It was pretty normal morning. I settled in the living room with the arched window looking over Malaga Cove to RAT Beach; the surf sluicing up the sand as the remnants of a Mexican Storm delivered its last thrust at the land.
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Cinco de Mayo (May 5) originated as Mexico celebrated its independence from Spain in 1862. This holiday celebrates freedom and liberty, virtues dear to the American and the Mexican people.
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Picture in your mind, sitting side by side next to your loved one gliding across the calm waters of an open bay to the smooth waters of the canals surrounding Naples Islands as your gondolier quietly guides his craft along its route.
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Founded in 1931 as the cultural arm of Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes Art Center / Beverly G. Alpay Center for Arts Education is dedicated to educating, enriching and building community through equal and inclusive access to the visual arts.
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My three interests. When I wrote L.A.'s Legendary Restaurants in 2016 (Santa Monica Press), I successfully incorporated architects and architecture into my historical coffee table book. I wanted to highlight a lesser-known Architect, Paul R. Williams (1894-1980).
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My love for dogs started with a one-eyed Chihuahua mix named Oogie when I was a toddler. I have had pups my entire life from small to medium to huge and back to small again! I learned early on how healing and comforting they are and how much unconditional love and joy they bring to us.
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In February, I described my knee replacement. The delicate surgery was assisted by a robotic arm that helped guide the surgeon.
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Confession: I’m a lifelong unicorn fan. I secretly adored them even when I started high school and it wasn’t “cool” to like mythical creatures anymore. When I got married, I even had a mermaid-unicorn cake and a unicorn at my wedding.
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During the past year, the Palos Verdes Historical Society has been busy behind the scenes, preparing for the time when everything opens back up.
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Happy National Beer Day! A Brief History of Beer With Jim Brown
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Spring is finally here! Seeing nature rebirth itself in a burst of color and bloom is such powerful medicine to our weary souls.
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One thing that’s been really interesting to learn is how my home sets the tone for my day. When I was young and my apartment felt a little bit thrown together, I remember my life feeling a little bit thrown together. But when I started to treat my place with a little more pride, it inspired me to carry myself with a little more pride. I almost felt like I had something to live up to. Simply put, my home had the power to make me feel incredible
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Carlo Ponti Jr, Sophia Loren's eldest son, is best known for being a prolific Italian orchestra conductor, the founder of LAV, Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra.
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Part 2 of a coastal Oregon photo tour made last August. Part 1 is Photographing the Oregon coast.
Landscape photographers based in the South Bay get endless chances to shoot great seascapes. The creative possibilities from Manhattan Beach Pier to the Peninsula down to Cabrillo are endless. The Beach Cities have been my backyard for over 20 years now.
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The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy invites you to celebrate Earth Day 2021 with a variety of inspiring and engaging activities. On Thursday April 22nd at 7 pm join us for a live Zoom event hosted in partnership with the Palos Verdes Library District, Friends of the Library and the California Native Plant Society.
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Snakes have fascinated me ever since I held an Anaconda, in Brazil, across my shoulders. Although, it felt slimy, the skin, glistening in the hot sun looked so beautiful. I fell in love with this dangerous reptile only for a moment till it tried to wrap its tail around my arm, crushing my bones!
Snakes predominantly represent re-birth, death, and destruction, due to shedding of its skin and metaphorically "re-born". They hold a significant role in numerous cultures and mythologies. Hindus worship snakes as Gods and refer to them as “Nag Devata” (Snake God)! At Greek hospitals and temples, non-poisonous snakes were used in healing rituals. With the passing of time, snakes have been correlated with medicine.
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Jane Russell was a powerful presence on the silver screen and created a powerful role in “The Revolt of Mamie Stover” in 1956. This stunning green gown was designed by William Travilla who was also designer for almost all of Marilyn Monroe’s films at 20th Century Fox Studios. And since March is the month for Saint Patrick’s Day, green seemed the color to highlight. The gown is of green silk brocade with gold thread woven through it. What makes it really unique is the large strand of gold beading that extends from her hip area and cascades down the front of the gown. Note also that the hand colored images sometimes turn the actual green color to more of a blue -green. And the most interesting part of the costume is that is was not even designed for this film, but instead was for “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” in 1953.
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My fifth children’s book, “After the Ark” came out right before Christmas in the middle of our pandemic.
You didn’t know?
I usually send out a trumpeted announcement inviting everyone I know to my house for refreshments, book signings and live reads, but the latest pandemic restrictions have certainly put the kibosh on that lively endeavor.
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