8,500
ft. plus above the Palm Springs desert floor the San Jacinto Mountain Range
rises. A glass tram take visitors almost straight up beginning a spectacular
journey into nature and the splendor of creation. I was able to spend a cool
morning romping, climbing and photographing a portion of this spectacular
California State Park.
People
from all over the world and across the country were sharing this miracle of
nature. The lighting that morning was just about perfect and the air crisp.
There were boulders balanced on boulders and fallen trees
that appeared to be prehistoric gargantuan beasts. Many of these things seemed
as if placed by some gigantic hand or set designer.
The morning found experienced climbers, novices and families enjoying the snow on the higher
peaks. Some of the most amazing views to see anywhere on the planet surrounded we
journeymen travelers through time.
There
was a sense of accomplishment in just climb, sitting and looking out at a thing
larger and greater than one person could ever be. These sensations accompanied
with a feeling of belonging and being part of something tremendous, grand and
timeless.
San Jacinto is exhilarating, inspirational and addictive in
the most positive way. These are photographs from my “Excellent Adventure.” They
give a hint of the greatness of these moments.
Palm Springs is a somewhat mythical and unusual place in the
Southern California Desert. Marilyn Monroe is said to have been discovered
there. Bob Hope’s most interesting and Modern home is there and the lifestyle
is luxurious and very “Rich.” This lovely place; this location of numerous
resorts; golf courses and satellite of Hollywood is equal to it’s legend and is
truly remarkable.
Palm Springs with no doubt has a lot to offer. I was there
for the opening of the “Yin Yang” exhibition at Gallery 446, to visit the
unique Palm Springs Art Museum, the surrounding mountains and to meet Shari
Belafonte. It was to be an adventure for the ages and a joy to behold.
Palm Springs with no doubt has a lot to offer. I was there
for the opening of the “Yin Yang” exhibition at Gallery 446, to visit the unique
Palm Springs Art Museum, the surrounding mountains and to meet Shari Belafonte.
It was to be an adventure for the ages and a joy to behold.
I
have admired Shari Belafonte’s beauty and achievements for many years. The many
magazine covers she has graced, her television work, music and activism are
part of her radiant allure. Before this event I wasn’t aware of her skills as a
photographer. She’s amazing at that too. Did I mention she rounds it all out
with cartoon voice overs? She couldn’t be more amazing. “Master Card…fill my
flat,” was for me one of the greatest lines ever delivered. That was Shari too.
Meeting Shari was worth a trip and it is really her honesty and grace that
shines through in her life and work. Shari’s a winner that gives much.
Along with Shiri I met many, many other interesting and
talented people. The exhibiting artist’s Shaktima Brien, Angela Romeo and
Audrey Tommassini were especially welcoming. Audrey’s mother Shelly Mitchell
was incredible; beautiful, talented and blessed with an uncommon sensitivity.
She is a teacher of method acting and a phenomenal actress in her own right.
Some of the others I bumped into were Jim Ciskowski, Denise Hoy (she emailed me
photos of the event) and “Bond Girl” Trina Parks. This was special!
The Yin Yang Exhibition went beyond frill and fluff. It was
a fund raiser as well. The Desert Aids Project and 100 Women would receive all
the proceeds from the sales of the art work. They provide services for women
and children affected by HIV/AIDS; it is a worthy cause. The curator of Yin
Yang Laurie Weitz and gallery director Dimitri Halkidis are to be noted and
commended.
It is really people that make anything worthwhile and doing.
All those that I met were wonderful. The residents of Palm Springs and all in
attendance were equally virtuous, dedicated and fun to be with. They made the
opening of Yin Yang a true pleasure; a tremendous opportunity and contributed
to an event to remember, an evening to treasure, a very good time.
In an age of miracle and wonder a little princess goes to
the ball. When director Ben Zeitlin cast the role of Hushpuppy for his soon to
be lauded “Beasts of the Southern Wild” he found a gem in Quvenzhane Wallis.
She embodied everything Zeitlin was look for and more. Wallis was strong,
intelligent, self-assured, plucky and well…cute. There was more to her though
and most importantly she won Zeitlin over with heart, compassion and a sense of
what can only be described as honor. Both Wallis and Zeitlin were nominated for
“Best” in their categories as well as the film itself was respectfully. No
Oscars were awarded but the hearts and minds of many were won for the duration.
They have been enlisted as friends and admirers for life.
At the Oscars and all the preliminary events, glamour and
glitz Wallis was magnificent in the special way only an innocent can be. She
was stylish of dress and lovely with her little puppy-purses and shoulder bags.
Her interviews were on point and she showed a wit and aplomb that equaled many
an older and more accomplished actress. Her best moment was a view of her
dancing way past her bedtime (that had been extended for the events) and
spinning in a circle until she was dizzy. Oh; the joys of childhood!
Congratulations Quvenzhane! Congratulations for being
there; at the ball, for showing us grace and joy and for filling our hearts.
