Happy Christmas Eve Dears

I forgot to remind you that you can track Santa! Oh, the heartbreak of having kids too old to really believe (especially when you still kind of believe yourself even though it is you driving all over town, and your fingers flying across the key in search of the elusive perfect present)

Here is the link for the NORAD Santa Tracker. Enjoy! 

The Weekend Feast For December 23rd - 26th And Some Fun Stuff For Next Week, Too

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Kwanza begins on Monday and today the days start to get longer. Time to celebrate, time for gratitude, time for fun my dear, dear readers.

Fun is to be had at the Music Center this weekend when the Los Angeles County Arts Commission presents their annual Holiday Celebration.

This wonderful program features a variety of music and dancing from many of the cultures and neighborhoods that make up our city.  It's a 3 hour extravaganza and it's all FREE, even the parking is FREE! Click here for complete details.

The profession of book writing makes horse racing seem like a solid, stable business.
John Steinbeck

Substitute "writing in Hollywood,"  "writing for the internet" or any kind of writing at all and it still works.   If you prefer horse racing you will be happy to know that  Santa Anita Park opens for the season on Monday, December 26th. Straight down the 5 from downtown LA  in about 45 minutes. Now don't be tempted to see how fast you can get there during a holiday week when the freeways are pretty much empty....


But don't you love how open the freeways usually are during the Holidays? It's a great time to take a drive out to Riverside for one of the best light displays you will ever see.

 More than 3.5 million lights transform the beautiful Mission Inn into a true "Winter Wonderland."  You can sit among them for dinner or a drink or simply enjoy a stroll through the beautiful grounds.  The inn offers carriage rides, music and other holiday treats to enjoy in a way that works for your family.  Click here for details.  The lights begin to sparkle at sundown. Until January 8th.

You probably know that basketball season officially begins Christmas Day (Does anyone else think this is kind of gross?  Probably not as nobody else in my own house thinks so - " no, mom, it's a perfect day because everyone is home with their families so they can all watch the game." Sigh. )  You can catch one of several Laker games to be played at home next week (although judging by the exhibition game Monday night the home team has some work to do before they are ready for a season. What have you guys been doing with your extra time off?????? That was kind of a mess! Still, in my house we were all pretty impressed with the hustle of rookie Darius Morris.)  Games include Lakers vs. Utah on the 27th, and vs. NY on the 29th.  Here's your Lakers info.

 A whole bunch of new movies are out for the holidays and I can tell you that my kids ( boys, 11 & 13) liked the Tintin and Hugo Cabret and we all like the Muppet Movie. But while you consider you choices take a moment to check out the calendar at American Cinematheque.

 William Powell

From the 28th - 30th the Aero in Santa Monica screens some of the best romantic comedies ever made; Ninotchka (Greta Garbo), The Lady Eve (Henry Fonda and Barbara Stanwyck) and My Man Godfrey (see the great William Powell, above) all in one week!  You could go every night and be in bliss.  It's here for the Aero calendar.

Jonathan Winters and Phil Silvers

Also part of American Cinematheque, the Egyptian Theater has a film I highly recommend for kids 8 and up - It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World screens on Thursday, December 29th.  My boys loved this movie  (watch your kids when they watch Phil Silvers) which we just saw on video a couple of months ago.  See it on the big screen and introduce your kids to the word "madcap."  The Egyptian calendar is here.

The roads are clear, the weather will be beautiful, the hiking trails and museums are open - it's a great time to be in Los Angeles. I wish you a wonderful holiday week.

Time To Give It Away!

I have written in the past about our family's giving box, the small wooden box, decorated by my kids, into which they place a dollar or 2 of their allowance every week. Today is the day we give it away!  Last year we gave to two organizations - care packages for soldiers and the SPCA, each chosen by one of my boys.

The process goes like this; we talk about things that they care about or have cared about in the past.  Honestly, my kids are good kids but they are also regular kids so sometimes when we sit down to do this they stare at me blankly.  In that case I might remind them of different charitable programs we have supported throughout the year, perhaps of some school field trip service day they took part in, they say "Oh, yeah" and when they smile at the idea - bingo! Connection made, it becomes about sharing from their own hearts. We go on the websites, read about specific ways to give, I make a credit card donation and they count out the dollar bills to give to me. 

Yesterday I heard some really, really good news. I want to share it with you and my boys. Perhaps we'll steer some Giving Box dollars here this year.

