Palm Springs Women in Film and Television Kicks off New Speaker Series

New Podcast: Palm Springs Women in Film and Television Kicks off New Speaker Series

Independent Film Producer Kim Waltrip returns to my podcast to discuss the Palm Springs Women in Film and Television (PSWIFT), a non-profit organization founded in 2001, dedicated to promoting its members, both men and women in the Entertainment, New Media and Creative arts community. Focused on education and bringing more production work to the Coachella Valley, PSWIFT is the 38th Chapter of Women in Film & Television International, reaching over 43 Chapters worldwide and over 10,000 members. Ms Waltrip currently serves as President of PSWIFT and offers her unique perspective of this organization's contributions to Palm Springs. Anyone interested in a career in film or television this podcast has some great insights from Kim's experience as a film producer based in Palm Springs.

Kim Waltrip

PSWIFT has initiated a Speakers Series, the first installment will kick off February 20, 2020 with a conversation with Nick Vallelonga, the Oscar Winner for Best Picture "Green Book" and the actor who played the Bass in the film, Mike Hatton. 

Nick Vallelonga is the Writer/Producer of the Oscar winning film “Green Book.” and also won two Golden Globes for Original Screenplay and Best Picture which is based on the true story of Nick's father Tony Lip, who went on tour of the south with the brilliant pianist Dr. Donald Shirley in 1962.  Mike Hatton co-starred as George Dyer, the Bass player of The Don Shirley Trio. Mike won several awards for his performance in Green Book including a Hollywood Film Award and he returned to his second home here in Palm Springs to accept the PSIFF Chairman's Vanguard Award.  Mike is also a producer and can be seen next in Pay Dirt, which he produced in The Coachella Valley.

A conversation with Nick Vallelonga, the Oscar Winner for Best Picture "Green Book" and the actor who played the Bass in the film, Mike Hatton! Wine reception prior to conversation. Tickets are $25 for Members, $35 for non-members. Register here.

The Skyline of Palm Springs

I took this photo with my iPhone 6

I've long had a love affair with the city of Palm Springs. The majestic San Jacinto mountain-- which looms large over the Village of downtown Palm Springs, is the backdrop of this entire city. It provides a sort of natural canvas upon which a virtual painting is created each day for residents and visitors to admire. No two days are alike when you view this virtual canvas; the position of the sun, temperature, atmosphere, the exact position from which you view the mountain, even the time of day can all affect how it looks. 

Last night I was struck by the intense beauty along North Palm Canyon Drive, just at twilight. It was an interesting combination of deep rich colors, appearing both dramatic and peaceful. The jagged edge of the mountain peaks, the deep cobalt blue sky, with stars twinkling, the hint of light still emerging from the west, and the yellow-orange glow of lights from Palm Canyon. It was captivating. The native indians here say these mountains have great energy and are grounding for ones soul. There are times when I can stare at these mountains and immediately feel more relaxed and reassured. It isn't something that can be explained easily, but you know it when you feel it. If you have ever visited or lived in Palm Springs, you will know just what I mean.

An Evening at Palm Springs Air Museum

I love living in Palm Springs. There is so much to see and plenty to do. One hidden gem is the Palm Springs Air Museum, located adjacent to the Palm Springs International Airport. I was there to attend a private dinner party held in the museum hangar, in the midst of the most beautiful warbird aircraft, light dramatically in the desert night. The San Jacinto Mountainscape was the perfect backdrop for these works of art that once liberated Europe. The air museum boasts one of the world's largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft and Warbirds. Their mission is "to educate and honor World War II combat aircraft and the role the pilots and American citizens had in achieving this great victory."

If you have the opportunity to visit this museum, do so--it is quite impressive. It's a great place to take your dad, uncle or any veteran. Last night I toured the Bob Hope war exhibit within the air museum, which was really cool. Learn more about this fun museum from their website.

