Rancho Santa Fe News, “Machel’s Ranch” column
The Rancho Santa Fe News
“Machel’s Ranch” Newspaper column -On-line version
“Machel’s Ranch” Newspaper column -On-line version
“Slug-Bug for Birds and Holiday Parties in 2011” December 30, 2011 edition
Newspaper Columnist, Machel Penn Shull writes bi-weekly for The Rancho Santa Fe News in Rancho Santa Fe California, USA
I don’t want to write any wise suggestions for this year for the New Year. You don’t need them from me anyway. I’m not going to write about art, books or the Book Cellar. I have decided to spare you from all of that and share with my readers little signs that I always look for that inspire me during my day. Call me sappy, call me out there, but life’s too short not to have some fun in the process. It’s sort of like “Slug-bug” for grown-ups. Here are a few signs I often search for that I find a great deal of pizzazz from when they just happen spontaneously to me when I least expect them. I am sure you will see a correlation, so I will just start out with this line: “I have a thing for birds.”
If see a hummingbird at any point in the day, I immediately feel like an “energy angel” has whizzed by me and find hope in their fluttering wings. A white owl flight at night…have you seen one lately? If I see one, I instantly gasp for breath because I’ve almost run off the road and hit a tree. (Maybe not such a great sign after all.) And, I have saved the best for last. My favorite sign is “White bird of Hope.” Have you seen one of those? That can come in the form of a seagull, a white dove, a white crane, a white heron or any bird that looks remotely white. When one crosses my sight, I instantly think. “White bird of hope,” and my day feels brighter.
You see? I just shared my signs that make my life a bit more fun and exotic. So for 2012, make up your own signs and don’t forget to create some magic during your daily routine. Happy New Year Rancho Santa Fe.
Around Town
On December 11th, I held my annual gift exchange party for my son and his friends at Red Robin in Carmel Valley. Five years later everyone is growing up and the gift selection under $10.00 is becoming obsolete for these “Tweens.” However, they still love chocolate, party favors and dart guns that shoot rapidly with a rotating wheel. And, for the girls? Well, pretty jewelry is always a hit and a gift cart to Tillys is another perfect option if you can’t decide. I love this party more than any other, maybe, because I get to buy the party favors, plan it and enjoy seeing all the kids have fun for Christmas. Here is a group shot of the bunch that exchanged gifts once again for the fifth year, plus one of the adult group supervising at the adjoining table. What a wonderful day it was!
On December 17th, Karian Forsyth invited her Spa Gals over to her house for some pampering with Holiday flair. Pedicures and manicures, massage or facial, all of the guest enjoyed their options, while dishing on the latest fashion trends, the best restaurants and what destination places are in. Which brings me to an important update in my column. Yes, the news is here. I have found out where Tom and Karian Forsyth flew off to for Tom’s birthday in December. I have it on good authority that the Forsyth’s boarded a private jet with Maggie and Gary Bobileff—two of my other favorite Ranch residents! Yes, the four of them made it to the Grand Cayman Island for an intimate celebration to one of the coolest Caribbean islands to visit. Here are two photos that capture living at it’s finest. One is of Karian looking glamorous in her pink studded blouse with Tom and the “Spa Party gals” from The Crosby. Hey, guess what? Life can be incredibly good sometimes, right?
Karian and Tom Forsyth on the Grand Cayman Island
Later that night, Elaine and Michael Gallagher attended a smashing party at the Grand Del Mar for the Holidays. I managed to get the exclusive on this photo for my column for the paper. Sources will not be revealed, but I will say these are gorgeous ladies that I am sure you will recognize as familiar faces in “Machel’s Ranch.” Aren’t they simply beautiful?
On December 19th, My husband Robin and I met one of my favorite couples, Tony and Bianca Macaluso. They arrived in style in their new white Rolls Royce to Firenze restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe. We arrived by Jeep. Not so bad by my standards, but the Rolls Royce looked like heaven on wheels. Tony and Bianca wore matching white attire, with red accents that emulated that cool holiday feel. We wore leather jackets. As the night wore on, we shared fun movie stories, enjoyed fine food, but most of all, enjoyed being out with good friends for Christmas. I snapped this photograph of them before they whisked away in their Rolls Royce back to their amazing estate in Del Mar. Robin and I drove away into the dark of the night feeling the holiday spirit of good times recapping our fabulous evening with two of our favorite friends.
If you are looking for any charities to donate to, my suggestion would be to the Salvation Army. They do so much for so many in need and they are here locally. They will come directly to your house to pick up any of those extras that you don’t need, but someone else will. Here is a link to their website: http://www1.usw.salvationarmy.org.
Happy New Year Rancho Santa Fe!
If you have a story you would like to share with Machel, please email her at mpenn@coastnewsgroup.com
