"Are you married?"

The following conversation took place this morning at my local supermeracto. Translated as best I can from Italian:

Cold cuts counter man after he gave me my salami di Napoli order: "Are you married?"

Me: "No."

CCM: "No?! How is that possible?"

Me: "We talked about this last year."

CCM: "Well, I thought maybe things had changed. We should go out."

Me: "I have a boyfriend." (I don't)

CCM: Looks confused as if my reply is completely irrelevant to our conversation. After a beat he says, "Oh, okay, well then you let me know when you want to go out. Understand?"

Me: "Uhmmm" (He spoke so quickly. I wasn't sure what he said.)

CCM: "Yes, you say, 'Francesco (not his name) let's go out.' Okay? Understand?"

Me: "Oooh Okay, have a nice day."

CCM: "You too, beautiful."


Trust me, this NEVER happened to me at Gelsons, or Bristol Farms supermarkets in L.A. Last year Francesco gave his number, after I told him I had a boyfriend. He said we could still practice Italian. Bwahahah

I thought it would be awkward to go back to my favorite supermarket when I didn't call him. But, he was perfectly professional.

I was caught off guard this morning. A year later and Francesco is still trying to get his mack on? Living here cracks me up.

Flashback Friday - TLC - "No Scrubs"

There were a bunch of videos in the early - mid 90's that had the same look as this video. Silver background, fish-eyed lens, etc.

It's a shame the members of TLC went through so much drama. Just as Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes was getting her life back on track, she died in a car accident during a family retreat in Honduras.

I thought of this song the other day when some random dude sitting in the passenger seat of a car tried to holla at me. His lines were weak. No scrubs! heh

Have a great weekend.

Flashback Friday - Chet Baker - "My Funny Valentine"

It's Valentine's Day Weekend. As usual, I don't have a Valentine.

In Italy it's kind of celebrated but not to the steriods level it is in the States. As a single person this is fine with me!

I picked up some amazing porcini mushrooms at the market and will make myself a very romantic dish of risotto. Along with a nice bottle of Sicilian wine, I'm good to go.

Back in L.A. the build up to Valentine's Day sent me into a funk. You couldn't even go out to dinner as every restaurant had a special V-Day menu. I felt bad for men who were under a lot of pressure to spend x-amount of money on flowers (the prices are always hiked up) and other gifts.

I ADORE flowers but I think there's something weird about the mass marketing/commercializing of romance and love.

When it comes to matter of the heart, I say keep it simple. Actions and words speak louder than a dollar sign.

This short instrumental version of "My Funny Valentine" floors me. The emotion, the longing, expressed without a word. Beautiful.

Have a great weekend.

Flashback Friday - Nocera - "Summertime, Summertime" Mantronik Mix

It's Memorial Day weekend the States...the unofficial beginning of summer.

This jam from 1986 reminds me of summer in NYC. Listening to Hot 97, going to the Limelight. This song was played at EVERY party.

I went out with a DJ who made me a mix tape with this song, Joyce Sims and other classics from that era. I still have it. Back in the day, almost everyone and their mother had two turntables and mic.

I finally downloaded this song from iTunes as I haven't used my old Walkman in years.

Have a great weekend.

Flashback Friday - Stevie Wonder - "As"

Hands down, one of my favorite songs.

I almost done with my rewrite. I have to say while I'm feeling very pessimistic about love and romance, my script says the opposite.

Between the lyrics and Stevie's delivery I understand why this song from the '70s is so loved.

God I hope before I leave this earth I feel this way about someone and he feels the same about me. It's not looking good for this ragazza. If I wasn't so busy worrying about being able to pay my bills I'd be depressed.

Have a great weekend.

As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early May
Just as hate knows love's the cure
You can rest your mind assure
That I'll be loving you always
As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow
But in passing will grow older every day
Just as all is born is new
Do know what I say is true
That I'll be loving you always

Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky---ALWAYS
Until the ocean covers every mountain high---ALWAYS
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea---ALWAYS
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream

Did you know that true love asks for nothing
Her acceptance is the way we pay
Did you know that life has given love a guarantee
To last through forever and another day
Just as time knew to move on since the beginning
And the seasons know exactly when to change
Just as kindness knows no shame
Know through all your joy and pain
That I'll be loving you always
As today I know I'm living but tomorrow
Could make me the past but that I mustn't fear
For I'll know deep in my mind
The love of me I've left behind Cause I'll be loving you always

