Lemon Twist Produce & Gift Shop offers more than just your local vegetables and fruits from local farmers. We carry homemade jams, no sugar added jams, organic raw Rancho Santa Fe honey, homemade applesauce, olive oils and vinegars, salad dressings, Talavera pottery from Mexico, Garden Art, Saint statues, hummingbird feeders, succulent gardens planted in Talavera pottery, water fountains, house plants, floral arrangements, organic citrus, tomatoes, strawberries, chocolate covered strawberries, kumquats, and many other unique gifts, snacks, and food items to choose from at Lemon Twist. Opening over 30 years ago, Lemon Twist is a landmark in the Rancho Santa Fe Community. Recently rebuilt after the Witch Creek Fires in 2007, Lemon Twist wants to thank all of the many loyal customers that continue to stop by daily and shop at this one-0f-a-kind local farmers market. For any questions or large chocolate strawberry orders, please call (858) 756-0826. Lemon Twist is featured in FINE Luxury Magazine this month as one of the top Farmer’s Markets in the San Diego Area.
Talavera Pottery Succulent Garden available at Lemon Twist's Gift Shop
Click here to read Magazine Review on Lemon Twist featured in FINE Magazine’s latest spring issue:
http://www.finehomesandliving.com/March-2012/San-Diegos-Farmers-Markets
farmers markets in Rancho Santa Fe-Lemon Twist Produce & Gift shop
As an avid lover of Van Gogh’s work, it should only seem befitting to want to paint his beautiful masterpieces…or at least try to in my spare time. Here is my reproduction of Starry Night. Here are some beautiful inspirational quotes by Van Gogh, too: “It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.”
“I dream my painting and I paint my dream.”
“I don’t know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream.”
Machel’s Ranch
“Why I almost missed my Birthday Luncheon and San Diego Food Bank raises 40K.”On Valentine’s Day, I was bit by a dog—literally. I originally was going to conceal this, you know, not discuss it, but the five stitches and the mauling of the hands truly took my health down a black hole and showed me some important things in life. (Just so you know the dog was a pet animal that had escaped, while his family was out of town.) Running in and out of traffic in Del Dios, I ran north toward the light of Cielo. There he was the black Labrador, just about to cross into traffic again. Well, the next thing you know, I’m sprinting. I had leapt over the railing and he is friendly, sweet really, like, “Thank goodness you have arrived.” Then dog panicked and tried to get away, which resulted into a serious gash in my wrist that required five stitches. The wonderful news is the owner was thankful the dog had been saved and took care of the medical bill.
After the incident occurred, I kept thinking, “You never know what’s around the corner.” Cut to the following week. I have a birthday party arranged at Mille Fleurs with a few close friends. The day before I almost canceled due the pain in my wrist and hand; I felt like my body was an open wound and just needed to stay home. However, I forced myself out into the world, into the bright sunny day and made it to my party. This taught me so much. I almost missed out on that magical moment, surrounded by friends, due to my own vulnerabilities from that freak accident. I almost didn’t allow myself the glory of love and friendship because I was too enmeshed in my own pain. We all deal with moments where we would rather stay safe than being exposed. The lesson here is to force ourselves out into the sunlight even when we would like to stay ‘small.’ Thank-you, to my girlfriends for surrounding me with light and love that week. I truly needed your support.
AROUND TOWN
On February 17th, “Fashion Plates,” Luncheon and Fashion Show Fundraiser, which was hosted by Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank raised almost $40,000 for their backpack program. And event I should have been attending but had been otherwise thwarted by a canine, turned out to be a smashing success in La Jolla that day. Leonard Simpson’s Fashion Forward fashion company also helped sponsor the gala. The money will be used to provide lunches for chronically hungry elementary children here in Southern California. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla that day. Featured here in the column are four guests that attended that day, Ramin Pourteymour, John Winfield, Jennifer Greenfield, and Sally Thornton. Thank-you, to Chris Carter for extending the lovely invitation.
