Rose Society of Saddle Back Valley ~ California Tuscan Entertaining Home and Garden

There are many styles of design. What elevates the good and proper to the great and memorable is courage and authenticity.

James is unafraid to experiment, mixing roses with succulents to great effect. 

In his youth, this homeowner mowed lawns for spending money. 

Life was good.  Coming home to his native California after time living in Virginia, he and his partner found this home in the enclave of  Nellie Gail, an equestrian friendly luxury subdivision of Laguna Hills.

Approximately 250 of 350 roses were planted this year 

The home and garden was a bit more ordinary in appearance when the publicity-shy  couple took possession  of the 4,296 square foot home 7 years ago. Then, it was sheaved in proper elements of anonymous origin.

The homeowner recalls the front landscape  at the time they moved in was not much more than  " a big rolling lawn with a stucco planter around the base of the coral tree." Near the garage was " a  no man's land of volunteer palm trees and weeds."

Lawns are used for soft footing to wander through planing beds on.

The well-traveled couple understood that while the home was beautiful, it did not achieve its full potential.  It needed character, a sense of place, an aura of generosity.

With this mission in mind, for each of the past 7 years, the couple sculpted and adorned their home and garden, one area at a time.   James explains the wisdom of  choosing one area at a time to upgrade as "by focusing, we got the detail right." Not only that, the majority of the property remained usable at all times.

Living in an area blessed with the rare climate of Mediterranean Tuscany, many of the design elements and plantings reflect the uncommon commonality of good weather.

From one approach the home is first seen where the horse trail crosses

The garden is about balance. An English garden would be out of place without the strong California influence  created by use of succulents and cactus as well as the more traditional outposts of foxglove and daylily.

Stacked stones visually added textural interest while pushing out the framing of usable planting areas from the lawn.

Iron lighting grounds the froth of roses from visually floating away. 

The garden is both beautiful and serves the practical purpose of providing a cutting garden for entertaining at home and away. As James delightedly reports, he suspects their frequent dinner invitations are due to the lavish hostess bouquets picked the same day as they are presented.

Before we go inside, take a look at the creative mix of foliage and flower potted up at the entrance.

Most of the home was closed to prying eyes, but from what we were allowed to traverse, behind the beauty you sense how the rooms were planned with the intent to entertain larger groups of people who might be enjoying a live performance of the caliber of someone such as David Burnham,  the man nailed the role of Fiyero in Wicked.

The inside renovation began at the front hall. The staircase was originally white wooden spindles. James arranged for cutting back and rounding off the base of the design for aesthetic appeal- and more room for people to move about with ease at the bottom landing.

Plain plaster pillars were cut, fitted with molding and painted in a replication reminiscent of fine European woodworking found in manor houses.

The old gold of the chandelier adds a restrained pop of elegance against the deep wood tones of a formal library.

This library benefited from the luxurious appointments observed on a trip to India just 2 years ago.

Michele Dawn Designs  brilliantly executed depth of color on the interior walls. The magic glow conjured from wines, copper  and metallic gold rubbed into each each other....  magnificent! Equally stunning were the lighter tones of Venetian plaster- a technique requiring patience beyond the  typical house painter. 

Let's walk through a bit of the home without any words. Let my humble images let the house tell its story....

Ah, in the backyard were wonderful reminders that fine design is not about being high end. Fine design is about comfort and beauty appropriate to the owners and the setting.

Little vignettes I found absolutely charming included this hall tree  in the shelter of  the patio . 

James says "I needed something tall and narrow to cover up an old intercom system that we have yet to remove.  I found the damaged hall tree at a second hand shop for about $20 and used some leftover fabric from redoing the headboard on the bed in the master suite. I tacked it to the back and used some of the gardening tools." Voila!

Close up detail

Different proportions of related warm colors highlight the architectural interest. Tall urns are available at Lowe's. 

For those of us old enough to remember the decade of brown, tan and sand- how dreary that color scheme dated so quickly. Here's the design note to explain  what saves this arrangement from the same decorate- by- numbers dullness. The traditional tones of gold, brown and terracotta are saved from cliche' by the  jade rim on the slender ceramic urns. Repeated further back in the picture, it little touch of diversion from a strict colorway adds charm.

James  says of the enchanting cabana on the far side of the pool, that  when they moved in, it was an avoided eye-sore of weathered wood and worn-out fabric overlooking a dusty horse trail.

Fresh paint, clean fabric and dense plantings- voila'- a destination perfect for an intimate chat between friends.  

This lovely outdoor room...

 on a chilly night- the double armed heaters allow more guests to linger before heading home.

Thank you dear readers, for joining me on this tour of  a home loved to its full-potential. 

Until we meet again, Thank you for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful!

