Indian Food coming to Monrovia

A new Indian restaurant is opening a couple of doors down from the Baked Potato Parlor (on the north side of the Krikorian Theater). Look for the opening on Friday night. I believe it will be called "Ice Spice Indian Cuisine." YUM. I hope it's good.

Venice, Italy?

Nope. It's Monrovia, California. Caffé Opera, to be exact. Had a
lovely dinner there tonight and noticed this devilish mask in the
rafters on the way out. Just had to take a snap. I love the openness
of the dining room, and the general ambiance. I highly recommend the
salad I had tonight: field greens with walnuts and goat cheese. The
walnuts were every so slightly sweet, the the goat cheese, highly
imaginative—it had been given a burnt sugary crust on one side.
Delicious!

Gallery Reception

This Saturday, our local art gallery, Segil Fine Arts, is holding an artist's reception from 4-8 p.m. for what they are calling a "Small Works Show," which will feature more than 100 new pieces of art measuring 9 x 12 or smaller, including ceramics, glass or sculpture. Wine, hors d’oeuvres and dessert will be served. Don't miss an opportunity to get an affordable piece of fine art....For more info, visit the Segil Fine Art site. If you can't make it on Saturday, the works will be on display through January 7th.

Something to get you in the mood....

I spotted this in a shop window while strolling down Myrtle the other
night. It makes me feel so cozy to see all the colored lights. I've
ordered some ear muffs for the first time so I can go on more evening
strolls as the nights get colder...

Sweet Kitty

This young cat is another of many that could use a home this holiday season....look at that beautiful face. I like the green eyes combined with the reddish brown nose! If interested, direct your inquiry to Gary White, DVM.

Run Away!

Ack. The stench of skunk is once again in the air. I seem to get one of these smelly visitors about once a week. And my dog (aka Tasmanian Devil) can't seem to get enough of them and seems to provoke the poor things into spraying—on my porch, at the back door, outside my bedroom window. Anyone know of any good skunk "keep away" remedies? I'm a fresh air junkie and it just makes me gag! He does look kinda cute in this picture though, doesn't he?

More Monrovia Paintings

My brother has started his own blog, and there are a couple more Monrovia paintings posted there. He is quite prolific, so I'll try to keep up and post updates periodically.

If you're fat, it's not your fault—not entirely, that is.

Most people are now aware of the dangers of trans fats, as labels have taken up the cause with "No Trans Fats" featured in prominent view, but it seems that another evil of eaters everywhere is "high fructose corn syrup." Although most people would think of me as having a normal weight, I have noticed that when I let myself eat more prepared foods, the weight creeps up a little. If you are a label reader like I am, you already know how ubiquitious it this cheap ingredient is; if you are not a label reader, try it sometime and you may be astounded at how high fructose corn syrup seems to be in nearly everything from sodas to bread! It may very well be the culprit behind what is making you fat.

Try a Google search for "corn products" and "make you fat" and see what comes up. I'm going to experiment, and cut down on all things corn-related and see what happens. Read a bit more about this subject in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Dog Joy

There's nothing better than witnessing dog joy. Before I had my own dog, I used to visit the dog park just to watch playful pups romp. After getting my own dog, it was with much disappointment that I realized she didn't like playing with other dogs. Consequently, I've decided it's time for me to add another dog to my family. My 12-year-old Shiba will likely ignore the new dog, but our little Schnauzer should welcome the addition. I've been trying to decide whether or not to get another rescue, or to get a purebred puppy. I love Shiba Inus, but in an effort to keep animal hair down, I may go for a non-shedding breed. I am thinking of a Standard Poodle. They have such nice personalities. Doesn't this photo just make you happy?

A Home for the Holidays

This little guy is available for adoption through through Lifeline
for Pets and is being held at VCA Santa Anita animal hospital. For more information, contact Gary White DVM.

Glowy night shot

Our local theater looks so pretty and glowy at night. We're coming
into movie season and I'm going to be making many trips to their box
office. Can't wait to see "Memoirs of a Geisha."

Adopt Me!

This little guy would love a home for the holidays! He's one of
several kittens, young and adult cats available through Lifeline for
Pets and being held at VCA Santa Anita animal hospital. For more
information, contact Gary White DVM. I will be posting more cuties in the next few days!

Station Portrait

I local Sierra Madre painter (who happens to be my brother), has
recently taken to painting lots of landscapes around Monrovia,
including the old station. He works in the Plein Air style, and can
sometimes be seen toting his easel around. To see more of his work,
visit his site here. His paintings are still reasonably priced, as he's not famous yet. Support local artists! He also does custom home portraits.

Falling into Winter

Though with our constant blue skies it's hard to really think of
ourselves as having a real winter, this house does give me that
nice cozy fall feeling. I can just see myself sitting by the fire, or
swinging on the porch with a hot toddy, telling stories. I love
houses that are painted that dark reddish brown. It always reminds me
of a mountain cabin, and camping as a child.

