Descanso Gardens - In L.A. We are Spoilt for Choice

We have three desert gardens in L.A.  The Huntington, The L.A. Arboretum,

This one is Descanso Gardens.

It is especially known for its Camellias in Spring.

I was able to buy some delicious fraises des bois plants here.

There are naturalistic wildlife habitats.

And a Japanese Garden.

With a very full koi pond.

California redwoods of course.

In summer, it's all about the California desert.

Moody walks over crunchy pine needles and brush.

Friendly and hungry little critters.

Places for you to top up your tummy too!  It's nice and quiet too!  Spoiled we are.

How's that for a nice sunny distraction from the holidays!!!????  Hope your preparations are going well.

More Echo Park, Maybe? i.e., Part Two

It's not what you think.

But I think it's O.K. to think what you'd like.  

This is the hip-ironic-jokey retail storefront for Dave Eggers' community "non-profit writing and tutoring center" also known as 826LA.....aka......Echo Park Time Travel Mart.  For youngsters from the neighborhood.

This little stretch of Sunset Blvd. will help deepen your understanding of the neighborhood's

mashup of culture

and even, it's DNA.  Have I mentioned that luminaries from Jackson Pollock to Art Pepper, Marilyn Horne to Frank Zappa have variously made their homes here?

And then there's....... Two Boots pizza from the West Village in NYC?

So yes, sometimes it's o.k. to think that hipster Angelenos are just a bunch of transplanted NY'ers looking for better weather and cheaper rent.  And a Brite Spot (apparently they have GREAT PIE!) from which to put the finishing touches on their art conceptualizations or groundbreaking screenplays.

But you would be equally within your rights to imagine that some Angelenos are actually FROM HERE.  And have been here for a very very long time.

No wait, but I did say "Mashup".  Here in Echo Park, do not be surprised to find Vietnamese restaurants.

Locavore restaurants like Red Hill.

Old school corner liquor stores for all your home entertaining needs.

Fashion trends just waiting to be renewed.

Shopping options open all hours.

Space to express yourself, and room to rest.

Remember this post, about Sunset Beer?  Or Echo Park, Part One?

In Echo Park, they're doing their level best to KEEP IT IN THE 'HOOD.  "Keepin' it local......"

Whatever that might mean.  Today.  Yesterday.  Or Tomorrow.

Ivan Terestchenko Part Three - Little Gifts

These photos from Ivan Terestchenko seem to me to be all about the transition of Summer to Autumn.......

depending on what your autumn is looking like.

Which one could be

yours?  Have a wonderful, cozy weekend please!

Ivan Terestchenko, Part Two - Interiors

These photos of an interior designed by Dimore Studio in Milan are so gorgeous.

The light is so velvety and captures these beautiful tones so perfectly.

It reflects the perfect restraint and softness of the decor.  I'm so jealous and inspired by the way Ivan Terestchenko photographed the light in this room that I ran out last week and bought some new filters for my camera!  

Yes do go to his site and see them without the extra pixillation!

Ivan Terestchenko - What Can I Add?

Hello everybody!  How was your weekend?  Hope it was a good one.  I'm inaugurating an Ivan Terestchenko week over here at Passage Paradis.

Since I've been slacking a little in the photo department lately.  (I hope to be able to explain about all my recent distractions soon.)

Anyway, this is I. Terestchenko's  take on L.A. this summer.  But there is so much more to this photographer.  I hadn't checked in with him lately but oh my.  Wonderful stuff!

I'll be posting more of his photos this week SO WATCH THIS SPACE -- or just go to his blog here!

El Dia de Los Muertos - Pure Delight!

Some highlights for you

of

L.A.'s Day of the Dead festivities last Saturday at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

I wasn't sure quite what to expect.  But it was lovely.

And still definitely a family affair.  Respectful, because we were often walking across someone's

grave!  Though organizers try to mostly route you around them.

Which can turn into a bit of a slow shuffle where the crowds get bottlenecked.

A friend from Sonoma County remarked that EVERY day is a "Day of the Dead" if you are a fan, of The Grateful Dead, I mean. (Can you see Jerry Garcia in there?)  Guess this guy was one.

Yes, as is part of the very old tradition, family members put together elaborate shrines to their loved ones.

There is a contest for "Best Shrine"

There is music.  There is dancing.

The Ballet Hispanico Folklorico of East Covina were a marvel.

It was a glorious evening!

Everybody was made

very very welcome.  You could be too.

Hopefully Appropriate: My Mobil Home

How was the weekend everybody?  Ours was busy-busy.  I have pictures from L.A.'s Day of the Dead last Saturday at Hollywood Forever Cemetery for you.  But still negotiating the delicate balancing act of accommodating all my pictures on my now aging computer.  What software do you use to edit/store?  Mr. Paradis is telling me in the most emphatic terms that it is time to move on to:  LIGHTROOM!  Anyway, watch this space.  Day of the Dead (well Night, since we arrived there about 5 p.m.) was truly L-O-V-E-L-Y!

Here's someone who is not, I hope, having issues with managing her pics.  She's one of my favorite stylist/photographers of the moment:

Anne Millet of My Mobil Home

Oh I love what she does.......color, whimsy, furry animals (!!!)

Sweetness.

Simplicity.

Isn't there something insouciant and carefree?

About My Mobil Home?  Luv, luv, luv!