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Monday, April 1, 2013

San Jacinto

 
 
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.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

YIN YANG the Gallery 446 Exhibition

 
 
 
 
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.
 
 
 


















 

 

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Quvenzhane Wallis: At The Oscars



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.