Praying to the Porcelain God

The men's room at the Aztec Hotel has the strange quality of feeling
slightly religious, and a bit intimidating, or sinister, at the same
time. The dark cross on the door, well, it speaks for itself. I
didn't dare go inside.

Fun with Amazing Circles

My latest discovery on Flickr is the Amazing Circles group. Here is a circle I created in Photoshop from a picture of a bouquet of flowers. Click on the image to see more. They are mesmerizing.

Ladies Lounge

I was poking around the Aztec Hotel on Foothill today and couldn't
resist taking this shot of the ladies room. The whole place is a
study in kitsch, and I've decided I need a better camera already to
capture more of it. I just love the faded glory feeling of this room.

Camera Toss Art

One of my Flickr buddies posted a series of camera toss images that I think are quite beautiful. Some images remind me of graceful strands of hair, others of a bird flying, others of pen strokes. Have a closer look by clicking on the image. There are 80 images in the set.

Volunteer Opportunity

Anyone who is looking for an active volunteer opportunity, or who knows of someone unable to afford home repairs, look no further than the Pasadena chapter of an organization called Rebuilding Together. Read the Pasadena Start News article here.

Affordable Housing

Anyone in the market for a new condo might want to keep an eye on 14 new units planned for the area around the upcoming Station Square train station development in Monrovia's west end. For the $200,000 units there are some HUD income restrictions, but larger 3-bedroom units will sell for about $450,000, without restriction from what I can tell. For more info see the story at the Whittier Daily News. The units are located at Duarte Road and Magnolia.

Window Dressing

Monrovia's "Wizard of Bras" store is located near the freeway, but I
wouldn't mind seeing it closer to Old Town. Maybe then I would
stop in! Gotta give them props for a fun window display.

Say hello to Willie

I've seen Willie and his "Dad" around town a few times and recently
spotted them at Library Park enjoying the beautiful weather. A passer-
by couldn't resist coming over to see him and she offered an arm,
which he quickly boarded. I've never seen a friendlier parrot! He
even let me pet him on his orange part and lifted his wing to allow
access. Apparently Willie is a 12-year-old Blue Hyacinth McCaw.
Willie and his counterpart, Millie, can be seen riding on their
owner's PVC backpack around town. Try Friday nights at the Road House.

Lawn Jockey Love

Lawn jockeys unite! For anyone interested in carrying on the
Monrovian lawn jockey tradition, the Pottery Ranch on Huntington
Drive seems to carry an ample supply. I just couldn't resist snapping
a pic.

The Waiting Station

Monrovia's train station has long stood idle, and despite its modest size and condition, the building still has a certain charm and character that many hope will be preserved when the redevelopment finally comes. I almost didn't take this photo (since I was shooting into the sun) but, amazingly, my little Canon Powershot managed to capture the subtlety of color in the weathered surfaces (click on photo to see larger image). Oddly enough, it almost looks like a miniature in this photo.

Of Sauerkraut and Socks

I still haven't gotten a flu shot, but am glad to know that there may be help out there in the form of rotten cabbage. Apparently there is a bacteria in it that forms during the fermentation process that the flu virus doesn't like. Sauerkraut and Kimchi may soon become very popular. Oddly enough, when I feel a cold coming on, I always crave spicy Udon soup. I wonder if my body was trying to tell me something all along. Here's the BBC story. Apparently there is also some truth to keeping warm in winter time, as cold viruses are able to take hold when your body temperature drops, and as I recall heat is lost most easily through uncovered heads and feet. For those of you not on the knitting bandwagon yet, here's a great place for fabulous socks to protect your tootsies: sock dreams.

Take me to your leader....!

Just for fun. Found this on Flickr. It looks like a cross between a football helmet and that worn by Marvin the Martian. And his expression is priceless. Cats can look put upon like no other creature.

What a face!

I found this picture via Boing Boing, and just had to blog this one. I believe this is a Dodo bird, but the beak looks a bit different that what I saw in illustrations. Doesn't he have a fabulous face? He is part of the collection at the natural history museum in Vienna. A visitor recently posted some photos of the displays on Flickr. Some interesting specimens. Click on the photo to see more.

Dog Power!

I spotted this on Gizmodo today and just had to post it in my blog as well, as it's such a brilliant idea. If you have a large dog in need of exercise and the desire to ride on a scooter, look no further! Have a look at the Dog-powered scooter here. Be sure to take a look at the video.

The High Cost of Low Price

WAL-MART: The High Cost of Low Price takes you behind the glitz and into the real lives of workers and their families, business owners and their communities, in an extraordinary journey that will challenge the way you think, feel... and shop. The new Wal-mart documentary is having a screening in Monrovia on Thursday, Nov. 17th at 7:30 p.m. It's free, but you must RSVP. To find or host a screening in your area, visit Brave New Films. Watch the trailer here.

