sewing

Being able to do something with your hands and a bit of fabric and bits of string....wow! Definitely underrated . I was compelled to take a sewing class this week. Compelled mostly because , if not now, when and because they keep delaying the upholstery class which  sounds like a really useful skill. Any way, my point is that today's bit of  grace came when I had to do and re-do the fringe on a pillow three times. Grace , not because I finally did it correctly but because I realized there is truth in straight seams. I have a new found respect for the handiwork of sewers and finishers and quilt makers--so much so that I came home and ordered a pillow from the John Robshaw event at One Kings Lane. Aha!  

The Harry's

They came. They got to LAX like big boys and threw their small bags into the back of my new Passat Wagon (well new to me but actually 2007 old.)  They wanted to do all things L.A. and we managed to fit in: Pizzaria Mozza, Griffith Park Observatory, cocktails at The Casa Del Mar and the Sunset behind the Ferris Wheel on the Pier. A few hours on the beach, a quick stop at In & Out, a trip to Venice, a documentary screening, a cool party on a terrace with a view of the Pacific and a bunch of Santa Monica natives, Hollywood Blvd. Got turned out of the Roosevelt Hotel , a whole night at the Chateau Marmont(without the parental unit) and a long late sleep in after that. I am tired just thinking about what we did and then did not do (we waited in traffic for an hour and then could NOT get into the Getty parking lot and we wanted to hike more (a Lie). Anyway -- I had a great time showing the Harry's my new version of L.A. and I think they had a great time doing it (especially the part at the Chateau!)

The Getty

The Getty. I fell asleep waiting in line(as usual). Thank goodness Ally was manning the wheel. We took the tram up the hill and saw some fairly contemporary photography, checked out some old masters, a few impressionists but mostly dug the garden. The building is situated in the most spectacular way and when you leave the rough stone (old world) and smooth white (new world) edifice you can feel the "clash of the Titans" that must have occurred between the Richard Meier the architect and the landscape architect (whose name escapes me because it is almost my bedtime or cocktail hour....whichever....whatever.) Anyway--I love the Getty garden and the otherworldly cactus Garden. Nothing indigenous here - but lots of genius I think.

xoxox Susie

Ally, Gary & Kay's Birthday

May 22. A big birthday for those featured at right. So glad to have Ally here and she was glad to celebrate with Kay and Gary. The cake is famous in these parts. It is a real strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream. It comes from a traditional bakery in Chinatown and Gary's son drove for 2 1/2 hours in friday afternoon traffic to retrieve it. Bless the boy because it was a big hit. A big fat yummy hit.

Kay dove into it and even the fat phobes enjoyed it.

xoxoxo

IN & OUT

 In New York, I wouldn't dream of eating a Big Mac, let alone wait in a long line to eat a Big Mac but here in L.A. the In & Out Burger is King and I have paid my respects more than once. And get THIS? You can order it "protein style" which means it is wrapped in iceberg lettuce thus saving the carb calories. As Cindy Adams sort of says: Only in L.A. kids....."

xoxo

Mother's Day

Mother's Day without my children or my Mother. Sounds kind of sad doesn't it? Went to yoga. Teacher Tom played a song called "I Love My Mom". And I do -- love my Mom. Quiet on N. Mansfeld. Deck, sun(yes a hat) N.Y. Times (now delivered to my driveway (yes , I have a driveway). My only ambition for the day is to prepare and earthquake readiness kit. Apparently they are de riguer here in L.A. Gary has promised to help. I need one for the house and one for the car. This might make watching the Laker's a little dicey but this is my Mother's Day wish--this and that my children stay as happy and healthy as they sound today!
:)
xoxoxoox
Susie in L.A.

ONE KINGS LANE

Friday.   Sunset Plaza. Beautiful House. Beautiful Peeps (Susan F. and her partner Ali) They were the lovely stepsisters and I was Cinderella.

The object is to set a beautiful table for posting on their ONE KINGS LANE website and to put a best foot forward to editors from Instyle etc and a photog from the NY times. A busy busy day which included food and prop styling, high tea for the Editors (where does one find Pepperidge Farm thin-sliced white bread in this metropolis) and an impromptu lunch for 9 of us. Ah just another day in the glamourous Hollywood Hills. 

Tired feet but happy me. I am in my element!

hiking again....

Hiking in Griffith Park with the Sierra Club. Week Two. Went out and bought new hiking shows. Ready to roll. Got to the park with no time to spare. How can a left turn take 6 minutes? John (my new friend) decided we were up for a 3.5 hike so off we go. It was a brisk walk up a steep hill. We stopped. Off came the long sleeve tshirt. Out came the water and my chatting began...I chatted up the boys, a cute girl software developer for ATT --who kept wanting to show me her I-phone Aps and then Cathy who had volunteered to be the "sweep" for the hike. I stayed at the back of the pack with Cathy -- or more likely she stayed with me.  The moon came up we went up and two hours later we were down. New shoes, new blisters, new respect for hikers!

the backyard

I have a backyard. It is a miracle. Let me say it again: I have a backyard and a baby swing (no baby) thinking about borrowing one and a tree house that Eden Rose and I have decided to call the "Cupcake House". I rescued a lemon tree from the trash and planted it. We will see if it grows. I am also nurturing some hibiscus and a new hydrangea from Trader Joes. The herb pot is on the deck. One pot says "mexican Meatball Soup" but has thyme and rosemary in it. I am over the moon about my "backyard".

driving

driving in l.a. makes me queasy. i am not suited to it. i have noticed that l'angelinos are aggressive when they are all sealed up in their vehicles(even the prius drivers). i am always being honked at for trying to change lanes and no one EVER lets me in. those who know me well know that i am famous for changing my mind and changing my lane or direction. In New York , the people are aggressive -- not just the drivers so I am used to the swearing and the "where d'ya get your license" rage. i must admit that i like the surprised expressions when i slow down to let someone in or to turn. i just wish i understood why the whole city is honking at me. honking fools--don't they know miss manners expects her little driving kindnesses to be reciprocated?