The Urban Peace Academy is a part of the Urban Peace Program at Advancement Project, a local public policy organization.   The goal of the Peace Academy is to reduce and ultimately end gang violence in Los Angeles.  This week the Academy graduated 30 former gang members. Former gang members who are now certified gang intervention workers. Students complete 140 hours of basic training, in crisis training, police procedures and post traumatic stress disorder. They then go back out into the community to work in gang intervention.  The Peace Academy also offers continuing education for gang intervention practitioners and training for LAPD members who work in gang hot spots. And it's working. The LAPD, once skeptical, are now embracing the program. 

 I encourage you to fill your spirits with good news this holiday season, good news of people and places making things better for all of us.  The Urban Peace Academy is one such place - check it out and, if you are so inclined, make a donation.

The Weekend Feast For December 16th - 18th

If you are anywhere near downtown tonight (Friday)  let me suggest that you begin your weekend singing Christmas carols and other holiday songs with strangers beneath the twinkling lights of the Music Center Plaza.  Sounds good to you?  Awesome, here's what you need to know; 6pm, FREE but tickets are required. Tickets are available first come first served to those waiting in line. Ticket distribution begins at 6pm. Live musical accompaniment, lyric sheets will be provided and, if you must know ahead of time, click here for the complete song list.  

If this idea, singing Christmas songs, doesn't sound good to you - and it sure didn't sound good to me when I first heard about it earlier this week - well, you might really need to be there. Holy @#** isn't everyone crabby!!!???  Me included, I'll shamefacedly admit.  I have been in a horrible, stressed out, sad, bitter, resentful oh so Christmasy kind of mood! But two things happened - well a few things happened, including a lot of meditation and gratitude work and vitamin b and natural anti-depressants, but two charming things happened-

1) I am in Ralph's, cart over flowing with a bunch of stuff including the giant pointsettia I am forcing myself to buy to try to induce Holiday good will, and I'm going to check out and I can't really see over the plant but I can tell that the people who work there are trying to force me ( I am sure they would say encouraging and standing by to help if needed) but it felt like they were trying to force me to use the self serve checkout which never works all the way (am I right?) and which usually starts beeping and calling attention to you and wanting you to start all over again at item 13, which is of course tampons or something. But I won't use those so I was refusing and the friendly Ralph's workers are going "come on, come on" and I'm shaking my head and they are thinking "what a crazy person" I'm sure and I am feeling stupid and difficult and even more stressed out.  I finally go through the line, I'm almost get out the door, just so pissed off about everything that has been going on lately and hating the chicken smell that is in every grocery store which I'm sure smells good to some people but makes me gag,  and the security guard - actually it was an angel but he was dressed as a security guard - tipped his hat to me. He actually tipped his hat. And he smiled, the most beautiful, beautiful smile, and said " No stress for the queen."  And, I don't know, it was just such a ridiculous and wonderful thing to say. And it totally turned me around. Not even the line really, though I did go home and write it in pink marker and put it on the fridge, but the fact that he took the time to say that, to tip his hat and smile and say something like that. It was just such a loving thing to do and it just totally turned me around and I am so grateful to you Mr Ralph's security guard whose name I will ask next time I'm in there.

2) And now you are thinking, if you are still here, what am I reading? But there is a point to this next one so hang in and and I'll try to make it shorter ......  It's earlier the same day. Kid singing in his holiday program, middle of the day, presents to buy, things to bake ( yeah, right)  for the other kid's holiday show that night etc. etc.  I'm sporting dirty hair and a scowl and I sit alone almost at the back because I absolutely cannot deal with anyone. The kid sings,  clap, clap, smile, give a big hug to him and his friend I even actually felt a little better but I'm still in a rush and I have to get to Ralph's (see above). Then they - the teachers? The PTA? say "Okay parents, on stage and sing for the kids!"  Honest to God I wanted to say "Fuck you."  And I almost ran out. But my kid was there and I allowed myself to be swept down the aisle with the good mommies, up onto the stage and we started singing White Christmas. And it was wonderful. I cried a little and looked odd but you know, what are you going to do?  The singing was wonderful. WONDERFUL! It primed the pump - it opened my heart - for the meditation I did in the car, right before I was ready for the angel who works at Ralph's. 

In short, my cherished readers, if you feel like singing, sing. And if you don't feel like singing, sing louder.  Music Center Plaza 6pm. It's here for details.

