Glendale-Online: 20000414londonreport

Have you explored the many beautiful gardens in the Los Angeles area? If you love flowers and the beauty of nature then strolling through one of these local gardens is a great way to spend a spring afternoon. It is also an economical and enjoyable way to have a family outing. Some gardens even offer free days and student or senior rates.

One of the most extraordinary gardens is the HUNTINGTON LIBRARY AND GARDENS in San Marino, Ca. This is a two-in-one treat because it has world class gardens and a magnificent art museum. The museum houses original manuscripts such as the first edition of the Gutenberg Bible and an early printing of Chaucer's, The Canterbury Tales. For location and information call 626-405-2100.

For another two-in-one treat visit the famous restaurant and gardens of YAMASHIRO'S in Hollywood, Ca. You will get a fabulous vista and a delicious meal of Japanese cuisine. Yamashiro's invites you to explore your senses with a stroll in their garden. Be sure to take the time to delight in the view and drink in the fragrance of the spring blossoms. If you can plan your time to include the twilight hours you will be privy to one of Nature's special effects, a magnificent sunset. So there you have it, a spectacular view, scrumptious dinning, beautiful gardens and a dazzling sunset. For location and reservations call 323-466-5125.

BOOK NOOK

WOMEN OF COURAGE: Inspiring Stories From The Women Who Lived Them.
Katherine Martin
800-97-BOOKS

Mother's Day is almost here (May 14th) and if you haven't already found a present consider giving this inspirational book. This book includes original writings, by Isabelle Allende, Marianne Williamson, Brooke Medicine Eagle and forty other prominent women. These women write about their life-altering moments. Moments such as facing terminal illness, running for political office and the heartbreak of divorce. These wise and wonderful portrayals of the spirit of courage will invigorate and illuminate you. These women tapped into their inner resources and grew stronger. They made it not by being superwoman, but by facing their fears and finding solutions. After you read their incredible stories you too will feel encouraged to go forward and conquer your own challenges.

EARTH AND ALL THE STARS: Reconnecting With Nature Through Stories, Hymns And Prayers From The Worlds Great Religions And Cultures.
By Anne Rowthorn
800-97-BOOKS

The author Anne Rowthorn has given us a book of celebration. April 22nd is Earth Day, a day to take the time to reflect and participate in the wondrousness of our planet and reading this book is a good start. The book is collection of writings on bridging cultural differences and preserving the earth. In creating this global anthology, Rowthorn gives the reader a diverse expression of celebration through poems, prayers, litanies, readings, songs, hymns, and meditations from the worlds great religious and cultural traditions. The book features writers such as, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Albert Einstein, the Dalai Lama, Boris Pasternak, Thich Nhat Hahn, and works by children who have participated in United Nations environmental programs. So let these writers inspire you to reconnect with Nature and express your unique ways to preserve this planet.

FUN FINDS
Imagine spending an afternoon being pampered in a serene environment of soothing sounds and scents. You surrender yourself to the professional hands of skin experts, massage therapists and spa specialists trained to give your body what it needs. Well, that nurturing afternoon is just a phone call away. The creative team at the SIMPLY NATURE DAY SPA in Toluca Lake, CA are ready to assist you with your personal wellness needs. You can choose from a diverse menu of affordable treatments. Here are just a few selections to choose from. Relieve your tension with an aromatherapy bath and deep tissue massage or de-stress with a gentle underwater massage called hydro therapy. Need more relaxation? Then try a nourishing botanical mud body treatment. A treatment that stimulates circulation and reduces aches and pains. Or you can sit in the sauna, a "dry heat bath" that stimulates the body's natural detoxifying process and eases joint discomfort. Now that you are relaxed why not finish pampering yourself with a facial. You can try the organic enzyme or collagen treatment, then top it off with an aromatherapy manicure. You work hard all week, why not give yourself a pampering afternoon every month. While your at it invite someone along and don't forget to take your mother for Mother's Day. I guarantee you won't get a frown nor will you be turned down. For more information and location call 818-506-8927.
This column is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is for entertainment and educational purposes only and not intended as medical advise.