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As some of you know, The Inn of the Seventh Ray has been a favorite spot of mine since I was a young lad. I've been there on just about every occasion including birthdays, weekdays, Sundays, mother's days and even New Years Eve. Many times, I've dropped in for a simple tea, dessert or to pick up a thing or two at the bookstore, but it wasn't until last night did I get to experience the Inn truly in all of her magic, dressed for the perfect wedding between a beautiful young couple in love.
The wedding itself was elegant and beautiful. The anxious pair proclaimed their specific vows with wide open hearts, washing over those in witness with the everlasting love vibrantly dancing between them. I especially loved the fact that they had arranged for an intimate and private dinner setting for themselves, positioned above and away from the guests, in one of the Inn's many magical nooks.
When it was time for supper, my place card directed me over to Table #10. Let me tell you, it was a dynamic group of characters including the bride's maid of honor and two extremely stylish gents, one of them even rocking just about the longest beard I've ever seen (in this country). It was awesome! Everyone got along well and the conversations covered everything from the problems with raising cattle for slaughter to producing music videos to manifesting extra wedding cake without having to stand up to get it.
The evening ended with a passionate serenade, guitar and lyrics, by the husband for his beloved. Like magic, a flower-dew mist began to carry the music from person to person, throughout the patio. After once again wishing the couple infinite blessings on their journey together, I had asked my new long-haired friend Alex what the name of his band was so that I could "check them out sometime." When he told me that it was Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros my jaw just about hit the ground. At first, I kind of felt embarrassed not realizing who he was as I recently discovered the band on Facebook through one of Ryan Gall's recordings of them. I got over it quick and mentioned that I've heard and love his music and that I've seen many of the bands videos.
In my opinion, this group is bringing back the true spirit of the Love-in (obviously in a unique way and in a new but similar time period) and I think they're going to play an instrumental part in not only the history of music and rock, but how people come together in song and dance. In an interview which took place a few months back, Alex spoke about a blue pill he recently found in life. He describes it as a powerful truth and calls it, be like a child! As I get in touch with Alex, the band and the music some more, I intend to share some of the co-created ideas which have flashed through my mind since sitting down at Table #10. For now, enjoy the following clips of them performing live including on the Late Night With David Letterman:
I was truly blessed to meet Lisa Cianci on the eve of Valentine's Day, earlier this year. The story regarding our synchronistic meeting was so awesome, in fact, that I included an abridged version of it on LA's About page, referring to Lisa as a love messengerand friend for life. Lisa one of the strongest people I've ever met and she continues to inspire me in so many ways, most recently with her ongoing contributions to raising awareness about health and life itself...
"Breast Cancer is a way to look into the heart of our current society and how we're disconnected from our bodies, the Earth and the essence of feminine Energy. There is a call radiating from the people in this documentary that we need to listen to. Now is the time to heal, to change, to look within and serve a new course, a path that is based on love of oneself and our Mother Earth."
Directed by Julianne Reynolds and Produced by Lisa Cianci, The Breast Project premiered last week in Hollywood with a final running time just over 15 minutes.
Topanga Canyon's Inn of the Seventh Ray is no doubt one of the most enchanting and romantic getaways LA has to offer. Whether you come for Sunday brunch, stop by for dessert or simply cruise through their bookstore, this jewel promises magic.
Over the years, I've been lucky enough to spend quality time at the Inn amongst butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, coyotes, as well as some pretty special family, friends and neighbors. The customer service is always professional, top-notch and extremely hospitable. One time, I was the last patron at the restaurant and the wavy-haired waitress mentioned that their policy is to keep the New Age bookstore open as late as needed for the last customer to have an opportunity to pop in on the way out. Beautiful! And let me tell you, the bookstore has such good vibes, it's actually hard to leave.
If you live in LA and you've never been, shame on you! If you're visiting, make it a point to stop on through the canyon as it will for sure make a lasting impression on you.
bathing news - love and bikinis! lyla blu has created a limited edition of hand crochet bikinis for children. it's a mix of rock n'roll and hippie...handmade with love... and...in case you are in the los angeles area memorial weekend...old topanga days is coming up! be free, wear flowers in your hair, and get in that crochet bikini for music, contests, and art! ps. if you love knitted bikinis...keep your eyes out for magical bikinis by tala michelle...coming soon.