Las Posados

Also downtown tonight, over on Olvera Street, join in the first night of Las Posados, the traditional Mexican procession depicting Mary and Joseph and their search for shelter ( Posados means inns or shelters.) Many Olvera St. merchants participate in the tradition and you will find lights, music and the breaking of a pinata.  The festivities begin at 5:30 at the Avila Adobe, 10 Olvera Street.   Tonight and every night through December 24th. 

Saturday night you can join costumed elves and santas - and you know they'll be cute - at the 3rd annual  Santa Monica Pub Crawl to benefit the Westside Food Bank.  You have to go over to the site to get all the details- it's not complicated but there are things to know and choices to make - so click on over and designate a driver. The fun starts at 5pm. Thank you reader Michelle for this great tip!


Also on Saturday night it's the second annual Silver Lake Holiday Night Out -

Around Sunset junction and along Silverlake Blvd you will find stores offering cookies and music, family activities and fun.  3 - 8 pm

 You know, there really is nothing like helping someone else to take your mind off yourself and any troubles, and, dare I say it, remind you what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.   One Voice is a wonderful organization that provides help for poor families all year long and they really shine during the  holidays when they facilitate the creation of Christmas baskets for 12,500 people living in poverty in Los Angeles. They need your help.  Beginning Thursday night and bustling all weekend at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica you can join volunteers filling baskets and boxes and loading them into trucks for delivery.   If you are able to give a few hours to help I promise you will feel great.  Here's everything you need to know and a way for you to donate online to help this great organization.

Alvan and the Chipmunks "Chipwrecked," and something called Ghost Protocal opens this weekend  OR   you can bring the kids to see Up and the real, live Ed Asner at Santa Monica's Aero theater Sunday afternoon at 2pm. It's a good one.


And finally -

Pacific Standard Time celebrates Downtown / Expo Park weekend this weekend - it's here for details.


I wish you a blessed, happy weekend filled with love and friendship.

Have You Paid Your Traffic Tickets? Sucker!

Being the goody-two shoes that I am, I tend to get pretty indignant when people who do things they are not "supposed" to do get away with it.  I know, this puts me in real danger of becoming one of those old ladies who hits people with her cane, but it just pisses me off that I follow all ( well, most... usually...) of the rules and people who flout them get a break!  Here's what's happening-

Beginning January 1st of next year, those of you with unpaid traffic tickets that were issued before January 1st of 2009 will be given a 6 month window of amnesty during which half your debt will be forgiven as long as you are willing cough up the other half.  At the moment this amnesty only applies for people who haven't paid anything - not one cent - of the initial fine, while anyone who has paid any portion must pay off their entire debt.  Stupid, right? And unfair.  L A County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky thought so too and on Tuesday the Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 to urge the California Judicial Council's Administrative Office of the  Court to amend the law to include those who have already paid part of their initial fines.We'll see what happens.

The cynic in me - can you be a goody-two-shoes and a cynic? - doubts that the amnesty will be widened. Why? Because  people who have made some payment are already in the books. It's easier to find them and  get them to pay full price. Full payment = more in the city coffers and isn't that what the amnesty program is all about?  But there's a larger question and I'm sure you are already asking it. Why should anyone be given a break on their tickets? If you get a ticket today you won't get a break - you will be expected to pay the entire thing. Is this fair? And what is the message the city sends by having an amnesty program at all?  We need money so  - a wink and a nudge - just give us half, all is forgiven, and try not to kill anyone the next time you make an illegal U-turn? What do you think?

Drive safely.

The Weekend Feast For December 9th - 11th

 In spite of 100 mile an hour winds and their aftermath Altadena's Christmas Tree Lane shines on beginning tomorrow, December 10!  The enormous, beautifully lit trees have become so popular that a community gathering has risen among them like mushrooms and you are invited to join the Pasadena Waldorf School Singers, the Blair IB Singers, the Altadena Children's Choir and vendors selling everything from jewelry to home goods for the 2nd annual Winter Arts and Crafts festival beginning at 2pm.  This years festival (the 91st!) features food vendors and several food trucks as well as complimentary hot spiced cider, coffee and cocoa.   Click here for information (including parking and street closings) and  directions.  Even if you're not free to see the first lighting tomorrow this is a lovely tradition and I encourage you to take the drive to Altedena. You don't even have to get out of your car - pack some cookies, put on a holiday story or some music and just drive up and down the lane a few times. You and your kids will feel like you've done something special.  You can enjoy of beauty of the trees from December 10th - January 1st and then again on January 6th and 7th. The trees are lit from dusk until 10pm.


