Rancho Santa Fe News, “Machel’s Ranch” January 2012 ~ Adopt a Pet and Stay healthy this year
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 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! 
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
- FINE Magazine January 2012, “Tea Time in San Diego” by Machel Penn Shull
Coffee or Tea? That lately seems to be the question for many. If you are a lover of both like me than the idea is to choose when and where for your daily ritual for one or for both. Coffee is the way I start of my day, but tea is my afternoon delight.
“Two and A Half Men,” Ashton Kutcher is “Bringing It,” as Charlie Sheen would say~
“Two & A Half Men” Ashton Kutcher and Charlie Sheen
Two and A Half Men
As an avid fan of this show, I wasn’t quite sure what was going to happen when Charlie Sheen didn’t come back for this year. All I know is I was tuning in for Charlie Sheen’s rants and what he would say next when the meltdown between CBS and Charlie Sheen occurred earlier this year in 2011.
Why was it that was so intriguing? While many would like to condemn and say absolutely terrible things about Charlie Sheen, there was just some sheer brilliance in his attitude of not letting the world break him even when it was quite obvious he had done many improper things that deserved an apology when it came to his sitcom behavior or lack of, I guess I should say… Most would be for their job back, but there was something just absolutely marvelous in seeing this man say “Take this Job and Shove it” type attitude, while losing millions upon millions in the process. Insanity? Craziness? Maybe, but the good news is
Charlie Sheen is still “bringing it” in his own life, while the new “Two and A Half Men” sitcom is, too. Walden? That guy that washed up on the beach and showed up naked after the funeral? Brilliant writing and funny plot twist. It’s working and I’m still watching and can’t wait for next week’s episode.
Well here were are full throttle into the season and what can I tell you as an avid fan?
#1. I’m still laughing.
#2. I absolutely love Walden’s character. Ashton Kutcher has excellent comedic timing.
#3. Jake Rocks (Angus T. Jones).
#4. Jon Cryer should win an Emmy for his performance this season. His portrayal of Alan is brilliant as always.
#5. I do miss Charlie Sheen, but I’m going with it, you know…
I just hope Ashton’s private life stays personal and off the show. He’s becoming the younger version of Charlie Sheen without even realizing it, I mean on the show of course, that Walden Guy. Lines blur and sitcoms become reality, you know~~.
“Two And A Half Men” don’t miss it this season. It’s truly unpredictable. I can’t believe how the young boy that now is such a cool teenager just totally steals the show with each quip when he’s on. No wonder he’s bringing down the big bucks.
- Two and A Half Men wit Charlie Sheen; 2003-2011
Don’t miss next week’s episode. Walden’s mother is paying him a visit….this should be good.~
Magical Moments this Holiday Season, The Book Cellar, and An Important Mission
“Machel’s Ranch” The latest happenings Around Town and Inspirational stories featured in the Rancho Santa Fe News
The RAncho Santa Fe News, located in Rancho Santa Fe, California
If you could go back in time and be a child again would you? I have often heard others ponder their childhood with much warm hearted memories. What was it about being young that seems elusive to us as we find ourselves in a wide open field in the midst of our lives? Could it be that we understand time better or rather recognize with age as we gaze back and remember who we once were? During the holiday season my childhood memories always come back to me, like a flickering images from a movie reel.
I grew up on a farm near Springfield, Missouri.The winters were cold. The pond froze over and we would skate across it in our cowboy boots. Then we would watch our breath rise up to the white sky and blend in with the blanket of snow falling down on us below. The “Us” would be my brother, sister and me. We were pretty tight as kids. We built massive forts in the snow, played a tag game called chicken and fox over the icy pond. I never believed in Santa because we lived on a farm and I knew there was no way he could really fit inside a wood burning stove. We always watched “It was a Wonderful Life” and “Scrooge.” We had “Taffy Pulls!” Live moved slowly when I was young, and I didn’t know as a child that wishes and dreams can sometimes take you away from what you loved the most. So now each season, after the turkey has been served and as families are decorating their homes with mistletoe, I find myself remembering the young girl I was and early my beginnings. This holiday season, remember to look back, count your blessings and be thankful for each season. Sometimes we never know how magical our moments are until they are gone.
My childhood Christmas Memories of ice skating on a pond when we were young.
