March 2024 – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Arts Club RED VELVET

THE RIVETING TRUE STORY OF A THEATRE PIONEER

**Lindsey Angell and Quincy Armorer in Red Velvet, 2024**: set design by Amir Ofek; costume design by CS Fergusson-Vaux; lighting design by Jonathan Kim; **photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company**

The following review was written by Kelly Johnson. Thank you Kelly for your contribution.

This captivating play within a play is about the little-known but true story of a ground breaking performer.

Red Velvet is the history making story of Ira Aldridge, the first black actor to appear as Shakespeare’s Othello on the London Stage in 1833. At a time when the public and parliament were debating the abolition of slavery, he replaced a much loved white actor named Edmund Kean who apparently took ill and couldn’t fulfill his role. So in steps Aldridge, at London’s Theatre Royal no less, in the title role. Othello was originally written about a black general in a white world.

**Quincy Armorer in Red Velvet**, **2024**: set design by Amir Ofek; costume design by CS Fergusson-Vaux; lighting design by Jonathan Kim; **photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company**

The irony of ironies is that Kean’s son was part of the theatre company, and very opposed to having this replacement, mostly for racial reasons. Racism is a central theme and runs through the company in various intensities and with various excuses.

Story:

The intense play opens up later in Aldridge’s life, in Poland before he takes the stage in a different show. His room is invaded in his absence by a young, inexperienced and ambitious female reporter for a local paper, enabled by one of the hotel’s servants. For the first several minutes of the play we get to watch these two frolic around the stage speaking German, and for some reason we are not treated to a translation of what they’re saying. However, the rest of the show is done in English.

So we start late in Aldridge’s career when he is asked by the ambitious small-town and small-time reporter who has ambushed him why he never went back to Covent Garden, where he made his name as the first Black Othello. He doesn’t answer directly, but it’s clear from his cranky demeanour that it’s not a fond memory for him. Then we switch to the past and that show in Covent Garden. We go through what happens with the company of actors in it, the reaction of audiences to the show and the reaction of the critics. When that is all laid out, we return to Poland in his later life and to a very powerful scene.

The cast was excellent. Quincy Armorer, who plays Aldridge, did a wonderful job of portraying an ambitious, cocky, optimistic and determined actor getting a big break in difficult circumstances and of the bitter, angry, disappointed and in many ways. beaten older man he becomes in the play.

Lindsay Angell, who plays his leading lady in the play-within-the-play, Othello, was nuanced in her portrayal of someone caught in the prejudices of the time, but open to changing her mind and perhaps more than a little turned on by Aldridge. She also happens to be the girlfriend/fiancee of Charles Kean, who is the son of Edmund Kean, a pompous ass, racist and stuck in his prejudice and jealousy.

John Emmet Tracy plays Pierre Laporte, who is the person responsible for bringing Aldridge into the company. He did a wonderful job in his portrayal of someone experiencing the intense conflict of someone who supports Aldridge completely (except when the cumulative societal condemnation threatens the staging of the play and his reputation). Interesting tie-in at the end, by the way, with the young Polish reporter outlining the kind of sexist barriers she was facing with the paper she was working for – to the barriers faced by Aldridge , and them finding some common ground. Not necessarily acknowledged by the cranky Aldridge, but still.

**Kyla Ward and Quincy Armorer in Red Velvet, 2024**: set design by Amir Ofek; costume design by CS Fergusson-Vaux; lighting design by Jonathan Kim; **photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company**

The cast for the play is rounded out by Tess Degenstein, who plays several roles; Anthony F. ingram, who plays two different characters; Nathan Kay, again a couple roles; and Kayla Ward, who is our only other Black person on stage, a servant to the theatre company and a mostly silent witness to and judge of the behaviour of the company.

A good dollop of comedy made for a satisfying night at the theatre. The rest of the audience loved it, too – on their feet and cheering.

The play is on until April 21, 2024 at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.