On February 21st, I managed to pull myself out of bed, clip my hair up quickly in a make-shift bun and wear my cute black pants out to my some of my fondest friends at Mille Fleurs for my birthday luncheon. Of course, wouldn’t you know my black leggings had a snag, and a last minute jaunt to Rite Aid remedied the situation. I did arrive ten minutes fashionably late, and was seated by the French Doors next to the courtyard. Well, if the party could have gone any better, I don’t how that could have been possible. Besides my hair looking bit too wind-blown since my arm hurt too much to brush it, all of my friends made it! During lunch, I toasted each of them with a quick story on how we met and why they are wonderful to me. Most of them did know about the gash stitched up under the bandages. Luckily for me, I made it out to one of my favorite days since I married Robin back in 2009. I think this group photo tells the story quite well. There wasn’t one cloud in the sky that day. One of my surprise visits for my birthday luncheon was when Cici Whitney from Newport Beach, Meredith MacDonald’s mother. Cici shared some very exciting news with me, which I can’t wait to reveal in next issue’s column! Lots of all of my friends that made it that day, Krista Lafferty, Shannon Ehlers, Bianca Macaluso, Melissa Williams, Jill Sorge, Meredith MacDonald, Maggie Bobileff, Jill Drouin, Denise Hug, Karian Forsyth, and Elaine Gallagher.
Later that evening, I stole away with my husband for a romantic dinner at the Chart House in Cardiff by the Sea. We ran into Ranch resident, Joel Levine with his new girlfriend, which I might reveal later this spring if given the “Green-light.” (Sorry, not truly a bonifide gossip column here. Rancho Santa Fe keeps it classy!)
On February 28, my husband surprised me with a “Brazilian Blow-out.” which is a hair treatment that conditions and staightens your hair.I had originally wanted to have my hair done in the Ranch. However, after speaking to a salon in Fairbanks—no names mentioned—I felt rather certain I would rather swim with sharks than walk into their salon. (Maybe they were having a bad day.) Anway, this detour had me walking into the cutest salon in Leucadia area, called Noni. Ladies in the Ranch, sometimes a drive toward the beach even for your hair appointments is well worth the time. I highly recommend this salon to anyone. Hairstylist, Tawyna Proctor, was wonderful, kind and truly put me at ease right away. I also found out that Tawyna is a jewelry designer extraordinaire her locally in San Diego. Her inspiration comes from the beach and are created to beautifully
adorn the female figure in natural beauty. “Made for a Goddess but priced for a beach babe,” says it all. Check out her website at:
www.NoniLovedesigns.com.
If you would like Machel to share a story with her readers, please email her at Mpenn@coastnewsgroup.com.
“Machel’s Ranch”
“Pick More Daisies and Celebrate Your Birthday Always”
Newspaper Columnist, Machel Penn Shull writes bi-weekly for The Rancho Santa Fe News in Rancho Santa Fe California, USA
By the time you read this I will be forty-one years old. Since my last column, Whitney Houston Died. Starting last year—right right before my birthday—I become incredibly nostalgic for a good friend that is no longer here. The pop star’s death reminded me of the person I missed. You know, how events can trigger past wounds to resurface…death is not easy. Life continues to go on, change, and fill the gaps left behind of those that leave us. Their impact on us will never be removed. The photos that were snapped will always remain the same. We can take those memories with us and keep them close to our heart. Choose to remember all of the joy they brought to us, even after they are gone. We must continue to celebrate their memory.
We may not like what happens. In fact, it might be quite painful. What is important is how we let this event shape us and ultimately effect us. My favorite philosopher, which I often mention in my column is late Norman Vincent Peale. One of my favorite lessons I learned from reading his books was this one suggestion: “Seek gifts inside your problems.” Inside each challenge is an important gift that can change our circumstances with dynamic proportions. Life can be difficult when dealing with grief and loss So, it is up to us to find our souls, ourselves and inside the battle for recovery. Dare to find the joy even when the ‘signs’ may seem wrong, life seems awry and don’t forget to pick a few more daisies along the way. Be joyful for it all and let the memories carry us through during our darkest moments. With that said, I don’t have a problem with telling you I am thrilled to turn forty-one, celebrate and feel all that life can bring. Thanks again, for reading my column each week.