Until the day is night and night becomes the day---ALWAYS
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away---ALWAYS
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4---ALWAYS
Until the day that is the day that are no more
Did you know that you're loved by somebody?
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left---ALWAYS
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
I'll be loving you forever
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through---ALWAYS
Until the day that you are me and I am you---AL~~~~~~WA~~
~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky~~~~~AA~~~~
~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~YS~~ALWAYS

We all know sometimes lifes hates and troubles
Can make you wish you were born in another time and space
But you can bet you life times that and twice its double
That God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed
so make sure when you say you're in it but not of it
You're not helping to make this earth a place sometimes called Hell
Change your words into truths and then change that truth into love
And maybe our children's grandchildren
And their great-great grandchildren will tell
I'll be loving you

Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky--Loving you
Until the ocean covers every mountain high--Loving you
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea--Loving you
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream--Be loving you
Until the day is night and night becomes the day--Loving you
Until the trees and seas up, up and fly away--Loving you
Until the day that 8x8x8x8 is 4--Loving you
Until the day that is the day that are no more--Loving you
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left--Be loving you
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself--Loving you
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through--Loving you
Until the day that you are me and I am you--
Now ain't that loving you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Ain't that loving you

Today is Valentine's Day!!!

whatever.

Can someone please explain to me how comedian Steve Harvey became an "expert" on relationships?

Yet another expose about us poor single black American woman. This time on ABC's Nightline.

Mr. Harvey's advice to date older men is downright revolutionary. I mean, who ever heard of men dating younger women?!!

One friend told me his book "Act Like A Lady, Think LIke A Man" is helpful and a good read. However, I can't get past the title.

In this new year/decade, I'm going to keep on keeping on and seriously not worry about all the stats. I'm fine with not getting married as I'm not having children.

However for my friends who do want to get married, I understand their frustrations. I felt the same way a few years back.

randomissimo - Tiger, Desperate Housewives, men

I think Tiger Woods needs a new publicist stat.

Why is the Susan character on Desperate Housewives so annoying? I wish she was killed off last season.

What cocktail should I make for the Mad Men Season Three premiere (In Italy) December 13th?

Why do people in America keep asking me if I've met a man yet? How many times must I tell them "Under A Tuscan Sun" is fiction!

Speaking of men, I'm done. I need to focus on work. I really can't get distracted. Clearly there's something wrong with me and I no longer need/want to make a fool out of myself. If shit hasn't worked out by this age...it never will. It's some kind of fucked karma that I'm writing a romantic comedy and have nothing positive to draw from. Nothing. That is not normal. Everyone says write what you know. Trust, nobody wants to see that movie.

I can relate to this clip minus the having sex with Jon Bon Jovi. Oh yeah and the therapy part. I was one of maybe two people I knew in Hollywood not in therapy. Perhaps I should have been.

Flashback Friday – The unrequited love edition - Eric Clapton "Layla" and Marvin Gaye "I Want You"

A good friend told me she was head over heels for a guy she met. The good news, she could still have those feelings, the bad news, she could still have those feelings.

She went through a tough divorce a few years ago. So while she's glad to have some romantic feeling back in her life, unrequited love, let's be honest, sucks. It doesn't matter if you're 16 or 60.

She's a screenwriter as well. Most of the writers I know are expressive and/or in tune with their emotions, very raw, close to the surface. Doesn't matter if they are screenwriters, novelist or songwriters, male or female.

There's a downside to this. While it can be helpful in writing, it can be rough for "real" life. Of course one doesn't have to be a creative person to get "twirly" about someone. I have another friend who's going through the roller-coaster thing right now. At least she's dating the guy. My friend's crush has no idea.

All I'm going to say is I'm in the middle of the same BS now and it's not cool. I'm working on a script dealing with some similar issues so I try to channel some of my twirly energy into it.

I must be a glutton for punishment because why am I listening to all these love songs? Why? Why? Why?! Damn you Sade and Maxwell.

You'd think watching GOODFELLAS, a gansta flick, I would safe but one of the best montages in film is set to the instrumental section of "Layla." Poor Eric.

Have a great weekend. I will be working and thinking about the object of my affection.



Marvin, as always, brings it in this song. The emotion, everything. Madonna working with Massive Attack did a great cover of this.



