This post is part of a series about my favorite places and things that have made Los Angeles feel like my home for the past 2+ years.
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When we first moved into our apartment in Culver City a few years ago, the tangerine tree in the backyard was a major selling point. At the time, it was late February and the tree was bursting with fleshy, orange fruit. Allison and I were still shivering from the Massachusetts winter weather, so the idea of our own homegrown citrus was just short of a miracle.
The tangerine tree inspired many citrus cocktail creations in those first months–and lots of “oohs and aahs” from every non-Californian houseguest that we’ve had. Today, I’m still amazed and delighted when coworkers bring in bags full of grapefruits or lemons from their own backyards. “Please take them off my hands!”
Seriously, Los Angelenos, don’t take your backyard bounty for granted! Pick it, eat it, share it, and savor every tart juicy bite! Check out fallenfruit.org to learn more about the local mini-movement to take advantage of LA’s awesome fruit trees. And I will stir up one more tangertini before I go…
Thursday, October 8, 2009
When I moved to LA a few years ago, I knew I would find my place in this big city somehow. But really feeling at home in a new place takes a while. Sometimes a long while. You make a city “yours” with routines, weekly habits, choosing your favorite coffee spot, visiting your local market every week, knowing directions by heart. That familiarity grows in waves–1 month, 6 months, a year, and onward. Many of my big city connections came in small and unexpected ways, and in the end, those are the things I will miss most.
So in honor of a bright gritty city that’s given me so much, I give you For Love of LA - a multi-part love letter featuring some favorites spots in this land of sunshine and stars.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
last night, Nicole and i drove to Malibu for a mini college reunion with our friend Peter, who lives in Santa Barbara. we decided to meetup for a beachside picnic halfway between SB and LA at Leo Carillo State Park. we met on the sand with picnic blankets, food, and wine, and talked until long after it got dark.
the sky was beautiful at sunset, and then the moon was full and so so bright. here’s to more excuses for nighttime beachside hangouts!
each year i’m been amazed when june arrives, and southern california descends into a dark fog of june gloom. just when my new england mind is ready for sunshine and summer heat, i’m left with morning drizzles and cloudy grey skies.
sometimes california seems very backwards.
but looking forward to sunnier skies tomorrow…
listening to: here comes the sun by the beatles (listen)
:: image from lillieinthecity / flickr
an outdoor movie and a picnic with friends. the perfect combination for a summer saturday night, yes? and in LA, we then add: a DJ for pre-movie music, a crowd of hundreds, traffic jammed in all directions, and a big open field at the hollywood forever cemetery (thanks to lack of green space and/or twisted sense of humor). and as odd as watching a movie in the middle of a cemetery sounds, it’s one of my most memorable summer activities in this city.
on saturday night at the first screening of the season, we feasted on yummy wraps, pesto, fava beans, german chocolate, fresh lemon cake, boont amber ale…and then watched the glorious paul newman in cool hand luke. and by the end of the night, we were already making plans for next week.
screenings are every saturday night–plus special sunday screenings on holiday weekends. if you’re in LA, it’s certainly worth checking out! find more information and a listing of upcoming movies at cinespia.org.
:: top photo from chotda; bottom photo from lillieinthecity / flickr
listening to: gobbledigook by sigur ros (listen)
My name is Lillie Dignan. I'm a designer and maker, living and working in the Bay Area.