AROUND TOWN
On February 10th, I received an email from Lonnie, the sweet woman that we adopted my two new kittens from after my cat had died around Christmas time. With new energy and excitement, these beautiful kittens have brought much joy and love to my family. Lonnie now has new kittens that are ready to adopt. Here kittens have had their shots, have been vaccinated and are also micro-chipped. For a price that is average to adopting at a shelter, these cutie pies are rescued, too. Here is beautiful photo of the two kittens—Sophie and Lily—that I adopted from Lonnie. To find the photos of the kittens available, just look up “Fur.Ever San Diego” and you will find the photos of the new kittens that need a home. Here is Lonnie’s number, too: (858)-731-6059. We just are so happy with our new babies!
On February 11
th, The Auxiliary of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities celebrated with their 34
th Annual Gala, “Magical Moments,” at Estancia La Jolla Hotel. This event raises a significant amount of money for the resident assistance fund for the retirement community of Seacrest Village. Here are some wonderful photos from this amazing fundraising event for the Bloch and the Levine families. Thank-you, Alyssa Law for sharing these photos with “Machel’s Ranch” and the Rancho Santa Fe News. For more information on Seacrest Village, here is their website:
www.seacrestvillage.org.
On February 13
th, “Ski Week” started for Rancho Santa Fe students and others in the San Diego weekend. For the holiday week, I took Jackson and a couple of his friends to a fabulous place nearby in Escondido. The rain did not detour us! What fun these boys had at Mr. Paint Ball USA, located right near Wohlford Lake. Here is a great shot of Brett Vitale, James Coit and Jackson Tuck suited up in their paintball gear that day. If you are looking for a fun excursion, this is a exciting way to spend the day—especially if you have boys! Here is their website for more information on this paintballing location:
www.mrpaintballusa.com. Thanks Elise and Lori for letting me take the boys that day. We all really enjoyed it.
On February 14
th, When lovers and friends celebrated Valentine’s and love I caught up with Sheila Malek, one of my very first clients when I used to work in advertising in the newspaper industry. Last year she relocated her business Ellie’s Tailoring & Best Formal Wear in Encinitas to a fabulous new location, which is right by Henry’s Market off of Encinitas Blvd. Sheila is a wonderful person that has many happy customers that always come back to her shop because she does such an excellent work and has such a personal relationship with each of her clients. Here is gorgeous photo of Sheila with her family during the Week of Love. If you need any tailoring or need to rent a tux for prom, here is the place to go:
www.bestformalwearsd.com.
On February 18th, I stopped by Stumps Market in the Ranch to pick-up two delicious sandwiches made fresh from their deli department. A little tip from me if you love their deli, call ahead so you don’t have to wait and they are ready when you arrive. I have always loved the staff there and the owners, Dirk and Matt. I am sure if you live in the Ranch, you may be one of their many customers, too. To my delight, I ran into Allison Hess, Avalon and Gillian Chaffer selling the infamous-must-have-once-a-year-so-do-stock-up Girl Scout cookies. Here is a photo of the three of them that day, nestled in between the post off ice and Stumps. They were representing Girl Scout Troop #1106. Thanks so much for the cookie girls. You made my day!
“Machel’s Ranch”
“Sunshine fills Rancho Santa Fe with Inspiration and Parties”
How do you keep yourself inspired everyday? Do you ever get up and think, “This is it, same thing as yesterday. How long will life continue on with this same routine?” Yes, life can be boring, methodical and sometimes just plain “hum-drum.” What do we do when this happens? Do you decide to pity yourself? Feel like life is predictable and what is the point? I will admit, the reason I am writing this is because I encountered these feelings this week. Yes, I too, can find the eucalyptus trees and the design of the perfect landscape in California just a bit on the blah side. While winter is happening elsewhere in the world, we constantly blessed with pretty amazing weather. No reason to whine about that, right? Well, one must hibernate, recharge, regroup, reinvent themselves. Even though there are moments that can eclipse us that make us feel bored, we must remind ourselves of each and every blessing. I recently was looking through some of my photos of and thought, These pictures show a beautiful life.” I soon realized that although it’s tempting to indulge in idleness, we must stop ourselves from this pitfall. The challenge is to remain upbeat, youthful and hopeful with each new day. We may think we know what’s going to happen and that we’ve got it all figured out. However, life still remains a mystery…just like the nature of true love. With the “Month of Love” upon us, I am some fun events in and around the Ranch. Happy Valentine’s Day Rancho Santa Fe!