Around Town
CORRECTION: Well, my favorite book store in the whole wide world must hate me! Recently, I realized my serious gaffe after someone pointed out the name on my coffee cup, “Book Tales,” which most of you probably know is in Encinitas. That is a wonderful bookstore, too. However, my favorite bookstore that I try to frequent at least once a week exists just around the corner from the Rancho Santa Fe Library is “The Book Cellar.” Please forgive! My only excuse is I write late night into the early hours of the evening and sometimes mistakes can happen when you do this. So for the record, if you would like to read and buy books in Rancho Santa Fe, “The Book Cellar” is a gem of place. What I do, is always donate the books back, when my room starts to take on too many stacks against the wall or they start falling of my night stand. Make sure you stop in this holiday season for a book as a gift. They have fabulous prices. And, the quiet, still space between the rows of bookshelves just warms your soul.
During the first week of November, Dr. Michael and Lynne Skyhar stopped in at the Lemon Twist Gift & Produce Shop in Rancho Santa Fe. Lynne and Dr. Mike live in the area and were just so wonderful to meet right as dusk was setting across the valley behind the shop. We shared some quick conversation and they were kind enough to let me share this photo in my column that evening. I love meeting new people. Mike and Lynne were very gracious and kind. Thanks for stopping in at Lemon Twist and for reading the column Mike and Lynne. Happy Holidays!
On November 13th, I attended Esther Wong’s Charity fundraising party in Cielo with my best friend, Jill Sorge. The party was hosted by Esther, Taylor, Diane Wong and the Santa Fe Christian India Mission’s team. Part of the proceeds from this event will be included in a check they are presenting in person in India at the Grace Home Orphanage and school. My favorite part of this party was watching the video clip from their last year’s trip over to India last year. If you are interested in helping donate to this charity, here is a link with information: http://www.sfcs.net/about/Pages/why_sfcs.aspx. I have included a beautiful photo of Esther and Taylor Wong from that day.
On November 15th, Many beautiful blondes and brunettes from Rancho Santa Fe made it to Mission Valley to attend Bloomingdales Shopping
Meet the High Powered Real Estate Women in San Diego, shopping at Bloomingdales to help raise money for Rady Children's Hospital.
event, which benefited Rady Children’s Hospital here in San Diego. Look at this fabulous shot that I have included from this event! In the line up, we have Kim Smart—from Smart Interiors, Elaine Gallagher, Ally Wise, Candace Sears, and Jan Doyle-Wehlag. All of these lovely, smart women are business professionals, friends and most of all, they are shopping to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital. Well done. Make sure you shop this Christmas or donate extra items that you don’t need to charity in need.
On November 19th, It rained all day in Rancho Santa Fe. But that didn’t stop the Sassy Santa Event that my gal-pal Krista Lafferty organized with the Garden Club. When I stopped by that Saturday there was a massive food truck feeding the shoppers out front, a Santa listening to children’s wish lists, and a plethora of local businesses beating the Black Friday date by one week. Inside the Garden Club, felt festive and warm. I enjoyed strolling the isles and seeing all of the vendor’s merchandise. Here is a photo from that day, too. Congrats to Krista, The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary and to all of those that came out to support local businesses this holiday season. Please continue to “Shop Small” this season, too.
Rancho Santa Fe's Sassy Santa Event was a SMASHING Success for The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary. Meet the Three women that made it happen. But most of all, my gal-pal Krista Lafferty.
SAVE THE MISSION: I received an email from Renee, a Ranch resident that is alerting me to some important news and to the community as
Predating California as a state by 52 years, this historical Mission in Oceanside, California is facing closure. Please help SAVE THIS Historical LANDMARK in the United States.
The Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia” in Oceanside is facing closure if enough money is not raised to save this landmark. Here is the link you must check out: http://www.sanluisrey.org/Seismic-retrofit/. Know as the “King of Missions,” is a famous Natural Historic Landmark her in Southern California. Founded in 1798, San Luis Rey’s Historic church predates California even as state by 52 years. Open 7 days a week to the public, take time and visit this landmark with your family, but more importantly donate if you can before we lose a valuable part of California history! Thank-you, Renee for alerting the community to this important information.
Caring for the Soul, Fabulous Birthday Trips Under The Eucalyptus Trees in Rancho Santa Fe
“Machel’s Ranch” The latest happenings Around Town and Inspirational stories featured in the Rancho Santa Fe News
Do you have the courage to be real? Do you show your true colors or are you just one those faking it to fit in on your cul-de-sac? If the latter applies, you are missing out on the fundamental joys of who you are on the inside. Your soul is all you’ve got. And, if you aren’t portraying the “real you,” life will catch up with you eventually. You can never turn back the hands of time. We cannot erase the mistakes of yesterday. If you aren’t being true to yourself, no one else is either.After stepping into the art world recently, I am finding much inspiration from staring deeply at paintings every day. I am finding that textures reveal tones, colors and layers and a story underneath each brushstroke. Our reflection in the mirror is similar to this. What do you see when you look at yourself? Be still in the morning and ask yourself, “What do I love? What would bring me joy? What inspires my inner self?”
