Big Sur

Peter and I spent a fantastic thirty-six hours in Big Sur a few weeks ago. It's only about two hours away from Oakland, but seems like a totally different world. We got lost and crossed this river three times. Peter took off his shoes every time; I was too lazy and walked around with soaked sneakers. Plus, I don't like slimy rocks. One time Mike and I were lounging on some rocks in the middle of the Sandy River; upon eventual leisurely inspection, he discovered they were covered with kazillions of leeches. Scarred for life!

I love, love, love the Central Coast. Maybe this is why I'm not wildly driven to travel; California has so much to offer.

Tiger, Tiger by Emil White

This guy was apparently Henry Miller's best buddy in Big Sur; I don't know why his work isn't more well-known as it is way awesome.

The Henry Miller Library was a quaint little place; even if you're not into Henry Miller (I'm not), it has a small, strange selection of books and a gigantic cat. It takes a lot of commitment to actually live in Big Sur, which he did for a long time. 

There were tons of posters of the films adapted from his sexy-time books.

Deetjen's, where we ate dinner and met a great cat. Peter and I haven't had a weekend getaway since 2006, I believe, so I felt like that gave us license to be a little extravagant. I had the best paella of my life.

It was a great trip!

Oh, hi there! I've been amiss in my blogging duties, and in many other duties, because I am lazy, but also because I've been enjoying the pleasures and non-pleasures that can't always be blogged adequately: day job drudgery, Thanksgiving with beloved family, the speedy passage of time. However, some things can be blogged, and the Madonna Inn is one of them. Here are some of the moments from a day I'd been waiting for my whole life.

Bar times.

Chandelier.

Me and my mama.

The Copper Cafe.

The happy couple.

A special guest.

A room with a view.

Dinner.

After dinner.

Travelin' light.

Miss Blythe.

Rock shower? Not slimy as expected.

Is that Jeff Goldblum?

Satisfaction.

Romance

I've always wanted to spend the night at the Madonna Inn. Since I learned how to want things, I have wanted this. However, it's hard to justify staying in a hotel in the town you live/lived in, and where your parents still live.

That said, I never promised that I wouldn't accept frivolous gifts in exchange for donating my kidney. My mother has generously set up a magical evening for me in the Romance Room this Saturday night for our two-year "kidney anniversary", and I can't wait.

I'm bringing a whole pile of costumes and props for a photo shoot, if I am still standing after a day of poolside champagne and kitsch overload (if there was such a thing).

God Gave Rock and Roll To You...

The couch I watched all my vacation movies from.

Whenever I visit Portland, I stay with my beloved friend Derek, who lives in the same building I used to live in. It's a little bit like going back in time, to return to the exact same building where I spent my formative years making all the strange choices one makes in their early 20's, but I love staying somewhere familiar and cozy. Not to mention that Derek's apartment is impeccably decorated with a film memorabilia collection that demands its very own future post.

Derek also has the amazing skill of curating an evening at home with absolutely appropriate drinks and films that you'd never end up watching otherwise, and blowing out your mind with their awesomeness, no matter how avant-garde. On my last trip, I was introduced to the super-trippy short films of Kenneth Anger, and the beautiful underwater cinematography of Jean Painleve. The Criterion Collection recently put out an amazing collection of his works, including a big chunk of films re-scored by Yo La Tengo called "Science is Fiction." Beautiful! Here's a sampler.


Also, I guess when you search "Jean Painleve octopus" on YouTube, the following video comes up as well. A magical non-sequitur to take you into whatever today has to offer you! Enjoy.

Portland Teaser...

I saw a lot of things in Portland. This was one of them. A big post is on its way!

Happy 4th of July!

I know it's the 5th already, but I hope everyone is having a great weekend! I'm at my parents' house, eating as much as I possibly can and playing with dolls. (Which is an ideal weekend for me, obviously.)

Leisure time!

Let's start things off with a bang! Shop window, Dunsmuir, CA.

Why is there a melted Peep in the middle of the forest?

A tiny egg.

Living the dream.

Roots.

Happy.

A moth's last hurrah.

No explanation necessary.

Mt. Shasta

Fresh and delicious.