Around Town
On January 28th, Karian Forsyth, one of my top five women I love to feature in “Machel’s Ranch” held her first 2012 monthly spa party in The Crosby. Under a hot Saturday afternoon, these ladies enjoyed fine pampering and good company and excellent food that day. I turned out to be the unlucky one that last minute was unable to make do to some unexpected turn in events, which prohibited me from indulging with some of my favorite friends. Here is a stolen moment from that day that shows these women making the most of their time by sharing their souls and time with each other. How wonderful.
On January 30th I received some exciting news about one my favorite friends’ family members. Claude Whitney—a superior judge in Orange County for over 30 years—turned eighty-one old on a fabulous Sunday with his loved ones. Talking about making life fun and worth living, Claude is a black diamond skier that “Ski’s for Free” since he is over seventy years old. From Skiing in Aspen, Telluride and Deer Valley nothing is going to slow down Claude Whitney. Here is a beautiful photo of him surrounded by his wife and loved ones, Happy Birthday, Claude. Meredith MacDonald is the very proud step daughter of Claude Whitney.
On February 1st, I stepped into my husband’s shoes and helped out at Lemon Twist—the flower shop/fruit-stand in the Ranch across from Cielo. While, the sunny day brought in steady customers, I helped organize and figure out new exciting gifts for Valentine’s Day for locals in the Ranch. Lemon Twist is famously known for the delicious chocolate covered strawberries, which is a mouth-watering pleasing gift for any loved one. But did you know Lemon Twist is also a gift/floral shop with specialty items, gift baskets, orchids, caramel chocolate popcorn, and beautiful bouquets? For any questions or to call for your order in advance, please call (858)756-0826. Ask about the “special” for chocolate covered strawberries, too. I will be there all day on Valentine’s Day. Stop in and see us. I will have my camera to capture this wonderful holiday we love to celebrate at Lemon Twist.
On February 2
nd, I stopped in at my favorite restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe—Mille Fleurs. If you have read my column over the years then you know that this restaurant has always had a special place in my world. From amazing birthday parties, to summer parties, I have enjoyed the ambience, the food, the staff at the best French restaurant in Southern California. I met briefly with Chef Martin Woesle. Chef Martin has been the chef at Mille Fleurs for over 27 years. I find out the ‘skinny’ on Valentine’s Day at Mille Fleurs. Check out
www.millefleurs.com for details for this amazing special going on that if you want to woo your loved one, Mille Fleurs is the place to be: (858) 756-3085.
On February 3
rd, I ventured to La Jolla to Legends Gallery where I work part-time weekly, which I absolutely love. Art has been one of my passions and obsessions most of my life. So when I met Roree Mayhew, the director of Legends, a few months ago, you can just imagine me doing a little “Audrey Hepburn” smile all the way to my car parked a couple of blocks away, ironically next to a chapel. (Prayers do work wonders you know.) A few months later, I am excited to be selling art and meeting the artists there. On that note, Joelle Blouin—a top selling Canadian artist from Quebec City has risen to quick acclaim in the art world. Only 26 years old, Joelle has gone from one gallery to seven in under one year. Her bold colorful paintings of city skylines are magnificent. Here is a link to her website to see some of her other work, or you can always contact me directly to for more information on her paintings:
www.joelleblouin.com. On February 5th, I attended Karian and Tom’s Super Bowl party in the Crosby. What can I say? These photos speak for themselves. Here are two group shots of the guests that came in high style for one of America’s favorite past times.
SAVE THE DATE On Thursday February 16th, don’t miss out on a must attend Fashion event happening in La Jolla. San Diego Food Bank’s Chris Carter was kind enough to invite me to this fabulous day at the Second Annual “Fashion Plates” Luncheon and fashion show designed by TV personality, Leonard Simpson. The silent auctions starts at 10:30 sharp, which is followed by the luncheon and fashion show. This event will be held at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla. To reserve your tickets, please contact Megan Mills at (858) 863-5121 or visit their website at www.sandiegofoodbank.org.
