La Brea Avenue and the city beyond, at night....It is quite a startling view when it is clear, and the night I took this picture it was pretty darn clear.....not always the case here as you all know by now from me posting many pictures of what I see as I stand on my balcony....Here below, is the same view during the day.....
When it is clear, this truly is a beautiful city....And a city it is, though very very spread out....As I stand on my balcony and look towards Downtown Los Angeles, this is what I see, here in the picture below.
The perspective is really not correct, and that is what the camera does.....The city really looks closer than that to my eye....(I sure wish the people who have that tree on their property would trim it---when they do, you can see so much more....
Above, a much closer look at all the buildings downtown, on a very different day...a dark cloudy day, but still clear....Anyone who knows L.A. and has been here for a long time is constantly amazed that we actually have tall tall buildings in this city. In all honesty, I still cannot get over it. Oh, don't get me wrong, I think it is fabulous, but it is still amazing, as there used to be laws about building over a certain amount of story's....But that changed with the great improvements in the way things are built....I do think it is a very beautiful skyline, at least from here it is.
Above, some beautiful cloud formations in "close-up". I have two more, all are so very pretty....
What is it about clouds that are so fascinating? And certain clouds are almost mesmerizing to me, like all of these....they so often look unreal or painted, I should say....And that is part of what makes them fascinating tom me.....
And in this picture above, I love the dark parts of these clouds at what looks like, to me, the bottom of each cloud....as if at any moment the rains will be pour down....and then those little long cotton-like white puffs below or further away---sometimes it's hard to tell where something is....It's just all so very beautiful. And below, a different day and a different set of clouds....
I love this too....It has such a dramatic 'feel' to it, almost like a ball of fire is in the sky, I know it is the sun trying to break through, but it is more fun to just let the imagination wander and allow yourself to ruminate on the abstractness of it all----like looking at a painting.
This is pretty dramatic, too....This is the house that is down below me that went through a two year renovation and when finally finished and the people moved in, this is how it looks every night of of week....It is quite lovely, isn't it? And below, the same view only during the day.
And for those who love trivia....the big house which you can just partially see over on the left was originally owned by Jack LaLanne, the amazing Jack LaLanne....He was still living there when I first moved up here, and sold the house less than twenty years ago.....If some of you don't know who Jack LaLanne is, click on his name and read all about this great Fitness Guru. He was one of he first Health & Fitness people, ever, and he became very famous. There was a lot about 'juicing', and still is---in fact there is a juicer that bears his name. He certainly knew and still knows what he is talking about. And he is still talking about Health & Fitness in his 90's!
And last but not least, for today, the other part of my 180 view....Century City, Santa Monica and The Pacific Ocean.....not too shabby, I must say. So many times when people see my view for the first time and then ask me how long I have lived here and I tell them, they say, "You must be very bored with your view by now...". Not a chance! It is never boring, ever ever....And, in fact, I find it continually inspiring. How could you become bored with nature and man's ingenuity to create a city? There is always so much to see out there and it is ever changing and always new, even after 43 1/2 years.....More To Come.......
- had this to say:
You have such a terrific view from your house! WoW. When we lived in Melbourne we had a wonderful view of the city skyline and I *loved* it....
I love clouds and find them fascinating. So bizarre when you can pick things out of them.... I swear the other day I saw the top half of Australia in one and 30 seconds later it was all but gone...- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 3:33:00 AM PST
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good morning, naomi. it seems we both have a bit of insomnia :0)
i always love looking at your pictures. a view is a very special thing. we kind of own it, but more truthfully, it owns us. and yes, we never tire of our views, we treasure them. they are a part of our homes and a part of our families.
my grandma used to live in la brea and i have very fond memories of visiting her and going to the farmer's market.
i grew up watching jack lalane on tv. he had that chair and his resistance training and those german shepherds walking around the set. i always thought he was a good man...kinda superman-ish.
have a wonderful weekend!
mckay- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 4:22:00 AM PST
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I think I would spend my life on the balcony if I lived in the hills. Every shot is just beautiful.
The house below looks like a fun little hideaway. I can see where you get some of your inspiration from. You have many wonderful things to look at. (And I agree, your neighbor should trim that tree for an even better view.)- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 4:41:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
you have such beautiful views from where you live.. it's no wonder you have stayed there so long!
have you seen the commercial Jack LaLane does?? He's amazing at his age!!- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 5:07:00 AM PST
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I could never be bored with your view, Naomi, and I cannot fathom people who think you might. The night views are wonderful, especially the house and pool down below. I have only been to LA once; I stayed in the Bonaventure, but I saw very little of the city, except Rodeo Drive. More's the pity.
My mom used to watch Jack La Lanne all the time when I was small, and she had several of his exercize items. The most amazing thing about him is when he pulled a huge boat across the bay or something like that.- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 5:51:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Another batch of breathtaking photos!