Michelle Dawn 949. 350.3340

The "Singing Senator" Bob Huff, Robins and Love takes Work

 

Robins are year round residents of the San Gabriel Valley



Some "harbinger of spring". Less than an hour after the robin decided to check out our garden, a full 2" of rain hurled full tilt on what was to be our "date night" ; the Spring Re-election Gala for Bob Huff. If  a political fundraiser doesn't asound like much of a date- you've never heard California's"Singing Senator" croon away in any of the 7 or so languages he performs in. 

Courtesy Photo

 Bob was my replacement when I left the Diamond Bar Planning Commission. Lacking the edgines so prevalent in the popular political culture- the conservative Republican is able to get endorsements from even the liberal Los Angeles Times. To paraphrase the editorial board in one election, they might not agree with Huff on much, but the conversation would be productive. 

Bob cherishes and protects my favorite word in the political vocabulary "freedom." How he has gone on to serve a wider constituency is something  this homebody would never have considered. So in a way, I guess my greatest gift to politics was quitting ):-

Being a Planning Commissioner is an experience that changes how you see the world. I saw urban planning as akin to quilting- with map upon map overlayed, stitched in place with changing lifestyles and embroidered with political theory.   

It is quite out of fashion, but there is something to be said for the urban planning  that allows for privately held open space. In our tract, the utility easement was developed underground, leaving the finger canyon behind our homes undevelopable and in constant rebellion to revert back to nature. 

What we can't do with our land, because of easements preclude structural development, is the gift of interaction with real wildlife and native vegetation. 

No disrespect to my friends with advance degrees from Harvard, but I wouldn't trade their formal educational accomplishments for the seasons spent learning from this quirky little lot that straddles civilization and wilderness. Working land teaches what is important in life.

Love takes work. While the head is wrapped around the rules- the heart wanders off on a path to be cut through the wilderness.

While I have been blessed to enjoy recreational use of public open spaces and keep up on the latest in horticultural trends;  it is seeing a Robin enjoying the abundant garden that lights my heart.

That Robin has the freedom to fly to any trendy garden in North America, yet it chose my garden for a Sunday stroll. With such visits-the commitment to keep a lawn for birds to pull worms from and maintaining trees and bushes abundant with berries to dine from and  build nests in- the joy dividend is better than any bank deposit yields.

In my lifetime I have met a Prime Minister, two US presidents, several premier captains of businesses- yet I am happier for having the company of  my feathered friends. 

  I confess. When the squall ran through, I had my doubts about the wisdom of wandering off from home in a rain storm. We had such a thoroughly good time- I'm glad we did. It was just the right bridge to cross  back to a full work schedule.  

Garden Music

“In a broader sense, the rhythms of nature, large and small - the sounds of wind and water, the sounds of birds and insects - must inevitably find their analogues in music.”

George Crumb

A garden isn't complete until it is filled with music. In daylight hours, nothing beats the effects of birdsong to heal a troubled soul. Go ahead- Turn up the volume and hit  the play button. In less than 60 seconds, stress shall fly away on gossamer wings. 

Larger, less nimble birds can't get a good foothold on feeders dancing in the wind.  Larger brutish neighbors that generally will make one attempt, then fly away embarrassed at their own clumsiness.  The agile finch are quite happy not to have to fight for the right to feed.

To these songstresses, Nyger seed is an addictive pleasure. So much so- the chorus line waiting slightly off screen- has not one vacant inch for one more bird to queue up in.

It was expensive- learning to keep feeding station full without requiring us to take out an extra mortgage. You will find the type of feeder shown, where grain-like seeds are pulled one bite at a time from the grip of tiny screen holes is the most economical way to keep these birds singing for their supper.

Writing is not much more than silent singing in a two dimensional format. One of the issues which confronts a writer as we start a project is to identify whom we are writing for. Is the scope aimed at a specific or general audienc? If we have to choose whom to please, are we writing for an editor or for ourself?  Does the genre where (if we are very lucky) our piece is produced dictate we project a crisp staccato of most non-fiction? Do we need words that lilt with country air? Must we jolt awake a reader with provocation?

Birds have it so much easier.

Be Home For Christmas

Merry Christmas!

The count down is on.  Time to get those cards in the mail. This year I selected the Poinsettia from the flower portrait series by Gene Sasse. At this writing there is a basket available at the CCAA Museum of Art. Sold with white envelopes- I took mine up the decorative notch by inserting in green 5 x7's from the  Paper Source . One of my favorite stationary boutiques, there are 13 locations just in California.






I am not fond of hand held video camera production values. But there is an exception to every rule and you simply must click on the video to hear baritone Dave Britton sing, "Ill Be Home for Christmas." It may be the best 4 minutes and 4 seconds of your holiday season. 

Initially forwarded by Judy Duvall- I was number 33 to view- His voice is so clear- so strong- think Robert Goulet  in Camelot  or Davis Gaines in Phantom of the Opera - I wept.

