I have a few things to show you in this episode - a trip to two museums, a second Easter celebration, and a trip to the thrift store. Plus, a few outfits and an update on our Jacki's love life.
Mimi has a friend, Dr. Victor Thompson. He is a gentle, extremely accomplished man of Samoan descent. He was instrumental in the development of the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Musuem - PIEAM for short. The museum is located in Long Beach, California. We got a private tour on March 22nd.
Straight from the website - "Throughout all the Pacific Islands of Oceania, there has always been a central meeting place, a community house." Thanks to the Tongva people, this small museum is a wonderful example of the welcoming reception and feeling of "ohana" that the island people have as part of their culture.
This museum was created as a project of the Robert Gumbiner Foundation. Dr. Gumbiner was a practicing physician who founded FHP, a large HMO in Southern California. It opened in 2010.
As you enter PIEAM, there are examples of hand-woven clothing that is typical of the Oceanic peoples.
Our lovely guide explained the meaning of the textiles and introduced us to the meeting house.
Above our heads hung several items that looked like arrows or spears. They are actually love sticks. When a man wants to be with a woman, he pushes the love stick halfway through the wall of her house. If she pulls it in, she has accepted him. If she pushes it out, sorry Charlie.
Here is another view of the meeting house.
Inside is a sand art piece that was done when the meeting house was built at PIEAM.
There were examples of the different types of basketry that is done in the islands.
The artist River Garza painted two coyote pictures and donated them to PIEAM. They were hung amongst some Oceanic masks and weavings. On the floor were a few family altars. They had family artifacts such as medicine bowls and hand-crafted necklaces.
Two large red crow paintings were done by the artist Craig Torres and displayed on either side of a cluster of intricate native carvings, mostly from Tonga.
This family altar was from the Hawaiian Islands and celebrated Mauna Kea.
Dr Thompson treated us to several beautiful songs that he skillfully played on his ukelele.
Then we had a picnic lunch, also provided by Dr. Thompson, in the sculpture garden behind the building.
As you exit, there is a charming koi pond filled with fat, happy fish.
Tapestries and canvases provide shade and a place to rest.
These stones are money - they are carried and not rolled from place to place. These Rai are indigenous currency from the Yap islands. The stones are quarried in Palau and brought over to whomever they are owed to by outrigger canoe.
Our private tour also included a pass to MOLAA - the Museum of Lattin American Art, which is directly across the street from PIEAM.
This large piece by Betsabee Romero sits out in front of MOLAA. It is called "Asphalt Spindle" and illustrates the frustration of Mexican warriors held in captivity by the Spanish invaders.
There were five large galleries. This one focused on a large glass sculpture and other examples of urban themed art. These large-scale pieces were mostly done by a Cuban artist named Alexandre Arrechea. He is multidisciplinary, making paintings, large installations, sculptures, photos and video art.
Another striking piece of his was glass punching bags, reminding us of the importance of the sport of boxing to the Cuban people. All of Arrechea's pieces are linked to historical references and traditions from Cuba.
Another gallery was devoted to the Brazilian artist Andrey Guiana Zignatto. His use of masonry bags and implements was derived from his work as a mason's assistant when he was 10-14 years old. His works combine the urban influence of Sao Paolo with his indigenous Inhampuambacu roots.
This piece, called Bird Women, was done by Alejandra Phelts, and was part of an exhibit called Cross Border Women. The works were intended to record the desires for family and the factory work experiences of women from Tijuana. They are not victimizing, rather they portray the links between intimacy and familial relationships and paint a happy picture of life.
Here are Dr Thompson, Mimi and I in the gift shop at MOLAA.
This is what I wore - a knit dress from Ellen Tracy, topped by a tan jacket that is part of a suit from Karen Scott. I completed the look with pale suede gladiator sandals.
On Saint Patrick's Day, I did not want to be pinched, so I wore green joggers from Baby Phat, along with my vintage silk baseball jacket.
On March 18th, the magic color was indigo. That's a pretty easy one, since most jeans are indigo. But I wore a boucle jacket from Susan Graver with slinky knit pants. I wore a vintage belt and a necklace from Joan Rivers.
