Went to breakfast yesterday with a friend who lives on Beachwood Canyon in the old Hollywoodland section of Hollywood. We like to go to the 101 Coffeeshop so she can get the fried catfish and I can get the pancakes with sauteed bananas. Then we head back to her place on winding streets past storybook cottages and fairytale gardens.
Last year, while attending a conference at a downtown hotel, I rode the elevator down with a group of giddy and excited young Brits here on holiday. They were heading to Hollywood and were beside themselves with glee. I tried to keep my mouth shut, but I’m a helpful person and couldn’t resist offering them a better itinerary than Hollywood Boulevard and Universal Studios. I mean don’t get me wrong, Hollywood has it’s share of charms, but they won’t be found next to the Kodak Theatre. I suggested a day spent exploring streets north of Franklin, then driving further east to the funky digs of Silverlake & Echo Park, and finally making their way back to explore West Hollywood, then south to check out some cool shops on Beverly. They gobbled up my suggestions, took notes, then skipped off to enjoy their day. I shuffled off to the remainder of my 20-minute coffee break.
More photos of my autumn visual journal below and above.
Eat here soon.
So for Sunday, the 56th day of my 60 day vacation, I present a few photos from a classic Hollywood neighborhood and some shots from other peoples’ gardens.
These photos are from my friend Susan’s splashy, wild, garden that I dearly love. Like me, she has a strong dislike for lawn space. Whenever I need inspiration for my impossibly large weedpatch that is slowly being converted to All Garden All The Time I come over here and sit a spell. Her lavender house isn’t bad either. And her psychedelic metal chairs are works of art.
Okay your making me homesick once again. It is just barely starting to get green here and nobody has spanish tile on their roofs. But we did have a tornado warning and thunder storm today so I don’t know why I am complaining. I love that chair!! I have never seen anything like that. Looks like your face isn’t a mystery any more. Or is that really you?? Maybe that is Monks sister??
FIRST – so happy to see your mug on your page! Love having your face to go with your witty, clever, funny written word.
SECOND – love your journal pages!
THIRD – have we seen that cafe in a movie or two? I know I’ve seen it recently, pounds forehead….which movie was it?
FOURTH – did I mention it’s so good to see your face?
FIFTH – I am also one of those people who butt in and offer alternative itineraries (did I spell that right?) Never been to Hollywood, but when I do come I’m calling you!
Such a good idea to direct visitors away from the obvious and banal so that they can discover the real local flavour. Here in London I always advise people to skip Piccadilly – a traffic island with a small fountain – and go see some of the small weird museums – there’s one for every taste!