Win Cool Travel Prizes: Take Survey: What Motivates YOU to Travel?

This is a cool survey you won't want to miss!

For all those lovers of vacations and travel and well-being experiences, if you take this survey, you will be entered into a drawing. (It takes 15-20 minutes and the survey must be completed in its entirety and must be a US resident) 

Survey participants are eligible to win one of several travel prizes: 

One grand prize winner will receive a three-night oceanfront stay at Southern California’s hidden Pacific Coast gem, the luxurious Terranea Resort; 

One lucky winner will receive a Vespa tour of South Beach with Roam Rides; 

Six additional winners will receive a Kuhi comfort travel pillow – the ultimate in traveling well 


Five additional winners will receive skincare travel kits from KleanSpa!


To take the survey click here

Cherry Trees Blossoming in Palos Verdes

There have been some stellar days in Los Angeles and in my neighborhood of Palos Verdes, and the cherry blossom trees are SPECTACULAR.

Curious about them, and knowing a little bit about their Japanese origin, I thought I would read up on them. Here's what I found out -

The cherry blossom, know as "Sakura" is the beloved, unofficial flower of Japan that has been highly regarded in art and history and is imbued with quite a bit of symbolism. The delicate pink (or white) blooms last a very short time (5-10) days typically and symbolizes simplicity, fleeting beauty and purity. Many many years ago, the Japanese warrior spirit glorified the idea that samurai died in the prime of their lives, like blossoms falling from the sakura.

While that is sad, what I found uplifting, is the Japanese cherry blossom festival called "hanami" which has been practiced for centuries. It is the simple idea of gathering under the cherry trees to drink and eat and admire nature's beauty. I read that literally thousands of families concregate in parks.

Sakura - vibrant, beautiful, fleeting and ephemeral.
My plan is to savor every day of the cherry blossom.
Life is short.

3 Movies - 2 out of 3

The King's Speech
Loved this movie - I had no idea about the the King of England stuttering or having doubts about being King or the timing of WW II. Fantastic movie. Thought provoking on many levels. Colin Firth was superb.

Fockers - too funny. "I'm watching you watching me watching you". Light hearted and funny. Robert Dinero is hilarious. Easy to watch. A pleasure.

The Secret Movie at the Palm Springs Film Festival on Jan 7th - god awful. Miserable. Distrubing. Two thumbs down. When the movie ended - you could hear a pin drop. People leaving the theater looked shell shocked. Suggest organizers put a warning on the summary. Their little blurb said attendees would be "satisfied." Uh no. The lesson here is it is a bad idea to go to a film without knowing what it is about regardless of it's pedigree.

The Regal in Rancho Palos Verdes has easy access, no wait, is clean, with no crowds (most of the time). Buy tickets at COSTCO and two tickets are a bargain at $15.

A Change of Plans: Happy Hour at Trump LA

While I had every best intention to introduce a family member from the East Coast to the incredible views and pork sliders at Nelson's Terranea...well, you know what they say about the best laid plans.

Monday was the day. Perfect for patio seats nearthe Pacific. The sun was bright, the day was clear, and the weather was warm. However, on the East Coast, a blizzard was brewing. Before heading out, we checked online for flight info. Ugh. Ugh and double ugh. 45 minutes later - mission accomplished on a new flight schedule for Wed, however, the sun was about to setting. We agreed to go the next day.

Tuesdaywas cold and grey. Upon arrival to Terranea at the valet, announced Nelson's was closed due to a private party.

Undeterred to enjoy some of the best that PV has to offer , we headed a little further down the road to Trump's. It had been awhile. Even so, there was a perfect 4 top waiting for us - with a great view of the sunset. Better yet, there is a Happy Hour menu. Who knew? This was an easy call. We are a family of calamari lovers. Order a cold beer, calamari, fish tacos and chicken sliders. Wow. A smorgashborg of yumminness. Trump still has the best, perfectly breaded and cooked calamri rings and tentacles with spicy aoli sauce. While I do miss the bed of Asian slaw from several chef ago - it was still top notch. The fish tacos - 3 generous portions, fresh lettuce, sweet onion - really good! There were 4 blackened chicken sliders on each corner and a pile of fries in the middle of the plate. Generous portions! While good - the tacos and calamari were great and there was way too much food to finish.

