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

Painting Outside the Box

Artful Utility

Pretty boxes all in a row. Temecula, Ca. Photo: d. king

Can’t say I normally pay any attention to those large dreary looking electrical, transformer or utility boxes that line street corners in every city. Just part of the landscape.

But have you been noticing them lately?

Energy infrastructure is only growing and electric boxes are becoming more needed than ever. Many of these structures have been around for decades, converting power for growing communities.

Thankfully, a new form of public art has been popping up all over the country. Colourful displays by local artists have turned these plain electrical boxes into opportunities for beautifying them in public spaces and showcasing local talent.

Palm Springs Public Arts is looking for love in all the right places with traffic boxes designed to link Public Art from the north end to the south end of Palm Springs.

As you can see here, they’ve done an impressive job of making them over.

My friend Ramona painted this one at Tahquitz + Caballeros

STYLE

Style Icon: Vivienne Westwood

I design things to help people to hopefully express their personality – Dame Vivienne Westwood, who built an International brand with an eccentric edge.

April 8, 1941 – December 29, 2022

**Vivienne Westwood** attends the Vivienne Westwood show as part of Paris Fashion Week (Photo by Pierre Suu/Getty Images)

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, SCARLET JERSEY & TULLE TUTU DRESS
Kate Moss | Mario Testino, Vogue 2009

Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. Someone else said this but I’m not sure who it was. In simpler terms Fashion is what you buy and Style is what you do with it. For example:

Here are some of my favourite fun and fashionable Westwood looks – compliments of “The Guardian” with link to original article below. Glancing back at some of the most memorable looks from the iconic British fashion designer and rebel.

Autumn/winter 2001-02, Paris
Westwood’s clothes featured rips and safety pins but were steeped in history.
Photograph: Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

The reason why I am proud of my part in the punk movement is that I think it really did implant a message that was already there. The hippies told it to me, but punk made it something cool for people to stand up for, which is that we do not believe government, that we are against government – Vivienne Westwood

London 1985
A model wearing Vivienne Westwood clothes outside the World’s End boutique in Chelsea.
Photograph: Universal ImagesGroup/Getty Images

Autumn/winter 1992-93, Paris.
In 1993 Vivienne **produced her own tartan and invented her own clan,** MacAndreas, for the Anglomania collection. The Lochcarron of Scotland officially recognised the clan, a process that normally takes 200 years. Photograph: WWD/Penske Media/Getty Images

Taken from “The Guardian” – No fashion designer ever had a Paris show like the one staged by Vivienne Westwood in 1991. Although she was by then 50 and had been making clothes for sale for 20 years – and the British Fashion Council had named her designer of the year – she stitched much of that collection on her own sewing machine in her shabby south London flat, hand-finishing it in the van that transported her, and the models, to France, where the couturier Azzedine Alaïa had invited her to guest-show. Despite those limitations, the collection was a major success.

Autumn/winter 1991-92
Dubbed ‘Always on Camera’, this collection was inspired by 1930s Hollywood.
Photograph: John van Hasselt/Corbis/Getty Images

Spring/summer 1995, Paris
Supermodel Linda Evangelista in a dazzling gown on the runway.
Photograph: Images Press/Getty Images

Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Quality, not quantity. Everybody’s buying far too many clothes – Vivienne Westwood

Autumn/winter 1995-96, Paris. Linda Evangelista on the runway in Paris, France.
Photograph: PL Gould/Images Press/Getty Images

Autumn Winter 2000/01
Jerry Hall in a ready-to-wear gown.
Photograph: Pierre Vauthey/Sygma/Getty Images

Autumn/winter 1992-93, Paris. Her own designed tartan for the Anglomania collection.
Photograph: WWD/Penske Media/Getty Images

Autumn/winter 1994-95 – Paris. Carla Bruni in the famous fuzzy coat and matching underwear from the On Liberty collection. In 2007 Westwood was one of the first designers to ban the use of real fur in her collections. Photograph: Michel Dufour/WireImage.