Tickets: https://artsclub.com/shows/2023-2024/red-velvet

Art & Culture

Purple Room Revisited

THE JUDY SHOW

The 2023 – 2024 season marks the 10th Anniversary of the Purple Room reopening.

In all the years I’ve been coming to Palm Springs, this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of seeing “THE JUDY SHOW” – Purple Room owner Michael Holmes’ talented tribute to Judy Garland; along with guest star legends (you never know who’s going to show up – Bette Davis, Carol Channing, Talullah Bankhead, Liza Minnelli….). It’s a fun, entertaining show with Holmes (considered a true icon of Palm Springs) singing and morphing into all the different characters. Truly an experience not to be forgotten.

I’ve heard other people say how fantastic the show is, and now I can say so myself. My friend Mini and I had not only an incredible dinner and bottle of wine, but we enjoyed many laughs throughout the evening. The show is tops and we love an old-school supper club – a rare venue these days.

Once inside, the sophistication and glamour of the Rat Pack era comes alive. The club is tucked away in the unassuming Club Trinidad Hotel (named after Trini Lopez; who Frank Sinatra discovered and who used to play here). The Purple Room is where Frank, Sammy, Dean, and their pals cavorted on and off the stage in the swinging 60’s.

The room’s swanky retro vibe hosts music & comedy shows accompanied by a menu with world class cuisine and extensive wine/cocktail list.

Bartenders mix up classic concoctions with a modern twist and everyone is transported back to the elegance of a bygone era inside the intimate and inviting room. On other nights the club hosts well recognized Jazz & Broadway talent – six nights a week!

Although space is limited at Purple Room, it offers the opportunity to see major headliners up close and personal. The audience and the entertainers alike repeatedly talk about how they love the exquisite energy that is shared here.

Since variety is the spice of life, Holmes believes that having an appealing mix works best to bring people in. The room showcases a terrific variety of talent to appeal to almost everyone. From jazz greats like Grammy winner Diane Schuur to film and Broadway stars like Marilu Henner, Lucie Arnaz and comedy stars like Lady Bunny. It’s great on any given night, however, The Judy Show is comical and unique.

Happy Anniversary!

To book a show and/or dinner reservation:

https://www.purpleroompalmsprings.com

STYLE

Max Mara

Max Mara was the opening night of Fashion Week on El Paseo

The appearingly modest Italian fashion giant is not something we usually equate with fashion week shows, where color and splendour are more the norm. However, Max Mara (most famous for its camel coats, of which it is considered to be the expert) is renowned for executing the art of simplicity. And as much as I love a glittery fashion show, the clothing here exudes quiet luxury – low key, unassuming, but incredibly well made, and designed to last a lifetime. That’s the best.

For me personally, I see myself wearing any (or all) of these outfits on a regular day-to-day (or day to night) as opposed to the clothes in most of the other fashion shows. Give me well-made timeless classics anytime. Something you can just pull out of your closet at a moments notice.

The charity for this event was Safehouse of the Desert. (providing emergency shelter, intervention and outreach services to runaway, homeless or other youth in crisis.)

Safehouse held a special tented pre-show event with a “Breakfast at Tiffany” theme. For this we obtained the tickets directly from Safehouse.

Why we’re still fascinated with Audrey:

The Belgian actress starred in 28 films over the course of her career, but none of her roles was more famous than Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The 1961 Truman Capote adaptation turned eating a pastry while window-shopping into a whimsical rite of passage and is forever synonymous with the generously browed actress.

Did you know?…..that Truman Capote wanted Marilyn Monroe to play the role of Holly Golightly?

According to Vogue Magazine: “She was Truman Capote’s first choice,” Sam Wasson, author of Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ has said “Another thing you may not know: Marilyn didn’t take the part in part because Paula Strasberg, her advisor and acting coach, said she should not be playing a lady of the evening.” Capote, author of the 1958 novella, was reportedly very, very disappointed that the studio went with Hepburn, saying, “Paramount double-crossed me in every way and cast Audrey.”

