Happy Happy Talk!

We went to an Academy screening of South Pacific last night. At the reception before the film we met one of my favorite stars, MITZI GAYNOR. It was so cool to meet her, she was awesome! Funny as can be. She told old stories about Sinatra and Rodgers and Hammerstein and I could of easily forgotten about the movie and just listened to her speak all night. What a delight!

Another Version

One thing I love about prints is that you can make a bunch of them and then do different variations on a theme.

What A Weekend!

The Art From The Ashes exhibition finally arrived. We're now recovering from two nights of parties. We had a blast seeing friends, meeting all of the artists and being involved in such a cool show. I loved seeing all of the ideas the artists came up with on the theme of making art from the rubble pulled off of the mountain.

This is Joy Feuer, the mastermind of the Art From The Ashes events. Kudos Joy for such a successful show - wow!

Two more weeks!

Dropping off our pieces for the upcoming Art From The Ashes Show. We took a tour of the gallery space and saw some of the art from other artists. I think this is going to be a really good show.

A Photogrpaher and his Subject

Check out Vince's new buddie. They spent the last week together.

Introducing Pom Pom

My mom's new puppy is the cutest thing I've ever seen. It took all of about 5 seconds for me to be completely smitten and in love.

Art From The Ashes Exhibition Opens June 19th

I'm so excited about this show for many reasons. First off it's a benefit exhibit to raise money to rebuild the trails that were destroyed in the Station Fire. Second, I love being in a show with so many friends - Vince, Jaimie, Laura Stickney, Joy Feuer and many more. Good vibes abound :)

At Play In the Poppy Fields - HEAVEN ON EARTH!!!

Purple Hills above Glendale

We were in the hills above Glendale where the Station fire was last year. The fire and destruction is now giving way to incredible beauty as the hills regenerate themselves with flowers covering every inch of the land.

A Walk in the Hood

We walk Zuri around the block every night and I had to stop and take my picture with this blooming bougainvilla and wisteria - so pretty!

Spring Has Sprung!

On the road to visit my mom and sister in Lompoc for Easter.









Then we went to La Purisima Misssion. It was a nice place to spend the day walking around the grounds, playing with the animals and checking out mission life from the 1700's.












I felt like we spent the day living in an impressionist painting, colorful and bold, nature at her finest.




If you'd like to see pictures that Vince took of the mission go to his blog at: vinphoto.blogspot.com
They're really gorgeous pictures!

Solstice Canyon Hike

I felt like we were hiking in the garden of Eden. There were flowers everywhere. I love spring! Check out the handy work of this wood pecker.

The Day After the Chile Earthquake

We were in Santa Barbara the day after the Chile earthquake and the water was so violent that it tore this boat in half. The ocean had eaten the entire beach so we had to take our walk on the bluffs.

On the bluffs with Vinnie, Lorie and Gug

Flat Alexandra and Art From The Ashes

My cousin Flat Alexandra is visiting me so I brought her along to a film shoot we did in the mountains one rainy Saturday. Alexandra thought it never rained in sunny California but she soon found out it could storm just like it does where she lives in New Jersey.

Mad Hatters

Cookies

The cold days inspire me to turn on the oven. I'll make cookies at the drop of a hat - any excuse!

Snow Day!

Who says we don't get snow? I've been enjoying our snow covered mountains all winter. The best time of day is at sunset when the low sun turns the entire mountains pink. Breathtaking beauty.

Saturday night

What a great way to spend a Saturday night. Vinnie set this shot up. I sat in for him while he lit it and got the camera angles right. Then he stepped in front of the camera and lit up. We shot about fifty photographs and by the time we were done Vince was green..zombie green. It was quite a ghoulish sight. But before that he looked awesome!

Birthday Moon

On this exact date, many years ago, I woke up to the most amazing view over the San Jacinto mountains in Palm Springs- a bright rainbow that looked as if it was springing forth from the mountain peaks. Vince took a picture of it and it's on our refrigerator to remind me of the first sight I saw on my 40th birthday.

Today my first sight was this fat moon descending behind Mt. San Jacinto. If we had slept a few minutes more we would of missed it. I think this will be another reminder of my birthday happiness - our days spent in the desert taking in fresh air and views for miles. God I love this place! Today we're going to Joshua Tree and I'm brining my sketching pads and pencils. Maybe I'll find the perfect view to draw and possibly make a print from.

Our Room with a View

It wouldn't be my birthday unless I spent it with my fellow desert rat Vince in beautiful Palm Springs. After the holiday rush it sure felt good to lay by the pool and chill out. Yes, January 2nd, poolside. Loving California!

Laura Stickney Interview

Untitled from Donna Grillo on Vimeo.

Rainy Day

I'm just sitting here watching the world go round and round...
Poor little Zuri has to stay in the house today.

L.A. Printmaking Society

I recently joined the L.A. Printmaking Society and the first event I went to we heard June Wayne speak about printmaking, along with other old time printmakers who are credited with making Los Angeles the premiere town for the creation of lithography. Most of the prints shown were from the 60's so there was a lot of social comment - war, women's rights, racial equality...
I found myself thinking that all of these people are in their 80's and 90's and will soon pass on, leaving only their beautiful art work as a reminder of their time on earth. I felt honored to be in a room with so many great talents. Very inspiring!