Lyrics "I Want You"
I want you the right way
I want you
But I want you to want me too
Want you to want me,baby
Just like I want you

I give you all the love I want in return sweet darlin'
But half a love is all I feel
It's too bad,It's just too sad
You don't want me now
But I'm gonna change your mind
Someway,somehow,oh baby

Repeat

This one way love is just a fantasy, oh sugar
To share is precious, pure and fair
Don't play with something you should cherish for life,oh baby
Don't you wanna care
Aint it lonely out there

Repeat



Lyrics "Layla"

What do you do when you get lonely
and nobody's waiting by your side?
You've been running and hiding much too long.
You know it's just your foolish pride.

Chorus: Layla, you got me on my knees.
Layla, i'm begging darlin' please.
Layla, darling won't you ease my worried mind?

I tried to give you consolation
When your old man had let you down.
Like a fool, I fell in love with you,
You turned my whole world upside down.

Chorus

Let's make the best of the situation,
Before I finally go insane.
Please don't say we'll never find a way,
Or tell me all my love's in vain.

Chorus

Flashback Friday – Lisa Stansfield- "All Around The World"

This song was played to death in '89/'90. It was a big crossover hit playing on both Top 40 and "urban" radio stations.

I hope she found her baby. I haven't found mine yet. sigh.

Have a great weekend.

Eat, Pray, Love movie shooting in Rome

This morning while running an errand, I bumped into the crew again.

Yesterday they were all over Campo dei Fiori. Tourists were standing around trying to get a photo of Julia Roberts.

I stopped by the set to say hi to the producer, who is in from L.A. and one of the African security guys asked me out. Uhm, I'm just trying to say hello to someone.

Anyway I didn't see him later that day (he said he would give me his number) but I wouldn't be surprised if I see him on the way to the post office tomorrow. ha

I also spoke to an American guy who lives here now and is a fireman. He was one back in the States, fell in love with a Roman woman and moved to Rome. He was able to get a job as a fireman specializing in production work.

I kind of miss being on set. However, I imagine shooting a big Hollywood movie in a place with so many tourists and narrow streets must be tough. The poor P.A.s and security had their hands full trying to clear the set.

Turning a sunny afternoon into an early evening night.


A light crane in front of the Forno. Once of the greatest places in Rome.

"Let me tell you about a couple of three things." Phil Leotardo

A favorite quote from the SOPRANOS.



Today my parents have been married for 46 years. That's a long time.

German blogger Andre Wegner asked me some questions. The answers (in English) are HERE. Grazie Andre.

It's still hot.

I need to wear wrap dresses more often. Went a small party Saturday night. Didn't get home till late. It was a GREAT party. I tried to speak Italian but everyone knew English. They were being polite by speaking in English but I asked them to switch to Italian. I will never become fluent if all the Italians in my life speak to me in English. I met some amazing new people. Too bad everyone is leaving for the summer. First time I wore the dress since buying it at a boutique on Larchmont (L.A.) two years ago. I think the dress might be magical. I will wear it again.

Yesterday I had breakfast with one of my closest L.A. friends. She 's traveling in Italy with friends who are celebrating a big birthday. She said she can't believe I actually live here. Sometimes I don't believe it either. She brought presents: ESSENCE magazine with fine ass Idris Elba on the cover, the latest issue of American ELLE DECOR magazine, enough Crest toothpaste to last until 2011, manila file folders and Sudifed among other things.

I strongly dislike Glenn Beck.

I might have to hijack this truck. I cannot find the Rustica chips anywhere. That's a problem.

Maybe I'm a Zitella (Spinster)

Mini rant alert .

I was sitting in the park with two Italian girlfriends when I heard the word Zitella for the first time. One friend said her mother was on her case again about being single. She said she loved her life and wish people would stop assuming otherwise.

This is something I can relate to. I understand why my mom asks but I have to say I'm getting annoyed with random people back in the States asking me if I'm dating someone and the sound of disappointment when I say no.

People this is not Under The Tuscan Sun. It's true many of my expat friends have met their boyfriends/husbands here. However, I resent being made to feel like something is wrong with me because no smart, gorgeous, rich, man named Francesco, Matteo, Carlo etc. etc. has swept me off my feet.

I could have stayed in L.A. where I wouldn't have to deal with a language barrier and Italian red tape and feel shitty. I don't need to bring that nonsense overseas.

