Love Is in the Air

Who hasn't heard "Buy art you love" but I witnessed "Love buys art". It was one of those exciting moments etched in the heart and minds of all who attended the Holiday Open House at Monarch Gallery in La Jolla, Calif. Where two world renowned artists Tuan and Arian were featured.


"Two Hearts Become One" was taken down and all celebrants whisked behind the velvet rope,where the artist signed Best Wishes for the handsome couple. What an appropriate gift for an anniversary, a vivid reminder of physical and spiritual love.

Both Tuan, sculptor and Arian master painter started at age 15 and dedicated their lives to their discipline. Decades creating bodies of work that evoke emotion and inspiration.Tuan poetry explains his art, while Arian is less revealing. He did point out the light from exhibit "Into the Light" represents the soul. I asked how does one paint the soul? "Very carefully."


The rain outside, couldn't dampen the spirits of all inside or upon the walls, it quenched the soul, both rarely seen in Southern California.


http://www.monarchfineart.com/

This Is It

Whether you love him (or not) you can't deny, M. J. was born to be a STAR. His life was not long, but when he performed, he breathed fire.

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Michael Jackson snaps and crackles, The King of Pop, as he takes his mark on stage. This Is It, takes us behind the cameras, the lights, the action for two electrifying and expertly edited hours of rehearsal. Isn't it the practice and the process that is most revealing and rewarding. The discipline and fun that goes into the phrase," Let’s do it one more time" is music to my dancer's legs and other body parts seated in the theater. That’s why we practice, not to make perfect, but to make changes and get it right, before the final curtain. There isn't another performer who can touch him with a white glove. The film has reached the 200 million mark in two weeks and will extend through Thanksgiving.

Jack Johnson "En Concert" documentary is in theaters for a limited time. Unlike Jackson who was always on stage, Johnson is a reluctant to be there. His props are his guitar and surfboard and his backdrop low tech.







The sky's star power comes from cell phones and lighters. Thus documentaries are as different as night and day, but the theme is simply the same. L O V E. Love your brother, your mother and the earth is the message and core of their music. Strip away the Star War design stage set, Stravorski hand sewn wardrobe, fantasy backdrop and see the man behind the scenes of This Is It tour that will never never be forgotten.

Eye Candy

To entice people to start buying again, strip malls to upscale boutiques are welcoming sticky fingers. No not shoplifters, little kids. Shop keepers, who on an ordinary day may block stroller access are greeting children being pushed, pulled and carried. Their parents, themselves dressed up, although not as hyped up on sugar as thier little witches and monsters. I wouldn't take candy from mouths of babes, but the real treats at the Del Mar Plaza are over the top ocean views and eye candy on the top level.

Artisan Alley; Del Mar Art Center Gallery, see and learn more about local artists, Seewald's Gallery and Framing, master painter and photographer may expose a ghost or two in his fine art photography. Gary's Studio offers wearable art. Sewn into every Robert Graham shirt and often hiddern are the words Knowledge, Wisdom, Truth. Beach Boys wear them. The words, like art, may mean different strokes to different folks. Come and visit and discover Del Mar Plaza for yourself, where ocean views, seaside ambiance and eye candy is always free.

More free events October, November and December
http://www.delmarplaza.com/html/calendar.php

Summer Of Love

Although it has been decades since I technically could be called a Mercy girl and moved from Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, I remain True to My School and a Surfer Girl. Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay, where I danced the night away to the Surfin' sounds of The Beach Boys, along with the Rady's Children's Hospital most generous donors and their guests enjoyed a Fun,Fun,Fun filled evening. Only sad note, one of the three Wilson brothers, all musical genius' is still alive. However, their cousin Mike Love and Bruce Johnston (member 1965 to present) led the Beach Boys and sound true to the original vocal harmonies that made them unique back in 1961. For almost a half century,the craze that hit the land like a tsunami and spread across the globe, and is a mainstay in Southern California culture. Love and romance and surf and cars, (smart cars more than muscles cars) appeal to the youngest teen to the most seasoned fan in the audience. The list of songs played, " only a computer printout" explained Johnston, until he and charismatic front man signed more than a piece of paper-a peace of The Summer of Love.





