New material from Erich Origen.

The Daily Good has sent a "heads up" about Eric Origen's new project - to create an "Encyclopedia of Gratitude: From Abba to Zamboni." And we can all contribute to the online version through his blog with our own ideas of what we are grateful for. Origen's future book will serve as a reminder of what it feels to be alive, and of how all of those seemingly frivolous moments, objects and human connections enrich our existence and make it more beautiful.

Listing such things as "climbing trees", "Stevie Wonder", "the invention of glass", "miniature golf", there is a lot of sweet humour in the encyclopedia. Check it out for yourself, read one item a day with your kids - I dare you not to smile. Better still, write a contribution and it may make the final book! Now that's something to be grateful for.

Flowers for a pin-up girl.

It's "Viva Las Vegas" weekend coming up, and friends from Melbourne have been in LA on the way through. I got to do a nice pair of lilies on Sarah's shoulder to add to her sweet rockabilly look.

Imaginary map of LA.

Click on the image above to see Geoff McFetridge's fictional interpretation of Los Angeles, commissioned by GoodLA for their current online issue. 

Love a bit of line work. Check out more of his stuff here.

Everyone loves a (royal) wedding!!

Not long to go now before we have a bit of royal hoohah to watch on the telly....I myself have found myself reminiscing on the last major one - yes the Lady Di/Prince Charles nuptials, and that ENORMOUS, very princessy, train!! I watched as a child at my English grandparent's house all those years ago, and that is one of the images I will never forget...all I could think of was the poor buggers who had to sew the bloody thing.

Methinks that this time around, young Kate will wear something far more sophisticated and tailored. I know there has been a concerted push to have her choose an Alexander McQueen piece - in a tribute to him and the British fashion industry, and to make a bold statement on her path as future (possible) queen. Let alone the fact something from that fashion house would surely blow everyone's socks off!!

But, we still have to wait a couple more weeks...in the meantime, some fun has been had in West Hollywood with the windows of Agent Provocateur on Melrose Ave. In a fittingly sexy, bawdy and cheeky tribute to the new royal couple is a reminder of what will lie beneath layers of fabric and hours of needlework - a good pair of knickers!!

Cheers!!!!!!

 

"Art In The Streets" @ MOCA, opening tomorrow.

Looking forward to seeing what looks and sounds like a HUGE survey of graffiti and street art here in Los Angeles, covering the movement from the 1970's onwards to today's international superstars. For a taste, have a look at this slideshow.

One of the works I am keen to get up close to is the late Margaret Kilgallen's installation of carnival style lettering and folk inspired scenes.

“I believe there need to be women visual in our every day landscape, working hard and doing their own thing, whether you like it or not, whether it’s acceptable or not…I especially hope to inspire young women because often I feel like so much emphasis is put on how beautiful you are, and how thin you are, and not a lot of emphasis is put on what you can do and how smart you are. I’d like to change that, change the emphasis of what’s important when looking at a woman.” 
Margaret Kilgallen 

Here's the link to MOCA's webpage, to get more exhibition details and to also check out what else is going on there. I'll report back when I get to go check it out myself.

Retro spacegirl FUN!

A girl in a space suit with a ray gun and rocket and I'm in tattoo heaven. Thank-you Flint, and many best wishes to you and your real-life hottie for your day on Saturday....weather looks good too!!

Baby bulldog getting lots of love.

A good friend of Forgotten Saints has been passing on the tale of a little fellow called "Dexter". He is a wee baby bulldog who was "surrendered" to the Southern Californian Bulldog Rescue at 4 weeks of age with some major physical issues - he wasn't able to stand (what they call a "swimmer puppy"), his lungs were very weak and prone to pneumonia, and was so young to be away from his mum. But this amazing group of volunteers have taken him under their wing and into their hearts 

to get him thriving and literally "up on his feet"... and look at him now! 

With lots of rehabilitation, and around-the clock feeds 

and attention, he's so much better. 

Look at that FACE!!!!

Day one, at the vet.

With his new foster-mum.

Dexter's hobbled legs, to help him learn to stand. Look at that belleh!

Time for a kip.

A week later, and he is getting stronger!

Look, standing!!

Like all dog rescue organizations, the SoCal Bulldog Rescue dedicate themselves to rescuing and re-homing English Bulldogs that have fallen out of favour with their owners, or been the victims of abuse and circumstance. There are some lovely stories on their site about beautiful animals who have found new love and a good life after enduring illness and homelessness. It's been especially tough on many welfare groups due to the US recession, with both a dramatic increase in animals being abandoned as owners lose homes or funds to feed their pets, and as supporters of welfare groups reduce their donations.

So please, have a look at their website to not only maybe help, but if you are a bulldog-curious, they provide a tonne of information on the care of this magnificent and charming breed.

"Folk will know how large your soul is, by the way you treat a dog"

Charles F. Doran 

Seen on Melrose Ave.