Journal to a Muse

California Dreamin
I'd never taken off from Terminal D before, so I was pretty amazed at the civic art that sprouted there. Outside of the Security area was a Texas sized "wishbone" that dwarfed even the TSA workers. This Cityscape looks nothing like anything I've seen near by, but it did help set the mood for Century Boulevard sky scrapers. Bravo to whoever decided to put some money into " culture."

We easily found a rental car and the 405 South. With no mis-steps we found our favorite landing spot in Laguna Beach. Half-way down the cliff was our room, with balcony, ceiling fan, refrigerator and this view.

You'd think DH had grown up with the sea, considering how happy he was to be near it.

We had lovely naps in the sunlight and breeze before we went off to hunt for dinner. We lucked out. Tucked amid pines and ferns was
Salt Creek Grille.


The Frank Lloyd Wright style Bungalow hid the presence of a genius chef.

Alica, our blonde Californian server gave us a great tip in recommending the "chop." First we had an appetizer of cheese and fruit. The cheese was from
Laguna Culinary arts and was divine. Who knew cheese could be so magnificent? Just the names are fun: Stinking Bishop, Taleggio - Caravaggio,Tete de Moine, Tetilla de Vaca, Tumalo Classico. Eavesdropping on another server revealed only that the milk was from cows, goats, and sheep. It tasted like Stilton, brie and provolone. Combined with dates, candied pecans, raspberries and grapes it was better than Eden. The CHOP was huge, tender and memorable. The Apple chutney, garlic potatoes with asparagus and carrots were perfect accompaniments. YUM.

The next morning we drove north to see what we could see, including breakfast. Rose Donuts Cafe was one of the few places that was doing a brisk business AND had parking spaces. This friendly pooch was parked next to the sidewalk table we found. (A screaming toddler inside made the out of doors even MORE attractive.)

I sketched this palm tree while waiting for our egg & croissant sandwich. A sweetly silent toddler showed up later, but was too wiggly for me to sketch. His green sweater, his mother's green T-shirt and the green carrot tops were an opportunity I was sad to miss.

Even though we didn't especially want to shop, we found ourselves at Fashion Island. It had been heavily advertised 30 (!) years ago and has definitely kept up with the times.

We indulged at Barnes and Noble, then walked outside among the umbrellas, teak benches, and beautiful people with their dogs.

Macy's was apparently the sponsor of the carousel. Grandparents and grandchildren were having, um, a grand time. I was surprised at how earie it was to watch a silent merry-go-round. I missed the old-timey music of a calliope. Perhaps Newport Beach has a strict noise ordinance.




Next we wended our way around the paths and escalators to LaHaina Gallery. This beautiful painting entitled Blue Egg caught our eye. There may be a future for a print over our mantle.

We rested while driving back to Laguna Beach. The Pottery Shack was about to be re-dedicated after refurbishing and rescue from some sort of crass re-development plan. (I'm still unsure what the developer wanted to build, but according to the local paper, benefactors were found to keep it traditional)
Although I don't remember the mountain goats, I do remember scads of galleries from when my parents took me to Laguna Beach in the 50's and 60's. This gallery had photographs, these glass place settings, and sculpture.

This free spirit was very welcoming!

Neither DH nor I could imagine eating off of these. But I thought they were beautiful.

Later we drove up behind the town into the hills. There were teeny bungalows, mid-century modern showplaces and newer homes that maintained a California attitude.

This was their view of the pacific.


After a blast from the past at Ruby's Diner we drove back north so that DH would be in place for his meeting in El Segundo. Lots of refineries near the beach. I ended up wearing some oily tar home on my capris.

But the water and expanse of light sand was just as I remembered it.

We asked about the piles of shoes we saw on the walkway and pier in front of our table.

We were told that they belonged to a rowing team and that they would soon return. I don't know where they were from, but the did return just as we were leaving. Rowing must be good for you. The women were strong and trim.

I would happily go back tomorrow.