Turn Here!

I just discovered "turnhere.com," a website dedicated to short travelogues. It's fantastic, especially if you are wanting to explore a city in a more personal way before traveling there, or if you are homesick for it! From what I've seen so far, the short films seem to be of good quality and well edited. Have a look!

Monrovia's Newest Parking Lot

Here's a quick snap of a freshly pressed parking lot at the corner of Ivy and Olive. This additional parking is to accommodate parking displaced by the upcoming Colorado Commons construction at the Colorado and Primrose lot. Gosh, I wish it had a tree or two! Looks like you could quick-fry a dinasaur egg on it!

Today's bloom

I've started planting roses in my garden and just love the color of this one...even after the bloom is starting to fade. The more it opens, the more you can see the yellow inside. Lovely.

Design Concepts for the Monrovia Gold Line

I missed a community workshop to review Gold Line station design concepts Wednesday night at the Community Center, but I think it is noteworthy that local artist Cha-Rie Tang has been chosen to design the featured artwork/sculpture at the Monrovia Gold Line station.

According to the Metro Gold Line website, "Cha-Rie Tang will celebrate the coming together of Monrovia's architectural heritage with its naturally beautiful setting in River of Time. Incorporating a treasure trove of historical tiles and remnants of glass and rock, the artist creates a mountain and stream, reflecting Monrovia's designation as the "Gem City of the Foothills." The seven foot tall mountain is sculptural rock and boulders, carved by nature over the millennia. Running water is a stream of glass, leading from mountain to river, which is composed of recognizable local and historical tiles. Ms. Tang's desire to work directly with the community on this concept will bring together an appreciation of both human history and respect for nature."

I can't wait! For more information about Tang or the Goldline, click here.

Via metrogoldline.org

DogFest Film Festival!

Anyone wanting to take their pooch out for a fun Saturday night (June 17th) might want to check out the Dogfest Film Festival, sponsored by Paws L.A. Festivities for this outdoor event start at 6 p.m., and the films will screen at sundown (approximately 8:15 p.m.) and run about 60 minutes.


Organizers say that each year filmmakers from all over the world submit short films or documentaries about dogs, featuring dogs, or containing thought-provoking messages about dogs, for consideration in 10 different categories. Winning films this year include Amy Nicholson's "Beauty School" a documentary about the New York School of Dog Grooming, Tim Greenberg's parody "La Puppé" about French new-wave cinema and Jim Blauvelt's music video featuring Tyson, the skateboarding Bulldog.

Bring your own blanket or chairs...and your pup pal must be on-leash. Tickets are $15 and children 12 and under are free. Dogfest will be held at the Autry National Center (Griffith Park), 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. More info or advance tickets call 323-464-PAWS or email info@pawsla.org.

Via Blogging L.A.

Lindy Groove

I don't know why it's taken me so long to discover Lindy Groove on Thursday nights at the Pasadena Masonic Lodge, but I finally did, and boy was it fun!

It's a quick jaunt from Monrovia to Pasadena, and it was easy to find and they have free parking. The lodge is well-maintained, has a huge dance floor and super high ceilings. Last night there was a band also, which was worth the additional $13 to get in (normally it's $7). The dances are held from 7:30 p.m. (when they have a lesson) until about 1 a.m.

Although I have been doing tango for the last year, it felt so great to dance swing again I do believe I'm going to be a regular at this event. People were friendly and polite, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. :) For more info and to see photos, visit lindygroove.com.

Photo by Waifer X.

Chalk Art Festival This Weekend!

The 2006 Pasadena Chalk Festival is being held this weekend at Paseo Colorado. More than 700 artists will be participating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18th. There will be an area for kids to experiment, as well as live music and a martini bar. For more information visit the Paseo Colorado website.

Photo by Brenda Dutkiewicz

Go see the film, "An Inconvenient Truth" !

My friends and I went to see Al Gore's new film, "An Inconvenient Truth," in Pasadena over the weekend and it is a must-see film. I have so much respect for what Gore is doing: really putting his money where his mouth is, so to speak. He is traveling the world, trying to get the message out about what is happening all over the planet as a consequence of choices we are all making in our daily lives.

The nice thing about this film is that you never feel as if you are being lectured or preached to. It's more like a window into his life's passion...to educate people about what is really going on and inspire them to make a difference. So much of what we see and read anymore is designed to confuse us on the real issues. Go see this movie!

Judy's Book!

I've just discovered a website called Judy's Book and I love it! It's kind of like Craig's List but is all about making recommendations for things in your area. There are already quite a number of Monrovians using it. I just posted a query for a good sushi restaurant in town. Not only can you write reviews and ask questions, you can read what others recommend and then if you like the same types of things then they will become someone you trust, and you can see their overall trust rating from other people. Really neat idea!

Brilliant new painting

I just have to remark upon my brother's brilliant new painting, done down by the Azusa train tracks. He manages to capture gorgeous light, details, and impart a texture that is reminiscent of brushed metal. A tremendous effort. See more of his work at his blog. I think this one belongs in a museum.

A café called Bean Sprout

I just have to blog about this little vegetarian café in Arcadia called Bean Sprout. I had dinner there last night for the second time and it was delicious. I am particularly fond of the spring rolls, the daikon radish cakes and the hawaiian rice. The service is attentive and polite. The place is small, but well lit and clean. The only thing on the menu that made my throat close up a little was described as "fried gluten." I didn't get around to asking about that one. Also, the melon tea was too sweet for my taste, but if you like ginseng candy you might want to order it.

The most incredible thing about this place, though, is their honesty. I left an extra $20 dollar bill when paying and, as we were getting in our car, our waiter ran up and breathlessly said that we left too much on the table. It was true, I had meant to leave a $12 tip and left a $32 tip instead. We were all shocked and amazed. What a rarity that is! I will be writing them a thank you note, but wanted to blog about them also.

Bean Sprout is located at 103 E. Huntington Drive. Their phone number is 626-254-8708.

Photo by Berta (Flickr)

Happy voting!

Open Air Film Night in Library Park

Looks as if Monrovia will be having its first "Open Air Film Night" on Sunday (June 4) at 8 p.m. in Library Park. The classic fun film, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" will be shown. Seems like a perfect way to spend a Sunday evening. The summer nights in Monrovia are as glorious as the days are oppressive.

Organizers suggest bringing a picnic dinner and a blanket or lawn chairs. The event is sponsored by Monrovia Old Town Merchants.

Photo courtesy of "wiseacre."