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.”

Woody Allen once said, “The heart wants what the heart wants.” The same applies for friends. We may never know why they mean so much to us. However, when that person you missed comes back, it feels like an unexpected gift.  The sun will come out and you will remember the good times. Remember, some friends are worth fighting for, as for that one sitting in the back pew? Well, I do believe that is an entirely different story for next time…

AROUND TOWN

Blonde Ambition at the Races~Machel Penn Shull with one of her favorite's, Elaine Gallagher at their Turf Club Party at the Del Mar Races.

On Sept.2, Michael and Elaine Gallagher invited some close friends, family and colleagues to their End of the Summer Del Mar Race Track party. I must admit that was my first time back to the track in ages. Due to a busy schedule with my husband’s business re-opening this year after the Witch Creek Fires, my social scene has pretty much been looking at fruit, vegetables and more fruit. No complaints. But you can surmise by the last statement that I was an enthusiastic wife and friend thrilled to make it to Elaine and Michael’s wonderful party. I only managed to knock off a saucer or two on the coffee table in the fancy suite up on the fifth floor. (Yes, I did do that, and I was making a joke about it.) I am sharing this photo of just Elaine and I because it captures why ‘two blondes’ are better than one. Thanks Elaine and Michael for helping back out into the world again.

On Sept. 8, while the world was gearing up for the 10-year anniversary of Sept.11, Southern California experienced what the world would be like without electricity. If you were out in the madness and trying to get home that day, then you know it was actually very scary out there. People were stranded; no gas, no bankcards, no technology and those poor victims stuck in elevators downtown! After my almost two hour drive that normally takes only 25 minutes, I finally pulled up to Lemon Twist. Guess what I did? I started stocking up for the worst — a mother preparing for battle.

Well, I had glimmers of that 1983 movie called “The Day After.” This was a movie about what happens the next day after nuclear war hits. Very frightening. Luckily, San Diego returned to sanity. The next day I quickly ran out and bought am/fm radio headsets for all of my friends at The Dollar Tree. (The things we do when we are in survival mode.)

Later that day, Ranch resident Neysa Whiteman hosted the Scripps Charity Event “Wine, Women & Shoes” at her lovely estate in Rancho Santa Fe. I do believe there was quite a buzz on this party for a couple of weeks around town. I even received phone calls just making sure I would be there. Due to school starting that week and an insurmountable new line-up of homework, I couldn’t make it. However, here is a picture of Neysa Whiteman with a few of her guests from that day — lovely ladies out in style under the eucalyptus trees for charity. Thanks for sharing the photo with me.

On Sept. 9, I noticed these new beautiful cards on display down at Lemon Twist Fruit Stand. You may not know this, but I absolutely love art, painters and beautiful water color greeting cards! When my husband told me that the artist was Ranch Realtor, Laureen Weaver, I must admit I was very impressed and excited. Laureen failed to mention to me (being humble I am sure!) about her amazing gift and that she is an excellent artist. Painting is not easy, especially with watercolors. Her cards are of scenic views of Rancho Santa Fe and other picturesque paintings that make beautiful gifts for anyone.  Here is Laureen’s website: thebrokenbrush.com. You can also find them at Lemon Twist, at 8175 Del Dios Highway. Another important note, Laureen is also a member of the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild.

On Sept.15, parents were invited to Back To School Night at Roger Rowe. I managed to squeeze in my son’s sixth grade class just in time to hear all of the wonderful things they are learning about this year. The classrooms are just luxurious there. Wow, how impressive…and so are the teachers, the staff and the room aids that help out so much. Here is a gorgeous photo of Kerrie Lunsford, Allison Stratton and Sharon Krug, whom are all moms of sixth grade students.  Kerrie is just one of the many Room Moms that donates her time to make our children’s lives more organized and special at school. Thanks, Kerrie

Read more: Coast News Group – As Mr Allen said ‘The heart wants what the heart wants’

