“The Help” A Must Read even if you have already seen the movie

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

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’s “Time Without Shadows” featured art

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.

Rancho Santa Fe News, “Machel’s Ranch” January 2012 ~ Adopt a Pet and Stay healthy this year

Newspaper Columnist, Machel Penn Shull writes bi-weekly for The Rancho Santa Fe News in Rancho Santa Fe California, USA

        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.         

 

Fresh Start Celebrity Golf Tournament.

Coffee or Tea? by Machel Penn Shull~ FINE Magazine, January 2012

“Material Girl” by Artist Nelson De La Nuez, the King of Pop Art

If you would like to add “Material Girl” to your own art collection or if you have any other questions please feel free to email me for inquiries at Machel@legendsgallerylajolla.com or call the gallery and ask for “Michelle” at (858)456-9900.

Echoes by Maeve Binchy

A fabulous book~

Wow. I just started reading Maeve Binchy again. A masterful storyteller. She tells the most amazing dramas of just normal people set usually in the back drop of Ireland somewhere. This book was so vivid. I hated to end it, yet could not read this book fast enough. Page turner. And, Clare–the main character reminded me slightly of Jane Eyre, that sort of fierce determination that made you love her and root victoriously for her character, while the story unfolds around her. Brilliant. My favorite book of her thus far. Close second-”Tara Road.”

~Originally published this review on Goodreads earlier in 2011.

The Velveteen Soul

velveteen soul

Sometimes ‘being honest’ just gets in the way of truth. Do you know what I mean by that? I’m sure you had those moments, too. Placating others to keep life at an even tempo. Why discuss hard issues if we can just keep a smile on our face? Let me sum it up for you. Life is not meant to be a tea party,with pleasantries and thin cucumber sandwiches.

 I don’t want to get into any specifics, but this situation has compelled my inner warrior to share with you something deeper with you this week than my lighter write on skinny models. An anguish or a hurt can remind us of what we lost along the way in our own personal journey, especially when you love your friend. I turn inward and become reflective, which usually affects my dreams when I am sleeping.

Like last night, I dreamt of the past. I remembered how last year my Great Aunt Leota died on the same day as my Grandma Lula did. When I awoke, I thought about loved ones that I have lost. I thought about others that have lost family members recently, too. I thought about all of these deeper issues we hate to feel and touch. But life does not always turn out the way we had hoped.  With that being said, I reach out to my readers and say only this:

Dare to be real to someone that matters to you!  Share your heart and soul with ordinary people, like the homeless you see, give them only a dollar if you have one if and you have less, at least acknowledge their presence.

I say dive into the deep blue sea. Sink beneath the murky water of you subconscious and visit what you have buried there. Seek you weakness, your anger, your muse, your nemesis, you battleground…Go there and fight. Make life anything but boring. Dream of the hidden things in-between. Reach out into the darkness and seek and if there is no response keep reaching until you pull yourself through to the other side, to the place you can feel in your heart, you can see, you can touch, you can be, dare to pull yourself to the other side without the aid of anyone. What I speak of deals with the battling of will and soul and mind converging into one moment that can exist then fade. I speak of real; I speak of that “Velveteen Rabbit” bunny.

I speak of soul.

Do something soulful and watch your world expand and open. Be free of judgment. Be free of what you might lose if you succeed. Be free to ask for more. Ask for more and receive.  When a fire comes and destroys a neighborhood it might take two or three years to rebuild but don’t give up hope. . .Grab this life and do what you can.  You have your very own story to write. If you don’t like the way it’s going, you can always change ‘plots’ midstream.

You can. Ask me I know. Be bold. Flutter around. Be vulnerable to at least one soul walking this planet. Live and spread joy everywhere. This life is in dire need of a soul to take the higher road.

This world is in need of you to be–real.

Originally published in The Rancho Santa Fe News–2010

Coronado & Bid Time Return

"Bid Time Return" & "Somewhere in Time"

Did you know you can elope on Coronado Island for less than $1500.00? This includes the backdrop of the world famous Hotel Del in the background, along with rose petals sprinkled across the sand. Can you see it? The bride and groom, white wedding dress, black tux, saying “I do,” in one of the most romantic destinations just on the other side of the Coronado Bridge.

Sometimes we forget the best escapes are only a car ride away. This one, however, happens to be local. North County residents can become submerged in the “wealth triangle,” you know, La Jolla, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe, while overlooking one of the finest jewels in the most southern point of California.

If you were to ask the residents of this quant sophisticated beach town with rich history and small town values if they felt left out, there would probably be a resounding sigh of relief that their prestigious community is still truly is a world unto itself.  The late, great novelist, Richard Matheson, knew this more than anyone when he chose the Hotel Del Coronado to reside in, while he penned one of the most beloved love stories, “Bid Time Return.”

This tragic love story is about a man that falls in love with a photograph of famous actress in the late 1800’s. He then manages against all odds to travels back in time, to whisper the words, “Is it you?”  If this sounds eerily familiar, it’s because this book’s title when adapted into a screenplay was changed to “Somewhere in Time.” The movie starred Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeves. Many do not know that Coronado Island’s timeless energy laid forth the foundation of this classic love story. There are sacred stories like this one scattered across the sands of Coronado Island.

