Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The way it was done in the 7th Century, Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Holiday's & New Year are approaching! As humanity turns the corner of what is to be another exciting year on this Earth!, thinking of those less fortunate than us is something to take to heart.

Adopt a Family through the Salvation Army is something I've already donated to this Season..

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf

My extended family selects a charity every year for Christmas to give to instead of spending money for individual gifts for everyone. This year, 2011, the Patriarch and Matriarch of the Family chose a Navajo Techical College.


http://www.navajotech.edu/

  In years past, I chose:

http://www.bgca.org/Pages/index.aspx

And I advocate for:


http://hollyhockhouse.net/


My own Father & Mother have positively provided countless time, money + energy into these worthy causes: 

http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301295/k.BE9A/Home.htm

http://www.givingbacktoafrica.org/

  

http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.9iILI3NGKhK6F/b.5962335/k.BE16/Home.htm

http://lotusfest.org/


 Having known too many people with debilitating illnesses such as Cancer or HIV/AIDS and knowing stories of such hardships or death, it's hard not to want to give back. Just yesterday I learned of an acquaintance just diagnosed with bone cancer. It's not that I believe people ask for sympathy or to be felt sorry for, rather, I believe it's a responsibility for those who have more to help fight these unfortunate events with research, education + cures. No matter what the good cause may be, it benefits directly + indirectly for all.

Encouragement provided, choose one of these fantastic organizations or one that's closest to your own heart for donating your time or money.  

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Having the pleasure of viewing some thought provoking exhibits at LACMA during the not so distant past of Thanksgiving weekend- a new perspective was gained at the Museum during our 4-5 hour visit.The exhibit to see was, in conjuction with;

California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way" at:

Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art

"This exhibition is the first major study of California midcentury modern design. With more than 300 objects—furniture, ceramics, metalwork, fashion and textiles, and industrial and graphic design—the exhibition examines the state’s role in shaping the material culture of the entire country..."
 
The highlight for me was the re-creation of the Charles + Ray Eames House- pioneers in working with fiberglass, molded plywood, plastic resin, etc. & with accomplishments in architecture, short films, textiles + furniture design. These are the quintessential American Designers who have influenced the world round.

Eames Case Study House -actual



Eames House, on left, created for LACMA exhibit

 Of course other exhibitions were present at the facilities which proved to be a bit difficult in its wayfinding methods, nonetheless, a variety of art subjects were found as expected.
 

A few of my favorites- Contemporary Indoor + Outdoor installations

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

As the Holiday Season draws near with cheer in my mind, it wanders to childhood.

Akward!

A good sitcom really makes me laugh and one I remember is the blue collar, totally American adventures of Laverne & Shirley set in Milwaukee, WI. If you've ever been (which I have + my sister lived there), it's certainly capable of producing a pair like this!

The double trouble. No sense of entitlement without warrant, which I love.



One of the better moments for Laverne & Shirley. Sweet.

 



Thursday, December 1, 2011

Been a while since I posted last! The week preceding Thanksgiving came fast with social outings & with a friends company + his gifted VIP pass @ the W Hotel in Westwood, seeing the new(er) band:

I highly recommend if you enjoy melodic music on the softer side with a touch of indie + sounds of classic funk soul music. Then, a spectacular Black Tie Wedding for good friends...

at the Majestic Halls in downtown LA on November 19th, 2011......



Event space as it was transformed to formal yet not short on party mode, reception

All of this took place (not to mention a busy work week, well, mentioning it now) before my brother arrived at LAX on the 20th as it poured all day with rain doing errands before the parents arrived on Monday to spread some Thanksgiving cheer!

An affordable stay in Santa Barbara at the Beach House Inn allowing furry friends, was a short walk to the pier + harbor marina with gorgeous days abound.

A longer than expected (..ahem, pardon me) but nice road trip down the PCH really put the family in the mood for their California getaway eating Fish tacos + Tamales at the Ventura pier and Googling/YouTubing an old classic recalled by the younger years of the parents;

Good call Mom! A hit with me, the bro + Dad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I0d29s6GCc