Autumn/winter 2013-14
A model walks the runway during the Vivienne Westwood ready-to-wear show.
Photograph: Stéphane Cardinale/Corbis/Getty Images

Autumn/winter 1995-96, Paris
When asked about her most memorable Westwood show by Another Mag, Kate Moss said: “**The one where I had a rabbit and I think I was naked** … I don’t think they’d put any top on me. I don’t know, I was wearing Crotch Minis [dropped crotch trousers] and I think some crazy hairdo by Sam McKnight – a mohawk but it was all curly …”
Photograph: Daniel Simon/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

2012, New York City.
Rihanna performs in a Vivienne Westwood gown at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show in New York City. Photograph: Kevin Mazur/WireImageTaken from:

https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/gallery/2022/dec/30/vivienne-westwood-best-looks-in-pictures

FUN

IN with the New Year!

Meditating is something I’ve been wanting to do more of. We found a good spot on top of a monastery Christmas Day with a view. The monastery wasn’t open because all the Monks got covid, but we enjoyed the grounds and the peace and quiet. Also the dragonflies.

Here’s how I spent the remainder of 2022

This was in Oceanside, CA. We were on our bikes and came across the house used for filming in the original “Top Gun.” This is an exact replica of the Kawasaki motorbike that Tom Cruise rode in the movie. We felt the need to get on it.

An excellent tortilla soup and fancy french toast in Carlsbad, Ca.

First day was foggy but there’s a dreamy quality in that.

Layla met up with some tigers on a mural in Carlsbad.

Planning to get my feet wet with a few other exciting ventures this year. One step at at time.

“You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.” – C. S. Lewis

Girl Who Would be King

Happy Holidays

Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years – what; already?

Well here we go again. The holiday season is always a good time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for ourselves and those around us.

During this holiday season instead of blogging or vlogging, I will be glögging. For those unfamiliar, it’s the ultimate winter warmer – a Scandinavian-inspired mulled wine from California with German roots. It’s a spiced wine blend of half dry red wine and half port intermingled with spices of cinnamon, cardamom and orange peel. You just pour it into a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat until hot but not simmering, about 5 minutes. Add sliced orange, some fresh cranberries, a few cloves and a cinnamon stick (but you don’t have to).

I’m obviously craving warmth. The warmth of the sun, the warmth of cozy PJ’s, the warmth of a cup of hot tea or glögg. Good food, good company, good movies, my dog and a couple days by the ocean. A change of scenery from spending time in the Desert. Nothing to complain about. No major resolutions.

How about you? What are you looking forward to during this holiday season?

beauty

Selfcare: Blissyful Sleep

The #1 first step to feeling good has to be a good night’s sleep.

How many of our days have been ruined with having had a crappy night before? Mine certainly has.

So many factors go towards preventing us from getting a good sleep. A few examples being too much alcohol the night before, worry or stress. So what can we do to help?

Obviously not too much alcohol the night before. Worry or stress can be lessened by a few simple steps. These are not a 100% guarantee for prevention, but they certainly will help.

We’ve all heard that going to sleep before midnight is the best timing for a better sleep but we can’t stick to that rule all the time. Taking a good quality magnesium capsule & *Gaba about half an hour before bedtime helps in creating a calmer mind. A dark room, an eye mask, ear plugs if need be and a room with an open window and a humidifier for dryness works wonders. Melatonin (3-5 mg.) on occasion helps with rem sleep.

I spray lavender essential oil in a spray bottle mixed with water on my sheets + pillow before bed. Lavender is believed to help calm anxiety and increase relaxation. Some believe it to be an effective treatment for depression. Lavender also has sedative properties. The scent alone cannot hurt. But I also recently discovered something else very helpful – a silk pillowcase.

A silk pillowcase is the best! The cool fabric helps keep your skin hydrated and smooth by keeping its moisture content intact which is especially good if you are someone with dry skin A good silk pillowcase reduces friction on the skin which helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Best for hair because the smooth surface prevents breakage. I ordered mine from Blissy (link below) and it was on sale. Made from highest quality 22-Momme 100% Pure Mulberry Silk. The variety of colours are excellent and they have a zipper to enclose your pillow. Easy to care for too. Just wash with mild laundry soap in sink and hang to dry – dries quickly.