Also whoever is the black woman running around America saying "Italian men love black women", please stop. Robert DeNiro is only one person and he's Italian-American.

This myth is adding more pressure. "What? You're a sister in Italy and you're still single? What is the problem?!!"

Men here like women period. My theory on this stereotype is since we are so not considered desirable in our own culture and country unless we look a very specifcic way, when black women come here they are stunned by the attention. I mean even men who look like trolls in the U.S. expect to date a Beyonce or Halle look-a-like. So when fine ass Marco throws a "Ciao Bella" your way I can see why it's earth shattering. Especially if you are over the age of 25.

Anyway I have been on a few dates but I don't get this whole group date thing. The Caribbean side thinks this is a nice way to get to know someone. The American side thinks this is taking forever.

The people asking in the States need to know the divorce rate here is much lower compared to America (in California it's close to 70%). So the pool of available men is smaller.

Maybe one day I will get married. Maybe I won't and will be single for the rest of my life. If it's the latter I wish people back off and stop looking at me with pity.

Spinster has such a negative connotation. No one is shedding a tear for George Clooney, a confirmed bachelor. However, the narrative for Jennifer Aniston is the complete opposite. I'm not a fan but it's ridiculous how the tabloids are constantly saying "Poor Jen!". Excuse me? Both she and Clooney have been married before, are healthy, very successful, etc. I'm not sure why Clooney's lifestyle is admired and Jen's is sad.

Dating update

As usual there isn't one.

Someone left a very wise comment on my blog saying thoughts become things. I hope that is true. So here is my thought…I will go on at least one date within a year. I think this a good goal, not too much pressure. Hell, it will be one date more than the number I went on during the last 3 or 4 years in L.A. It’s been so long I can’t remember.

Since the move to Rome I've been so focused on getting settled I haven’t had time to even think about the whole dating thing. Yes, I have almost broken my neck several times doing double takes of the gorgeous men I see everywhere going about their business (note to self: must write a post about that) but work and Italian red tape has taken up most of my energy.

I had drinks a few weeks ago with an American expat who had some hilarious stories about her dating experiences here via Internet dating. She reminded me of a conversation I had with G. a male Italian friend and C. a female Italian friend about this subject.

Me: So do a lot of people do Internet dating here? It’s very popular in L.A.
G: No.
C: Not unless you have a special kink or something.
G: Are you trying to tell us something? You seem so conservative.
C: I don’t know anyone who finds dates on the Internet. Not Italians.

Later in the evening:
Me: G. what’s with your friend M.?
G: Why are you interested?
Me: Well yeah if he didn’t smoke all the time.
G (as he lights a cigarette): If you want to get laid in Italy you’re really going to have to let that issue go.
C: Be glad you’re not in France. I just got back. The smoking there is worst.

Those of you who have been reading zee blog since my L.A. days know I’m not a big fan of Internet dating but G & C’s comments did crack me up. I’m not surprised. My Italians friends take forever (by American standards) to respond to email. They would rather meet in person, call or send a text.

As a woman of a certain age (ahem) I’m not sure how the dating thing is going to pan out. Most men my age are married and the divorce rate in Italy is very low. Meaning there are not many single men in my age range. With my luck I will be the only American expat who moves to Italy and never goes on a date. So many expats here met their OH,BF, CS etc. the first day or week they were in Italy.

I do think it’s harder to meet someone when you’re older. I no longer have patience for bs. I don’t mind spending a ton of time by myself. As a writer I actually need it. So there is no need for me put up with immature men, bad manners, bad sex (sorry but by this age you better know how to put it down or don’t freaking bother), men who have low self-esteem, men who hate women (I ran into a lot of the latter in L.A.) etc.

Despite my recent dating (or lack there of ) past I’m feeling optimistic. Who knows what will happen?

Flashback Friday – Toronto edition – Sarah McLachlan “Aida”

Earlier this week one of the department heads from the movie I worked on was in town. She is traveling all over Italy with her family and boyfriend for a month. It was great to see her. We both thought it was weird that we saw each other in Rome and that I actually live here.

The same day I was meeting my former colleague; out of the blue I heard from the unit/still photographer who sent me a photo that she thought I would like. It was me and FH (aka, F*cking Hot) man sitting on a barge in Hamilton, Canada during a break in shooting. I’m still salty that some members of the crew thought it was nice to send pics from the France shoot and talk about how good the food was. We didn’t have any nice tablecloths during our crew lunches the week we shot in Hamilton.