We left very happy for the experience and knew another East Coast family member would really enjoy this. I also mentioned it to a couple of friends and neighbors so I can see more Trump in my future!

Terranea

While I have mentioned Terranea Resort several times in my various blogs -thought it was worth mentioning Nelson's again. Taco Tuesday is truly a reason to celebrate at the on start of the week. Sit and relax with great views of the Pacific ocean and catch the sunset as you enjoy a casual dinner. The Taco Bar is really very good - especially the freshly made salsa and guacamole. The first time I went with neigbhors they had pork which was out of this world - the last couple times - it was steak and chicken. They say they alternate to change things up but someone on staff told me it takes 16 hours to prepare the pork - so with labor charges - I would gather the pork tacos are way less frequent. Taco Tuesday - $15 all you can enjoy and $4 Margaritas or $4 Hefenweizen during Happy Hour.

While I am no longer a big meat eater, I do enjoy it occassionally - which lead me to enjoy a recent Happy Hour and select an appetizer that Pork Sliders - wow - amazingly good - the shredded pork I love with coleslaw in a mini Hawaiian bun. The rich meat, in a sweet bun with coleslaw that was crisp, and fresh was the perfect combo. You could enjoy this and nothing else for dinner - while it's not exactly spa cuisine, it is not overfilling. just right.

Highly recommend both - but now I think Happy Hour with the $4 beer and my new favorite - the $7 sliders.

You Need to Know: Katherine Wagner

Title: CEO of the Business Council for the Arts, a nonprofit arts advocacy organizationWhy you need to know her:

Because Wagner and her team at the Business Council for the Arts are using culture to reel in Dallas commerce. The council has dedicated itself to merging two things Dallasites love: art and economic development. “All of our members … subscribe to the idea that you need a strong arts and culture center to create a strong economy,” says Wagner, noting that the arts employ people, boost tourism, and keep dollars in North Texas.

With about 100 members and an annual budget nearing $400,000, the council busies itself organizing research and awareness projects like an economic impact study, Public ArtWalk Dallas, and the Leadership Arts Institute. Membership fees range from $800 to $3,000 and are assessed on a sliding scale, depending on a company’s annual revenue.

Wagner, who headed the Dallas Visual Arts Center for a decade, grabbed the council reins from longtime CEO Pat Porter last year. Now she’s focused on creating new programs and expanding existing ones to further mesh the business community with arts organizations. Dallas has entered what Wagner calls a modern-day renaissance. She says, “We really need to grab ahold of it, maximize it, optimize it, and enjoy it.”

PS That's my sister!!! Way to go sis!

I was sent this link from my mother this morning.
These are the songs she remembers singing during World War II when she was a little girl.

I actually remember her singing some of these songs growing up although I can't recall the occassion.

It's great to see something positive being done for our troops who so much to our country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MtdIO23MKM

BP oil spill

In June of 2008 I wrote the following:

My response to Daniel Henninger's comment, "This is the year Americans joined the real world of energy costs. Now someone needs to explain to them why we -- and we alone -- are sitting on an ocean of energy but we won't drill for it," is simply one word: Good. Good that we won't drill. If Mr. Henninger needs an explanation, then surely his mind has been affected by the asphalt jungle. As a resident of Palos Verdes in Southern California, I walk the coastline daily. It is one of the most inspiring, uplifting, calming, rejuvenating experiences one can enjoy. To roll the dice on more drilling is foolhardy. We shouldn't be consuming so much oil anyhow. Our dependence on oil causes wars, damages the environment and fuels the fires of economic downturns like the one we are facing now. When "How much does it take to fill up your gas tank?" is the most common question asked these days, it's time to get our heads on straight. No to Mr. Henninger's mantra of drill, drill, drill.

My thoughts now...

In 2008, I responded to an article on offshore drilling. I was opposed. One respondent felt drilling was a God-given right. “Even the cavemen used or consumed their God-given resources. If they didn't, where would we be today?” What kind of thought process is that? In light of the worst environmental disaster in US history, God given resources includes 1) health (i.e. the well-being of the BP clean-up workers), 2) commerce (such as tourism and fishing industries) and 3) the stewardship of delicate eco-systems (wetlands, coastline and sandy beaches, et al).

It’s not about oil. God-given resources are about choices. Deep water drilling without disaster and mitigation planning lacks common sense. It is greedy. Fines are a slap on the wrist.
Let’s start levying penalties directly correlating to profits. Oil companies will stop viewing safety and environmental violations as an acceptable way of doing business.

