Happy Thanksgiving! Shared traditions.

Just listening to the horns honking down at Ralph's--a holiday tradition here as shoppers go mad the days before every holiday.  At dinner, my family has a tradition of each person saying what they are thankful for.  Here's my thanks in advance: I'm thankful for my health, my sons who are in excellent health, my family, my friends, my boyfriend, my happiness and my sense of humor, which I'm proud to say I've passed down to my kids.  Work is certainly slowing down but adversity presents opportunity. I'm happy to be here! Let's feast!

Ghettogloss presents the Bronx Zoo

Fiora Boes at Silver Lake's Ghettogloss is the princess of artsy and entertaining art events. Tonight a showcase of art created at her summer event, the Bronx Zoo opens. As pictured, it was cha-cha ladies in peek-a-boo bikinis or spangly showgirl outfits plus rather intimidating gorilla masks. Ferocious faces + supple girly-girls, people went ape-shit for this drawing class with a sexy twist.  Dozens of artists have submitted their work: sketches, photos and some crazy collages. 

Worth a peek tonight thru Dec. 1st at 2380 Glendale Blvd. 

Voting for happy chickens, high speed trains and equal rights.

If my polling place at the Silver Lake Recreation Center is any indication, voting percentages will be historic today.  I was happy to see so many friends and neighbors and our ubiquitous council member Tom LaBonge all in line and hopefully voting for the Democratic candidate, happier chickens via Proposition 2, high speed trains and equal marriage rights.

Los Angeles celebrates Day of the Dead

Growing up in Florida we never celebrated "Dia de los Muertos" or "Day of the Dead"--Nov. 1 is All Saints Day, a holy day of obligation for Catholics.  After living in Los Angeles I've come to like Day of the Dead--a holiday with its own set of unique rituals (sugar skulls, hanging out in cemeteries, folk art pieces) and mini-industry of events. I went to the first Day of the Dead event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery nine years ago (photos are from 2006). Since then, the event has amplified with more music, vendors homemade altars and an admission charge.

I'm hoping to go to Self-Help Graphics 35th annual event. Artist Leo Limon promised he'd be in a booth as the Kiss of Death.