2022: The Year in Review

As things opened up a bit more this year, I dipped my toe into the waters and ventured out of my cocoon. My first trip for 2022 was to Palm Springs, which is not all that far distance-wise, but sure makes for a nice getaway. I stayed at my usual haunt, the Movie Colony Hotel. Outdoor swimming in early February? Count me in.



I finally found a Valentine (besides Willis, of course).



After a ten year absence (at least according to my photo library), I was able to see the Forever Marilyn statue again:



I also discovered a hidden Lloyd Wright architectural gem:



My February PS trip also yielded my top blog post for the year, which featured the Plaza Theatre:



In March, I found myself at Huntington Beach for a very windy photo shoot:





The after-shoot meal was chicken and waffles at Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails.



In April, I was back in Hollywood for the annual Shirley Palooza, with detours to the Academy Museum to see the Ruby Slippers:



My first trip to Shirley Temple’s childhood home in Brentwood, thanks to Melissa (aka The Colonel):





Don’t worry about Willis; he was along for the adventure, too, lounging at the Chateau Marmont pool;



Another year, another birthday, this time at one of my favorite San Diego restaurants, Madison.



June found me back in Palm Springs, checking another one off my bucket list: the Korakia Pensione hotel:



This year also marked the return of the monthly Creative Mornings breakfast meeting in Downtown San Diego:



Typically on the last Friday of the month, they provide a great opportunity for networking, coffee, donuts, and fantabulous speakers:



An’s Dry Cleaning became a new favorite haunt this year; not for dry cleaning, but for ice cream.



Every (almost) Wednesday night, I ran with the Milestone Running Club. A great way to rid myself of that hump day stress and get snacks like oranges or watermelon afterwards.



In August, I hid in the bushes to capture a surprise engagement shoot in Coronado.



Did she say “yes”? What do you think?





Another Chateau visit in August, this time to celebrate my friend Will’s birthday. Naturally, Willis joined in the festivities.



I also had the pleasure of doing two photo shoots with actor Guillermo Diaz this year. First at the Chateau in September:



…and in Venice Beach in December:



My whirlwind November NYC trip to see a Broadway play and catch up with friends was well-documented here:



…as was Mom’s 90th birthday celebration in Philly:



Willis and I reunited at the Chateau. Nothing like Chateau Marmont bacon to get him to forgive me for leaving town.



It’s fantastic to be able to stay here and be treated like family by the best staff ever,



The holiday season was kicked off with a concert by the Doo Wop Project:



The year ended with a bang as Willis got to meet the legendary Sid Krofft. Stay tuned for that story and more!



I hope your 2022 was a positively memorable one was well!

See more of my photography at my main website.

The Pasea Hotel in Huntington Beach

On my first trip to Huntington Beach, I stayed at the Pasea Hotel, located just steps away from the beach and pier. Less than a year old, the property gets two thumbs up. Hip and catering to the Surf City culture for which Huntington Beach is known, it makes for a great place to kick back and relax.



The lobby has this interesting piece created out of flip-flops:



A closer look:



The pool was fantastic for my morning swim, and you can't beat a pink flamingo for a flotation device!



The fitness center was huge, albeit deserted. More than adequate for a hotel gym.



The room was spacious, clean, and well appointed:



including a guitar in the living room:



I love little touches like this:



Of course what you really are staying here for is the view. Yowza.



You would have a hard time finding a more spectacular place to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean (or a better looking couple to photograph):



I also recommend the in-house restaurant, Tanner's.



I had great service...



a tasty entrée...



and a dessert that definitely meant I was doing laps in the morning.



My only snafu during the visit was the bill. If you stay here, take a close look at every charge. I was overbilled by a substantial amount. On the plus side, accounting had it taken care of shortly after my phone call.

More Pasea Hotel photos at my main website.

The Nude Dude in Huntington Beach

Visiting Huntington Beach for the first time, I tried to see as much as possible during the less than 24 hours that I was there. My photo shoot took up most of my time, so that left very little for exploring. I was definitely in a "shoot now research later" mode. Walking along Highway 1 (aka the Coast Highway), I encountered this surfer statue. Click...click...click...move on.



When I looked him up online upon my return home, it turns out the sculptor, Edmond Shumpert, wanted the statue to have a classical appeal, so he made the surfer completely nude. Did I even notice? Nope. Apparently it has stirred up some controversy, but has remained riding the eternal wave since his installation in 1976. The irony: public nudity was banned here in 2006. Oops.

Plenty of real-life surfing still goes on, as you can see from these early morning sunrise shots that I captured as I walked around the pier.











More Huntington Beach photos at my main website.