“Machel’s Ranch,” also featured in the Rancho Santa Fe News
“The Importance of Being Earnest in our Friendships”
Columnist Machel Penn Shull, "Machel's Ranch"
Oscar Wilde once said, “A true friend stabs you in the front.” Originally, I was planning on sharing an over-the-top sappy friendship quote. However, after reading that, I redirected my thoughts on the subject. Figuring out the darker shades in our relationships is just as important as highlighting the sunny-side of things, too. So, I read a few more quotes from all sorts for famous important dead people that have made lasting impacts on society, like Thomas Jefferson, Helen Keller to Aristotle. I became quite inspired by their insights on why we need and have friends in our lives. Then I stumbled across this quote by Saint Jerome, which struck a never with me. “The friendship that can cease has never been real.” So, here is my question to you. Do you have enough courage to be honest with your feelings if that means risking a friendship?
If we don’t have the nerve to be real in our most intimate circles, than why bother faking it? Life is too short to be boggled down by unwanted drama and those that do noy truly care for the ‘real you.’ Yes, I have had my heart broken by close friends in the past. However, over time I have learned to be wise and less needy for useless acquaintance-ships. Quality verses Quantity, right? Here is one last quote by author Samuel Paterson that pretty much says it perfectly: “Books, like friends, should be few and well chosen.” Now let’s focus on some ‘live individuals’ here locally under the eucalyptus trees that appear to be having a ‘storybook summer.’
Around Town
Karian Forysyth's Birthday party
On July 9th, Karian Forsyth celebrated her birthday in high style under a perfect blue sky in The Crosby. I do believe all of the clouds disappeared just for Karian’s special day! I’m sure you recognize Mrs. Forsyth as one of my featured regulars in my column. What’s wonderful about Karian is she has the gift of making you feel like a celebrity. All of her guests are spoiled and pampered without exception. The women that attended enjoyed exotic salads and appetizers, while sipping champagne poolside. There was even a Hollywood Psychic giving personal reading for anyone that was brave enough to find out their future. (You can count me out on that one!) Oxygen Medical Spa was also on deck pampering the ladies with the latest facial treatments. Here are a few photos from that day. Happy Birthday to one lovely woman that is definitely my ‘real’ friend I and I feel am blessed to be in her inner circle. For more information on Oxygen Medical Spa, check out www.oxygenmedicalspa.com.
On July 10th, I celebrated my wedding anniversary with my husband, Robin Shull. We managed to squeeze in a quick ‘getaway’ to Laguna Hills the night before. On our way back to San Diego, we stopped at one of my favorite beach towns—San Clemente. And, what’s a romantic couple to do on a Sunday there? Enjoy sipping some of the best hot tea and eat crumpets together, while holding hands. I being a bit ridiculous, but yes, that’s what we did. We also met a lovely student/waitress, Erica Shrader. Her charm and warm personality was honestly such a delight. If you need a quiet adventure with your loved one or your girlfriends, this is worth the trip up the coast. From Rancho Santa Fe, I would say its only 40 minutes away. Here is more information on my favorite tea house—www.poshtearoomandcafe.com. I
have featured a cute photo of Robin with the lovely Erica we met from that day. Yes, I am a trusting woman!
Elaine Gallagher with good friends at Pre Opening Day Races Fashion Show
On July 20, “Opening Day at The Races,” at the Del Mar race track clogged the 5 freeways from both directions. If you were lucky on that day, you had a driver or you arrived by limousine. Otherwise, you were one of many fighting for a parking spot, then schlepping to the track in your heels across the dirt parking lots…that is if you happen to be a female attending the races that day.( Men’s shoes appear to be easier to navigate across the dirt lots.) Just thought I would throw a little reality from my own personal experiences in from the past. My great friend Bianca and Tony Macaluso invited us to attend in their private box. Unfortunately, this year and recent time off prevented both us from making it that day. Here are some gorgeous photos from their luxurious day at the races. They also celebrated their one
SAVE THE DATE: Mark your calendars for the CD release of local celebrity singer, Sacha Boutros for September 22nd at “Anthology,” starting at 7:30 p.m. Sacha sings locally here in San Diego, and is booked world-wide on tours from Europe to Japan. She was also listed at one of the top 10 jazz musicians in the U.S. in 2008. I attended Sacha’s CD release a couple years back and it was a smashing evening. If you love jazz, trust me, you won’t want to miss this event! For more information on other local performances, here is her website information: www.sachaboutros.com.