Let me know if you have one and if so, your thoughts?

https://blissy.com/collections/pillowcases

*pharma Gaba is best because it’s formulated to cross the blood brain barrier.

Art & Culture

Fine Fine Art

Melissa Morgan Fine Art Gallery

There is no sense to buying this piece if you don’t own a pool!

**Carole Feuerman** – Monumental Quan w Stainless steel sphere, red suit, Lacquer on Bronze with clear Swarovski crystal cap. 67x60x43 in. $448,000.00. If you look closely you’ll see that her feet are a bit dirty – like in real life.

This is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting art galleries I’ve been in – ever! While I was drawn to pretty much everything, I was most impressed with the works of Carole A. Feuerman and Anthony James (descriptions below).

CAROLE A FEUERMAN

Carole A. Feuerman was born in 1945 and is an American sculptor and artist working in hyperrealism. Feuerman utilizes a variety of media including resin, marble, and bronze. She attended Hofstra University, Temple University, and graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City to begin her career as an illustrator, creating album covers for Alice Cooper and the Rolling Stones, to name a few. She has been included in exhibitions at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery; and Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, Italy.

ANTHONY JAMES

Anthony James is a British/American artist based in Los Angeles, known for his monumental and experiential sculptures and installations. James was born in England in 1974. He studied in London at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and graduated with a degree in fine art painting. His work gestures towards the theatricality of minimalism and formalism. There is a focus on materiality, alchemy, and a deep respect for light and space.

Also a performance artist, he is famous for setting fire to a Ferrari in a birch forest and entombing the ravaged car and trees in an installation called Kθ (2008). His practice incorporates a variety of industrial objects, steel vitrines, aluminum sculptures, detritus, and wall-mounted installations, his use of vitrines drawing comparisons to Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons.

Andrea Stanislaw
Mixed Media, electric motor, rotating sculpture. 84x96x96 $70,000.00

There was also a room with photographs of many of my Palm Springs acquaintances. Only the most glamorous ones of course!

I don’t know this couple but I admire their bold statement of not being photographed by the pool.

https://www.melissamorganfineart.com/

Followed by a visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum

Photos: d. king

Art, Architecture, Culture

Mod day Mood: Modernism Museum

The MOD not Modest place to be

There have been many a photo taken and several articles written about the Modernism Museum prior to my visit yesterday.

The museum, which is fairly new to Palm Springs, was created by visionary artist, designer and friend Tracy Turco, so it was already obvious to me that it would be anything but mundane.

Warming up by the Fireplace. Early 70’s where mellow yellow and brown accents co exist in this eclectic environment.

Clearly, it is a fun place to visit with exceptional attention to detail showcasing all things mid-century Modern from the late 50s to the early 70s era.

The museum is not only for tourists or locals but will serve the community as a gathering place to socialize in an inspired atmosphere located in the heart of Palm Springs. There’s a glittery disco roller rink at the back of the museum and a comfy colourful seating area which can be rented out for parties. How much fun is that?

1950’s kitchens featured fiberglass, stainless steel and aluminum and done in yellow, turquoise, pink, mint green, and other colors like red, black + white.

This beauty salon contains vintage memorabilia as well as a hairdryer that Marion Davies sat under weekly in Hollywood when she was the mistress to William Randolph Hearst.

I took plenty more photos with my Samsung phone camera but think it best that you visit and take some yourself. In a place like this it’s very easy to get carried away and therefore, give too much away.

**Wouldn’t you like to take a bubble bath in this tub?** Recreated from Playboy Bunny Jayne Mansfield’s pink bathtub. She liked pink champagne too. The rest of the bedroom is an ode to Palm Springs designer Arthur Elrod, sporting his headboard and side tables, as well as Magda Gabor’s sconces, chandeliers and oil painting. It also includes a table from the Trini Lopez estate, a few frocks that belonged to the Gabor sisters and some Schiaparelli keepsakes.

Let’s not forget the store where you can buy some fun stuff:

Photo of **Paris Hilton** by a pair of shoes Tracy designed for her (when she was Tracy Stern) although hers says “*Heiress*“

**Tracy** doesn’t go “by the book” even though she’s on the cover of Palm Springs Life Magazine (hard cover version available in shop).