Now I switch to what all writer's do when they get a hot lead. I am on the hunt. So far I have found there are at least 3 singers in the US sharing the name. Once the biographical information on this wonder of nature talent is vetted- I will write more. For that- You can count on me.

Friday Philosophy- Harvesting Blessings

Never tire of doing what is good; you will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. - Gal.6:9


Diamond Bar High School Orchestra

 Starry, Starry, Night" was the title for the 7th annual holiday gala by the Diamond Bar Community Foundation. Carrying the baton of community goodwill long now that the Diamond Bar Improvement Association is defunct, once a year the foundation honors someone who exemplifies that verse. In style.

If only the voice of the instruments was heard, no one would know that they were listening to a suburban high school. Their Pachabel Canon in D Major brought tears to my eyes.


Carolyn on the dance floor with lucky date

 This year's honoree, Carolyn Anderson of Waste Management is one of those people who lights up the room when she walks in. In the decade-plus I have known Carolyn, I have never once heard her complain. Her modus operandi is to ask if there is a problem and then get to solving. Always with a smile.

No concern is too small for Carolyn if it helps her company's clients. Can't remember what holidays the trash pick up is delayed? It was Carolyn's suggestion to the company to send a friendly reminder phone call.

DB Friends of the Library President Rick Rodgers salivated over the meal. Running into him the next morning while he moved to one of his myriad of charitable functions, Rick mentioned the dinner was good a meal as he's ever been served at a banquet. Parties by Panache deserves the credit.

Attention to color and detail like sprinkling of parsley set Panache meals above typical catering presentation.  

 Drum Roll- Some of the guests that evening -

Dave Roberto with wife and DBCF President and Chair of Event Jody

Treasurer Jolene Zirbes with daughter Joanna




Gene and Helen Doss

Trisha and John Bowler go together like cuffs and cuff links



Bridget del Rio Cortez (American Cancer Society) and friends take break from DJ Paul Ullrich's danceable tunes: Sinatra through Santana.

Gerry and I

 I would like to thank our hosts for the event, Matt Rezvani (BP Petroleum) and wife Debbi, for an extraordinary start to the holiday season. Without your kindness, I would never have learned that it is easier to dance in a cast than walk):- Knowing you, being allowed to be a part of your lives, is an on-going blessing.

Image of Gerry and I courtesy of Laura Kobzeff

Wine and Song with Sinatra

Like a fastball to a pitcher, there are vocal qualities, which can be guided, but rely on God-given attributes for success. When such talent arrives, you see smiles everywhere. Such as beamed at the pre-release tasting of the new Sinatra Family Estate wines at NapaStyle in Costa Mesa.

God blessed Frank Sinatra with a signature voice that inimitably conveyed the emotions of time and place. As a child, h was called by his Italian nickname, “La Voce.” Translated into the tongue of his family’s adopted United States, “The voice”.The one instantly recognized for how it tenderly caresses every note with tender affection. To us, Frank Sinatra was an icon. A persona born to produce enduring quality.

(l-r)  Amanda and Lydia

To Amanda Sinatra Erlinger, he was grandpa. Now a Laguna painter known for large scale abstract ocean/ landscapes, Nancy's daughter didn't hesitate at the question about a favorite memory. It was when he was, “Teaching me to paint on an easel when I was 7 or 8.”  

 Amanda's duties now include introducing the world to the newest Sinatra legacy. World class red wines.

Wearing a fedora  such as her grandfather made popular, Amanda shared stories of a loving family where food and wine shared a central role with ever-present music playing in the background. 

The family long yearned to make a professional stretch over to beloved wine. But first they had to find people to partner with who embody the same enthusiastic, "Love of food and family. (People who will) put heart into everything. " People like John Schwartz and Danielle Price

Ashlee Hallengren, Sales and Marketing with the Sinatra Family Winery is justifiably proud of the wines. 
The first wine she served was inaugural  the “La Voce” Super Tuscan 2008.

The winery website hints at how something so simple as 92%Sangiovese blends with  and 8% Colorino grapes,  conjures magic from a vineyard located in the hills of Fiesole, Italy to earn the lable La Voce.  The Super-Tuscan style "wine is handcrafted using old world methods, including alcohol fermentation in open top oak barrels for 3-weeks with manual punch downs every four hours. The wine rests in new French Allier barriques for another 18 months to add roundness and complexity."

If you understand the term country formal in interior decorating, you understand the nature of "La Voce". Despite being a very fine wine, it is approachable and unpretentious.  This is a celebrate-your- Italian-roots kind of wine- even if the only Italian thing about you is an appreciation for the culture's melodic entertainment style.

Store manager James Franklin suggested a perfect meal with this wine might start with a tempting assortment of  anti-pasta tray laden with  sopressa  and cheeses.

