What I'm Reading and Watching...

Palm Springs Weekend: The Architecture and Design of a Midcentury Oasis

This book was a major source for me when I was originally researching our Palm Springs walking tours. I am revisiting it to see if there are any additional stories I can use or architecture that deserves more focus. Both photos and text are wonderful and really give you a feel of Palm Springs, using the architecture as a touchstone.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

I had meant to see this movie, staring Stanley Tucci, Kevin Kline, Calista Flockheart and others when it was in the theater, but its run was quite short. I happened upon in the library a few days ago and thought I would take it home. I was greatly impressed with all aspects of the movie. The acting is wonderful, the adaptation is faithful to the original and the photography is gorgeous. I don't often buy movies, but I think that I will be adding this one to my small collection quite soon.

Dirt Under My Nails: An American Farmer and her Changing Land

Events/Art

Brewery Art Walk

October 12-13, 2002 -- 11am to 6pm

This is one of our favorite places to visit each year. We made it in April and are going to try again this month. Check it out if you get a chance! -- Douglas

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From the web site...

Resident artists of the Brewery complex, the world's largest live and work artists colonyâ??and invited guest exhibitors, museums and arts organizationsâ??throw open the doors of over 170 Brewery studios to the public at this biannual arts event. The event is free of charge.

The Brewery Artwalk was started in 1982 by resident volunteers. In 1997 the Brewery Art Association took over administrative responsibilities for organizing and expanding the event.

The last ArtWalk, which was in mid-April of 2002, hosted over 15,000 visitors. The October 12-13 event promises to be even bigger.

Events/Kids

Pumpkin Patch Storytimes

10/10/2002

Pumpkin Patch Storytimes at the Calabasas Library include lively readings with music, movement, and a craft. Ages 2 to 3 at 10:30 a.m.; ages 3-1/2 to 4 at 11:30 a.m. Free. 23975 Park Sorrento Street (behind the Edwards Cinema in the Commons), Calabasas. 818-225-7616 (SFV)

News

Palm Springs Desert Museum and Albert Frey

The museum as information on Albert Frey and his contributions to architecture in the Coachella Valley. They even have a web cam giving you a live view of the desert from Frey's House #2.

From the web site...

Palm Springs, CA (April 8, 2000) - The Palm Springs Desert Museum has announced that it has received a bequest from the late renowned Modernist architect, Albert Frey. The bequest, as announced by Janice Lyle, Ph.D, executive director, transfers ownership of Frey's residence, an architectural gem, to the Museum with an endowment to preserve and maintain his home in perpetuity. Frey, whose home is a local landmark, died in November 1998 at age 95 and had been a long-time supporter of the Museum. "We're delighted that Mr. Frey thought so highly of the Museum to entrust his prized possession to us. His bequest stipulates that we maintain his home in its original state and we are very pleased to do so. We will ensure that the integrity of this architectural landmark will be preserved for future generations," said executive director Janice Lyle, Ph.D. "The Museum was privileged to call Albert our friend and we will carry out his wishes while maintaining his legacy as a true architectural visionary."

Web

MIT OpenCourseWare

Have you always wanted to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), or maybe just audit a class? This might be your chance.

MIT has opened its electronic doors by placing the materials for entire courses online for FREE. With a PDF viewer you can start reading the lecture notes today. I plan on checking out a few of the courses in the near future.

From the web site...

MIT and the OpenCourseWare team are excited to share with you a first sampling of course materials from MIT's Faculty. We invite educators around the world to draw upon the materials for their own curricula, and we encourage all learners to use the materials for self-study.

Events

The Lavender Fields

I found out about this place last year, but was unable to make it to their open days over the summer. Maybe we will make it sometime in November. The have just announced their U-Pick dates for the Fall.

They are located in eastern San Diego County, off of I-15. You can get a map and directions from their web site.

October 5-6
November 2-3
November 16-17
November 23-24
December 14-15

11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Head on out and have some fun. There are great Christmas shopping ideas in their General Store for those on your list who 'have everything'.

From their web site...

Welcome to The Lavender Fields, an organic lavender farm in the foothills of the Palomar mountains in northern San Diego county California, where we grow Lavandula x intermedia 'Provence', commonly referred to as 'French Lavender', known for its powerful, sweet fragrance and abundant display.

Our Mediterranean climate provides just the right environment for our fields. Every evening the Pacific Ocean marine layer moves slowly inland, blanketing our fields with a protective dew. The evening air comes alive with natural perfume. At daybreak the fog begins to move out, opening the fields up to another day of nurturing sunshine.