago..(it could be anyplace, U.S.A., really).....Everyone, all of us---WE, are all corrupt. How deeply depressing is that?Why watch this?? Well, as a writer myself, I am always interested in what TV is feeding us---but most particularly what the Premium Cable Channels are creating---where censorship is non-existent. They can pretty much do whatever they want.....And that's a good thing, I think, with some exceptions, of course; AND, as an Emmy Voter, I know "Boss" will come up and should, in the Voting process...This is a wonderfully written show---A wonderfully Directed show, and, with some of the best acting you will see, anywhere......Still.....I wonder about 'the message' of 'Boss'. Are each and every one of us corrupt? Are each and every one of us capable of killing and/or destroying anyone and everyone to get what we want? To get and keep "Power"? Is it really by any means necessary?
Gee, I sure as hell hope not.....On Sunday of the Thanksgiving Weekend, Starz showed a 'marathon' of these hour long episodes that have appeared so far---one right after the other---no commercials, of course----6 episodes in all---6 hours in all, so far that is, and with only two more episodes to go in their FIRST Season......(To use the word "season" is almost laughable...! Kids, I remember when a 'season' was 36 episodes...or 32...or even 24......! Now, we are at an EIGHT episode season???? As you can see, I just cannot let go of this---I'm like a dog with an 8-episode-bone.....!) Well....they may be right to only have 8 episodes. I'm not sure I can take that much more cruelty, corruption and killing, without a l-o-n-g break.....!Oh, and, lest I forget....There is more "explicit" fornicating in each hour of this eight hours than seems possible, IF there is a further message than "we are all corrupt and we are all "Eff-ing" each other in every way", I have not seen it----there is no morality. There is only corruption. Is this what television is saying the 21st Century is all about? Pretty ugly, I'm afraid..........And yet.....and yet, I kept watching. The most amazing thing about watching this "marathon" was..How much I actually had missed, when watching each episode for the last 6 Fridays.....(WHAT??? I don't remember THAT happening?, etc., etc....) The truth is, the way to see a series like this---so full and packed with important and often subtle information mixed in with the Horror-Show-Cruelty-Information, is NOT every Friday Night...but ALL 6 or 8 episodes---one episode right after the other in one sitting, or two----to remember who everyone is and how they are connected in this complex series, is impossible from Friday to Friday--utterly impossible, what with daily life getting in the way and all we have to remember about everything that happens on any given day in our real lives. Well, it's no wonder I felt like I was seeing most of it for the first time.......!Still.....why do we need a series like this? Why do we need to know and/or believe that EVERYONE is corrupt? What makes us care about these people---Well, as it turns out, very little. I almost don't care at all about these people. I find them abhorrent. I find them frighteningly horrifying and "real", too, I'm sorry to say......And, truthfully, after 6 hours of this assault, I was ready for some entertainment. You know what I mean? I needed a movie like "Somethings Gotta Give".....Please...give me Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton on the beach or in the kitchen......Or give me Jude Law & Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet & Jack Black in "The Holiday"...Both of these films were written and directed by Nancy Meyers....Good writing, wonderful acting, and you feel good when they are over---you feel hope.....!Okay.......Do I recommend "BOSS"? Well.....I'm not sure what to say---plus, there are only two more episodes, though I'm sure it will be available for rent sooner than you can blink your eyes.....It's a tough series about tough people....And there seems to be a lot of that these days, especially on the so called Premium Channels---HBO, Showtime and Starz....Is this the way of all Drama series now? Stark harsh cruelty coming at you at breakneck speed? It obviously reflects the harshness and cruelty of life in this 21st Century.....But I hate to think that possibly, as Peggy Lee once sang a long time ago..."Is that all there is?"Oy Vey!

More To Come.........

NOTE: Remembering all those dearly departed friends...43.....on this World Aids Day, 2011......You will never be forgotten and you will be in my heart throughout eternity.......

NOTE 2: 12/02/11: Another dear wonderful friend---the talented, and hilariously funny Alan Sues---has died.....He was a true "original" and such a dear dear sweet funny man, with a wicked sense of humor....Some of you older folks may remember him from "Laugh In".....I knew him from Theatre West and those were truly special heady days, I tell you.....It is getting very crowded up there in Heaven, with so many wonderfully talented people leaving us......
Rest Well Dear Dear Alan.......

the tile house-update

2011-11-26T00:36:00.000-08:00

Remember when I went up to visit the amazing George Ehling in July? Well....of course you don't....Why would you? There is so much going on in every one's life...too much to remember a little visit of mine back in July....(My Lordy...that was almost over 4 months ago....!) I had spoken to George and he told me that I had inspired him to tile the inside of his two garages......I did write about that here......and here.....With Pictures. Do go back and take a look if you haven't seen this fantastic 44 year project---it gives those of you unfamiliar with this magnificent work of art, a small window into the creativity and passion of George Ehling.Anyway....there was one section in the second and more complex of the two garages, that was unfinished at the time that I was there in July---I did not show the pictures of it because I knew I would come back when it was finished and be able to show you both the unfinished and the finished.......And here is that unfinished section, and that is the incredibly talented George, standing in front of it.......This picture was taken in July and I thought it interesting because you can see the process to some degree. There are many areas unfinished and un-grouted.......Two months later, I went back to see the 'finished' section---in fact, to see all of the entire finished Garage, which you can kind of see in the very first picture at the top of this post.......Below....a closer look at the unfinished........ Unless you know and understand the process of "creating"---which is different for each artist, what unites all of them, (us) is the fact that there is a Vision.....George knew where he was going....and here it is, below..... So.......below.....Unfinished.............<><>And here.....Finished. To me....this is incredibly amazing....! I know first hand, in a small way, the time and effort and artistic vision one must have to see where the 'end-point' will be....And the most amazing thing about 'creating' is....The end point is often never where you thought it would be....That's the most exciting thing about being an Artist.....and it is also the most mysterious thing about being an "artist", too....The intuitive out-of-your-control vision that ends up being different and better than what you first thought of, many times......But is still exactly what you wanted it to be in your interior intuitive 'feelings'.......Below......
Unfinished, and Finished...... Amazing difference, isn't it? It almost looks like it is not the same area.....But it is! The Artist's Way.......
The Floor..........The two pictures above.....back in July....George was still working on everything and so the floor was filled with little bits and pieces and some of his working tools......Below......The finished floor, in all it's amazing beauty........I love that one tile that is somewhat darker than all the others.....a kind of signature of George's, sometimes.......The Artistry of George Ehling, continues........

More To Come.......

happy thanksgiving

2011-11-23T00:03:00.000-08:00

All kidding aside......To all of you who will be celebrating 'Turkey Day', I am wishing each of you a Very Very Happy Thanksgiving......Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy.....!!!!

More To Come..........

status - no news

2011-11-18T00:06:00.000-08:00

There are things happening, but nothing to talk about. So.....instead, I am sharing some "Rose" pictures with you.......What is more beautiful than a Rose? Another Rose.....! And these pictures were taken after I had these gorgeous flowers for four days.....Of course, the wonderful Van made the arrangement and this was given to me by my very dear Grand/Great Niece, Laurel Cohen......(Never sure which is correct)....... Above....a lovely pale Rose with a touch of lavender in the middle.....So very elegant and restrained in this very beautiful way.....Laurel got me these flowers for the 'Family' gathering I had, back in October....I was pretty sick, but went ahead anyway....It was a rare opportunity to see some family that I might not see again---with age and infirmities---this is a far piece to come if you live on the other coast, which many of the family do----especially with travel being so difficult now..... Ahhhhh.....another beauty above......These were all such perfect Roses in every way......And I was very touched that Laurel went to the trouble to order these flowers for me---And from my favorite florist Van.....Laurel had flown in from Chicago. Her parents Nancy and Danny Cohen had driven down from Davis, CA, with their other daughter and my other Great/Grand Niece, Sarah.....Danny is my late sister Robin's middle child.....And his Father, Bob Cohen, (Who I had not seen for almost twenty years), had flown in from Boston, as did Robin and Bobby's dear daughter Debbie and her two children, Maya and Jesse...... Above, my favorite of all the Roses, I think---Well, in truth, I love them all.....But, the varied colors of this one just took my breath away.....Robin and Bobby's oldest son, Michael and his wife Dianna had come from upstate New York....and two of their sons were here as well---one with his little seven year old daughter---so she would be Robin's Great Grandchild and my Great Great Niece?? Who knows.....And.....my brother Gordon and his wife Michelle were here from Connecticut, and one of his daughters came with her husband from Colorado.
Because I was feeling so very poorly---I took no pictures. Other people did take pictures, but I have not seen any of them, as yet.....When I get them----IF, I get them, I will definitely share them with you...... And last.....a gathering of Roses and some other pretty flowers, too.....Van worked his 'magic', as always and it was like that day---the magical gathering of 'family'........

More To Come..........

blue nights

2011-11-12T00:06:00.000-08:00

Well...here is another post about death.....I'm sorry, my dear readers...But, you reach a certain age and death becomes a bigger and bigger part of your life as each day passes....If you find it too painful and/or depressing to read about all this....well, then....just click off---(maybe some of you already have)---and come back another day......But let me just say this: Your own mortality and the mortality of those you are close to and love dearly becomes more and more paramount as you get older. At least it has for me. I worry about what is happening in my body, and I worry about what is happening in all of my friends "of a certain age"......I know this is the way it goes. I know that. I understand that. But....STILL I worry about it and I find it all very depressing and very hard to be confronted with on a daily basis......I just finished Joan Didion's new book, "BLUE NIGHTS"......I was so moved by it...touched in such a deep way. I LOVE her writing and I so often know the people and places she writes about---that makes it feel familiar and friendly...No, I do not know her personally. But, because of her writing, I feel like I do. It is so honest and truthful and bare-bones heartbreaking....Her last two books---"The Year Of Magical Thinking" and "Blue Nights"....The first, about how she got through the first year or so after the death of her husband of almost 40 years, John Gregory Dunne....the second---this new book---is about the death and life of their adopted daughter, Quintanna Roo Dunne, who died 18 months after her dear husband, at the age of 39.....Adoption is an important part of this book as well as motherhood, and it is also about the frailness that Joan Didion feels at this stage of her life, now having a number of infirmities visited upon her----This little book----only 188 pages long, I read it in less than two days----Is so powerful and so deeply moving---yes I know I said that already...I will say it again----And it is haunting, too.This is a book that stays with you for a long long time. I have always been drawn to 'memoir' and prefer to read this kind of book over almost any other----and I'm not talking about the Kardashien type 'memoir'....I'm talking about the sharing of a life by a superb writer, which is more powerful than anything in it's ability to touch your heart......! This is such a book by one of our finest writers. I urge you to read this very special little book---No, it is not a walk-in-the-park, but it is incredibly rewarding just the same. Why? Because she is not afraid to tell it like it is....And she is a true 'poet'.....To read more about Joan Didion and her body of work, go here......,
here......and here.........!

