"There's a view there, but I'm not too sure how good it will be." View? I was all about the view. That was the reward for a difficult hike. That was the explanation I gave to my mother who could not understand "why anyone would want to walk up a mountain" - how else would I get to see wonderful vistas? How else could I stand in awe at my own puniness in the face of nature's grandness? And this hike had promised three vistas, at least one of them … [Read more...]
About Marianne Ruane
Marianne is an international writer/ filmmaker who came to Philadelphia by way of Washington DC, Novosibirsk and Moscow (Russia), Miami, and Los Angeles after earning degrees from Cornell and the University of Miami in Russian studies and film production. She loves telling stories, whether in pictures or words, and is grateful to anyone who will watch, read, or listen! One of her passions is traveling, which she had the chance to indulge while living overseas in Russia for almost eight years (the entire time of President Clinton's administration). She prefers the kooky and quirky, loves the great outdoors and hot springs, and believes in finding something interesting wherever she is.
Ventura’s The Cliff House Inn: Close to LA but Worlds Away
We heard the surf pounding the rocks in front of us, though we couldn't see the waves in the inky blackness. Far out on the water's surface a flame flickered and glowered, illuminating the edges of a wooden pier. Festive white lights ran up and around the palm trees next to our table, and I read the menu by the dim light of the candle. It was too beautiful not to sit outside, though my dress-up skirt and cute jacket were obscured by layers of … [Read more...]
Houdini Seance Evening at The Magic Castle, Los Angeles
"Open sesame." I asked the secret passageway through the bookcase to reveal itself. "Open sesame!" I commanded, an octave lower. Nothing. I looked at my friends, the ten of us pressed close together in the bustling hallway, but they were all there for the first time as well. I stomped my foot. "OPEN--" The creaky bookcase swung open, and we hurriedly followed the guide inside. For my fortieth birthday I had decided to celebrate with the Houdini … [Read more...]