Our gorgeous cover photo from Lorraine Devon Wilke captures the elegance of a “Posing Peahen.” This month, enjoy must-read columns from our amazing contributors: Tasting Tomato Molly Cheek, Fashion Stylist Felicia Arlin, Guest Artist Annie Wood, Theatre Maven Laura Foti Cohen, and Poetess Lady Penelope. November is packed with exciting events—mark your calendars! Have a fantastic Thanksgiving, and see you in December. Holy Moly, 2024 is flying by! 🍁🥂

Posing Peahen: Cover Photo & Story

 What a great attitude this regal lady has! And yes, she is a HER. Oh, how I love this photo and story from our LA Life Photographer, Lorraine Devon Wilke. I’m madly in love with nature so her amazing photograph and story grabbed my heart. Be sure to check out Lorraine Devon Wilke’s marvelous photos on her webpage and browse her entire website as it reveals the vast tapestry of Lorraine’s amazing talents.

Nature in the form of wildlife offers a frisson of excitement to most people, but certainly to those living in spaces where wild animals aren’t as expected as they’d be in bucolic surrounds. Even the most jaded city dweller will get excited when a family of deer crosses their path, or they spot a bald eagle soaring high; a flock of egrets alighting on a lagoon will elicits “oohs” from bystanders, and should a mountain lion step into your backyard, there’s both panic and delight … depending on where you and your pets are located at the time! As a longtime Angeleno, I’ve been one of those people, chilled by the eerie wailing of a coyote pack, or delighting in a frisky squirrel who found the sunflower seeds in my husband’s hand more attractive than whatever was in the grass. There was also the peahen. She started coming around on a regular basis, strutting into our yard, marching to the porch to see if any treats were available (which they started to be!). She came so often I actually wrote a short story in which she is a featured player. We named her “Penelope,” looked forward to her visits, and when she finally disappeared months later, we noted her absence with melancholy. Which simply reminded us to always appreciate the wildlife that graces our world, whether an everyday squirrel or our “Posing Peahen,” Penelope.

 Tastes of LA: Little Dom’s & Jones Hollywood

Our LA Life Tasting Tomato, Molly Cheek, has given Little Dom’s and Jones Hollywood a thumbs up.  Always listen to a connoisseur I say.  Molly is an experienced foodie, and her restaurant reviews are always honest, enticingly descriptive and with a lovely story to boot. If you are looking for a restaurant to try, she makes it so easy to choose. Get the details.

LA Style Stories

LA Style Story “Fusion”, from our wonderful LA Life Fashion Stylist Felicia Arlin, has great tips for transitioning into an LA Style Fall and making it your own.  And the colors brown and wine work beautifully when paired with gray, according to Felicia in “Grey and Brown and Wine -Oh My!”. Remember, I only highlight a snippet of Felicia’s amazing cur8edme posts so be sure to follow her on Instagram.  And she is the most amazingly insightful guide for helping you to find the right and most flattering style for you.  Just sayin’, Tomatoes. Get the details.

Guest Artist Corner: Annie Wood

At the age of 72, I am a true believer that it’s the little things in life that bring the greatest joy. Wish I had understood that when I was much younger.  But, hey, it is all about growing and evolving through the journey of this life, right? Whatever little things tickle your fancy, you will find that LA Life’s Guest Artist Annie Wood expresses it exquisitely in It’s the Little Treasures that Makes Us the Happiest”.

The Italian collage behind the figure translates into the title of this piece. And a mighty fine philosophy it is! I’m lucky enough to spend part of the summers in Italy with my Italian husband and I often use Italian somewhere in my art.

I worked on blending portraiture and abstract elements, embracing traditional and modern techniques. Owls represent balance, wisdom and trust. As for the story behind this piece… well, the story, that’s up to you now. 

 Annie Wood is an internationally exhibited mixed-media artist living in her hometown of Hollywood, California so as an LA native she is Super LA. Annie Wood is interested in reexperiencing her dreams by painting them, daydreaming new ones, finding order in chaos and chaos in order, seeing familiar things in new ways, and creating visual stories that make people feel peaceful, make them wonder, remember, and pause. You can see all her creations at Annie’s online art gallery  and purchase a piece at anniewood.com.  And you can also subscribe to her free newsletter How to Love the World with poems, stories, short films and art from Annie to you. 🫶🏼

Theatre Buzz

Our wonderful LA Life Theatre Maven, Laura Foti Cohen, has 2 new theatre recommendations for you this month.  “A Girl Grows Wings” and “The Piano Lesson”. Both are winners. I’m always very excited to share Laura’s theatre reviews. Laura has been reviewing theatre prolifically for five + years at the Larchmont Buzz.   I thoroughly trust Laura’s impeccable opinion when it comes to theatre worth seeing, Tomatoes.  Get the details.