More To Come...........

11-11-11

2011-11-10T19:40:00.000-08:00

Remember.......

Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the flowers gone?
Girls have picked them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the young girls gone?
Taken husbands every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the young men gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the young men gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the young men gone?
Gone for soldiers every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Covered with flowers every one
When will we ever learn?
When will we ever learn?

(words and music by Pete Seeger)

More To Come...........

gil cates 1934-2011

2011-11-07T00:08:00.000-08:00

"Death ends a life, but it does not end a relationship which struggles on in the survivor's mind toward some resolution which it never finds....."This is a quote from Robert Anderson's Great play and Screenplay.."I NEVER SANG FOR MY FATHER" (1970)......The film starred Melvyn Douglas, Gene Hackman, Dorothy Stickney and Estelle Parsons and was Directed and Produced by Gil Cates, who died on October 31th--just a few days ago.........It is a truly great film---painful to watch because of it's unflinching honesty. The performances are superb in every way and the Direction and Screenplay deeply touching and indelibly memorable. (Melvyn Douglas, Gene Hackman and Robert Anderson all received Oscar Nominations for this film....) Rent this film. You won't be sorry. I would like to watch this film, once again, right now as I write this and be reminded of the humanity that is possible with "art".....

My connection to Gil Cates is "Spoon River Anthology". Gil and his brother Joe, Produced this special close-to-my-heart production. (Edgar Lee Masters great Prose Poetry, adapted by Charles Aidman for the stage...) bringing it to Broadway in September, 1963. Gil also directed a Pay Television version of "Spoon River" while we were still on Broadway.....

Gil Cates had a fantastic career in the Theatre and in Television and in Films.....And was beloved by just about everybody....
For me, what I will remember about Gil Cates more than anything is "I Never Sang For My Father".....It is a searingly truthful film about family and death; it is about aging and responsibility and the pain and guilt of not taking responsibility.......If Gil Cates did nothing else---and he did plenty---(--you can read all about him here---), He Produced and Directed 14 Academy Award Shows---brought Billy Crystal to The Awards as well as Whoopie Goldberg and Steve Martin, just to name a few.....He was the President of the Directors Guild of America for two terms.....He founded and ran the Geffen Playhouse here in Los Angeles since 1994---a stellar theatre that produces fantastic original productions of new plays and revivals....And he was the founder and Dean of The UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television, 1990 to 1998....and in fact, died in one of the parking lots on the campus, having just left work---he was still teaching there....BUT, if Gil Cates had done none of these things, he was responsible for bringing "I Never Sang For My Father" to the Broadway stage and to the Screen.There were many other films, too.....But this is the one that tears your heart out, and what an experience it is. It was and is a haunting film in all it's honesty----Oh, I urge you to rent this film as soon as you possibly can----And the first and last line of this picture is a fitting tribute to the late great and incredibly talented Gil Cates.......
"Death ends a life but it does not end a relationship which struggles on in the survivor's mind toward some resolution which it never finds...."

R.I.P. dear Gil Cates.........

More To Come........

anniversaries

2011-11-02T01:37:00.000-07:00

Twenty years ago I performed two Wedding Ceremonies that were two weeks apart. The first was Audrey McCann and Michael Franks, on October 27th, 1991......And the second Wedding was Karen Culliver and Garrett Parks, on November 9th, 1991. Both of these Weddings had a very personal meaning for me. There is a long intimate history with the Franks family and me, and with the Parks family and me, too......
I met Michael Franks' father Danny, before he met his wife, Ruth--Michael's mother----in 1953-54. I was at Michael's "briss", spent time with him when he was just a boy.....Above, Michael and me, in Great Neck, at my mother's house---1965-66.....And below-----at my 80th Birthday this past June........And when he moved out to Los Angeles I met his dear loving special then future wife, Audrey.....When they decided to marry, they asked me to perform the ceremony. I was thrilled and very touched, too...... The Ceremony was held in one of the 'Gardens' of The Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. It was a very cold winy day, but beautiful.......There it is above---Michael sent me this picture of the garden just a few days ago.....And here below, the Happy Couple, twenty years later....... And, in a not so very good picture below, at my 80th Birthday Celebration kast June.....And, that same day----here are Michael & Audrey with Karen Culliver Parks....!

On November 9th, 1991, I 'officiated' at the Culliver/Parks Wedding, held in the garden of the Parks Family home in Studio City---another beautiful day. There we are below.....me signing the very important required license that says, yes, they are actually married.....!I have known Garret Parks since 1962....His Mom and Dad---Betty Garrett and Larry Parks were my dear dear friends and colleagues, too, since 1962. Both are gone now---Larry in 1975, and Betty, just this past February 12th, 2011......Garrett met his dear talented Karen, who has what I call, a-heartbreak-voice because it breaks your heart with it's purity of feeling and soul, back in 1989---when she appeared with Betty in the very special Broadway show of, "Meet Me In St. Louis". Above, Karen and her future mother-in-law, dear Betty G., at the Opening Night party of "Meet Me".......Well, she was the most beautiful young woman you have ever seen---And, she still is. Garry found his true 'soul-mate'. I got to know Karen a little bit later, when she was playing 'Christine' in "Phantom Of The Opera" on Broadway.It was during that time that Karen and Garrett asked me to perform their Wedding ceremony---a very thrilling prospect for me......And, here is what is so very meaningful to me: We are all STILL in each others lives---we are "family". Below, Karen and Garrett last New Years Eve at my house...... And below with their very beautiful and talented daughter Maddy....also here in my house last New Years Eve........The Franks and The Parks...They are my very very dear dear extended "Family". To have people in your life for such a long long time is deeply meaningful. And it was indeed, incredibly meaningful to actually officiate at both of their Weddings. And now, here it is twenty years later......!

So, a Happy 20th Anniversary to each of you....may there be another 60 years of marriage for both couples----you are all so very special in every way.....!!!!

More To Come...........

happy halloween

2011-10-30T01:36:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN........!!!

And, thank you all for your very sweet concern and your very dear comments....I am much much better, but still not "well".....This has been a very mean Bronchial Infection, because of my already damaged lungs......Still.....I am feeling better......Hopefully, I will soon be back at the old stand....Meanwhile, I wish you all a very fun and happy Halloween......Here is a picture from better days.........
More To Come.........

sickly........

2011-10-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

Been down with a Bronchial Infection.....I'm on the mend, but still not "well".......I will be back as soon as I am all better......Talk among yourselves.......And, as Harrison Ford said to Melanie Griffith in "Working Girl".... 'play nice with the other kids'........

More To Come, (when possible)...........

fall flowers

2011-10-15T00:07:00.000-07:00

In the Cactus and Succulent world, something is blooming all year round---all of them are not the same plants, of course.....Above, is a beautiful tall Euphorbia....(There are thousands of different kinds of Euphorbias---I probably have 35 different varieties in my garden....). The Bees love these little yellow flowers.....There is nectar to be had here......And if you look closely, you can see it glistening right there for any and all of the bees to enjoy...... I have actually tasted the nectar and it is deeeeelicious! Sweet, sweet, sweet.....Love it! When you sit on my Patio, which is what I was doing.....you can see this very tall Euphorbia which is taller than the Streetlight, now.....There are a lot of plants on my Patio, and a lot right outside the Patio wall, planted in the bed next to the sidewalk.......The Euphorbia that is flowering in these pictures was very small when I planted it back in 1986-87........I don't have a picture of that early early bed.....Well, I have something somewhere but not scanned in......It is hard to believe that all these lovely speciman's were all planted 25 years ago.....This picture below, is of the front bed from March, 2007, while a Film-Shoot was going on across the street from me. I asked them to put those cones up so people would be more careful of these precious plants.....They graciously complied and I dearly appreciated it........ That huge light yellowish plant is amother Euphorbia---it is an Amak Variegated...it was just one little arm when I planted it......The Euphorbia that is flowering right now is a little right of center......Here below, another view, a little bit closer.....this picture was taken in April, 2007...... You can't see the Euphorbia very well, but it is there......Here below, another view where you can see it quite a bit better...... It is really a beautiful plant....but then, I think they are all beautiful plants---like "living" sculpture......From inside the Patio, where I was sitting the other day....you could see the flowering lower branches really really well...... And below.....a closer look at some of those arms---they are just so full and lush---it is always exciting to see ........ And below.....more bees......I didn't get as many really sharp ones as I wanted to, but these are pretty good........I like this first one below, because I caught him 'in flight'...... And the next ones---well, it's just Bees doing what Bees do.....Oh, they seem to enjoy this so very much......... And one last one........ If I can I am going to take some more pictures of the Bees.....I am down with some kind of upper respiratory horror---Not a good thing with my compromised lungs and with quite a lot of family coming over on Saturday......I'm a bit stressed out......Have a wonderful weekend, everyone......I hope the heat breaks here soon......

More To Come..........

