belladana daily LA

springtime smile!

2011-03-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

Springtime is here! This big grin and jumping for joy is exactly how I feel about springtime. I found this image on La Brea Ave in West Los Angeles.

rainbows and runners

2011-03-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

I opened my front door to leave for work and this is the wonderful view I saw! Wow! A full rainbow right in my front yard! This image is from a previous 'storm', but since it is raining today I use it to salute the LA marathon runners! Cheers to rainbows and runners!

Los Angeles farmers market exotic fruit

2011-03-18T23:54:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about living in LA is the diversity of people that call this city home. This diversity is reflected in the variety of foods found here. It is possible to take a culinary trip around the world just by visiting a local farmers market. Honestly, I have never tasted a Cherimoya, but it's nice to know I can!

cable car crossing

2011-03-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

An old-time cable car crosses in front of the Los Angeles Maritime Museum in San Pedro. Youngsters watch as a remnant of a by-gone era passes in front of them.

Los Angeles cruise terminal

2010-09-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

Flood-lit palm trees, water, and the Vincent St. Thomas bridge make a lovely setting for an evening stroll.

photo hunter - school

2010-09-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

Recently I happened to be at Loyola Marymount University in the Westchester area of Los Angeles. The school sits atop a bluff in the Del Rey hills. What a peaceful spot to read, relax, or simply watch the world go by. (In between classes of course!) Photo Hunter is a weekly meme, see other participants here.

San Pedro Ports O' Call Lobster Festival

2010-09-17T23:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend marks the 12th annual Lobster Festival at Ports O' Call village in San Pedro. These people have just picked up their lobster dinner and are queueing to have the shell cracked. The festival offers entertainment, food booths, and food trucks all overlooking the Los Angeles Harbor.

photo hunter - anniversary

2010-09-11T23:45:00.000-07:00

Many travelers may not be aware that there is a 9-11 memorial at LAX. Amidst the kinetic light installation (lighted pylons), you'll find the names of the passengers and crew members inscribed on the base of the flag pole. One day I discovered someone had left these flowers. Perhaps a birthday or anniversary? I paused then to reflect as I did today. Photo hunter is part of a weekly meme, click here to see other participants.

downtown tunnel

2010-08-30T23:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone on an open-top double-deck bus tour of Los Angeles at night? Well that's exactly what I did, and I can not say enough how fun it was! The Museum of Neon Art offers its famous neon cruise Saturday nights through November. Neon signs, light installations, and movie marquees all make for a splendid nighttime tour through downtown, Chinatown, and Hollywood.

ABC Wednesday E is for electric!

2010-08-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

This image was taken last year during the DWP Holiday Light Festival in Griffith Park. I am sharing it today because it would not be summer in LA without nights out at the Hollywood Bowl! Last week- Rent- electric!!! This Friday night, classical music and fireworks! Care to join me? Abc Wednesday is a weekly meme. See other participants here.

this drink is for you!

2010-07-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

Across the nation temperatures are higher than normal. Some places are positively scorching hot! So this image of refreshing sodas and cold drinks from the farmers market is dedicated to you! Cheers!

downtown

2010-07-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

Here is the simplest of downtown silhouettes. Simplicity in a photograph sends my imagination soaring. How about you? Belladana Daily LA welcomes the newest follower: Linnea W!!!

farmers market umbrellas

2010-07-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Tourists and locals alike enjoying food and conversation beneath the umbrellas at LA's Farmers Market. There are food stalls, shops, and outlets for farmer's produce.

photo hunter - free

2010-07-10T04:34:00.000-07:00

Some of the best things in life are free! Or paid for in advance by blood, sweat, and tears! Photo hunter is a weekly meme hosted by tnchick.

hollywood tourists

2010-07-05T23:53:00.001-07:00

Tourists enjoying the glitz and glamour of Hollywood Blvd.

