Monday, December 31, 2012

The Getty Center in Los Angeles



On the last day of 2012, I’d like to share a few pictures from The Getty Center, the amazing museum in the hills overlooking Los Angeles.


My son and I were there on December 9, during an afternoon we stole away from the hospital (the West Los Angeles VA Hospital, where my husband was a patient).

We had just a few hours to wander through The Getty’s buildings and gardens. Normally I would have been prepared for a such a visit. Under the circumstances, however, I was simply happy to be doing anything other than being at the hospital.

When the sun set, we were at the cactus garden. The birds chirped and the hummingbirds buzzed around strange cacti that I’d never seen. From our hill-top vantage point, we had a great view of the layer of smog that was filtering the light into golds and pinks. Below us, the 405 was lined with endless head lights and brake lights, and in the distance, the high-rise buildings’ lights were starting to twinkle. It was a magical moment during a week of craziness.

Here’s a toast to magical moments, whenever they may happen.

Happy New Year!

06-14-13
Update: For more pictures, check out my flickr set, "The Getty."

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Plant World: A Vegas Oasis




I've been to plenty of plant nurseries over the years, but I can only think of one that warrants a visit simply for a stroll around the grounds. Plant World, on West Charleston, isn't just a place to buy flowers and shrubs. Birds and other creatures live there, which is why I have pictures of Plant World but not of any other nursery I've ever been to. Besides being a fun, unusual place to explore, Plant World is also staffed with people who know their stuff. This is the place to bring your questions about sickly plants and troublesome sprinklers.

I took these pics inside Plant World late last summer, when the Top Notch Barbeque food truck was still parked out in front of the nursery several days a week. My family made an entire afternoon out of lunch at Top Notch followed by a stroll through Plant World.

That got me wondering what was up with Top Notch, which serves up some of the best barbeque in Vegas. Turns out Top Notch is no longer mobile, but plans to open a restaurant. They still do catering, however, which almost makes me want to think up a reason for a party.

All pictures by Terrisa Meeks

Sunday, March 25, 2012