magical nature

2011-10-11T00:52:00.000-07:00

Oh My Lordy....Look at this! Isn't it Amazing! This is a plant that grows in my garden.....Look at the complexity of it's structure.....see those protective long thin round thingies that surround the centers? There are 18 of these around each center....Eighteen! Even numbers....Hmmm. Wonder what that means? I don't know, but I'm sure somone does---And I know this----Nature does not make a lot of mistakes....... This is a Mammillaria---there are so many varieties that I'm not sure of the correct rest-of-the-name of this one, although I believe it is Mammillaria Elongata....Whatever the right name is---It is really Beautiful. This particular one sits on my front Patio, in a pot. It has done very very well there, so....if it ain't broke......! I know these plants, Cactus and Succulents are often an acquired taste....But it seems to me that all it takes is really really looking at a plant like this....Looking at the amazing beauty of nature--the "complexity", as I said before....You still may not like it, but you cannot deny how beautiful the complexity is, if you really truly look at it....At least I don't think you can deny it. You tell me. I have another variety of this plant out in front, right on the edge of the sidewalk.....The arms are smaller and the whole plant is more compact as well as being a slightly different color......And actually there are two, one right next to the other...... The one on the left is an Elongata.....I'm not sure which species the one on the right is. Of course, these plants looks very different in full sun and in the ground......(The picture above was taken in 2007.......while the plants were flowering......) Below, a closer look at both these flowering plants........... The Flowers are really tiny, as you can tell, hopefully.....a half-inch in diameter and less than an inch high...... This picture above was taken in April of 2008.....You can see that the color of the Mammillaria on the right is quite different than the one on the left.....Below, a better look at that one on the right...... I love the colors of this particular plant.....Usually these hearty plants do better in the ground than in pots---But, in fact, that is not always true. When something is planted in the ground and gets sun 12 hours out of the day, it just grows differently.....The Elongata's on the Patio are protected from Wind, Sun, and Rain.....Here is another one in a pot on the Patio, below.... This Elongata above was grown from a piece off of the very first one I showed at the top of this post....It is very happy, too, I'm thrilled to say....And those two tall plants that are the 'feature' of this beautiful pot-----which sits on a small table on the patio----were given to me by Betty......Betty had them in her Greenhouse for quite a long time---someone had given them to her, originally. When I first saw them they were about 5 and 6 inches high---she always said she thought they represented us and our friendship.....She gave them to me about ten years ago or so. They have grown quite a bit considering they are in a pot where plants like these do tend to grow much much slower......And these two dear plants have some wind marks on them now, on that one side that I photographed. I'll have to get a picture from the more protected side......Here is an interesting story. Now, just to the right of that little table, sitting on the floor of the patio---along with lots of other pots---is a very interesting plant. A good friend who was born in Holland brought it to me recently. Many years ago when he was visiting his mother in Holland, before her death, he took a cutting of this very old plant, and he somehow snuck the cutting into his suitcase, bringing it back here to Los Angeles.....It has grown and grown and grown....And it has beautiful White flowers which bloom at night only. A few months ago, he gave me some pieces of the plant! And that is what you are looking at in these pictures.....We just left them as he had given them to me, not wanting to disturb them a second time---And, I got very excited the other day because there is new growth, which means it has rooted in the pot now.....Hooray! You can see there are three new shoots---the light green pieces.....And, as you can also see......there is something else growing.That little red Radish-looking thing, in the not so great photo I took....Well, that is the beginnings of a flower, we think....! Exciting, isn't it? This is an Epiphyllum---and there are thousands of different species of this plant....It will get very big, almost like a vine...So we will have to move it eventually.....But for now, I am really thrilled that I have some of a plant that started in Holland and then moved to Los Angeles, and now lives with me, too.....It is over 100 years old....! In fact, I believe it is the oldest plant in my garden..........

More To Come.........

television views

2011-10-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

I have a very hard time with the re-imagining of, the re-doing of, the taking-something-that-was-perfect, and deciding...'Hey, let's do a NEW version of this show'......Nothing against Maria Bello---she is a fine actress----But, in my not so humble opinion, it takes some kind of...what? Chutzpah? To decide...Hey, let's re-do this series....For any actress to step into the shoes of a part that is so identified with and 'owned by' another actress, Helen Mirren, who's performance was untouchably brilliant in the original U.K. series..."Prime Suspect"....That is Chutzpah, too. I know, a job is a job. And in truth.....from what I've seen so far, this Americanized version of "Prime Suspect" has very little to do with the Original......Yes, some of the basics are the same---a Policewoman trying to achieve equal standing in a world dominated by men, etc., etc. But, it seems to me, that is where the similarities end. Why did the powers-that-be do this? Because, in fact, that's where the true Chutzpah lies with the producers and writers of this new American 'Prime Suspect'....and with NBC, too. And because it is really like a brand new series that takes place in New York City, not London, where the lead characters name is Jane, but not Jane Tennison----it's Jane Timoney.And she dresses like a rogue Sheriff in the Old West---Why call it "Prime Suspect' at all--call it something else? To me, this so called 'Prime Suspect' is just another Cop Show with a strong leading woman character.....What set the 'original' apart was a combination of things---not the least of which was Helen Mirren....The writing was superb; all the actors were superb, and there was nothing about it that we had seen before, up until that time, particularly in the gritty subject matter--it broke new ground in that respect.It was first produced in 1991. Of course, now in 2011 we've seen so much since then that our senses are numbed to hard hitting subjects filled with blood and gore---(Think "Dexter", for one...)---well, now it would all seem old hat. A suggestion: If you loved the original series, avoid the pain of this new one and just put on one of the "Prime Suspect" dvd's with the sublime Helen Mirren.

Now, let me say something about "The Good Wife".A wonderful show that just came back on for it's second season....They changed the viewing night from Tuesday at 10pm---a perfect time---to Sunday, at 9pm, not such a good time. They've changed 'Alicia's' hair, not so good, either.And they've changed her---not good at all...She just isn't the same person anymore---it's like The Two Faces of Alicia....HELP!!! There is little enough on TV to look forward to---and 'The Good Wife' was one I really DID look forward to....Now? Not so much. I was always concerned that it would become a 'soap opera'....Does anyone else see those bubbles emanating from the screen?

BBC America has some exciting drama's....."Law & Order U.K." (which was fabulous in it's first season shown here last winter..). It was the perfect "fix" for all of us "Law & Order" junkies who needed something a whole lot better than 'Law & Order L.A.'....(Oy Vey!) Terrific acting and direction and the writing--a lot of it based on the early original scripts of L&W, ALL fantastic.....! Well, it just started it's second season here in the states, and three of the lead characters have changed.... The men in the picture above have been replaced....!!! (The 'order' side of L&W).....
And the actor on the right, one of the two police officers, was killed off in the very first episode of the second season, sad to say. I haven't a clue as to why these actors were replaced---who knows what happened to them. All I know is three really wonderful actors are gone---two, with no explanation. Disappointing? Yes! I really thought it was cast so perfectly.....Oh well, that's the way these things go, I'm afraid. Still....it is a better series than most of this falls new shows.......

More good news from BBC America....They showed a wonderful 6 part series called "The Hour". The fictional story is about a 'show' called 'The Hour' shown on the BBC and about the people who work on putting it together---and it is about the political climate at that time. A terrific show within a show, so to speak, with interesting characters and the detail to the period---the 1950's---is superb. Exemplary Acting, Directing and Writing---this was a 'I-so-look-forward-to' 6 part series that I wish had been 16 parts....! (16 parts...that's a laugh---we are lucky if we get twelve episodes these days....)! Look for it in repeats....!

"The Playboy Club"?I saw about ten minutes and switched to something else. It was cancelled earlier this week, so the public only got to see three episodes. What is sad about that is...Maybe it would have found it's audience, given a chance...No, I wouldn't have been one of them, but, so what? "All In The Family" would be cancelled today after the third episode given the way shows have to perform ratings-wise....Now, that would be sad...! The 'networks' really do not give new shows a chance to find their audience today.....! Truthfully, I think "The Playboy Club" would eventually have been cancelled anyway...but gee, give them a fighting chance at least....!

"Boardwalk Empire" is back for it's 2nd season.....!! Love this show. This is their second season and so far, the high quality is very much there in ALL departments, in my opinion....And, this is another show that creates the period, (1920's Atlantic City during Prohibition) in such loving detail....Hooray for HBO!

Showtime has a new series called "Homeland".... What a cast! Damian Lewis, Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkan....all fantastic talents....I have only seen the first episode and it looks very interesting. More about that later......And as always.....There will be......

More To Come......

Note: October 6th, 2005 I started my first blog.....in less then a month, my computer died. And after I got a new computer, I was so new to Blogging I couldn't remember how to get on my Dashboard....So, I started this blog you are reading right now....I will honor my actual 6th Anniversary of this blog, in early November, but, I just couldn't let this day go by with saying a little something.....

breathtaking beauty

2011-10-02T00:07:00.000-07:00

Nature stuns us with it's color combinations and it's variety of shapes.....and, it's endless surprises in design. There are no mistakes in nature.....It is all perfect, whether we think so, or not.....Colors that shouldn't go together do----Shapes that seem to be at odds, aren't, at all.....Only in nature is the miraculous totally possible every time you look at a flower, for instance...... The Orchid is endlessly fascinating. There are so many kinds and so many color combinations......I could look at an Orchid for hours and not be bored. There is so much to see.......And so much to marvel at.....This is a very complex flower in just about every way---yet, in beauty, it is honest simplicity, itself. Oh....I want to take a closer look at this...... And then you have this view below, of another Orchid Blossom.....Each one really is different from the other......
And last, but not least....a different Blossom, once again...... I am in awe of these delicate, but strong flowers.....Endlessly engaging----I want more time with these gorgeous soft Blossoms......Okay? Okay. Here's one more for the road, as they say.......

More to come.........

ladies who lunch - part 4

2011-09-27T03:20:00.000-07:00

There were some Heart Necklaces that were included in the Gift Bags.....But, they must have been for little children----no one could get it over their heads....lol....So, as you can see from the picture of Lee above, a solution was found-----And a pretty fun one, I think. Dianne's seemed to be able to get onto her head a little better.....! I live the look on Bridget's face, above......She has such a wonderful expressive face........I call it a 'rubber' face---like a lot of the clowns in our early films.......She can create any look she wants----and does! I love it!......One of the things we had in our Gift Bags were these "snapper" thingy's....I think they are fun and very very festive...and 'the ladies' love them too, but sometimes we have problems making them go off---Especially, ALL at the same time. After all, if I'm taking a Video, I only have one shot at it, right? So, we rehearsed. Twice. They were all supposed to be ready and on my count of 'one, two, three, Go....', they all were to "GO"...! Check out this this Video, please........

This is the BEST it's ever worked, but still......No Cigar! (lol).....This next Video needs a bit of an explanation.....We had been talking about me directing all the Ladies in a play reading, earlier in the afternoon....,so the reference to 'directing' them, came out of that discussion--PLUS, the feeble attempt at trying to do these "snappers" all at once.....I think this Video is really funny......

And, once again, Bridget made us all laugh....! This ended the 'Lunch' part of our afternoon, and now it was time to open Birthday Presents.......So we moved into the Living Room and Seemah & Kim began to open their Gifts...... They both opened Bridget's Gifts first.....Below, Seemah, with the two beautiful gifts that Bridget gave her...... That Heart on the right is actually a beautiful frame for a photograph......And the piece on the left is this beautiful painted and be-jeweled metal thing that you can hang on your mirror or in your window.....A closer look at both, below.... And the two presents that Bridget gave Kim were a similar hanging painted and be-jeweled metal thing and a gorgeous Glass Flower...... A closer look below at both these very beautiful things..... The colors in that glass flower are so very pretty....And the hanging metal thing is incredibly pretty, too......Bridget always finds these unusual special gifts for everyone.......Then, it was time for each of them to open my gifts to them....... I gave each of them a beautiful, (if I do say so myself), carved wooden Netsuke...... Above, this was Seemah's Netsuke. It is a Frog. In fact, I gave each of them a Frog because I was told many many many years ago that Frogs bring good luck with money....And we all can always use more good luck with money, can't we? They both really loved their little Froggy's.......Then, Lisa gave each of them a Beautiful Picture Frame..... Above, there is Kim's very colorful frame....and below, here is Seemah's Frame...... Such a pretty design......Each one of these frames is so very pretty and one can never have too many picture frames.....Then, Kim and Seemah opened Lee's present........This "Total Pillow" can do anything! I had never seen it before, but it really is a miracle pillow....read more about it.....here......They both LOVED this gift.....practical and pretty, all at the same time.....! Then, Kim opened Seemah's present to her...... A very pretty and perfect blouse that Kim was crazy about.....! Meanwhile.....Annie's daughter Nora arrived to pick her up and take her home..... If you look at this picture above closely, you will see that there are three, Count Them, 3, 'Wheel Walkers'....Mine, in the foreground. Annie's, which Nora is sitting in, and the one Annie gave me as a gift, over by the window.....It looks like a Medical Implements Store....lol...... Here is Lee, above, helping to explain something to The Birthday Girls.....Then, Seemah opened the very last presents....Dianne had given both Kim and Seemah some Chocolate....! One can never have too much chocolate, right? Dianne gave each of them these two bags of Chocolates. Happiness could be seen written over both their faces...... And so, another 'Ladies Who Lunch' came to an end...And two Birthday Girls were very happy...... And so.....Another Good Time Was Had By All.........Till next time.......

