With the breakneck speed that Silicon Valley is moving, sometimes an opportune moment presents itself to stop and step aside to view something else from another perspective. At the Pace Art + Technology center, teamLab, a team of Japanese artists that focus on a harmonious circle uniting art, design, and technology, presented scaled media using modern technology, social integration of human involvement, and progressive innovation.

Light Sculpture of Flames (2016)



clockwise from left: Flowers and People - Gold (2015), Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are Destined to Chase as Well, Division in Perspective - Light in Dark (2014),  Flowers and People, Cannot be Controlled but Live Together (2015)



Crystal Universe (2015)



The most enjoyable feature of this exhibition is determining an equilibrium for the senses, for the visual sensation, for tactile approaches, direct interaction with exhibits and indirect responses to people's reactions.

I also visited the kid space in a separate building, and enjoyed coloring a fish, scanning it, and seeing it swim and dance on a seascape on a wall in a room.

Pace Art + Technology: teamLab: 300 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, California

Cheers,
Catherine

(gallery visited in April 2016; the exhibition ends in December 2016)

The interesting thing about a plebian is that we often fancy and dream of the high life, the fashion, the glamour, the fame, the riches, and all that comes with being a celebrity. Oscar de la Renta, a fashion designer, designed gowns for people whom all you need is their first name to recognize. His whole life-career was devoted to dressing women and he relished living in the modern era, declaring that "never in the history of the world have women been more in control of their destiny." His expertise focuses on vibrant colors that speak with such an arduous love for life and of materials and prints for outfits that command undivided attention without overwhelming its wearer. To see Mr. de la Renta's style at this special exhibition that the de Young museum hosted as he progressed through the years was an emotional moment. Thinking about historical events over the span of his life while observing his style and design was a gift in itself. How did he approach the changing hemlines and the changing attitudes? How did the women he dressed evolve as they tackled powerful events and ceremonies and celebrations in their life? Why did he choose this style when exploring that period in that particular region? So many questions abound and we may never know the true answers. Even in death, his clothes will speak for him, full of vivacity, while keeping the secrets of the designer and the wearer.





After a trip to the museum, I stopped for dessert at b. patisserie in the Pacific Heights neighborhood. This popular spot, known for its open-kitchen concept and highly tempting sweets, is worth a visit. Though seating is limited, it doesn't really matter because each piece will be scarfed down in a couple bites. Ah, I'm kidding - finding a seat to sit down and relish each bite makes each piece a lot more delectable. The crispy flaky crust and the soft doughy inside of the kouign amann is heavenly. As is the chocolate almond cake.










de Young Museum: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, California
b. patisserie: 2821 California Street, San Francisco, California

Cheers,
Catherine

(museum and bakery visited in April 2016; both the Oscar de la Renta and Bouquets to Art exhibitions at the de Young museum are over)

Happy Birthday National Park Service! I am so thrilled to be one of several hundred million who enjoy the natural wonders of the park. Keep on preserving the natural splendor, educating the public, and engaging in thoughtful discussion. Cheers to many more years!

When Four Mile trail was first built, it was indeed 4.0 miles. After a couple decades, the trail was adjusted and is now slightly longer at 4.8 miles one-way. The climb from the valley floor to Glacier Point offers expansive views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome as the trail continues to ascend. This trail can also be completed in reverse from Glacier Point to the valley floor.

The trail begins in a woodsy area with the switchbacks starting almost immediately. Much of the joy in this trail comes from seeing the vantage point change while ascending up towards the peak. From seeing Yosemite Falls from the floor, being at eye level with Lower Yosemite Falls, continuing up and being eye level with Upper Yosemite Falls, and then being above Yosemite Falls. This advantage helps gauge the elevation gained and are also great places to rest a bit before continuing on. Parts of the trail did have trees to scramble over and rocks to climb over, but nothing too difficult, though some of the trail does get close to a cliff.








Some of the trail leading to and past Union Point had snow, so we trekked carefully. At one point, the snow cover completely covered the trail, making it difficult to advance forward. Though we did not make it to Glacier Point, we stopped in to take the views and the proud accomplishment that we hiked to nearly the top of the mountains framing Yosemite Valley. The snow-capped mountains are some of my favorite things to see while hiking and this trail did not disappoint!





The descent down the rugged terrain was hard on my knees, though the views of the clouds slowly forming a singular mass complemented the peaceful respite.





(hike completed in March 2016)

(hike completed in March 2016)