The Cobra Snake

Don't you wish you were on a boat right now with water pistols? Genius. These were taken by The Cobra Snake.

Let's bring this full circle. This post is inspired by the dentist. What? I know.

I hate going to the dentist. I really really really do.

So, I'm sitting in the chair nervously, getting my teeth cleaned & spied a Cobra Snake sticker on the wall of my hygenist's room.

I learn the woman polishing my grill (in the most sweet gentle way) is his mom. Only in LA, no?

She rocks. So do his photos. They always puts me in the mood to host/attend a party! One of my favorite pastimes.

Guy Bourdin Again

Guy Bourdin. Seriously, who is not influenced by him? I blogged before about Madonna's Hollywood video, but There's Dave LaChapelle's stunning photography and I just found Stella McCartney's cute homage to him in an H&M ad airing in the UK. Check it out!

Me Loves MIA

It's not like M.I.A. is new on the scene, but how could I forget the highlight of my Friday night? Her music is out of this world.
I LOVE her.

I Love LA

I totally swiped this off my brother Mafoo's blog.

It made me laugh out loud and who can't use a good laugh?

Oh, I just realized everyone who is not in California hates me now. I'm sorry.

To be fair, he's a New Yorker. I'm sure they have one of these for every state.

Well.... since I have most of the world mad at me right now, let's take it one step further and talk about how Northern California doesn't exist to Southlanders.

This is actually linked to yesterday's post. (More Kanye) Homecoming is his love letter to Chicago after all...

Last Night a DJ Saved My Life

We had the most fantastic Friday night. I forgot to take photos at dinner - the best part! - but I did remember to take photos at Teddy's.

We were supposed to go for my friend's birthday and never made it. She heard the DJs were incredible so that intrigued me. They did not disappoint. I've included a few tracks on the playlist.

I can't get enough of the throwback new wave fashion & folks were dancing and bouncing around like hippies or popping and locking. I loved it.

Rocky Mountain High

How adorable is Kanye West? He's rocking the 80's with the pushed up sleeves. Look at his belt, watch, polo shirt, pocket square! I wish he were coming to Miami Nights.

Anyway, I am dying to go to the Democratic National Convention August 25th in Denver. I'd love to cover it because my very first story was the DNC in 2000. It inspired me to do what I'm doing today.

Let's get to the other reason I want to go. Kanye West is performing! N.E.R.D and Wyclef Jean are too, but my fave song right now is Homecoming. I just can't get enough.

Photo is from www.thesartorialist.com

Mysterious Flower

What is this intricate, beautiful flower? I could hardly believe it was real when I saw it. There are at least 7 layers! You can't even see the wonderful vines that wrap and knot around the stalk more perfect than any florist's creation.

I admit I plucked this outrageous beauty from a vine when I ditched the Mr. Brainwash show after waiting in high heels for a half-hour. For an art opening. The flower was the best part of the night!

(There were plenty of other flowers, so don't think I'm so terrible.)

Music 4 Miami

Notice the new bright blue playlist to your left.
I need some good song choices for my Miami Vice party.
Thoughts???

Urban Invasion

As I was leaving Echo Park the other day, driving down Beverly, I spied two cool little pieces of street art.

Space Invader left this mosaic tile robot/video game and Mr. Brainwash left a spraypaint can of soup a la Andy Warhol to promote his Life Is Beautiful show.

The show is here through the end of July folks!

Eternal Sunshine

Sun setting over Silver Lake.

Enjoying the pool. Vamping near the pool.

Birthday cakes for Jaime & Tom.

Blowing out their candles.
Patrick & Jade in the jacuzzi.
Robert floating.From vamping to camping.


Ron on vintage Soul Train!

Great weekend by the pool at Ron & Tom's.

Happy birthday Jaime & Tom! I hope everyone is having a fab summer.
I wish summer would last forever as it is right now. Hot, steamy and sunny.

Ok, I could do with a tad less humidity, but let's not split hairs.

Oh Yeah!!!

I love this. Wacky, wild, Kool-Aid style. Scott Van Den Plas and Joe Van Wetering spotted this busted brick wall in Chicago and in their words, "took the proper corrective measures."

