A Documentary to See: Diane Vreeland – The Eye Has To Travel

I just returned from seeing a wonderful documentary on Diane Vreeland, who was the fashion editor for Harper’s Bizarre from 1937 – 1962; Vogue from 1962 – 1971; then the curator for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York until 1984. Vreeland was responsible for transforming fashion magazines into trendsetters,…

A Cooking Lesson with Daughter Rachael

Today my youngest daughter Rachael, age 21, asked me if I would teach her how to make her favorite meal: stuffed shells. She wanted to ask three of her girlfriends over for dinner here at home and serve them stuffed shells, salad, French bread, and homemade strawberry frozen yogurt. “I need to learn how to…

Daughter Liz and a Trip to See What Family Law is All About

Today I went with daughter Liz to one of the high-rises in Century City to talk with a family friend who is a successful divorce attorney. No, Liz is not married so that’s not the issue; she is trying to decide what area of law to pursue. Our friend showed us around his 9th floor…

Headache Blues

I am sitting in the tv room, the ceiling fan whirling; Sammie, our Scottie, asleep on the couch. I have a quilt over my legs; despite the mild temperature, I have a chill. Yesterday, I came down with a splitting headache that sent me to bed, nauseated, at 8 pm. Today, I have been up…

A “Cool” Secret

I am sitting in an overly warm living room at my round glass table with a big fan aimed in my direction. I can see the bushes outside swaying in the breeze, but the cool ocean air appears to be only out there, not making its way through the windows and doors of our house,…

The Milky Way, Coyotes & the Orange Grove

Last night Ray and I drove to our orange grove in Ojai and slept in our tent under the stars. The sky was clear with just a sliver of a moon so the stars were bright and it was easy to see the Milky Way sprinkled across the sky. What a glorious sight that is….

Weather and Its Influence on Personality

Summertime here in LA. It was over 100 degrees today and people all over the city were out in shops and malls and movie theaters in an attempt to escape the heat. Even driving in the car was cooler than being at home since most Angelinos don’t have air-conditioned homes. After all, most of the…

An Evening of Rock and Roll Photos and Stories

Tonight we went to the Annenberg Space for Photography and listened to a presentation by Guy Webster, the famous rock and roll photographer.  He photographed Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Judy Collins, the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones and on and on and on, and he told stories of meeting these people and spending time with…

Better Day Thanks to the Hollywood Bowl

Today was much better. I was up and out this morning to Pasadena and then after students this afternoon, we went with friends and family to the Hollywood Bowl. The Bowl is a must-see if you are in LA. No matter where you sit – and we were in the cheap seats in the back…

An Afternoon with Friends and a Recipe for Chicken Vegetable Kebobs

Today we had friends over for a late lunch and I made grilled chicken and vegetable kabobs. I followed the recipe below and they were delicious. We had a fun-filled afternoon, telling stories, swapping jokes, and laughing. Always great to have friends with whom you can be open and real. I hope you’ll try the…