Citrus Art

We’ve just gone through the peak months for some orange varieties in California. I’ve enjoyed a variety of the fruit including the delectable tangelo. But, of course, the ones that I enjoy the most are the home-grown ones gifted by neighbors and friends.

My orange tress have started to bloom, and I just love the exquisite scent of the orang blossom flowers. I think it’s becoming one of my favorite fragrances.

I’m also captivated by the vintage labels and advertising of the Californian citrus industry: a colorful window into the state’s history. It is interesting to learn that it began in the late 19^th century with the arrival of the railroad in Southern California. Farmers were then able to ship their produce throughout the country. To identify and advertise their produce, colorful crate labels were created and attached to the wooden crates.

The era of crate labels ended in the 1950s when growers started to use cardboard boxes.

Here are some that were displayed in an exhibition in Los Angeles.

Read more about the history of citrus in Orange County, California at: https://buildingbridgesworld.wordpress.com/2010/04/13/musings-in-april-citrus-county/

For a pic of the orange harvest from my garden, please see: https://buildingbridgesworld.wordpress.com/2011/03/19/citrus-harvest/

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Memories of Whitney Houston’s Concert in Singapore

(pic:tvline)

I remember a year in the 1990s, when it was announced in the media that Whitney Houston would be performing in Singapore, there was an excited buzz among her many fans in Singapore and Malaysia.

A fan myself, I was happy to be able to attend the concert and to see Whitney perform.

When Whitney walked onstage, I could see that she looked as beautiful in person as she did in the videos. Like all true talent, she brought her own brand of magnetism to the room.

I remember there was an announcement that the air-conditioning in the venue would be switched off because Whitney had concerns about its effect on her voice. I suppose it could be due to the contrast between the cool air of the air-conditioning and the hot, humid air on the outside, something that could effect discomfort to the throat in tropical countries.

The fans didn’t mind. It was a fast-paced concert; Whitney thrilled the fans with her hits. She saw a group of young men and women near the stage who looked like African-Americans. Curious, she asked them: “Where are you guys from?” She didn’t quite catch the answer, and asked them again. “Cuba! Cuba!” they all shouted together.

At one point, an assistant came out with a small towel. Whitney perfunctorily wiped her face with it, then playfully threw it to the audience who jostled to catch it.

Soaring voice, incredible range, beautiful songs. Thank you for all the music.

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Love Among the Salt and Pepper

A collection of salt and pepper sets displayed at the Los Angeles County Fair.

Sometimes, one find love in the strangest places.

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