Labor Day

  

Happy Labor Day! Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894.

I spent over 45 years in the work force. Some of that time was spent as a union member, working at various movie studios throughout Los Angeles. Today, I am reaping the benefits of full-time employment thanks to the labor movement's accomplishments over the years for equal rights, better working conditions and equal pay, especially for women. Thank you.

One of my favorite Woody Guthrie songs is "Union Maid," written in 1940.  Here's my rendition with some updated lyrics added in 1973 by Nancy Katz.

Happy Labor Day!

Hometown History

 

Photo, courtesy of Los Angeles Public Library Archives

The caption for the photo above that appeared in the L.A. Herald Examiner in 1960 reads, "Commemorating the work of eight film pioneers who led the fight against Beverly Hills' annexation by Los Angeles in 1922, a 30-foot marble monument was dedicated at Beverly Dr. and Olympic Blvd. on March 9, 1960. A spiraling bronze replica of a strip of motion picture film is topped by a 14-karat gold star. Among filmland personalities taking part in the fete are, left to right, Conrad Nagel, Corinne Griffith, Mary Pickford and Harold Lloyd."

I was at this dedication. Sooky Goldman, photographer and reporter for the Beverly Hills Courier, recruited our Brownie Troop from Beverly Vista Elementary School to participate in the dedication ceremony for the statue. There was a photo of our troop, saluting in front of the statue in the BH Courier. My copy of the photo is long gone, but I still remember the day.

Beverly Vista Brown Troop, 1960 - L-R: Jeri, Denise, Allison, Erica, Jody, Ellen, Nancy, Leslie, Sharon, Eva, Ria, Mandy, Dana, Sandy, Karin, Gayle - Back row: Troop Leaders, Mrs. Milner, Mrs. Martin

Our neighbor, Sooky Goldman, later became active in the preservation of Franklin Canyon Park. 

The statue is still on Olympic Blvd. at Beverly Drive, right near Von's Pavillions Market. It's in the middle of this traffic triangle. I must go over there again and photograph the statue! I feel proud to have participated in this small piece of Beverly Hills history.

Art in the City

"Floating World" by Ferne Jacobs, Coiled Waxed Linen Thread

"Craft in America" is a wonderful PBS television series showcasing different crafts-people all over our country and the work that they do. I've been watching it for years. There is a Craft in America Center on West Third Street in Los Angeles associated with the show. The storefront holds lectures by artists, hands-on workshops with artists and gallery shows! Last week I attended the exhibition called "Building the Essentials: Ferne Jacobs."  Jacobs is a fiber artist who has been working since the 1960s. Her work involves basketry, weaving, knotting, coiling and twining. Many of her pieces are sculptural and quite large. Her colors are riveting. The show will be on view through June 18th.  Go see it! 

"Flight" by Ferne Jacobs, Coiled Waxed Linen Thread

"Interior Passages" Ferne Jacobs, Coiled and Twined Waxed Linen and Thread

The shapes that Ferne creates out of mere fiber and twine are magnificent. I was also quite interested in her drawings and notebooks that included collage and other elements. 

Ferne Jacobs, Notebook, paint, collage

Just next door to the Craft in America Center is the store Free Hand. The shop is connected to the exhibition space and showcases original work available for purchase. There are jewelry items, paintings, clothing, ceramics and more. Many artists are represented, displaying an array of pleasing items for sale.  Really, the Free Hand shop is almost like a museum display. 

Seeing the artwork of Ferne Jacobs and visiting the Free Hand space was like being in an artist's cocoon for an afternoon. You must visit!

Craft in America

8415 West Third Street

Los Angeles, CA  90048

Tues-Sat, 12pm -6pm

Happy Labor Day

 

Happy Labor Day! Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century became a federal holiday in 1894.

I am thankful to all the workers who came before me, standing up for equal rights on the job.

I spent 47 years in the work force. Some of that time was spent as a union member, working at various movie studios throughout Los Angeles. Today, I am reaping the benefits of full-time, corporate employment thanks to the labor movement's accomplishments over the years for equal rights, better working conditions and equal pay. Thank you.

Thanksgiving, 1956, Beverly Hills

Every year since I was a tiny girl, my Aunt Mae and Uncle Marvin have hosted our family Thanksgiving. Aunt Mae is my Mother's older sister. Here we are in 1956 at Mae's and Marvin's home on Spalding Drive in Beverly Hills. Later, they moved to Bel Air and then to Westwood. We moved on to various restaurants and to the Del Rey Yacht Club for our celebrations in later years. Last year and today, we are celebrating at Cousin Carolyn's home in Valencia.

