In Southern California today, a car plowed into the farmer's market on the third street promanade in Santa Monica - a place I frequently go to. About 8 people have died, included a 3 year old baby, the count may go up. The driver, was an 80 year old man who apparently just plowed through the large gathering - there are hundred upon hundreds of people there, it's always packed and being that it's nice...some people said they just heard something coming and people screaming and people moving out of the way quickly and/or getting hit by the car. I usually shop at that market every week. Wasn't around this time as Id things to do.

Intense.

Runyon Canyon

I've been walking up and down there since 1998/99. Suddenly it has turned into such the little place to be in LA. Its a place where people walk their dogs and hike for exercise or go to see the scenery. On a clear day you can see out to the ocean or the hills of Hollwood. Once it was kind of "hidden" and now it's the "it" place. I blame the sudden population boom on people who have probably heard about all the celebs that frequent it so they want to come and see a star or two. I've seen my share and spoken to many, everyone always says hello when walking. I think this is why I like walking Runyon. The friendly interactions. Hello. Good Morning. Good Afternoon. So very unlike LA.

-- LOTUS FLOWER BLOOMS, that's what they are. the other day i drove past echo park lake and all these people were taking professional photos of this little small area with flowers and i guess huge Lilly pads? not quite sure if you call them that. well today I went back with my little 1969 Polaroid that L. gifted me and took some incredible photos. met some Japanese photographers and we got to talking. it was rather funny. here they are with their $$$$ cameras and equipment and there i was with my little old classic camera. they seemed to think it was a great little retro camera as a few came over and spoke with me wanting to touch and play with it while others kind of looked on. i need a filter, the colors aren't as vibrant as they could be but, they came out nice.

--- AH the Lotus Flower Festival. That place is apparently one of the largest lotus flower field in the United States. It was pretty amazing. Well at least I thought so.