Another Modernism Week Wraps Up

Here in Palm Springs, our annual Modernism Week is about to draw to a close; after a very busy calendar of events. All accounts estimate that this year's activities drew record crowds to our fair desert community. The website for Modernism Week describes it as: "...the only such event in the country, is an exciting 11-day celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture and culture. This design aesthetic, originated in the 1950s and 60s, was typified by clean, simple lines and celebrated elegant informality which came to define desert modernism."

Modernism is alive and well, it would seem. In particular, folks around the globe seem to have a fascination and appreciation for Mid-Century Modern style, and in particular architecture. According to our friends at Wikipedia, Mid-Century Modern is defined as follows: "an architectural, interior, product and graphic design that generally describes mid-20th century developments in modern design, architecture, and urban development from roughly 1933 to 1965".

This year's events were much more than just home tours and bus tours of historical architecture throughout the city of Palm Springs. Car shows, fashion shows, concerts, lectures, films, trailer shows, and a dizzying array of fabulous cocktail parties. The Modernism Week blog was well written, too with great content.

Retailers-- purveyors of both vintage and new goods carried a marvelous variety of goods, from authentic vintage clothes, classic home decor accessories, to fridge magnets. It was, a modernism bonanza for fans of the Modernism style. The Uptown Design District, in particular did a brilliant job hosting events, featuring goods and services and consulting for inquisitive minds. There is even a handy app for your mobile device.

A special thanks to everyone who hosted, organized, lectured, sponsored, volunteered and most importantly--attended the events here in Palm Springs these past days. It has been a fantastic experience once again.  

Valentine's Day in Palm Springs

I wouldn't consider myself a "hopeless romantic" but I'm a firm believer in the importance of those "magic moments" that kindle new relationships and keep the fire in existing ones too. The everyday opportunities are what matter most, but it is hard to resist "the Biggies" on the calendar, such as Valentine's Day. Even as a kid, at an early age I developed a fondness for the Valentine's Day customs. Perhaps it was the heart-shaped boxes at Fanny Farmer and Fannie May Candy shops. I'm sure their heart-shaped chocolate marshmallow treats had nothing to do with it...but I was also a fan of sending--and receiving Valentine's cards in the mail. I can even remember cutting out  hearts out of red and pink construction paper and taping them all over the kitchen for my mom. Yes, Valentine's Day has strong memories for me that have carried through my entire life.

Perhaps that's why every year I celebrate Valentine's Day in my own way. I've always bought myself a heart-shaped box of chocolates, just to carry on the traditions. I've helped plenty of clueless friends who have sheepishly asked my opinion on what to do for Valentine's Day with their girlfriends/boyfriends/spouses. Of course, living in a popular vacation spot and tourist destination like Palm Springs, plenty of friends end up coming to visit as the ideal weekend get-away for a romantic weekend. There is plenty to do here in Palm Springs. I read the Top 10 Things to Do in Palm Springs post over at the Memento Gift Shop blog for some ideas, and couldn't think of anything to add, so I'd suggest reading that list of ideas.

The nice thing about visiting Palm Springs this time of year, is the weather is just starting to warm up again. The "worst" of our ever-so-brief winter weather is generally behind us already.  Days warm up nicely, but not too hot yet. Evenings still have a slight chill, but nothing a sweater or a bit of cuddling can't find. Visitors who come to Palm Springs in February are delighted to find the city brimming with things to do. Aside from shows at the McCallum Theatre, Annenberg Theatre, Palm Canyon Theatre, or the many casino attractions and shows, Palm Springs has frequent weekend Art Walks. If art is your thing, check out this website, which has a really good list of art destinations in Palm Springs.

Aside from the vast array of golf, tennis, bike tours, and such, there is great shopping and sightseeing to do here. Most people marvel at the really good variety of dining options. There are some awesome restaurants here, from casual to fine dining. I tend to enjoy the restaurants that combine good food with good atmosphere. Whether you dine outdoors, or in a special dining room, the experience remains etched in your memory. These are all what can help make a special Valentine's Weekend in Palm Springs. The goal is to create memories of the time you will spend together here.