I’m not one to really delve deeply into political debates.  However, lately I have noticed a very nasty trend: Complaining about America. I know. Life isn’t perfect and neither is our nation. With that statement out of the way, there is something to be said about honoring our country and valuing our freedom. There is something to be said for living in such a luxurious country where we can just step into any grocery store and find miles of food stacked high for our gluttonous selves to eat as much as we please. Those individuals behind the Internet postings that keep knocking the “Big Bad-Government” seem to forget that their rantings are obtuse and meaningless if they are not backing their words with actions. Are they serving their congressman? Are they helping “be-the-change-they-want-to-see” in this next election?

Meanwhile, millions are starving in Somalia as their country faces the worst famine in over 60 years. I’m tired of listening and reading endless complaints about our nation. Instead, please do something definitive and lend a hand to the solution. For those that just want to keep trashing the government, don’t forget to grab your Costco card and load up on aisle five for the “buy one get one free special,” or forget to sample the tasty barbecue wings before you hit the check-out line.

Just remember, while you are whining and enjoying the bountiful delicious hot snacks, less than 50 miles away someone is selling their soul and risking their life just to touch American soil.  I hope that you are finding a smile today and valuing America. Let’s be the solution and take action, OK?  If this is too much to ask, at least vote in the next election.

We are all so blessed to live here. I hope the majority of the citizens forget this obvious fact as we wake up and breathe freedom every day.  Life is too short and precious to be constantly spreading negativity in this world.

Around Town

Newspaper Columnist, Machel Penn Shull, with author, Doris Lee McCoy

On Aug. 1, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky on a glorious Monday in Rancho Santa Fe. In the heart of town at The Inn, longtime Ranch resident Katie Hawkes was inducting the newest Rotary member, Brad Britton. If you haven’t attended one of the fabulous luncheons with the Rotary yet, then you are definitely missing out. When I worked full time for the paper, that was one of my Monday daily events that I just loved. Motivating, inspiring and caring, this group reaches out and connects you with other wonderful individuals, while donating time to enhance this community and helping charities, too.  For more information on the RSF Rotary, visit their website and find out how you can become a member, too. Here is the link:  www.ranchosantaferotary.org. I have also featured a photo from the Aug. 6 meeting of district governor Larry Sundram featured with club president, Alan Balfour. A big thank you to Matt Wellhouser, chief of Rancho Santa Fe Patrol, for sharing these photos with the Rancho Santa Fe News.  

On Aug. 9, my husband and I had the wonderful honor of being invited over to Michael and Elaine Gallagher’s house in The Crosby for dinner. Imagine views of rolling mountains, purple skies and waterfalls with tropical plants surrounding you, while the sun is setting in Rancho Santa Fe.
This was my view that evening as Robin mingled with the Gallaghers. Robin and I had the best time sharing stories with them. Their son Michael is a film director/producer and also has a massive following on his channel on YouTube.
Can you say 20 million views a month? After a delicious filet mignon with béarnaise followed by crème brulee for dessert, we enjoyed watching some of Michael’s impressive comedy sketches. We had so much fun that evening! Here is the link to Michael Gallagher’s channel youtube.com/user/TotallySketch. I first met Elaine years ago here in the Ranch, when I worked in advertising for the newspaper, too. We recently became close during some trying times I experienced after losing two close friends in 2010.  I will never forget the warmth and sincere honesty from Elaine when she reached out and offered her support.

On Aug. 16, I received some exciting news regarding a local young artist that attended an art school in New York. Santa Fe Christian’s high school junior Lauren Sorge spent one month attending Parson’s Art School. Originally founded in 1896 (under a different name), this academy is renowned for their progressive thinking, while developing new approaches to art and design education for more than a century.
Featured here is a photo of Lauren in New York City from this summer. Congratulations Lauren on your exciting experience. I know one day I will be saying, “I knew Lauren Sorge when she was just 5 years old!”