At the head of the table, Grandpa Sam, Aunt Mae (standing), Grandma Freda, Cousin Marilyn, Cousin Janet, Uncle Bob, Aunt Celia, Mom (closest to the camera), Me, Cousin Carolyn

Our family has grown and changed over the years. My cousins, Marilyn and Carolyn have children and grandchildren! Many of our aunts, uncles and cousins are gone, but not forgotten. We shall remember them all today as we celebrate and give thanks for our family, friends and a bountiful Thanksgiving!

After Dinner!
L-R: My brother, Ken, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Bob

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

A memory from 2016, playing ukulele with my musical cousins!

Streamline Moderne

Pan Pacific Auditorium, 1939

We live near Pan Pacific Park in the center of Los Angeles. I remember the original streamline-moderne Pan Pacific Auditorium. We saw the auto show, the boat show and even the Ice-Capades here. It was a huge venue. I've read that this was the place Elvis Presley had his Los Angeles concert debut. The Auditorium was built in 1935, designed by Plummer, Wurderman and Becket. The building was demolished in 1992 after a 1989 fire.

Just Before the Fire, 1989

Today, the Pan Pacific Recreation Center stands in the center of Pan Pacific Park in the same location as the original auditorium. This park also serves as a flood basin for the area. The entirely new Pan Pacific Recreation Center was designed by architect, Jeffrey Kalban. At least Kalban referenced the original auditorium in his design. Photographer, Larry Underhill documented the building for Kalban. You can see more photos here.

Pan Pacific Recreation Center, 2010. Photo by Larry Underhill

I'm glad that a portion of the original design of this beautiful auditorium was commemorated in the newer design. I just wish that ALL of those beautiful streamlined moderne towers had been saved and the building behind the façade remodeled. Sigh.

Happy Veteran's Day

My Dad, George E. Bloom, was born in March of 1919. Shortly after he was born he somehow broke his little arm. His arm was in a sling and since it was just after the end of WW I, they called him the "Little Veteran." He was a real veteran after WW II. Thank you, Pop for serving and protecting our country.

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day and marked the end of hostilities of World War I that occurred at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. Therefore, the day is always recognized on November 11th, regardless of the day of the week the 11th falls on.

I salute all who serve. Thank you.

Labor Day

Female workers in Labor Day Parade, NYC, 1936. NY Daily News, Getty Images

Happy Labor Day! Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century became a federal holiday in 1894.

I am thankful to all the workers who came before me, standing up for equal rights on the job.

I spent over 45 years in the work force. Some of that time was spent as a union member, working at various movie studios throughout Los Angeles. Today, I am reaping the benefits of full-time, corporate employment thanks to the labor movement's accomplishments over the years for equal rights, better working conditions and equal pay. Thank you.

Fresh Flowers

Roses and gladiolas in our side-yard

It's the small, beautiful things in life that give me joy. The June Gloom that we've been experiencing in Los Angeles is the perfect climate for certain flowers to grow in our garden. We have overcast dampness in the morning, giving way to sunnier skies in the late afternoon.  Yes, the roses are blooming in our garden!

I do love buying fresh flowers at Trader Joe's grocery store. Flowers that I buy there seem to last longer than flowers bought elsewhere. This week, the peonies are for sale! They are so luscious and beautiful. I picked up some other-worldly pink ones yesterday.

My beautiful peonies from Trader Joe's

T.Joe's is known for its orchids. They almost ALWAYS have them for sale. They also have all kinds of other fresh flowers for sale at excellent prices.

Flowers available at Trader Joe's

Once all of the flowers die, I can always resort to my supply of crocheted flowers!  Happy Summer, my friends!

Crochet Flower Collection

Prismatic Grid Shawlette

I knit and crochet SO MANY shawls and sweaters, that after awhile, I lose track. When you post a project on Ravelry, you're supposed to name it. I just couldn't come up with a name for this granny shawl, so I asked Larry to help me. Larry was an art major.

I used a very large crochet hook, size "N." The Gina/Plymouth variegated yarn is quite thin. This makes for a very lacy square.

When I began this piece I was going to make a long scarf, two squares wide. I'd connected about 20 squares. It was at this point that I decided to make a triangle. Using this step-ladder technique of joining is not your usual triangle construction, but after I finished, I liked it! I crocheted 2 rows of single crochet in a ripple-like method, adding picots at the points.

I'm quite pleased with how this shawlette turned out! Granny squares are the building blocks to fashion!

Happy 100th Birthday, Pop!

1926, Boyle Heights, Los Angeles

March 30, 1919...the day that George E. Bloom was born. Happy 100th birthday Pop! We've been missing you for 15 years. I think of you everyday as I drive through the streets of your beloved Los Angeles. Your memory is a blessing.