Go places where the stunning views will make you smile. The Palm Springs Tram is one such example. Rent bikes and explore the city's marvelous neighborhoods to see the mid-century modern gems tucked away. Take a leisurely stroll through downtown and explore the Walk of Stars. Do things you might not do at home, like visit a day spa, go hiking, drive out to Joshua Tree National Park. The options are endless.

Come to Palm Springs and plan a Valentine's Day getaway that you and your sweetheart won't forget. You'd be surprised at how easy it is do to.

Getting Better at Home in Palm Springs

Whoa, it has been a rough week. I had been winding down a cold and just had the tail end of a little cough, but nothing too bad. Then I had a bad case of food poisoning/flu, which led to bronchitis. I woke up one night having a hard time breathing I decided it was high time I went to Urgent Care. The good doctors there got me all set up on medicine and I'm on the mend. But wow did this knock it out of me. I could barely get out of bed, or keep my head up. A few days I had a headache so bad that it felt like someone hit me over the head with a cast-iron skillet (you know, like they do in the cartoons?). I think for about two full days I laid in bed groaning. I barely ate for three full days. One full day was spent shivering no matter how many layers I wore. Crazy, nasty stuff.

I'm happy to report that I am on the mend. I feel better but I get tired very easily, even a phone call wipes me out. But I'm fine- not to worry. Through it all, the one thing I can say I enjoyed was the view from my bed. I love living in Palm Springs...I've always thought it was therapeutic for me. The climate, the light, the air pressure who knows. But desert life agrees with me. I agree with this t-shirt, "Palm Springs is Paradise Found'. For me, it was comforting just to stare out the window and gaze at our beautiful San Jacinto mountain range.
So despite being physically ill, my mind has been at peace and happy through it all. Back in the '20s through '40's people with respiratory health problems would flock to Palm Springs because of our dry climate. Scores of people with various health ailments still come here to partake in the "miracle" hot springs, claiming a myriad of health benefits. I can't personally speak to those claims but I can say this, Palm Springs is a good place to recover from just about anything.

Bringing in A Little Christmas Mood

For some reason I've been taken with the Christmas spirit this year a bit more than previous years. So much so that after the inside of the house was decorated, my eye turned to outside. The easiest change was to convert the underwater pool lights to green. Just beyond the pool you can see some tiny white lights in the distance. Those are the 'net lights' draped rather carelessly on our pencil tree, but it works.

Then it was onto the cactus plants in the west garden. Other than a few oleander bushes, there really aren't any shrubs in the garden, so that meant it was up to the cactus plants to carry the lights! This one is adjacent to the patio fireplace and looked kind of fun with lights on it. I was worried it might look tacky, but I think its OK.

Needless to say once I was finished stringing the Christmas lights everywhere, it brought an elegant and festive Christmas mood to the grounds. I wanted a little Christmas, and here it is, Palm Springs Style. I hope your holiday decorating brings as much joy to you this season.

Collectable Christmas Gifts

Do you know someone who really appreciates collectables? Recently I've become familiar with the World's Fair line, such as this "Circus" in the photo at left. There is a great store in downtown Palm Springs called Memento Gift Shop that carries these and other collectables. I borrowed this photo from their blog. Check out their post on collectable Christmas Gift ideas. If you live in the Palm Springs area, check them out...their store is at 111 La Plaza, in the heart of downtown, right next to See's Candy shop. 

As a reminder, nothing here on my blog is a paid post, but I wanted to help out these folks, as they have a great retail store, and its locally owned too. I believe in shopping local as much as possible. I hope you do too!

Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade 2012

This past Saturday evening was the 21st Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, held downtown along Palm Canyon Drive. The event is hugely popular for our tiny desert community; this year it attracted well over 90,000 spectators to enjoy the festive lights to kick off the holiday season. The event organizers report on their website that during the past 21 years, the parade "has featured a host of marching bands, performing groups as well as the Budweiser Clydesdales, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Snoopy and the Gang – and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus". Here are a just a few photos of some of my favorite parts of the parade. I hope it puts you in the holiday spirit.

 Happy Holidays, from the Palm Springs Savant!

Guide Dog Heroes Brunch Honoring Betty White

Today I attended the 6th annual Heroes Brunch, an event benefiting the Guide Dogs of the Desert. The Guide Dogs of the Desert are one of my favorite non-profit organizations in Palm Springs. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with them for over five years already. This year's honoree was Betty White. No doubt you already know that this amazing lady has won seven Emmy Awards during her 60+ year career in Hollywood. You probably are already aware she is known as an animal advocate, having helped numerous shelters and animal related causes throughout her life. In addition to all this, she has also been a huge supporter of non-profit guide dog programs for many years. I've also been involved with Guide Dog fundraisers for several years and had the opportunity to see Betty White's passion for these incredible dogs. Betty White's current dog 'Pontiac' is a retired guide dog. She told me that "old dogs have a special place in my heart' which is why she adopted Pontiac.

Dick Van Patten, Betty White and his wife Pat Van Patten

Actor and animal lover Dick Van Patten attended the Heroes Brunch to day, in support of his friend Betty White. His pet food company, Natural Balance Pet Foods (for whom I work) has long been a supporter of guide dog schools nationwide. It was great to see Betty White and Dick Van Patten together, sharing a few laughs, and helping raise awareness about the important work guide dogs do to help visually impaired people.

Dick Van Patten, Betty White & Tom Sullivan

Dick told me he and his wife were so happy to be with their friend Betty as she was honored for her work to help the Guide Dogs of the Desert of Palm Springs. Seated next to Betty in this photo is Tom Sullivan. She and Tom are long time friends and also co-authors of The Leading Lady, a true story about Mr Sullivan's first guide dog Dinah, and the impact she had on both of their lives (Betty ended up adopting Dinah when she retired from her work as a guide dog). It was a great event, I'm so proud of what Natural Balance does to help this wonderful organization here in our beautiful desert.

Shopping in Downtown Palm Springs

I've never been one for all the "Black Friday" hype....but I did find inspiration from the "Small Business Saturday" grass roots campaigns I saw floating around the web. Small businesses are in fact the lifeblood of the American economy. Lots of people make their living by either working for, or owning a small business. If you've ever been to Palm Springs, especially along downtown Palm Canyon Drive the one thing you will notice is the absence of big business.

It was an easy decision to support the "Small Business Saturday" campaign...all I needed to do was not drive to the big malls, but instead swing by the shops on Palm Canyon Drive here in Palm Springs. There I found a delightful array of unique shops. Memento Gift Shop is one of my favorites, as well as Cold Nose Warm Heart. I also like Crystal Fantasy, R&R Menswear, British Invasion, and loads of others. I was pleasantly surprised to find lots of people shopping our downtown village area on Saturday. 
  
My hope is that the focus of "Small Business Saturday" helped re-introduce consumers all across America to the many small businesses right in their own communities. Here in the Coachella Valley, we depend of tourism, snow birds and driving distance visitors from Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and other coastal communities. If you come to Palm Springs anytime soon, stop by our lovely downtown village and see some of the really great retail shops we have along Palm Canyon Drive. As the Palm Springs Savant, I can vouch for the great businesses, restaurants and hotels here. Don't miss an opportunity for a different shopping experience, and a chance to support real people who need your patronage.

