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At the Museum Without Walls…

AKA, the Newport Beach Civic Center Park.

Birdman by Steven L. Rieman. The “wing” structures are supposed to move, but they didn’t catch a breeze that morning. Looks kind of angelic to me. I like it!

(X)ofmanychildren by Roberto Visani. Are the figures smooching, or back to back? I like it!

Scorpion by Colin Selig. Why an angry scorpion? What couldn’t it have been a scorpion in a good mood? Pass.

Bunnyhenge escapee…

A Novel Idea by Craig Gray. Too bad you can’t sit on it like a real bench.

Prey by Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson. Mr. and Mrs. F covered this entire thing in coins. I kid you not. It’s made of money.

The immortal and iconic Bunnyhenge.

David by Miggy Buck. Perhaps “cankles” would have been a better name, not that I’m anyone to judge.

Talking Heads by Oleg Lobykin. Shiny! I like it!

Alfie loves nothing more than soaking up local culture, ‘cuz she’s sophisticated like that.

2023 Movie Diary, Part 7

19. THE GENERAL (1926)

The plot’s creaky and bogs things down when too much attention is paid to it, but the production, the physical stunts, the cinematography, and of course, Buster Keaton himself are really something to behold. Even on the crummy little screen I was watching it on. It must be amazing to view on a really big one.
Verdict: Keaton is a force of nature, and his stunts alone are worth tuning in for.
See it here: The General (1926) – Full Movie HD – YouTube

20. RISEN (2016)

Think of it as “Crucifixion C.S.I.” Where did Jesus’ body go? Is it all a plot to foment revolution? It’s Joseph Fiennes’ (who is sensational) job to find out for his increasingly nervous boss, Pontius Pilate. This is an enormously underrated movie, very creative and powerful, and has become an Easter staple at my house. If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor.
Verdict: Inductee, Laurie’s Cinematic Hall of Fame

21. ANGEL AND THE BADMAN (1947)

So *that’s* where the idea for Witness came from!  Tough guy John Wayne, wounded in a shootout, seeks healing and refuge with a Quaker family. They are lovely people with a really pretty and dull daughter played by Gail Russell, who always seems confused about what emotion she’s supposed to be going for. There’s some good stuff, but boy does it ever seem long, even though it isn’t.
Verdict: See “Witness” instead.
See it here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH541cXPdBM

California Dreamin’…

…is what they called this gorgeous display. It’s like a Rose Parade float, without the wheels.

Beautiful bears, covered in what looked like shredded bark of some kind.

Look how awesome this is!

I went totally nuts for this tortoise!

Superbloom!

That’s the state bird right there!

I love the use of cranberries on the frog…

A mountain of flowers!

I thought I was just going to look at a lot of vendors selling orchids and stuff. I had no idea this beautiful surprise was waiting!

2023 Movie Diary, Part 6

16. CLASH OF THE TITANS (1981)

Two words:  Ray Harryhausen.  The rest of the movie is a lot of fun too…everyone takes the proceedings very earnestly…to the point of being just *this* side of tongue in cheek.  But those creatures…divine.  
Verdict: Ray Harryhausen. Enough said. He has brought me so much joy. Just look at these wonderful monsters!


17. THE QUIET MAN (1952)

Everything here is perfect. Especially Maureen O’Hara’s ferocious, down-to-earth, tender performance. Her Mary Kate wears her proud and loving heart on her sleeve in such a moving and funny and relatable way. This is her movie, and every other wonderful performance and bit of beautiful Irish scenery is thing basically there to support her. One of my favorite performances in any movie.
Verdict: Inductee, Laurie’s Cinematic Hall of Fame

18. YOUNG GUNS (1988)

This is a pretty decent movie and tells the story of Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War with more attention paid to accuracy than you’d expect. And with the hindsight of decades, this is a damn good cast, and they all do well in their roles.  It holds up well, and it’s fun seeing some actors who we now see as hoary veterans so early in their careers.
Verdict: Not bad at all.

Currently blooming…

Nasturtiums still going strong…

Golden poppy, one of THREE…WOW!

One last iris, a totally different color from the rest…

A sword lily. I had no idea we even planted one.

Last of the ranunculus…

Bachelor’s buttons…the bees love them.

The Meyer lemon is going nuts!

Geraniums still cranking out the blooms. A lot of our geraniums were brought from our old house. And a couple were there when we moved in 30+ years ago. I’m sentimental about them.

New flower bed, for future blooms!

I read a book!

This is a wonderful book about many things. It’s nominally a children’s book, the story of a princess trying to undo an old family curse. It’s about friendship and faith, and how little missteps and misunderstandings can spawn great sins. It’s about the indelible power of the fruits of the spirit. And it has the most wonderful, cathartic ending it’s ever been my pleasure to read in a book. I need to read all of Elizabeth Gouge’s books! Highly recommended.