Love's son accompanies the band and Liam, his grandson, turned 5, coincidentally the the same day and shares the same name of another well known and very brave 10 year old patient to Rady's Children Hospital. Look for the Liam's Fund Surgical Suite coming to the New Patient Care Pavilion and read all about him and Liam's Team members.



http://www.liamsfund.com/

See Jane at a Theater Near You

The day came, we reached a fork in the road, "Do you want to go to the purse party or meet Geena Davis?" To which I asked my new friend and driver, Louise, not her real name,

"Can you get me back safely by 2:30?"We made our getaway, and made it back in time to meet the school bus, without a minute to spare.

As we outgrow girlhood and move into different neighborhoods, we take on many traditional caregiver roles; wife, mother, mentor. It’s important we hold on to those old girlfriends and make new fast friends. Think Thelma and Louise and hold on to her tight.

Geena Davis Thelma herself, acclaimed actress, warmly greeted her girlfriends and former neighbors exactly two years ago, made an encore performance at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara, to a group of 300 women leaders from Fortune 500 companies.There really hasn't been much change, but change comes slow. If we change the way media represents women, we can change the world.

Davis raised awareness as she attempted to raise the microphone to accommodate her statuesque six foot frame. It wasn’t always a laughing matter; to be taller than the boys, to be smarter than the boys. As a Mensa member, she’s smarter than 98% of the population. Almost as an apology for possessing beauty brains and a perfect figure she developed a sense of humor, which runs in the family.

Her husband, Dr. Reza Jarrahy (means surgery in Persian) was destined to become a pediatric cranial facial surgeon, for those other than the upper 2% of the population that means cosmetic surgery on children's skull and face. They have three children, the eldest a daughter age 7 and fraternal five year old twins boys. Together they watch animated and family movies. Even among the best of the genre, it doesn’t take a genius to know that there are fewer heroines than heroes and many are gender stereotypes.

However it did take a heroine not only prove, but improve gender balance. Davis sponsored research at USC’s Annenberg School of Communication. The results were published over a year and a half and Geena Davis founded See Jane Los Angeles, an outreach project. With a raised conscious effort on all our parts; parents, teachers entertainment creators can reach new heights of awareness, so all children can grow up tall in themselves, head and shoulders held high.

She as all conscientious mothers are, is rightly concerned how our children must see themselves, or even worse do not see themselves. For example there are three males to one female on average in the top rated G-rated movies 1990 -2005. As her children outgrow preschool and as a mentor, Davis wants the media to reflect the way we value our sons and daughters, wives and husbands, brothers and sisters, and of course our best friends.

Davis wants this so much so she offered her time, talents and resources towards more education and research in media. With the exception of one grant from Nickelodeon, there hasn't been much funding to look at woman representation in film. However, Dr. Martha Lauzen (The Celluloid Ceiling) provides a wealth of statistics on women working in front and behind the camera. She and her team research and educate at the Center for Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State U.

Put your purse into it, buy tickets to a chick flick and for support take a friend. Check listings at a theater near you.

http://www.thegeenadavisinstitute.org/

Baseball Has Been Good to Me

Not only the faces and places changed since the first recorded game took place on 6/12/1839 in a cow pasture on Cooperstown, so has the season.

Long past the traditional opening day, September 26, 2009 opens for the Miracle League of San Diego. Saturday throughout the fall come to the watch America's favorite pastime and see the faces of children with mental and physical challenges in a league of their own at San Dieguito Park. At a cost million dollars, athletes often passed over, some in mobility devices, glide over smooth bases. To play the game to the best of their ability, without obstacles is priceless. Teamed with a typical peer buddy the seeds of empathy grow to compassion upon the field of the kindest, safest surface. Friendships grow that can last all the seasons of our lives and into the next century.


The Miracle League of San Diego is a dream come true for Sue and Dan Engles and all the children and thier biggest fans.

http://www.miracleleagueofsandiego.org/

September 13-18 Restaurant Week in San Diego

It may not be an anniversary, birthday or corporate event , but there is a reason to celebrate by going to out to eat the meal you have been savoring up for. Sept 13-18 is Restaurant Week in San Diego offers 180 participating restaurants, offering 3 course meals at $20, $30, $40. That alone is reason to go out every night -don't wait-invite your lover, wife family or boss-let them know you celebrate them every day -this week.

SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com

What to Do If A Shark Attacks

What if we see a shark?
I'm not sure, but the chance are rare, really rare.

Twice as likely to die from a bee sting then a shark bite, per Dr Trevor Long, Director of Marine Science at Sea World.

