LOS ANGELES in October

In Los Angeles there was beautiful Stephanie. And 84 degrees. And a collision of east and west, of the barren and the beautiful, the most extraordinary flora, the most stunning views - the colours, blue, sand, beige, rust - I tried, but I couldn't even begin to capture images which would truly recreate the spirit.

Here is what I have.

The Pacific Coast Highway - to Santa Barbara

The streets are lined with trees.... Santa Monica and Rodeo Drive

Speaking of trees, I could hardly believe this one, the stuff of dream --or nightmare. It took us two days to identify it, as a Ficus.

Some famous names and places:

Some hand- and foot- prints of Hollywood stars in the courtyard of Mann's Chinese Theatre. Jack Nicholson has BIG hands!

In Venice, there are canals, and every expensive home here has a little garden filled with exotic flowers and palm trees, or pink parasols and flamingoes, and a boat on the water.

VANCOUVER

Look who I saw in Vancouver in November!
The beginning of the rain...

Hamza Adam, Chris Cochrane, Duane Keogh and Levon Henderson

And lovely Marjorie Malpass

Dear Lucas and Liz and their Lovely Home

Beautiful Becca

and her graceful, strong and fluid Tai Chi/ Qi Gong/ Kung Fu

And my far-away, beloved family: Ileana, Jason, Erika, Esme, Elias, Rebecca

Vancouver was full of warmth and joy, memories and love, comfort and hugs. Everybody needed another visit...

The mountains, the ocean and Stanley Park, the Lion's Gate Bridge, City Hall, and Granville Island, North Vancouver, Hastings and Main, the Buddhist Centre, Banyen Book Store, the salmon stream, the tea rooms, the living rooms, the pubs, the beaches, the three-legged dog on the beach, the comedy, my Becca, everything glowed or glittered, everyone shone, pouring rain, soft rain or no rain.

It was wonderful to see you all, oh RICH Vancouver, Lady of the Grey Light!
Lots of love.