Small Town Life In Big L.A.

Corriganville Park

This park, rich with movie history, is right down the street from us!!! and we have only recently discovered it. Alive with massive Oak trees and surrounded by the famous Chatsworth rocks, it is an ideal place to take a hike and admire God's creation.

Yes, we live in Mountain Lion and Rattlesnake territory and it's good to be aware before you veer off the trails.

It's fascinating to me to think about all of the old movies that were filmed here. I never knew Sherwood Forest was so close!

Can't you just see Robin Hood and his merry men! This place is a feast for the senses with the pleasant sound of native birds filling the air.

Now think Tarzan...

The diving platform as described on the sign above.

Here's where the cameras filmed underwater scenes.

 

It's funny... the day before visiting this verse made an impression on me. I found myself thinking about it. 

"They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor."

It's from Isaiah 61 and it describes what God does for those who are His. How awesome that He would lead us to this park at this time as it's FULL of oaks. It was like chapter 61 came to life. I hope you take the time to read it. Perhaps the Lord will speak to you through this as He did to me. Splendor indeed!

The Atlanta Gift Show 2011

 
This is what I picture when I think of Atlanta...looks like Tara!

Here is what we call "home" on this trip, a peaceful, sunny, B&B close to the Gift Mart.

The ride into Downtown Atlanta. Thankfully all the major roads were clear and traffic was amazingly light. I think a lot of people were scared by the weather reports.

Bundled up and ready to SHOP!!! I'll get rid of all my layers at the coat check.

We stopped to say "hi" to Andrew Young. He sure is tall!

It's shop 'til you drop time!

The Atlanta Mart has 3 high rise buildings that are all connected with tunnels.

It was so nice to meet world renowned artist, author, and designer MARY ENGELBREIT. I liked her right away and hope she comes to visit Montrose on her next L.A. trip.

Got to sip Georgia Peach tea with BETHANY LOWE.

You never know who you might run into! We just happened upon Iron Chef CAT CORA in the hallway. She was there to promote her new cookware line.

We caught a little of Ace of Cakes DUFF GOLDMAN's presentation in the demonstation kitchen.

Duff and I are both from Charm City, aka, Baltimore.

I almost caught Dale sampling candy! I bet it's in his mouth. LOL!

AHH! Do I have to get up? This was such a comfy chair and the builder is right behind me.

A view from inside the Mart. It looks COLD out there!

LOVE the sights, sounds, and peace on the "Garden" floor.

One of our favorite showroom stops is Katherine's Collection. They sure know how to throw a party. Here we are pictured with owners Katherine & Wayne. The end to a fabulous trip! We found so much great stuff for our store, MOUNTAIN ROSE GIFTS.

Remembering Fess....

Fess Parker Winery

Dale and I had the pleasure to converse with Fess Parker on several occasions. He was a very humble, genuine and gracious man. When he spoke with you he looked you in the eye and gave you his full attention. He loved his wife and his family. It was very evident to all who knew him. I always enjoyed talking with him for these reasons and the added bonus of feeling "petite". I am tall,  5'10". Fess is 6'5". It was a treat to be able to look up for a change. ( To see him and his winery click on the link above).

There is one visit that will forever be etched in my memory. We were staying at Fess' s inn for the weekend. There was an intimate evening gathering of his friends around the piano, about 20 people. We happened to be there as Ed Ames went to the piano and played and sang his two best selling hits, " MY CUP RUNNETH OVER" and "TRY TO REMEMBER". It was awesome. Fess' wife Marcy loved to sing too. She gave Dale and I a CD she recorded to play in our store. It's one of Dale's favorites. She has a very rich voice. After Ed, Marcy sang and then Rona Barrett, their neighbor and  famous gossip columnist.

The TV show Daniel Boone, starring Fess and Ed Ames, his lifelong friend,  was filmed here where we live on the Iverson Movie Ranch. Click on the link below to hear Ed Ames sing both songs and then imagine what it was like for us to be around that piano right next to him. What a gift!

Ed Ames 2007 Part 1

Fess Parker

He's A Brick....HOUSE

Hugh Laurie & Me

Leave it to my husband Dale to come up with the title to this blog!  This photo was just taken tonight. After a relaxing dinner in Montrose we decided to stroll down and check out the HOUSE film shoot. I'm so glad we did. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Hugh and the HOUSE staff has had a very busy day that started at 6:00 AM and is still going on as I write this. Here is an insiders look at what filming this show is like.

Getting Ready For The Shoot

It starts like this. The street in front of our stores is blocked off and waiting.

Universal Studio's Trucks

Up pull the studio trucks full of equipment.

Unloading Equipment

The Rolling Supply Parade

The Wardrobe

Planter Props In Front Of Our Store

Quiet On The Set!

Salon Du Soleil Owner Mary Beth With Me and Carole

Carole's New Puppy Bella On The Set

This Actress Just Came Off The Set

Hugh Reading The Script

What a FUN day we had. Everytime I see this it gives me a whole new appreciation for the hard work and LONG days everyone in this business puts in. We really enjoyed the crew. Hugh is such a gracious and kind man. He is extremely good looking in person I must say. Watch for this episode to be on T.V. in the next three weeks.

A Camera Lesson With Michael Chiklis

Me & Michael Chiklis

Dale and I visited THE AMERICANA AT BRAND for the first time. This is the newest SoCal outdoor lifestyle center built by Rick Caruso in the City Of Glendale. No expense was spared in the Christmas light department here. There is a 5 story Christmas tree covered in lights,

Snow & Crystal Chandeliers

a street with crystal chandeliers and scheduled snowfalls,

Fake Snow

and a fountain that lights up, sings, and dances!!!

Wow!

Amidst all this I was snapping pics like crazy and saw a familiar face in my lens. It was MICHAEL CHIKLIS, star of THE SHIELD, and THE FANTASTIC FOUR. Dale asked if he could take a picture of he and I, and wouldn't you know it, our camera batteries died. No problem, Michael said he was a camera buff. He loaded in our new batteries and then asked if he could take our picture so we would have one of us. What a nice man!

Photo Taken By Michael

After this we wandered over to The Cheesecake Factory and were given the best table, right next to the water fountain!

What a fun and memorable night!

The Scene

A Christmas Visit With Artist Susan Rios

Nyla, Susan Rios, & Michael Watching The Nutcracker Ballet

Our store, Mountain Rose Gifts, is like having a Christmas party everyday. You never know who is going to stop in. Little did we know this day our friend Susan Rios would be popping in as well as some new neighbors. AND that we would be enjoying The Nutcracker Ballet together. Susan is an acclaimed artist. She has illustrated numerous books, some her own, some written by Emilie Barnes of Harvest House Publishers. Her work can be found all over the world.

Your Own Nutcracker Ballet!

Our new friend, Nyla, is the owner of Princess Kastle, a chain of stores of which one is in Montrose. Her son, Michael loved our Nutcracker Ballet. Then Dale brought out our one of a kind deluxe version. We all got to enjoy it together and then lucky Nyla got to purchase it and take it home. Such a nice memory!

Here are just two of Susan's books.

Christmas Teas of Comfort and Joy

Emilie Barnes

The Art of Susan Rios

Ralph Rugoff

Check out Susan's website www.susanriosinc.com