The rare happened in Carlsbad.

Any shark attack, one walks away from, as was the case at Terramar Beach, is a good encounter She received tooth puncture marks on her foot and thigh from a 6 foot baby white, and is being treated with antibiotics. Shark teeth carry bacteria, human teeth are also carriers and cause for infection.
I was stitched and treated with after my teacher's buck tooth daughter cut my eye in a game of Break on the school yard.

Most sharks don't bother you, except Great Whites and Makko.

It is really rare, really;

What to do if a shark attacks

Don't remain still, you can become easy prey.
Swim quickly and quietly to safety; reef, boat or shore.
Don't splash or thrash your arms and legs
If you see a shark rolls back it's eyes- it's about to attack.
Hit it with your best shot; fist or whatever you got.

Report all shark encounters.

Music to Everyone's Ears

Can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen, pack picnic basket you're sure to please all tastes in music under the sun, before it sets on summer.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/feature/free-summer-concerts/.

Gidget takes Boniva

The Little Girl with Big Ideas was written in 1957. Gidget, fictional character played by perky blondes changed the sport to include girls. Sally Fields changed the character to include brunettes. Sally Fields, still young looking today, takes Boniva, instead of waves chases grandchildren. Surfing is for girls and peri menapausal women.

I hit the Del Mar Beach at the Powerhouse Park to take a semi-private lesson offered to little and big girls and boys. The instructor guided me past the breaking waves and turned me around to catch a wave of my own. The combination of the long board and the short waves was awkward at first, but I was determined instead of standing on the shore line to ride standing on the board into the shoreline.

I did it-like Gidget

We Are Coaches, Inc.AQUA-ADVENTURES BEACH & SURF CAMPPromoting fun & connection in familiesCamps, Swim Lessons, Mom & Me, Parenting Coaching, After-school Programshttp://www.wearecoaches.com/(760) 436-1514
Peg Windisch

Snorkel With the Sharks

When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, (1706-1790), Poor Richard's Almanac, 1746

A sense of urgency, as thick as the marine layer in June, overcame me long before the end of summer. Chalk it up to global warming but our ocean water, usually cold heated up in July, and with the warm temperatures brought the leopard sharks.

I am no longer content to stick a toe in and shiver. It's time to get in over my head and face my fears. It didn't hurt leopard sharks are harmless and toothless and I got in without a wet suit and a buddy.

It put a smile on my face when I spied my first undersea creature, but I wouldn't recommend smiling while snorkling.

Fun for all ages and no experience needed

Guided tours and gear available daily

La Jolla Kayak

858 459-1114

Stairway to the Stars

The hairpin turns’ winding up Mount Palomar call the young and young at heart; astronomy enthusiasts with a spirit for adventure come by motorcycle, convertible, RV, or bus.

The Palomar Observatory, same shape and size as the Coliseum in Rome, houses a two ton glass, 200 inch mirror telescope. Astrophysicist George Hale’s vision was made possible by a grant, American determination and ingenuity. Construction began in ‘36, interrupted during WW II, Hale died before it was completed in 1948. The world renowned astronomical research Observatory is owned and operated by CA Institute for Technology-Caltech is nothing less than cutting edge.

By night students, professors, and scientists make new discoveries and secrets of the universe are unlocked. By day, the “stairway to the stars” is open to the public, the freight elevator operates three times daily, which may have been disappointing for second time visitor, Margot Miles, 90 years young, who came 5,600 elevation (not exactly what ER doc meant by keep feet elevated) to see the telescope again before she died. Having been here a first time with the man she married in ’68, forty years ago. Not wanting to disappoint, Superintendent, Dan McKena, invited the group for an unscheduled “Behind the Scenes” tour. “Only if you promise to do what I say”, My impression was he wasn’t joking, after he explained the mechanics that keep the original six million dollar telescope well oiled and working with the same precision of a Swiss Watch.

Exploring the stars above or the earth below revitalizes our spirit. The universe is full of such wondrous sights for all with the strenght to climb; some just need a little lift.


Location: 35889 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain.