Wow it’s been almost a year since I went to Toronto to work on the movie. The experience was great. It also lend to me quitting my job and moving to Rome. It’s one thing to go away on vacation. Of course you will have a good time and think, “oh I could live here.” But in Toronto I was working 6 days a week and very long days at that. Saturday shoots we did try to keep somewhat light.

Being in Toronto made me realize how much I missed being in a walking city. I loved the diversity of the city, the great neighborhoods and of course some amazing food. I remembered being shocked when I turned on the news and a local newscaster actually had braids!!! It was a revelation to be in a culture where having a natural, locks, braids, or twists were the norm and unlike in L.A. nobody thought you were militant because you chose not to have a blond weave down to your ass like Beyonce.

I knew I had to make a change when I would burst into tears driving to set during the last week of shooting. My immediate boss back in L.A. was worried I was going to back depressed. I pulled it together. I've always tried to be professional and didn’t think it would be fair to pull other people into my stank attitude.

I would love to go back and visit Toronto. I made some great friends there.

There are several very famous Canadian singers, the biggest one being Ms. Celine Dion. However, I felt the theme from TITANIC had been played enough. No need to post the video.

I decided to go with Sarah McLachlan because I haven’t heard a thing from her in years and I love this song.

She wrote the song about her best friend. Sarah dated and then married her friend's ex. The relationship with said friend was never the same. Sarah has a great voice and these lyrics are deep. Avril had the nerve to do a cover. Please. Remember when her record label was saying she was a “punk” singer. If she’s punk I’m Halle Berry.

Have a great weekend!

No , I am not Frances Mayes, Angela Bassett or Diane Lane

It's so funny how 95% of the people who ask me about Italy say, "I bet you meet a man in like a month" or "Will you have time to write in between all your dating?" Folks need to get a grip! "Under the Tuscan Sun" and "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" are movies not real life. I love how in the first movie, Frances gets to stay in Italy no problem...no visa, money or language issues. Meanwhile I am trying to figure out all this contract stuff for an apartment rental. Regarding "Stella", you see how the non-fiction version of that story turned out.

The freaking dollar dropped to an all time low!!! The Fed is going to cut interest rates again next month, so the dollar is not rebounding any time soon. How can I even think about romance when I might be broke in two months? sigh.

This Phyllis Hyman song sums up a typical Valentine's Day for this Ragazza.

It's another Valentine's Day. As usual I have no man, no flowers, no candy, no nothing! ha

Like the song says, "I can't stand this living all along."

I used to love this song. It was quite the slow jam back in the day. I don't know why Ms. Hyman took her own life. We lost a very talented singer that day.

The Golden Globes, Hillary's tears, and other random thoughts

The Golden Globes are canceled. People are pissed because most stars refused to cross the WGA picket line. Let's see how many advertisers want to pay top dollar for a "news conference."

I love David Letterman and Craig Ferguson. Leno? No. He is a member of the WGA, what part of "pencils down", does he not understand?!

Hillary is crying up in New Hamphire. Will this hurt her the way it did Muskie? Or is it different for female candidates? Did her advisors say "People think you are too cold. You better shed some tears up in this mug now."

Why is there a FLAVOR OF LOVE 3?

Why does my stomach look like I'm in my 2nd trimester?

What happened to good romantic comedies? I could really use one, since there is nothing funny or romantic about my life.

Viggo Mortenson, is handling his business. 50 years old and doing naked fight scenes. I am not mad at him.

Why isn't Anthony Mackie getting more roles? He is very talented and fine. I guess all the rappers are getting his roles.

Are more women missing these days or is there just more news about it? The police just arrested someone in connection with the missing hiker in Georgia.

What is wrong with Britney? Maybe Dr. Phil can help her.

I just spent $500 on my car yet I'm not upset. Very zen about the whole thing. Hopefully this is the last major repair I have to do before I sell it. Fingers crossed it will pass smog inspection tomorrow.

Mitt Romney might beat up John McCain at the next debate. Those two don't seem to like each other.

I'm still sick. This is annoying.

Is it wrong to have a glass of wine when one is sick? I have to use white wine when I make dinner tonight. I think it's okay.

