2023.09.29—Trip to Paris

I'm on my way tomorrow to meet up with Henry who is in Ibiza. On this trip I hope to see museum and gallery exhibits and people watch all over the City. This will be my 35th visit to Paris.

I'll try to update this site over the next 16 days...

Be fierce and thrive

—Ph/H
Hollywood

2023.02.20--The Charms of Live Music

Recently a hotel near me started presenting live jazz ensembles on Sunday afternoons. It's free to the public with the purchase of a drink. Henry and I walk over to the hotel and enjoy the intimate setting. Everyone is close to the musicians and often hold conversations with them between pieces and during breaks.

The dynamic between audience and musicians creates a collaboration or sorts, with the audience calling out "Go on!" and "Yeah!" and applauding solos or righteous riffs. Live music always brings tears to my eyes and I'm instantly charmed, even by less than grand performers. I encourage them all! It's not the same in a big venue like the Hollywood Bowl or a stadium where a single voice can't be heard above the sound system and the crowd. I prefer these small venues with a cocktail in hand(perhaps a Campari and soda or a strong Negroni). And of course free is generally good...

--Be fierce and thrive!

—Ph/H
Hollywood

First Post of 2023...

French Baked Beans

I love cassoulet! 

We have beans nearly every day here and I often make a quick version of the classic french recipe. I brought back six cans of this brand from Paris in November and it's a delicious easy lunch. There is a length of sausage and a small duck leg in each can and I was surprised at how inexpensive it was (the equivalent to $3USD). Henry won't let me eat beans everyday but if I could I would. 

This is the street where I live when in Paris: rue Charlot. It was built in the early 17th Century—the building I live in was build in 1625!

It's New Year's Day as I write this and I am hoping for a good year ahead with lots of time to travel and spend time with friends. I hope to make new friends as well, which at my age is becoming more and more difficult because I don't go out as much as I used to. Hollywood, where I live in Los Angeles, has lots of opportunities and I just have to take advantage of each day.

With that I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2023.

Be fierce and thrive...

—Ph/H

Hollywood