We cannot imagine a better actress to play that role.

Photos: d. king

https://us.maxmara.com

About SafeHouse: https://safehouseofthedesert.com/

STYLE

Fashion Week re-cap: Think Pink

FIFTY SHADES OF PINK on El Paseo was part of Fashion Week. Celebrating ten high-end stores along the fashionable strip with their diverse Spring/Summer 2024 Styles. With a nod to this Year’s Signature Color.
The charity evening was to benefit *Girlfriend Factor (providing renewable educational grants and emotional support to adult women who choose to improve their position in life through higher education and occupational training).

I met up with 3 girlfriends and if you count our friend Dan; that would be 4. He graciously treated us to a pre-show martini at Pacifica and an post-show dinner at Il Corso. Dan’s a gem of a person who grew up with several sisters and loves being in the company of women; and we equally love being in his.

Dapper Dan, me, Tammy (in Norma Kamali from Chrissy’s), Kathy & Antoinetta (she didn’t get the memo but her gorgeous outfit is luxuriously timeless).

Pink is not just for girly girls. Pretty much almost everyone (maybe not redheads so much – but with a beautiful head of red hair, who needs pink?) can pull off wearing one of the fifty or more shades/tones. ~~I’m actually not really sure how many shades of pink there really are.~~

I used this show as an excuse to wear my hot pink skirt (with beaded matching top); bought at a pop-up shop from a local designer in Vancouver (TKC Design Inc. – creators of indian inspired clothing and lingerie).

So………

With a spotlight on Palm Desert’s premier shopping boulevard here are photos from the show-with a few other colors thrown into the mix (because as much as we love pink; one cannot survive on pink alone).

Can we?

Participating stores include 120% Linen, Coco Rose, Eileen Fisher, Chrissy’s on El Paseo (my personal favourite), Grayse, Chico’s, White House Black Market, Athleta, Connie Robertson and Tommy Bahama.
FUN evening!

Chrissy’s also has a children’s boutique across the street from their other boutique.

GirlfriendFactor.Org:

Home

Health + LifeStyle

Feeling Fabulous at Two Bunch Palms

Try as I may, I cannot think of another word as Fabulous to describe the word “Fabulous” as Fabulous as this one. There just isn’t another word. Even superlative doesn’t cut it.

“Your ability to generate power is directly proportional to your ability to relax.” – David Allen, author of Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.

Stress-Free Productivity is exactly what took place this past Wednesday with a fun group of powerful women – all part of “The Fabulous Woman’s Club” of Palm Springs.

FWC Website: https://thefabulouswoman.club/

FWC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thefabulouswoman.club/

The club consists of a supportive group of women entrepreneurs (or former entrepreneurs) and creatives that meet up monthly to catch-up, network and/or just hang out. Usually over cocktails at a swanky venue. Of late, we’ve switched it up a bit to include private shopping events and local excursions (which may expand to exotic destinations at a later date). So exciting.

Our fabulous founder Dylan Dray, is an entrepreneur herself, with a background in the fashion, music and real estate industry. She’s also a licensed realtor.

Originally from Australia, she moved to Los Angeles 15 years ago to work in music licensing as a songwriter, and several of the songs she wrote ended up in prominent TV series like “Breaking Bad”,“Grimm” and “Pretty Little Liars.” In 2016 she swapped the fast paced life of Hollywood for the gentler pace of Palm Springs. Although, I would venture to say that her life here is nothing short of exciting. She’s on the scene and is a sought after model at various fashion events.

Some of Dylan’s passions include meditation, pilates, felines, looking glamorous and eating chocolate croissants! If she wasn’t so nice you could easily hate her (just kidding!).

Her idea to take an excursion to the famous Two Bunch Palms wellness retreat in Desert Hot Springs was met with many “yesses” from our crew This special retreat features several pools and a grotto featuring mineral waters from natural springs on their property, over 600 years old.

