MILA DISCOVERS "HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!"

Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store.                                        -Dr. Seuss

OLD GLOBE PLAZA

The Grinch endures for children and the “young at heart” in San Diego. This is the twenty-first consecutive year that Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! has been featured at the Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park. In the production, the Grinch's heart grows three times bigger, and I like to believe that everyone who attends this play departs with a bigger heart as well. 

I had been looking forward to sharing this San Diego holiday tradition with my granddaughter, Mila, for some time now, and finally decided that this was the year—she's four and one-half. When I told her about it, she was excited and it lead to many conversations about how and why this Grinch would steal Christmas. I was glad we were finally on our way to find out what really happened.

MILA

We chose an 11 a.m. performance on a Saturday in November. Mila and I meandered along El Prado to the Old Globe, enjoying the sunshine and other visitors who were starting to gather for another pleasant Saturday in the park. Mila had meticulously chosen her favorite dress and brown boots for the occasion. 

Today you are you! That is truer than true!
There is no one alive who is you-er than you!      
                                          -Dr. Seuss

The first thing we noticed when arriving at the theater was the white Christmas tree that towers over the plaza entrance during the holidays. It's decorated with banners that say “Merry” and pink candelabras that light up after dark. The tree is always a popular backdrop for photos, however, Mila did not care to have her photo taken today. The next thing she noticed was the snack bar; we sat down at one of the nearby tables and enjoyed a cookie and the many other snacks that her mother had sent along. 

OLD GLOBE THEATER SAN DIEGO

Plays at the Old Globe are always extremely well done with top quality performers, and this was no exception. Mila loved it and so did I. She might have been a bit frightened of the Grinch at times, but wouldn't admit it. I knew she was having a good time when she started singing along with the audience during one of the songs.

We sat up in the front which made it all the more exciting. The front row seats, off to the side, are priced in the least expensive ticket category, which is another reason I like to go to the Old Globe. It was a 90-minute performance with no intermission. 

San Diego has a special connection to Dr. Theodore Seuss Geisel (pen named: Dr. Seuss)–he was a long-time resident of LaJolla, a section of San Diego, where he lived from 1948 until his death in 1991. Audrey Geisel, his second wife, continues to carry on with his love of the arts, education, and literacy through numerous foundations and projects. 

Performances of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! will continue through December 29, 2018. Tickets can be ordered by phone (619-234-5623) or online (TheOldGlobe.org.)

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it

becomes a memory.    -Dr. Seuss 

FOUNTAIN AT BALBOA PARK SAN DIEGO

A CELEBRATION OF HISTORY & FASHION

FASHION REDUX: 90 YEARS OF FASHION

  

   The San Diego History Center has a collection of more than 7,000 historic clothing and textiles in its archives—all meticulously wrapped and stored in boxes, drawers, and other containers. The extensive collection is rated as one of the ten best in the US. The items are not usually available for public viewing, however, nine of the garments are currently on display through June 29 at the Fashion Redux: 90 Years of Fashion Exhibition.

   

Since 2012, the San Diego History Center has teamed up with students

FASHION REDUX FINALIST

STUDENT DESIGNER: BROOKE DRUEN

from San Diego Mesa College School of Fashion and Design for this event. Early each spring, the students are invited to the history center and given an opportunity to view select designs from the historic collection in hopes of inspiration for their own design. Then they work diligently to create their own special garments—combining the past with contemporary trends in design, materials, and fabrication. Four finalists are chosen and given the opportunity to showcase their garments at the annual Fashion Redux event. This year's finalists are Brooke Druen, Jocelyn Soucedo, Anna Acosta, and Christiann Moore.

   

   In addition to the attractive clothing displays, the surrounding walls of the exhibition room are adorned with dozens of large professional photos of models from the History Center's Photographic Collection. Another area is set a aside for children to creatively color their own designs and display them.

   Demonstrations by students and professors from the school are ongoing throughout the exhibition—providing an opportunity to learn more about various aspects of design including hand patterns, beading, computer pattern design, needle felting, and fabric jewelry techniques. Refer to the schedule for times.

   

   The premiere event, Fashion Redux Grand Reveal, will be held on April 26, 6:00-8:30 pm. It's a great 

HISTORIC COLLECTION

1920s to 1950s

 opportunity to meet fashion designers and to find out more about this fascinating profession. The winners will be announced and there will be a fashion show, light refreshments, and lecture by fashion expert Susan Lazear. One student will go home with the coveted People's Choice Award—decided by those in attendance. (Tickets: General Public-$25, Students-$10.)

    The San Diego History Center, (Casa de Balboa, 1649 El Prado) is open daily 10 am to 5 pm. Free with "giving forward" donation.