 Sonnets from Suburbia

With the holiday season upon us, I thought the sonnet “Fellow Passengers” from our esteemed LA Life Poetess Lady Penelope quite apropos. Here Ye! Here Ye! On November 14^th, Penny Peyser , aka Lady Penelope, will be back performing her brilliant one woman show, “Sonnets from Suburbia”, at the Stephanie Feury Theatre. And there’s a discount, fellow Ladies! Use HOPE2024 when you make your reservations.

November 2-3.  Best Friends Super Adoption

Tons of love is waiting at the Best Friends Super Adoption tomorrow and Sunday. With literally hundreds of adorable, adoptable dogs and cats, the hope is that every furry homeless pet will end up finding their forever home.

Join Best Friends Animal Society and dozens of rescue groups and shelters at the Rose Bowl Stadium for 2 days full of animal adoptions, family-friendly fun, food trucks, exhibitor booths, photo ops, music, and much more.

November 1-3.  Dia de los Muertos Celebrations

Enjoy Music, Food Trucks, Vendors, and more at the Dia de los Muertos Celebrations around town, Ladies. I’ve got a little list of celebrations this weekend that caught my fancy. It’s cultural, it’s educational, it’s a party in Canoga Park, DTLA and Santa Monica, Tomatoes.

• November 1-2: For nearly 40 years, the merchants on Olvera Street have celebrated Dia de los Muertos. The celebration has evolved to incorporate the pre-Columbian, Aztec, Mayan and Catholic rituals surrounding death. Each night, a vibrant and colorful procession sets the stage for our ceremony.
• November 1-2 : Día de los Muertos – Day of the Dead at the Santa Monica Pier pays tribute to the cultural tradition with a two-day public art installation that honors people, places, and ideas that are important to Santa Monican’s through free, family-friendly programming.
• November 3^: Canoga Park’s Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Festival is joined by vendors, performers, and artists from all over greater Los Angeles and beyond to create and celebrate this memorable and massive festival. Aztec dance performances, beautiful alters, a classic car show, a talent show, food from all over the world and more.

November 3: Movie Screening & Live Comedy Double Header

The Stand Up For Pits Foundation is presenting the powerful, poignant and award-winning documentary Saving Jones directed by Rebecca Corry & Stand Up For Pits with Rebecca Corry comedy show that will be advocating for saving the lives of Pit Bull-type Dogs at The Bourbon Room in Hollywood on November 3^rd.

Stand Up For Pits Foundation (SUFP), dedicated to educating, advocating, and saving the lives of pit bull-type dogs, presents two special events with its founder, comedian and animal rights activist Rebecca Corry. The Bourbon Room in Hollywood will host the double-header program with the screening of “Saving Jones” and a second event with some of the country’s premiere comedians hitting the stage for “Stand Up For Pits with Rebecca Corry” comedy show where attendees will be able to buy food, drinks, merchandise, and bid on items in an extensive silent auction.

November Indie Market Shopping Guide

It’s shopping season, Tomatoes! If you are a Tomato dreading the massive deluge of shoppers at the malls and department stores, an independent outdoor market might be just the ticket for getting a jump on your holiday shopping. I’ve compiled a list cool shopping alternatives across LA this month so there’s bound to be one in your neck of the woods.

• November 2 & every Saturday: The Artists and Fleas Market in Venice is where independent artists, designers, stylists, vintage collectors and food makers meet their market & Tomatoes can discover new talent.
• November 3 & every Sunday: Topanga Vintage Market is considered one of LA’s best sources of vintage items, this market has over 200 vintage & antiques vendors, artisans, top food trucks & live music that make it a fun shopping experience.
• November 9-10: A contemporary handcraft market, The Pasadena Artazan Show, at the Pasadena Convention Center, was established by artisans who were inspired by the Arts & Crafts Movement. It boasts 200+ exhibits and special events. The 2-day show encompasses all handcrafted media, including jewel smithery, painting, ceramics, wood working, glass work, textile weaving, hand tooled leather, handspun yarn, felting, natural-dyed fiber, paper arts, beadmaking, lapidary, gem cutting, metalwork, embroidery, hand sewn clothing, and wearable art.
• November 9-10, December 7-8: The Jackalope Artisan Fair in Pasadena   celebrates handmade goods and shopping in Old Pasadena’s Central Park on Nov. 9 & 10^th.  And on Dec. 7 & 8, Burbank celebrates as well with their own Jackalope Artisan Fair. At both fairs, shoppers can expect to find indie goods from over 200 makers, including original fashion & jewelry design, paper goods, ceramics, baskets, candles, innovative home décor, housewares, art, photography, and food. Wow! A shopping mecca, Tomatoes!
• November 16-17:  Renegade Market LA returns for a festive wintertime marketplace at the sunny and green Los Angeles State Historic Park! You’ll find the best of the best with over 275 top notch local and national artisans, food trucks, a beer garden and a bar.  Enjoy this one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
• November 22: Holiday in the Park …Magnolia Park that is…celebrates the start of the holiday season with the festive holiday street festival of 100 exhibitors, local businesses and artists as they come together for this exciting event that spans across about 9 blocks. Don’t miss out on the vintage car show, live music, holiday boutique, art fair, kids fun zone, and much more!
• November 23:   You can treat everyone on your shopping list with the Huntington Holiday Market  featuring unique, handmade, and distinctive gifts from local artisans along with quality brands. Free entry with general admission. Proceeds from the evening support The Huntington’s education programs and collections.
• November 23: The magical day of the Burbank Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair will kick off with the Holiday Street Fair on San Fernando Blvd with the Winter Wine Walk along the same route. The Street will be lined with vendors, live entertainment, and wine tasting locations that will be pouring samples throughout the event. The Wine Walk will showcase amazing Wineries and Breweries in favorite Downtown businesses. Wow, shopping and booze, Tomatoes!
• November 29: The Blue Friday Market at the Cabrillo Aquarium offers yummy refreshments while browsing hundreds of collectible ornaments, books and specially curated ocean-themed gifts and all your purchases will go to support the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. I love gifts with meaning, gals!

