’03 July

On the patio of a newest West Hollywood ‘uber trendy yet Michelin serious’ French restaurant.

While I’m taking the picture of the umbrellas we’re gossiping about these two women – are they in the biz? are they food writers? are they ladies who lunch? They are so perfectly color coordinated with the restaurant, in taupe and white.

The woman in glasses walks over to me and in most urgent tones asks if I might please take a picture of her and her sister as they get together so rarely and it would mean so much to her to have this photo. ‘No problem at all, here, let’s do it now’ I say. The sister in gray tells the sister in glasses ‘just don’t grin all goofy like you always do’. Yikes.

At the end of their meal the sister in glasses leaves and the sister in gray comes over to tell a story about her sister’s husband’s illness and she wanted me to know that in fact she comes here from Texas at least once a month but she did know how her sister was suffering and thanked me for taking the picture.

Just goes to show. You can’t hope to guess.

In situations like this I am so often reminded of the adage ‘you get what you pay for’. It isn’t true, entirely, of course. But often, it is.

The skeleton staff left in LA while everyone who possibly could be is in France for the delivery.

A gas station wall, in readiness for more 4th of July flag @#$%. You know how I feel about religious and patriotic symbols. They work just so darn well.

Dear old friend Steven and sweet dear Celina, Gideon being home with the babysitter. Tomorrow Steven is going to start his one year disabling treatment for his potentially life threatening condition. They’re going to have some challenging times ahead!

GreatGrams, Grandma and Mom (Mom, Lona and Beth…) created this lovely and most unexpected July 4th festivo. Note the canon, the musket, the Declaration of Independence, the colorful bunting – all traditional and required decorations for the occasion. Christa and Caleb were off with Janice and Charis was resting so here we are, all grown up.

Sandy had her party this year too and it was especially swell because it was the celebration of Sarah’s final adoption. And she’s Jewish now too.

Hangin’ out.

From Sandy E’s yard.

Here is Sandala, working on her obsession. Here she is, a bald, sleepless painting machine.

John’s going away party. I wish him Only The Best even though… From the left Monica, Kirby, Dale, Kimberly, Greg, Cathy, David, Tai.

more. From front right and around Veronika (who is really a cheery person and who Never smiles in a photo), Kamal, Chris, Robert, Rober, John, Charles, Diane.

Carol and Alex – where we walked.

From the patio of a Century City hotel. It seems that this summer I simply refuse to resist an umbrella.

David’s retirement. We printed on his cake ‘you have always been strange just don’t be a stranger’. I wish him Only The Best too. JZ is gone, David is gone and William is leaving at the end of summer. It will be entertaining to watch the personality of our department evolve!

From front right and around Kamal, Mary Lou, Veronika, me, Dan, William, Charles, Greg, David, Bill, John (he gets to be the only John now). Office folks missing Robert, Chris, Alex, Bernie, Boban.

An hour or two at sunset in Roger and Sandy’s new neighborhood of Culver City.

What is obvious – low buildings and wide streets leaves more light later in the day which makes for that great streaming sun and sunset glow.

Peace brother, hauling the kids in the minivan.

The Patriot Act.

Creamy violet.

Why? Because.

Maybe and maybe not.

This guy and his partner were sitting out on the porch of this entirely purple and yellow house. We chatted briefly and he said some people love it and some people hate it and some people don’t care.

I think the people who don’t care probably aggressively don’t care like ‘it’s your house and this is a free country and it’s not for me to say’ because you can’t be indifferent about a purple house.

more of the purple house.

Because the buildings are low and the streets are wide.

“Wanna make somethin’ of it.”

We watched Seabiscuit. I cried of course. Then we ate and then we walked down to Shutters to look at the wedding setup there because Angela loves it there sooooo much.

Some of us in light, some in shadow, bright background – group shots are tough. Notice how I eliminated every single line and shadow from my neck. It’s pretty silly but hey.

Our cameras, endlessly entertaining.

ReallyReally cute girls.

Sweet Cynth. Hugs and kisses!