A couple of weeks ago, I drove to Los Angeles to spend a day with my friend Jane at the J. Paul Getty Center and Museum.
Situated on a hill with the cities of Los Angeles and Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean below, it is the design, layout, architecture, and gorgeous building materials that make this place so special.
I guess you would expect me to have some pictures of all this splendor, but this was a day to spend with a good friend I had not seen in far too long.
I got tired pretty fast, the drive is long for me, but Jane led me around, treated me to lunch and later to coffee. We mostly just sat and talked. It was wonderful.
I am not sure what this little branch of a bougainvillea was trying to do, but the effect against the wall was beautiful.
So Jane and I both took a picture of it.
And of this owl as well.
Growing up, my dad got me interested in books and my mom took me to museums. She loved art, she loved Paris, and she would stand just like this, looking at a painting. It touched me to see myself standing just like she did. I don't look like my mom at all, but she is so in this stance. It's difficult to share how I felt when I saw this picture. I know I'm glad Jane captured the moment.
Since my camera is broken, I took some pictures with my phone. I couldn't see a thing. Without a viewfinder, the white buildings and the strong sunshine made it impossible to see anything through the phone. I just took some shots hoping for the best. Well, the best didn't happen.
If you are interested, I recommend that you go to Google images and check out the Getty Center. It's quite a treasure. The blue that meets the sky in the picture above is the Pacific Ocean. I know, not the best, but still, I haven't seen it either in far too long.
If you are interested, I recommend that you go to Google images and check out the Getty Center. It's quite a treasure. The blue that meets the sky in the picture above is the Pacific Ocean. I know, not the best, but still, I haven't seen it either in far too long.
At the end of our visit, I suggested that we try to get together every three months or so. Pick a place and just do it. So we decided on William S. Hart Park, where Rachael works, in October.
I'm glad you had such a wonderful day--I wish I could have seen you while you were in LA!!
ReplyDeleteThant's so nice of you. I want to take short trips throughout the year, so I maybe I can come by.
DeleteThat's a museum I'd like to visit. My children and I frequently chat about art and books.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I love museums.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed your outing and have planned more.
When we lived in Southern California, I went to the Getty a number of times. It is indeed a beautiful place in a stunning location.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great day, it's not what you do but the company you keep. I haven't been anywhere is ages, so I love it when other people do and take a few pics. Hello, Pacific!
ReplyDeleteTrue friends, when you meet up after too long a time, is so special. I am off to Auckland Friday, ( flight of just over an hour) for the funeral of my friend of 61 years, her husband died. We email, phone, but a visit is too far for either of us to drive. Hugs to you, What a great centre.
ReplyDeleteglad you shared, very interesting.
ReplyDeleteYou are looking good Inger. I am so glad that you are getting out and doing things. I haven't been very good with this and I am sure it would help me in my grief if I would just get out more. Loved the trip to the museum with you!!
ReplyDeleteHi Inger - that sounded like a wonderful idea meeting up with Jane and having a day out - the once a quarter meet-up seems such a fun thing to look forward to. The museum looks to be so interesting ... and that was one hot day! I'd love to get to LA at some stage ... not in that heat though!! So pleased you and Jane had this get together ... and then going to Rachael's park in October ... wonderful photos - we can see your intent and yes - we do look like our mother's in so many ways - unexpected ones too ... as you do here. Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place; it's been far too long since I've been out there for a visit. I'm glad you went, and spent time with a good friend. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteanything with the name Getty on it has to be wonderful. i would love to see it. that is a wonderful shot of you looking at the owl picture... so happy you could visit with Jane.
ReplyDeleteSeeing old friends can refresh your soul.
ReplyDeleteWhen you spoke about the picture of you that reminded you of your mother, I knew what you were talking about. I have a daughter who in many ways reminds me of my mom. Sometimes it startles me when I catch a glimpse of a moment where Sarah brings mom back to me.
What could be better than a day out with a good friend? It's lovely for you to see your mum in the photo. I rub my thumb and forefinger together and when I see myself doing it I'm reminded of my mum doing the exact same thing.
ReplyDeletei have wanted to go there for such a long time - but we just don't quite make time for it. Loved seeing your photos and your feelings about it - the stance on yours. I'm much more like my dad and my sis is more like my mom, both mom and dad being gone now......but I know what you mean about when something strikes you about yourself and a parent. Anyway, it feels good seeing you out and about and enjoying things.
ReplyDeleteAn old friend who likes to "go" is a treasure. So glad you are planning future outings. Interesting about seeing your Mom in that pose. Sometime I catch myself thinking, 'that is what Mom would do'. We all do turn into our Moms at times and guys into their dads and that can be a good thing.
ReplyDeleteJane sounds like a great friend. I enjoyed you taking me with you via those photographs -- which I thought were just fine. I pray I do not turn into my father since he was a monster -- so maybe I will become like my mother in her heart, right? To go to a museum or park quarterly with a good friend sounds healing. You be careful on those interstate highways, hear!?
ReplyDeleteWhen I see how good you are about getting out, and going places. I feel guilty. I know I need to do more of that. I plan on going to Chattanooga this Friday, and at least part of the impetus for doing that came from your post.
ReplyDeletealthough tiring, i am sure it was a special time for you.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you and your friend had a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteJ. Paul Getty Center and Museum looks a great place to visit.
The bougainvillea against the wall was really beautiful!
LOVE all your photos, dear Inger!
Lots of Hugs!
How did I miss this post! Yay for museums and good friends! You two look like you will have lots of adventures together in the future :D!! xoxo
ReplyDelete