I couldn’t leave without having one more photo taken of myself in front of **the famous *Racquet* *Club*.**

For hours, location and more info please visit:

https://www.psmodernismmuseum.com/

Film Reviews

Don’t Worry Darling

“Reality is an acquired taste” – a line from the movie

Florence Pugh (Alice) + Olivia Wilde (Bunny)

That’s a very simple but profound statement. When you think about it, most things in life including movies, are an acquired taste.

When I first heard about the movie “Don’t Worry Darling,” I couldn’t wait to see it. My connection to Palm Springs and knowing the movie was filmed in the surrounding area was what interested me most. I knew it would be a stylish film and didn’t expect very much other than nice scenery and interesting sets.

The film focuses on a young couple in the 1950s living a seemingly perfect life in the cloudless company town of Victory, California where some very shady business is taking place. A distorted view of reality best described as Stepford Wives meets The Matrix.

Florence Pugh (Alice) + Harry Styles (Jack)

Florence Pugh (Little Women) was outstanding as Alice in the lead role, as was musician Harry Styles who played her husband Jack in his debut role as a debonair loving husband in a controlling and regressive reality.

Chris Pine plays Frank, founder of a utopian 1950s desert community known as the “Victory Project.”

Bunny; Alice’s best friend, is played by Olivia Wilde who also directed the movie (excellent job Olivia). Bunny is revealed to be a willing participant in the Victory simulation as, having lost her children in the real world, she comes to Victory to unite with them again.

I loved this movie for the suspense, the actors, the backdrop and the mid-century modern style.

I think Olivia Wilde did a superb job as director. Didn’t look at the reviews until after. I know Rotten Tomatoes gave it a very low score but the audience gave it a relatively high one. It’s one of those things; you either love it or hate it. I know people who loved the new “Elvis” movie and others who hated it.

Like everything else; it’s an acquired taste.

Trailer:

Photos: taken from TV HBO on Demand with my Samsung.

Have you seen it? If so; let me know what you think.

THINKAboutit

Scream of Consciousness.

Venting on my blog is not something I like to do. But I thought I’d switch it up for a change and tell you about my one day in the life of first world problems. Events I refer to as my Seinfeld Saturday. Remember that show was supposed to be much ado about nothing. But it was really about something in the way it presented humorous renderings of daily insignificance that we North Americans experience and complain about. No wonder it was so successful and it’s still relevant because every single episode was about mundane setbacks we can all relate to.

Before I begin I want to mention that a few weeks ago a tragic accident happened to someone I know who was involved in a head on car collision. She did not survive. I haven’t been in much of a mood to write. Life is precarious. It’s a gift and when something like this happens out of the blue it really makes you evaluate what is important and what is not. But we manage to move on however we can – taking in all the good, the bad and the uncertain.

So as I’m reliving a very ordinary day, make no mistake that I’m also grateful for being alive to not only share it, but to poke fun at it too – like Seinfeld would.

Picking up my top from the same cleaners that I always go to resulted in a much higher bill for the same top which was there only two months prior. I found my old bill and noticed a $10 increase. I know; I know, the excuse of inflation, higher gas prices, yada, yada. However when I go to the cleaners I don’t expect to be taken to the cleaners!

Next was going to see my alterationist – a very skilled one at that. I had a lining replaced in a fancy little jacket that belonged to my mom. Her name was inscribed in the lining. I asked that the name be cut out but sewn back for sentimental reasons. Picked it up, got home and looked inside to see the name sewn upside down. Perhaps a metaphor for the topsy-turvy upended times we live in. When I called the alterationist to let her know, she explained that she was too busy so asked her husband to sew it on for her. Of course I had to take it back and get her to re-do it, which she did. But not happily. And extra wasted time for me.

Then I tried to register a business because I was granted the name I requested. However, in British Columbia you have to go through a “one-stop” business registry system (actually called “one-stop”) that makes you go through several non one-stop steps. Again; first world problem. Still, I don’t understand why so much time is wasted on these unnecessary extra steps. I’ll spare you the details.