Machel’s Ranch
“Five Women Worth Talking About in Rancho Santa Fe”
In January of 2008, the rain seemed like a ominous sign to go home.. Sitting at a traffic light in Encinitas, while the green arrow flashed on my dashboard, I had the distinct feeling that if I didn’t make that appointment, I might be missing out on a golden opportunity. That meeting just happened to be with the publisher of The Rancho Santa Fe News. Luckily, my instincts serve me well. I remember sitting with Jim Kydd discussing my column. We bounced ideas back and forth to each other, and he liked the idea and wanted to run with column, if the editor approved. As you might have guessed, two weeks later, “Machel’s Ranch” appeared in next issue. and I’ve been sharing stories with you ever since that almost ill-fated rainstorm moment. I’ll never know what might have happened if I hadn’t made it. I do know that sometimes you can’t make up a for moment and if you miss it, it’s gone for good. Seven years in Hollywood taught me that lesson all too well.
Four years later and many things have changed with time but there are a few ‘constants’ that have stayed the same, like in my column for example—my featured regulars. These women have been making an appearance in “Machel’s Ranch” since the beginning. After really thinking about it, I figured out Rancho Santa Fe has the making of its own reality show that doesn’t have anything to do with the word “desperate.” This town is full of winners, families, moms and moguls. And, only the eucalyptus tree have privy to the secrets lives of some of the Ranch locals, unless you happened to be a girl with a camera and a pen and paper to document these happenings. After four years of “Machel’s Ranch,” I am introducing the cast of these chic women that bring verve and flavor to the inside pages of the Rancho Santa Fe News.
4th Anniversary “Around Town”
In 1999, I met Jill Sorge. Big, fat and pregnant, I wasn’t one of those beautiful skinny pregnant women that could show a bit of their mid-drift with a black pair of leggings. Due to some complications I ended up looking more like a linebacker in a jean jumper that lacked the sophistication I witnessed at the market in the Ranch. Needless to say
I was horrified. Just when I thought fatness and loneliness had taken me down the black hole, I met Ranch resident, Jill Sorge at a Christmas party. A former model and soap opera actress, Jill and I hit it off immediately. Her beautiful face, and kind words of “Don’t worry, you lose the weight,” helped me see the light and new beginnings. Jill had had three kids and looked fabulous. If she can do it, I can, too, type attitude bonded us together for life. Jill has been appearing in this column from the beginning. From her many activities associated to Santa Fe Christian—all three of her children go there—and other events she invites me as her guest, Jill’s schedule to running to homes in San Diego could give any of these featured reality show regulars a run for their money. A consummate friend and an amazing human being, God answered a prayer when I met Jill.
In 2001, I met Meredith MacDonald at a Gymboree class in Solana Beach. As each mom went around in the baby circle describing their day, when Meredith spoke up about her wants and needs, “I can’t wait for my baby to go to sleep and have some fun again.” You could say my ears perked up immediately. Me, too, I thought. Well since then, Meredith and I have had some fun times, laughs and silly moments. With a personality like Elizabeth Taylor, you know the type that attract the attention when they enter the room, you could say being friends with Meredith was like being back in Hollywood again. Every where we went in the Ranch life felt grandiose and exciting. Always dressed impeccable and wearing Chanel 5 accentuate with the perfect Prada bag with a million dollar smile, Meredith MacDonald could be an instant hit on any television show.
In 2005, I met Krista Lafferty, while working in the newspaper publishing business. thirteen years younger than me, you wouldn’t immediately pair us together. Krista tall slender build and can-do attitude has always made her a ‘force to be reckoned with’ in personal and professional settings. I was immediately drawn to her ambitiousness and dedication the the newspaper industry. Krista has been featured in “Machel’s Ranch” as one my closest friends and co-workers around town. From Thyme in the Ranch lunches to our Mille Fleurs moment, Krista’s youth and vibrant attributes have added much delight to these pages and excitement along the way. At my bridal shower, I credited Krista for helping me meet my husband, Robin. I was with her when we met at Mille Fleurs in 2006.
