When the Heart says "Go" but the Brain says "No"

Do you ever get a good laugh out of what lands in your E-mail in-box? For instance, do you chuckle at offers of pole dancing lessons? In my case, sliding down a pole would be easy- but getting me back up? Someone might have a camera phone- my dignity could be lost forever over the Internet. 

But this one tops them all. Groupon sends me a deal of the day. It is  JetLev's offer to strap water-powered jet pack and put a GoPro helmet-mounted video helmet over my head: that part of the body God designated to hold my brain. 

My heart wants to do it. I am tempted. But in the battle between heart and brain, life has taught it is better to let the brain win. I am, after all,  a woman who broke her arm pruning roses. I should NOT do this, if for no other reason than respect for The Lord who made her.

Personal decisions such as this do not mean I begrudge someone else making a different decision. (Although, I hope our sons miss reading this and go hit the "buy" button.)  If  they did, though, I should want to see the video and imagine the great rush of life they felt. Their appreciation for life lived full on is something that makes me both cringe and  love them as much as any mother loved any child.

Any day loved ones are full of joy, I believe should be commemorated. It is my observation that when we have lost family or friends,  while grief is fresh, images of the person may conjur up dark emotions. However, with time,  the same visions - through the visual imprint - their spirit sparks a light in the heart- where they live-on.

Seasoned Greetings Awash with Wine

Auld Lang Santa Bottles+

No time or money to sip and shop in Napa Valley? No problem. Santa is bringing Napa to just the other side of the "Orange Curtain" County Line with FREE Wine tastings!

Mark your calendars to take your unfinished holiday shopping list to South Coast Plaza. Premier winemakers are bringing luscious  libations to try before you buy at one of my favorite shops, NapaStyle. Here's the schedule, hot off the press from store manager James Franklin

Friday, December 17th: From 4-7

Vellum Wine Craft. With a name like that, Jeff Mathy must be serving smooth vintages

'07& '08 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Saturday, December18th: From 1-4



Darm’s Lane

Tricia Bump Davis will be available to explain the
’07 Cabernet Sauvignon
’09 Chardonnay

Sunday, December 19th From 1-4
(The Italian wine specialist) Mission Wine Company's founder Ciro Cirillo will be showing off these fine wines 
’06 IL Burchino “Super Tuscan”
’09 Casal Moro

’09 Col Reale

Monday, December 20th from 1-4

Prager Port Works

Petite Sirah Port

Aria White Port

Noble Companion Tawny Port

To understand the devotion to enjoying their work, you simply Must click on the Prager Port Works Prager Port Works web site.

The Tawny Port inspired me to get in the kitchen and bake a gingerbread cake. While it was cooking, a vintage cookbook was pulled off the shelf to remind me how to candy citrus peel. Strip the peel from citrus, scraping away the pith. Drop stripped strips into  boiling water for 15 minutes. Rinse, repeat. The bitters are gone,  leaving you with these lithe little bits of intense citrus flavor. A simple sugar syrup got very lucky. A package of opened walnut pieces was in the frig with nothing else to do. About a half hour later, the nuts and bright peels of  one each tangerine, orange and lemon were lifted to a rack to dry into scatterings for atop a dollop of whipped cream on the cake.  Candy fruit once and understand what the grocery store sells is just jerkified junk.

 Tuesday, December 21st From 12-4

B Cellars- Jennifer Hallock will be on hand to represent the foodie focused winemaker with their worthy Napa Blends. These are professional wines not hindered by cloying names. Instead, they are referred to by their style/sweetness number. If you are new to matching food with wine- this is the winery to get to know.

#23

#24

#25
#26

Holiday Hint: Have friends and neighbors you want to give something more than a card to, but out of time and not much money? One of my favorite special gifts is a food ingredient- one with special twist that raises from ordinary to extraordinary. Drop it in a gift bag with a personal recipe paired with it. NapaStyle has a great collection of seasoned salts to play in the kitchen with. 

Don't you just adore the Napastyle catalog description of  the bottles pictured on top.... "Santa Claus artwork on red and green glass, these festive little bottles look great lining a console, mantel or sunny windowsill. Fill them with hand soap as a wonderful gift, a single poinsettia or leave them corked as standalone décor." Having put a new ornament on the Christmas tree for every member of the family for 34 years- this is one terrific change of pace. Out of stock online- they are IN STOCK in COSTA MESA. If you hurry!

Brussels in Bloom Story

Judy Duvall sent the "Brussels in Bloom" pic. One thing about old Europe- I'm glad they are more into high maintenance gardening than we are in California. She also sent over a GREAT idea for those of us who would rather not be on the road past midnight local time, when the parties and bars let out on New Years Eve. An anglophile active in Welsh choirs, her group of friends coordinate a celebration with the UK's midnight, which is 4 pm local time.


