Doug Schwartz
LightNews LightNews
banner
dougschwartz.bsky.social
Doug Schwartz
@dougschwartz.bsky.social
62 followers 50 following 60 posts
Social media newbie. Influences: Gibran, Serling, Chayefsky. Into: music, living things, motion. Occupation: listener.
Posts Replies Media Videos
dougschwartz.bsky.social
“Who’s at the front door?”
“Another extra from Resident Alien”
A praying mantis on my front doorstep.
September 28, 2025 at 7:39 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
I look outside and it seems so dark today, it’s raining

But I walked by this living thing and it is in bloom

Still.

I think it’s been in bloom at least since Jan 20, if not before

Through the heat and the wind, never failing

Now the rain honors it

I’m standing in the rain
A wooly blue curls plant in the yard, Trichostema lanatum. Reputedly fussy about its culture, this individual stubbornly continues to bloom. Closeup of the blue curls. If lightly rubbed, the leaves release a scent reminiscent of pine or cedar.
September 18, 2025 at 3:41 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
Free bulbs!

Hey Bluesky people, years ago I bought these cool South African bulbs from Telos Rare Bulbs (a great nursery) and they’ve done so well I have too many-I want to give them to anyone who’d like to have some. DM me a US mailing address and I’ll send you some!
#gardening
#bloomscrolling
Ferraris crispa close up, they have amazing details! Ferraria crispa in the ground. This group is from a bulb that fell out of my wheelbarrow and I lost track of it. The bulbs like a lot of sun and can do well in the earth or in a pot. Each flower lasts only a day or so but new blossoms appear. These pictures are from March of last year and like all bulbs, they go dormant after blooming. But the the cool weather of fall brings them back to begin their cycle anew. I will send a pack of bulbs but honestly they’ve intermixed on me so I’m not sure which you’ll get, maybe both or just one variety or the other. Still, can’t lose! Ferraria divaricata close up, a rich nearly maroon shade.
August 31, 2025 at 1:13 AM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
Big Lou!
A dog as majestic as an Ohtani homer…
August 28, 2025 at 1:51 AM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
Stop scrolling and post two characters who bring you joy and happiness.
Honey Child resting on Big Lou
August 6, 2025 at 8:55 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
I thought the fourth was over but I walked into my yard this morning and saw these fireworks
Stands of Hooker’s evening primrose (Oenthera elata), a drought tolerant species native to the western US. It produces prodigious amounts of seeds; we planted one a few years back and now they’re rampant.
July 6, 2025 at 7:08 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
You may be old, but are you this old?
Vintage Westeen Electric “Space Saver” telephone on the reception desk at Mulholland Music, circa ‘50’s.
July 1, 2025 at 7:49 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
So I was picking up Dr. Seuss for yesterday’s #NoKings event, and before we left he offered me this garlic blossom.

#bloomscrolling
A garlic plant in bloom with an absurdly twisty bloom stalk
June 15, 2025 at 10:35 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
“You’re the one with the tape machine, right?”
“Yeah, I’ve got a few…”
A reel of tape poorly stored in a box for 60 years
June 4, 2025 at 6:14 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
Fried eggs anyone? This plant can be invasive when things line up for it-plant it where you can let it take over!
#gardening
#flowers
#FlowersOnFriday
#bloomscrolling
Romneya coulteri, Matiija poppy. Rhizomes spread underground and can be difficult to control. The white petals are crinkled and crepey. In a group, the blossoms waft off the scent of roses. Another California endemic, it occurs mostly in coastal foothills. In the LA area it can be seen on the north side of Cahuenga Pass, a few meters away from the Hollywood Freeway.
May 30, 2025 at 10:04 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
Started these from seed five years ago. Only occasionally seen on hikes in the Santa Monicas but they make a statement in a group. I see hot air balloons, what do you see?

#gardening
#flowers
#FlowersOnFriday
#bloomscrolling
Lilium humboldtii ssp. ocellatum—Humboldt Lily, a perennial herb endemic to California. It occurs in foothills from 600-1200 meters. This subspecies is distributed on the coastal sides of yhe mountains from Pt. Conception to at least the Mexican border, and though I grew from seed bought from a nurseryman, it is considered rare in the wild.
May 30, 2025 at 9:35 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
I pre-ordered this back in February—stoked to have it in hand today. Fuel for the walk ahead. Thanks Kareem!

PS: any of you known to me who want a copy, I’ll get you one-message me.
Front cover of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s latest book on protest movements that changed America, with insights for today. Back cover of “We All Want To Change The World”.
May 15, 2025 at 9:37 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
On this date
#otd
#otdih

“Stan Freberg Presents The United States Of America” was released by Capitol Records on May 1, 1961, featuring Freberg and a host of great voice actors, Billy May’s inimitable arrangements, and Jud Conlon’s chorus.
Front cover of “Stan Freberg Presents The United States Of America”. The LP was released on Capitol Records on May 1, 1961, and features Freberg, June Foray, Peter Leeds, Jesse White, Daws Butler, and Paul Frees in brilliant comedic sketches satirizing US history from 1492 to the Revolutionary War. The great Billy May wrote and conducted the many musical arrangements, with Jud Conlon’s chorus providing harmonically hip background vocals. Fans of the record include Steven Spielberg and Paul McCartney, and “Frebergians” trade key lines such as “hand me the glass!”, “French horns”, and “they’re starting on their little nut cups already…” with great elan to this day. The record, with voice actors, full orchestra, chorus, sound effects, narration, and even tap dancing, was recorded in great fidelity mostly live to three-track tape at Capitol Studios by John Kraus.
May 1, 2025 at 2:21 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
Update 2 weeks later: in full bloom now with visits by bees. Can they pollinate?
Scilla hughii in full flower with many blossoms Honeybee visits flower cluster
March 16, 2025 at 12:36 AM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
Scilla Hughii, in a pot for several years before finally succeeding and blooming. Hard to find positives lately but here’s one.
#Gardening
#Flowers
#FlowersOnFriday
#Bloomscrolling
Scilla Hughii, in a pot for several years Closeup of Scilla Hughii blossoms
February 28, 2025 at 4:08 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
Something oddly familiar about those great books…
Reading nook in reception at Mulholland Music
January 26, 2025 at 10:46 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
Best $4 doughnut on the planet? Of course, but I keep telling you, you’re paying for the name!
$15 for four tasty-looking jelly doughnuts made by Schwartz Bakery in beautiful Los Angeles, California
December 31, 2024 at 5:46 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
The world is so polarized these days, remember these?
Archaic, non-polarized extension cord. These were phased out starting in 1962.
December 15, 2024 at 8:57 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
If you see this, post a Knight
December 12, 2024 at 4:22 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
I might be riding in the Valley Ciclavia again
December 8, 2024 at 11:42 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
Best $10 loaf of bread in the world? Yes, but you’re paying for the name
November 25, 2024 at 4:23 PM
dougschwartz.bsky.social
Uhm anyone remember analog video disc?
November 25, 2024 at 12:16 AM