My dog needing grooming but since we were on a two month wait list for the local groomer I decided to take her to a dog store with a DIY service. I bathed, blow dried and thinned out Layla’s coat there. I may have used too much conditioner because Layla had so much static after blow drying that her fur was sticking straight up. She looked like Rod Stewart. So we showed up at the regular groomer right after. Even though busy with other dogs, someone who works there decided to spend a few moments with Layla to straighten out the situation.

Later in the day, looking back on the day, I laughed over how many little things upset me. Life’s little problems.

It’s a new week with a whole new set of adventures ~~_{and little problems}~~. I wish you a wonderful week. See you back here soon.

Film Reviews

Whistler Film Festival

On the heels of the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) comes the Whistler Film Festival (WFF). Not that anyone needs an excuse to go to Whistler; but while you’re waiting for ski season to start (soon enough) film buffs might want to take in this unique little (but getting bigger) festival. Also; while there, make sure to check out the Audain Art Museum (housing the private art collection of Michael Audain) which is amazing in itself.

Art, Music, Movies, Documentaries….it’s all here!

Whistler Film Festival (WFF) has announced the full lineup for its 22nd edition taking place in-person from November 30, to December 4 2022 in Whistler, BC, and online from December 5 to January 2, 2023.

Selected from over 2,000 submissions, the lineup includes 86 bold and inspiring films curated into nine program strands. There are 41 features and 45 shorts from 19 different countries, including award-season contenders, new breakthrough Canadian features, heart-stopping extreme adventure films, and previously unseen projects from around the globe.

”With a particular emphasis on Canadian content creators and distinct and emerging voices, Whistler Film Festival continues to fill a valuable niche within the film festival ecosystem,” says Paul Gratton, WFF’s Director of Programming. “WFF has evolved into a premium showcase for exciting new motion pictures not previously shown at other film festivals. With our strongest lineup ever of Canadian gems, coveted international festival titles, and an inspiring selection of award-hopefuls, our 22nd edition hums with the energy and creativity that result when new voices mix with established filmmakers in one of the most awe-inspiring settings for a film festival.”

WFF is pleased to present an exciting line-up of documentaries, with a strong focus on sports and music.

A little sneak preview:

Acclaimed actor and director Jason Priestley returns to WFF for the World Premiere of OFFSIDE: THE HAROLD BALLARD STORY. Big money, big headlines, and a long list of enemies – Harold Ballard made them all during the two decades he owned the crown jewel of Canadian sports – The Toronto Maple Leafs – down the road to ruin. This not-to-be-missed feature-length documentary explores one of the most controversial figures in Canadian sports history. Directed by Priestley, this world premiere marks the star’s return to the festival for the first time since the release of his critically-acclaimed film Cas and Dylan – the opening night selection at WFF in 2013.

Music has a large presence in the WFF doc mix this year. A special screening of BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE: CARRY IT ON, with a live-streamed and in-theatre Zoom conversation with the iconic singer, songwriter, and activist, takes place on December 2. The documentary is directed by Madison Thomas, an alum of the Whistler Film Festival Indigenous Filmmaker Fellowship (2017).

WFF will screen the too-crazy-to-be-believed behind-the-scenes concert doc REVIVAL ‘69: THE CONCERT THAT ROCKED THE WORLD. Coined “the second most important event in rock & roll history,” the Toronto Rock & Roll Revival was a one-day event held at Toronto’s Varsity Stadium.

It features John Lennon in his first post-Beatles appearance, as well as Yoko Ono, Klaus Voorman, Eric Clapton, Alice Cooper (and the infamous chicken incident that put him on the map), Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and The Doors, plus a couple of hundred bikers used to provide Lennon with a motorized escort from Pearson Airport to Varsity Stadium to make the concert in time. A must-see for any rock historian.

Music fans will love BOY CITY, a funny throwback to the era of boy bands and those who loved them, directed by Sean Cisterna and featuring Jonas Chernick. Chernick is also the co-lead in the comedy THE END OF SEX directed by Sean Garrity, a sort of spiritual successor to MY AWKWARD SEXUAL ADVENTURE which won the Audience Award at WFF in 2012.

This all sounds amazing!

For tickets + info:

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