Go for a Ride

This is a photo I took yesterday at the wonderful Imagined Wests exhibit at the Autry Museum of the American West. The exhibit is about how the American West exists in the imagination in many forms, from art to movies to objects. Since the novel I’m working on that’s set in the adult movie industry is also about California and the twin myths of the American West and the American Dream, I found the exhibit very inspiring. In fact, it gave me an idea for an extremely important scene that appears late in the book.

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Flight

A shot out the window over California on a recent flight. Follow me on Instagram for more of my photographs.

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Happy

I took this photo recently in Burbank. Follow me on Instagram for more visual content of my life in L.A.

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What I'm Watching

I’m watching “Berkeley in the Sixties.” Watch it on Fandor on Amazon Prime.

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Earthquake!

🌎 short but strong #earthquake

I grew up in California, so I’m used to earthquakes. This one was close and strong. It was enough to have me sit up in bed and grab my phone. A few smaller ones followed. The world shook and then stilled.

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Los Angeles Colorized

I love these renderings of Los Angeles by George Townley. What you see here is a dingbat, an architectural style found across the city that features living spaces above parking spaces. Found via California Sun.

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How I Became a Journalist

I subscribe to The California Sun, a new California-centric newsletter by Mike McPhate. It includes features like, recently, "When Russia Settled California." I thought I recognized the images. Isn't that where I went on a grade school field trip? I wondered. Indeed, it was Fort Ross, which comes to mind occasionally because that's where I first tried out being a journalist. I believe I was in the fifth grade, and we went on an overnight trip to Fort Ross, which has a program that allows groups to stay overnight at the Fort, and, in doing so, go back in time to experience life at the Fort as it used to be. When I went, various kids chose various roles to play. The person who made butter, I seem to recall, was one. Maybe another included feeding livestock. Instead of going back in time, I chose to be the reporter from the present time who would report back on the trip. I wore a sweater vest. I suppose that was my idea of what a journalist dressed like.

Los Angeles

Last month, I moved back to Los Angeles, which I'm really excited about, and I'm happy to be here again. I grew up in Berkeley, so California is my home. I love seeing those undulating golden hills in the distance. And those yards overflowing with a cacophony of wildflowers. And those crazy pastel sunsets that last forever.