The spa offers treatments from world renowned healers. One of the women in our group ended up getting a massage which she then raved about. The rest of us spent time in the healing waters and took in the tropical scenery. Then we lunched. It was all very productive.

Our day started with a golf cart ride from the gated entrance to our private change room where we met up. We then soaked in several of the mineral pools and grotto (which we shared with a duck) and a toast with champagne (thank you Kathy), before having lunch in the So-Cal inspired restaurant on the premises. We started with an amazingly refreshing non-alcoholic drink made with cucumbers, chia seeds, fresh squeezed lemon juice and agave necter. Everyone loved it and everyone wants to make it now. You could easily turn it into a cocktail by adding… you guessed it; tequila!

These photos give you a little idea of the scenery surrounding this ideal location and our fabulous meetup. Thank you Dylan.

See Two Bunch Palms Website Below:

TO BOOK A SPA TREATMENT OR STAY:

https://www.twobunchpalms.com

“Every now and then go away and have a little relaxation. To remain constantly at work will diminish your judgment. Go some distance away, because work will be in perspective and a lack of harmony is more readily seen.” —Leonardo da Vinci

FYI – the last time I visited Two Bunch Palms and learned about the fascinating history here was in 2015 with my late husband Don, and my late best friend, Colleen (who passed away 8 months after Don). I posted about the visit here: https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2015/02/22/travelhealing-spa-two-bunch-palms/

THINKAboutit

Amy’s Purpose – Pet Safety Awareness

Amy’s Purpose is an educational, non profit organization, dedicated to saving the lives of pets. It was created by DeAnn Lubell in honor of her soul dog, Amy.

**AMY** is second from left at the bottom (with one blue eye). Photo taken from the Website.

A dogs tale: Amy’s story is on the website (provided below). I won’t share it here because the beginning and ending is too traumatic, so you can decide whether to read it or not. However, the middle part is wonderful because a human named DeAnn got Amy out of a rough situation. And we’re hoping more and more people get animals out of hopeless circumstances. You know, some situations can be prevented.

Some people say there’s too many fundraisers to do revolving around animals; specifically dogs and cats . But unfortunately, these creatures cannot speak for themselves and rely on us humans to care for them in a manner to which they deserve. To be well looked after is to love, walk, feed, groom and keep them healthy. It’s the least we can do. They’re family members and when we get pets it’s a lifetime commitment.

Amy with DeAnn – taken from the website.

Many people do properly look after their pets, but sadly, many do not. But even good dog/cat owners sometimes come across problems they didn’t foresee coming. That’s mostly what Amy’s Purpose is all about. It’s about educating us to be aware of certain pet predators. It is up to us to take the necessary measures to safeguard our pets to avoid interactions and conflicts.

This taken from website: “Coyotes and other natural predators are here to stay. They have inhabited just about every region in the United States from coast to coast. They are spotted roaming in the deserts, mountains, resort properties, Country Clubs, golf courses, parks, suburban neighborhoods, towns, and bustling big cities, as well as can easily sneak into high-fenced private backyards with ease. As we humans encroach upon their space more and more, the possibility of coyote and other natural predator encounters increases. “

As a matter of fact, in Vancouver just last summer we came across a lone coyote in broad daylight in an open area we frequent. I had my dogs off leash when all of a sudden the coyote (which I thought was a dog at first until I noticed no owner in sight) brazenly started to follow us. I quickly leashed up my two and started walking briskly but it kept following us until we got to an area with more people. It was the first time I felt some panic out walking my dogs. I was told that a coyote grabbed a small dog at the local dog beach one morning too – a first. Glad I wasn’t there to witness it. I also saw two coyotes one evening right across the street from where I live. I’ve been warning people with dogs (and cats) over and over again about the dangers of predators like coyotes and even eagles for those with tiny dogs, but I know how it is when you never see them yourself. I hadn’t seen them myself until just recently. As more and more green space is being cleared for more condos and housing, where do you suppose these animals will go?