Just like a tree, your soul needs nourishment. Trust me, even if you are a parent, you must make adjustments for what you love or one day you could wonder what happened to that 12-year-old with dreams?
A must read~
So, don’t try to fit in. Take time to make time for you. Life can be incredibly short. Be the person you can be proud of each day. Author Thomas Moore’s book, “Care of the Soul,” deals with this topic. I highly recommend it. After all, life isn’t a dress rehearsal and those “do-gooders” up the street? Trust me, they’re not truly your friends anyway. So make sure you’re at least a good friend to yourself. Because you are worth it!
Around town
On Oct. 29, I received some exciting news regarding Santa Fe Christian’s seventh grade flag football team: “ My name is Jason Stewart and I’m a former division one college basketball national champion turned flag football coach! I’m debuting with these guys and I love it.”
The flag football team helps prepare the boys for high school football. According to their website, “We view the middle school flag football program as a farm system for the Santa Fe Christian High School varsity program because we run an 8-Man version of the Wing-T offense that Coach Nick Ruscetta teaches … we are one big happy Wing-T family over at SFC!” Welcome Jason Stewart and good luck to you this season. Santa Fe Christian is one of my favorite schools in the area. I have included a photo of Coach Stewart with the seventh grade flag football team.
On Nov. 1, I received some romantic news about one of my favorite couples in Rancho Santa Fe. Karian and Tom Forsyth are usually on the scene
Rancho Santa Fe Residents, Tom and Karian Forsyth in Whistler, Canada. Every year, Karian surpises Tom with a fabulous birthday trip.
many places around town, while hosting sizzling spa parties by poolside during the summer. Well, Tom’s birthday is just around the corner in the beginning of December. Guess what his birthday present is each year from his bride? Karian takes Tom to the airport each year on his important day and whisks him away to an unknown destination, which he does not know about until he arrives at the counter and receives the ticket in his hand.
Last year, Karian surprised Tom with a trip to Whistler, Canada. I have included a photo straight out of a James Bond movie, with the couple standing in front of a red helicopter up on the snowy slopes in Canada. Can you say “movie stars?” Also pictured is Tom with his buddies here in the Ranch for their local celebration. I wonder where it will be this year for the Forsyths’ next big adventure? How lucky for Tom, wouldn’t you agree? Stay tuned until next month for that news!
On Nov. 3, the Rancho Santa Fe school board honored R. Roger Rowe students who received perfect scores on their STAR testing at their meeting that evening. Parents, siblings, teachers and friends all gathered together at the Performing Center of Arts to witness this wondrous celebration, that honors the students and their perfect winning scores. Superintendent Lindy Delaney was also there to encourage the students. She also gave them all a personal tip: “When shaking hands, make sure you make good eye contact, too.” Excellent advice! Featured here are two of the recipients, my son Jackson Tuck and Rachel Waite. Rachel Waite is the daughter of Lance and Anna Waite. And, just in case inquiring minds would like to know, Jackson Tuck, is also the son of well-known news anchor Michael Tuck. Michael is now retired, remarried, and recently had a baby girl with his wife, lawyer Jill Tuck. They live in the covenant in the Ranch. Congratulations to all of the students from that night. What a special evening it was for all us there.
Rancho Santa Fe's Infamous Rat Pack~ Watch out Vegas, here are the local celebrities Around Town.
On Nov. 5, I received a wonderful picture of a Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club member’s granddaughter, Reese MacDonald. Reese’s soccer team scored the winning goal that weekend and the girls were all smiles (so were the parents!) that day. Reese is featured with her best friend Alexi Aloni. Both girls scored important goals that day for their team.
Later that day, I stopped by Lemon Twist Fruit Stand in Rancho Santa Fe for a wonderful art exhibit by local artist Nancy C. Henderson. Nancy was selling her beautiful original oil painting under a perfect blue sky on that lovely Saturday afternoon.
I took a photo of Nancy proudly standing next to her art that day. Nancy’s art varies from local nature scenes here in Rancho Santa Fe to the rolling hills of Tuscany. If you would like to buy any of Nancy’s art for your own collection, visit nancychenderson.com.
Popular resident Holly Manion came out to lend her support that day, too. We missed each other by just 10 minutes!