More To Come.......

ladies who lunch - part 3

2011-09-23T00:09:00.000-07:00

Time for the Gift Bags.....And here below...a short little Video, introducing this section of our "Ladies Who Lunch"......It's not particularly funny---those Videos will be coming along here later....But, it "sets the scene", as we say in The Theatre....

Here below, some pictures of the goodies that were in our bags.......We started with these adorable Flowered Piggy's....everyone really loved them.....There is Lee and then Dianne and then Kim.....Next, we see Kim and Seemah.......

And then Annie and Lisa......These Piggy's are so cute!And they have very sweet faces, don't they?..... And of course there were lots of other goodies included in the Gift Bag---like those Sun Glasses that Seemah put on....In fact, everyone put them on at my insistence...... Bridget and Lisa have the Glasses on, as you can see......In fact, we all get pretty silly when it comes to these Gift Bags....Look at Lee, below.... LOL....Trying to show as many of the gift bag goodies as possible, in one photograph......And Dianne got silly, too......And I love, 'silly'....it shows that we all are still young at heart, don't you think....?Here is Kim below with her Sun Glasses on, too...She just got this crazy look on here face which we all found rather hilarious.....And Annie got in the spirit of it all, too...... Oh yes.....see that little Green figure---He and/or his brothers, were featured in the Video from the last post. Here below is a close-up of him...... He is soooo adorable! And see that Turtle over on the left side of the picture? Here below is a little bit of a closer look at him---unfortunately you can't see his face......

He is one of those Bubble Goodies....you unscrew his head and take it out of the bottle which is his body, of course, and then you blow Bubbles---if you can....I took two different videos of that.....And here they are below.......

And here is the second one featuring the Bubbles.....I always get these Bubble Thingy's----(though what the Bubble stuff comes in is always a different receptacle....)...because I love them so much, and, as it turns out, so does everyone else.....They are fun and they are festive, and they really make you feel good, too......

Seemah began playing with the Kaleidoscope.....I always think these are such fun, too--Fun and Beautiful.....Betty collected Kaleidoscopes, so whenever I see one, I think of her........In truth, I don't know anyone who doesn't like Kaleidoscopes, do you?
And then, Bridget decided it would be fun to let her lovely Flowered Piggy look through her Kaleidoscope.....Fun! Bridget is such a cut up.....She is so much fun and she will do anything for a laugh...And I love that! She is not afraid to look silly! In fact, all of these terrific women are not afraid to look silly, as you are no doubt well aware by this time.......
There will be a Part 4......And it will be coming along next time......

More To Come........

ladies who lunch - part 2

2011-09-18T01:37:00.000-07:00

So....we finished our Main Course---everyone seemed to be very happy with it, especially the Birthday Girls, above. And I know I was thrilled."The Original Cobb Salad" is probably my very favorite salad of all time....So while we digested the Salad...we talked and talked and talked some more..........And then we talked some more and of course, listened, too.....In a way, it amazes me that we never run out of things to talk about. I find it so very comforting that we are ALL interested in each other and care so much about what is happening in each of our lives....... I don't remember what Lee was saying...but, she obviously had all of us listening, intently.....And sometimes, smiling too..... And then.....it was time for The Birthday Cakes. Yes CAKES! I had two cakes...One for Seemah, and another one, for Kim. 'Will' brought out Seemah's first, because her actually Birthday had happened already by the time we had this 'ladies who lunch', (July 26th...)...... Of course, they were two different cakes. Seemah's was that fantastic Lemon Meringue Cake that everyone absolutely adores....... In this picture above...darling 'Will' was explaining to Kim that she had her own cake, too, and that it would be coming along here very soon.... Then, Seemah made her wish, and she blew out the candles, so her 'wish' would come true....No matter our ages---and Seemah is 87 years old----we still have hopes and wishes and dreams. It is what keeps us all alive. Looking forward to something...preparing for something....working at something---and with all of us, it is usually something creative, as it is with so many of you, too....... Oh My Lordy....! This is such a delicious Cake...! I always have this cake because though I am a Chocolate Person....THIS Lemon Meringue Cake tastes almost as good as chocolate....! And Seemah loves this cake, so...it was the perfect choice for her......Then......it was time for Kim's Cake, and actually, Kim's Birthday hadn't happened yet when we had our Ladies Who Lunch.....In fact, her Birthday was just last week, on September 12th....... This is Kim's very favorite Chocolate Cake, and mine, too......! The decadent deep dark chocolate with a hint of coffee-cappuccino, from "Sweet Lady Jane".....Yum, Yum, Yum....and More Yum.....! Hopes and Dreams and Wishes....... Isn't that pretty? You've seen this Cake before---always decorated in similar squiggly bright colors, but never the same twice---it is always decorated in a slightly different way each time they make it---And, of course, it is the same Cake that I always get for these special afternoons, and for my Birthday, too---in fact, I had both the Lemon and the Chocolate for my Birthday gathering---Hey, if it ain't broke......(lol)....... And, a closer look at these two cakes on the plate in front of me.....Before I began to eat these deliceeeosso's....... And speaking of plates...... A closer look at these plates, which are rather old.....I don't know how old, but I know they are from Czechoslovakia. I love China----as many of you who have been reading my blog for a long time know---I just adore fine China.....I love that little bit of Gold Leaf that goes all around the edge......And I love the shape of these plates, too.......Also, I love pretty little flowers on fine China---I have some Royal Crown Derby pieces that have flowers that look very much like these......I don't remember where I got them---some Antique/Thrift shop either here in Greater Los Angeles or maybe it was in New York. And since we are looking at China....How about looking at the 'special' glasses I got out for our toast......Here's a little closer look at these....... I only have four of each of these and it's why I rarely use them, though, now that I have finally used them for our Ladies Who Lunch, I think I will use them a lot more.......Mix and Match I always say......(Like the Coffee Cups, which you will see later......)..... These two different glasses were both my mother's.....I think they are so very pretty and delicate looking.....I love the two tone quality of the one above, with the clear cut glass on top....So Beautiful..... And, of course, the Cobalt Blue Tumblers were my mothers, too....They come from Bavaria. My parents bought them in the late 1920's on a trip to Europe....It was a whole set of beautiful dessert dishes and a variety of drinking glasses....After my Mom died in 1966, we all loved them so much we ended up dividing them so that each one of the four of us could have something from the set. I got the six tumblers that were left, and about three years later, (1969), I found another six---exactly the same----of these beautiful Cobalt Blue Tumblers in a Thrift shop in Rancho Mirage, which is in the desert near Palm Springs........Talk about lucky....!

Next time, in Part 3, we will be opening the Gift Bags, where there are some cute fun things......Here's a little Video Teaser of what's to come......

More To Come.........

ladies who lunch

2011-09-14T00:08:00.000-07:00

I am just now getting around to our "Ladies Who Lunch" posts.....We were celebrating Seemah's Birthday and Kim's Birthday, though their Birthdays are quite far apart---I chose a date somewhere in the middle........ It had been a year since the last LWL Celebration, which was for Seemah & Kim's Birthday's in 2010......It seems impossible that it had been that long, but, indeed, it had. Below....there is darling Kim..... Seemah had picked her up to bring her to the celebration.......And Seemah had also picked up Annie Guilbert.....A real treat, because Annie did not make it to my Birthday Celebration, back in June...... In this year....many things have changed....Annie uses a Wheel Walker, and, as you all have seen, so do I......The wonderful Bridget Hanley greeted Annie like her long lost sister....it was really sweet and funny too..... And dear Lee Meriwether greeted Annie like her long lost sister, too.....I love these women...I truly do. We all have so much fun together and we were all genuinely happy to be with one another......Lee was out of town for my Birthday Celebration, judging the Miss California Pageant under the auspices of The Miss America Organization..... Even with our Wheel Walkers, we have fun....! So, there below is Bridget and Seemah and Lee....(And Annie and me and Kim---not in this picture......).... And below, sweet Lisa Zarowen---Seemah's good friend---and our dear Dianne Travis....... We had some lovely appetizers to start off our pre-lunch gathering.....There was of course, Crudites with a dip, and some Marinated Tofu that was deee-licious! And this Fantastic Cheese, called Le Delice de Bourgogne, by Lintet.....Oh My, My, My....... It is like a Brie, but---if you can believe it---Better! It actually says 'Triple Creme' on the box.....And it is the smoothest creamiest yummiest cheese, ever.....! One of the great things about these Wheel Walkers, besides the fact that they take the pressure off of 'what ails you' when walking, is---you can sit on them, too....Above, Annie sitting on hers......! Then, it was time to go to the table........ I had had this idea about toasting our dear departed, and so very very missed friend, Betty---this being the first 'Ladies Who Lunch' since her death on February 12th, 2011....(I just didn't have the heart for it, till now......).......So, I put out some special glasses---for Champagne and/or for Sparkling Apple Cider----Some of us drink, and some of us don't.....I thought, this way, everyone can participate in this "toast" to our beloved friend, whether with an alcoholic beverage or non-alcoholic beverage........And, everyone warmed to the idea more than I can say..... I don't remember what I said---but I know it was heart-felt and every one of us was feeling the same way...... We miss you Betty....and we know that wherever you are---up there in Heaven----you are brightening up everything around you with your loving presence, just as you always did when you were here with us, my dear sweet friend....... Bon Voyage, my dear......We are thinking of you and we all miss you more than we can put into words. As Joyce Van Patten said, right after Betty died...'The World Will Never Be The Same'......So Very True.....But, we press on, and this lunch was a ''Celebration".....So.....here below, is a picture of our actual Lunch........The 'Original' Cobb Salad---Just the way it was made at The Brown Derby for many many years---in fact, as it was made for many many decades....All the 'original' ingredients, finely finely chopped and as yummy as can be...! With, my favorite---Croissants and Butter.....lol....Yes, Butter.....!
Part 2 of this Birthday Celebration will be coming along here next time.....Stay tuned.......

