Florida, oh, Florida

Everyone says it rains a lot in Florida.  Maybe they're right.  I drove three miles in a rental car before I figured out how to turn on the wipers.  Forgot to get those instructions before I drove out of the Fort Lauderdale Airport.  

Windows of the hotel lobby before it rained.  Scary.

Hollywood Bowl Forever

Tonight was no exception.  The Hollywood Bowl ended with a bang.

Travel Fact

In the wake of recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court supporting marriage equality, hotels, particularly those in California, which will become the 13th state to offer legalized gay marriage, are poised to reap the benefits.  California will host approximately 37,000 same-sex weddings over the next three years among couples who will spend almost $500 million, according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.  As a point of reference, during the first year gay marriage was legal in New York State, it generated $259 million in New York City alone.

Grand Performances

Tonight's program at Gran Performances at the California Plaza celebrated women through a variety of musical styles.  The evening began in the sub-Sahara with the graceful a capella music of Adunni and Nefertiti, a Nigerian women's company with renditions of their native folklore.  Followed by Martha Redbone with warm melodies from the American south mixed with Native American roots.  Bluegrass, folk and country gospel from selected William Blake prose was refreshingly performed.  And finally LA's own Dessy di Lauro delivered some neo-ragtime.  Audience members picnicked and danced the night away. www.grandperformances.org for the balance of the calendar.

Horoscope

July 3, 2013, LA Times read: Sometimes the past is like something seen in your rear view mirror.  When it feels like memories are holding you back, step on the gas.
In the process of making over my apartment.  It all started with an offer from my landlord to paint.  Three weeks later, all of my stuff is in boxes in the middle of the living room or piled on top of the dining table.  Somedays I don't know where to begin.  But throwing some stuff away or making donations is a great way to start.