EVERYTHING YOU NEED AT MELROSE TRADING POST

 
In my book, it's a huge bonus to find an outdoor flea market to explore while traveling. During my recent trip to LA, I found the best one thus far. Melrose Trading Post consumes the parking lot of Fairfax High School in West Hollywood. You can carve out the entire day at this shopping extravaganza, and not come close to unearthing what the numerous vendors have to offer. 

If you can't find what you're looking for here, it simply doesn't exist. I spent hours browsing furniture, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, books, one of a kind wares, and so much more. If you need to get caffeinated or nourished while shopping, they gotcha covered. The market provides a food court (indoor malls are so yesterday), where I wolfed down a Nutella pastry and latte while being serenaded by the gifted Katie Ferrera. 
  

I chatted with one of the founders, Pierson Blaetz, who wanted me to share an important aspect of the market is that it raises a lot of money for public school arts education. The modest $3.00 entrance fee helps fund programs for students who attend Fairfax High School, so it's a win-win for all.

This remarkable bazaar takes place every Sunday from 9am-5pm, rain or shine, at the corner of Melrose Avenue and Fairfax Avenue. ATM machines are available if you discover your wallet is empty. Mark your calendars, because you are now well-informed as to why you should be here every Sunday. http://melrosetradingpost.org/

Adorable father/daughter dance

You never know who will be speaking at DLS!

Photo Courtesy - DLS

There are many perks to living in Madison, and one of them happens to be a series of free speaking events entitled Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS).  The series is put on solely by students, with the purpose being to give them sought-after skills and the opportunity to meet some prominent folks. 

I couldn't have been more excited to attend my first DLS recently, arriving more than an hour early to see best-selling author Cheryl Strayed.  I became a huge fan of Cheryl's after reading her incredibly inspiring book Wild.  It's still hard to grasp that I sat in the 2nd row directly in front of her podium.

My perfect view

You can get excited too, because I'm generously sharing the next two upcoming lectures.  On Thursday, March 27 at 7:30pm, the multifaceted Alice Waters will be there to impress.  She is a chef, activist, author and owner of "Chez Panisse," a well-known restaurant in Berkeley, CA.  I cannot wait to find out what I will learn from this amazing woman.

Photo Courtesy - DLS

On Thursday, April 24 at 7:30pm, Oliver Stone and Peter Kuznick will be in the house.  Oliver is a producer, writer and director, responsible for a number of films.  My favorites include The Joy Luck Club, Natural Born Killers, and Any Given Sunday.  Peter Kuznick is Associate Professor at American University in D.C. and the author of several war-related novels.

These two fine gents created a Showtime series called The Untold History of the United States. The series looks at some of the under-reported and mysterious parts of American modern history, delving beyond the official accounts of events to the profound origins and innuendos. This should make for an interesting evening.

Photo Courtesy - illinoisstate.edu

Hats off to the talented students for doing an outstanding job with planning and executing these discussions. 

Did I mention that these events are FREE?  See you at the Distinguished Lecture Series! 
http://www.union.wisc.edu/wud/dls.aspx