Related Posts:  Balboa-The Vintage Urban Park, Dec. 10, 2013

STUDENT DESIGNER: ANNA ACOSTA

DRESS, c. EARLY 2000s

DESIGNER: JOHN GALLIANO FOR CHRISTIAN DIOR

.

BALBOA PARK & THE CITY--CELEBRATING SAN DIEGO'S PANAMA-CALIFORNIA EXPOSITION

SAN DIEGO EXPOSITION BANNER

It's 5:30 a.m. at the San Diego International Airport; I still have an hour to wait for my early morning flight. I happen to notice the West Gallery near my gate. I decide to enter the peaceful glassed-in room to find out more about the artwork on the walls. They are original works by Peruvian-born Guillermo Acevedo, who has received honors for his work in illustrating and documenting San Diego's neighborhoods and landmarks. I then sit on a gallery bench to enjoy a five-minute historical video about Balboa Park.

This is my initial introduction to the over 30 displays throughout the airport celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the San DiegoPanama-California Exposition that opened in Balboa Park in January 1915. It seems fitting that this airport, with thousands of visitors passing through every day, would participate in a celebration of an event that attracted 3.8 million people from all over the world—long before jet planes were on the drawing board.

This is a time when a small town of 38,000 manages to convert a city park in a desert into an oasis of lush gardens and exquisitely designed buildings of Spanish Colonial Revival and related architecture. The Panama Canal is complete, and San Diego is the first American port-of-call on the Pacific Coast. A group of San Diego citizens decide this is worthy of an exhibition that will place San Diego on the map for its architecture, landscape, and quality of life. It is done in style and lead by local architect Bertrand Goodhue and others who had the courage to follow their dreams, despite the doubters.

When I return to the airport a week later, and with time to wait before Ron can pick me up, I decide to look around for some of the other displays. It's mid-day on a Wednesday and the airport is relatively quiet. I find a Starbuck's for coffee and then the search begins to find works of art by local artists, reproductions of historical photographs and postcards, murals, and other artifacts from the 1915 Balboa Park Exposition. Immediately, I notice some great colorful banners honoring the Exposition along the corridor leading to the gates.

I pick up one of the brochures, Balboa Park & the City, that are available throughout the airport. This is my guide to the Contemporary Perspectives portion of the exhibit featuring ten local artists and organizations. I am intrigued by a location in the airport called Sunset Cove where two of the works can be found. I manage to find it, and now I know that it is the name for the new circular section overlooking the airport in Terminal 2. This is home to a food court with the Bubbles wine bar in the center that offers $22 glasses of champagne. I stop at the Red Mango kiosk to make my own yogurt sundae with fresh fruit. I pay by the ounce and the bill is $4.11—it is just what I want and not a bad price for airport food. I also enjoy local photographer Lee Sie's dramatic images of Balboa Park and San Diego cityscapes that are on display at the entry.

Next, I discover numerous displays of antique lighting fixtures secured in showcases that are copies of original 1935 chandeliers designed by Richard Requa and constructed from compressed paper for the House of Hospitality in Balboa Park. The new creations are done by Gibson & Gibson Antique Lighting.

WALL MURAL,THE TREE LADY

If you are traveling through airport Terminal 2 with children, don't miss the impressive floor to ceiling wall panels of artwork from the 2013 children's picture book, The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins and illustrated by Jill McElmurry. (Lucky Mila is getting this one for Xmas.) The book tells the story of horticulturist KateSessions' life and ambitions to turn the dusty hills of Balboa Park into a garden worthy of the 1915 Exposition. Sessions, who is referred to as the “Mother of Balboa Park,” made a deal with the city in 1892 to lease 30 acres of land for her nursery with a promise to plant 100 trees a year in Balboa Park and 300 trees in other parts of San Diego.

An impressive bronze statue of Kate Sessions (1857-1940) stands near the Sixth Avenue entrance to the park; it is often adorned with flowers placed in her memory by those passing by.

VINTAGE CLOTHING DISPLAY-BAGGAGE CAROUSEL

Directly above the baggage carousels are mannequins adorned in elegant vintage clothing. The dresses and suits are on loan from the Old Globe Theater's costume collection for production set between 1900 and 1920. They are a sharp contrast to the casual wear we see at the airport today and a reminder of how the world has changed.

I then notice some display cases with old memorabilia near the Terminal 2 baggage area that include an official daily program, advertising signs, books, and jewelry from the event.