About my HNT picture - if you click on the picture in the post, it will take you to another photo. I've started doing that with some of my HNT photos. When I check my blog, I don't like to see me all nekkid up there so I "hide" it :)- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 6:20:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
When Isabelle comes to visit in warmer months we like to lie inverted in the lounge chairs and pick out things in the clouds like dragons or goats or dogs. It is really a treat that you forget about most of the time.
I loved your pictures. It seems I had seen one similiar to the pool shot. You live in quite a city.- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 6:41:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Lovely pics! Ah I miss the sun and my friends down there... Found you from the wonderful Mar.
- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 6:48:00 AM PST
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Great views!! You are truly blessed to be able to enjoy these. The house below looks so different at night than the day...I had to compare them to be sure it was the same one:)
What a rare breed you are to stay in one place so long! People are shocked to know we lived in our first house over 20 years haha.- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 7:02:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Beautiful pictures :)
I'm new to your blog. I shall be back.
Jillian- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 7:45:00 AM PST
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I'm a country boy myself, but am always fascinated by city skylines. I will have some pictures from Hong Kong and other Asian skylines up over the next few weeks, swing by and compare.
Michele sent me!- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 10:16:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Gorgeous views and thanks for sharing them with us.
- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 10:17:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
It's so hard for me to imagine living in a city like that. Here I am out in Oklahoma so far away from either coast and all the large metropolitan ares there are there. When I visit, I am overwhelmed by the HUGENESS of it all.
Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing them with us. :)- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 10:29:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Wow! I never tired of watching
the beauty of your wonderful city, Naomi! Your pictures are just stunning! What a splendid view you have! What sophisticated and beautiful houses in your neighborhood! Love also the photos of the clouds!
Have a wonderful weekend my dear!- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 11:05:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
You have quite a sweeping birds-eye view. It's like your the center of ground control. I must say the city view gives a slight feeling of anxiety, so big, so many people. I think it touches into my driving phobia. How would I ever get around? But when I do make it to L.A. to go to the Academy Awards with Jeff Bridges and Susan Sarandon, I'll make sure to stop by and visit!!
I'm very impressed with the big sky view you get. Sunset and sunsrise?- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 11:12:00 AM PST
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Hi honey :-)
Oh, I love those cloud photos! We has some beautiful pink sunrise clouds the other day, but I was driving to work, so no photos :-((
I love your photos of LA from your house, it makes me think I'm there, with you standing over my shoulder directing me to the best views :-)
cq- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 12:21:00 PM PST
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i can see how you would NEVER tire of a view like this! it is absolutely fantastic!
(on a side note, my mom has a Jack LaLanne juicer)- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 12:57:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Beautiful, beautiful view! and the ocean too... No wonder you don't get tired of it. You're right where you want to be, that's all :-)
- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 1:04:00 PM PST
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Hi there, Michele sent me. I'm always inspired by the pleasure you get from what is close at hand.
- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 4:06:00 PM PST
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Naomi, You live up in the clouds yourself.....what a wonderful view you have.....I love the night lights and the views during the day....
Jack LaLanne....He is an inspiration. He actually lives what he preaches...I saw a current picture of him just last week and he looked teriffic.....- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 4:12:00 PM PST
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I don't get tired of your view either Naomi! It's so awe inspiring with that whole big city out there! I love the two pictures of the difference between the night and the day view! All those lights would be something to see at night!!
Oh, I remember Jack LaLanne!!- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 5:29:00 PM PST
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I envy where you are now. Those photos are just great. It sure is so fantastic having to be able to view all this just where you are. I'm sorry about my computer but it is still down. Ir is still in the shop. My son was able to bring his laptop from the office that is why I am able to visit you now. About the hi5 thing, yes the message they sent you had my permission not like that other one. Hope you don't mind. I'll be opening my hi5 in a while. Thanks.
- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 6:07:00 PM PST
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How beautiful that view is! I could stare out at that view all day and night.
By the way, since reading your post last week, I have been on YouTube watching and listening to some favorite artists of mine. Especially Judy Garland. Thanks for introducing me to finding my favorite artists on there, I have been having a ball!
Take care Lady!
Michele says hello...- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 9:58:00 PM PST
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Great photos! How nice to see the blue sky, clouds with so much distant visibility. So lovely without noticeable smog and the smoke and ash from fires gone. You have a magnificent view for which I have no difficulty believing you never tire.
I wouldn't.- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 11:54:00 PM PST
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I cannot imagine why people would think you would ever tire of that view! Such a sense of open space adn such wonderful things to see wherever you look, including your wonderful garden, the city and nature, not to the sky!
I like clouds too. When I have time I like to watch them as they are constantly chnaging and transforming and flowing into new shapes. Fascinating.
Michele sent me over to say hello this time but I was on my way anyway.- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 2:20:00 AM PST
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I'd be surprised if you ever make it inside the house with views like that!! Fabulous in every direction :o)
- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 2:43:00 AM PST
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Good morning.....
thank you for sharing such wonderful photos. I have never been to L.A. and I feel like I had a little trip today.
