Palm Springs - Mid Century Modern

During the last 25 years I've photographed more houses than I care to count. I've always been interested in architecture and interior design so I look forward to seeing what's out there and what is cutting edge in design. Now, I'm not crazy about Mid-Century Modern, so when I received this magazine assignment in Palm Springs, I wasn't all that excited. These houses changed my opinion. Developed by Mark Bodon of Contempo Homes along with the architectural firm - O'Donnell & Escalante, the Alexander Estates houses give a fresh new look to Mid Century Modern.
Alexander Estates was named with a nod towards the Father/Son team George and Robert Alexander who built more than 2,000 modern houses in Palm Springs between 1955 and 1965. Both died, along with their wives, in a plane crash in November 1965. The Alexander's developed a neighborhood now known as Las Palmas. Las Palmas became the weekend get-a-way choice for the "New Hollywood" crowd. Dianah Shore, Dean Martin, Marilyn Monroe and Peter Lawford each owned an "Alexander" there.
Most of these new houses are also weekend getaways. My first impression was that "These houses are built for parties!" Walls of glass that open up to the outside, Terrazzo floors that hold up to wet feet from the swimming pool and are impervious to spilled wine. Each house has an indoor/outdoor feel.
The weather in Palm Springs can be intense to say the least. I've never known a city where a large portion of the restaurants and shops completely close down during the summer months.

Working there in the summer is difficult. On some days (most) the wind is relentless - shade and protected spaces are a must.
Winter is the best time to visit Palm Springs. The days are pleasant but nights can be a little chilly. The outdoor fireplaces were an important feature in these homes.
Tall ceilings and open spaces make these single story homes feel larger.

All the tile was a bit much for me. I felt like I would go blind after a while in this kitchen.

But, I have to say, I loved the outdoor spaces - Would I buy one? Well no, still not my kind of thing. Did they sell? Yes, most all of them on the very first weekend they were available for purchase.
Photography By: Ryannan Bryer de Hickman

Sotto Il Monte Vineyards

LA CUCINA VIGNETO ....... PESCADO MOJO DE AJO

I keep blackboards in each of our kitchens. One is for inspiration - recipes that I want to try and on another the menu for the week. Our youngest daughter calls "What should I cook for dinner Mom? I need some ideas. What's on the chalkboard?" She often calls for wine recommendations as well. Our son does the same. "What's on the chalkboard?" Not that he has any intention of cooking any of these sometimes elaborate meals. Seems to be comforting to him just to hear the weeks menu. After having been away for a month this is the chalkboard that I have come back to............................................
Oh my................................. Le husband can clearly not be left alone! Whole Foods had fresh red snapper, a favorite of Jim's. I baked it with lemons, thyme, butter and garlic...........................................................................................
A crisp salad and black beans on the side.............................................................

And a key lime tart from Whole Foods................................................................
Photos By: Ryannan Bryer de Hickman

Sotto Il Monte Vineyards

The Daniel Pearl Music Foundation

I've been gone for a month - feels like six! No Internet, television or cell phone service. So much catching up to do.

I've been attending a month long music festival in the Texas Hill Country. Lots of great music and late nights! The highlight of the music festival for me was a surprise group called The Fire Ants out of Austin, Texas. A group of teenagers that came on for a 20 minute set. I was standing up on the hillside talking with a friend - when this group started playing my ears perked up - I had to get closer!

Ian Stewart, far left, a 17 year old senior at West Lake High School in Austin, heads up this band.

Stewart is the 2008 recipient of the Daniel Pearl Music Foundation Violin. Most of us know Daniel Pearl as the Wall Street Journal reporter who was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan. He was also a gifted musician. Jonathan Cooper, a well respected violin maker from Maine wanted to honor Pearl's memory by starting a foundation in his name. Jon crafted a fine violin, the Daniel Pearl Memorial Violin, and presented it to Mark O'Connor at a Boston concert in honor of Daniel. Each summer at the Mark O'Connor Strings Conference, an exceptional violinist is presented with the violin to play for one year.

Ian Stewart - "I am so honored and humbled by being this year's recipient of the Daniel Pearl Memorial Violin. This symbol of unity and peace has so much meaning and power behind it and what better way to keep Daniel's message alive than through this mission of connecting people through music. The Daniel Pearl Violin is simple and profound and I hope to transmit that idea whenever and wherever I play this beautiful instrument."

He did that and more - these kids rocked the house! Everyone was dancing!


Including me!

Sotto Il Monte Vineyards

Photos By: Ryannan Bryer de Hickman