Month: May 2021

News of the Week: Return of the Library (Trending)

I drew these illustrations from the “L.A. Times” Sunday comics section for our art lessons at “6th Street E.S.”

Beginning May 3, 2021 the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) opened up limited in-person services at 38 of its locations, including the Central Library downtown https://lapl.org.The hours the Central Library is open is Monday-Friday from 10-4:30 pm and the hours for Regional Branch Libraries are: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10-4:30 pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30-7:30 pm.

“The Los Angeles Library Association was formed in late 1872, and by early 1873, a well-stocked reading room had opened in the Downey block of Temple and Main Streets under the first librarian, John Littlefield.”

LAUSD Students:

  • LAUSD students are automatically assigned a Student Success Library Card. With the card they can borrow up to three books, get digital materials, find an online tutor and never be subject to fines.
  • They can celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day in April and become exposed to books from diverse cultures, such as VAMOS! Let‘s Go to the Market by Raul the Third.
  • They can also register to participate in the Summer Reading Challenge which lasts from June 7-August 7, 2021.
  • Book Bundles To Go is another thing they can participate in by selecting up to five books based on a particular interest or theme, then letting the librarian select titles for them. My cat Zombie loves animal books, and since I read to him everyday, I put in his request for animal books and received the following: Orangutanka (Written by Margarita Engle and Illustrated by Renee Kurilla), Birds From Head To Tai(Written byStacey Roderick and Illustrated by Kwanchai Moriya), Wild Child (Written by Steven Salerno), Fabulous Frogs (Written by Martin Jenkins and Illustrated by Tim Hopgood), and An Ambush of Tigers: A Wild Gathering of Collective Nouns (Written by Betsey R. Rosenthal and Illustrated by Jago). The good thing about the Book Bundles is you can request two of them per library card.

Hats Off to Ms. Victoria and Mr. Zombie (Fashion)

  • Victoria Moore

Years ago, before I became a regular model for the Federation of Vintage Fashion’s Vintage Expo I used to marvel at one of their gorgeous regulars. Statuesque, with clear white skin, black hair and perfectly applied makeup, the most amazing thing about her modeling style was the prop she used-a large black and white tuxedo cat! Nestled gracefully across her shoulders he accentuated every garment she wore with skill and efficiency. Later I found out he was her partner and muse when she danced professionally as well.

Zombie

Now that I have Zombie, I realize why her cat influenced and participated in her creative process so completely. He wasn’t just an important part of her team he was symbiotically connected to her creatively, emotionally, intellectually and psychologically.

Long past my two Covid vaccinations and with things starting to open up again I’m feeling a little restless and want to travel. Before the pandemic I would’ve been happy going to Catalina or San Francisco, but after being cooped up in Los Angeles for so long I want to go somewhere non-casual and steeped in history. What I really want to do is go to a place where Zombie and I can show off!

One of my Instagram friends helped me decide about our destination when, after seeing one of my posts featuring my collection of hats, she said, “If you love hats you should go to the Melbourne Cup Races because when everyone’s dressed up it looks like one big hat shop!”

Melbourne Cup

World famous and swaddled in sartorial lore, the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse, has been a media sensation since its inception in the 1800s. While doing my research for my fantasy trip, the most fascinating pieces of news I came across was that Queen Elizabeth, who set the trend for “mid-calf length dresses, worn with pearls, hats and gloves” was also equally passionate about horses, and actually owned a racehorse!

The spectacle is no less wondrous today, and definitely seems worth the long trek from California. From the writer’s perspective I can see myself taking copious notes on a reporter’s pad and taking loads of photos. From the fashionista’s point of view, I can see myself wearing a tiered, floral print Ulla Johnson midi dress, a sharp Philip Treacy hat, and walking Zombie on a Chanel chain pet leash or in a swanky carrier. Either way it would definitely be a dream trip come true.

Until the day comes when I can actually go with Zombie, however, I can always watch My Fair Lady and Easter Parade on TCM and drool over pricey dresses, hats and shoes in magazines and online, prepare my interview questions for the other well-dressed attendees, and sharpen my photography skills for all the photo opps I hope to find there.