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T16:43:00.001-07:00

Hot dogs with ketchup and fries! What is more American than that? Only the red, white, and blue of this image! Happy 4th of July everyone!

photo hunter - open

2010-07-03T23:40:00.001-07:00

I could not resist snapping this image of an open pot of gumbo ya ya at LA's Farmers Market. Yet, what is gumbo ya ya? Sometimes the photographer in me is so visual I forget to be verbal and ask questions!

parking in the city

2010-06-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

This sign is in the parking lot of the store I showed you on 19Jun. I could not stop laughing! There was no money box or lot attendant to collect the fee. So basically you could park on the street for free or search high and low for someone to give 2 dollars a minute!! What could be funnier??

happy father's day

2010-06-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Philippe's, a Los Angeles institution, has been serving sandwiches since 1908. I have been coming here since a child in the 70's when my father introduced me to this place. I still do not get the sawdust on the floor but I enjoy it since it is offbeat, kinda like my father was! You can find Philippe's downtown a short walk from Union Station and Olvera St.

photo hunter - six

2010-06-19T23:50:00.001-07:00

Goat meat, cow skin, kenkey, fish, shitoo, and phone cards!? An interesting mix of six! Gotta love LA! ...And just what IS shitoo anyway???

good luck

2010-06-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

I came across this sign and gong during a recent night-time photo trek through LA's Chinatown district. For some reason I am now itching to strike this gong!!

dump the pump!

2010-06-17T17:27:00.001-07:00

Today is National Dump the Pump day! The American Public Transportation Association encourages you to dump the pump and use public transportation. I say give your car a hike and ride your bike!

ABC Wednesday V is for View

2010-06-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun at Sunset Ranch in the Hollywood Hills and that's without even getting on a horse! Sunset Ranch offers horse-back riding with spectacular views of the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood hills, and Los Angeles.

belladana daily LA is back!

2010-06-15T17:36:00.001-07:00

No matter how far away I go, and no matter how long I stay away, coming home to Los Angeles is always great! I like returning to favorite places such as the Farmer's Market.

ABC Wednesday M is for miniature

2010-04-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

This miniature version of the famous Hollywood sign can be found at Sunset Ranch. Coincidentally, the real Hollywood sign and the surrounding land is under threat of development. Savehollywoodland.org is raising funds to keep the land for public use. See other Abc Wednesday participants here.

photo hunter - vertical

2010-04-10T16:09:00.000-07:00

Street-lamps are almost always vertical, so this scene really caught my eye! Click here to see other photo hunter participants.

east hollywood

2010-04-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

The East Hollywood Artcycle was a fun gathering of local residents to celebrate their community. The street fair was low-key and I got a chance to experience LA's street food truck scene without all the lines!

under the umbrellas

2010-04-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

Los Angelenos enjoying the evening out, under the umbrellas. I took this image at the Americana at Brand, a residential, shopping, and entertainment destination.

ABC Wednesday L is for Longevity

2010-04-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Longevity at your footsteps! What could be better? Long live Chinatown! See other ABC Wednesday participants here.

Egypt in L.A.

2010-04-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

It does not take much to send my mind wandering to distant lands. One look at this pyramid-shaped shadow and palm tree and my mind was off to Egypt!

Americana at Brand

2010-04-05T17:18:00.001-07:00

The Americana at Brand is a shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in Glendale.

Easter reflection

2010-04-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

Palm trees, blue skies, and bright white clouds! Just another beautiful day in Los Angeles reflected in a building on Olympic Blvd.

photo hunter - sweet

2010-04-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

Awwww! All we need now are marshmallows and a campfire! See other photo hunters here.

ABC Wednesday K is for ohhhhhhhh K!

2010-03-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

I knew this sign was perfect for ABC Wednesday the moment I saw it! I've been waiting to post this image like a child waiting for Christmas Day! See other participants here.

meanwhile, back at the ranch

2010-03-25T23:45:00.001-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, or rather, mares and geldings, here we are again at the Sunset Ranch.

ABC Wednesday J is for Jogging

2010-03-24T17:41:00.001-07:00

Just another beautiful day in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. A jogger passes by with his dog; life is jolly good. Click here for other ABC Wednesday participants.

springtime!

2010-03-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Park your car, plant a garden, and take a walk! Spring has sprung! You can see this car garden in front of the Santa Monica Museum of Art.

ABC Wednesday I is for indecent proposal

2010-03-17T02:33:00.000-07:00

Empty saddle plus sign equals indecent proposal or...insane imagination! This image was taken at the Sunset Ranch in the Hollywood hills. Click here for other ABC Wednesday participants.