More To Come..........

remembering bill hunt 7/27/69 - 9/11/01

2011-09-11T00:11:00.000-07:00

On this 10th Anniversary of September 11th, 2001, I am re-posting my Tribute to William C, Hunt. This post will stay up through Sept 13th, 2011....On September 11th, 2006, I participated in this very sobering but wonderful project. Everyone who took part in this blogging project was to write about one person lost on that day. I was assigned Bill Hunt. Getting to know him just a little bit through research for this project made that horrendous day so much more real. It put a face to the losses for me and made it all just that much more real and just that much more heartbreaking. It was an honor to be a part of that project. Then, I re-posted this same Tribute on the Eighth Anniversary 9/11---September 11, 2009. And now, I am, once again, re-posting this on September 11, 2011, in Honor and In Memory of Bill Hunt, who died ten years ago today. He was in the 2nd Tower of The World Trade Center. This is his story. May we never forgot all those who gave their lives that day. So, this is In Remembrance of all those lost on September 11th, 2001, and In Remembrance also, of all the First Responders who have lost their lives, as well..........

He was a son, a brother, a husband and a father. He was 32 years old.

Today, I am remembering this very vital, very loved young man, William "Bill" Christopher Hunt....Bill, Billy and sometimes Willie, to his family and friends.

He left his dear wife Jennifer Woodward Hunt and his sweet little daughter Emma Kathryn Hunt, who was just 15 months old at the time of his death in 2 Tower World Trade Center, on the 84th floor on that 11th day of September, 2001....

Here he is with his beautiful wife and his darling adorable little baby girl! Now, in 2009, Emma is 9 years old. Three gorgeous redheads!

He had worked for EuroBrokers from 1997 until that fateful day in September, having earned the titles of Bond Manager and Vice President. Bill had grown up in Kingston, MA along with his brother Dan. His parents, Lawrence & Diane, were so very proud of him when he became the captain of his league championship basketball team, and then was selected as it's Most Valuable Player. In college at Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts he was on The Dean's List and was captain of his Rugby Team. He was always an inspiration to his younger brother Dan, and his cousins and aunts & uncles, too...he was a great friend to many and he is missed so terribly by all who knew and loved him, particularly his parents, his brother, his dear wife and his precious little daughter... Bill lived in Norwalk, Connecticut with his beautiful wife and daughter. A very pretty place and within easy commuting distance to New York City and The World Trade Center. He loved his little daughter Emma, with all his heart....his mom has written how touching it was to see him holding his precious daughter and that he just wanted to hug her all the time.His beautiful wife Jennifer was the love of his life....Bill was a very athletic young man and loved all sports, participating in many and enjoying watching even more.... But this darling little girl in the picture above, was the apple of his eye....

There is a beautiful 'legacy' page for Bill Hunt. And there, anyone can write their thoughts and feelings to him or about him. The most touching letters to Bill are from his mother and father, and from his brother Dan...I include just a few excerpts because their words are so very powerful and so very touching and deeply meaningful, too, as we recognize and acknowledge the eighth anniversary of this terrible day in our history and, as we give quiet pause on this day of remembrance. Here are a few passages from Bill's family found on that Legacy page.....

Here is just a small excerpt from a letter from his mom, Diane....

March 16, 2005
"....Dad and I miss you so much. From the time we realized you were not coming home our lives changed forever. Now at least we think of you with how blessed dad and I were to have had you in our lives for 32 glorious years. I find great comfort in that. We loved you and continue to love you every day of our lives....."

And further down in this same letter to Bill, Diane Hunt says.....

"......The only thing missing in this perfect world is you. That loss is horrible and makes us sick when we think of it. So as I stated, you are remembered daily with lust for life and love, and that you truly had. Time marches on, and we need you to keep protecting all of us and watch over us as we go about each day. Know that there is not a minute that you are not in our thoughts and prayers. We love you Bill plain and simple. Have a wonderful day in heaven......"

And his Dad wrote this short note to Bill on September 24th, 2003...
"....Bill, I can't believe that after all this time, my longing for you is worse than ever; I love you so much. Dad.....

And on April 2, 2003 his Dad had written this:
"....Does any of this mean anything to you? Can a person on Earth communicate with their dead loved ones, or did we invent all this just to lessen our pain? Boy, I'm really confused lately. I love you Willie. I'll write again soon. Love, Your Dad...."

His brother Dan wrote this next little section on September 10th, 2005.

"Bill, It's the night before the fourth anniversary of 9/11/01. I am writing to once again tell you that I am thinking of you and that I miss you so much. Anyhow, tonight I will keep it short and sweet.....I just wanted to get to tell you that it will be an honor to talk about you tomorrow at the ceremony, as it will allow me the chance to continue to keep your legacy alive. I love you buddy, and I can't believe that I have had to spend four years without you here...."

And it is eight years Bill's family has had to live without him. But dear Bill Hunt will never be forgotten...never, ever, ever. And the pain of his loss will never be forgotten, either.

Diane Hunt, Bill's mother said in another letter to him, written on November 17th 2004....

".....we hold so many wonderful times close to our hearts. We loved you every day you were here with us and will continue to love you until eternity. Please watch over us all. Keep your little daughter safe and happy as she is now. Let your wife and all of us continue to love one another and feel blessed for all we still have. We need you with us always. Love is eternal. Mom....."

Rest well, dear Bill Hunt, on this, the eighth anniversary of September 11th, 2001.

On this Tenth Anniversary do take a look at what Bill's dear family wrote to him in these last few days.....Here is the link to Bill Hunt's Legacy.com Memorial book.....If you get a chance, do visit this continuing document of loss and love and remembrance.......

other worldly.....

2011-09-06T00:09:00.000-07:00

I had a "Ladies Who Lunch" in the middle of August----the first one since Betty died---(I am very behind with my postings)----And there were Flowers from "The Conservatory" by the fantastically talented Van.......
As always, a new-to-me flower is a part of the beautiful arrangement....That pale green poofy-ball-like flower is something I have never seen before in my life---and it looks like something from Outer Space..... These looked 'other-worldly' to me....Van used about 5 or 6 of them in this particularly beautiful arrangement. When I asked him what they were, he didn't know. As always, he sees things at the Flower Mart and gets them because he thinks they are beautiful....It was just my lucky day that these flowers had been at market that morning....... I've never seen anything like this beautiful and unusual flower before---not in my whole entire life! (Judy, do you know what they are, my dear?) All the 'Ladies' were fascinated by them, too....None of us had ever seen this flower before...... To say I was fascinated by them is putting it mildly.....I found the hairy things that covered each poof, especially interesting and amazing...... And, next to some of the other very beautiful flowers, these unusual pale green poofs, seemed even more incredible......! The whole arrangement looked 'other worldly', even though there were flowers that we are all familiar with---like The Rose....there were any number of gorgeous Roses included in this arrangement..... Here below.....another Rose....a closer look, which fills you with wonder at the excruciating beauty that nature is able to create......... Look at the incredibly beautiful colors in this Rose, below.....exquisite is the only word for it........Well, there's also 'breathtaking'....... And one last picture......To me, this picture below is the perfect picture! I think I might just make this one into a card........ Flowers lift me up! They lift my spirits and I am so deeply touched by the artistry of flowers---just looking at them---I mean really looking at them and taking them into my being, gives me so much pleasure and enjoyment......Flowers are magical in every way---the colors, the shapes, and often, the aroma, too......Magical.......!

More To Come.........

Note: 9:44am....With Kenju's help...I found this link to what this fantastic looking "pod" is.....Click on the word link.......

marlene........

2011-09-01T00:42:00.000-07:00

Having watched a lot of Turner Classic Movies all this month---the last day of "Summer Under The Stars" was today, and the "star" was, Marlene Dietrich. Along the way, they showed a really wonderful Documentary about Marlene, directed by her grandson, David Riva---"Marlene Dietrich: Her Own Song"...(Netflix link here)....It was deeply touching and brought back such wonderful memories for me, and it is very much worth renting as an important piece of entertainment history. (One can also buy this DVD if you are so inclined....) It reminded me of how great this woman was on so very many levels--not the least of which was her love of her adopted country and her hatred of war....So, I am re-posting something I published back at the beginning of January, 2006, about this extraordinary woman.....

WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?

Do any of you remember this song?

It was a kind of an anthem in the 1960's and '70's, written by the great GREAT Pete Seeger and sung at Anti War Protest rallies by people who felt very strongly about all of our boys dying in a senseless war, (Vietnam) that we had no business being in-- in the first place....(Sound Familiar?)

Earlier today I got up to go into the kitchen to feed Sweetie, and for some strange reason, this song came into my head...I don't know why...but I know that things like that happen for a reason....Anyway, I thought to myself...'what made me think of this song?'...and then I thought about seeing Marlene Dietrich in concert at The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion here in Los Angeles in the 1970's...and remembering that she sang this song as part of her repertoire in that particular concert and how deeply moving it was to see this fantastic performer sing this particular song....

WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE
(words and music by Pete Seeger)

Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the flowers gone?
Girls have picked them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the young girls gone?
Taken husbands every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the young men gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the young men gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the young men gone?
Gone for soldiers every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Covered with flowers every one
When will we ever learn?
When will we ever learn?

©1961 (Renewed) Fall River Music Inc
All Rights Reserved.

Dietrich was one of The Great Entertainers of the 20th Century. An "Icon" and memorable in every respect...She was a Star of Films, Theatre, and Cabaret....an amazing women that never ceased to surprise in the depth of her caring....

God knows how many of you remember Marlene Dietrich or even know who she was...but, the above song is not a song one would have associated with her. Dietrich was a "STAR" in the truest sense of that word....before the 'one name' recognition of very talented people ever really began...even before Elvis....There was Marlene!
This woman had been a star in her native Germany and came to the United States in 1930, having had a very successful career in theatre and films, climaxing with the original German version of "The Blue Angel" and she was then put under contract to Paramount Pictures...

Her American film career spanned from 1930 till around 1964, with a few more films after that....but she was this international icon by virtue of those early films in Germany and at Paramount and then later as a Cabaret Performer playing ALL the major cities of the world and making over a hundred recordings in English and German...

One of her most famous record albums came in this incredibly beautiful packaging, which, when you opened the cover, the perfume Dietrich wore (Lanvin's Arpege) would wisp it's way out, enveloping you in 'The Dietrich Mystique'...this album was a true gem, and was recorded 'live' opening night, at The Cafe De Paris in London with an introduction by the very great Noel Coward...1954.

When Dietrich was reviewed in London...Milt Shulman of The Evening Standard in London said:

"Slithering down the famous stairs like a glacier glinting in the sunlight came a fantasy in white furs and rhinestones that kissed Mr. Coward, wrapped itself round the microphone and turned out to be Miss Dietrich.
She was wearing a dress that could only be described as a masterpiece of illusion. It was transparent enough to make you think you were seeing everything and opaque enough to make you realise you were seeing nothing. Houdini must have designed it."