On March 19th, I met a friend in Laguna Beach for lunch - we went to a poke restaurant. I didn't take many pictures because she arrived early. I had to find parking and hustle to the restaurant. Sometimes parking is tough in Laguna, but it was okay this time - I got a place about 3 blocks up the hill. This is what I wore - a tribal print mesh knit dress from Taylor, brown tights, and leather sandals from Aldo. My usual favorite accessories rounded out the outfit. I wore an Emmanuel Ungaro classic black blazer on top.
I got a new shower chair - this one is coated wood and has a shelf beneath the seat.
On Monday, March 25th, we went over to Mimi's while our housekeeper worked in our house. I wore grey yoga pants from Skechers, a wool pullover from Old Navy and a striped turtleneck underneath. My shoes are from Temu.
Pandi always comes along, and I wondered why she was trying to get up on the coffee table at Mimi's. It was because her bag of chicken treats was up there. She got them.
Meanwhile, back at home, Jacki is working hard to protect the yard. Luckily, she was alive and did not miss killing any intruders while she napped.
On Wednesday, March 27th, Doc and I took a trip to Savers Thrift Superstore. I wore Calvin Klein joggers, a Joseph A sweater, and an embroidered satin baseball jacket. Slip-on shoes are also from Temu.
Here are my treasures:
Isaac Mizrahi leopard sweater - new with tags. Marked as XL, but fits me, so I guess it got donated due to the poor sizing. Retail : $55 Cost : $2.25
Express black sweater with gold studs. Retail $80. Cost : $4.25
Maison Jules striped lurex turtleneck. Retail : $30 Cost : $3.75
Catherine Malandrino moleskin swing jacket. Retail : $120 Cost : $3.75.
LOGO Lori Goldstein lace-trimmed anorak. Retail : $110 Cost : $6.00
Marla Wynne lightweight knit tank tunic and duster jacket. Sold at HSN and Chicho's. Retail : duster $99, tank $49. Cost : both for $5.94
GapFit athletic leggings. Retail : $60. Cost: $4.20
Old Navy GoDryCool tapered pants. These are men's pants, but they fit me. Retail : $45 Cost : $3.00
Doc got five books for $13.66. He was delighted and went back a couple of days later and did the same thing.
On Friday, March 29th, I went to my cosmetic dermatologist's office. I had Botox on March 1st, and today I went in for IPL laser resurfacing on my face. I had my last session in March of 2021. It removes sun and age spots. I am currently in the crusty stage. Then the crust falls off and the spot is gone. The area can improve for up to six months. It hurts a bit.
I wore a hippie style dress in polyester chiffon from Mileage. I have had it forever. My shoes are Steve Madden and my suede jacket is washable, by Live a Little.
The flowers are blooming away on the front porch. it has rained a lot this month and everything is growing like crazy.
We had a second Easter celebration yesterday on March 30th. Easter events were mostly cancelled, since it poured rain all day, as well as today, Easter Day. But we got Chinese food, and I made Easter cupcakes.
You already saw Preston's basket in my last episode. I gathered enough sample cosmetics to give Ashley three bags worth.
The message print in this box is for Mimi. I saw it at Savers and knew she would love it. The blue book is about silver dollars. Doc got it at the Westminster library used book sale. Preston collects silver dollars, so this book will give him an idea of what they are worth.
I wore moleskin slacks from Tracy Faith, a cowl neck sweater from Liz Claiborne, and the Catherine Malandrino jacket. There's a closeup of my accessories.
Lastly, a rather sad update on Jacki's love life. Her beau, Peanut the Doberman, came over on Wednesday to play. He stayed for a couple of hours while his mom ran errands. This is the side yard where the garbage cans go. Jacki had Peanut trapped back there and was pouncing on him. He attempted to jump the gate but didn't even come close. She would not stop.
After about a half hour, she tired and I coaxed Peanut out into the yard.
I sat with them so that Jacki would chill out. It was moderately successful.
When I opened the gate to take Peanut home, he raced the two houses back home and was so excited to see his own family. I don't think he likes it here. Jacki is too forward with him. He must want a demure girl, which Jacki is NOT.
So that is about all for now. Retired life is still fabulous - I am so glad that I got to retire before I got too old.