In 2006, I met Karian Forsyth at Mille Fleurs with her husband Tom. I can still remember thinking, “Who is that glamorous couple out on the patio?” Well you could say that Karian and I became fast friends. From her impeccable style to her powerhouse personality, Karian Forsyth when you meet her gives you the feeling she stepped off a chartered jet from Aspen and you can’t wait to find out what’s been going on in her glamorous world. The featured spa parties that have become one of my favorites in Rancho Santa Fe are hosted by Karian at her house in The Crosby. Rumor has it around town that she recently turned down Matchmaking reality show because her life is already filled to the brim. Karian Forsyth has been a ‘constant’ since the very beginning of “Machel’s Ranch.”
In 2008, I met Elaine Gallagher at Delicias. I remember thinking, “Wow a beautiful blonde with a perfect smile, who is she?” Well, we soon became friends. I do think I pursued Elaine you could say. Her beauty is actually second to her kind spirit and good heart-warming soul. Her stories have added heart and glamour to these pages. As a savvy real estate agent—Gallagher & Gallagher—and a mother of a successful son that directs movies in Hollywood, Elaine makes it all look so easy, with upbeat attitude and sweet soul.
Thank-you readers for reading “Machel’s Ranch.” You never know what’s going to happen in the next two weeks in Rancho Santa Fe. Be ready, I’ve got my camera!
- The Lorax available for $895.00 unframed at Legends Gallery in La Jolla
Dr. Suess’s “The Lorax” is off to great heights at the box office all over the world. With such great interest in this fabulous furry guy that protects trees and demands respect for them, Dr. Seuss new just what he was doing when he penned “The Lorax” in 1971.
Do you love Dr. Seuss? Do you love “The Lorax?”
Well what better way to celebrate than owning your own piece of Illustrated Art from Dr. Suess’s collection.
46 x 19 this long rectangular piece is perfect for any wall in your home or gift for someone that loves Dr. Seuss or “The Lorax.”
To buy your “Lorax” today, you can call the Legends Gallery directly at (858) 456-9900.
If you mention my name “Michelle” when you call, you can receive free shipping, too, to anywhere in the United States for “Special Consideration for Collectors.”
Book Review of “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
http://www.kathrynstockett.com/
I watched the movie first, which usually it is the other way around. With that being said, you would think that this would be not as exciting since I know what happens. And, yes, I loved the movie. I Loooved it. (Do forgive on the extra o’s in love. Sometimes in print, a little help brings life words!)However, the book is absolutely amazing. The pace, the characters, the sense of urgency, the food, the plot. Genius. Some things are worth fighting for in this life.
I am thrilled Kathryn Stockett never gave up after 60 rejections and believed in her story. Some stories are born into this world through a voice,a person, a moment, an inspiration just like this one. A story about meanness, kindness and the power of human beings standing up together to defeat an oppressive world.
http://www.more.com/kathryn-stockett-help-best-seller
I hope she writes many more to come. What I loved also in the book was her personal account of her private life and what originally inspired her soul to write this book.
With Four Academy Oscar nominations, how exciting for Kathryn Stockett to rocket to the moon on her soulful and “must never give up attitude.” She is an exemplary role model for us all.
Please read this book. It’s not one to skip.
Why is this book amazing? Character development, voice, and plot. The characters had something to lose and gain in the weaving of the story. With high stakes, how can you put that down? What do you have to lose if you stop reading ”The Help,” by Kathryn Stockett?
Everything!
What drives a reader to read? The must knowing the conclusion to their character’s ending in the novel.
Here is one of the other jackets of the book before it was a movie:
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/60-rejection-letters-didnt-stop-kathryn-stockett-and-her-bestseller-the-help
In her words: Kathryn Stockett: ‘I will never truly understand what it felt like to be a black woman in the South.’
Well, this may be true, but Kathryn Stockett does exactly that in this amazing story women working together on their own personal, private mission to be known and understood in this fictional tale of “The Help.”
