I drive the same streets every day. To work, from work. And even in a beautiful city like San Francisco, with all its natural scenery and interesting architecture, things become a blur. Like the breakfast you prepare everyday, the same face in the same clothes you've seen in the mirror for years, it all becomes... Continue Reading →
In the northern part of San Francisco, there is a vintage enthusiast's treasure - Lombard Street's Motel Row. Not far from the much photographed "crookedest street in the world" is a stretch of utilitarian looking blocks that house about two dozen motels. These motels, made for travelers and their cars, started springing up in the... Continue Reading →
I was once the person who said "eeewww, a mushroom" when I saw one outside of the supermarket. I understand the foreignness of their forms, but I've embraced them and really enjoy walking around, getting some exercise and looking for them. NEVER EAT A MUSHROOM WITHOUT A POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION FROM AN EXPERIENCED MUSHROOMER WHO STILL... Continue Reading →
On this cold and grey day here in SF, I would like to share one of my favorite poems with you. Thanks for reading, Empress Norma
There is a lot of noir in San Francisco. Not only what's on its fog stained surface, but in its raw, marrow filled bones. The gold digging hooligans and glassy-eyed dames that worked these streets suffered to make it what it is, they suffered big time in this little city. The darkness, rankness and seething... Continue Reading →
Personal archaeology is fun but I'm getting the feeling that it's going to take as long as real archaeology to go through all the finds. When I pull an item out of the dirt and get that little thrill, it's a great feeling but it's fleeting. Getting the items cleaned up and in a preservable... Continue Reading →
One good thing about having a somewhat un-renovated house is that you find good old trash tucked in the walls and corners of your basement. Good looking artifacts from another time. To some, crinkled up cards and old bottle caps crusted with dirt are trash, but it's pure treasure to me. Some of the finds tell... Continue Reading →
I am compiling the lists of links as a research tool and a reminder of places, associations I would like to visit. Some places I have been to many times, some I have yet to visit. I plan to write more detailed descriptions for each organization in hopes that it will clarify where best to... Continue Reading →
empressnorma.com 