With 'Snookie'  scheduled to be dropped in a ball at Times Square in New York- being tucked in bed and asleep before that spectacle of bad taste happens sounds like the right thing to do.

Image by Gerry Plunk

 If the sunset is like tonight. What entertainment could possibly top this thrill?



NapaStyle South Coast Plaza


3333 Bear St.


Costa Mesa, CA


(714) 825-0445

Love and Gardens

God knew what He was doing, growing a garden to put Adam and Eve, His intended lovers. Their first sight of each other. Their first kiss. Their first taste of each other. It wasn't by accident this all took place in a garden. Gardens don't just grow plants. They grow love.

To garden is to artistically express hope in the future. Seeds are planted in expectation of the coming season. Trees go in long before they cast a giant shadow. See how a young lady's beauty is enhanced as framed by nature. The image is simplicity itself. The foreground is a planting of Mexican Sage (s. Leucantha). A single bold Agave americana 'Marginata' serves as backdrop.

This Valentines Day, the sun warmed Diamond Bar to 79 °. It was a busy day of preparation in my own garden for spring. 400 bulbs are going in the prepared soil this week. But the day will come when it will be time for a break.

The Garden World Social whirl consumes April. This is the traditional High Season for gardeners craving invitations from generous souls who open their gardens to strangers. During these visits will occur a happy communion between those who like to dig and dally with plants and butterflies. Novices will hesitantly try Latin pronunciations on sympathetic ears. Cameras click and pads of paper are sketched with words and diagrams of new ideas to try.


Author Nan Sterman sent this photo to build anticipation of what to expect if you accept this invitation

The Encinitas Garden Festival & Tour is an all day event that includes a walking tour of 20+ private gardens, school garden, nurseries, a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Program, fire station garden, and more.

The Gardener's marketplace will showcase some of San Diego County's best boutique plant growers, photography, garden art and supplies

There will also be talks on all types of gardening topics.

Tickets go on sale March 1, 2010. For more information visit http://www.encinitasgardenfestival.org/


Thank you to Trisha Bowler for the lovely photo of daughter-in-love Debbie. Taken at the
Terranea Resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula

http://www.terranea.com/palos-verdes-resorts

Zero In On Zornes

Milford Zornes started life with a tumbleweed existence. Born in Oklahoma in 1908, as a child Zornes moved to Idaho and California with his family. As a young man he hitchhiked across America: earning his fare to Europe partly by working the docks in New York. Back in California, his roots finally tapped into his calling: art. In 1927 he began to paint at the prestigious Otis Art Institute, then was mentored here in the San Gabriel Valley by the great Millard Sheets. Artistic acclaim came quickly when President Franklin D. Roosevelt hung a Zornes painting in the White House in 1933. "

In 2008, Milford Zornes died a centurion. His family selected the CCAA Museum of Art to house an annual exhibit, this year is open only until Valentine's Day.
However, if you can make it over to Rancho Cucamongo on the afternoon of January 24th, a special reception with a free gift is being held.

In conjunction with the exhibit, author/ photographer Gene Sasse published The Art of Milford Zornes: from Private Collections ( ISBN 978-0-9842797-0-8). While the book is currently available for purchase at the museum, at the reception, this book is included with your paid reservation.

A prolific and preeminent practitioner of California plein art, many of Zornes works are displayed under glass a challenge to photograph well. In Gene's book, the subtleties in color, hue and intensity, as well as the shading struck by the artist’s brush are more than accurate: they visually speak with respect for the artist’s intent.
















The CCAA (Chaffey Community Art Association) Museum of Art is located in the historial J Filippi Winery, 12467 Baseline Road, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
is open Friday – Sunday 12 pm – 5 p Admission: free

The Zornes Reception is January 24, 2010 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. ($20.00 per person)
(909) 463-3733 or E-mail ccartassoc@gmail.com to reserve.

For more information on the Museum, hop over to http://www.ccaamuseum.org/

Before It's Too Late

It all began in 1958. From a handful of daffodil bulbs planted in the hillside a dream to pain the 5 acres of hillside with the color of daffodils began. No fertilizer. No summer irrigation. Every year, one at a time, Gene Bauer bent over and planted more bulbs one at a time.

Just like life, it wasn't always easy. The Willow Fire of 1999 destroyed the Bauer's A-frame home, its surrounding shady trees and garden. Fortunately, the fire was swift, and the bulbs in their protective covering of earth survived the scorching.

If you are familiar with The Daffodil Principle, then you are familiar with the private garden, and the ah-ha moment it inspired for author Jeroldeen Aspund Edwards. In the story, which first appeared in her book, Celebration!, the mother of 12 wrote of seeing the garden for the first time
"For me that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than thirty-five years before, had begun - one bulb at a time - to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountain top.
Still, this unknown, old woman had forever changed the world in which she lived. She had created something of magnificent beauty, and inspiration. "

For many years, the garden has been open to the public from 10am until 6 pm during the bloom season. But after April 12th, their glorious garden will no longer be open to the public. Gene and Dale Bauer are retiring from their duties of keeping their private Eden open to the public.