Yet Another Update on Spike, 2012

Spike today, June 2012, 12" above the block

Back in 2007 I purchased a cactus for a tiny patch in my front driveway at the Palm Springs house. At the time, I asked readers for possible names for the cactus, and I chose "Spike" which Bunnygirl recommended. I've enjoyed watching him grow over the years and have had fun posting period updates on his progress 2007, 2008, 2009) It has been a few years since I last shared Spike with you, so here goes. As you compare the differences among photos watch the distance of the top to the stucco block on the post behind it. I just wish I had thought to measure it all these years!

Spike in 2009, maybe 5" above the block

Spike in 2008, just above the stucco block

Spike in 2007, well below the stucco block

Another view of Spike today, 2012

On Being Mentioned in New York Magazine

A few days ago I received a Tweet from one of the tourism groups here in Palm Springs informing me I had been mentioned in an article about Palm Springs in New York Magazine. I clicked through to the article which was geared toward New Yorkers considering a visit to our fair desert community.

The article teaser headline was featured on the home page of the New York Magazine website. In all honesty I hadn't visited the NewYorkMag.com in quite awhile, so I took some time to reacquaint myself with their format. News, food, theatre, travel, home...all the usual sections in a publication for a thriving mega metropolis like New York. Being a former New Yorker, I used to read New York Magazine regularly but as I've been gone (as a resident) for over 20 years I lost the habit of reading their publication. Needless to say, I was delighted to find how much I enjoyed reading their site. Now that I've book-marked it, I can regularly keep up with all the terrific features they run.

Of course I visit NY regularly so it is nice to have some inside scoop and info. Anyway, lo-and-behold I found the article entitled "Get Lost in Palm Springs" by By Carrie Nieman Culpepper and read through it in great detail. I was delighted to see she featured one of the newest hotels in town, The Saguro which only just opened after an extensive renovation of a former property brand at that location. The writer does a nice job offering a broad range of tips and suggestions on what to do here in Palm Springs. From where to stay, where to eat and what to do there are plenty of tips to get someone started. She also-- quite generously mentions yours truly, this very blog as follows: "Find out what celebs have been in town recently on local radio host Rick Rockhill’s Palm Springs Savant." It was a very nice treat and pleasant surprise to be mentioned in her article. So to Ms.Carrie Nieman Culpepper, should you read this post, I say "thank you" for the very kind mention. You just gained one more reader :-)

Reflections and Introspections

Every so often I get introspective about life. It usually happens after  wrapping up a particularly busy stretch of time in life. At present I seem to be in the midst of a very busy decade--but that's just what happens during one's mid-forties I reckon. I tend to travel extensively, partly for work and partly for pleasure. I enjoy travel. As much as being home in Palm Springs makes me happy, somehow I end up going here, there and everywhere. Regardless of where travels lead, or however hectic the pace, making time for myself is always a high priority. When something or someplace strikes me as having a certain type of energy or spirituality it stops me in my tracks. Like a warp core engine shut down, my attention span crawls to slow-motion, allowing my mind to pause and reflect. This isn't an A-D-D moment--those I'll willingly admit to when they occur. What I'm referring to are those moments when something stops me and that inner voice says "stop and check this out". I'm quite grateful to have learned early in life to always listen to my inner guiding voice. Without fail I shut down my "warp core engines" and listen to the Universe speak. This is especially true when I travel to ancient lands, or places with a deep long history.

Some places seem to have more energy or vibrations than others. The pyramids of Egypt, the ancient city in Ephesus, Turkey, parts of Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, Wales, Montenegro, Nuremberg...well I could go on and on but you get the gist. I've just had those moments in such places where I've had to just stop and reflect.

It is quite amazing what one can hear and see when one truly listens. I'm a firm believer that things in life happen for a reason. How we respond, react or handle things is our free will I guess. We truly are the sum of our life experiences. But perhaps I'm just being too deep. Helps me unwind anyway, and for that I'm grateful.

