Many people say it’s going to be an amazing year. I’m not sure how they know this, but it’s always better to be optimistic. I only hope that it’s better than the one we left behind.
I ended the last year dancing away to an amazing live band called “Raincross Drive” at our clubhouse here – along with a surprise visit from an old friend from Vancouver who happened to be in the area. Even though he popped the champagne cork which hit the ceiling and brought down a lighting fixture which fell on the head of a woman who runs the clubhouse, (just a little bump and hopefully only temporary amnesia) we all survived the year. 
These things happen.
I’m trying to think of significant things that happened for me personally in 2023 and I honestly can’t say what they were. Aside from getting Adele (Layla’s litter mate 7 years later) it was mostly business as usual. I’m making an effort to clear up clutter in my home, my closet, my office space again; boooring!. Ended up buying a few things at the vintage market. New Year: out with the old, in with the old.
I spent a very quiet Christmas in Palm Springs which I’m surprisingly pleased turned out to be quite pleasant considering it was minus a tree, presents and people. A first. I managed to make a restaurant worthy dinner for one (and two canines) and realized I can do without all the trappings and over commercialization of Christmas. Having said that, I’m not sure I want to make this a regular yearly event. It’s only one day after all, but it’s a day where everyone tends to celebrate with family and/or friends so it was unusual. But I have to say; it turned out to be pretty okay. I was invited to a friend’s home in Los Angeles but didn’t want to deal with driving in holiday traffic. Now on to 2024:
It’s been a wonderful year so far.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) has begun and so far I’ve seen an excellent documentary “MERCHANT/IVORY.”
It’s about legendary Director/Producer duo James Ivory and Ismail Merchant, who made Oscar winning movies like “ROOM WITH A VIEW” and “HOWARDS END” (which many will want to re-visit; but so many other films that you may have not heard of, or maybe forgot about) – all shot in India or America. Fascinating story, footage and interviews with people like Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and others. Their collaborative relationship in both life and business lasted more than 40 years. During that time they made 44 films together. (23 of them were scripted by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala from 1927–2013 in some capacity). Real life stories are my favourite and this one was full of brilliance.
After that, a yummy cocktail at a very new and very fabulous speakeasy in an Old Hollywood designed boutique hotel. Located in Old Las Palmas.
The Velvet Rope is owned and designed by David Rios, a local whom I met earlier that day. More about this in a separate post (I took tons of photos as all the rooms were themed and so much fun to visit). Glamour all the way!
Last night I was invited to a gorgeous private home for viewing the Golden Globe Awards along with a small group of people. The food was delicious and the company; an interesting and creative bunch. Really enjoyed it. What I learned is that there’s really only two degrees of separation, and, if you think you’ve seen all the latest films + TV series on all the various screening platforms; you haven’t! I was shocked at how many I’ve missed or never even heard of. I’m mostly a Netflix/Prime/Crave devotee so, if they’ve been on Apple or Hulu or god knows where else, chances are I haven’t seen it. But I made note of a bunch and might have to add a few more channels. They sure know how to get you!
Starting the second week of the month with a few new places to check out. If there’s anything of relevance (of course there will be) I’ll share it here – after I get caught up with a couple other things I have yet to share.
I hope this year brings you Peace, Good Health, Good Fortune, Good Food, Good Friends, Good Viewing, Good Reading, Love and Happiness. XO
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 