If you have an event or would like to share a photo with Machel, please e-mail her at mpenn@coastnewsgroup.com. Machel Penn Shull writes for various publications in San Diego.
Rancho Santa Fe News, “Machel’s Ranch,” My love for the Newspaper businesss
A photo of the Sales team at the Rancho Santa Fe Review; the beginning of my Newspaper career in Rancho Santa Fe
By the time you read this, I will have entered
into a new decade. Yes, that’s right. I am turning 40 this month. I thought I
would share with my readers that fact. I must be honest, approaching this number
has been quite an introspective time for me. I tend to reflect and digest this
last decade with open arms to my mistakes and victories.
One of the happiest periods of my life has been in the newspaper business. It sort of came
to me by accident when my son started kindergarten at Roger Rowe Elementary. I
met a photographer at his school, inquired about a job and the next thing you
know I am knee deep in newspapers cluttering my car for the next seven years.
What I have learned from this is sometimes a new circumstance will occur. Your
life will shift in a way you had not planned. Then you end up happier than you
could have ever imagined. Coincidentally, this issue is my three-year
anniversary of writing “Machel’s Ranch.” So cheers to you, readers. Cheers to
finding new opportunities and the ability to make each day count. Most of all,
thank you for continuing to support the Rancho Santa Fe
News.
Columnist-Machel Penn Shull with her Ad Mentor-Terrie Drago, and good friend Krista Lafferty
Around Town
On Jan. 27, I received some
exciting news from Anthony Sorge. His son Matthew and his buddy Jake Johnson
were given a private lesson by former Padre Adrian Gonzalez. The Johnsons and
the Sorge family won in an auction a private batting session right before
baseball tryouts. How exciting for these two boys. I have included a photo from
that day. From the smiles on their faces, it looks like a dream come true moment
for both of them.
On Feb. 5, my good friend Jill Sorge hosted a Sadie
Hawkins pre-dance party. The actual dance was later that evening at the San
Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. The theme, famous couples, had all
of the students dressing in fashionable costumes. I have included two photos
that were taken at the pre-party in Fairbanks. Featured are Kade Shoemaker and
Lauren Sorge, who if you guessed went as the famous Ken and Barbie.
The large group photo features part of the Santa Fe Christian’s 10th-grade
class.
On Feb. 8, Ranch resident Corky Mizer celebrated his birthday with
Corky Mizer’s Birthday party group on Feb. 8. Courtesy photos
an intimate celebration with just a few of his good friends. Some of my column
regulars just happened to be on hand, too, for this special evening. Many of you
know Tom and Karian Forsyth. They are one of the best-dressed couples in Rancho
Santa Fe. I just saw them the other night at Mille Fleurs looking like they had
arrived straight from the ski slopes in Aspen, Colo. I am one of their biggest
fans. Nothing brings a smile to my face more than a gorgeous couple that also
looks stunning, too. I have included two fun photos from that night. Happy
Birthday Corky! You also look fabulous.
On Feb. 14, the Rancho Santa Fe
Rotary held their weekly meeting at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Celebrating
Valentine’s Day, the Rotarians enjoyed their lunch and each table was decorated
with flowers and balloons. One of the treats for that meeting was chocolates
from Allure Chocolat. Some of the current events mentioned at that meeting
included, Rotary Happy Hour, which will be at 5 p.m. March 3 and The Rotary
Rummage Sale, which will be held March 26.
The Community Center is
allowing drop-off items for this event on Wednesdays, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
I have included two photos from that meeting, one is of the two local chiefs of
Rancho Santa Fe and the other is a beautiful photo of the Manion
sisters.
That very same day, exciting things were happening for Lemon
Twist. If you are unfamiliar with this name, Lemon Twist is a local
produce/flower gift business that was established in Rancho Santa Fe more than30
years ago by Katie Shull. In 2007, Lemon Twist burnt down from the Witch Creek
Fire. So you can imagine after three years how excited Katie Shull was to see
her business finally resurrected. Her son Robin Shull manages the property. I
have included the photo that captures the excitement that day of being open
again on one of the busiest days of the year.
On Feb. 15, I received a chic photo taken straight from New York City’s Fashion Week. Del Mar residents
and newly married couple Tony and Bianca Macaluso were up close and personal
with the models. Here is a photo from that day, which features the designer,
Herve Leger. Thanks so much for keeping me in the loop. You two are such
jet-setters.
New York Fashion Week-2011
Read more: Coast
News Group – Milestone birthday allows us to take time for reflection
