Vacation

I've officially started my vacation. It was an imposed one, in a way -- my room at work is getting some new equipment --, but I'm grateful for the free time. Maybe I'll finally get around to putting books away! It's been months since the house has been ready for the books to find a home, but I haven't been sure what I'm going to do with them all. I have decided that the teak bookcases I have will not work in the studio; they are too dark and too big. Eventually I will have The Container Store put more shelving in there, but in the meantime, what to do with those books? I'm coming close to a decision, but then there are all the paperbacks! I need a serious weeding through all those boxes.


My vacation plans? I'm going to visit my sister, Rosalie, in northern California next week and this week I'm taking a couple of days to go to Catalina with Alyson. The third week will be mostly doctor appointments. Although I LOVE to travel to far away places , this time I'm staying close to home and enjoying my new house.

Saturday I went to the movies with my old roomate and wonderful friend, Elaine. (We met working wardrobe on the 1984 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies.) We saw La Vie En Rose. It was amazing, although I think it assumed some knowledge of Edith Piaf's bio. As it is a French movie, I guess that is a given, but we were confused in some places over who was who. It did not take away from the power of the film. It is a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. (My professional opinion? It sounded GREAT!)

Bella will have to put up with my constant picture taking. Does she look annoyed? Or bored?

I almost forgot...

Here is the top I've been working on. I love the colorway and how it's turning out.
If you want to see all the photos from the car show, please view my album at KodakGallery.com.

Cars,cars,cars

Brit and I took a walk through Beverly Hills yesterday to look at vintage cars. It's an annual Father's Day event and an eye popping one at that. Brought back a lot of memories. My mom had a '55 Chevy 4 door Bel Air, and although there were none of those, there were a couple of '56 station wagons.


Brit saw a Dodge Charger and thought of Vanishing Point. (We had to go to Amoeba Music afterwards so she could buy a copy.) Here we are in front of the most amazing Sebring Mustang. The owner (there have only been 5!) took our picture.

There was a Rolls made out of wood,

and a purple 1953 Cadillac originally owned by Rita Hayworth.

There was a Jaguar that was the same age as me,


with little windows behind the head rests that were etched with little jaguars. They just don't make cars that stylish anymore.

Afterwards, we had a delicious lunch at Massimo and strolled up Little Santa Monica Blvd. to grab dessert at Sprinkles Cupcakes, but the line was out the door and down the street. For cupcakes??? No, thanks.

When I got back home, who should be waiting?

Bella 6/10/07

Bella 6/10/07, originally uploaded by mjl4952.

New Camera!

I've been coveting this camera for a year. I have a film Nikon N80 that I've taken on all my trips, but I've wanted a SLR digital camera, too. They are VERY EXPENSIVE and I couldn't justify spending the money, when I already have 2 cameras. I realized a few weeks ago that I have an overabundance of Membership Rewards points from American Express and I should check if they offer the Nikon D80. They did!! I snatched it up and have been enjoying it. It's really fabulous. It will be accompaning me on all my future travels. Digital photography is still new to me; I had film photography down pretty well and realize I must learn all new rules. I took the Nikon course a long time ago and am looking into their class for digital.

Bella is doing better every day. She will now jump up on the couch next to me (not in my lap yet) and checks out the bed at night, but is not comfortable staying there. She has now taken to hiding under the living room sofa. At least she is visible more than not these days.

Finished projects!!

I finished the baby blanket I started at Madge's. I just got a thank you card today. It was for little Drew Banks, the newest addition to the family of Damon, who is my boss at work. I like the way it turned out.

I also finished the two summer tops. The Blue Ballet Top just needed to be blocked, but it took me over a month to get around to that. Here are my self portraits in my new walk in closet.


Who knew I had become so busty? Is it middle age?

The mitered square top is also finished. Again some self portraits.


Of course, I've started something new. The Cabin Fever Lacey Vee is my next project. I'm making it with Elann Sonata Print in Licorice Allsorts. I love that yarn!! I made the mitered square top out of Rose Garden. It's cotton and cool. I've just started it, so progress will be shown as it happens.

I, of course, have many projects in various stages of being done, but those, again, will have to wait.