Archie’s Story…   Looking for a new pet dog to call your own? Are you avoiding the puppy phase and need a perfect mate for long walks and a devoted personality? Well, last week when I was in Rancho Santa Fe doing some errands in town, I found a flyer on this handsome Labrador mix named archie. He looks like a such a sweetie and the paper forgot to place his photo in the the column so I am hoping someone will see this and fall in love with Archie’s sweet smile and good natured personality.

  (Information from Adopt A Pet in San Diego): Hi!  I’m Archie!  I’m a handsome 6-year-old neutered Labrador retriever mix.  I weigh about 110 lbs at the moment, but my foster mom has me on a diet and I hope to be down to below 100 very soon.  That may sound like a lot, but I’m big boned!  I like to go for walks and am pretty active, so you could help me lose some weight. I have a big personality too – happy, happy, happy!

Machel’s Ranch

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.

On February 10^th, 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 18^th, 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!

If you have a story you would like to share with Machel, you can contact her at mpenn@coastnewsgroup.com.

          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!

            On January 28^th, 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 30^th 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 1^st, 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.

            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.

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 Rancho Santa Fe News 
“Machel’s Ranch” Newspaper column -On-line version

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.

          

            On December 17^th, 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?

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 19^th, 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

Do you believe in angels? I do. I have never seen one in person, but have often thought, in retrospect, after meeting someone under an odd circumstance, that that person could have been an angel. Recently, I watched a show called “Angels Among Us,” which is a television series based on those individuals that believe their lives were altered or saved by their guardian angel. This particular episode focused on the 9/11 attacks. It told of the surreal accounts of victims trapped inside the Pentagon and the World Trade Center.  The most amazing account was by the last victim to be pulled from Ground Zero, Genelle McMillan.

Genelle McMillan was buried alive under 110 stories, trapped beneath the rubble for more than 27 hours. Originally, Genelle said prayers, asking that she would die quickly because rescue seemed impossible. However, as she recounted this horrific event, she said she then began thinking of her family over and over, and she decided to pray for a miracle.  Within a few hours of that prayer someone grabbed her one free hand that was stretched out between the rubble and debris. “Don’t worry Genelle, I’ve got you.” He said his name was Paul. Genelle recounted how she held onto Paul’s hand for hours until suddenly she heard voices close by, and that was when he let go. Genelle McMillan became known as the last survivor pulled from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.

While the rescue teams all wore gloves, Paul did not. No one had seen Paul when they dug beneath the rubble and there was no feasible way someone could be there. Who was Paul? One may never know, but Genelle believes it was her guardian angel. How inspiring it was to hear her recount and share her story. Just remember, while life sometimes can feel bleak or difficult, take comfort in the unseen angels that I feel definitely walk amongst us.

 AROUND TOWN

On Sept. 17 and Sept. 18, Krista Laffety and fiancé Mike Confer competed in an event in Northern California touted as the toughest event on the planet: the “Tough Mudder.”

If you are around town much during the day or happen to be in the Rotarian circle here in Rancho Santa Fe, there is a good chance you know Krista. One of my best friends over the last few years, we have shared many fun times working together in the newspaper publishing business. The course was 12 miles long with 19 obstacles, including an elevation gain of 3,000 feet! Wow. Mike came in fifth place with a time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Then he competed again alongside his future bride, which sounds like true love to me. Here is a photo of the dynamic duo soon-to-be-betrothed. Congrats on finishing and participating in this event!

In Southern California on those same two days, “Fresh Start Surgical Gifts” had a successful Surgery weekend. Thirteen patients received reconstructive surgery from this charity dedicated to helping disfigured children start their lives over again. There were over 70 volunteers over the course of this special weekend. Featured here is Doug Davis from Kearny Person Ford with Amanda Thompson. Amanda is the development manager at Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. Site SoCal, San Diego Count Ford, and The Parker Foundation were also sponsors for the surgeries that weekend. For more information on this wonderful charity, here is the website: Freshstart.org.

On Sept. 22, Fashion Week came to Rancho Santa Fe at the 54th Annual Country Friends Fashion Show. This was 7th consecutive year that Country Friends has partnered with South Coast Plaza. Did you know that in the last 55 years this amazing organization has raised over $12 million for charities and worthy causes for the San Diego County? How amazing! This year the streets in the Ranch shut down, traffic was diverted, while many beautiful women decked out in their elegant hats and dresses and chic fashions filled the greenbelt area adjacent to the Inn. Featured here in this beautiful photo from that day is Co-Chair Melanie Cruz with friends, plus a gorgeous snap shot of one of the models on the runway. Interesting fact: I met my husband for the first time in 2006 at this event and still remember the pinned striped shirt he was wearing, white slacks with Louis Vuitton black loafers. Due to a heavy writing schedule, this was my first year to miss the event since 2005. Luckily, Melanie was kind enough to share this photo. My girlfriend, Bianca Macaluso snapped the photo of the model for me, too. Thanks! I must add Lemon Twist Fruit Stand was also a proud sponsor that day. They donated chocolate covered strawberries for the afternoon dessert.

Later that evening, just around the corner in La Jolla, Priscilla Wood joined fellow members of SMARTY at Symbolic Motor for the “So you Want to be An Entrepreneur” event. This group isn’t just about being smart or looking good, this group creates an environment for businesswomen to mingle, find more opportunity by encouraging one another and in the meantime having, fun, too. Each event photo always looks like something off the red carpet from a Hollywood movie premier, just like this photo for example. Priscilla is featured with Elise Muhawi and Cassie Weiner Piasecki. For more information on this savvy group of together women, please check out their website at smartypeople.com.

On Sept. 28, I received some exciting news about one Ranch resident, Violet MacDonald’s granddaughters, Reese MacDonald. Reese is playing soccer this fall for the Del Mar Sharks team. Reese is featured here with her best friend Alexi Aloni and teammate Stephanie Fuller. Doesn’t this photo capture the innocence of youth and the exuberance of friendship? A must share for this week’s column for sure…I know Violet must be a very proud grandmother! Violet is active in the Rancho Santa Fe Garden and can be seen around town enjoying fabulous lunches with friends.