Outside the Terminal 1, there is a large official Seal from the Exposition that depicts a ship going through the Panama Canal. It's a beautiful design. However, my favorites are the large murals of actual scenes from the event showing the ornate Spanish architecture and lush gardens—many still standing today. This quote is posted on the wall next to the murals:

     It is so beautiful that I wish to make an earnest plea...I hope that
     not only will you keep these buildings running for another year
     but you will keep these buildings of rare phenomenal taste and
     beauty permanently.              -Theodore Roosevelt, 1915

MURAL OF EXPOSITON

VINTAGE CLOTHING-BAGGAGE CLAIM

PAGE FROM THE TREE LADY: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever 

SPECIAL DAYS WITH MILA AT BALBOA PARK

MILA AT BLACK DOLLS EXHIBIT-MINGEI MUSEUM

First of all, I need to brag about this girl. She is a delight to take to Balboa Park. She sits up in her stroller and looks at everything. I think it's the eyes and the cute pudgy cheeks that cause dozens of “how cute she is” comments from passers-by. She takes everything in and is clearly having a good time.

On this visit, the first stop is the rose garden that happens to be at its peak on this 23^rd day of March. I don't think this is her favorite event for the day, but she is content looking around while I thoroughly enjoy the spectacular Inez Grant Parker MemorialRose Garden at its best. With more than 1,600 roses and 130 varieties, it is easy to see why the display has been the recipient of many awards, including the Great Rosarians of the World Rose Garden Hall of Fame in 2014.

Next, we meander over to the Prado restaurant where I decide to take a chance on the table at the entrance so there will be lots of activity for Mila to observe. I am a little uneasy about putting her in the highchair and trying to enjoy a meal with her in this restaurant, but it turns out fine. My salad comes quickly and she is intrigued by the ice that I put on the table (this was suggested by another customer as she walked by). Thank you, lady, whoever you were.

Black doll Exhibit

The Mingei International Museum is featuring an exhibition called: Black Dolls—From the Collection of Deborah Neff. I have been looking forward to seeing it with Mila and this seems like a good day to give it a try. There are 125 handmade dolls on display and I'm not sure what Mila thinks about them, but her eyes are big and it's fun to be with her. I hope she enjoys playing with her dolls as much as I did when growing up. I heard that little girls aren't playing with them as much as they used to. (This exhibition has ended, however, there is an interesting book featuring the collection entitled: Black Dolls: Unique African American Dolls, 1850-1930 from the Collection of Deborah Neff.)

The volunteer guard at the exhibit said that he enjoys his grandchildren too. He said that he enjoys them more than his own children.

I agreed, it is quite different. I told him that I hope I did ok, because I can't remember that much about raising my own kids.

He said his turned out well so he must of done a good job.

I guess I will have to settle for that because mine are doing well too. I told him that when I am with my granddaughter I totally focus on her—that is different than with my own, when there was always something else that needed to be done at the same time. Grandchildren and children are a blessing.

I stop for a coffee-to-go and the young man comments that Mila looks like she is a fun child to be with and he is right on. She just enjoys everything. He asks how old she is (nine months), and said that he finds it interesting to think about the new generation and what their future might be. We agree that there will be some good and bad that she will have to deal with. I guess that is about as optimistic as anyone can be about the future of this world.

Fortunately, Mila fell asleep in the stroller for her much needed afternoon nap. It also gives me a chance to read and relax in the park.

                          * * * * *

It's July, and I am still bringing Mila to the park on Tuesdays. Things have changed now that she is walking and is not always content to sit in her stroller. I guess you could say it's a little more exhausting. She moves fast and I have to hold on to her. However, when she walks and waves at people along the way it's precious. She doesn't discriminate—everyone is her friend, including the dogs.

On other visits we've watched the Merry-go-Round, however, today I decide it's time to take her for a ride. We ride on one of the horses together, and I hold her tightly on my lap. Around we go.It makes me dizzy, but she has fun.                                         

There is always someone singing or playing an instrument in the park, which is another great source of entertainment for Mila. Today she sees another little girl standing up and dancing to the music so she decides to join her.

We sometimes visit the WorldBeat Center, and today there happens to be a children's summer camp going on. Watching all those kids drumming, chanting and moving is probably the highlight of Mila's day.

TIME TO REST 

She doesn't fall asleep in the stroller like she used to. Instead she falls asleep in the car seat on the way home. Then I relax in the parked car outside her home while she finishes the nap.

Related Post:  Visiting Balboa Park with a Special Person

VISITING BALBOA PARK WITH A SPECIAL PERSON

SAN DIEGO AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

      This Thanksgiving I am particularly grateful for my family and a new six-month-old granddaughter who has touched our hearts in so many ways. I am looking forward to many Vintage Journeys with her.

      I met my daughter, Anna, and baby, Mila, at one of my favorite places, BalboaPark—they arrived late because Mila fell asleep in her crib. That's fine, because she enjoys life more when rested. The San Diego Air &Space Museum is one of many museums located in the park, and is free for residents on this Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Since its full of colorful airplanes, it seemed like a good choice for a six-month-old.