She was known for many many things...including the greatest pair of gams, ever! Even in her 70's, she exuded glamour and a sexuality like no other performer before her or since...It was said that she had affairs with both men and women and broke many many hearts...and I can believe it having seen her perform in concert in 1974.

Many years before, I had been on my way to an audition with my then accompanist, Nat Jones, and we were in a cab on 54th street in New York...and there walking towards our stopped-in-traffic cab, attempting to cross the street on a diagonal and going right by the cab and then behind it...heading for the downtown side of 54th street was Marlene...and those legs!
Nat and I both followed her with our eyes, twisting our heads to be able to see her through the back window of the cab, till she disappeared in the crowd of people walking on the sidewalk...YES! Dietrich and her legs were extraordinary!

Sitting in the theatre waiting for Dietrich to make her entrance in 1974 as Burt Bacharach conducted her overture, the audience was holding it's breath in anticipation of her arrival....she did not disappoint! Known for wearing these gorgeous long sparkling tasteful off white gowns on stage and entering from the wings with a long white fur wrapped around her shoulders and body...she was the epitome of the glamorous sexy woman, (even then, in her 70's)...who could wrap any man (and/or woman, I gather) around her little finger.
Singing many of her signature songs, like "Falling In Love Again"...not the more modern one, but the one from the 1930's..."Falling in Love Again..Never Wanted to...What Am I To Do, Can't Help it..." ...and then the B section of the song or chorus as it is called, has a line in it..."Men cluster to me like moths around a flame...And if their wings burn I know I'm not to blame...." and that was her reputation....a lady killer who shot men down by breaking their hearts and then moved on...So, for her to switch gears and sing "Where Have All The Flowers Gone" might seem completely out of character, but, indeed, it wasn't at all...

In spite of her German background she was very Anti Nazi...and during World War 2, having become an American citizen in 1939, she entertained our troops all over the world, traveling many times to very dangerous places near the fighting....she was later given The Medal Of Freedom by The United States Of America...her adopted and beloved country...
The highest honor a civilian can receive in this country..."Meritorious Service in support of Military Operations meeting grueling schedule of performances under battle conditions despite risk to her life"...A brave and loyal woman this Dietrich, on top of all her other attributes...

When Dietrich died in 1992, she was almost 91 years old...and there never was another like her, nor will there be....In the Orson Welles directed film "Touch Of Evil" Marlene has a line in which she says in reference to the the character that Orson Welles is playing in the film..."He was some kind of man"....

The same could be said of Dietrich: "She was some kind of woman".

And if she were alive today, she probably would still be entertaining the troops by traveling to Iraq without even thinking twice at the possible cost or risk to her own life, and then too, here on the 'Home Front' she would be playing her concerts dressing in that same fantastically glamorous sexy way...still creating that same illusion....and all while singing about the very real losses of life and limb and the costs of war, as written in this poignant song by the great Pete Seeger, "Where Have All The Flowers Gone".

Artist's and their heartfelt convictions. If they are good, (and Dietrich was great) they touch you and move you and can break your heart, every time....and you remember them 32 years later, as if it were yesterday.

Bless Her And Bless Pete Seeger, Too.

More To Come.......

peacocks at hollywood forever

2011-08-28T00:08:00.000-07:00

So.....finally, The Peacocks of Hollywood Forever. Isn't he a beauty? They have an enclosed area over against the wall on the Santa Monica Blvd. side of the cemetery, and there, they keep and raise, beautiful Peacocks. I have no idea why they do this because as many times as I have been to this cemetery I have never seen the Peacocks roaming about the way the other birds roam about---but it is my understanding that they do, on occasion, roam about. I really should call HF and ask them about their Peacocks......Every time I have been there the Peacocks are always in this rather large Pen......That day in early July when Shawn and Kim and I were out for a spin---this recent July---we stopped Hollywood Forever and went by the Pen to visit the Peacocks. Now, I was sitting in the front, on the passenger side of the car, and as it happens that passenger window is sickly and you cannot make it go down...So, all of the pictures you see here were taken through the rather dusty window and through the wire that encloses the Pen, as well----considering that, I think they came out pretty good..... This felt so far away....I needed to get in closer......Below, a closer look at the tail feathers of two of the very beautiful Peacocks living in the Pen....... We need to see this tail much closer than that...... It is unreal looking, it is so very beautiful.....Here below another view of another Bird..... I love the angle of the picture above....I wish I could tell you that I posed this Peacock just for the picture....but, no....that is just where he was.....There was quite a bit of movement in the Pen, and quite a few birds were in there.....Look at this beauty, below...... Check out these feet...... This next Peacock is interesting because the tail was not nearly as bright as the ones I've already shown you..... And above, on a closer look, the tail looks faded and, one might say, 'old'.....Though I honestly don't know what I mean, except that I know there is a big difference between the other Peacocks tails, and this guys tail........ I so wish I could have gotten a better picture of this Emerald Green Peacock, above.....So very Beautiful....but, better this than no picture at all, right? Above....the Peacocks in the Pen at Hollywood Forever seem to line up on some kind of wooden thingy and just sit there....In the first picture there are five (5) Peacocks, and getting in closer, we see three (3), though one is not as visible as it was in that first picture..... A closer look at that BEAUTIFUL Blue fellow.....Gee, they are so exotic and unique...... I think the one on the right is a Female....In reading a little bit about Peacocks, it seems the males have the glorious plumage and the females are rather grayish and bland...... Look at this handsome devil.....He is really quite something....! I cannot get over the vibrancy of the blues and the greens of these male peacocks..... Above, another interesting fellow....As you can see, the top picture shows him from rather far away and the second picture is a closer look at his head and his "comb"......And below, one more lovely Peacock, sitting in that Pen...... It was incredibly special to see these Birds and to take some pictures of them---even under the extreme conditions forced upon me....But what made this particular visit so very very special on that particular day was the fact that there were some little Peacock Babies. Yes! Some little Chicks....... Awwwwwww, how dear are they....? This was such a rare treat for me and for Kim & Shawn, too. These babies sure look sweet, don't they? This was a truly special day for all of us and memorable in every way, thanks to these little Peacock Chicks.....And, Thank You Hollywood Forever for having Peacocks as part of the Beauty of this wonderful place.....!

More To Come............

Note: To all of you who live on the East Coast of our wonderful country...I pray that "IRENE" does not do any damage to you and yours, and that you are safe and sound once Irene dissipates and moves on out to sea.......

hollywood forever & birds - part 2

2011-08-23T00:08:00.000-07:00

Hollywood Forever is right in the heart of Hollywood, yet you might not know it is there because it is in a rather uninteresting-looking part of town, though the back end of it butts up against Paramount Studios and the old RKO/ Desilu Studio, too---In fact, The Hollywood Cemetery once owned ALL of that property......Those structures in the background above are the back of 'sets' on the Paramount Lot. And, incidentally, they do a very interesting here at Hollywood Forever. In the summertime, they show movies here at night---people sit out on the large expansive lawn, (There are no graves there so it is not a disrespectful happening, at all....).The films are projected on the side of one of the Mausoleums----the lawn known as he Fairbanks Lawn because it is right behind the Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. Monument----is where these films are shown..... I did not take these last two pictures---I found them on 'the net'.....I have never been to the outdoor movies there at Hollywood Forever, but I know people who have and they say it is a wonderful fun thing to do.....In the recent movie "Valentines Day", Director Garry Marshall uses Hollywood Forever and the outdoor films as a location....... And the movie that is being shown in Garry Marshall's film is "Hot Spell" (1958) with Shirley MacLaine and Warren Stevens...In "Valentines Day" Shirley MacLaine plays a retired movie star and there is a scene in front of the movie being shown on the Mausoleum wall of MacLaine's character in the present with her husband played by Hector Elizando---it is really quite wonderful.......... Above, what we see up on the side of the Mausoleum in "Valentines Day", before the film "HOT SPELL" begins.....I loved that Garry Marshall used Hollywood Forever in his film----it is a lovely 'homage'.....Back to the birds who live at Hollywood Forever......During the day, if you go and visit this cemetery you will see lots of different birds, like these Swans on the Pond...... And the Egrets........And there are an abundance of Beautiful Ducks on the Pond, as well as around the Fairbanks reflecting pool---at times....... And, let's not forget the Wonderful Canadian Geese.....They are in abundance, too, in Hollywood Forever....... There are lots of Canadian Geese there at Hollywood Forever....at least there were at the time I took this next series of pictures..... I think they are such elegant birds, in all their big roundness-on-short- legs and their long-neck-ed-ness......And I think they are really quite beautiful.....Here below, a kind of wonderful series showing these birds on-the-move....... And where they were headed was to this area that is on the side of the Mausoleum where Valentino is buried.....There seemed to be some yummy things there on the asphalt of the narrow street that runs behind the building........In the picture below, you can see that these Geese wander all over the place......You can see them way across the Pond and closer to the foreground of the picture, they are very close to the pond...In fact, they go into the Pond quite a lot....... I love the shadows of the trees reflected in the Pond....And below, my very favorite picture of one of the Canadian Geese at Hollywood Forever...... I promise to get to the Peacocks in Part 3. I had no idea I was going to get so carried away with the background of this amazing place...But, you get me started and I just can't stop! (lol)

More To Come........

hollywood forever & birds

2011-08-18T02:15:00.000-07:00

One day in early July, Shawn and Kim and I took a drive and one of the places we went was to 'Hollywood Forever'....which use to be called The Hollywood Cemetery.....I have written about my very favorite 'final resting place' many times before.....I really love this place. It has such a feeling of 'Old Hollywood' and embodies so much Hollywood History. It is where Rudolph Valentino's Crypt is............And Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. is buried here......Above, is the very beautiful monument to Fairbanks. And below, a closer look, and you ca see some of the Birds that live at Hollywood Forever.... Also....Marion Davies is buried here in her very own family Mausoleum...Douris is the name on the building because that was Davies real 'family' name. It is a beautiful little building with many lovely details---do click to make it bigger and then, click again to make it really Big!Many other great and notable Hollywood people are buried here, too. The very handsome, talented and very much under rated Tyrone Power has a very tasteful small monument, with a very appropriate and famous quotation from "Hamlet" on the bench itself, ending in"....Good Night Sweet Prince, And Flights Of Angels Sing Thee To Thy Rest......" And the great great film Director, Cecil B. DeMille is buried here in the heart of Hollywood. There is a family crypt---well, not a crypt in the strict sense, but a beautiful double monument made of white marble.......There always seem to be fresh flowers there......here it is, below.......And Harry Cohn---the head of Columbia Pictures in it's heyday, and, they say--'the most hated man in show business'.......I don't know if that is true, but supposedly, after Cohn's Funeral, which was Standing-Room-Only, the fabulously talented Danny Kaye was quoted as saying, "Give the people what they want and they will come...!" These titans of the Studio System were really tough men---Harry Cohn, was known as the toughest....I don't know if Danny Kaye actually said that, or someone else....but it is one of those Hollywood story's that has been passed down, and one that is taken as 'truth'......And the wonderfully talented actor, Peter Finch---who deservedly won an Academy Award for the movie "Network" is buried here in Hollywood Forever, too, not far away from Valentino, actually. (Finch died just before the Academy Awards that year, so his Best Actor Award was given to him, posthumously....I remember his widow accepted the Award for him and it was very a touching moment.....) And there are so very many many other wonderful film and television people buried here, too.......There is a wonderful pond and many beautiful birds swim about there and people come and bring bread for the birds and Birdseed, too....And below.....my very favorite picture of the Hollywood Forever birds, enjoying their special treats from the human visitors who come by just to feed them...... One can only hope that they all get some of the treats that are brought to them by these lovely generous people.....There are many different kinds of birds that live at Hollywood Forever.....And here below is a little bit of a tease for Part 2....Coming along here in a few days......... Yes! Hollywood Forever has Peacocks!

