Spruced !

When Will I get My Picket Fence ?

Times are so tough for so many these days, our picket fences seem to be mere dreams.  Life has changed so much for the working stiff (The Middle Class).  That's me, in my head still holding on to middle class.  Why shouldn't I ? Why shouldn't we ?  We've worked hard, and paid our way fairly.  We deserve a picket fence...not one that they steal from under us and not one that rots from the rafters.  We deserve our picket fences, with green grass and hummingbirds that peak at us and kittens that meow for our nibblettes.

Purple Is My Favorite Color !

Purple is my favorite color

My Cat Friend

My Cat Friend                

This is my cat friend.  I don't know his name (her name), but when we pass by, she looks up and makes with a sweet face.  We were just getting some drizzles and I think he (she) was trying to get the last bits before it really started to pour on our heads.

                                

Sweet Summertime...Hurry Up And Come

Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica, California

Every year, about this time I yearn for the sweet beginnings of a California summer.  The beginnings, because the sun is just right...not too hot and not too cool.  Just right !



HiStory of Santa Monica

Scary Tree

Dead and Scary Tree

So after yet another day and night of horrific rain and wind this is just one of the peculiars(*) I found this morning.  Yesterday and her events were so surreil it was amazing.  Don't get me wrong, if I have to have something that looks of challenge, let it be this.  I in no way compare this lil' bit o' misery to any of our concurrent disaters and distress going on across our globe. 

Now I know how to prepare for rain, and I know how to be out in the elements.  This was a whole other level.  My car coat, rain coat over that, feet covered in plastic, scarf on head and then hat on top of that...and a good umbrella (that held up through it all)....I was a soppy soaked and freezing mess by the time I got home. 

Can somebody...how about an expert, not someone who just gets a gig, be in a positon that can help us with our drainage system.  On our corners, a child, an animal or God forbid, an adult who falls, could drown when it rains.  No need to walk to the middle of the block to find an area to jump across (the pond) to get to the other side....you will find no such area.  Stay at the corner and when the light turns green, just "Wade In The Water".  I quoted that song because of the truthfulness of the situation, but also because I really felt that God was covering me.  That rain and wind was scary. 

I made it home safely.  The house was warm and dinner was ready (I cooked in the morning).  We had no leaks and no power outages.  I know that we are blessed, finding and keeping shelter is a mission for so many folks these days.

*So many trees in my neighborhood are old, grandiose, dead, and intertwined between power lines.  This tree is absolutely dead, and it's a wonder that it is still standing.  this is a disater waiting to happen.

So by the time I finished this missive and went to get the drying clothes, it has started to rain again.

Wade in the Water: The Wisdom of the Spirituals

Understanding of and Response to Severe Flash Flooding

Nothing Stays The Same

Rosie the Riveter represents the women who worked in the factories during World War II.  Rosie was a media tool that encouraged women to work while the men were away fighting.  Many of these women manufactured ammunition and war supplies. 
Conditions were tough, but they did it and then went home to their families. 
This mural is considered to be one of the most famous in the city.  It can be found along the Tujunga Wash between Burbank Blvd and Oxnard St.

                                                          

IRIS - The Play

There is nothing better than a California afternoon at the theater.  On yesterday I had the privilege of watching the play "IRIS".  The story of a girl who learns that once you're in hell, you're in hell for the rest of your after life.  There is no redemption.  It forces us to see that we have many opportunities that touch us softly, and others that knock us in the head.  It's our choice to grab hold and heed, or our fault if we don't

IRIS - The Play, written by Jaimyon Parker is a solid piece of creativity that forces one to follow, be engaged, be moved, be reflective and to be inspired.  The actors were on point and offered all of themselves to us.  Honesty is key when sharing.  There is nothing better than art that moves us to think hard and to widen our mind.

Directed by Dan Martin: There is a gifted eye at the helm.  The director births life into people.  The director is the hand holder and that third eye....the guide.  To be able to make souls and words wed like a tea cup and saucer takes skill and wisdom and Dan Martin has it.

Sunday's 2pm showing was the finale for now.  They promise to be back

Just like film, there is always a play up somewhere in California.


Photo taken by fellow audience member La Taunya Green





How To Be A Working Actor: The Insider's Guide to Finding Jobs in Theater, Film, and Television

Ask an Agent: Everything Actors Need to Know about Agents

Everybody Leaves Someday

California Skies

California Skies

May You

May your ground swell with opportunity.  

May all that approach you be of wisdom and peace.  

Let your eyes be a gleaming smile that warms pain and calms all fears.  

Hold hands with graciousness and speak sweetness to those that will hear.  

Weep for those who cannot and embrace those who are shelved.  

Be victorious today. 

 Be victorious.

Poetry For Dummies

Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Poetry

Architecture and Construction

How talented some folks are.


    

On Any Block, On Any Day

Any day, on any block, somewhere in California you can find a film crew doin' their thing.   This is right around the corner from the house.

Film Crew: Fundamentals of Professional Film and Video Production

Big Brother Is Watching

Don't even think about flying through that red light...Do and you will have to pay the price, and a stiff price it is, $446.  There is controversy out there that says that these cameras are not a deterrent, but in fact they cause more accidents.
On many blocks in Hollywood video cameras are rolling all day long.  Some areas are more prone to crime, just because of the high volume of visitors to the area.  These videos are an asset in the event of an arrest.  You can't deny film, especially if you're shown with your grubby hand in someone's pocket.