Jake Pavelka Redeems himself on ABC’s Bachelor Pad, 2
- Jake Pavelka steels the show on the the first episode of ABC’s The Bachelor Pad.
And, that he did. After watching Jake and Vienna fall in love on ABC’s “The Bachelor,” I was the first to admit I was not fond of Jake. I didn’t want him to be the Bachelor (had been rooting for local San Diegan Kiptyn Locke), but eventually, I settled in and enjoyed watching his love affair with the scene-stealing-Vienna that had all of the girls leaving that show spewing venom on how pretty they were and asking, “How could he keep Vienna?”
Elizabeth Taylor at The Twin Dragon
I met Elizabeth Taylor at The Twin Dragon in Beverly Hills in 1998
There are just certain moments that transpire that you don’t forget, like meeting Elizabeth Taylor for example. Back in the 1990’s when I stilled lived in Los Angeles, there was a brief period when I first married my ex-husband when we lived in a penthouse in Beverly Hills. Now you might be thinking this felt extravagant, exciting for me to live in downtown Beverly Hills, however the contrary couldn’t be further from that statement. Living primarily in Studio City for most of my years in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills felt too confined for me. If you know anything about the topography of that area, you are smack dab in the middle of the West Side and it takes awhile to reach the windy road of Sunset Blvd that will lead you across to the Valley, where I personally loved living. The only thing I did love about living there was this wonderful Chinese restaurant my ex-husband just loved and I soon did, too. If you live in L.A. you might know about the Twin Dragon, which has been serving the finest Chinese food I had ever eaten in the same location for over 50 years. I met my step son there for the first time. I remembered he was nine years old and I was 27 and marrying his father. It felt so grand and sweet to be a step mom. I loved that role during that time period. I also had many romantic dinners there with my ex husband. We even had our pre-wedding reception party there for all of our bridal party members and closest loved ones. However the one moment that stuck out with me the most is the one night Michael and I were seated right next to Elizabeth Taylor and Rod Steiger. When you live in Los Angeles the funny thing is after awhile you become accustom to seeing stars on a daily basis, especially in that part of town. So when we sat only two feet away from Elizabeth and her Maltese and Rod, they were actually recognizing my ex husband, too, that was a well known news anchor in town. They exchanged words, and I just sort of sat in awe thinking of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf” moments from that fabulous movie and running every fact I knew in my mind regarding Elizabeth through my mind, like she, too was a fellow Pisces like myself and “Oh my gosh, It’s really legendary Elizabeth Taylor sitting next to me!” Then something sort of wonderful happened. Her little white Maltese left Elizabeth’s side for a few moments and snuggled right up next to me (We were both sitting on the same adjoining booth), and onto my lap. You can imagine my surge of pride when this happened. Then it happened. Elizabeth Taylor spoke to me, not my husband, but to ME. “My dog (said name can’t remember) has never done that before,” She exclaimed. Then she kept calling the doggie back to her and the Maltese stayed next to me for a few more moments before she ran back to Liz’s side. Soon we were done eating and it was time to leave. I let my ex-husband take the lead like I always did back then. He loved the attention and I at the time loved watching him receive it. As we were leaving I turned to look at Elizabeth Taylor and she looked at me and smiled. How incredibly special I felt for one moment to connect with her as an actress I had always admired and studied. And to this day, I know it was because of her dog. Her cute adorable dog liked me. I’ve always had that thing with dogs and I have no idea why they like me because ultimately I am a cat person. If that one moment on the booth hadn’t transpired, I would’ve just sat there and felt sort of on the side lines. Maybe here little doggie was sensing my longing of connection to her. He could feel my need to be acknowledged, too, by this Icon. All I do know that is today after I heard that Elizabeth Taylor died, that memory played out for me as I was walking to work under the eucalyptus trees, that moment with Elizabeth Taylor at Twin Dragon and it seemed so grandiose now looking back. As a person that has been obsessed with old black and white movies and the Hollywood era, eating Chinese food next to Liz and her Maltese ranks up there as one of those surreal moments in Hollywood. I am reminded of how life can pass too quickly, and those chapters that touched the edges of our soul soon fade as new beginnings begin and old moments fade. I am reminded of how to remember to live each day with gratitude. Never look back, never look ahead, and just simply enjoy this now. Today when I found out Elizabeth Taylor died, I remembered parts of my life have died, too. I must say there were a few tears with these recollections and reflection, but mainly for Elizabeth. I will miss knowing she is alive on this earth, yet that one moment stuck in time will stay with me always….
