This is my town. I live here.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Local Celebs?

I was thinking of putting together a list of famous or super accomplished people who live or have lived in Monrovia. I do these weird searches every so often trying to find things related to our town, and come across some interesting tidbits from time to time. Who can get the list started?

Here is a photo of Upton Sinclair's old house submitted by reader Linda Taubenreuther. Thank you Linda!

Plane's Eye View


And from the side...

Here are a couple of images of Monrovia from Google Earth. I even found my house. What fun! If you haven't tried exploring Google Earth, I highly recommend it. Try visiting Denver, Colorado if you want to see some of their progress on the city in 3D (It would be fun to model the plans for the new Monrovia Library in Google Earth). Controls on the top left of the viewer let you skew the view every which way. For more behind-the-scenes info, visit the Google Eearth Blog.

Monrovia Motor Lodge



Gosh how I wish this was still here! :P Found this postcard on the web in search. Fabulous. I'd love to get a collection going of old Monrovia postcards.

The Canadian Cafe

Here's a great Flickr pic of the inside of the Canadian Cafe. I still haven't eaten there. One of these days...

Gorgeous Beading


I've just discovered local bead artist Judy Walker. Apparently she's been beading for more than 35 years and is now teaching the craft. This is an image of a faux coral necklace she did. Isn't is lovely?

Saturday, February 24, 2007

OLD town Monrovia


Historical Photo looking north on Myrtle taken on Monrovia Day, 1914. On the right corner is where the Monrovian restaurant now stands. I love these old photos. Would be so much fun to have some more of this flavor today...horse and buggy, anyone?

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Community Policing Room


Monrovia, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Patio Mural, Aztec Hotel

Here's a fine photo of the Aztec Hotel patio I spotted on Flickr. Funny, even though I've poked around there a few times I never noticed this mural. It looks great in this pic—so dimensional!

Thursday, February 15, 2007

A study in....monochrome...


Monrovia, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Ahhhh, pink!

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Bye-Bye Sweet Garlic

I'm sorry to report that Old Town's Thai restaurant, Sweet Garlic, is closing its doors and moving to a Pasadena location. I tried to order something them last night and they said that irreconcilable differences with their landlord prevents them from staying. I'm so sad to see them go because I rather liked both the food and the decor. All in all a pleasant and taseful place.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Between Rocks


Monrovia, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

This just looked so snuggly to me in a weird way. I do love fieldstones, no matter what they are doing.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Manny's Auto Repair


Manny's Auto Repair, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

How about that for a funky old sign?

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Alley Door


Alley Door, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Something about this makeshift doorway struck me...if you don't have a doorway, well, just cut a hole in the wall....

Friday, February 09, 2007

Devine Hair


Devine Hair, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

One thing Monrovia has an abundance of is hair salons. Sometimes they are even next door to one another. I'm telling you, seems that everyone in town should have fabulous hair...

Thursday, February 08, 2007

118 West


118 W., originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

...Colorado....I like the pattern on this wall. Think this little apartment building was erected in the 50s?

Diron Answering Service


Diron, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

I love this old-fashioned business (and sign!) as it reminds me of times past. I wonder how long they have been there? Should be in a Raymond Chandler story...

Red Water Cover


Red Monrovia Water Cover, originally uploaded by ~db~.

California Wine and Cheese

Just another night at the wine bar... :) Proprietor Tom Dugan at right.



Archipel, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

I tasted a bit of Archipel tonight. It's a blend of Merlot and Cab. Would be divine with a big juicy steak!

Abode


Abode, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

This quirky abode looks designed for living above and working below, but it's not currently occupied by a business, only residents from what I can tell. It looks to be an original structure from the "old" days, but I can't say for sure. Does anyone know what it used to be?

La Adelita


La Adelita, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

In addition to Rudy's, this is one of my favorite places for impromptu Mexican dining. The folks that work here are super friendly and I can bring my dog for outside dining! It's not fancy but the food is good. Also, since it is on a sidestreet, it's much quieter than eating on Myrtle.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Monrovia


Monrovia, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

View from in front of City Hall looking up...

The Heart of Old Town


The Heart of Old Town, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Colorado Commons


Colorado Commons, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

coming soon....!

Monrovia Tires


Monrovia Tires, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

I had a real good experience with these guys. I needed a tire patch and they did it right away and were very reasonable.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Pearl Village


Pearl Village, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Pearl Village is not exactly Monrovia...but I have had this idea in my head for the last several days about creating a virtual 3D version of Monrovia in Second Life. I have been venturing into Second Life from time to time, and when I heard that the Swedish Embassy is currently building a 3D version of themselves to put into Second Life, it got me thinking. Why couldn't Monrovia do the same thing?

For those of you unfamiliar with Second Life, it is a virtual 3D world that seems sort of endless. You create a character (avatar) for yourself once you have downloaded the software and created a name (ID) for yourself. After that it takes about an hour to sort out the movement controls and the adjustments to your character...but you can travel freely throughout...and talk with people from all over the world.


Pearl Village, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.


Today I got to practice my Italian with a woman who teaches Greek in Northern Italy. Kind of trippy, when you think about it. My character, Alexa Brissot, is fond of all things Victorian and Steampunk, and has been visiting old English Villages lately. I'd like her to be able to walk around Monrovia and chat with all the folks there. So why not step outside my door. Well, there's that, too. :)



Pearl Village, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Saturday, February 03, 2007

1890 Mills View Home for Sale


Gorgeous!!, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Wow...one of my favorite homes in Monrovia is for sale...for 1.3 million. Seems like a steal for all that house!

Library Park Bench


Monrovia, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Friday, February 02, 2007

Rudy's


Rudy's, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Here's one of the more popular Mexican restaurants in town, Rudy's. They've recently expanded and have a bar and banquet area in the next room. Decent food and fast, polite service.

Notice the new plantings in the foreground along with the rennovated sidewalk and pretty black cobblestone style cross walk.