On Aug. 17, I received an e-mail from one of my favorite inspirational residents in North County. You may have seen her around town, Doris Lee McCoy? Well, I am here to tell you she has just topped Amazon’s No. 36th spot for bestselling books on Amazon!
“The Magic of Gross National Happiness” is a study of what place is the happiest place in the world. You would be surprised by these results. Her studies have lead her all over the world and she is one of our very own local authors. How wonderful!
Here is a photo of one lucky night when I hung out with Doris in town at Mille Fleurs. Thank you Doris for always being an inspiration and for spreading light and positivity in this world.

Save the date

On Sept. 22, The Art of Fashion, 56th annual Country Friends Fashion Show is coming to Rancho Santa Fe. If you aren’t attending, you are missing out on one of my favorite days of the year! Fabulous food, shopping, models and designers from all over the world will be transpiring in one day, so don’t miss out. To buy your tickets now, here is their link: thecountryfriends.org. I have featured a gorgeous photo of two wonderful ladies I know very well, Melanie Cruz and Pearl Padovano.

Later that evening, local celebrity singer Sacha Boutros will be performing at Anthology in Little Italy at 7:30 p.m. This evening will launch Sacha’s newest CD release. If you love jazz and a beautiful voice, don’t miss this evening out in San Diego with Sacha Boutros. Here is her link with more information on this event: sacha-boutros.com

Machel Penn marries Robin Shull in Summer of 2009

Women, they have this thing … the familiar sound goes “tick, tick, tick.” Do you know what I’m talking about? If you’re a man, you probably don’t. However, if you happen to be one of those women in the mid- to late 30s like me, you can hear the sound of the clock hanging over your head. It’s your internal clock. You know, that loud biological one that makes women leap into any man’s arms during those critical two to three days of the month?  Maybe I went through the baby thing at an early age. While most women in their 20s just wanted to party, follow their careers and waited to marry later, my Midwestern roots had me convinced I was already an old maid.

As you might have guessed, I did marry young, and I had a son before I was 30. Now as life presents new chapters, with new adventures, I am at the end of my 30s looking head on into adulthood, newly married a second time, with another clock now … ticking for a second time.

OK, babies. I love them. I really do. I wasn’t one of those pleasant pregnant women that went around with rosy-red cheeks with the perfect glow. No. I was big, fat and pregnant. If you looked at me sideways you would’ve thought of a refrigerator, because that’s how wide I was. Not some delicate Ranch mom with skinny bird legs, and a perfect “pop belly.” Why I had to be an unusually fat pregnant woman, I don’t know.

The good news is I’m somewhat vain. If I gain weight, I have been able to drop it fast at the sight of my body looking like a deep freeze. Thank goodness I’m fairly athletic. So don’t worry, if you think I’m going to pull a “Jillian Michaels” and adopt a baby because I don’t want to subject my body to another pregnancy, you’re wrong.

I did have one of those “desperate housewife” moments over the weekend, when I had a funny conversation with one of my other female counterparts. My girlfriend and I were discussing how soon does a woman need to have a child before it’s too late? Here was basically our discussion on the phone, beginning with my girlfriend’s first erroneous statement:

“You know if you don’t have a baby by the time you’re 35, your eggs dry up.”

On a side note, have you noticed the July 4 weekend
is one of the happiest holidays during the year? As I was traveling back to the
Midwest, travelers seemed more relaxed and less frazzled than other holidays.
Maybe it’s the long weekend, or the fact most employees enjoy a paid vacation.
Or could it be that most Americans truly are patriotic and care about this
country? I think so. Anyway, I hope you had an excellent weekend, too. I hope
your heart was filled with inspiration and pride for living in the best country
in the world. We are all so very blessed.