While it's true that there will be some great food at the Christmas Tree Lane Festival tomorrow something very special  - food wise - is going on in Pasadena and if you are anything like me you are going to want to swing by on your way to see the trees.

It's Eat My Blog - the charity bake sale to benefit the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Saturday, December 10th,  10am - 4pm at Pita Jungle - 43 East Colorado Blvd.  The folks over there made this pretty map -

The list of participating bakers is mouthwatering and the available treats - oh, my fingers just did a little dance: pumpkin cake, s'mores, bacon caramel popcorn, sugar cookies, tea cakes, flat breads peanut brittle (love, love, love peanut brittle!) and the magical sounding truffle dust. The list goes on and on - lots of vegan, lots of gluten free and lots of fun for a great cause.



For handmade items of a different sort grab your tote bag and make your way to Los Angeles State Park for the second annual Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market.

Featuring more than 200 artists as well as a slew of DIY workshops this is the perfect place to purchase something different or learn to make something special.  Food trucks, music, a photo booth - it's a FREE,  fun way to spend either Saturday or Sunday afternoon. The Renegade Craft Fair runs Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 5pm. It's here for information and directions.

Way over on the other side of town it's the 49th annual Marina Del Rey Christmas Boat Parade - Christmas Carnival -  Saturday, rain or shine.  Fireworks are at 5:55 and the parade begins at 6pm. Click here for all the details including suggested viewing spots.


On Sunday at Santa Monica's Bergamont Station Arts Center you can pick up something cool for your walls at the Popular Art Auction.

Included in the auction is original art, commercial art, illustrations, posters and other items. Take a look at the web site here for images  (send the kids out - lots of breasts right off the bat!)   The auction begins at 1pm and goes through the afternoon.  Info and directions here.


The Skirball Cultural Center hosts their annual Family Hanukah Festival this Sunday, December 12th from 11am - 4pm.

 The Festival features music, puppets, storytelling, drop in art workshops and a family dance jam.  Tickets are 410 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $5 for kids 2 - 12 members are Free.  Get details and purchase tickets here.

While you are at the Skirball be sure to see Women Hold Up Half The Sky.  This ground-breaking, multi-media exhibition, inspired by the best selling book Women Hold Up Half The Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, addresses the world-wide oppression of women as the human rights cause of our time.  As you can imagine, some of the stories told are heartbreaking. This is not a time to let your kids explore on their own.  But please don't let that put you off.  This is an important exhibition, one that can and should be viewed, with your guidance, by those 12-13 and older ( as always, know your child.) Additionally, the Skirball has done a wonderful job of creating a family friendly exhibition map (suggested for those 8 and up) that focuses on positive action everyone can take to make a difference.   It's a powerful exhibition, challenging and hopeful. You will leave better informed and permanently engaged in the cause.

Have a wonderful weekend.

GASP - Dangerous, Even Deadly "Choking Games" Teens Are Playing

I want to draw your attention to something kids are doing that scares me half to death.  Now don't stop reading and please, please don't turn away thinking "not my kid!"  While it's entirely possible that you were different, some kind of super genius or something who never did anything foolish,  I was an IDIOT when I was a teenager and I think most kids are.  So let's get real.  Keep reading.  It will only take a couple of minutes and it could save a life.

  You have likely heard of some version of this "game."  Kids call it the "pass out game" or the "choking game."  Today a friend, getting frozen yogurt after school with her son, saw a kid doing this on the lawn next to the store.   When she asked her son if he knew what the boy was doing he said yes, he did and that some of the kids at his school were doing it on a field trip today.  Some are apparently posting about it on Facebook ( do you need another reason to "friend" your kid and read daily?)   Kids choke themselves with ropes or ties or their own hands and others are pushing down on their chests until they hyperventilate.  They do this for the headrush that comes as the blood, which has been cut off, rushes back into the brain.  Needless to say this is harmful and can be deadly.   Please talk to your kids about this. Here's a website that can help.

Read it with your kid and be open to discussion.


Now I'm going to say something that might make a few people uncomfortable but it's important. Over the years you have likely heard stories of kids and even adult males strangling themselves while - look I'm sorry but there's just no other way to say this - masterbating. Sadly, this happens in part because parents are uncomfortable talking about this with their teenage sons.  I'm here to tell you to get over your discomfort.  When you read the GASP site with your kid, continue on and have this part of the conversation too. If your kid is tempted to do this they are going to be alone and they are probably going to use a rope or something like it.  By the time you find him it's going to be too late.  Please have the conversation.

