My attic studio is really coming together, especially since adding my new drafting table.  The radio keeps me company while the cats keep watch over the window -- you never know when one of those rambunctious squirrels will test their luck and try to get in.

LA by FLO Jr, 1930

Olmstead's sons' plan for open space in LA is lovely even in 2D, I can't imagine how beautiful it would have been in reality.  The intriguing story as to why this never came to be could be made into another Chinatown, exciting landscape architects and urban planners everywhere.

In book-form for now, Eden by Design: The 1930 Olmsted-Bartholomew Plan for the Los Angeles Region, by Greg Hise and William Deverell, is summarized here.

Arroyo Secco Parkway Plan

In my searches for beautiful site plans, I found this on the LA Times blog.   The lettering, the sections, the meandering treeline -- it's a beautiful piece of civic art.

Let's Get Horticultural

Happy Valentine's Day.

Card by my buddy JillKinLA.

Charmed

Sometimes I forget how much there is in the world to absorb.  My routine does not leave much room for lengthy exploration, which is unfortunate.  I am lucky to have a partner that shares many exciting discoveries with me, and I feel twice as lucky when I can share something with him.   This Elizabeth Bishop exhibit is just one of those things.

More here.

In support of the natural LA River

The LA Planning Commission has approved a development plan that will bring the LA River closer to its natural glory -- more here.

Not only does this mean more beauty for the 32-mile stretch of the river, habitats for wildlife and more recreation areas for Angelenos, I am also looking forward to the possibility of being involved in this development.  Keeping my fingers crossed, although that day seems ages away.

Found via The Eastsider LA.

Parking Lot Stunners

Pavement Patterns

... but what is it?

I'm probably the only adult who spent her weekend pondering the movement of dirt on such a scale.  Whose company was I keeping?