More To Come..............

a surprise visit

2011-08-13T00:07:00.000-07:00

Rashbre, from rashbre central, a Blogger from the UK that I have been reading for quite a few years now, emailed me to tell me that he and Mrs. Rashbre were in my town--Hollywood! I wrote him back and suggested they come by for a visit, considering they were no longer 6000 miles away....lol! And they did! It was utterly delightful! We never stopped talking and it was as if we had known each other forever and were just catching up after an extended time of not seeing each other.....They brought me some absolutely stunning Roses...... I should have taken pictures of them upon arrival, but I got all caught up in the 'visit'....Still, here they were, 9 days later---still very Beautiful! They are the most gorgeous color and they are long-stemmed---I wonder if that helped to make them last so long.....Anyway, it is still, a lovely reminder of their very sweet visit...... Rashbre suggested putting his camera on a timer so we could get a picture of all three of us....Above, this picture was taken with my camera---I didn't have a clue as to how or even IF my camera could do that--But, the ever resourceful Mr. R. figured it out and it turns out it is easy.....! Thank You, My Dear Mr. R. Below....the threesome taken below was with his camera...... I wasn't too happy with my sort-of-pasted-on-smile....But, it is lovely to have a few pictures of the three of us, commemorating our visit together.....They were here in Hollywood to see 'the sights'....It had been ten years since they had been here in Los Angeles and they said they were having a great time. And they had been in Arizona and New Mexico before coming here to Hollywood. And once here, they went a lot of wonderful places. The day we connected by email, they had been---literally---five minutes from me down at Grauman's Chinese.....Do go over to his place and read all about their wonderful US Travels.......(Link, above and below....) The amazing thing about Blogging is when you meet a fellow blogger 'in person'....You feel like old friends because of the fact that you have been reading each others blogs for years....Without Blogging, I never would have met the very dear Rashbre's....And that would have been a true loss for me....So, here is another "Bravo" for the power of Blogging....One makes truly lovely special friends through this fantastic thing called The Internet...... Oh, dear Rashbre's, do come back again...and sooner than ten years, please.....When they left me that day, they were on their way to Santa Barbara---a beautiful spot north of Los Angeles.....From what I read on Rashbre's blog, they loved Santa Barbara.....Go over and visit him and read all about their trip to the Southwest......you'll need to scroll down to get to the Hollywood section..... Till we meet again, my dears.....And below one more Rose picture----beauty that warms the heart and the soul.....Thank you for a memorable afternoon..........

More To Come........

floors & illusions

2011-08-09T00:08:00.000-07:00

The wonderful Pat, from Past Imperfect, asked me if George Ehling ever tiled any floors....And indeed, he did and does! This floor is in what they call "The Dungeon"---an area that was under the house that was nothing, which George dug out, tiled, and turned into am actual living space....... A closer look, above......I actually had posted about this floor over a year ago, but truthfully, I posted so many different areas of George & Ivenia's house, that it wouldn't surprise me that people don't remember any of them....And one more view---even a bit closer, below....... You can see, in both the previous pictures, that the round green pieces have dimension because they are made of glass, and in fact, are bottle bottoms---all cut by George....And the center piece is also a glass bottle bottom, slightly bigger than the other ones that he used..... And an even closer look, above....You can see that the pieces surrounding that center piece are curved---again, material cut by George..... Above, another floor designed and executed by George....This one is outside on a rather large patio area near the Front Door.....As far as I can tell, George has tiled the floors, everywhere, inside and outside of the house.....Below, a closer look at more of the floor, as seen in the above photograph..... In this picture above, you can see that George has covered the entire floor---right up to the front door...And with many different designs--not just the "featured" one.....And here is where you begin to see the 'illusions'......?Depending on what your eyes do---it can look like some areas of the floor are actually raised---in other words, have a dimension they don't really have, at all.......Like those tile pieces surrounding the squares----they look raised, here and there, don't they? (the picture has a slight color enhancement so you can actually see the 'illusion' better.....) Another section above, of that same patio floor, further along the front of the house...And below, a closer look..... And below, again....more of the same floor, slightly to the left of where George was standing at the time I took these pictures---with more 'optical illusions'..... You really feel that these tiles are raised....That the floor is not flat---when you see it like this....But, indeed, it is all flat.....How George figures this all out---I haven't a clue. But he does.......And those little squares at the top of the picture---they seem to have dimension, too......Here below---other 'illusions'---all of these are on the walls of the house.....Above..... two walls that are in the front of the house with a staircase separating them.....I love these......! Above, a closer look at one part of the wall in front of the staircase.......AMAZING, isn't it? And below....another one of my favorite 'illusions'...... And below, I would have to say this is my very favorite illusion. I think it is dazzling and so 'artful'.....Bravo, George, Bravo! I love the colors he used in this one......!

There is another fantastic patio floor that I will show you next time.........

More To Come.......

a visit with george - part 2

2011-08-04T00:04:00.000-07:00

A closer look at the center section of that first 8X8 panel in the 2nd Garage.......the complexity is fascinating.......Below, Glenn pointing to something right there in the-almost-middle of that 8X8 panel.........Let's see what he was pointing at in a closer way........ Ahhhhh, there is that one little tile that is somewhat different than all the rest.....Leave it to George to do something like this....lol......And by the way, all the mosaic designs that are inside and outside of the house, as well, are all 'original' designs by George....He has created each and every one from his incredibly artistic mind......See how all the blue pieces are angled on both ends in this section? This is part of what makes this particular 8X8 design panel different from any of the others in this area..... In point of fact---Every area is different from every other area...(see above). This is the "genius" of George Ehling......I think I personally relate to his work in such an organic way because my own work as a painter---on first glance---often looks like it is all pretty much the same---but on closer inspection---it truly isn't! And having done a few Mosaic tables almost 60 years ago, (all designs of my own making), I understand how very hard and complex this work is, and that it comes from a place so deep inside one....My admiration for George's "artistry" is boundless and manifold..... Please, do look at this close-up....it is so incredibly complex and artful, all at the same time.....in my view----To me, THIS is the sign of a true "artist".....There are illusions within 'illusions'....George uses the same colors in so many different ways--always creating designs that are unique to him......This one above, (and below) is on the back wall of Garage #2......It is fantastic! This picture above, doesn't do it justice, at all.....The light in the back of the Garage was not the greatest.....This next photo isn't much better, but at least you can see a bit more of the design of the panel on that back wall---plus, an unfinished panel on the wall to the right....... George had music playing while he worked---lovely classical music....You can see one of the speakers there against that back wall.........I will show more of the unfinished section, after I go up to the Egling's house again--because it is my understanding from George, that it is now finished....! Meanwhile..... Above, the last of the 5 panels in the Garage---this one is finished......with Glenn sitting in front of it......This is a design that is similar to one that is upstairs and outside, on one of the Patios of the house...... Above, the one that I just mentioned....and below--a somewhat closer look at the one in the Garage...... And below....a closer look at the one the Patio upstairs...... There are many similarities...but, there are many differences, too....One of the many interesting differences, to me, is the center section.......Above, Garage 'center'........And, below, the 'center' of the one the upstairs Patio......I asked George to tell us how he came to use the 'center' that he did, in the Garage.....I have not seen the use of onyx anywhere else inside or outside of his house.....Here below.....his answer, in a little video......

So very interesting, isn't it? After I get up to The Tile House, once again, I will show you the section that is unfinished in these pictures in all it's "finished" beauty........!

More To Come.......

a visit with george

2011-07-30T00:29:00.000-07:00

A week ago Saturday, my friend Glenn and I went up to visit George Ehling at his home--now known as "The Tile House", because of my posts about him and his amazing creation....For those of you new to this, there a number of posts with pictures, in the Archives......Start here.......and work your way through the rest of March April May and into June, 2010....I think I did 11 or 12 posts about this fantastic work of art! For 44 years, George has been creating these magnificent Mosaic designs that cover the whole outside of his house as well as the inside....Here below, just a few examples to remind you of the incredible talent of George Ehling....... This is just a little reminder of all the incredible work that George has done over these 44 years.....I have taken probably 700 plus pictures of 'The Tile House'.....George even tiled the outside of the Garages.....! But, I noticed that he had not tiled the inside of the garages, and I actually mentioned that to him after I met him.....Taking a closer look below...... Well....that was then. This is now, below! George told me I inspired him when I mentioned the interior of the two Garages. And so, when he finished another enormous and monumental area in the back of his house---he began on those two small Garages......Here.....look! This is one of the panels---there are 5 panels that are 8 feet by 8 feet in the second (2nd) and more complex of the two Garages.....We will see some more pictures of this 2nd Garage, a bit later...Below, here is the first Garage...... Let me say, that George is not really happy with what he did in this Garage. He said that his wife wanted him to finish it as fast as possible...so, I don't think he did what he might have done....Yet, there is something quite peaceful and beautiful about what he did do....I love that he tiled the floor as well----in both Garages, by the way.....George said, that Ivenia, (George's dear beautiful wife), wanted him to finish this Garage as soon as possible---she doesn't like all the mess that goes with the cutting of the tiles---especially, in her Garage, and she wanted to be able to park her car back in the Garage ASAP, as opposed to parking it on the street! So he was pretty far along on that first Garage when Glenn and I were up there for our visit......!And, he was working in the 2nd Garage, as we got there......So, I was taking pictures of George, while Glenn was taking pictures of me taking pictures of George and the newly tiled walls of that 2nd Garage...... The door between the two Garages is a storage space where the Ehlings keep a lot of "stuff"......I don't think George is going to 'tile' that small area----too difficult to put everything that's in there, somewhere else, even temporarily---but you never know..... This first 8 X 8 section that you see in this picture above, is so very complex and so very beautiful, too..... George was pointing something out to me as I continued to take pictures---and then I noticed on the top interior wall of the Garage---at the entrance, which nobody will probably ever see---George had been filling in with little one-inch pieces of tile that he had cut from lots of left-over larger pieces of tile---creating a very random design....... You can see that some of it has been grouted and some of it has not, as of yet, but it will be soon, if he hasn't done it already. And once the grout has been filled in, these little random pieces will stand out even more......Back to a closer look at the 8X8 panel we were looking at....... I love these circular 'wheels' within the whole....... I took a short little Video of George talking about this particular panel, and I hope it shows up here.....

