The Great Pirate Ship

Main sail, flag and bow, originally uploaded by frazgo.

I'm going to have to trek over to W. Hillcrest to see this baby. Talk about getting into the holiday!!

Nice photo by Frazgo.

BEWARE

P60833, originally uploaded by acmelucky777.

Nice shot of Halloween signage by Rüdiger R.

The Secret Pocket

SecretPocket.jpg, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

I love this little yellow house across from the Peach Café. It's perfect for children's things!

Henna & Glitter

Henna & Glitter, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

I swear next time I go to the street fair I'm going to get a temporary tattoo. I love tattoos but don't have any because I change my mind quite often as to what I like, so I can't commit to it.

I know that in the next year a company is coming out with a type of tattoo ink that is encapsulated in these tiny beads that will self-destruct when put under a laser, and the ink is absorbable by your body. This is definitely the kind of tattoo for me!

Until then, though, I may end up standing in this line for some temporary body art.

OPEN THREAD: How should I spend my birthday?

Ok. I know it's tacky, but I'm announcing that yes, today is my birthday. Money is a bit tight, and I've decided to stay in Monrovia. What should I do? What would you do if you were going to stay in Monrovia and it was your birthday? Who can guess what I have planned? Hint: It costs less than $50.

Leaf

Leaf, originally uploaded by ucicsboy.

The last few days we in Monrovia have been admonished to stay inside. I have done so, for the most part, but would step outside periodically just to see what was happening.

I have been watching the fires off and on for days, and feel the sadness and the devastating power of nature unleashed. At first, when my black poodle came in with white specs on him, I didn't know what it was, but then it sunk in that I was seeing ash that had been carried for miles on the wind from one of the many fires that continue to range on our landscape. This might be part of someone's home, I think.

I feel grateful that I am not in immediate danger, however, I know that our local hills are as much of a dry tinderbox as the areas that are currently burning. So if you are thinking of taking a hike, think again, as the local hiking trails are temporarily closed, as noted by the Monrovia Weekly:

A severe fire danger exists in local hillside areas. Monrovia Canyon Park and Chantry Flat Road have been closed to visitors. Bailey Canyon and Mt. Wilson Trail are also closed.

Local firefighters and police officers are patrolling hillside neighborhoods. All fire personnel have been recalled to duty and the Department is at full staffing.

Photo by Ray Vadnais

The Dollmakers

Dollmakers.jpg, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

The other day I was walking my Standard Poodle, Theo, past the Dollmakers and he looked very startled and backed up a little after spotting their full sized stuffed dog in the window! I reassured him that it was okay, but I don't think he was entirely convinced.

The other odd thing about this shop is that many years ago, my father had a telephone that was registered to this address, but I didn't find the phone statement until it was too late to ask him. This was in the early 80s, when the family lived in Newport Beach. A little mystery that may never be solved...

Watching the Ponies

Watching the Ponies, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

I'm not sure what it is about little girls and horses, but everytime I see the pony ride I want to be small again!

Jake's

Jake's, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Outside Jake's Roadhouse during the Friday night festival...

MissPinky's

MissPinky's, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Tonight's street Festival was busy as usual. I took my tripod and was able to shoot after dark.

Myrtle Avenue

StreetViewMtns.jpg, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

We had some nice clouds the other day. Here's a shot looking up Myrtle Avenue in Old Town.

Mikomi Sushi

Mikomi Sushi, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

I finally got a picture of Mikomi...I'm addicted to their Japanese Steak, and I also love their vegetable tempura, particularly the onions! Light and dreamy! The food has been quite good overall. The service, however, has been a bit spotty, particularly if you sit outside. Despite this, however, it is my favorite Japanese place of the moment.

The Neville Building

The Neville Building, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Here's the doorway that goes with the antique ironwork I posted a few days ago...

The Tree

TheTree.jpg, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

My version of the Library Park tree...I should know what kind it is...anyone?

Hot Shots Salon

I don't always get shots of some of the shops in Old Town's sidestreets, so I thought it was about time to post on of this place.

Colorful Marquee

KrikorianNight.jpg, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Here's a shot of the Krikorian I took last night with my new wide-angle lens...

Center Stage Academy

Center Stage Academy, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

I have to say I am fond of their gray and red color scheme!

Family Hare Care

Family Hare Care, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

One thing Monrovia has no shortage of is hair salons!

Alley Gate

Alley Gate, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Sometimes three planks is all you need! I couldn't snapping a pic of this funky little back alley gate while walking around town.

Fun Funky Shoes

Fun Funky Shoes, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Spotted these on the sidewalk in Old Town Monrovia! Their "owners" seemed happy to oblige my wacky request to photograph them...!

Halloween is near!

Halloween is near, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Skull Scaping

Skull Scaping, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Macabre landscaping as seen in Monrovia as residents ramp-up for Halloween.

Sierra Cup

Sierra Cup, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Here's a new Internet Cafe opening up on Myrtle where the old Coffee Gallery used to be...

Lovely Antique Ironwork

Lovely Antique Ironwork, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

I spotted this on a door in Old Town today for the first time. Whew! It reminds me of something you would see in an old European city. So pretty. Ok...so can you guess where it is?

Hollywood comes to Monrovia

Snow in Monrovia, originally uploaded by Corey Porter.

It seems that our little city of Monrovia is once again a backdrop for Hollywood, this time for the series "October Road," which city officials say will be regularly shooting here. So get used to it folks...we are just irresistible.