Hours 9 am -4 pm daily, (except December 24 and 25)

Cost: Free, Two Guided tours Saturday April-October $5, Srs $3, child 6-16 $2.50

More information: (760) 742-2119 Online: www.Palomar-observatory.org

View the night sky 3pm –midnight. Pre-registration required 619-238-1233 ext. 802

Stomp the Grapes, Drink the Wine

Have you ever wanted to stomp grapes? The first Saturday in September, it’s a “must” (translated young wine) an earthy tradition at the beginning of the grape harvest, and cause for celebration. Wine making is in my peasant’s blood. My great-grandfather filled two 50 gallon barrels (allowable annual amount per family use) to accompany great- grandmother’s homemade pasta and tomato sauce. His best kept secret recipes from the hilly countryside of their ancestral home of Naples was passed onto my grandfather, who was first to be born in America. He proudly offered me a sip of Italian Vino from the big jug. What a disappointment; not at all like Welch’s. I have since acquired a taste for dry, just a hint of fruity red and whites. Harford Wineries, not far from the MA & PA trail, has earned awards, despite Maryland’s cold. All across America, every state, even Alaska bottles their own wine, but the California sun and dry climate produces some of the best grapes that go into the new and world’s best wines, stem from an ancient Roman tradition


Come sample wines grown near the historic town of Julian-also known for another American temptation-appie pie. The first Apple Day celebrates one hundred years, but in order to satisfy San Diego's appetite for fresh pies apples are shipped to Julian and pies are shipped out to bakeries-some sell 1,000 pies daily. Over the next few months the apples are ripe for the self-picking. The fresh autumn harvest makes for La Dolce Vita.

The event is hosted at the Menghini Winery
to benefit the Julian Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, Julian CA 92036 (760)765-207

Miramar Marine Corps Air Station Open Cockpit Days

Take your kids and your camera to the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum to Open Cockpit Days, every other weekend during summer ending Sept 5 and 6. It’s free!


The grounds are packed with twenty-five vintage aircraft, while inside it’s packed from floor to ceiling with rare artifacts from WW I up to the present. Memorabilia collected from every era of aviation is on display in the small galleries. One must see room is dedicated to the ‘History of Women in the Marine Corps’ and is the only such room in the US .


Expect to meet friendly and knowledgeable volunteers, such as John Archer, who proudly introduced me to a helicopter hero, Richard Toettcher (call-sign “Touch”), who served two tours (’66 and ’68) in Vietnam . “Touch” is the real deal. Although reluctant to talk about himself, he eagerly answered questions about the F-5 Tiger, down to the last decal, as he helped everyone safely into the cock pit.





Another exciting photo opportunity for us civilians is the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet, immortalized by the Blue Angels. Also of international interest stands the CH-46 Sea Knight, the helicopter used to carry cargo and passengers in the Viet Nam war and was the final marine aircraft to leave Viet Nam . It evacuated several thousand refugees and the American Ambassador during the fall of Saigon , on April 30, 1975 , thus ending our involvement-as a new day dawned.





Come and honor the brave men and women behind the machines-whose loyalty spreads as wide as the sky that is at their command. Come to look, listen and learn.




Marine Corps Aviation Museum

MCAS Miramar , San Diego , CA 92145

877-359-8762

Open everyday (except Monday)

9:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

www.flyingleathernecks.org

TOPGUN

Photos: courtesy of Tail Hook






As our nation recalls 40th anniversaries, we celebrate those who sang Freedom and those who fought for freedom. Our brothers transported by helicopter above the quagmire of peace at Woodstock nation and those who served in the Viet Nam war, both declared national disasters in America’s history. The most poignant moment from newest release of Woodstock came from a proud father, “I have two sons, one is here and the other flies helicopters in Viet Nam.


Three days of peace and love and hope cumulated with the visionary Jimi Hendrix. His rendition The Star Spangled Banner, hit all the right chords. Lest we not forget our beloved brother, whose music died too soon, the Heroes of Woodstock nation and our national heroes who never received their heroes welcome home.




TOPGUN, Flight School purpose was to teach the lost art of aerial combat celebrates 40 years. Pete Pettigrew, retired TOPGUN flight instructor served as a Navy pilot and technical consultant for the ’86 Top Gun movie. Pettigrew, shot down a

MiG during the Viet Nam War. Pettigrew was the real “Viper” character, although appears in film as Charlie’s “older date” in the bar scene. No matter how many times movie buffs watch, it’s a must see thrill.