The Weekend Feast for December 1st - 4th

Kick off your first December weekend tonight in Chinatown at the second annual Chinatown Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony -  Central Plaza, 943 N. Broadway from 6p.m. - 8 p.m. 

Chinatown is a great neighborhood to shop for unique Holiday gifts; tiny toys for stockings or dreidle prizes, teas and lovely cups for teachers, one of those cool silk jackets for your pink haired teenager.  One of my favorite things to buy is Joss paper, sheets of rice or bamboo paper that are burned in traditional Chinese ceremonies honoring deities or ancestors.

There are several different styles, sizes and colors of paper.  Each has a particular meaning  (Wikipedia's article is pretty good and I direct you here for details) and is designed for a specific category of spirit or rank of deity. Many styles feature gold or silver to signify good fortune, and all of them are gorgeous and inexpensive ( like, $1.99 inexpensive.) I am respectful of the original intention but I am captivated by the sheer beauty of the paper. I use it to wrap presents and make cards.  A pack of Joss paper would make a lovely gift for an artist or crafter, for kids as a part of an art box or for people like me who just love paper ( hint, hint.)  You will find it in stores throughout Chinatown.


The economy may have lightened our wallets and reduced our spending options this holiday season (not necessarily such a bad thing, perhaps it's an opportunity to get creative and really give from our hearts) but nothing can take away our fantasies!

 

Let your "one day I'm going to live in a great big mansion with each room decorated by a famous designer" dream out to play at the Greystone Estate in Beverly Hills when the Maison De Luxe designer show house opens its doors Friday, December 2nd.  Ooooo, the names... Martin Lawrence Bullard (I haunt the website) Margie Grace and her heavenly gardens, Kathryn Ireland (another fabulous site for inspiration.)  Greystone Estate is worth seeing empty but filled with the work of these and other designers, the 46,000 sq feet, 18.5 acre property built for the Doheny Family in 1928 gives ample food for dreams.  Show house hours are Dec 2-22, Tuesday-Sunday from 10am - 3pm daily. Admission is $35 with a portion of the proceeds designated for the preservation of the Estate. A designer lecture will be presented each Friday and costs $50 which includes admission to the show house tour.  Click here for details and tickets.


Lots to do around Abbot Kinney this weekend as Friday is First Friday - shops and galleries open late, food trucks, street life - and Sunday, December 4th is the Abbott Kinney Winter Holiday Stroll.

See the tiny print? It says there's a winter kidland in the Brig parking lot ( I don't know why I love this idea so much, but I do) with REAL SNOW, family activities and a hipster Santa from 1 - 4.  Honestly, I have no idea if they have hired a hipster to play the jolly man but it is Venice so I'd put money on the guy having good eyeglasses at the very least.  Sparkly stores, music and all around good cheer can be yours just by walking around. A pretty good way to spend Sunday afternoon.


Okay moms here's a little early present from me to you.  Saturday, December 3rd is CARnival at the Peterson Automotive Museum! A great time for dad to take the kids away for a couple of hours, right?  Wait, I don't mean away..... that sounds bad.....hum..... OUT! Take the kids out is what I mean and what a fun place the Peterson is for dads and kids.  I'm just kidding, of course. I mean, why would any mom, just over Thanksgiving, trying to get ready for the holidays never mind work and with 3 weeks of school vacation taunting her from right around the corner need a Saturday afternoon away from her kids? Okay, I really am done now. And honestly I like the Peterson, it's fun and interesting. There's stuff to look at but there's also stuff to climb on, to play with. It's a pretty active place and kids generally love it. 

 CARnival goes from 1:30 - 4 and features all kinds of activities; games, stroytelling, scooter races etc.  Plus the special exhibits, including Supercars, above, as well as ongoing presentations of famous vehicles from movies and TV shows are always fun.   Click here for hours and directions etc.

And finally, for special gifts for certain not-going-to-find-it-on-amazon folks on your holiday list,  I encourage you to check out Unique LA, running Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 6pm at the California Market Center, 110 E. Ninth St, downtown. Unique LA is the largest independent design show in the country featuring more than 325 artists and crafts people.  The $10 admission price ( kids 12 and under are FREE)  entitles you to well-designed cotton tote bag, beverages, and craft and DIY workshops.  There are 2 cafes so you can grab coffee or something to eat, free portraits and a print will be available from the photo booth, no doubt a dj will be spinning - the whole vibe is just good. Support artists and our local economy while you have fun at this family friendly event.

Have a great weekend!