So before it is too late, plan a trip up to the San Bernardino Mountains to see what is possible when you have a dream and go forward boldly with intent and persistence.

Let the garden take your breath away.
Celebrate the collaboration of man and nature while it is still possible.

The story of "The Daffodil Principle" is now available for the first time as a an illustrated gift book, with artwork by Anne Marie Oborn.

Jeroldeen Edwards passed away last May of heart disease. But she lives on through her children and literary work.

St Anne in the Mountains Catholic Church will allow you to park in their lot. The Bauer garden is adjacent. It is located next door at 30480 Fredalba Road 30480 Fredalba Road, Running Springs, Ca. 92382 just a short drive off Highway 330.

The photographs of the garden are by Alta Loma photographer Gene Sasse- used with permission. http://www.genesasse.com/

If your favorite local book seller does not have copies of The Daffodil Principle- click here to order

http://www.amazon.com/Daffodil-Principle-Jaroldeen-Edwards/dp/1590382242

Thee White House Comes Through

Thee Anaheim White House Restaurant is doing something nice for its neighbors. The people have shared their good times: when the Triangle Complex Fire struck without warning...
Below is the email sent to the clients of one of Orange County's fine Seafood and Italian Restaurants. While the offer is only through tomorrow, its intent will stay with me. Please join me in supporting a business that understands their responsibility to the community. Not just in good time. Not just when they are rolling in money. But when it is needed. For we are all in this life together.
Many of our loyal customers live in the local area and our hearts go out to those effected by the recent OC fires. You have supported us all these years so we are trying to help you out this time. Beginning tomorrow, Sunday November 16 until Friday November 21 we are offering free pasta to those who lost their homes. If you reside in one of the areas effected by the recent OC fires, join us to receive a complimentary plate of pasta.

The pasta will be served from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 16 thru Friday November 21 Only. Please call to RSVP to (714) 772-1381 or make an online reservation..
The restaurant is located at
887 South Anaheim Boulevard :: Anaheim, California 92805 :: Tel (714) 772-1381


The top photo was taken by Jody Schmalz from her home in Yorba Linda as she was being evacuated. The gentleman, friend and Realtor, Roy Rhino. arranged to share. Hugs and God Bless You Both.

Notes from the Aftermath

Orange was never more beautiful. Air traffic never sounded so orchestral than it did last weekend.

Smoke has stained the air like tea does a tablecloth, but gratitude flowers in the aftermath. Because the fire started at the other end of the Wildlife Corridor, there was time to lay down a line of Phoschek between leaping flames and Diamond Bar. This is what you need to know about living in the vicinity of bureaucratize is "an event". Getting anywhere is horrendous. One mile from home might take half an hour. Across city limits to Brea took a local hairdresser three and half hours. You might not be able to get where you want. You might not want to turn around. And even if you did, you might not be able to get back in.
Some families did double evacuations- fleeing their homes in Yorba Linda, only to be evacuated again in Diamond Bar.

On our knees or otherwise, we all prayed.

Some families were split up involuntarily as roadblocks went up. Some, like John and Trisha Bowler's did so voluntarily. John and son Daryl stayed behind to defend their home, sending Trisha to the safety of her BFFF, Councilwoman Carol and her husband, Art Herrera. Their son, Eric, tried to join his family: he couldn't.

Fire is chaotic. Kudos to the news agencies who did their best to transpose, in real time, what was happening on the ground into some sort of logical flow . That they renamed people, mismatched pictures to location names is not so important as capturing and relaying the storyline.

Sunday was to be the annual Diamond Bar Foundation Gala. Chairwoman Jody Roberto and her dedicated crew spent the entire last year planning and preparing for what is our town's most important social event. What does a committee do with 300 paid-for filet mignon and chicken dinners? The Foundation donated them to the Red Cross Evacuation Center at Diamond Bar High School. Andrew Wong, Ling-Ling Chang, Bridget del Rio Cortes and others work their phone numbers in an effort to get out the official cancellation notice. Staffing the Red Cross Shelter with volunteers was easy duty.

Refugees never ate so well as they did that night in Diamond Bar.

Yesterday morning, as I was finally able to leave the house on errands, I saw the most beautiful site. Firemen having coffee at Starbucks. They were packing up to go home. I craved to take their photograph: but I did not want to delay them getting rest for so long as a nano-second.

