Sunday, September 9, 2012

Labor Day at LACMA





On Labor Day Weekend, I traveled to L.A. As usual, it was a stimulating change of pace from my serene Santa Barbara. One of the highlights of my trek was a visit to the wonderful, spacious, L.A. County Art Museum. It was a warm and fairly clear day in the city, and the museum offered graceful views of West Hollywood and the adjacent hills, as well as a clear vista of the illustrious Hollywood sign.

















One of the first exhibits that I saw at the museum, was an interactive piece that I can only describe as long, yellow, rubber noodles. It was a playful piece that attracted and delighted the many children who were visiting that day (myself included.) The piece inspired me to use my camera's video application for the first time. I was able to capture only a brief moment of movement before my memory card ran out.






Accompanied by my daughter and a dear old friend, I saw the much-talked-about "giant rock", with its official title of "Levitated Mass". The rock sits on several acres of sand and appears like an isolated boulder in the middle of a desert. As you near the rock, you begin to see the concrete ramp, excavated and reinforced beneath it. One thing that was pervasive at this exhibit, as well as at LACMA in general, was the sense of delight and awe in the visitors viewing the art.
























I found the instillation of two-hundred L.A. County lampposts, which were part of a larger exhibit entitled "Metropolis II", to be visually exciting through the eyes of the camera. I particularly liked the abstract mystery and film clip quality of this shot, which includes my daughter and my friend.




And last, but not least, the absolutely mesmerizing second half of "Metropolis II", which was an elaborate cityscape animated by toy cars and trolleys and trains. This too inspired me to use video.  It was difficult to pull myself away from this captivating piece by artist Chris Burden. His creation literally drove home the noise and head spinning chaos that lives in our century of freeways and automobiles.










To me, now, this cityscape in action seems to represent perfectly the hiatus that I am about to embark upon. It also makes me think of travel in general, and that beyond physical travel, there are many kinds of journeys; there are journeys of the heart and journeys of the mind. Now, as I begin my several months hiatus, my plan is to return on January 15, 2013, to make my next post.

I enjoy your company, Dear Readers, and have gotten to know many of you who regularly make delightful comments here. I can truly say that I will miss you and will, of course, think of you often. I want to wish you all a beautiful end of the year, and a rich and colorful Holiday Season flavored with joy and inspiration.

 And so, Dear Friends, arrivederci and many blessings until we meet again. My fond regards, ~  Anitra

41 comments:

  1. Hi Aneet,

    What can I say......I miss you already.

    It's been a while since I visited LA. The last time I came through, I changed planes at LAX to go home to NY. (I had visited cousins in Australia). But I have been to LA before and really enjoyed my time there for sure.

    This was quite a nice (they all are)and extensive post. I'm sure you had such a great time visiting with Erin,family and friends.

    I'm not sure I will look at linguini quite the same anymore. Looks like you needed the same help to escape all that vertical spaghetti as you did Vince Lombardi's twin brother in Ralph's supermarket. And that giant rock! If that came loose, it would cause Excedrin headache #5764. The shot of the lampposts did come out with perfect clarity. Chris Burden's cityscape was amazing to watch. Must have been incredible to see in person! Can you imagine what a Xmas gift that would make?

    Aneet,although you will be very missed, I wish you the happiest and best times for you in your upcoming travels. Go safely and think of me often.(Aww,shucks just kidding). Go safely and come back safely!

    Best as always........Jonathan

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    1. Jonathan,

      These moments are touching and bittersweet. The fact is, I will think of you often. This blog experience is an extraordinary thing. To have relationships and the exchange of ideas emotions and humor appear from a space that two years ago didn't exist, is remarkable.

      I always enjoy your words. They are infused with great humor and heart -- and they and you are truly memorable Jonathan.

      Lives change, paths veer, we can't help it -- that's life. This blog and all of our lives are evolving. It will be interesting to see where we all are by January 15th. It will likely go by far more quickly than we imagine.

      On another note, I'm so glad you liked Chris Burden's automania (my word.) It is extraordinary. My blog wouldn't let me post the original video. I think it was too large. I had to make the file smaller and the video lost much clarity and color. But the mood of the piece is still there.

      Jonathan, yes, I will miss you too. I want to send you a mountain of joy and winning moments during these next months.

      My fond regards, ~ Aneet

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  2. Anitra... I'll play echo to Jonathan's words: you are already missed... and please travel safely and return with pictures and stories to tell... know that we'll all think of you often... me, I shall go through your past posts to find ones published before I found your blog in between jaunts into the desert in search of new-to-me wildflowers and shrubs... yellow noodles floating like urban waterfalls and levitated rocks in a manmade Mojave and forests of lampposts, such gifts will be missed... wishing you the happiest of holiday seasons and much joy as the autumnal equinox cartwheels (hopefully gently) into the winter solstice... and may all the gifts you receive be magical and wonderful and delightful...
    Louis/LRNArts

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  3. Louis,

    Thank you so much for your wonderful sentiments, they are much appreciated. I can see now, that over this hiatus, I will be returning to read the comments on this post, as they are gifts.