Take the family on an unforgettable adventure upon a floating city, the USS Midway Museum. Become lost in 50 years of history upon the largest and longest serving aircraft carrier, without leaving the harbor. The self- guided audio tour, 60 interactive exhibits, 25 restored aircraft, and personal accounts from docents, themselves veterans eager to share experiences can take 3 to 4 hours. Maverick’s who feel the need for speed, can zip up a flight suit and take your seat in “ready rooms” and perform touch and go maneuvers and engage in virtual combat in-flight simulators in Fightertown, USA.







Location: 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Hours 10-5 daily Ticket booth closes at 4 pm

Admission $17 adult $13 seniors and students with ID $10 Military with ID $9 Youth

All active-duty military/reservists FREE with ID

Woodstock Album

Eddie Kramer’s career spans four decades. He was classically trained an accomplished musician, sound engineer and music producer before he recorded Woodstock. His exhibit, The Other Side of the Glass, was presented at the opening of the newest Morrison Hotel Gallery in the Flower Hill Promenade. The legendary Kramer shared stories of Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Traffic and the Beatles inside the London studio and from Woodstock stage. High above the quagmire helicopters shuttled performers back and forth. Below the stage, where rats (he emphasized New York sized) ran to and fro. They slept for two hours, like parents to a new born, awake and alert and eager to capture their baby’s firsts for days on end. The best was sent out into the world with fingers crossed, not knowing their fate. It was a daunting task, with wonderfully raw results. Kramer said “It’s a miracle Woodstock was recorded at all.” Kramer recorded onsite with limited equipment (only 12 outputs and 8 inputs for techies) and under primitive conditions.


Three days of peace and love and drugs and hope cumulated with the visionary Jimi Hendrix, who hit all the right chords. I listened to his rendition of The Star Spangled Banner with my heart clutched and head bowed. Lest we forget, our beloved brother, who died too soon, heroes of Woodstock nation and war heroes, who weren’t welcome or never came home a long time gone.

Many parents forbade their children to go off to Woodstock. Mine wouldn’t even allow the next best thing. The double album set, because of one word, was buried in their basement for forty years. Mr. Kramer was astonished to see one vinyl still wrapped in the protective cellophane survived without a scratch. In his cool paternal voice, “You must not play it”. He honored me with his autograph, where the cellophane lifted from the edge. I believe he is comfortable there. Individuals are born genius, but it is the collaborative effort that pushes musician’s personalities and their instruments to the edge of their craft.

Music is not a solitary sport, whether an audience of two or full stadium the feedback produces something never possible in separate rooms. The coming together at Woodstock was a magical moment in history. Come to The Morrison Hotel Galleries to experience fine art photography as famous as the photographers and musicians who produce them. The newest location:

Morrison Hotel Galleries
2670 Via De LA Valle
Del Mar, CA 92104 tel. 858 350-3777.


1969 NASA put a man on the moon, yet taped over the Apollo’s original transmission video; I did it to my cousins wedding video, just too embarrassed to admit it. Kramer recorded onsite from the stage with limited equipment (only 12 inputs and 8 outputs for techies) and under primitive conditions” It’s a miracle Woodstock event was recorded at all,” recalls Kramer.



The newest release includes never seen before footage, includes Hendrix’s stand out performances of Star Spangled Banner, among heroes of Woodstock , many who left us too soon. As well as some 2nd generation musicians, who came back to replay instruments not picked up by the mike, an improvement to the sound quality. I relived the event, in the comfort of my own family room on a 57 inch HD screen with surround sound with the blu-ray release of Woodstock with my reluctant teenager, for almost four hours, mesmerized.

I wasn’t offended by the four letter word, but the three letter word I was reluctant to use, was ART, referring to auto destructive kind. Peter Townshend, a student of Gustav Metzger. Townshend smashed his Les Paul; Gibson SG, guitar on the Woodstock stage, another first in rock to do so. Incidently the broken instrument was also kept in a basement for forty years. I wonder what it sold for at auction in London?



http://www.morrisonhotelgallery.com/default.aspx


Taylor Guitar offers free tours of their El Cajon factory, where the past and present meet. Computer laths and lasers combined with human hands turn lumber yards of wood into a works of art and music for generations to enjoy. The saddest note came when our tour guide told us Les Paul, who invented multi track recording and developed the electric guitar that adorns his name died. A light passed over an agitated elderly gentleman face upon mention of his name and he remembered his wife’s name. Mary Ford and Les Paul are together in peace again and making music.




http://www.taylorguitars.com/