Ahhhh, coffee.

A friend of a friend of mine has a coffee plantation in Costa Rica and I recently had the chance to sample some of his wares. "Wow!" was my first thought, and, "How can I get more of this?" Well, it's available online and I just have to share. It's organic and shade grown as well. I get the whole beans and grind them fairly fine and use in my fabulous stainless steel German French Press. How funny does that sound? I'm really not a coffee snob, or am I? Visit Café Britt online if you'd like to try some. See my Frieling French Press here. It really does keep the coffee hot for an amazingly long time. By the way, it came from a wonderful coffee store in Glendora.

Echo Park Home Tour on Saturday

Explore and discover Craftsman style mansions, Spanish Colonial Revival
style cottages. and sleek modernist apartments tucked amongst the
hillsides and stairways of Echo Park, at this Saturday's Echo Park Home Tour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15. I wish I could go....!

via Preserve LA

Lovely

I just had to blog this. It's from one of my Flickr contacts who takes amazing photos of flowers. Just makes me happy to see it.

Downtown Art Walk today

Anyone with a free afternoon today might want to check out the Downtown Art Walk, a monthly self-guided tour of the art galleries in Downtown Los Angeles. It's free and lasts from 12 noon to 9 p.m. Some of the participating venues include MOCA, LA Public Library, LA Artcore Center, de Soto Gallery, 626 Gallery, The Hive Gallery and the Museum of Neon Art. See main site for more complete listing.

Fun with Flickr

Photographers in Monrovia might be interested in posting their local pictures to a Flickr group started up especially for our town. So far there are only three of us, but we would welcome more... Have a look and participate. It's a fun resource, and kind of addicting. If you haven't visited Flickr, you are in for a treat. If you have a voyeuristic bone in your body, settle in and click away.

Architectural Salvage Treasures

Pasadena may be the world headquarters of Craftsman homes, but Monrovia has many as well, and residents may be interested in knowing where they can purchase architectural salvage treasures for their home.

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune recently reported on the opening of the Pasadena Architectural Salvage store at 30 S. San Gabriel Blvd. For more information, read full story here. The story may be archived after 14 days, but will be searchable later.

Monrovia Train Station

Slowly, slowly, plans for the Monrovia train station are taking
shape. I'm beyond excited, and even such a basic drawing can get me
going. I can't wait until I can make the trek from home to the
station, and then venture out into the city without a car. This has
been a dream of mine for ages. I live within walking distance of the
trolley, and this will give me a reason to ride the cute red car. For
more info on this and other stops, visit the city's page: Metro Gold Line Extension.

Errand Buddy

I love taking Sushi on errands with me. She takes the front passenger
seat when were on surface streets, and when I get on the freeway she
gets in the back and curls up for a nap. I guess she likes to see the
sights!

Old Town Pasadena

I did a little shopping in Old Town Pasadena today, which I'm ready to call the Beverly Hills of the San Gabriel Valley. It's only been a few months since my last visit, but there was a dicernable difference. It was a weekday, but there were still lots of people about, and in a wider radius. New construction is everywhere. And it's not just apartment buildings. Almost two blocks of shops are getting new facades, and a Tiffany & Co. is going in! Pasadena is going upscale, and it really seems like it has gone over the tipping point.

This once-dangerous place, riddled with pawnshops and dive bars, has made a complete turn-around (though a fair amount of homeless are still on Colorado Boulevard). In any case, I noticed that shopkeepers are now putting up "No public restrooms" signs, which means lots of tourists. This got me to thinking more about Monrovia's future. The city has done such an amazing job so far, and I hope that it can stay a real community while growing in the same manner. What I mean by "real" is the hope that it doesn't turn into a tourist mecca. Somehow I can't picture this, but hey, it happened to Pasadena.

Anyone wishing to do a virtual stroll of Pasadena, or many other places in Los Angeles (Monrovia not available yet), should check out Amazon's A9.com Maps!

Pot legal in Denver?

Surprise! It's now legal to possess up to an ounce of marijuana in Denver if you are over 21. Interestingly, Colorado's state law, which apparently overrides the city's new law, still makes possession illegal, so the move is largely a politcal one. A few other cities, including Seattle and Oakland, have moved to decriminalize possession as well. I wonder how Monrovians would vote on this one? Read more here.

Give to Kiva

Many of us have the desire to do some good in the world, but we are often overworked and pressed for time. If we donate to a large organization we don't have the ability to track where our money goes. In addition, small sums can seem to be swallowed up in the very great need many organizations have. One organization that addresses all these issues is Kiva, which offers individuals the ability to sponsor to small enterprise in developing countries for sums as small as $25. In addition, because your charitable donation is a loan, your recipient will pay back the amount of your no-interest loan within 6 months, and they will provide you with updates on how your money is spent. What a great idea!