    I have to say that I simply love your poetic prose. 'Noodles floating like urban waterfalls; levitated rocks in a man-made Mojave; forests of lampposts; autumnal equinox cartwheels into the winter solstice;' gosh -- really beautiful. Wish I'd written those words.

    Over these months, I know that you will be finding joy and inspiration in your life, as you seem to embody that.

    My fond wishes to you and your family, Louis. Sincerely, ~ Anitra

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  4. Hello Anitra,

    What a wonderful exploration and sense of of location. Your photographs put me in mind of location stills from a feature film looking through the eyes of the director. Great capture of place and time.

    Buckaroo

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  5. Buckaroo, hello,

    So good to hear from you. I really enjoyed getting your perspective on this post. Thank you so much for your keen impressions.

    Sending my good wishes your way, ~ Anitra

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  6. Anitra

    I love your blog!
    As a 1st, timer.
    I remember you on tpir when is came on.
    You were so very lovely!
    to me anything you had in your hands next to your very lovely face!
    I would definatly buy!

    I also remember your daughter Erin was on the show 1 time.
    Both you and Erin were looked so very close almost indenical!

    Why did you you leave the show?
    And I asso seen clips of the shows and movies you were in.
    As an actress!
    You were magnificent!
    You played ea. part perfectly!
    Even though it was acting!
    You played ea. part as if you werre that person.

    You are 1 lady I will not ever forget!
    And! You still look magnificent to this day!
    How do you do it?

    All my deepest love and respect always to you!

    Mark 25624

    P. S. I seen there is another Mark here,So That is why I used my screen name.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Mark 25,

      Welcome and thank you for sharing your impressions with us. It sounds like you are a Price is Right fan from way back.

      Thank you so much for your kind and generous words.

      Sending you my good wishes, ~ Anitra

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    2. Mark 25,

      Thank you again for your second message and for alerting me to the tributes to me that you found on-line. This is very thoughtful of you. I'm not publishing this, because we have discussed these sites here, in the comment section in the past.

      As a rule, I don't publish viewers Twitter accounts here or their blogs or Facebook pages. I enjoyed viewing yours, and thank you for sharing them with me.

      My sincere good wishes, ~ Anitra

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    3. Anitra

      Thank You for your very kind words.
      I enjoy your blogs, pictures.
      They ar magnificent!
      You truly have an eye for taking pictures!

      You have my deepset love and respec!

      Mark 25624

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    4. Your welcome. So glad you like the photos :)

      Delete
  7. Hello Aneet-

    That video of "Metropolis II" is an appropriate way to symbolize embarking on a journey.

    While I will miss your colorful and insightful posts these next few months, I of course wish you nothing but the best on this new journey. As the blog's resident TPIR enthusiast, it's been an absolute joy for me interacting with you not just about your memories of the show, but also discussing art, writing, acting, and other topics in this forum. I absolutely love the picture of you "parting the noodles". Once a model, always a model, right?

    So over these next few months, I'll think of you when I am sampling some dark chocolate, or am enjoying a coffee at my favorite Starbucks, or watching a clip of you gracing the stage of Studio 33 at CBS. Happy trails, safe travels, and bountiful holiday season and new year. See you in January!

    Best wishes and warm regards,

    Joseph

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  8. Joseph,

    So good to hear from you. I so enjoyed your comment. It is warm, generous and beautifully expressed. For sure I will be returning to read the comments on this post as the months move on. And yes, you are right, 'Once a model, always a model'.

    Wishing you too yummy chocolate, super Starbucks' sightings and a wonderful journey through the end of the year.

    My fond regards, ~ Aneet

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    1. And oh, PS: I want to thank you again for this photo with the camera that I've been using on this blog now for a long time. It works so well here. It was really clever of you to send it my way :)

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  9. Aneet,

    I will miss your thought-provoking and inspirational words...your colorful and interesting photographs (what will I do without your annual Halloween and Christmas in Santa Barbara pictures?)...and your wisdom...and most definitely your kindness.

    I wish you safe and happy travels! I look forward to your return. Your blog has become a source of joy in my life.

    My best wishes,
    Tom

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    Replies
    1. Tom,

      I so enjoy your eloquent and encouraging words. Your contribution here is vibrant and special.

      My fond wishes to you and your wife throughout these chock-full months to come.

      Sincerely, ~ Anitra

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  10. Safe travels Aneet! Hope you'll have a happy birthday!

    Take care!