Little India restaurant

2010-03-16T17:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever left a buffet wishing you could eat more? That's how I felt after a friend took me to this restaurant recently. The food was delicious, the service friendly, and the price just right!

less is more

2010-03-15T23:50:00.000-07:00

Less is more in Little India! Something about this display of only arms and legs is mezmorising.

legs on hollywood blvd

2010-03-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

Initially these colorful legs in the window naturally caught my eye. Later I discovered the faint reflection of the sidewalk stars on Hollywood Blvd.

ABC Wednesday H is for Hollywood Hills

2010-03-10T00:03:00.000-08:00

The hiking trail at the end of Beachwood Drive affords a beautiful view of Los Angeles. These homes in the hills sit just above Hollywood and just below the famous sign. To see other ABC Wednesday participants click here.

international women's day

2010-03-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

I saw this through the window of a bakery and couldn't stop laughing! Is she chasing him for matrimony or to ring his neck??? Happy International Women's Day!

oscar hopeful

2010-03-07T13:15:00.001-08:00

The red carpet arrival area for the 82nd Academy Awards is just on the other side of this fence. Singer Molasses Jones hopes Matt Damon will be her date with the golden ticket!

photo hunter - foreign

2010-03-07T00:21:00.001-08:00

Gobo, aka burdock root, is something I have never seen before! While exploring Little India, I discovered Gobo in an Asian grocery store.

ABC Wednesday G is for Go on Girl!

2010-03-03T18:07:00.000-08:00

The Color Purple is based upon the novel written by Alice Walker, produced by Oprah Winfrey. Music and lyrics co-written by Brenda Russell. Starring Fantasia, with Sheilah Walker as Music Director. All I can say is "Go on Girl!"

a closer look

2010-02-26T18:54:00.000-08:00

For this image I put the camera right up close to the grill. I like the pinhole effect it created. To see a wider shot which includes the grill and to learn why this shot can't be duplicated click here.

LAX terminal 6

2010-02-25T20:04:00.001-08:00

Here's a vintage view of LAX terminal 6. The huge advertising billboard that covers this grill now makes this viewpoint impossible! Oddly, I thought the view mundane, until I no longer had access to it!

ABC Wednesday F is for Fountain

2010-02-24T18:07:00.000-08:00

It is still hard for me to believe that I took this image at Union Station downtown. You can find this fountain in the courtyard adjacent to the main hall. To see other ABC Wednesday participants click here.

aztec dancers

2010-02-23T19:05:00.001-08:00

Tourists watch Aztec dancing in downtown LA's historic El Pueblo district.

beverly hills?

2010-02-22T14:12:00.001-08:00

I just had to take this image. Somehow the car does not go with the sign, or rather the image of Beverly Hills.

chinatown by day

2010-02-21T13:51:00.000-08:00

Sometimes Chinatown can be surprisingly serene. It's an easy walk from downtown or a short hop on the metro.

photo hunter - cuddly

2010-02-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

Recently at the airport a man complained of chest pains and asked for help. He was taken to the hospital where he later passed away. No one thought to use this machine or knew how. So the next time you see one, cuddle on up to it! Get familiar, you just might save a life!

LA Street Food Fest line- part two

2010-02-19T16:05:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned yesterday, I had a bit of a wait while in line for the food festival. To pass the time I began peering through the black curtain and fence. I discovered this gem painted on the side of an old van.

LA Street Food Fest line- part one

2010-02-18T18:06:00.000-08:00

Here's another image from the LA Street Food Fest. This was taken after waiting in line for 30 minutes with another 15 to go. NOT amused! wink wink. Come back tomorrow for part two. Click here for original post.

ABC Wednesday E is for Eureka!

2010-02-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

This week Gerald from Hyde Daily Photo included my blog in a city blog round up, Around the World ! My response? Eureka! It's always nice to be recognized by peers.

travel show steel drums

2010-02-16T19:10:00.000-08:00

Steel drums are not native to Los Angeles so I was happy to hear their melodic sound at the LA Times Travel and Adventure show. The drums were being played to showcase travel to the US Virgin Islands.

street food festival

2010-02-15T23:23:00.000-08:00

More than thirty gourmet food trucks participated in LA's first annual Street Food Fest last Saturday. The event was well worth the 45min line wait just to get IN! If you are a foodie and you missed this, eat your heart out while you wait till next year.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T18:22:00.000-08:00

I spotted this cute little bear at the Los Angeles Times Travel and Adventure Show today. The man at the booth saw my delight and presented me with a box of chocolates. Sweet!

photo hunter - broken

2010-02-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's a stretch....but who broke the freeway? Click here for more photo hunters!

watts towers

2010-02-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

Here's another view of the Watts Towers. Visiting the towers makes a fun side-trip from downtown. Simply hop on the metro and use the blue line. To see a different view of the towers, click here.

orange ufo

2010-02-11T23:43:00.000-08:00

Recently I happened to take the Amtrak train to Orange county. From the window of the moving train I caught a glimpse of this huge floating orange ball. In the distance there appear to be circus tents. Are the tents and ball connected? Mysterious! My first orange ufo!