Out of Town

On July 1, I ventured to downtown Spirit Lake with my sister and mom to this wonderful
place called The Market. If you are looking for a health food store like a
Jimbos in a small town, you will probably be out of luck. Not so for the
residents in this small town. This quaint restaurant, attached to the
mini-market of the health food store, is painted in bright yellow with the most
gorgeous tiled floor. You can enjoy organic dishes; order sparkling Perrier and
other healthy drinks, while relaxing at your table. This outing happened to be
my favorite moment of each day. Featured here, is my sister Tracy with our
mother, Micky Kay Penn. I have also included one photo of Hill Street where The
Market is located. Here is also a link to their website: http://http://www.themarketcoop.com/about.html.

On July 4, my sister and I headed to the YMCA for our
daily workout. Right beside the gym was the cutest teenage girl selling corn
under an umbrella. Yes, I confess, there is corn in Iowa. And guess what? It’s
known as “Candy Corn,” instead of sweet corn, which I found interesting. My
sister kept saying, “Let’s buy some candy corn,” and I kept looking for the
kettle corn booth like you see at the fair (silly me). Here is a fun shot of
Tracy standing with a local resident that day. Yes, there are pretty girls in
Iowa.

Later that night we watched the fireworks on the lake with hundreds
of other residents and boaters scattered in the darkness. This evening almost
felt magical to me. My son ran back to me at the end of the boat and said, “See,
mom, told you it was way better than you thought.” He also let me know that he
would be moving to Spirit Lake when he was an adult, which I found rather sweet.
Of course, I am hoping this inclination fades and he stays in California! I
would share a photo, but I’m not sure it will really turn out well in print in
the newspaper.

On July 5, I left Spirit Lake and descended at LAX
Airport. What’s wonderful about getting away on a vacation is that it truly
makes you appreciate your own life and schedule. That old adage, “You can never
go home, again,” is absolutely true. Though we may miss our childhood and our
immediate family, age and time will manage to prevent you from truly returning.
And, I must add, for the first time in my life I understand that saying. Let’s
just say, driving back to San Diego, while the ocean glimmered to the west of
the freeway, I was one enthusiastic girl to return home to
California.

Around Town

On July 2, Rancho Santa Fe’s piano man
Randy Beecher celebrated his birthday at Mille Fleurs with fans and local
residents. Hope it was a wonderful day, Randy! Thanks for adding so many
wonderful memories to my life as well. Also, just in case you haven’t heard,
Mille Fleurs is launching a “Singles Night” on the first Thursday of each month.

So if you are single and you are looking to mingle, this is the place to
be in Rancho Santa Fe on the first Thursday of each month. If you would like
more information regarding this event, visit: http://http://www.bestpianobar.com/.

In town on July 3, The Pan American Cup Finals were held at the San Diego Polo field.
The weekend event included a featured band, the “classic divot stomp” like in
the movie, “Pretty Woman,” and prizes for guests. Featured here in the winner
photo are Krista Bonaguidi, Chris Collins, Mariano Fassetta, and Alvaro Tadeo
(holding his daughter, Valentina).

Also featured from that day are the
publishers of FINE Magazine, Heather and John Winfield.It looks like
that was an amazing event for the locals here in San Diego. For more information
on that particular event, here is the link:
sandiegopolo.wordpress.com/2011/07/06/pan-american-cup-finals-4th-of-july-celebration/.

Rancho Santa Fe Majors team-The White Sox win The Coast Cities Tournament.

On
July 6, I received some wonderful news from my favorite bed and breakfast in the San Diego area, Jamul Haven. If you are looking for a “Stay-cation,” this is a
five-star International B&B you must check out.

The owners, William Roetzheimand Marianne are wonderful, inviting and really take amazing care of their guests. Right now they are offering a promotion: buy two-week nights and receive one free until the end of the year. Here is their website: http://http://www.jamulhaven.com/.

I stayed with them for my 39th birthday last year and since thenI receive their monthly newsletters, which I just love reading.