    Bits

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    Replies
    1. Hi Bits,

      As always, lovely to hear from you Dear Lady. Thanks for your thoughtful words. Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season :)

      My fond regards, ~ Aneet

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  11. Anitra, hello,

    Welcome. It's delightful to hear from you, another Anitra. Thank you so much for your kind words and sharing this interesting fact with us.

    Sincerely, ~ Anitra Ford

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  12. Wherever you go, whatever you do, have fun! just make sure your passport is up to date and wear comfy traveling shoes. Bring your own earbuds and don't forget the phone charger (I ALWAYS forget my charger).

    I'll miss your posts, but i'm happy for you - it seems like you're gonna be on an adventure and I'm a little jealous!

    Bon voyage and happy trails! See you next year dear.

    Al

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  13. Dear Al,

    Lovely to hear from you. Thanks for the good tips; I will heed them.

    I too miss making my posts and hearing from you delightful people who respond.

    My good wishes to you Al. Look forward to being in touch next year as well,

    ~ Anitra

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  14. Hi Anitra:

    I hope you are having fun on your assignment. Nothing is new here except that the weather is growing colder in Illinois. At least I can look at your farmers market photos to give me images of warmer weather. I can't wait to see your next post in January. Hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving, Christmas and a wonderful birthday. Marie L.

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  15. Hello Dear Marie,

    It's so nice to hear from you. Yes, the season has changed, and with it comes the promise of the Holidays. Thank you so much for your warm wishes and thoughtful words. At the moment, mid-January seems a long way off, but in fact, it will be here before we know it.

    I trust that you and your loved ones will have a beautiful and memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas as well.

    Sending my fond regards, ~ Anitra

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  16. Aneet,

    Just in case you're reading your messages while on your break from the blog, I am so happy to report that your Wonder Woman TV Movie is coming to dvd next week via warnerarchive.com (and then amazon a little later). This was such a great part for you...I'm thrilled this TV rarity is finally being released once again!

    Happy holidays to you and yours,
    Tom

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  17. Tom,

    Hello. So nice to hear from you. Thank you so much for alerting me (and us,) about this new release of the Wonder Woman pilot. Warner Bros gave me javelin throwing lessons for that role.

    I surely hope that all is well with you, and that you and your family has a lovely holiday.

    My good wishes, ~ Anitra

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  18. Helloooo Aneeet,

    I just wanted to wish you at this joyous time a very happy and healthy holiday. May you receive lots and lots of presents, more presents,and all the dark chocolate you desire.(I'll be glad to knock off the milk and the white). This extends to your family as well!

    Did some food shopping before at Whole Foods Supermarket and got my favorite bagged salad. It's called the Santa Barbara Salad. How ironic is that? I figured if I wasn't there to visit Santa Barbara, I might as well eat it.

    Anyhow, hope all is great with you and looking forward to a nice 2013!

    Jonathan

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  19. Jonathan,

    Hello, hello! So nice and refreshing to hear from you. Thank you so much for your good wishes. I've recently discovered some new dark chocolate with very spicy jalapeno filling. I think I'm lucky that they run out of it quickly, and I'm unable to get it for months. At this time, we live in cities with no shortage of chocolate. I thought you'd given up chocolate (and sweets?)

    I think that's very funny, that you are eating Santa Barbara instead of visiting. Oh well. I have seen the mixed Carpinteria greens, that they grow here in Santa Barbara County. I wonder if they are the same that you're referring to.

    Meanwhile, Jonathan, it feels a bit odd, being back at my blog after this long break, but also, especially nice to hear from you. Your timing is perfect. I will have gotten your message four days before the world ends :) And yes, I do hope, and trust, that you too will have a delightful Holiday with many, many gifts, and in the warm company of your loved ones. Perhaps you will be making some of your wonderful music as well.

    Happy New Year Jonathan. My fond regards, ~ Aneet

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  20. Aneet,

    I'm actually going to try to give up wheat in the new year. This will be one of my new year's resolutions. You are correct, I did give up for the most part a lot of sweets. (At this time I'm down to only a truck load a day). But,the things I've been hearing about wheat is amazing. Years ago, wheat grew 4 feet high and these days it grows only 18
    inches high. It's just not the same nutritious wheat our parents had in their generation gap.I'm going to give it up for a short amount of time as a trial run to see if there's a difference in how I feel. I will keep you posted. But before the end of this year, I'm going to my favorite bake shop and getting a "Zuppa Inglese" cake. It's an Italian style rum cake that has mixed into it vanilla pudding and morello cherries. All I can say is xbvdejdeokfmsvxksbveb! And furthermore gdsndsklsdkehrbfdmk! That's how good it is!!! It's my answer to your custard strip from Solvang.

    Do you have any Whole Foods Supermarkets in California? I wonder if they're nationwide or just here in the northeast. The Santa Barbara Salad I was referring to is in a packet by the brand name "Ready Pack". It's cut up, washed and ready to eat.

