Pops of pink (PPAC #70)

I know it’s a late post. Now that I have a kid, coming back to a normal routine after a vacation is quite a juggle. Before having a kid, I would be able to get back into a routine as soon as I returned from vacation or a business trip. Now looking back at that girl, I think she might be addicted to being busy. When I came back from my trip, I wanted to enjoy the pause, plan quietly my next thing, read, and watch the newest season of The Crown. I am forever a recovering busy-holic.

Spray-brushed murals (PPAC #67)

I was walking around the NoHo West shopping center and I came across this entire hallway of murals. The artistic style looks very similar to the mural in the parking garage in the same shopping center. It turns out it was painted by the same muralist, Kyle Boatwright. I just love the way he paints the faces — what’s impressive is that he uses spray paint to achieve a photo-realistic face. In contrast, I used spray paint when I was re-doing my dining table because it was faster than using a brush (haha).

Kobe #1 (PPAC #59)

Just like angel wings, murals honoring the late Kobe Bryant are ubiquitous.

Venice Vibes (PPAC #58)

This mural I found in Venice Beach neighborhood captures the essence really well — it’s only missing the crowds on the mural. The Venice beach culture is the quintessential Southern California beach culture where you’ll find all the sterotypes of LA in one place; you have skateboarders, rollerbladers, entertainers, beach bums (err…bohemians?), influencers, film industry people (and those who are trying to make it), etc. You may have seen Venice Beach featured on Baywatch and I Love You Man and soon you’ll see it featured in the upcoming Barbie movie.

Kitsilano Wings (PPAC #50)

This was from a trip to Vancouver in 2018. Was it this recent? For some reason, I thought this was far far longer. We’ll travel international again…one day…even with baby Lana in tow. We were initially planning to go to Australia, but plans fell through :-/.

Parking garage mural (PPAC #49)

This is probably the most lively parking parking garage I’ve been to. Splashes of color in what’s mostly a grey plain area makes a difference.

Location: North Hollywood at the NoHo West Shopping Center.

It looks like neighborhoods adjacents to North Hollywood also want to become North Hollywood too. Down the street from my house, I saw a sign on a street where they were claim themselves to be “North Hollywood North East.” Maybe my neighborhood will be absorbed to become “North Hollywood North West.” Too many norths to be honest.

Here are more elephants (PPAC #48)

Another dreamy mural featuring elephants. You’ll find this mural at the side of an Indian restaurant called India’s Clay Pit in North Hollywood. I have not been to this restaurant yet because every time I pass by this restaurant, it’s too early in the morning to eat a heavy meal and they’re not open yet. Whenever I go to an Indian restaurant, I eat A LOT. Aside from this pretty mural, the high reviews and food photos are enough for me to try it out.

Happy Bunny (PPAC #44)

I’m not a big fan of the “Good Vibes Only” sign. It screams toxic positivity like you are not allowed to complain and express your real emotions.

The Island of Elephants (PPAC #43)

I think this mural has made its way to my top five favorite public art pieces. I can’t believe I can find this within walking distance to my home. This mural can also be found in Plaza Del Valle. I was drawn by how whimsical and magical it looked with the clouds and the elephants greeting visitors to the island. There’s even a unicorn! When I reviewed the photo, it took me a moment to realize the vases are also painted — it fooled me!

PPAC #37 Would you like some tea?

You can find this fun, quirky mural on the side of TEAPOP in North Hollywood (Vineland and Ostego).

I enjoy their cold brew and milk tea blend. This franken-drink sounds so weird but it’s so good. Their loose-leaf teas look pretty and I’d love to buy some for my pantry. Maybe I’ll buy some later for the warmer months for some iced tea.

A Field of butterflies and tulips (PPAC #32)

I enjoy passing back this mural at work. Something about it makes me smile — maybe it’s the bright red tulips. Also, the children are away from screens (assuming they have smartphones and TVs) and are instead interacting with the world around them. It’s strangely refreshing.

A Bright mural to brighten my week (PPAC #30)

I was going through my old photos and came across this mural from my 2017 Iceland trip. I guess I was drawn to a more colorful photo to brighten my week. I’ve been working from home this week due to the rise of omicron and reducing our exposure by going to the office less. Since my kid’s daycare is at my work, I have not been taking her to daycare this week so she’s with me all day. Even before having a kid, I have never been a fan of working from home.