Also, on Aug. 6, Jamul Haven B&B will be hosting a reading by James Reynolds, “The
Shakespeare You Never Knew,” a parody. For more information visit the website listed above. Here is an excerpt from a column I wrote in 2010 regarding my stay at Jumal Haven:

 

(The following excerpt is from the B&B Journal I wrote in while I stayed at Jamul Haven).

February 20th, 2010

Dear Bill and Mariann,

Machel at Jamal Haven for her birthday in 2010

I am sitting in the white furry bathrobe I found hanging in the closet. I am reading your magazines on Victorian homes and relaxing, while my husband is having the most peaceful sleep. For a bit, I hung out in the Angel House kitchen and ate the delicious snacks I found in the refrigerator. I drank the milk and ate the banana. Then I called my mother and told her I was having the best birthday of my life. We haven’t even left the Peacock Room because we love it so much. We had forgone dinner in town because this time is too precious at your beautiful B&B and I don’t want to waste it by eating at a typical restaurant. My heart is quieted by the stillness and history of this room. Time feels trapped here and I am so glad to have found “Jamul Haven.”

“Sometimes dreams do come true,” is what I said to my husband tonight. Thank you for having us stay here this weekend. You deserve more blessings because you have blessed others by restoring such a wonderful historic landmark. God Bless you Always.

Sincerely, Machel Penn Shull and Robin

This was my entry the weekend of my birthday at a Bed and Breakfast I had found on the Internet. Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you. You don’t realize there is an ache in your heart until something reminds you it’s still there. That’s what happened to me at this quaint B&B. I found pieces of my childhood inside the walls in Angel House. I sat there on the wraparound porch and watched the clouds drift across this hills. I listened to the birds sing that weekend I turned 39. I reminisced about what I still miss, which is the farm I raised on in Missouri.

What I want to focus on here now with you is what I discovered that weekend. I unearthed the most amazing getaway that is like something out of a Jane Austin novel. We’re talking history and romance restored inside a ranch that was established by Charles Gifford in 1890. He was the first person to can olives successfully for commercial sale in America.

The owners today — Marianne and William Roetzheim — took three years to restore this historic landmark into an already internationally recognized B&B. The Ila-chateau.com, which is an exclusive group of independently owned hotels in Europe, USA, Canada and Southern Africa, rate list only five B&B’s in America and Jamul Haven is one of them.

What you must know is there is a place within reach where you can escape for one or two days. You can find the relaxation you need and pampering in one of the finest B&Bs. You can drive to Jamul, which only 40 minutes to from Del Mar. There you can find reprieve in a forgotten time you cannot find here in San Diego.

Perched up on a hill, above the gated communities near the golf course there, Bill and Marianne have created a retreat where you feel safe from worries in the real world. Their caring nature and their suburb manor as the hosts of Jamul Haven, reassures you that good down to earth people do exist.

After one of the best breakfasts I have had in years — I had frittata, ham, fruit, homemade coffee cake, plus more — you simply don’t want to leave. What I discovered there was a little piece of my soul that still misses the red earth in Missouri. Thank you Bill and Marianne for letting me go home, albeit if only in my dreams.

Remembering Will Norton From Joplin, Missouri

then I’m sure you’ve heard of Will Norton. He was the 18-year-old high school
student that had just graduated less than an hour before his life was tragically
cut short on his way home after the ceremony. While the rest of us here and in
the other parts of the country may complain about the imperfect skies, the
residents in Joplin are trying to rebuild their lives. We’re talking about
grieving over loved ones, while losing your home, your car and your place of
work. Can you imagine? If you have a moment, I encourage you to check out Will’s
facebook page at www.Facebook.com/FindWillNorton.

Will Norton looked like
one of the happiest, enthusiastic individuals I’ve ever seen photographed. The
one thing is for sure, while he was alive, he was smiling from his soul. Let’s
hope we can try and take advantage of each day we are given, and count our many
blessings. Let us remember that smile on Will Norton’s face, and let it help to
remind us to find the joy in our own lives — just like the joy found in many of
the photographs posted on his memorial page. My prayers are with the Joplin
residents, and Will Norton’s family.