    I've already asked my brother to send me an email a day or two before the world comes to an end reminding me to get my shirt out of the cleaners.

    Thank you for the warm holiday wishes. They are appreciated and sent back to you 10 fold.

    Jonathan :)

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  21. Jonathan,

    Hello again. I'm glad to hear that you're trying what sounds like a gluten-free diet. It's become quite popular and is helping a great many people. I found what you said about the wheat to be very interesting.

    Your descriptive words for the "Zuppa Inglese" are pretty outrageous. I wish I'd thought of them. You have a wonderfully creative and whimsical mind.

    And yes, we do have a Whole Foods. What a fantastic place. Each store is a bit different, and some of them I prefer more than others. Our Santa Barbara Whole foods opened just 2 years ago. It's a small store and is doing very well. I do believe they are national with a home base in Texas. We are fortunate to have a store like that (along with T.J.'s)

    Well, I'm glad to hear that you will be well dressed for the end of world. Gosh, let me see, it's now just 3 days away. Friday, hmmm. Maybe I'll wear my magenta sweatshirt with a multi-colored scarf.

    Meanwhile, once again, my fond wishes Jonathan, ~ Aneet

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  22. Wishing you, Erin, and the family a happy and healthy 2013!!


    Jonathan

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  23. Thanks so much Jonathan,

    Good to hear from you. I trust that you will make beautiful music this year, as always, and that you will find joy, health and success in twenty-thirteen :)

    Sincerely, ~ Aneet

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  24. Hi Anitra,

    Thank you for sharing your pictures, thoughts and insights. Such talent you have with words and pictures now displayed along side your class and grace and beauty. A big fan back in your TPIR days, now a fan again through your blog. How did you manage to become even more beautiful?

    I'm curious as to the camera and equipment you are using. Is that something you can share?

    Thanks for making the world more beautiful.

    Alan W.

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    Replies
    1. What a lovely message. Thank you so much for your kind and generous words Alan. It is a treat to hear from a TPIR fan.

      As far as my camera equipment, I use a small Panasonic Lumex, with a telephoto lens. They have several models available. I rarely mess with my interchangeable lenses these days.

      I have an old friend who is a marvelous photographer -- one of the best. His name is also Alan W. Meanwhile, Alan, I'm so glad you found my blog and opted to share. It's a delight hearing from you.

      Sincerely, ~ Anitra

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    2. Hi Anitra,

      Truthfully, I wasn't a TPIR fan, per se, just a fan of Anitra Ford and your captivating ways. I always thought it a waste of valuable air time whenever they used another model!

      You aren't using several thousand of dollars in equipment? I'm even more impressed (and humbled) with your photographs. You're proving it's truly the ability of the photographer, not their equipment. I hope you'll share some of your techniques and secrets.

      Interesting coincidence about your friend. I'm far from a marvelous photographer. Rather someone who dabbles occasionally (and who is ever grateful for digital formats, photo editing software and the delete function!).

      If someone had told me 40 years ago that THE Anitra Ford would respond to my message, I wouldn't have believed them. You remain amazing. Thank you for brightening my day.

      Alan

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    3. But of course, anything is possible in this extraordinary world.

      Once again, Alan, I enjoyed your kind and generous message. You have skill in expressing yourself with the written word. It's fun to get your perspective.

      And now, I guess it's time to prepare for my next blog post.

      So good to hear from you. Sending my good wishes your way,


      ~ Anitra




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    4. Thank you, Anitra, for the compliment on my writing.

      Alan

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  25. Anitra

    Welcome back!
    How was our journey?
    And yes I do agree with Anonymous about how you have stayed so wonderful and very lovely as well!

    How are you this new year?
    I do hope as is well with you.

    I have a picture of you sitting in a chair.
    So very lovely!!!!
    And your ever so very lovely smile included and great legs!
    I have it for my wallpaper!!!
    To remind me of you and those TPIR days!

    You will always have my deepest love and respect with and to and for you!

    Mark 25624

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    Replies
    1. Hello Mark,

      It's nice to hear from you. Some of your questions I have answered in my new, current post. Once again, thank you for your complimentary words. I am surprised to hear that I am your wallpaper. That is a first.

      I hope that you are happy and doing well too and that your New Year is fulfilling. Sending you my good wishes Mark, ~ Anitra

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  26. Hi Aneet:

    Happy New Year to you, Erin, Charles, Ruby, and the grandchildren!

    I hope you will be near a television tonight, or you can ask Erin to set the DVR. Your guest role on The Odd Couple will be shown tonight at 10:00 on Me-TV.

    Have a good week!

    Bits

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  27. Bits,

    It's delightful to hear from you! Thanks for informing me about The Odd Couple. You are so thoughtful and well informed. Hope you are having a wonderful and auspicious New Year Dear Bits.

    My warm regards, ~ Aneet

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