1932, Griffith Park Boys Camp, Los Angeles

U.S. Army, 1942

George Paul Co. Doors and Wardrobes, 8551 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, 1960

Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, 1984

Welcome! Again

My 5th Welcome Blanket

I just completed my fifth Welcome Blanket.  This is such a worthwhile project. The blankets are small, 40" x 40." This is a perfect size to wrap around your shoulders or place on your lap. I like to think of these blankets as a HUG for newcomers to our country. Read about the project HERE. You will also find all of the instructions and how to participate at this site.

The project has been traveling around the country to different art museums. The first phase was in Chicago, then Atlanta, now the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, Mass. is receiving, cataloging, displaying and re-sending the blankets. The deadline for this phase is March 1, 2019. I'm glad I finished in time.

I've been participating in this project since the beginning. I was most pleased when I saw my  blanket displayed on the wall in a photograph from The Smart Museum in Chicago, 2017.

Ellen's Blanket, top left, Smart Museum, Chicago, 2017

The designer of the original "Come Together" blanket is Kat  Coyle. Kat owns and operates the Little Knittery yarn shop in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA. Her idea for the triangle design was that knitting triangular squares is portable and not as daunting as making an entire blanket in one piece. Also, many people can contribute squares for one blanket. Using the triangles, you can come up with so many different configurations. I decided to crochet my blankets, instead of knitting them. I found an online tutorial for granny triangles. 

Here are a few of my Welcome Blankets:

 

I really enjoy making these blankets in-between other projects. I saw this Circus Blanket on Instagram and am toying with making a smaller version for a Welcome Blanket!

The Welcome Blanket is an excellent project for your knitting and/or crochet group! Come on! Join me in welcoming newcomers to our shores.

Malibou Lake

View from Linda's and Craig's deck

Today we took a drive out to see my cousin's home at Malibou Lake. Linda and Craig live in a really beautiful home overlooking the lake and the woods.  During the recent Woolsey Fires, they had to evacuate their home. They were one of the lucky families. There are 33 houses in their area. Their home is one of four still standing. The fires came within inches of their garage and out-buildings. They lost a lot of vegetation, but their house survived, although there was smoke damage. Craig sent me a few photos of his neighbor's home...totally destroyed!

The Neighbor's home. Photo by Craig Talmy

We picked up a few sub-sandwiches at Bay Cities Italian Deli and headed up the Pacific Coast Highway. Once we turned off onto Mulholland, we could see some of the burn damage. Thankfully, there were also plenty of green zones.

We passed the crews from AT & T restoring service to the area, as well as electrical workers.

We climbed up the hill to the house and were greeted by Linda and Craig. After a tour of their Craftsman-style home, we ate lunch and had a fine time discussing our families, the recent fires, FEMA and more. I'm so glad that their home was alright during the fires. They have done an amazing job over the last 20 years of remodeling and improving their home. It really is beautiful and in a serene setting (until the next fire).

Linda baked "Camp Fire/Smores" cupcakes for dessert in honor of Larry's parents' lost home in Paradise

Thank you, Cousins, for a lovely afternoon! We hope to get together again soon.

Craig and Linda, Owl Lodge, Malibou Lake

Ukulele Fun

Ukulele Workshop at the Boulevard Music Holiday Show
L-R: Joe, Marissa, Jim, Debbie, Candace, Ellen, Ron, Deb, Carol, Deb-2, Cali

We had a really good time performing at the Boulevard Music Holiday Show this past Sunday. Our Ukulele Workshop played four songs at the top of the show. There were 11 of us on that tiny stage! Thankfully, Cali's microphone and amplifier were at full force, so if we forgot some chords or lyrics, no one could tell. We kept shifting around on stage. No one wanted to be front and center. Well, alright, I'll stand in the middle! I'm a ham. Most of the photos I've seen from the evening have me with my mouth wide open in song or smiling at the audience. I know I forgot a few chords and some lyrics, but I also know from experience that "you go a mile with a smile!"

It's rather hectic backstage at Boulevard. The staff has to clear out the entire shop full of guitars and other instruments, including the stage. Then, they have to set up all the chairs for the audience. The "backstage" consists of music stands, instrument boxes and a kitchen. It's kind of a mess. We were tuning up, chattering away and basically having a great time. This transferred to our performance onstage. 

As I was roaming around the audience after our performance, a few of the other "professional" performers gave our group compliments. The joy of music transmits!

If you'd like to join our group in January (or anytime. We are an ongoing group), please do so! We can all have a great time making music together!

Click on Flyer to embiggen!