Your view is inspiring.....it just breathes life and energy of a city. It's so different than my view, which is probably why I'm intrigued by it......and a bit wistful because there are days when I really miss living in Toronto and taking in the skyline and the bustle.
enjoy your weekend.- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 2:46:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
It's 6am and I've just finished reading all the blogs I missed this week, and as always, each one an inspirational joy to see.
One imparticular brought me to tears, the kind you feel overwhelmed by. I can't begin to describe the emotions raised in me while listening to Audra McDonald and Patti Lupone sing, artists that I have always loved. At no time ever have I enjoyed a performance like that more. It was a thrill beyond all words. Thank you Naomi for that and for always being who you are to me.- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 3:44:00 AM PST
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I read your memories post, as you suggested....
hmm, primal therapy....I think I'm just a little bit too British for that! :-)
Congratulations on 37yrs smoke -free, darling - and I'm so glad you did, or we might never have been in a position to meet and make friends :-)
Honey, I need your help at the Palace :-)
cq- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 6:35:00 AM PST
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Beautiful view!
The clouds are gorgeous.
I had to catch up on your posts.
The Veterans Day post was very nice.
Congratulations on quitting the smokes!
Huggles and Love,
Raggedy- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 7:06:00 AM PST
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Hi Naome! I'm enjoying your photos as usual. One never tires of views like that. It must be an ever changing feast or as Hemingway calls it a moveable feast. I wonder if the people below you know how lovely their house looks from your balcony.
One of my blogging friends who is in a wheel chair had a beautiful photo of his flowering tree put through his letter box by a villager - he doesn't know who.- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 8:12:00 AM PST
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Hi Naomi,
About the architect Costas Kondylis, did he projected the Trump World Tower, right? I Google and I saw the Music Center in LA, it's a very impressive building!
Have a nice weekend! Many hugs!- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 10:06:00 AM PST
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More great views. I really liked looking at the one out towards Santa Monica. I zoomed into it on the original and its great to see the sparkle of the pacific there too!
I hope you also have a telescope on your deck, or if not, that you put one on the list for Santa!? There is so much too look at from that amazing viewpoint!
Best, from the now chilly UK, rashbre- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 11:30:00 AM PST
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I still want those people's pool! :)
- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 11:45:00 AM PST
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Hi Naomi,
Those photos of LA are just awesome. It is so interesting to see the night and then day shot of the same thing.
I'd be wishing for nighttime all the time with that gorgeous house below me. Funny, how it doesn't look all that special in the daytime but at night it really shines!- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 12:10:00 PM PST
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...second visit today!.
Thanks for the 'telescope' reminder related to Rear Window. I know the movie and there's even been a recent reference to it in Ugly Betty - if you ever see that show.
You may also remember the old movie 'Blow-up' about the photographer who accidentally snaps something!
Best again, rashbre.- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 2:17:00 PM PST
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Oh Dear Naomi - you have a breathless view - and I understand and appreciate all your comments. the photos combined with your words: fantastic.
btw. It's rather a difference to be back up here North. The day is 11H30m shorter than on Midsummer. And I miss my Daughter
have a wonderful SUNday (and saturday evening)- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 3:06:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Oh, my god...what amazing photos!
Yes, I have been completely absent from the compter world lately. I am so sorry. Thanks for checking in.I have missed all my friends; even my new ones like yourself. I haven't even posted but I will soon, I promise! I think I was a bit burned out, but I feel those blog fires stoking again. Will be back; don't write me off completely!- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 3:59:00 PM PST
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Love the view, love you,love you and the view together.
I just got home from a 4 hour gala/school carnival/fair. My feet hurt like the dickens and I ate way too much fudge LOL- Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 6:55:00 PM PST
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The third cloud picture looks like two heads kissing. Thanks for all the new clues. I love Google Earth sleuthing. I think I found your house this time. I bet I could find Bill Gates' house easy enough. I imagine it's the largest one in Washington State!
- Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 12:13:00 AM PST
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Whatv a fab set of pictures; you take them so well, Noami.
Michele sent me here.- Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 2:34:00 AM PST
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LOVE your pictures!!!!! You have a truly special blog!
Hello, Michele sent me. AND I will be back!!!!!
Jerry in Tampa- Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 3:03:00 AM PST
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I think it would be impossible to tire of that wonderful view. I guess it's possible to take it for granted after so many years because it's part of your every day life... as dependable as the sun rising and setting each day.
On a clear day...
:-)- Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 5:28:00 PM PST
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Oh, and Jack Lalane is remarkable!!!
He's in better shape than many guys in their twenties.- Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 5:29:00 PM PST
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Naomi - YOu have the best view from your house. Here in NH, if someone has a view, they have to pay what is called a view tax. All the people that over look Lake Winnipesakee get nailed by that tax. Do they have that in CA?
- Monday, November 19, 2007 at 2:33:00 AM PST
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Spectacular views and terrific pictures as always!! I love the contrast between night and day, it makes a big difference!
- Monday, November 19, 2007 at 6:41:00 AM PST
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