Therefore, Amy’s Purpose is dedicated to providing predator awareness and promoting safety information to help us protect our beloved pets. Its mission comprises community-based education outreach programs; local student scholarship veterinary assistance scholarships to help rectify current emergency veterinarian care crisis; and offer individuals pet loss grief counseling.

They are working on establishing a streamed speaker’s series to address the dangers of wildlife, stray domestic animals, and even *humans.

This fundraiser which took place at Willie’s Modern Fare in Rancho Mirage honoured the Palm Springs Animal Hospital’s Dr. Henein, DMV and John Garcia, Hospital Manager. Dr. Henein as it so happens, was my friend Tammy’s vet when her late dog Timbit got diagnosed with cancer. Some photos from the event:

L-R: Mini, renowned local artist **Karen Barone**, me, Tammy.

Local talent **Prince Fleet Easton** with me, Tammy + Mini.

Liberace discovery – entertainer **Jere Ring**.

Professional Comedian **Mini Holmes** with the **Prince** of Palm Springs – **Fleet Easton**.

SAVE THE DATE:

The next fundraiser will be an epic party celebrating the legacy of Palm Springs’ Premier Dog Lover – Liberace. It will be called “An Evening with Liberace” featuring my new friend Jere Ring; acclaimed Liberace Protégé and David Maiocco; no. 1 Liberace Tribute Artist. It will be held on October 13, 2024 at Casa de Monte Vista, Palm Springs – the gorgeous estate featured in “Behind the Candelabra.” Produced by Bruce Fessier. Raising funds to support Amy’s Purpose. More entertainment & dinner info TBA on Amy’s website at link below.

https://www.amyspurpose.net

https://www.williesrm.com

Karen & Tony Barone

As a side note, there is another type of predator of pets – the *human predator. Beware of unscrupulous individuals who will uncaringly steal your fur-baby for three reasons: resale for profit; bait for dogfight training and, yes, unfortunately, as a possible food source as deemed okay in certain cultures.

FUN

Laurent Pascal Studio

My friends and I were invited to the opening of the Laurent Pascal Studio in Palm Desert last week. We had so much fun meeting new people over delicious appies provided by Lulu Catering and wine/cocktails at the open bus bar. That alone was great, but to have a DJ, photo booth and a few professional photos on top of all that was unexpected and made the evening even more fun.

Laurent is a professional photographer who’s originally from France, and possibly because of his French upbringing, he has an appreciation for women; especially for those of us over 50. And we couldn’t be happier because nowadays, being over 50 (or 60, 70 and beyond) can be quite fabulous because as women age, we tend to step into our power. It’s unfortunate that we have to wait this long for it to happen, but we do get wiser with age so that’s a plus.

As Laurent says “there has never been a better time in history to be a woman over 50! Let’s celebrate that beauty doesn’t diminish with age.” I couldn’t agree more!

So his special portrait series called 50 over 50 is a unique one-of-a-kind photo shoot experience which is basically an exciting, pampering, indulgent adventure, custom tailored and focused on YOU!

Every one of us is unique, so why not share that? We all have different shapes and sizes, different tastes, backgrounds and views on life. Laurent has captured them all.

As he explains on his website: he asks each woman to think about how we want to be captured. It’s about so much more than just taking pretty pictures. He and his team hope that the experience provides an opportunity for women to reconnect with themselves and see the beauty and spirit the way others already see us. They take the every-day woman and offer an unforgettable celebrity-style, magazine photo shoot.

What’s new and really great too as that Laurent is now starting to shoot people and their pets.

**Tammy** with her two Bichons **Angel & Brad**. Bailey at the bottom belongs to another friend and, not wanting to be left out, got out of his collar and jumped in at the right moment.

We were just fooling around at the start. I was about to sit in the middle but Layla took that spot away from me. Some want to be front and centre.

I forgot how much fun photo booths can be.

This photo brings me joy and makes me laugh. We’re just happy that the photo booth didn’t tumble over as it was shaking when Tammy tried to assemble herself with 3 fluffy friends.