Under the Parisian Sun...a story

Thanks to yesterday's comments I decided to write a little story to take my mind of the fact that I am sitting here looking at stack of scripts. Today was my first day back at work. My immediate boss called me and I'Med me from France, saying the crew misses me esp. FH man, and thanks for respresenting the company well. Apparently the hotel they are staying in is very nice unlike the not so great place in Hamilton. Sigh, once again.

Yesterday it was suggested I pack my stuff send it to my family and just move overseas. Or go to the airport and fly to France with the clothes on my back, like in a typical Rom Com (how we in Hollywood refer to Romantic Comedies). Picking up from that idea:

I would need a sassy best friend to drive me to the airport. The sassy best friend could be a smug married or a gay man offering all types of advice to their single straight friend. Of course on the way to the airport there would be major traffic and I would almost miss my flight. Cue the montage of wacky L.A. road rage, me hyperventilating, an officer pulling us over, the sassy best friend saying I needed to get my man and the officer replying YOU GO GIRL! eventhough we are not really saying that phrase in that context anymore (it has gone the way of OH SNAP!)

I arrive at the airport in France after flying all night and I hop into the cab of a driver who hates Americans. I get to the hotel. The snooty concierge tells me the crew has checked out of the hotel, zut allors! In reality I would call the Toronto production office or my office for the number but that is not rom com movie logic. Instead I freak out.

I wonder the street of Paris crying as a light rain falls. I sit on a bench wondering why did I fly all the way from L.A. At that moment a very aggressive mime starts to bother me. Turns out he is not a mime but a mugger and steals my purse. I am now a foreign city without my passport or money. I look up at the sky and ala Nancy Kerrigan I scream "WHHHHYYYY?!" I find a police station and there is a kind officer, who tries to help me. He too knows disappointment. He used to work security at Hermes but got fired after Oprah had, as she called it, "her Crash moment." He wasn't the one who wouldn't let her in but he was let go like everyone else on that shift. "Fate can be a cruel mistress," he said. While he tried to call the American Embassy, I took a nap on one of the hard benches.

I woke up to a major commotion. The streets were filled with chaos. It was a strike protesting the opening of a Pinkberry. First Disney Paris, then McDonalds and Starbucks and now frozen yogurt? A line had to be drawn. The Parisians were against eating a substance called yogurt that had no milk in it. What would happen to the French cows if Pinkberry conquered France? The police station cleared out, they had more important things to worry about. I walked outside and tried not to get trampled. In the distance I saw the mime eating a large Pinkberry yogurt topped with strawberries. I gave chase. We ran through colorful markets and bumped into French people who said Merde!

I almost caught up to him but he was too quick. I crossed the most beautiful bridge in Paris and yelled "Help, stop that mime!" A tall, very handsome guy grabbed him. It was FH man! He walked over and gave me my purse. He didn't ask how or why I was there. We kissed. There were fireworks, literally. True, it was not a holiday and the middle of the day but a rom com ending practically demands such things.

The End.

Fires, the movie ONCE, annoying neighbors

I am back in Los Angeles. It is hot and it's going to be 92 degrees tomorrow! I guess I won't be wearing the winter jacket I bought in Toronto at Mountain Equipment Co-op any time soon.

There was/is a massive fire in Malibu. A church and a 17 million dollar home were among the structures that burned down. The Santa Ana winds are fierce which is a problem. As we flew into LAX we saw that the entire basin was covered by smoke. As bad as the Malibu fires are, San Diego county is in big trouble. Over 250,000 people had to be evacuated. One town pop. 36,000 has been demolished. There are also fires in Big Bear, Santa Clarita and north of us.

On the plane I watched the movie ONCE. I wanted to see this little gem of a movie earlier but missed it. It's an indie movie from Ireland that won the Audience Award at this year's Sundance Film Festival. I loved this movie. The music was great and moving. Fox Searchlight distributed the movie here in the U.S. and I assume it will be out on DVD soon. I guess you can say it's a romantic comedy/musical.

I have been gone for two months. Why when the car service dropped me off was my annoying neighbor sitting where I left him? I bet he didn't even move from that spot. He lives in the building next door. His balcony looks down unto my patio. He does nothing but smoke all day and yell at his wife. I'm not sure where he is from, he moved here recently. He speaks very loudly to my next door neighbor (the one with the little tea cup dog that barks non-stop) and carries on a long conversation.

Oh well, what can you do?

FH man sent me an email from France wondering why I wasn't there. Sounds like things are going well and everyone I've heard from said the food is amazing. sigh.