The emergency ebbing, Edda Gahm and I kidnapped our refugee friend, Trisha Bowler,
for lunch at a favorite hang-out, the Mandarin Taste Restaurant.
Afterwards, we dropped-in across the parking lot to the office of Assemblyman (and now California State Senator-Elect) Bob Huff's office. Jody is a field rep there. A legislative briefing by the Office of Emergency Services was about to start.

While Edda and Trisha "caught up" outside, Jody let me listen in on the linguistic ballet of government. The data download. Questions ladeled without corruptive nuance. Phrases not used in normal conversation normalized the fluid chaos into something solid which could be handled. Phrases like interested parties, pre-position of assets, migration of resources. These words, out in public are too droll and emotionless. But in this setting they an aria filled with wisdom, hope and promise.

" To whom much is given, much is expected". Luke 12:48

Thanksgiving after a fire will have special signifcance. So close disaster. Diamond Bar and her people were spared only because we were given time. That gift which is either spent well or squandered. There is no in-between.

As we count our blessings this year, because we were spared, we have a special responsibility . We have a duty to assess our challenges and craft from them something of greater value.

Next time, the fire might start closer to us. How can government prepare with the facts of this region to continue our good fortune?

There is a map. The map of the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority. If you look where the Triangle Complex Fire traveled- you see where it started and where it was headed. If the wind had not slowed down, if the fire had not been stopped where it was- the fire was headed straight to Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights and Whittier. The potential for loss of property which would dwarf what happened in Sylmar and Montecito is real. How to avert future tragedy?

The duty of government is to do collectively us what we cannot do as individuals. When it comes to change, I don't want it to be spare. I hope it is comprehensive and forward thinking. It is time to build a reservoir. This would give us some water-independence from the MWD- who has announced- as I recall- a 40% rise in rates over two years. It would give us an additional water-source to fight fires or to be otherwise accessible in the event our imported water is cut off by an earthquake.

Planned well, there is the real potential in pairing this local lake with a bypass roadway in the Tonner region. Not just mitigate everyday traffic problems. With the anticipated increase in traffic from the proposed NFL Stadium, it would be a relief valve for any increase in traffic on the 57/60 Freeway Interchange. It would provide a real defensible line against wildfire or an escape route for other disasters.

Hills for Everyone has a great map of where the fire path, actual and potential could be followed on page 33 at http://www.hillsforeveryone.org/about-the-corridor/pdfs/Schlotterbeck-report.pdf

Top photo is by by Sr. Master Sgt Dennis W. Goff, courtesy of US Air Force. Believe in Sylmar area.

The cross is the front cross at my home church, Mt. Calvary Lutheran in Diamond Bar. Traditional, contemporary and Chinese language services. 23300 Golden Springs DrDiamond Bar, CA 91765 (909) 861-2740

BFFF is best female friend forever.

The Mandarin Taste Restaurant is located across the street from Mt. Calvary at 23391 Golden Springs Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765 (909) 861-1819

MWD is Metropolitan Water District

A Remarkable Woman

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can. -- John Wesley, "Letters of John Wesley
Meet Gracie Sorbello. Barefoot and on a unicycle, she rode just under 4,000 miles, from Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, to Long Beach, Washington. In the summer of 2006, she cycled through blistering heat and torrential rain. She pushed past pain and exhaustion, raising awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). You see, her uncle has a plasma cell cancer: Multiple Myeloma.

Sponsored by Coker Tire Co. (the company that makes the big-wheeled unicycle she rode), Gracie used the trip to raise almost $12,000 for LLS. The money has been used by LLS to help fund research and medical treatments to improve the lives of people battling blood cancers.
Of her journey, Gracie says, “Doing it for a worthwhile cause definitely helped me get through countless miserable times of pain and cantankerousness on my trip - I knew that I had a bigger reason to keep going, and even if I was in pain at times, I was riding in honor of those who experienced far worse pain on a daily basis.”
“The number of people who are affected by cancer, directly or indirectly, continues to grow and makes me so glad that I was able to do something to help the situation and give people hope. I feel blessed to have been able to do that trip.”
“I rode alone for the first couple of weeks through North Carolina, then my mom rode alongside me on a bicycle from Asheville, NC, to Memphis, TN. A good friend of mine rode a bike with me from Memphis to Pueblo, CO, then my dad took over for the last leg of the trip from Pueblo to the Pacific Ocean.”
Now you can learn more about this remarkable woman, her journey and find out how you can help her raise funds for the organization which is helping to find medical miracles by logging on to her website at http://onewheelforlife.blogspot.com/
Thank you to photographer Ilana Panich-Linsman, whose sharing the photograph of Gracie running through the rain provided the opportunity to share this story. The remainders of the photographs in this entry are from Gracie’s personal file.

Rose-aholic Alert: Oprah's Legend's Rose

There is a limited pre-release of the 'Legends' rose in California. That voluptuous beauty that Oprah proudly holds on the cover of the May edition of O magazine.