While we are stymied on the current disaster, it is noteworthy to add that other countries are leap years ahead of us in alternative energy and energy conservation. Let’s get America moving in the right direction and not get further mired in oil like the floundering, dying state birds of Louisiana.

Some lessons are learned the hard way.

Grey Whale Spotted

My evening walk lead me in a different direction. Rain had washed out the dirt path of Ocean Front and so undeterred, I turned back and headed towards the lighthouse. As I neared the Point Vicente Interpetive Center, I saw a group of onlookers standing outside the building looking out towards the ocean. There is a little outdoor amphitheater and trekked up the steps and noticed the onlookers were of varying age, size, ethnicity, dress and I thought it was wonderful how admiring nature is universal. "See any whales today" I asked? The middle-aged Japanese couple next to me said "Yes...look over there" and almost on cue, a plume of water was spotted and you could hear everyone ooh and ah. What joy it brought. It had been 8 minutes since the grey whale had popped up before. A young Indian father lifted his beautiful little girl on the stone wall so she could see better. She looked through her binoculars made of two empty roles of toilet paper tied together with string. She was so cute as she earnestly pointed to the waters exclaiming, "Pappa, I see something!" A volunteer who helps track grey whale activity stated that there were 8 grey whale sitings today and one finn whale. What a great way to enjoy the sunset on beautiful Palos Verdes peninsula

Here's info on the
Point Vicente Interpretive Center:
This beautiful park, located adjacent to the Pt. Vicente Lighthouse, offers recreational and educational opportunities to the public..The Interpretive Center opened in 1984 with a mission to present and interpret the unique features and history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The almost 10, 000 square foot newly expanded Interpretive Center, re-opened on July 15, 2006, features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Peninsula, with a special emphasis on the Pacific gray whale. This premier whale watch site provides spectacular opportunities to view the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale, from December through April.

Who to donate to, to help Haiti?

I asked my mother which organization she was going to donate to, or had already donated to, to help Haiti. We went through out list together. There are a lot of great organizations out there - - I want my money to be used with immediate affect and a "boots on the ground" non-profit that focuses on what the news reports indicated are most pressing - much need water, food, medical care, sanitation and shelter. I have selected Unicef for starters since their focus is on protecting children.

(from the Unicef website)
Five days on, UNICEF and its partners are intensifying emergency operations to protect the health and safety of children at risk. One critical concern involves children who have become separated from their families and may find themselves without shelter, food, water or other basic necessities. Because children are particularly susceptible to diarrhoeal diseases, they urgently need access to safe water and proper sanitation in the immediate aftermath of disasters such as the Haiti earthquake.

VIDEO: Watch now
To help meet the needs of these and other children in Haiti – where almost half the population is under 18 years of age – UNICEF is sending supplies to the quake zone as quickly as possible. Besides supplies that were already in the country, aid is coming from UNICEF's pre-positioned regional stocks in Panama. Additional shipments are being dispatched from the agency's central warehouse in Copenhagen, Denmark.

This is what I like about Unicef - immediate and swift action.

Future donation considerations include Heifer.org - their focus is on rebuilding and self sufficiency. Catholic Relief Fund may be another - I think this is very appropos since the population is largely in Haiti, in addition to the good work they do. Doctors without Borders I will also give to, althought I did not see a special fund dedicated to Haiti.

This time, I am dependent on organizations to provide aide. I've helped with house-builds in Mexico and in Long Beach, I've soliciting donations for the Tsunami, donated time for the Red Cross but the time that I felt most useful, was when I flew myself to San Antonio to provide hands-on help at one of the shelters to the evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. The feeling of contributing and of providing some level of comfort to those who have suffered devastating loss, is a gift.

http://www.unicef.com/

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.com/

http://www.catholicrelief.org/

For Wine Lovers - Rent "Bottle Shock"

For those of you who enjoy wine, I highly recommend renting the movie, "Bottle Shock". This flick takes you back to the 1970's before California became reknown for its quality wine. Fun, entertaining and informative, if you are of a younger generation, you might not realize that before then, France reigned supreme and was unchallenged in it's position and rank as the world's top wine producer.

