Hollywood at Sunrise

During my recent trip to Hollywood over the holidays, of course I had no idea of the impending devastation that would be experienced as a result of the ongoing fires. While walking Willis one morning with camera in-hand, I was able to capture a gorgeous sunrise against the backdrop of some of my favorite buildings. Along Santa Monica Boulevard, the advice of this neon sign calls to mind the movie “LA Story” (iykyk).



A major bucket list item was checked off by capturing the Tail o’the Pup sign while lit:



(speaking of “LA Story” again!)



During the day, this pop-up ad for the Netflix film “Carry-On” looks like just another construction wall.



With the purple and pink hues of sunrise, it is much more appealing!



The Standard Hotel in West Hollywood has been closed for a few years, but appears to be in the construction phase for its next iteration. Has it been painted pink like the Beverly Hills Hotel down the street? No; this is just what the rays from a gorgeous sunrise can do to an otherwise bland off-white building.



I was ecstatic to see that the El Mirador Apartment neon sign was working again.



Even better at sunrise!



The historic 1930 Colonial House on Havenhurst:



I have no idea what this building at 8246 Sunset Boulevard is, but it provided a cool silhouette against the backdrop of the sunrise:



By the time I got back to the Chateau Marmont, the sunrise was almost over. Still, a hint of pink was cast over the mysterious tower at the top of the hotel:



One room I have never been in. Just add that to my bucket list.



The latest fire catastrophes in Hollywood and Los Angeles make me recall the horrible fires in San Diego back in October 2003.



One minute we were carving pumpkins, the next we were struggling to breathe clean air.



My heart goes out to all the residents of the areas in Los Angeles that have been affected. The devastation is unreal when you see the videos (the real ones, not the ones generated by AI - ugh). Whether it’s dollars, thoughts, prayers, or physical assistance, whatever you believe in and are capable of, send them the way of the people who are suffering.

See more Hollywood photos at my main website.

Portland Adventures, Pt. 3: Waterfront Sunrise

One of the things I enjoyed most about my stay in Portland for the 2019 UCDA Design Conference was being able to get a good morning run in along the waterfront. Unencumbered by stoplights, the waterfront provided gorgeous views and the ability to run continuously for over an hour. Thank you Portland! One morning, I actually ran with the camera so that I could capture the sunrise and the silhouette of the city.

While the majority of the waterfront run was on flat territory, there were enough dips, turns, bridges, and stairs (if you chose to use them) to keep things interesting.



And the moon was still shining; yes, it was an early morning run!







The Maritime Museum is located on this little boat; unfortunately according to signage it was closed due to maintenance and lack of volunteers.



In the distance you can see Mount Hood:



See more Portland, Oregon photos at my main website.

Another Miraval Monday

Hopefully you aren’t sick of my Miraval Resort photos yet. With sunrise shots like this, you can see why I am ready to head back.



I was fortunate in the time of year I visited as the temperatures and rainfall were just right to give the desert a bit of green as well as a generous sprinkling of color from the recently bloomed flowers.



On the property it wasn’t too hard to have an encounter with the wildlife, including this roadrunner:



…and Phyllis Diller, this bird’s unofficial nickname:



Sunsets weren’t so bad here, either:



See more Miraval Resort & Spa photos at my main website.