These are the locations which should have, or will have, within the next week.

When this stock is gone- no more will be available until the official release for the 2009 planting season:

Armstrong’s Nurseries- these are the locations which have been confirmed:
Carlsbad, El Cajon, Morena, Pasadena, Artesia, La Canada, Monrovia, Tustin, Encinitas, Del Mar, Laguna Niguel, Temecula and Long Beach.

Fremont- Regan Nursery- also does mail order.

Cupertino- Yamagami’s

This list was found by independent research. So it is possible a couple other locations escaped my sleuthing. If I run across any others, I will post under comments. Please feel free to do the same.

Imagine. If you can get hold of one of these beauties before this special offer is sold-out: you will have the biggest valentine-red bouquets ahead of anyone else in the nation!

Until it blooms in your garden- you can gaze upon the gorgeous photo of it by Gene Sasse. Used with permission.

The Last Request of Gerry Del Rio Cortes

“ … even in our sleep pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God. “ wrote the Greek tragedian Aeschylus.

“It’s almost that time” was the title of a joint e-mail sent by Bridget & Gerry Del Rio Cortes on Saturday, April 12th. On the afternoon of Sunday, April 13th, Gerry left this life, leaving his wife, their families and friends to cope with the loss of someone so good and so young.

Gerry was 44 when he entered the kingdom of heaven. He and his wife, if this life were fair, should have spent the last two years looking to raise a family. But Gerry was stricken with cancer. So they looked for hospitals instead.

I met the couple when we were all volunteers for the Diamond Bar Relay for Life. Bridget put her heart and soul into the event and the organization. To anyone who would listen, she spoke glowingly of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and all they did to help them live despite Gerry’s grave illness. When a position came open, ACS gladly hired Bridget.

In this last letter, Bridget and Gerry wrote together they acknowledged the tragedy that had overtaken them. And while they still hoped for a miracle to spend more time together in this life, in their request for prayers they asked not for healing, but for relief of pain. For his body and for her heart.

In this letter the couple made a joint statement that I believe they would both want shared. This is the last request they made together as husband and wife.

“Lastly, we would like to ask a favor of you. Please take some time out of your life to battle cancer by participating in a Relay For Life event either in your city or ours. It is one day out of your life to fight back against cancer. Visit http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/ to find one near you. All of the funds raised go to the American Cancer Society to help with their research, education, advocacy, and service. Gerry and I have used their FREE services these last two years ranging from talking to a live trained person who gave us information at 2:00 am to getting 4 nights free in a hotel in San Francisco during his chemo treatments. So can other cancer patients and their families. To find out more call 1(800) ACS-2345 or go to http//www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp"

For anyone interested in helping the Diamond Bar Relay for Life, this event has a specific site at
http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeCaliforniaDivision?fr_id=4314&pg=entry.

Until we meet again, rest in peace, dear Gerry.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Fan

Parental Warning

If you are a parent, or even if you are not, read the following story, but only after being warned to be prepared. Be prepared to be charmed, uplifted and happy to remember how good life is through the eyes of a spunky, smart and thoroughly adorable boy.

On March 3rd The Sacramento Bee ran that rare story- the one that makes you happy that you know how to read and that you read newspapers. One of those stories that makes you want to jump up and cheer. It was about a seven year old boy who runs his own weekly newspaper. This is a very short clip from the story written by Hudson Sangree

"Finn is 7 years old. His paper is called The Weekly Block and covers his own small part of the world in central Davis.

The second-grader with a mop of brown hair was inspired by the hero of his favorite tales, Geronimo Stilton, a storybook mouse and editor of The Rodent's Gazette.

"I was bored and thinking about Geronimo Stilton, and I said to myself, 'Hey, wouldn't it be fun to have my own paper."

Good Day Sacramento followed up with a televised interview. That clip may no longer be available, but this Friday, March 21 do what you need to so that you can watch Finn on The Live Desk with Martha MacCallum. According to Wrye Sententia, mother of the Editor-in-Chief, the littlest editor-in-chief is scheduled to be sharing his special brand of commentary on independent media. Information at this time is that the segment will be the last one, to air between between 10:30and 11AM here on the west coast.

Finns' newspaper can be found at http://www.theweeklyblock.com/
Martha MacCallum's show can be found at http://www.foxnews.com/livedesk/

Pay it Forward

"By how do we define a human being? There are a number of traits that distinguish human beings from other forms of life. One of the distinguishing features is that man has the ability to do chesed (acts of loving-kindness). Man can do for others even at the cost of his own comfort. With the exception of pets who may adopt human traits, animals are incapable of sacrificing themselves for the benefit of others. No tiger has ever left over a carcass so that a hungry jackal might have food.
All living things act in their own interest. Man can be unique in one of two ways. (1) He can sacrifice his personal comfort in order to help others. (2) He can alter his character so that other people's discomforts become his own. Even if one does not achieve the latter, the minimum criterion of humanity is to be able to set aside one's own comfort for the benefit of others."

Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski published these words in the Jewish World Review
His words brought me back to a Friday afternoon right after the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina. At the time I was the editor of community newspaper "The Windmill". Diamond Bar High School Counselor Tisa Shavers asked if the paper could be at the school the following Monday. Members of different groups on campuses within the Walnut Valley Unified School District would be phoning over the weekend. They hoped to raise $20,000 for the American Red Cross.
There was no one available to assign, so I took on the story myself. Arriving at the high school late that morning, it was clear that expectations had been exceeded. The "press prop" check tallied $51,000. However, by the time it was presented, the check was outdated. Over $68,000 was raised by the time the story was written later that day. In the words of Tisa Shavers, " Americans are the most generous people on earth."
The photo above was taken at the lunchtime pep rally. The joy is palpable. Not from anything those kids received. From what they gave. They "paid it forward".

Pay It Forward Challenge.
So it was a happy circumstance when on one of my favorite blogs- http://sitteninthehills64.blogspot.com/ was posted: "Here's a chance to get a surprise from me, on a surprise date, in the next 365 days. I'm responding to this through Rachel's Blog: Sliding Through Life....Some lovely surprise will be coming from her to me in the next 365 days....!"

And now, I offer the same chance to you. The first three bloggers who let me know they want "to play" Pay it Forward: send me a note and offer the same opportunity to their readers, and sometime in the next 365 days, I will send the first 3 responders who follow these simple "rules" a gift- from me. If I don't know the contact info needed for me to do my part- you can send a note over as "anonymous" and I will read it without posting. Have fun!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOE

Moe turned 42 today. A Chimpanzee, he isn't with the couple he loves most: Jim and La Donna Davis. He's living in an animal preserve near San Bernardino.

Moe can't be with Jim and La Donna Davis because in the summer of 2005 other chimps mauled Jim. In the attack, the renegade chimpanzees ripped off his nose, an eye, most of his fingers, both testicles and much of the flesh from his buttocks and face and left foot, leaving him near death when he was rescued.

It wasn't expected that he would survive. But he has. That was the first miracle. Another miracle:his mind is clear. But unable to return to work, the former stock car racer and auto body shop owner racer have fallen on very hard times. Left badly disfigured, Jim and his wife have been grateful to the doctors and staff of Loma Linda Hospital who have often volunteered their services. However, as anyone who has had their life so critically interrupted will tell us, medical expenses are not the only expenses one has to meet at such times.


This Saturday, March 8th at 2 PM, a benefit concert featuring Eleanor "C-Pass" Jones will be held at the Dean's Swim Club, 1010 Overlook Ridge Rd, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. 100% of proceeds will go directly to help Jim and La Donna with their daily living expenses.

The cost of the event is only $20. Checks can be made out to Jim or La Donna Davis and may be paid at the door. If you would like to make a donation in lieu of attendance, please make checks or money orders payable to Jim or La Donna Davis and mail to C-Pass Enterprises, Inc., P.O Box 2418, Inglewood, CA 90305.

For a preview of the talented Eleanor Jones- please go to www.c-pass.biz

Hugs and Thank yous to Al Rumpilla for the information on this event. Jim and La Donna are lucky to have you as a friend.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

"...the future is an opportunity yet unmet, a path yet untraveled, a life yet unlived."- Pastor Greg Laurie

Meet Author Nan Sterman

Author and Gardening Expert Nan Sterman
How to Green Your Garden
With an Introduction by Jan Smithen

Sunday, December 2 at 2pm
Los Angeles County Arboretum
Arcadia
Reception and book signing to follow
Call 626.821.4623 for reservations, or you may pay at the door
$10 Arboretum members/$15 non-members

Nan Sterman is one of my favorite people. Her first solo book is California Gardeners Guide vol II, published by Cool Springs Press. If you can't make the talk and book signing at the Arboretum- the book is on display at the Border's in Brea. Call them and have them hold a copy for you. They will happily hold it for you for 3 days. The striking cover image of Matalija Poppy alone is worth the price. It's also a great book to have an extra copy of in the trunk of the car to help with garden questions while you are on the go.

From the LA County Press Release:

Nan Sterman is an award winning garden communicator, gardening expert, and garden coach who lives in Encinitas, California, and writes about beautiful and unique gardens and gardeners. Her expertise includes plants for California's Mediterranean climate, sustainable gardening, landscape design, edible gardening, specialty nurseries, and gardening how-to.For several years, Nan was garden editor for San Diego Home Garden Lifestyles Magazine. Today, she writes regularly for regional and national publications such as the San Diego Union Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Sunset, Organic Gardening, and Better Homes and Gardens. After contributing to several gardening books, including the most recent edition of Sunset Western Gardens.