MILA AT AIR & SCIENCE MUSEUM

    Mila was her wide-eyed and observant self as I carried her around the museum, and showed her some of the cool airplanes on display. I want to believe that the bright-red airplane flown by Emilia Earhart made an impression on her, but I have to admit that she liked watching the other children and adults more than the planes. I still loved showing her the replica of the red Lockheed Vega 5B that Amelia Earhart flew as the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic in 1932.

      The San Diego Air and Space Museum is recognized as one of the country's premier aerospace museums. It's located in the historic Ford Building which was built in 1935 as an exposition hall for Ford Motors. In addition to a collection of over 120 aircraft, it is home to the third largest aviation archives and library in America. It's a great museum to visit with its many shiny planes and spacecraft, some of which are hanging from the rafters. It is surrounded by a painted mural which depicts the history of human transportation. The actual Apollo 9 Command Module spacecraft capsule, with the exterior left in its original condition, and a working flying replica of Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis are my favorites. We will return someday to visit the fun kid-zone 3D/4D movie theater plus all of the hands-on interactive exhibits. Let us continue to believe that the best generation is still ahead. 

      I will be ever grateful to readers and the opportunity to write a blog. I get much satisfaction from writing and hope that I can make someones day more enjoyable.  

OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE
SAN DIEGO AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

APOLLO 9 COMMAND MODULE

BELL AH-1E COBRA

SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS

BALBOA -- THE VINTAGE URBAN PARK

PLAZA DE PANAMA

“THE LANDS ARE TO BE HELD IN TRUST FOREVER-----FOR THE PURPOSES OF A FREE AND PUBLIC PARK AND FOR NO OTHER OR DIFFERENT PURPOSE.”

                                                   -San Diego City decree, 1871

      I first visited Balboa Park when my daughter started her studies in San Diego in the year 2000, and have been intrigued by it ever since. Now I visit regularly, always choosing a good weather day which isn't hard to do in San Diego. I love to enter via the Cabrillo Bridge and then through the West Gate Archway. There is a beautiful view of the California Building Tower, and the pleasant sound of bells from inside where the 100 Bell Ona May Carillon chimes every 15 minutes.

At the end of the bridge, I often walk up El Prado enjoying the shimmering pools, gardens, fountains and Spanish Colonial buildings. It is designed in the same style as the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, and it's easy to see the similarities.

Balboa Park (1,200 acres) is larger than CentralPark (840 acres) in New York City. You can always find something to do here because it has more attractions than any other urban park in the nation. To me it's the park of parks. Here are some of the many things to see and do:

• 15 museums
• San Diego Zoo
• Old Globe Theater complex
• Restaurants, cafes and snack carts
• Spreckels Organ—the world's largest outdoor pipe organ
• 15,000 trees of over 350 different species
• The Moreton Bay Fig Tree
• Lawn bowling, golf and tennis
• 65 miles of hiking trails
• Alcazar Garden and numerous others
• The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater
• House of Pacific Relations International Cottages
• Spanish Village Art Center
• Fountains, plazas and archways
• Japanese Friendship Garden

SPANISH VILLAGE ART CENTER

 This past week I made two visits. The first day I went to the Photographic Museum Library. It has one of the largest photography book collections in the country—way too many for one visit. It is well worth a visit if you have the time and enjoy photography, as I do. A reservation is required. Afterwards, I stopped at The Prado for lunch. It's one of my favorite restaurants, mainly because of the setting and ambiance. I always enjoy the pressed arugula salad ($9.95).

     Later in the afternoon, Ron joined me and we went to the Air and Space Museum which was free to residents on this 1st Tuesday. It provides a great journey through the history of flight with over 60 aircraft and space vehicles on display. The museum is currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary.

                                           

BALBOA PARK DECEMBER NIGHTS
SPRECKLES PAVILION

       On December 6^th, we made a last minute decision to visit DBalboa Park December Nights. It attracts thousands during the two evenings it is held. We arrived at 3:00 on Friday, before the crowds, and enjoyed a good hike around the park on this cool brisk evening. It is truly a unique experience with Christmas lighting throughout. We spent quite a bit of time looking at the decorated trees from all over the world in the Casa Del Prado. Also, a visit to the Natural History Museum (most museums are free during this event). The highlights are always the entertainment and Christmas tree lighting at the Spreckels Pavilion. By far the best food vendors are at the International Cottages where they serve food from around the world at reasonable prices. Unfortunately, we arrived there about 7:30 when the food lines were too long for us. We will arrive earlier next year. We left the park about 8:00 and noticed that there were far more people entering than leaving an already too-crowded event.

      The park has much to offer. I never tire of my visits. It also changes with the seasons—I'm looking forward to the roses and flowering trees in April.

PLAZA DE BALBOA

CASA DEL PRADO

DECEMBER NIGHTS
CHRISTMAS TREES AROUND THE WORLD