Cupcakes & Comedy

I know. This combo sounds too incredible to not be merely imagined. Thankfully, it is real. This show, created by Adria Baratta, hosts its second installment next Sunday, June 5, at, you'll never guess... A BAKE SHOP! Sweet E's Bake Shop, no less. After Adria approached me to cover the event, I, an indulger of cupcakes, lover of comedy and supporter of talented ladies, quickly agreed.

I will regrettably miss the show, as I'm retreating into the mountains to focus on creative writing (and a book review). A few much needed days away from the wonderful hubbub of the sprawl can prove wonderfully productive.

But back to C & C... Learn more about this event by reading my article here. Mangez bien!

Underbellies

There's something amazing about photographs of sharks in their natural habitats. Never would you have the chance to view the underbelly of a tiger shark unless provided by a talented, fearless photojournalist like, say, Brian Skerry. And if you happen to score this view without the help of underwater snapshots, that most likely means you're swimming under one of these monsters and are going to die. It's funny how deathly afraid so many of us are of sharks. Yes, they are ocean predators. Yes, they have been known to bite and kill humans. But hey, we're on their turf. If you saw a shark flopping along the sidewalk, what would you do? Welcome it into your home? Imagine it thinly sliced and snugly wrapped in cute little sushi rolls? You might throw your latte at it. Maybe chuck your keys at its face? You would defend yourself. Or if you're one of the few who are not afraid, you might pet it then run for help because it's surely going to die.

My most recent LAist story posted this morning and details an amazing photography exhibit currently displaying at my favorite gallery, The G2 Gallery. Brian Skerry's work in Ocean Wild will pry open your jaw and weigh it down to the floor with very little effort. I experienced his collection yesterday at the gallery, inspired by his talent and ability to showcase the vulnerability of marine life. Jazz music hummed softly in the background, making for a wonderful visit, as always. G2 is an absolute must-see on Abbot Kinney in Venice. The gift shop downstairs is perfect for unique prezzies, too.

Find out more about Ocean Wild by reading my article. Click here.

New CSA Location On Abbot Kinney

first CSA California bag & meal, August 2010

We did it! No, I'm not referring to surviving "Judgment Day." Gaby, friend and writing partner, and I organized a CSA pickup location at The G2 Gallery on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in conjunction with CSA California! After months of developing and coordinating this project, it has finally grown to be an actual event! Well, almost. Now we just need at least 40 participants in order to "activate" our location. With the help of G2's newsletter plus Gaby and I's social media persistence, I think we'll have our group secured in no time. And if that does not suffice, we'll hop right into the Venice community, possibly with fliers in hand. Who doesn't want to enjoy fresh, local, seasonal fruits and vegetables at a great price? Anyone who does not, please bring them to me so I can explain the numerous benefits of enjoying such treats and supporting local farmers.

A quick lesson in CSAs in case you're unfamiliar. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It gives people the chance to buy seasonal produce directly from a farmer. Local Harvest offers helpful information on this topic here.

If you're interested in joining our pickup location, you may sign up here. If you're not a Venetian but care about our cause, please help spread the word! Next time I see you, I'll buy you a locally grown veggie or fruit of your choice. Promise.

Lessons in Humanity

One of my 2011 resolutions is to be the most positive person I can be. Naturally optimistic, this isn't the most challenging feat, but it is a quality that I want to improve. And I have. And I want everyone out there to join me. I've grown tired of hearing the complaints, the whining, the claims that "the universe is against me" and "I've tried everything to lose weight, but I just can't." Don't blame your metabolism. Chances are it's completely normal. We are ultimately responsible for our happiness. Outside factors affect us, no doubt, but if there is something wrong in our lives, we can change it. Hate your job? Quit. Tired of America? Move. Sick of tugging on those love handles, muffin tops, grandma arms and flabby inner thighs? Eat healthy, decrease your portions and exercise. It's all very simple. But for some reason we choose to complicate things. We live outside of our means. We choose the fancy car instead of the sensible option that will allow us to enjoy life instead of work to support our possessions. It's fine if you want to own fancy things. But don't sink yourself into debt and cry about it. That's your fault. Deal with it. Work harder. Do more. Think.