Agent: Susan Ramer at Don Congdon
Don Congdon Associates
156 5th Ave # 823, New York, NY
I am rooting for “The Help.” For best bicture. Way to be tenacious and brilliant Kathryn Stockett. You are an inspiration to me and any writer that loves books and believes in never give up on their dreams.
Mackenzie Thorpe is available at Legends Gallery in La Jolla, California USA. To find out more about this piece you can schedule an appointment with “Michelle.”
That would be me. Most that read my name as Machel do not know that my name is pronounced Michelle, or truly Maachel. Creative birth name from my Mom.
However, this piece is one of my favorites in the gallery. I can see the influences of two of his favorite artists reflected in “Time Without Shadows.” Rothko and Van Gogh are two of Mackenzie Thorpe’s favorite painters, which he mentions when interviewed. I love both of these artists as well.
“Time Without Shadows” offers hope, reality and a moment when time can stand still during our lifetime. Do you know what time frame I am referring to when studying this painting?
Call 858-456-9900 for more details and remember to ask for Fine Art Consultant “Michelle.”
Remember to support the arts. Remember to be creative, smart and most of all have some fun along the way. Life can be incredibly short sometimes so make sure you are enjoying your daily routine.
“Machel’s Ranch”
On New Year’s Eve, my beloved kitty died. What a devastating way to start the New Year of 2012. With much reflection and love for my cat that I have had for 8 years, I must tell you this moment hurt deeply, but also helped me realize the beauty in our every day gifts. My son, husband—plus my family was in town—grieved for the loss of our pet. We felt lucky to have her for as long as we did. This experience was once again a reminder to me how precious time and life is each day. This was unexpected.
What I can tell you as a farm girl from Missouri? My kitty Audrey had a tremendous life. I do know that I never took her for granted. I tried extra hard to always let her know how much she was loved by me. Having many kitties over the years, you can only guess that this is a familiar feeling (grieving when they die) that I have adjusted to with time. If you are a pet owner, than I am sure you know what it feels like to lose your beloved animal. With that being said, we have adopted a rescue kitty that has been saved from a “high kill” shelter. What I have learned from this traumatic week is there are so many animals out there that need a home. Please adopt an animal this year in 2012. If you can’t do that because you already have too many pets, please donate to an animal rescue shelter. Life is gift and so was my beautiful kitty, Audrey. Make time this year in 2012 to give love to an animal that will also fill your life with much joy and comfort. Happy New Year Rancho Santa Fe. I adopted my kitty from a wonderful woman named Lonnie that devotes much of her life to saving animals. Here is her contact information: Fur.ever@yahoo.com. Thanks Lonnie for being a ‘real live angel’ to animals in need.
Newspaper Columnist, Machel Penn Shull writes bi-weekly for The Rancho Santa Fe News in Rancho Santa Fe California, USA
On December 24th, Rancho Santa Fe sparkled under the night sky. With the downtown area festive with holiday lights and all of the restaurants, retailers and banks decorated for Christmas, who needed snow? Not us, anyway. This was the first Christmas in awhile I stayed in town for the holidays. Ed and Dottie McCrink have been Ranch residents for many decades. Each Christmas the McCrink siblings all come in town for the holidays. Here is a wonderful photo of Laurel McCrink with sister Katie Shull, along with Violli and Trudi. They look fabulous in their red festive attire, don’t they?
On December 26
th, I decided to capture the beauty of winter in Rancho Santa Fe. I pulled over (I do this often and it drives my son nuts!) by my son’s school to walk the trails near the Rancho Santa Fe golf course. The the naked blue sky filled the air with perfection, as the autumn colors of reds and yellows shined in the bright sunlight. The walking trail had peaks of light beaming across the leaves, as I strolled next to the golf course photographing the trees. Here is one photo from that day. The trees look beautiful in the Ranch right now. This is also an excellent way to stay in shape; take a two mile walk three times a week. Don’t forget to make time for yourself in the New Year. I do!
Real Estate Agent Priscilla Wood with cuddly friend. One of Rancho Santa Fe's premier Real Estate agents.