One of Nan's most recent projects is A Growing Passion, an award-winning television program whose pilot episode airs on the San Diego PBS affiliate. On the show, Nan visits real gardens created by ordinary people who happen to be extra-ordinary gardeners.? The show explores the inner passion of these individuals as expressed by or through the gardens they create.

For the last four years, Nan has been a regular guest on These Days radio talk show on San Diego Public Radio, KPBS (89.5 FM).?? The Do-It-Yourself Network has featured her in several of its shows and she has been a guest on several network newscasts.
Nan is a regular on the garden speaker circuit, addressing audiences at county fairs, flower shows, community meetings, Master Gardeners, garden clubs, and professionals in the horticulture industry. She teaches gardening classes to homeowners at the Water Conservation Garden, and low-water gardening classes sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District.

Nan Sterman's horticultural education includes a Bachelor's degree in botany from Duke University and a Master's in biology from UC Santa Barbara. She was trained in organic gardening methods, sustainable gardening and raised bed gardening at the Farallones Institute in Berkeley, California.Ms. Sterman has served as a Master Composter and Master Gardener as well.


In her own home garden Ms. Sterman tests a wide range of plant materials. She also consults on garden design and plant selection. Ms. Sterman is a board member of the Garden Writers Association and is chairperson of the Encinitas Garden Festival. She is active in the San Diego Horticultural Society and also coordinates a 5,000 square foot school garden.

Jill Berry, Program Manager
Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
301 North Baldwin Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91007-2697
Phone: 626.821.4624
Fax: 626.821.4642
Jill.Berry@arboretum.org
www.arboretum.org

Offer Holiday Cheer to Families of Fallen Heroes

¯Ralph Waldo Emerson said,“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, and to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

I would like to refine that statement a little. When you are honorable, compassionate and generous with whatever you are able to, that creates happiness within.

My son's mother-in-law got permission to share this letter. Please consider participating in any way you are able to. This is a very organized effort and is first-come best choice on assignments. The organization has a web site for any who need more information





Dear Family and Friends,

If you are a proud American and want to give back to those who defend our freedoms please read this and forward it on to everyone you know. We need your support and your help to get the word out and get people involved!!!

Dan and I volunteered for an organization called Snowball Express in 2006. We had such a wonderful and touching experience that we are now on the committee for 2007. Their mission is to reach out to the surviving children and parents of our fallen heroes, specifically the US service men and women killed during the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Snowball Express, a non-profit 501c3 organization, provides these families with a fun filled, all expenses paid weekend in Orange County. Between November 30 and December 2 they will attend an exclusive concert at the Grove in Anaheim, a spectacular party at Oakley headquarters in Foothill Ranch and a day at Disneyland. Many mothers who attended last year said this was the first time they saw their children feel joy since the passing of their father. Also, in bringing these families together it connects them to others who share and understand their difficult reality.



These families have made the ultimate sacrifice and their lives have changed forever. Because of these service men and women’s heroism we continue to enjoy the lifestyles and freedoms we have grown accustomed to and sometimes take for granted. I became part of this organization because I felt that we should all do more to show our gratitude, give service to these families and let them know their loved ones have not been forgotten. I’m hoping others will get inspired and get involved too.

We are looking for donations of money, toys, or time from many people and companies. No gift is too small, every dollar helps. Please talk to your friends, neighbors, family and employers about this wonderful program and get on board with us. We have specific volunteer needs and we are open to your ideas as well. Share your talents and special skills or lead a fundraiser at your work or school. Please join us and help make a difference in these families’ lives!!! If you would like to donate or learn more please visit www.snowballexpress.org. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please e-mail me at m.barto@snowballexpress.org.



Best Regards,

Michele Barto

Xotx Tropico

Need something Tropical for your garden and can’t find it here in the suburbs? Xotx Tropico is an amazing corner nursery not far from the old Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles. In terms of biodiversity per square inch- this is the most diverse and exciting an adventure as you are going to find without needing a malaria shot administered.

The hibiscus in the picture is in front of my home. It is a RARE weeping hibiscus. How rare is it? Xotx Tropico is the only place in California I have seen them for sale. To see a mature weeping hibiscus in full bloom is to understand that a weeping cherry tree can appear understated in the landscape. If you miss the opportunity to see the examples for sale at Xotx Tropico, then the next closest specimens of this floral cascading bouquet in shades of pink cotton candy may be in one of two places. Hawaii. Or Florida.

With the spelling of the Xotx- I was a little concerned that behind the jungle would be a strip joint. The owner- he looks like he could play a bouncer for someone really important. He spouts Latin better than a priest.

Now, as the daughter of George of the Jungle. I know something about tropical surroundings. True story. My father was named George. My mother, from the tropical island of Puerto Rico, was afraid to go home because of hurricanes. So she brought the jungle to where we grew up in Whittier.