Chanel's Private Apartment

Vogue's look inside Coco Chanel's apartment. It includes stories and secrets about Coco's artwork, decor and superstitions! Also, how she helped revive the diamond industry with her jaw-dropping designs.

Extraordinary Machine

My body may be bruised and battered, but my soul feels strong! What a week of firsts.

I surfed for the first time today in Newport Beach. Check out the tidal wave I'm riding! First, I practiced on the surfboard in the sand. I did the pop up three times, which involves lying face down on the board and then popping yourself up with your arms in a pushup. You end up squatting sideways on the board.

Then it was out to sea! The first time I fell to my knees, the second time I rode it for a few seconds, an the fourth time I rode the little wave into the sand. My instructor Scott told me that's something to brag about... so that's exactly what I'm doing.

He's at the Newport Pier everyday at 8am. He runs the Endless Fun Surf School. He's patient and awesome and he's cheering me on in the photo.

Cirque de Suzanne

I did the trapeze for the first time today! Here's the frightening first moment.. caught on tape.

WDL gets title credit!

More Underwater Magic

Continuing the underwater theme...
I thought I'd show a fantastic video by the immensely talented Chris Cunningham to Portishead's Only You...

Modern Love

Happy birthday Beck. I don't know who took this photo, but it sure reminds me of thes underwater series, "Awakened" by David LaChapelle.

His album came out today as well and it's called Modern Guilt. It has a 60's vibe and I'm really digging the new song Orphans... right along with an old gem by The Doors I just heard today - Peace Frog. Strange name, awesome song.

Just for grins, did you know Beck's house is for sale?

Name That Couch

What are these kinds of couches called? This has been driving me crazy for a while. I always refer to them as round couches. I'm sure there's a chic name I'm completely unaware of.

I'm always reminded when I visit The Grove. I love sitting on the big comfy couch that would never fit in mi casa.

BTW, I'm not the crazy person who bundles up in the summer. This photo was taken months ago when it was still a bit chilly.

Now you realize how long this question has been haunting me!

Fear & Loathing

I wish I were in Las Vegas right now with a couple of late greats.

Mark Sandman of Morphine would be setting the mood. Hunter S. Thompson would be raising hell. But honestly, could I really handle that?

Anyway, my inspiration comes from watching "Gonzo" this weekend. The smoky, moody sounds of Morphine would've been a great soundtrack to the film.

Have a Lucky Day...

Now I'm sitting at a blackjack table
And I swear to God my dealer has a tag says Mabel
Hit me. Hit me. I smile at Mabel.
Soon they're bringing complimentary drinks to the table...

The words dance like the blues.

Trixy Pixie's Playground

These photos were taken by 23 year old Mariah Kordzadze, who is known as Trixy Pixie on Deviant Art. She is Russian but lives in Australia.
I love the mood of her work... dark yet colorful and always beautiful.
In addition to her talent, some of her favorite films make me love her even more.... Amores Perros, City of God, Amelie, The Fifth Element.

Adieu Audrey

This post is dedicated to my lovely Audrey. I named her after Audrey Hepburn when I was 19.
We spent 11 wonderful years together.
I called her my baby girl in a high-pitched voice saved just for her. She would run to me and if she was really happy to see me she would hop like a bunny. I whispered her name and she would look at me with those slightly crossed eyes - thanks to her streak of Siamese.
She was my partner in crime. I remember crying into her fur when I was in despair, or rolling her onto her back like a baby to kiss her tummy for no reason at all. She traveled with me from Downey, to Eureka via plane, then Bakersfield in a car, Atlanta in a plane and back to LA. She never got used to traveling. Even when I plied her with drugs, she fought like a lion and cried the entire time. The moment we would set foot in our new home, she was fine and back to her old happy, chill self.
In recent years, I called her my snow tiger, because in our wilderness of a backyard, she looked like a white tiger roaming the hills. She was happiest when she was outside & would roll in the dirt or fetch me a big fat mouse as a gift.
I guess now is the point when I must say what happened to her. (I am a reporter after all & I'd wonder too.) She disappeared & I'm sure either an animal took her away or she passed in peace. In reality, she was as healthy as a horse so I believe I know what really happened.
I miss my Audrey dearly.

Yes, that's Simba looking jealously at the first daughter giving me her Audrey eyes... :)