To Book:

https://laurentpascal.studio

And as you can see; women over 50 and beyond, can be quite silly. Proving that women everywhere just want to have fun

Art & Culture

Modernist Masterpiece

I had the pleasure of visiting this intriguing Donald Wexler designed house of steel with my friend Megan recently. This home has an interesting history of who designed it, who owns it and the exhibit now showing – BLAKEHAUS @ WEXLER.

Donald Allen Wexler (1926-2015) was an influential Mid-Century modern architect whose work is predominantly here in Palm Springs. He is known for having pioneered the use of steel in residential design. Some of the buildings he’s designed include the Palm Springs International Airport, Merrill Lynch Building, The Dinah Shore Residence and more.

In the desert, light is everything, and Wexler knew how to harness it.

“Light is not so much something that reveals, as it is itself the revelation.” —James Turrell

Whether inside or outside, you can see why this home was used as the backdrop for countless editorial and fashion shoots; it is owned by Jim Moore, former GQ creative director-at-large.

Palm Springs Life Magazine did a story on him. This next paragraph was taken from the magazine:

Ryan Reynolds, Kanye West, Tom Cruise, President Barrack Obama, and a big posse of other well-known fellas all took heed to Jim Moore’s impeccable fashion consult over the years. By all accounts, these famous gents all came out looking pretty dashing on the cover of GQ, the titanic men’s magazine where Moore has enjoyed a fabulous tenure as creative director for four decades.

Some gossipy history: Reading about the house in Architectural Digest, it was said that Moore had heard that the house once belonged to Billy Wilder. One day, an older neighbor getting her mail told him the truth: Wilder had lived there for only six months or so, and came seldom, but she’d once seen him in the driveway talking with Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. The magazine went on to say “At Moore’s house, even the ghosts have pedigree.”

“I’ve never really looked at Palm Springs as being anything but stylish. There’s something glamorous about Palm Springs. It’s the little town that has the style of the big city.’” — Jim Moore

The home is now temporarily occupied by Peter Blake and his wife Stephanie. They reside in Laguna Beach and own The PETER BLAKE GALLERY; also in Laguna Beach.

All the furniture and artwork you see here is from the gallery. Moore’s own furniture was moved out for this special exhibit.

Blake’s wife Stephanie is an artist and floral designer. This is her gorgeous flower arrangement.

The gallery’s program effectively merges the disciplines of Art, Architecture and Design.

This special exhibit of artwork and furniture collection from the gallery places an emphasis on important design from the 20^th century. The curated display traverses the decades from Bauhaus to Modern – as shown in these photos.

From the Gallery Website:

FOUNDED IN 1993, THE PETER BLAKE GALLERY IS THE LEADING EXHIBITOR OF WEST COAST MINIMALISM, WITH A FOCUS ON CALIFORNIA LIGHT AND SPACE AND HARD-EDGE PAINTING. KNOWN FOR ITS RIGOROUSLY CURATED SOLO AND GROUP EXHIBITIONS, THE GALLERY HAS EXHIBITED AND PLACED IMPORTANT WORKS BY ESTABLISHED AND MID-CAREER ARTISTS INCLUDING PETER ALEXANDER, LITA ALBUQUERQUE, LARRY BELL, MARY CORSE, RON COOPER, TONY DELAP, FRED EVERSLEY, JOE GOODE, MARCIA HAFIF, JAMES HAYWARD, SCOT HEYWOOD, JOHN MCCRACKEN, JOHN MCLAUGHLIN, JOHN M. MILLER, HELEN PASHGIAN, JAMES TURRELL AND DE WAIN VALENTINE.

Photos: d. king (photos of me taken by Megan Abbott).

If you go to this page you’ll see a more in-depth video of the home under “Current Exhibitions” and the gallery at large:

https://www.peterblakegallery.com

Art + Design

Really Tiny Houses

I love birds and always love coming across different kinds of bird houses.