ABC Wednesday D is for Dragon Dance

2010-02-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

Parades celebrating Chinese New Year are colorful and fun. I especially like the dancing dragon as it moves through fire-crackers! Today the dragon stood still just long enough for a portrait!

lights!

2010-02-09T23:46:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a fun frivolous picture is all it takes to lighten up a dreary rainy day!

koi pond

2010-02-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

Here is another fountain at Union Station. A close look reveals a swimming koi fish. It's hard to imagine that a peaceful place exists amidst all the hustle and bustle of the train station.

downtown view

2010-02-07T19:39:00.000-08:00

Here's a view of downtown from the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The curves of the building represent the vision of architect Frank Gehry.

photo hunter - average

2010-02-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

Here's an average shot of your average tourist taking pictures of your average Aztec dancers downtown! Just another average day in Los Angeles!

reflection of possibility

2010-02-05T17:45:00.000-08:00

What do you see when you look at this image? Do you see the dark gray clouds or the blue sky? Do you see asphalt covered by a huge puddle, or a little bird walking on water? Click on comments and tell me which side of the fence you are on!

downtown art walk

2010-02-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles hosts a monthly Art Walk downtown. The walk is on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 12pm-9pm. The best thing about the walk, besides the art, is the admission price: it's FREE!

ABC Wednesday C is for Cents

2010-02-03T15:41:00.000-08:00

C is for cents, 99.99 cents to be exact. Walking the aisles of the 99 cents store is like going on a treasure hunt. It is amazing what you can find for 99 cents; candy, cotton balls, cauliflower, cookies, cd's, cola, cookbooks, calendars, cards, carrots...

hill street cafe

2010-02-02T23:51:00.000-08:00

The Hill Street Cafe is one of several vendors at Grand Central Market, Los Angeles' oldest open-air market. One can find fresh produce, poultry, and seafood alongside a food court offering everything from candy to kabab!

waiting

2010-02-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

Life in Los Angeles involves waiting. Whether it's waiting in traffic or waiting for a train, the waiting is still the same. And sometimes the waiting is for fellow photographers to clear out so you can get your shot!

twilight - not the movie

2010-01-31T17:39:00.000-08:00

Downtown LA at twilight, what could be more beautiful? I captured this serene image while standing on the metro platform amongst rush-hour travelers waiting for a train.

photo hunter- spotted

2010-01-30T18:13:00.000-08:00

The red spots of color really caught my eye. The spots appear to be Chinese-style lanterns hanging in a Mexican-style gazebo! Yet another reason to love Los Angeles.

LA's Finest

2010-01-29T14:24:00.001-08:00

Have you ever had four horses staring at you? If only they could talk! Here is LA's finest. I leave it to you to decide if I mean the police or the horses!

union station fountain

2010-01-28T23:50:00.000-08:00

Hurried travelers rushing through Union Station and may never see this fountain. I only recently discovered it in the courtyard just adjacent to the main hall. Flowing water reminds me to slow down, take time, and enjoy the present moment.

ABC Wednesday B is for Billboard

2010-01-27T17:21:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't you like to have a big clean slate on which to write or paint? It looks like our artist is checking his cellphone for inspiration!

summer city

2010-01-26T15:17:00.000-08:00

Are recent rainy days making you long for summer? Well here's an image of downtown during last August. We do love our summers here in LA, even when they come with a side order of smog! Three cheers for the rain cleaning the air today!

Watts Tower Arts Center

2010-01-25T18:10:00.000-08:00

The Watts Towers were built over a span of years by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia. Although the towers are interesting, I was drawn to the sculpture which seems to calmly keep watch day and night.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

2010-01-24T23:32:00.000-08:00

The Walt Disney Concert Hall by architect Frank Gehry is an amazing building. The hall is an icon of Los Angeles and the winter home of the LA Philharmonic.