There will be a part 2 coming along here next time......

More To Come............

the house of david's

2011-07-26T00:05:00.000-07:00

One sees just about everything here in Los Angeles....Above, a House that has about, I believe, twenty reproduction-statues of Michelangelo's David out in front....They line the driveway, which goes through from one street to another----this being a corner property----and they go almost to the edge of the property on both sides....... They kind of guard the house, in a way.....(All these photo's were taken through the car window, so the color and position are not the best....)....It is quite a sight to see---believe me. There are some other statues, too...but The 'David's'---one might say---dominate, in all their abundance....! There is one---yes, just one that I could see, that is---Venus De Milo reproduction....... She is featured in a spot all her own.....! Then, there are a few "heads" of other people on pedestals that are attached to the house itself---around and near the roof.....! You can see them dotting the roof area covering different spots on top of the house---there is one that looks like it needs some help right there in the middle of the picture--you can see it better if you click on it to make it bigger...... This one above is listing a bit, too.....Below, a closer look at the Head, itself........ And there are a few of these Woman's Head, below, too...... I wasn't able to count them---but there are a number of them, also....The young man who decorated the inside and the outside of his house is a musician, thus, the G-Clef on the front door gate....... As you can see in the second picture----the G-Clef, in white----is behind a black "N", the young man's first initial.....and I believe that is a security gate covering the front entrance to the house......Oh, and let's not forget these Lions heads that are here and there, too....... But to me, the most interesting thing about this house, as well as the prettiest thing, too---in my view---is this window....... A closer detail of it, below........ The colors are much brighter but because all these photographs were taken through the car window---it cut back some on the true colors. Still, I thought this was a very pretty window.....! There is a video about this house and you can see it, here........Los Angeles never disappoints, my dears....There is always something else one hasn't seen before, and I've lived here for over 50 years now.....! So, hopefully, I will come across some other things I haven't seen before and you can be sure that I will share them with you, if I do......

More To Come..........

celebrating 80! - part 4

2011-07-21T00:06:00.000-07:00

This is my dear sweet nephew Danny, with me.....I told him his beard was covering part of my head....So he decided it would be fun to actually take his beard and cover part of my face with it.....So here we are below...... It was fun! It was so great to have Danny and two of his kids here to help me celebrate my 80th Birthday..... So....above, Carole Cook and 'Grand' Niece Sarah, and 'Grand' Niece Laurel, and me.....Carole and Tom were leaving and so we were near the front door......Carole was taking some Birthday Cake home....As Carole says--and I totally agree--"If it isn't Chocolate, it's a Vegetable to me!!" And below........ Here are some lovely people out on the deck.....Far left, Bridget H. and Leslie Caveny next to her---Dear Earl and my nephew Danny and 'Grand' Niece Sarah and Michael Franks way over on the right....I love pictures like this because it shows a certain animated quality, which gives you more of a feeling of what was happening at the party.....And below.......Once again, Dear Leslie C., Seemah, and Anne Leyden Sehres....three terrific women.....! And Seemah has a Birthday coming up in a few days....she will be 87!!!! Talk about someone not looking their age....! And that is Craig Curtis, standing behind the three ladies....... Above.....Dianne Travis and Andy Parks in an animated conversation...And that is Cousin Carol Smith's back, over there on the left, with David Shine and his Video Camera behind them all, in the background.......And below...... The person who makes it all happen---literally making these party's possible...the wonderful Will Grover.....And you can see Mary, at the sink---she has been working with Will forever, and is always here on New Year's Eve....and you can just barely see an arm over on the right; that is Crystal, who does a lot of the cooking, too.....I love looking behind the scenes, don't you? That is Bill Serhes and Anne Leyden next to me---I officiated at their wedding 22 years ago, this year....! And Charley Berliner in the foreground.....More Theatre West connections....Anne was in my play, "The Dressing Room" developed at Theatre West and opened at The Matrix Theatre, here in Los Angeles, in September, 1988 Above....the adorable Anne with Chazz Palminteri, in his first Stage Production in Los Angeles....He was writing "A Bronx Tale", at the time---the play and movie that put him on the map.....And speaking of Charley Berliner....Late in the evening....Charley and I were sitting over on the little couch talking with Sarah and Danny and Laurel----Danny had asked about my play "Jen The Hen", which was about the death of my mother---Danny's Grandmother.....And I told him that Charley had come up with the brilliant Production Design which pulled these three one-act plays together truly making the evening work. He was holding forth in this picture above, about that particular challenge....Charley is a brilliant Set Designer/Costume Designer.....This production was done at Theatre West in 1981. (That was thirty years ago....My Lord!) That's Betty in the center, standing behind Annie Guilbert, who played 'Jen The Hen', and that is Seemah over on the right, seated next to Annie....Seemah played my sister Robin, (who died in February, 2005)....Robin, was my nephew and niece, Danny and Debbie's Mom........The continuity of a family and the continuity of a life. This picture below was taken by dear Debbie, as we sat and talked about that play.......I was tired, but very happy! It had been a wonderful day, filled with wonderful people and wonderful food.....What could be better? So, there it is....my 80th Birthday Party....... One more time: My niece Debbie with me....and then below, me with 'Grand' niece Laurel...... And below.....me alone!And here are a few photographs of other earlier Birthdays........ 1993, Turning 62 years old......Dinner in The Cotswold's.....A memorable trip and a memorable Birthday, in every possible way!
1947: The Coconut Grove at The Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles...my 16th Birthday.......
1937-38: At Huckleberry Hill Farm, Angels, PA. I either turned 6 or 7...I cannot remember which.......
1935: I was just four years old.......
1931: Baby Naomi.....Great Neck, New York......And now, I am 80 years old. It is difficult to fathom. Suddenly, it feels like the years flew by really really swiftly......

More To Come........

celebrating 80 - Part 3

2011-07-16T02:26:00.000-07:00

Lucy had put these on the outside of my front doors.....I think it looks very cheerful and pretty cute, too......My niece Debbie took this picture, and I am so glad she did.....And Audrey Franks took this picture, below.... And I am really glad she did!! This is another of those big 80's that I had bought on-line and had no idea what to do with them....Again, dear Lucy figured this out---She put them wherever she could find a little space....! They are very colorful and kind of 'glammed' up the place...... Two different people took a picture of me with Mark Travis--next to me, and dear Joe Umbrino---kneeling in front of me...I thought it was quite amazing..... I was so happy that they both were able to come---it looked like they each might not be able to---Mark had been in Europe working and got back sooner than he thought, and Joe wasn't sure about his work schedule until the last day or so---he is a Nurse, and a damned good one, too----But it turned out he had the day off, Thank You God..... Joe brought me these wonderful flowers....So very pretty; So colorful! Above...a few days later...still so very beautiful, but faded, the way things and people often get when they age....A few days later these blooms were almost white, and the petals falling on the floor...I so wish I had taken a picture of that.....It was so very sweet of Joe to bring me this gorgeous arrangement..... This was such a great idea for a "photo"...the Balloons, from Earl and Craig--in the foreground....Then, Carole and Tom with Audrey Franks' back towards the camera.....But, once again, it was one of these lousy 'throw away' cameras...The reason I included this is because Tom Troupe is standing there next to Carole, and here, below, is the Birthday Card he made for me....! Oh, do click on this to make it bigger.....Tom makes these wonderful "cards" for all of his friends--for our Birthdays and for Christmas, etc., etc....He says..."It's my occupational therapy before they take me to the home.....!" (LOL!) I have a whole collection of them and I cherish them with all my heart....They are true treasures.....! It is rare for me to have so many pictures of myself at a "gathering", (As Joey from the UK pointed out in a very dear comment on my last post)....And he is correct! And, do you know why? Well, it is because, usually, I am the one taking the pictures...So above, there I am drinking water that someone brought to me...Yes, W-A-T-E-R....! The Best Drink There Is, in my book. To the right in the picture, Carole Cook sitting next to me and that is Audrey Franks talking to Carole, with her back towards the camera.....And way over on the far left of the picture is Anne Leyden, who had brought me the water....and below, some more pictures of me with different people..... Me, with the darling wonderful talented Bridget Hanley....a good friend and a very dear dear person.....! And above, the incredibly special Jane Abbott---another Theatre West 'connection'. Her dear talented husband Phillip, was a founding member of Theatre West---January 1962....And I worked with him and played with them and had some very profound spiritual and loving experiences with the very unique Jane, as the years went on---She is another "Original"....(My "Profile" picture playing pool was taken at their home---a million years ago....) To have so many very very wonderful friends here to help me celebrate 80 f***ing years on this earth....Well, how fantastic is that? Some people, like Lee M., were away working, and that was hard, because we go back to 1962, as well....But truly, the most painful "missing" for me, was my dear dear friend, Betty......This picture above is from my 65th Birthday which we celebrated at Betty's house......That is the wonderfully talented Writer/Actress, Leslie Caveny in between Betty and me.....And here is Leslie, Below---15 Birthdays later..... That is Michael Franks and Leslie and darling Earl and the dear Garrett Parks, Betty's older son, out on my deck.......Leslie brought me this lovely bouquet of flowers, above.....So many people brought me flowers that day, that we ran out of Vases....lol! They were all lovely and it was so sweet of people to do that..... Above, my dear Housekeeper and friend , Lucy....I would be lost without her.....And below, "The Tile House" Genius....George Ehling and his dear wife Ivenia, plus, my dear Kim and the darling David Ankrum......And if you want to read all about 'The Tile House', in case you haven't....please go here.....and know that there are 11 'Tile House' posts in all, going through June 23rd 2010......It is an amazing work-of-art and a monumental achievement, by dear George........My sweet niece Debbie came up with this wonderful idea! She took the top of the Cake Box and made a "map" of how everyone was related to me.....Below, Andy Parks signing it...... And later..... my 'Grand' niece Laurel, who had already signed it and Jane Abbott signing it while the picture was being taken..... And here below....the 'finished' product......Debbie got quite a few people to sign this....And I just loved the whole idea of it! There are still more pictures to share with you, so....there will be a Part 4, coming along, next time.........

More To Come.............