Monmartre

"Monmartre"

by Brittany Cardinas

There was this woman.

She had short white hair

That curled just below her

Ears and wisped across her forehead.

An ebony beret contrasted her locks.

She cradled three baguettes in her

Left arm. From head to toe, she

Donned all black—her shawl, her

Stockings, her gloves, 

Her laced shoes. The basket

Of tomatoes and various greens

She carried in her right hand

Seemed to weigh down on her

As she trudged up the steps of

Monmartre. She looked up for

A moment, and when I met her

Eyes, I saw a basket weighing

On her spirit too.

Best Car Song Ever

Going on a final road trip before summer comes to a close? The right music is essential. I thought I'd share with you my favorite road trip song that never fails to uplift the dampened "Are we there yet?" spirit:

"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers

So whether you're driving 500 miles or 5 miles, this song will have you and everyone in the car bouncing, singing, and trying in vain to emulate the  formidable but very cool Scottish accent. 

Los Liones Trail

     As it is, I'm not an exercise enthusiast. Growing up, I was never into sports, even though I sometimes feigned interest because most of my friends were athletically inclined. You know how people get stage fright? That's how I feel on a field: My muscles tense up and I get deer-in-headlights syndrome. Therefore growing up, my only consistent form of physical activity was ballet. Since I haven't properly danced since college, the only acceptable form of exercise to me now is walking. Personally, I prefer forest hikes or long walks along cobblestone streets in old-world European cities, but Los Angeles isn't exactly copious in forests or cobblestones. There are, however, a number of good hiking trails in the county, such as the hike up to the Hollywood sign, Runyon Canyon, Griffith Park, etc. 

     A couple weekends ago, I hiked one of the trails in Pacific Palisades with some friends. The Los Liones trail spans 7 miles, abundant with winding corners and frequent inclines but an easy hike nonetheless. The dirt trail boasts gorgeous views of Santa Monica Bay and all of those swanky Malibu homes.  Aside from the deathly L.A. heat (I have a passionate aversion to the sun), the hike was fun and made for great photos.

     Hilary Swank was also there, looking as beautiful as you'd imagine in a sundress, a beige sweater, and big sunnies. I walked right past her and smiled and said a neighborly hello to her and her family without knowing it was her until a friend pointed her out. I should have asked for a picture with her like some of my friends did, but my car was already driving away by the time I mustered up the courage, and I felt too bad bombarding her during her private moment with her mom and dad and two cute doggies. I had to be content with gawking from a distance. That's something I'll regret forever. 

P. S. I love you, Hilary.