Photo Hunter - Balanced

2010-01-23T23:36:00.000-08:00

I love this time of day when the world seems balanced between day and night, sunset and moonrise. The missed opportunities of the day retreat as the possibilities of the night advance.

who let the ducks out?

2010-01-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

After all the rain, wind, floods, and water spouts in LA this week, aren't you ready for a smile? My favorite duck is the one in the center foreground looking right at us, daring us to smile. Which is your favorite duck? Quack Quack

LA opera

2010-01-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

This is the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion located in the heart of downtown. It is part of the Music Center and home to the Los Angeles Opera. I recently saw 'The Barber of Seville' which was a lot of fun! "Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!"

ABC Wednesday A is for Airport

2010-01-20T18:06:00.000-08:00

What's happening here? Did someone just miss a flight? Is someone longing to get away? Airports can be fascinating places full of stories waiting to be discovered. Where is this plane going? Where is the next plane coming to this gate arriving from? As the sun sets this day at LAX, the next day brings new stories to the airport.

old car nostalgia

2010-01-19T15:36:00.000-08:00

A friend was house-hunting and I was along for the ride. As she made a u-turn I begged her to stop while I took this picture. Never mind that we were stopped in the middle of the street with a truck heading towards us! Something about this old car was calling. My mother had a car like this when I was a child and the house looked like my grandmother's.

metro red shoes

2010-01-18T18:12:00.000-08:00

At first glance this bus-rider appeared to be homeless. The trash bag or suitcase at his feet and the floral comforter covering him as he slept seemed obvious. Yet he was dressed in a red suit from head to toe. Not just a red suit, but a freshly pressed spiffy suit with matching socks! Although he was asleep he was screaming, "photograph me!" Since I was chicken, his shoes will have to suffice!

union station mural

2010-01-17T23:35:00.000-08:00

This mural at Union Station reminds me of one of LA's greatest attributes: its diversity. People from all corners of the globe call this city home. The diversity makes the city vibrant, interesting, and ever-changing. Just like the energy you find in a train station.

dream angel

2010-01-16T19:06:00.000-08:00

On election day 2008 I found myself drawn to the energy and excitement of LA's Crenshaw district. I came across this sign outside a small clothing store called Gbaby Artwear. On that day the boundaries of possibility expanded. An impossible dream came true with the election of America's first African-American president.

never seen before

2010-01-15T17:57:00.000-08:00

Here in LA where parking space is limited, I have seen plastic bags placed on parking meters. Yet I have never seen a bag placed on a disabled parking place sign!!! This was in a private parking lot where there are NO meters! So as I was initially going to name this post...WTF??

not as seen on tv

2010-01-14T18:12:00.000-08:00

Randy's Donuts has the donut that has been seen around the world! Yet I bet few have seen it from the inside of a bus during the filming of a commercial or movie. Here's your chance. Enjoy.

flight dreaming

2010-01-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

There is something about seeing airplane tails that sets my mind to dreaming. I wonder where that plane will fly to. What city, country, or continent will be the scene of human reunions? I can imagine families reconnecting, the student heading off to study a foreign language, and lovers embracing after a long separation. I dream about flying someplace new to discover new sights, sounds, and foods. It all seems so romantic...until you have to check-in to pay for your bag!

do not touch!

2010-01-12T02:21:00.000-08:00

Does this bring up your rebellious nature? Or is it just me? I snapped this image last summer, yet I seem to remember gently touching the mannequin and almost knocking it over! Perhaps if she were wearing more supportive undergarments...

instant rain

2010-01-11T05:42:00.001-08:00

Who said it never rains in Los Angeles? As I waited for a bus on the east-side of Union Station, I noticed this film crew. The scene they were shooting over and over was of a taxi arriving and the actor getting into the cab out of the rain. If anyone knows what tv show or movie this is for, please share!

silver lining

2010-01-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

"You see this gray hair on my head? It means I have lived long enough to learn something." Those words from my father have always stuck with me. He also taught me to look for the silver lining in life. So when I saw this couple watching a parade downtown, both with their 'roots of wisdom' showing, I thought it was beautiful! Beauty is what one sees; the odd, the unexpected, the subtle. Lets discover the 'beauty' of Los Angeles together. Happy birthday, Dad. Rest in peace.