When I was in high school, the whole jungle thing mortified me. If someone wanted to know where we lived, all one had to say was “go to the jungle” and everyone knew where our house was. No further instructions were needed

So, take it from me. This is one AWESOME place to seek out the unusual. Not just thirsty tropicals- but lots of bulbs from South Africa, where the weather is hot and the rain doesn’t fall any more than it does here.

Xotx Tropico
900 N Fairfax Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 654-9999

Summer Crossing Autumn's Threshold

Living on an oversized hillside lot is not without its challenges. But it presented the opportunity to create a rare convergence of different ecosystems. We have trees providing everything from deep to open shade. We planned for understory, forest opening, field and chaparral conditions. By providing food, water, nesting, and shelter: nature entertains, educates and fulfills.
I have come to observe that summer crosses the threshold of autumn when the large owls start return to roost in the neighborhood’s mature trees. When the sun turns in for the night, these avians equipped with night vision spread their giant wings and start patrolling the neighborhood to stop any mischief. When their hooting echoes in the dark, the mockingbirds understand they should not entertain with an all-night jam session. Besides quieting noisy mockingbirds, the owls like to eat mice and rats and snakes. But not pets. So I love owls. I wish they would do like the hummingbirds. Decide that the living here is easy, the food ample and free: why migrate?
We also have a very handsome coyote who has taken up residence nearby. Long legs, well-muscled, thick coat. Likes to show off his luxuriant coat on his morning jog. He’s quite the dandy. At least he’s not a vampire. Daylight does not seem to bother him at all.
Picked the first apple off my tree! Nan Sterman, the gal who wrote the recently released California Gardener’s Guide, Volume II, recommended I try Sundowner. This Western Australian variety crisps up nicely without much chill. Light texture, low acid, delicious right off the tree. You can’t imagine the thrill that went through me as I took that first bite. I was so happy to beat the squirrels to it. Thank you, Mr. Coyote.

No Expiration on Passion

“There’s no expiration date on passion.”
Paula Panich carved those words in to my writer’s soul. They are found in her inspiring instruction book, “Cultivating Words: The Guide to Writing about the Plants and Gardens You Love”. My copy of that little blue paperback is dog-eared, highlighted and underlined. Great truth is often simple, its boundaries reaching outward from the subject it addresses. While her book is ostensibly about garden writing, it is a wonderful guide for anyone interested in cultivating or harvesting the bounty of words.
When I learned that Paula would be teaching a class on writing the Getty Garden, even though a weekday getting across the Los Angeles Basin may take longer than a flight to San Francisco, it was a double opportunity. It was a chance to develop my craft as a writer. And it was a chance to see this controversial garden through the eyes of someone who loves it with passion.
If I spent three hours driving the freeway to maybe arrive before the class started, the chances of being fresh, receptive and creative were not likely. Since being armed with the proper attitude is important to the learning process, I called Patty Gee, travel agent extraordinaire. She booked an overnight stay the night before at the safe and sane Hotel Angelino. Now, the morning of the class, the alarm might not go off, the traffic could be insane: I would still be on time. This decision created a bonus opportunity to leisurely take in the Big City as is was crossed.
My sons are both college graduates. By the time they were in elementary school, I remember reading about The Cook’s Library and wanting to go. This isn’t part of the county library system. The Cook’s Library is a store front bookstore dedicated to cooking and to those who are passionate about what is brought to table. But in two decades there never seemed to be time when I rushed home from whatever called me to that part of the city. My mistake. Packed with books stacked floor to ceiling, nooks and crannies: this charming shop should be a pilgrimage for anyone interested in the culinary arts.
The smell of yeast rising to me is primal. The feel of the dough becoming alive as it is kneaded is sensual. The sight of fresh loaves on a tray laden with fruit suspends time. And the touch to the tongue of bread freshly broken open, the steam melting butter to its silky best, is proof that heaven on earth is achievable. And this little nirvana is available to everyone with no distinction of class, race or ethnicity. It can be had for the cost of a loaf of homemade bread.
Last summer I took a class on baking bread. But I did not find a book that tempted my hunger to bring home to use as guide to bake bread. Not until I walked in to The Cook’s Library. There, in this charming bookstore are yards of bookshelves filled with volumes on baking. All proficiencies and areas of interest are represented.
Better than the internet or big box bookstore, the help is passionate about food and beverage. It is their calling to help those of us who want to drink in the knowledge of the printed word. Alan Zumel and Tim Fischer (pictured above left to right)asked a few questions to help discern my individual desire in a book, then they narrowed my search far better than I would have on my own. They led me to “The Bread Baker’s Apprentice”.
Now, over the coming months I will practice my belief that books are like faith, best when used.