The Modern Visions of Julius Shulman

The great architectural photographer Julius Shulman died this past week, at the age of 98. His photographs helped define the look and perception of modern architecture for most of the 20th century.



This photograph of Case Study House #22 by Pierre Koenig in 1960 helped to convince many Americans that Los Angeles was the city to plant their roots in. It remains Shulman's most iconic image.


The Kaufmann House by Richard Neutra in Palm Springs circa 1947. One of the most iconic houses of the 20th century with quite a storied history including once being owned by Barry Manilow who remodeled it to fit his decidedly unmodern tastes. As of May 2009, it was for sale for $13 million.

images via The Wirtz Gallery

Saturday Farmer's Market

We've never been to the Irvine Farmer's Market. So today we checked it out and got some organic veggies and of course kettle corn popcorn.


Gorgeous baskets from The Basket Co-Op supporters of fair trade handcrafted African baskets.





A most unsusual and exotic flower with zig-zag leaves.


The dry flowers are sometimes painted.


A cool stop for some succulents at an affordable price.


We had lots of fruit samples including these sweet heirloom tomatoes.








I am definitely gonna come here again for holiday gifts not only for the baskets but also these exquisite table tapestries from CJ Paisley.

Lawn Bowling

Alex used his birthday gift certificate from the Garcia's to get this cool "to go" bowling set.

Thank you Garcias - it's a gift that keeps on giving.

Movies Under the Stars

Monday nights at South Coast Performing Arts Center's movies under the stars.


Brenda and me packed a picnic dinner and took the kids.


Although we were far we could hear and see the movie once the crowd settled.


Brenda with her kids Tyce and Zion.

This summer’s movies include Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (July 13), Annie (July 20), Footloose (July 27), and Mama Mia! (August 3).

Wine Tasting

Last week we went to the Garcia residence for a lovely afternoon of wine tasting.


Our Host Miki with Brenda.


The lovely array of wines: David called one "pretentious yet obtuse"


Cheeses, fresh fruits, chocolates and desserts were devoured.


The girls Brenda, Heather, Elia, Izzy and me.


The Daddy's T-kay & David our babysitters for the day.


They kept the kids busy with water guns. Oh boy did they have fun!

A Big Thank You to Miki & T-kay for a wonderful Summer Get Together!

Dwell in the Possibilities

To quench our insatiable thirst for design, we went to the Dwell show in LA. I got in for free with my student ID, but David had to pay $25 bucks.

The entrance to the Los Angeles Convention Center.


A foam fabric sculpture that you can build yourself to decorate your home - looks cool, but all I can think about is how dusty the thing will get.


Artist on site creating wall murals.


A colorful array of bowls set in wood.


We loved these African woven bowls.


My Tesla boys checking out the orange hot wheels.


My dream green home made by a company in Austin.


It was modern, rustic and exotic.


My modern boys checking out the scene.


Alex future modern tree house - Opa can you build this for us?


Alex admiring the retro fabrics on these floor cushions.


My favorite lamp at the show.

Since we were already in LA we thought we'd hop on to the 110 and take it up to Pasadena.

This was taken at the shops on Colorado Boulevard.

Summer School

Alex first day of Summer school was the day we got back from Austin. I can't believe it'll be over next week. The time just flew by. Now he has all of August off. What's a boy to do?

Well he'll be riding the bike that Oma & Opa got for him on his birthday.


The one that Opa help Alex build.


Daddy & Mommy are gonna try and see if he can ride without the training wheels.

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Alex's helmet hair after a bike ride

Korean Friendship Bell

Another day trip we took in May was in Palos Verdes to see the Korean Friendship Bell. It sits a top a hill overlooking the ocean.