This is Part 1 of a three- or four-part post. We’ll see how things go.

OK, it was actually ME who was gone.

Sorry for the silence and also the lack of warning. First, I was distracted by this.

Then I went on an epic thirteen-day, four-stop business trip that was preceded by an additional one-night business trip. All told, I stayed in six hotels and one apartment (his, twice) between January 27 and February 11. It was a LOT, even by my standards of biz travel.

Here are a few pics and stories from the first stop of the trip, Palm Springs, for the curious.

 

This was my first-ever trip to Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley of California.

I spent one night at the Westin Mission Hills and one night at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas. The Omni is far superior – luxurious and modern. I’d love to go back.

Even the indoor-outdoor airport is cool.

While in town, I had a chance to catch up with my friend who owns the gallery, Ted Casablanca.

If you find yourself in Palm Springs, please pop in. And if you can’t make the trip, the Ted Casablanca has cool stationery for sale online.

“Ted” was kind enough to share his charming friend Julius with me. Can’t wait to see both men again soon!

Here are a few more pics from Palm Springs.

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Next stop: Los Angeles

Here’s Part 2.