Aside from looking pretty, they provide a nesting place for a variety of birds. More than 24 species of birds nest in birdhouses (provided they have ventilation and drainage holes), including songbirds, swallows and owls. Most of these birds nest in tree cavities, but when natural nesting areas remain scarce, birdhouses serve as a backup. They’re also an attractive outdoor home decoration on their own.

This taken at “**Market Market**” – handmade by Laura Temkin.

I recently came across some of the most beautiful and intricate birdhouses which are handmade by ceramicist/artist Laura Temkin. I went to her lovely indoor/outdoor home to have a look at her studio and all the exquisite (some more ornate) handmade birdhouses surrounding her home. I’m not sure that these photos here do them justice.

As Laura says, making art is her therapy. Certainly it is a way of expressing emotions. I asked her about the process and she replied below:

“Ironically, the process is so involved in the making that it lets me forget my worries in the real world.

you can see a lot of the detail in this photo.

I usually start with basic slab walls, cut by sight, perhaps a ruler nearby. I do this fairly carelessly because I am impatient, and because the pieces have more character when they are not perfect.

I’ve always thought that the clay itself where it bunched up or split apart is as beautiful and inspiring as anything I can create. It is the nature in the clay showing itself.

Taken at “**Market, Market**” – where Temkin sells some of her birdhouses.

I like to combine unexpected textures with jagged seams. I punch them with holes that will later be sewn back together. I cover them with barnacles or *sqrafitto so the underglazes will influence the final piece.

I always add glazes dark to light. First celadon dipped or painted, before painting other glazes in the same color palate of greens and blues.

Between the use of 3-4 glazes painted and overlapping the underglazes, the various textures break over an edge. The pieces are fairly controlled and yet clearly offer many opportunities for the glazes to interact, allowing for an appreciation of the materials itself.

*Sgraffito is a technique where potters can put a layer of or on a piece of pottery, let it dry, then use a pottery carving tool to scratch at it to show the base layer of color. Sgraffito derives from an Italian word meaning “to scratch.”

Who wants to be perfect? More interesting to be slightly less-so and have more character which is more important anyway. Like these birdhouses.

Sidenote: Laura’s husband Steve is also an artist. They’re a creatively interesting couple.

Photos: d. king

Where to buy:

https://www.shopmarketmarket.com/

Home Design & Décor

Bali Breeze Home Décor

The color variations, the grain, the knots and the richness of natural wood make me happy.

Bali Breeze has been garnering a lot of attention lately. This new home décor and furniture store in Palm Springs appeals to anyone whole loves an indoor/outdoor soothing home environment.

While I certainly like and appreciate all the Midcentury modern, contemporary and industrial design of the homes and décor surrounding Modernism Week, my personal preference lies with the allure and warmth of natural beauty. This, combined with expert craftsmanship and a touch of wellness, makes for a cozy and inviting space.

At the Bali Breeze Home Decor, you can find exotic rustic wood furniture, large sized Buddhas, wood slabs, and unique home decor pieces from Indonesia. Jewelery, candles and singing bowls too.

Marcelo, the owner, is originally from the Brazilian State of Minas Gerais. I told him that I lived in Brazil for a year and how much I loved everything about being there – the people were friendly, vibrant and fun loving and I really had the best time. His connection with gem mines in Brazil and all over the world provides the store with a great selection of gemstones, crystals, fossils, and minerals.

I love that Marcelo’s wife is a ceramicist and her beautiful pottery is sold in the store.

Below are some photos of magazines that their products have been featured in like Palm Springs Life and Home + Design. A big wood centerpiece (like in my photo above) was purchased for The Spa at Séc-he at Agua Celiente Cultural Plaza.

The family run business has two other locations: Joshua Tree Rock Shop and Palm Springs Rock Shop (around the corner from Acai Oasis – which they also own). Website at bottom.

Website:

https://therockshopfamily.com

Photos: d. king

Acai Oasis (by La Plaza – used to be Sees Candy):

https://acaioasis.com