Around town

On June 11, The Rancho Santa Fe Majors Yankees team played in the Coast Cities Tournament
against the Encinitas Padres. You wouldn’t know it from the smile on these
Yankee players — Patrick, Matthew, and Raul, Jackson — that they had just lost
the game 6-7 — as evidenced by this photograph taken after the game.

Why the smiles? After playing an average season, this team recovered and played
competitively in the tournament, making it three games before losing that day.
Congrats to these boys for coming back, finding spirit and trying their best in
the CCT. The Yankees didn’t win that day, but they definitely finished
well!

On June 12, The San Diego Polo Club held their opening day bash.
One of my favorite residents in the Ranch, Elaine Gallagher, celebrated in style
with family and friends. She was kind enough to share this gorgeous photo of her
with Kathy Herington, standing in front of just one of the many Ferraris on
display.

Opening Day in Del Mar for San Diego Polo-Elaine Gallagher and friend

Polo ponies and red Ferraris — that sounds like a scene right
out of “Pretty Woman,” but happening right here in our own neighborhood! If you
want to share in the glamour and enjoy polo events, check out
sandiegopolo.com for this year’s schedule. Thanks Elaine for keeping me in the
social loop.

On June 13, The AAA Del Mar Scrappers made it to the final
four in the Coast Cities Tournament! Featured here are two of the Scrappers
players, Holden MacDonald, and Grayson Le Rose. These boys had an amazing season
and are definitely champions for doing so well in the tournament and for having
an excellent season. Thank you Meredith for sharing this photo in this issue!
Congrats on a wonderful year in baseball. For inquiring minds that may want to
know, Holden is the grandson of Ranch resident Violet MacDonald.

On June

Rancho Santa Fe Majors-White Sox winn Coast Cities Tournament-2011

15, The Rancho Santa Fe White Sox Majors team won the Coast Cities Tournament
against the Encinitas LL Reds team. Featured here is a photo of the White Sox.
Thank you, to Jason Barry for allowing me to share this wonderful photo in the
paper for all of the residents to see. How exciting that the Rancho Santa Fe
Majors won the Coast Cities Tournament. To see more of these photos and find out
which players made the All Star Team, check out the
facebook.com/pages/Rancho-Little-League link.

The next day, more exciting
news happened in baseball. The Rancho Penasquitos Pony league Marlins team won
their championship game. Ranch resident Matthew Sorge actually competed in two
leagues this year, while having two games a day! Wow, now that’s what I call
All-Star Commitment. Congrats to all of the Marlins for winning their
championship game. As a little league mom, I had to share these victories and
updates for all of the residents and families to see. A big thanks to all of the
coaches in these leagues for taking time out of your schedule to help make this
season a memorable one for all of the players.

Winners!! Matthew Sorge-Ranch Resident featured in photo

On June 17, Cheryl Wilcox,
R. Roger Rowe’s head secretary, worked her last day of school in the Rancho
Santa Fe School District. After 18 years, Cheryl is retiring. I will be sad to
see her go. Cheryl has always been a tremendous help to me if I ever needed any
information, or needed help with something. Thank you Cheryl for being so
wonderful always, and I hope you enjoy your retirement. I am sure many will miss
you. On June 20, The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary inducted Bill Chenoweth as a new
member of the organization. He is featured here in the column with Katie Hawkes
and Patrick Galvin. Thank you, for sharing the photo. I’m sure you know that the
Rancho Santa Fe Rotary is an amazing organization that helps out many, many
different charities through their tireless efforts.

Spice up your summer

How? With tango lessons in Temecula! The mystery of tango will be
revealed in classes every Friday at 6:15 p.m. at 41760 Rider Way. Please, check
out their Web page before coming in for a lesson at: http://http://www.tangocaminito.com/Aboutus.html.