This film chronicles the dreamers in California who dared to go for the gusto and challenge the establishment. It makes for a great tale and you can't help but feel uplifted and happy. My recommendation is to select a few bottles of wine -and enjoy the movie with friends....or you may decide to, open a bottle of wine on your own and drink a glass or two in the solitude. Which ever way - you pick - and you will be sure to enjoy.

Getty Villa

This afternoon seemed like a perfect opportunity to take a jaunt to the Getty Villa in Malibu. I arrived slightly after 3 pm. What a lovely drive it was from Agoura Hills. Traversing on the windy single lane road Malibu Canyon, a wonderous view of the ocean suddenly appeared . Along the way, I took note of the eateries and shopping that I might consider on another afternoon of exploration.

I have been to the Getty Villa several - maybe even many - times. What draws me there is this unexplainable primordial feeling of belonging and of keen appreciation for the sensabilities of the Roman and Etruscan art. I identify with it - all of it - the mosaics, the large robust sculptures, the architecture, the attention to detail, the infusion of symbolism...I find all of this intriguing.

It was a stellar day - with low lighting and a crisp chill in the air. It I thought the best way to spend my time wisely was to enjoy the outdoor gardens, scupltures, reflecting pool and take in the architecture. What is so spectacular about this museum is that symmetry, geometry, placement and perspective. I found that I would gaze at something in front of me and then would expand my view and it would be perfectly reframed and then enlarge my view a another time and again, a perfect view would appear and I kept doing this until a panarmic view was before me and the complexity was pure perfection. I marveled at the planning and incredible attention to detail. I wondered what person or persons created such masterful experience.

The sun sets fairly early and so I made my way to my car . As I left the museum driveway and was turning on to PCH, I witnessed a fantastic Malibu sunset and called my mother to tell her about my afternoon. I arrived to the Getty Villa with anticpation and left full of inspiration. My mother said, "That sounds like you." and that made me smile. A perfect afternoon.

Why I love the Ellen DeGeneres Show

Why?
Because Ellen DeGeneres is so gosh darn GENEROUS!
I --L-O-V-E-- that quality in a person.
A big heart.

I think she has the best job in the world - making people happy, making them laugh, spreading goodwill, helping families out - WOW.

Today Ellen wiped away $85K in mortgage payments, $15K in credit card debt and I bet this lucky family will receive a new car.

With all the bad, bad, bad news on TV, on AOL, on the radio, and all the short, irritable tempers as a result of daily stress - watching Ellen - is an antidote to all toxic bad news.

Hats off to Ellen!

It's a Matter of Perspective - PV Library Art Reception

There are simple pleasures in life. Tonight I felt a sense of satisfaction as I checked in as an artist at the PV Library art reception.

Art shows are wonderful venues that promote friendly exchanges. You meet the most intesting people - who are open to ideas, discussion and different perspectives.

I wouldn't really call myself an artist - but I have to admit, I like the title - and I receive enjoyment from sharing my photography with others. I found myself asking questions and striking up conversation, "Do you recognize the setting?"I would ask. What I enjoyed about this local art show, is that the images of a local walking path were identifiable, relateable and resonated with the group.

Applicantication to the art show required an artist statement for consideration although they were not displayed with the art. I had two pieces displayed....

Title: Walking Path at Ocean Front
Artist’s Statement:
The quiet enjoyment of a peaceful stroll, with the smell of sage and a gentle ocean breeze is what brings me to the beloved walking path at Ocean Front in Palos Verdes. Teeming quietly with life, the natural preserve is a reminder that every day is a winding road - and you never know exactly what lies ahead.
Title: The Path that Lies Ahead
Artist’s Statement:
This is the sister piece to “Walking Path at Ocean Front”. Washed in the light of the sunset, the viewpoint is welcoming, serene and beautiful.

Strange as it may seem, even though the pieces are for sale, I'd rather have them back in my home. The photos were hung in place that I passed by several times a day and I would always smile in passing. You see, I love Palos Verdes. I cherish my happy, peaceful walks. And I love my home.

Little Bird

I saved a bird yesterday. It made me so happy. It flew into a window and was so scared that it tried to fly and it bumped into the window a couple more times. It's heart was pounding so hard. It's wing looked broken. It let me get close to it and I stroked it very carefully and told it I was there to help. The bird actually looked at me. I was very gentle and it seemed to calm down and then all of a sudden, it flew away!

After that I made a cake and and brought it over to my 78 year old neighbor. She was happy too.