November 7 Backstage: An Unfurling of the JPC Company

Backstage: An Unfurling of the JPC Company/Beauty & Fashion is free and virtual, Gals. For 75 years, the Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) showcased the gamut of makeup, hair, skincare, fashion design, and style in Black culture. This Zoom event, hosted by The Getty, will explore JPC’s coverage of beauty and fashion in magazines like Ebony and JET and the company’s overall contribution to the beauty and fashion industries.

Elaborate photographic spreads captured the allure and grace of actresses such as Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge, runway shows featured models Pat Cleveland, Richard Roundtree, and Naomi Sims, and the images captivated audiences with the latest American and European fashion trends. This conversation will be led by Getty archivist Skyla S. Hearn, archivist Camille Lawrence, and historian Dr. Rikki Byrd.

November 9. Making Memories

Did you know that November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Gals?  The Making Memories Festival , in LA State Historic Park, was created to honor and celebrate Alzheimer’s LA’s years of service to the Los Angeles community for over 40 years! Wow! They do incredible work, Tomatoes. The Making Memories Festival is a fun and educational multicultural event with booths focusing on brain health and other healthy lifestyle opportunities, Tomatoes.

November 14.  Lady Penelope is Back for One Show Only

 After a successful two week run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer, Sonnets From Suburbia returns to the Stephanie Feury Theater for one show only on November 14^th.  For reservations use Discount Code HOPE2024. Called “An enchanting hour of entertainment” by Fringe UK, you don’t want to miss Lady Penelope shaking up Shakespeare with her own quirky, hilarious take on modern life through an Elizabethan lens.

November 14-20.   LFLA Aloud Events

The ALOUD series from the Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA) has delivered year-round cultural programming to add dimension to the Library experience by connecting luminous thinkers from various backgrounds with a live public audience to exchange ideas. This Month’s ALOUD events include “Democracy: Where Does Democracy Go from Here” on Nov. 14 and on Nov. 20^th  “Conversation Between Writer Susan Minot and Actor/Producer Griffin Dunne”. Always thought provoking ideas and conversations at ALOUD, Tomatoes!

CAAM & NHM Exhibits

 The California African American Museum’s exhibition World Without End: The George Washington Carver Project and the Natural History Museum’s Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan Exhibit, currently on view, caught my eye, Tomatoes. Very exciting and moving exhibits, Ladies.

 “World Without End: The George Washington Carver Project” at CAAM runs through March 2^nd and explores how contemporary artists and thinkers working today engage with George Washington Carver’s ideas and interests as a scientist, artist, educator, and activist. And celebrate wolves through January 22^nd with “Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan”. This exhibition features National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Ronan Donovan’s images and videos of wild wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Ellesmere Island in the high Canadian Arctic highlighting the contrast between wolves that live in perceived competition with humans, in the Yellowstone area, and wolves that live without human intervention, in the Canadian Arctic.

*Put Menswear Presentation and Art Deco Hollywood Tour side by side

November 16. Two Art Deco Society Events

The virtual 1920’s Menswear Presentation will showcase, in words and photos, authentic 1920’s menswear pieces and outfits. And the Art Deco Hollywood Boulevard Walking Tour reinforces the fact that Hollywood is a mecca of Art Deco splendor.

Marc Chevalier, the board chairman and American menswear historian, will remind attendees that menswear fashion tends to be the ignored stepchild of modern American fashion history in the virtual 19020’s Menswear Presentation on November 16^th. On the same day, you can join the Art Deco Hollywood Boulevard Architectural Walking Tour for a 3-hour stroll down the Walk of Fame and surrounding side streets to get a look at Art Deco and Streamline Moderne beauties, plus several ADSLA landmarked buildings!

 November 28. Turkey Trot

Get ready to trot, walk, run or hobble along as the Turkey Trot, returns to Downtown Los Angeles for the 12^th year on Thanksgiving Day morning! Trot to fundraise for The Midnight Mission and enjoy historic Spring Street without any city traffic.  The kiddies and pets are welcome too.

There’s something for everyone there on Thanksgiving morning, Tomatoes. Founded in 1914, The Midnight Mission has been offering a path to self-sufficiency to men.