 When searching for the answers, always seek the best. That’s exactly what Fine Magazine did when choosing Ruth Ann Fisher as the feature for Coronado’s quick Q. & A.  Q. When did you start Selling Real Estate in Coronado?
A.  I started selling real estate in 2000 after my husband was transferred here with the Navy.  I had previously worked in Florida with a mortgage bank handling their foreclosures and REO’s. 
Q.  How has last year’s recession affected the housing market on Coronado ?   A. The prices have obviously gone down but not to the extent of other communities.  Coronado has unique qualities that have helped us weather this economic storm.  With limited boundaries, great schools and a Mayberry charm, Coronado will always draw homeowners, second home buyers and investors.
Q.  What are the benefits to living on Coronado Island as apposed to San Diego ? A.  Besides what was written above, an incredible low crime rate.
Q. What encouraging words do you have for home buyers that are looking to invest in Coronado Island ?  A. If you have been considering a purchase in Coronado or have been waiting for the right time, Buy Now!  Prices are lower than they have been in many years. There is a good selection of homes available however, many of the buyers who have been on the fence have started to make moves since the first of the year and our inventory is starting to go down.

Q.  What would you say to entice a buyer to choose Coronado over let’s say Rancho Santa Fe or La Jolla ?
A. Coronado is a lifestyle choice.  It is a charming smaller coastal town just over the bridge from a metropolitan city with all it has to offer.  For commuters, we are 15 minutes, from the airport and a ferry ride from the train station.  Our family has even taken our bikes on the ferry and then caught the train to Santa Barbara for the weekend.  We also have parades on the 4^th of July and at Christmas and we have concerts in the park each Sunday during the summer where everyone comes out and enjoys their picnic dinner with family, friends and neighbors.   To quote from the Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home”.  And, there’s no place like Coronado .

Thank-you Ruth, for sharing your thoughts with Fine Magazine. Just remember the next time you might need a ‘great romantic escape’ is only a skyline and a bridge away. To quote Richard Matheson, “Ah; a bridge ahead, “I’ll take it. I don’t care where it leads so long as it is away from this. Coronado says the sign. Driving straight into the sun…”

Originally published in FINE Magazine, November 2009

Old Town San Diego “Bazaar Del Mundo”

Bazaar Del Mundo,  a hidden treasure in San Diego– Originally published in FINE Magazine in October 2009.

“Don’t be afraid of the rattlesnake in Southern Mexico,” was the opening line to a song at the Bazaar Del Mundo, Santa Fe Market Art show.  The Mexican band began to play flamenco dance music as I strolled between the isles at colorful arts and crafts exhibit on one of the last beautiful weekends in San Diego. I felt like I had traveled back in time, while I admired all of the Indian pottery, turquoise jewelry and other distinct Southwestern influenced artists.

Southern Californian residents sometimes forget to venture outside of their comfort zone. With the beach always the main attraction, it’s easy overlook the local ‘hidden jewels’ that exist just around the corner from where we live. For example, Bazaar Del Mundo marketplace is a wonderful way to spend time with a loved one or family member besides your typical day by the pool.

On this particular weekend, I skipped the crowded beach, crossed the street in Old Town San Diego and headed down Taylor Street. My little adventure let me to Bazaar Del Mundo, a beautiful marketplace located adjacent to the main square in Old Town.  The 22^nd Annual Santa Fe Market was being held that day, which featured crafts and arts of Southwest and Native Americans. The courtyard came to life under the shaded trees as I admired all of the paintings, pottery and other distinctive hand crafted trinkets.

On one corner of the marketplace was an artist called, Desert Dreamer. His art captured beautiful desert photography, Spanish influenced settings. The next art booth exhibited Marie Barbera’s hand-painted Indian sculptures depicting their way of life. I captured one photo of an Indian Chief that stood tall and majestic among the other sculptures.  

Some of the artists included were the Navajo, Cherokee, Hopi, Pima, Isleta Pueblo and Santa Domingo Pueblo Indian tribes. Other artists there came from different parts of the United States, such as Arizona and New Mexico. I had no idea that I would find so much diversity and culture in one special corner near Old Town.

The next time you are planning your weekend, check-out this colorful marketplace called Bazaar Del Mundo. You never know what event you will find hidden beneath the shaded trees off of Taylor Street.

“Yves Saint Laurent and the Luck of Three”

One might wonder whether Yves Saint Laurent had any inclination when he submitted three sketches in 1952 to a contest in Paris that he would become part of the “Holy French Trinity of Fashion,” along side Coco Chanel and Christian Dior? If he didn’t, at least one person did:  Michel de Brunhoff, the editor in chief of Vogue magazine in Paris. Brunoff suggested to the young contestant pursue a career as a fashion designer. After placing only third place and listening to some sound advice, three initials would soon be become recognized as one of the world’s most influential and groundbreaking designers YSL.