Anyway I had the most interesting experience just a few days ago while away from home. I was chatting with someone about a fairly mundane topic, when I noticed the subject matter grew more deep and almost philosophical. I nattered on freely, until I sensed mid-sentence, that the other person seemed to be much more engaged than I realized. It was the strangest sensation, as if everything went into slow-motion. I could hear the person talking, but what I also "heard" and "saw" was something much more deep. 

I didn't even realize it but soon I was waxing philosophical, sharing stories and advice that I sensed this person needed to hear. I believe I was simply a conduit at that moment. This person needed some validation and almost spiritual direction. Of course by spiritual I does not mean religious, it refers to more of an inner compass of life. Sometimes we can "be there" for someone without realizing it. That's exactly what occurred in this situation. 

Afterward I was mentally exhausted and had to close my eyes and reflect. It was as if my energy was drained from that conversation, but in a really good way. I didn't question it, I accept that this is all part of the human experience of life. Fortunately for me, I'm back home in Palm Springs and able to ground myself and recharge the battery of my mind and soul. A fresh sunrise on the San Jacinto mountains is just what I need. Life is good.

Modernism Week in Palm Springs

Right now, we're smack-dab in the middle of Modernism Week here in Palm Springs. It's actually an 11 day focus on mid-century modern design which includes architecture, art, culture, films, lectures, clothing, home furnishings and much more. Mid-Century Modern refers to the the period of 1940's, 50's and 60's design styles. Palm Springs was a hot bed of growth and development during that period, and has retained much of that style even today. In fact it is embraced and celebrated, this with events like Modernism Week. We have modernism built into the fabric of our community. According to their website, the Palm Springs Modern Committee is a "non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to maintaining the heritage of modern architecture and historic neighborhoods in Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley. Our goals include community education, outreach, and advocacy in creating a constituency for the appreciation and preservation of Desert Modern design". There is a great article from the LA Times that ran last year about Palm Springs Modernism if you want to check it out.

Adele Cygelman's great book, pics: David Glomb

Palm Springs is recognized as a mecca for all things mid-century modern. People come in droves to tour, shop and relive the era through period hotels, renting homes or dining in retro-restaurants. There are plenty of easy self-guided tours you can take as well. We have an excellent range of shops that specialize in selling  mid-century merchandise, so as resale, some new goods designed in the retro style. 

People from all over the world enjoy renting mid-century modern homes, sip martinis poolside and dream about what it was like to see Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack at local Palm Springs establishments. Friends of mine own a business called 'Vacation Palm Springs', which specializes in such rentals, short-term or long term.


Another great example of this is famed Palm Springs fashion designed Trina Turk. Her clothing and home furnishings are immediately identifiable and unique, but always bring you back to the 50's and 60's era.

A really cool thing to do while visiting Palm Springs is to take a guided tour. There are several good tours, particularly during Modernism week--which offer views of some of the most iconic designers and architects whose work is preserved, and alive and well here in the desert. Albert Frey homes, the Elrod house (made famous in the 007 flick Goldfinger), Numerous Alexander style properties, and much more. These designs will leave you longing to live here!

So if you are within driving distance to Palm Springs, or just feel spontaneous, hop on a quick flight to PSP International Airport and check it out. Incidentally, PSP was named one of the top ten most stress-free airports, by smartertravel.com. Nifty, huh?

Finding Joy in Life

While driving to work this past week, I was struck by the view of the morning sky here in Palm Springs; so much so that I pulled over and stopped the car to admire the beauty of nature and take this photo with my iPhone. I consider myself truly blessed to live here in Palm Springs, nature presents itself in full glory every day. 

This sunrise turned out to be an inspiration for a presentation I was giving at a conference this past week. The topic was all around Stephen Covey's 'Circles of Influence' concept, where one can be Proactive or Reactive. The Reactive person allows things to 'happen' to them, affecting their view of everything. This person chooses to complain, or focus on what is negative or going wrong in their life. The Proactive person makes things happen, projecting their positive view on their own world. This person chooses to focus on the positive aspects of life, and chooses to have a positive attitude. Finding inspiration from our every day lives--like a beautiful sunrise, is all it takes to be a more Proactive minded person. Covey's writings teach us that a person's Circle of Influence can increase when you are Proactive minded. When you influence other people in a positive way it is remarkable what other positive things in the universe seem to come your way.