And between the bird and my neighbor, I felt very content.

What Have You Heard Lately?

No TV tonight. I wanted to use my senses and my mind to enjoy my "free time". I am finding I have so little of it, (free time that is) that I want to use it wisely and not "veg out".

So I reviewed my music collection and listened to songs from one extreme to the other - rock, classic, pop, reggae, jazz and opera - some songs I played three times to hear all the lyrics, to hear the background instrumentals, to anticipate the crescendos...to experience the song fully.

There is such emotion that is experienced in music...it's a great release.

I must have listened to Nessum Dorma - well - I won't admit how many times - and each time, I was moved to tears. It never gets old. I remembered telling a friend years ago about this and she couldn't quite understand this but wanted to. What's there to understand?

Just stop and listen.

You can do this any time and you will be surprised what you can hear - wind blowing, the ruffle of leaves, birds chirping, dogs barking, cars in the distance -- -- your own breath. It's all music.

Take the time to hear. The world is a symphony.

Big Sky Countries Summer Fundraiser

What a great event!

I had to post an entry to congratulate Nicole Blackburn, the founder of Big Sky Countries.

My friend, Paul, had invited me to the "Morrocan World-Market" Benefit that took place at a private house in Manhattan Beach that was transformed into one of the best fundraisers I've been to in a long time.

Great people - a fun, interesting crowd. Lots things to see and try from tarot readings, live music (and my favorite Hawaiian version of "Over the Rainbow), to artists creating live art with attendees as the subject matter, a silent auction, cocktails and food....Fun. Fun. Fun.

The cause? Big Sky Countries has a wonderful mission.- donating large-scale murals to children's facilities around the world. Since 2006, murals have been painted in Thailand, Ireland, the Philippines, Bolivia, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. These children's facilities include elementary schools, orphanages, children'shospitals and youth centers. All children, faculty members, and well, everyone is encouraged to paint.

Nicole's next project? You guessed it - Morrocco.

I wish I could join her.

Lunch at Terranea

Last week a friend and I decided we wanted to have lunch at Terranea at Nelson's. I had heard it was a new hot spot and being that it is right in my backyard in Palos Verdes - I was eager to try it.

Terranea was packed. What economic slump? The valets couldn't keep up with the volume of cars and the lobby was buzzing. Map in hand, my friend and I explored the property. The family pool was filled with splashing kids and the adjacent patio restaurant was full. The view from the lobby balcony of this scene, coupled with the backdrop of the private beach was really wonderful. It was great to see people laughing and having fun.

Next - a quick walk through of the spa - large yet inviting - with intriguing and inviting pieces of art - a terrific retail area - spa bar and outside dining - and quiet adult pool for spa clients only. The fitness center was small and compact - by this time - we were eager for lunch.

There was a line for Nelson's - but it was worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed my lobster roll and beer but my friend - a chef - said his fish sandwich was just so so.

Would I go back? Yes. There were so many wonderfully planned sitting areas and nooks for socializing and enjoying the fabulous views.

Camille at the Kurotel

I have finally launched a blog about my travel experiences at the Kurotel Longevity Center in Brazil.

If you enjoy first-hand account travel writing, I invite you to read it!

http://camilleatthekurotel.blogspot.com/

When You've Been Googled

I'm always curious to see where my readership is coming from and what key word searches are conducted to route them to my blog. For some reason, I'm surprised when the key word search happens to be my own name.

Over the last couple days, I have had an avid reader from Oak Park that read all of my blogs. Interesting. Who do I know in Oak Park. Hmmm. I can name at least 3 people I know of that live in Oak Park off the top of my head.

During a business lunch and the gentleman I was meeting openly mentioned that he had googled me to have an understanding of who he was establishing a relationship with. That makes sense to do your due diligence.

A couple months ago I met an interesting fellow on a flight from Brazil. We exchanged emails and in our exchange I learned that I had been googled. I had forgotten that I had briefly mentioned him in my blog which upped the ante so to speak in our mutual interest.

I guess in a way, I find being googled can be flattering and/or a little bit creepy depending on who is doing the googling. Realizing, I am the one putting myself out here and making my thoughts and experiences accessible to cyperspace, I pause and wonder.

I'm pleased when the articles that I write and the work I have done are sought after or when one experiences that I have written about have gotten some good play.

As to my own name being searched...that is food for thought.