Amanda suggested a memorable main course a grandfather would have liked with this wine would have been a simple simple pasta, "Perhaps a rigatoni. Perhaps with sausages and meatballs"  in a  tomato basil sauce.

The satisfaction of this wine might only have been matched with its Calistoga, California Cabernet cousin, 2008 “Nothing But the Best”. A  superlative estate grown blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 10% Cabernet Fran.

With the first sip, my mind focused in like a lens turned to macro. In that moment I tasted the answer to the question-  Does it matter where oak comes from in fermenting wine? The brilliant collaborators aged the vintage for, "22 months in a combination of 75% new French oak (Taransaud, Saury and Seguin Moreau) and 25% neutral French barrels."

Pure and straightforward sophistication. Back in Diamond Bar, outside in my garden my roses sizzled in the blistering 110.8 °F. Yet, a few miles down the freeway,served by people devoted to true hospitality, I may as well have been sitting under a shaded European Veranda.

When I began documenting this memory of the day, the air conditioning was struggling to keep up with the record breaking 115.8°F. Yet thoughts of this wine transport my imagination to some future cool evening where I would want to light the fireplace. Sinatra's music smooth the ambiance. I see roses overflowing a crystal vase on the dining table.  Dinner will match the wine's fine masculinity with the kind of dinner gals of my vintage would serve a Tom Selleck-type for dinner. Prime Rib, baked potato and salad. In this fantasy the firelight will stir some romantic inclinations.

Of course, this wine is good enough to make a memory all on its own. A classic tome- perhaps a Michener or a Follet will be pulled down from the shelf. With such a wine, life is simply divine.

The published release date for this wine is November 1st. However,  James has some available  in Corona del Mar. As these releases are very limited, I suggest opening the wallet wide as soon as possible. Don't let this opportunity slip by like a star-crossed summer romance. Those are easier to come by and will cost over the $95 per bottle price these loves will.


NapaStyle Costa Mesa  is in South Coast Plaza
3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, CA
(714) 825-0445

"Memories" time capsule found down the freeway at Roger's Gardens 

A Very Good Engagement- Finale

In Colonial America, festive celebrations were feasts. The abundant food of the New World was laid out on temporary serving tables made by placing boards across wooden construction horses. It was on a trip to Williamsburg that I learned of groaning boards.

The pursuit of happiness, that influential concept brought forth in the United States Declaration of Independence, is achieved not just by acquisition, but through voluntary sharing.



L-R Alden Plunk with mom, Billie. (Maggie Steven's) Scott Brown and Abigail Plunk



Since the Pilgrims first gave thanks in Plymouth, the concept of having enough extra food to serve any hungry wandering battalions of soldiers or Indian tribes remains an American tradition.

On one side of the patio were boards groaning under a full assortment of cheeses and fresh fruit. Opposite, candy and cupcakes  



As if this were not enough,  the waitstaff of 7 eased through the building throng with tray after tray of hors d'oeuvres style beef wellington, tostadas, ahi tuna on won ton crisps, chicken pot pie.... I will stop here before I get fat salivating over the memory!.

Trevor Plunk dancing with Amy Lamping

Shannon is not only, in the words of the smitten  Kenny Plunk, "Smart and beautiful," she is hardworking. The logistics- she handled like a seasoned pro. The date was somewhat decided by when Orange County cover band The Green Natives was available. Along with tables and seating, an extra large dance floor was brought in. A detail that made dancing so much more fun than if it had been on concrete pavement.

Justin Clark, Chris Bona and Paul Martyr met in kindergarten at Maple Hill Elementary School in kindergarten

It tells you something about Kenny and Shannon that the guest list was not built around business associates.  Attendees were dearest friends of the bride and groom to be and family...  

Sheryl Stevens

And Sheryl Stevens. Not a relation by blood. But through love. One of the kindest most honorable women we know.  By the oddest of circumstance, she is a friend to both Kenny and Shannon. That is a story we will leave until another day.

Happy birthday to Billie Plunk. YOU are our sunshine.

Catering by Robert at the Cooking Store in the Riverside Mission Grove Shopping Center. 951.776.1772


Friday Philosophy will return next week.

Flower Education

California Poppies aren't our state flower just because they are beautiful. They are great role models..
Poppies are pleasant company. They don't complain about current conditions. They understand their calling- to bring joy. Whatever comes their way, they deal as best they can without complaint.

Poppies are self- starters. They don't wait for instructions to do what needs to be done. While they are independent, they cheerfully accept a helping hand.

1776.45 acres of the California Poppy are in bloom up the hill at the California Poppy Reserve in Antelope Valley. If you've never been- all the information you will need before heading up the hill can be found at http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627 . Have FUN!

Images by Gene Sasse. Used with permission.