It was so French

Miss D. had tickets to see Just a Sigh showing at the California Theatre.  This venue is grand, and thankfully rescued years ago.  The movie is part of the lineup for Cinequest 2014, our own film festival now in its 24th year.  Years ago, I was a volunteer, reviewing documentaries.

But first, Miss D and I went to Cafe Stritch for refreshments.  Put Miss D and me together, and we are simply bad.  Fabulous art on the wall.  Or maybe I was the art off the wall.

We loved Cafe Stritch.  I think they loved us too.  I had the vegetarian chili for a whomping $5.  It was delicious.  I think this place used to be Eulipia.   Now, we don't have to go to SF for a happening happy scene.

Back to the main event.  Ah, the theatre.  It rivals Stanford Theatre in its grandeur and beauty.  I thank everyone involved who saved it from destruction.  It houses Opera SJ.

A fixture upon the ceiling.  Splendid.  An elegance to behold.

Ah the movie.  So French, with an ending that left you wondering.  Would the two strangers on a train, who became lovers begin a new life together.  Gabriel Byrne, reminds me of The Boyfriend.  I escorted Mr. Byrne years ago at another Cinequest event.  The story line was not original but the dialogue was, if that makes any sense.  The acting was excellent, and the close ups showing us real life was refreshing. We simply loved it.  It was, so french, in a good way.

Cry Me a River

I ventured out prepared to conquer the wild and windy day.  Towards downtown San Jose I go.

My destination?  In a moment, it's coming.  First though, I biked through the urban jungle, otherwise known as the Guadalupe Trail.  Been awhile since I headed downtown.

Lovely, n'est-ce pas.  One of my favorite scenes.  The trail was flooded and I had to go on the street to get over to the Children's Discovery Museum.   Let's talk about the weather.  Me, I don't do small talk but it's been raining, people, raining in our drought State.

Ah, the beginning.  I don't know why in all the years I've been biking that I have not experienced the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Enter the trail at the Blackford Elementary School on Willow St. in Willow Glen.

Wait, I get ahead of myself.  Momentary distraction on account of the firemen whizzing past me in their fire truck.  While on the Guadalupe Trail in downtown SJ, pass the Children's Discovery Museum and then get on the road (name escapes me -- see above, on account of the firemen...) but it meets up with Willow Street and this beautiful church.  Turn right onto Willow Street until you reach the school for the start of the trail.

Before I knew it, I was saying goodbye to Campbell and biking parallel to Hwy 17.  How exciting.

One of several bridges I would cross on my adventure along the Los Gatos Creek Trail.

Water, people, water.  It was ever so wonderful.  And to see puddles on the trail as well.  Occasionally rain spit on me but it was mostly a dry rather balmy ride.

Ooh, I had to rough it.  The trail was flooded.  Ah, it was around here that before my eyes, Adonis appeared.  Wait, wait for it, yes, my jaw dropped, my tongue hung out and panted as the most gorgeous runner ran past me.  The trail can get crowded.  Be prepared to slow down.  Be prepared to just gawk.

I made it to Vasona Lake in Los Gatos.  At this point, I worried about the threatening skies and decided to turn back.  I think I am in love.  With this trail.  My usual Guadalupe Trail to Alviso has met its match.  I rode my Specialized Hybrid for this outing but one can do it on a road bike as well.  Til the next time.

An Artist is Born

My first ever Paint Nite!  The painting I selected to reproduce -- a Tuscany landscape.  Could I do it?  Well, thanks to Barmaid Sarah at the Bamboo Lounge ... oh, I get ahead of myself.

 

Portrait of an Artist, blank slate.  This ought to hang in a gallery ....

The Artist begins her creation.  Looking pretty darn awful already ... but wait, thanks to Barmaid Sarah....

The Artist hard at work.

Please, please, no applause, we're not done yet.  Notice the empty wine glass.  Yoo hoo, barmaid Sarah, the Artist needs nourishment.

Ah, satisfaction, 2 1/2 hrs. later.  Though, of course, one is never done creating.  R and I learned a lot about ourselves from this exercise. 

My Tuscany landscape masterpiece.  Any imperfections are naturally attributed to the barmaid Sarah.  :)