Think of the last time someone held open a door for you, or did something nice--completely at random. How did that affect you? Chances are it made you mile, or do something nice for someone else shortly thereafter. We all have the ability to great things during our all-too-brief lifetime on earth. I believe one of the big secrets people miss is that life is about being happy. Don't wait for happiness to come someday ("when I get ____, or find ____ or earn ____"). If you can find a glimmer of joy from something as simple as a morning sunrise, you can be happy everyday of your life. You only have to give yourself permission to do so.

Midnight in the Garden

Recently I've shared a few posts about a series of improvements to the grounds at home. It has been a year-long project...not because of it being a sprawling estate, but more because it takes time and money. I also like to allow enough time for the full creative process to unfold. For example, this giant Buddha in the garden finally has the right lighting and greenery adjacent. The lighting is amazing isn't it? The effect makes it appear Buddha's head is floating above the pedestal. I'm especially pleased with this element of the gardens. All the crushed Palm Springs Gold rock is in place and beautiful. The cactus, succulents and palm trees are all happily established and ready for prime time.

You may recall my post earlier in the week about the boulders I purchased for the front courtyard. Here they are at night, with the new landscape lighting in place. I didn't adjust the color at all on the photos of these rocks, although admittedly part of the rich hue is from contrast in night with the shutter exposure. Regardless they do look magnificent, don't they? I just love my boulders! It is too dark in this photo to see the plants but one they grow in around the boulders they will really look swell. 

Here is another photo I took in the garden, but a few hours earlier...just past twilight. If you look beyond the palm fronds, you can see the dark ridge of the San Jacinto mountains, and if you look up a tad bit in the top left corner you can see a beautiful star in the night sky. For some reason I just really like this photo. At any rate,the good news is that the grounds are now complete and I can enjoy them. One of my favorite things to do is sit outside with my dogs...with a glass of wine in hand--and star gaze. Life in the California desert is especially good this time of year. I'm blessed to have all of this to enjoy.

Palm Springs Gold

Recently I had some landscaping done in the yard and decided to add a few boulders as accents in the front courtyard. As a focal point at the main entrance it was important to me to find just the right rocks. So off I went rock-shopping. Where exactly does one go to shop for rocks, I wondered. Sure enough I found a few rock supply stores, and off I went.

Without being a Geologist, I already knew that there are many types rocks, so I set my mind on a variety known as 'Palm Springs Gold'. The courtyard already has 32 tons of crushed gold rocks as the ground cover in our desert landscape. Once at the rock supply store, I was directed toward the area where the Palm Springs Gold rocks were piled high. I scaled the pile with one of the workers. Once I selected my rocks, I labelled them with my last name so the workers would identify them for delivery. As I stepped back and gazed at the label I found it amusing to see 'Rockhill' scrawled on three boulders atop of a big pile of rocks.

A few days later a nice man in a massive truck used a huge crane to hoist these three boulders in the courtyard. Weighing around 2 tons each, once in place they were not to be moved ever again, so I used a variety of hand signals to direct the crane operator on how to position them as best he could. Funny, once in place they don't look quite as big.

The gardeners have begun planting various eco-friendly, drought-tolerant plants in and around the boulders. In the peak season, it isn't uncommon to reach 118 degrees, with virtually no rainfall, so its environmentally responsible to use as many plants as possible that require little water. Most of the yard is now cactus and such, which suits me fine actually. Next step is to install a few low wattage accent lights here and there, for dramatic effect. Anyone who knows me well understands that it's all about the lighting with me. Until the next time....