My solutions are as follows: Live a simple life, speak with reason, embrace a cause or dozens, follow your dreams, live your life and find something to be thankful for every day. Trust me, I'm not a doctor or a politician. Today I am thankful for the ability to spend the morning writing with my writing partner at a cafe in Santa Monica. It's afternoon, and I'm still here, pounding away at my thoughts and keyboard. Yesterday I was thankful to celebrate the birthday of one of my favorite ladies. Wednesday I enjoyed an hour-long facial in the early afternoon. My skin is thankful, and I think I'll indulge more often rather than go several years sans facial pampering.

Perhaps we should think in the grand scheme of things before letting the corners of our mouths sag. Will a certain moment matter tomorrow? Maybe not. Distressed about an upcoming event? Just think about it in terms of time. It's just a tiny chunk out of your entire life. It's going to be ok. It will pass. Have a bad day at work? That's ok. There are 225 days remaining in 2011. Surely those days can and will be better.

Look up, friends. It's warm and sunny up here.

Alexander Calder, My Homie

"Bird" by Alexander Calder. Image courtesy of OCMA.

I cannot pinpoint the exact year when I was first introduced to Alexander Calder, though it was during my high school days. English, French, Psychology and Art were my most favored subjects. Oh, and lunch. Mind you, I do not excel in visual creation. My creations form within my imagination and bleed through my fingertips in the form of words. I loved his work, not just the famous mobiles - all of it - the stabiles and sculptures, too. Mesmerized by his dedication to handwork and mastery of balance, my heart gladly skipped a few beats whenever I experienced a new piece. His 34-foot white mobile, "Ghost," stretches across the ceiling at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In college, while studying English and Filmmaking at Temple, I'd visit every so often, quite possibly just to watch this creation rotate slowly in the air. Hence, I jumped at the opportunity to write a review of his current exhibit at Orange County Museum of Art for OC Arts & Culture. You must check out this exhibit if you are an L.A. or OC local. And you must read my review here then shower me with compliments. Merci!

Buying Local & Taboo Tales

There's nothing taboo about buying local. Unique LA is the largest independent show of its kind in the country, and it conveniently takes place right here in L.A. I interviewed Sonja Rasula, Unique LA's fabulous founder, and crafted an LAist post to help promote the event. Though I was watering flowers, ripping moldy bathtub tiles from the walls, sucking up cobwebs and spider corpses, birdwatching and hiking in Running Springs all weekend, I still felt like I was a tiny part of the event. You can read my coverage here.

Now let's talk taboo. What's taboo to you? We all posses embarrassing feelings towards certain topics; those which we never discuss with others, that make us cringe, that we feel are beyond conversation or mention. My friend and fellow writer, Laurenne Sala, along with Corey Podell, a writer and comedian, founded Taboo Tales last year as a safe haven to approach these subjects with a heavy dose of comedy. I attended my first Taboo Tales in March and am stoked for tomorrow night's show. The event is effective. I laughed as a woman, healed from her horrific past, described her childhood memories of being raped by her alcoholic father. Yes, I laughed. Why? Because she made me. With her comedic writing, timing, wit and impressive presentation, I could not help but laugh with her, though at some points, I definitely felt uncomfortable. After the show a feeling of liberation warmed me. I felt like I could discuss any and everything with those around me. Checkout my coverage here. And most importantly, checkout a show! You will not regret it. If you experience a similar elation as I, you might just be inspired. And that's a wonderful feeling. Run with it.

Recent Reviews

Coachella rocked on so many levels--mind-blowing musical performances, the chance to see as many bands as you could handle in three days, interesting artwork erected throughout the venue, booze, friends, strangers--I felt like a kid again. But instead of running around in the grass playing games, I danced around in the grass enjoying some of my favorite bands, allowing the magic of live music to soak my soul. I've never felt better, more alive, happier to be alive, finally LIVING. It's hard to explain, and soon I may possibly try to explain it in a personal essay. Music affects. It's addicting. And it feeds something inside of you that begs for fulfillment and enrichment. I cannot wait for Coachella 2012. I will be there, but perhaps I'll shell out the extra hundreds of dollars for a hotel room instead of braving desert camping. Though that was an essential part of my amazing experience this past April. We'll see how free-spirited I remain at 28.

Another Coachella bonus was the opportunity to write reviews for three of my favorite bands to be posted on OnlineRock's blog. And they're up! Checkout my reviews for !!!, Delta Spirit, Arcade Fire and Mumford & Sons.

In other review news, last week I attended ST Residential's opening of their Marina del Rey Gallery Lofts. You can read my LAist review of the event here.