On December 30th, My sister’s family stopped in to Legends Gallery in La Jolla to see me. If you haven’t heard, I work part-time as a fine art consultant in La Jolla. Do you need art? We sell Rockwell, Chagall, Miro, Dr. Seuss, Mackenzie Thorpe and De La Nuez to mame just a few of the artists we carry. Here is a wonderful photograph from that day.
On January 3
rd, I connected with a girlfriend of mine, Priscilla Wood. Do you know Priscilla? You may recognize Priscilla from my column before. She is a co-leader in the SMARTY division in the San Diego area, an entrepreneurial group for women. I just found out that Priscilla enjoyed a glorious hike up to the Hollywood sign on New Years Day and she said it was absolutely breathtaking. What you may already know is Priscilla is part of the Mike Taylor Real Estate Group in Rancho Santa Fe. Do you need to find a listing? Priscilla is one of the sharpest Real Estate Agents in town. She is one to watch in 2012. Here is her website information:
www.Priscillawood.com. I am looking forward to going to my first SMARTY event this month. I will have to fill you in on the details beginning of next month.
SAVE THE DATE: Fresh Start Surgical Gifts 20
th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament for Kids will be at the Morgan Run Golf Course on March 18
th and 19
th this year. Here is an incredible figure from Fresh Start—in 2011 provided 1,473 medical treatments to children that need our help with changing their life. If you would like to donate to this wonderful organization, please visit their website at
www.freshstart.org. Here is a group shot from last year’s celebrity event in Rancho Santa Fe.
If you would like to contact Machel regarding a stoy you would like to share with her readers, email her at
machel@coastnewsgroup.com
Fresh Start Celebrity Golf Tournament.
Machel has been writing stories and covering social events in Rancho Santa Fe since 2008. Her column is featured by-weekly in Rancho Santa Fe Newspaper, which is published by Jim Kydd. If you are looking to advertise in this newspaper, contact Krista Lafferty at Klafferty@coastnewsgroup.com.
Newspaper Columnist, Machel Penn Shull writes bi-weekly for The Rancho Santa Fe News in Rancho Santa Fe California, USARancho Santa Fe News, “Machel’s Ranch” is a newspaper column that Machel Penn Shull writes about Rancho Santa Fe, California USA. With over 10,000 in distribution, you can pick up your copy in the green newspaper bins in The Ranch.“Machel’s Ranch” “Adopt a an Animal and Stay Healthy in 2012″
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In 1999, I met Jill Sorge. Big, fat and pregnant, I wasn’t one of those beautiful skinny pregnant women that could show a bit of their mid-drift with a black pair of leggings. Due to some complications I ended up looking more like a linebacker in a jean jumper that lacked the sophistication I witnessed at the market in the Ranch. Needless to say I was horrified. Just when I thought fatness and loneliness had taken me down the black hole, I met Ranch resident, Jill Sorge at a Christmas party. A former model and soap opera actress, Jill and I hit it off immediately. Her beautiful face, and kind words of “Don’t worry, you lose the weight,” helped me see the light and new beginnings. Jill had had three kids and looked fabulous. If she can do it, I can, too, type attitude bonded us together for life. Jill has been appearing in this column from the beginning. From her many activities associated to Santa Fe Christian—all three of her children go there—and other events she invites me as her guest, Jill’s schedule to running to homes in San Diego could give any of these featured reality show regulars a run for their money. A consummate friend and an amazing human being, God answered a prayer when I met Jill.
http://www.more.com/kathryn-stockett-help-best-seller
On December 26th, I decided to capture the beauty of winter in Rancho Santa Fe. I pulled over (I do this often and it drives my son nuts!) by my son’s school to walk the trails near the Rancho Santa Fe golf course. The the naked blue sky filled the air with perfection, as the autumn colors of reds and yellows shined in the bright sunlight. The walking trail had peaks of light beaming across the leaves, as I strolled next to the golf course photographing the trees. Here is one photo from that day. The trees look beautiful in the Ranch right now. This is also an excellent way to stay in shape; take a two mile walk three times a week. Don’t forget to make time for yourself in the New Year. I do! 
