“Machel’s Ranch,” featured Rancho Santa Fe News
Twelve years ago I moved from Los Angeles to Rancho Santa Fe. I remember driving down
Via de la Valle for the first time toward our new home in the Ranch thinking how
beautiful the eucalyptus trees were hanging over the road. I was pregnant with
my son and driving this huge U-haul with some of my past cluttered in the back
in packed boxes. I had no idea then what to expect. I had never heard of Rancho
Santa Fe. To be honest, I thought it sounded like a place in New Mexico. Tears
were streaming down my cheeks as I drove quietly to my new home. I must admit, I
was apprehensive and afraid. What kind of life would I find in San
Diego?
Via de la Valle for the first time toward our new home in the Ranch thinking how
beautiful the eucalyptus trees were hanging over the road. I was pregnant with
my son and driving this huge U-haul with some of my past cluttered in the back
in packed boxes. I had no idea then what to expect. I had never heard of Rancho
Santa Fe. To be honest, I thought it sounded like a place in New Mexico. Tears
were streaming down my cheeks as I drove quietly to my new home. I must admit, I
was apprehensive and afraid. What kind of life would I find in San
Diego?
Jill Sorge and Columnist-Machel Penn Shull-fast friends since 1999
As I share with you my son’s 11th birthday
celebration, I am also remembering my beginnings in the Ranch. Now looking back,
I wish I could have whispered to my younger self, “You just hit the jackpot, but
you don’t know it yet!” That’s how I feel today. Sometimes it takes a while to
discover a place and to understand its own worth on our journey. “Presents” can
also come in the form of change. In the beginning, losing what we know might be
hard. Sometimes what we don’t want to happen can turn out be a blessing in
disguise. Celebrating my son’s life here in the Ranch and getting to know this
wonderful community has been truly a gift in my life.
celebration, I am also remembering my beginnings in the Ranch. Now looking back,
I wish I could have whispered to my younger self, “You just hit the jackpot, but
you don’t know it yet!” That’s how I feel today. Sometimes it takes a while to
discover a place and to understand its own worth on our journey. “Presents” can
also come in the form of change. In the beginning, losing what we know might be
hard. Sometimes what we don’t want to happen can turn out be a blessing in
disguise. Celebrating my son’s life here in the Ranch and getting to know this
wonderful community has been truly a gift in my life.
Around
Town
Town
On March 29, some lucky Ranch residents attended the much
anticipated Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball tour at San Diego State’s Viejas Arena.
Wow, I must say as a Lady Gaga fan myself, that’s thrilling! I have included a
picture of Ali Acosta, Dylan Mulvaney, Tony Sorge, Lauren Sorge and Kassidy
Brown. I’ve always found it odd how Lady Gaga calls her fans her “little
monsters,” but the term has stayed and it seems they love it. Thanks for sharing
the photo.
anticipated Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball tour at San Diego State’s Viejas Arena.
Wow, I must say as a Lady Gaga fan myself, that’s thrilling! I have included a
picture of Ali Acosta, Dylan Mulvaney, Tony Sorge, Lauren Sorge and Kassidy
Brown. I’ve always found it odd how Lady Gaga calls her fans her “little
monsters,” but the term has stayed and it seems they love it. Thanks for sharing
the photo.
On April 3, Ranch resident Jackson Bernard Tuck (my son!)
celebrated his 11th birthday party at the Ultra Zone Laser Tag down in San
Diego. I had the good fortune of driving two of his buddies — Brett Vitale and
Brandon Catledge — along with Jackson down to the party.
celebrated his 11th birthday party at the Ultra Zone Laser Tag down in San
Diego. I had the good fortune of driving two of his buddies — Brett Vitale and
Brandon Catledge — along with Jackson down to the party.
Jackson Tuck's 11th Birthday party in San Diego
We met his other good
friends Matthew Sorge, Chloe Temple, Atiana Smith, Holden and Reese MacDonald at
the location. I included an exuberant group photo of them from that day and one
of me with Jill Sorge — my very first friend in Rancho Santa Fe. Thanks to all
of his good friends for coming out and making the day perfect.
On April 10, I received a phone call from my good friend Jill and her daughter Lauren
Sorge. They were headed down to see the overflow at the dam at Lake Hodges,
which has been a local tourist attraction lately.
Sorge. They were headed down to see the overflow at the dam at Lake Hodges,
which has been a local tourist attraction lately.
Later that day, I received aspectacular shot just down below the overspill at the base of the dam. I just had to share it with my readers. And, if you haven’t heard of the mysterious
monster Hodgee, it’s a fun tidbit of information to know. Just like the infamous
Loch Ness body of water in the Scottish Highlands, our very own Lake Hodges may
have its own monster living in the dark crevices down below. You must check out this website that documents the history of its sightings at: http://www.hodgee.com/. I love mystery stories like that.
monster Hodgee, it’s a fun tidbit of information to know. Just like the infamous
Loch Ness body of water in the Scottish Highlands, our very own Lake Hodges may
have its own monster living in the dark crevices down below. You must check out this website that documents the history of its sightings at: http://www.hodgee.com/. I love mystery stories like that.
On April 13, I stopped by my favorite coffee shop
in Rancho Santa Fe — Caffe Pasitono in Fairbanks. This will be the seventh
summer that owner Tim Cusac has delivered gourmet coffee, pastries and
sandwiches to the Ranch. A popular stop right after school is the Rancho Santa
Fe Sandwich Shop, which is also owned by Tim. You can see the children lined up
outside in the courtyard waiting for soft serve frozen yogurt. Congrats, Tim on
bringing so many lovely choices for the residents. One of my favorite items at
his Sandwich Shop is his freshly made chicken salad. I must add, it’s “divine”
as my sister would say.
in Rancho Santa Fe — Caffe Pasitono in Fairbanks. This will be the seventh
summer that owner Tim Cusac has delivered gourmet coffee, pastries and
sandwiches to the Ranch. A popular stop right after school is the Rancho Santa
Fe Sandwich Shop, which is also owned by Tim. You can see the children lined up
outside in the courtyard waiting for soft serve frozen yogurt. Congrats, Tim on
bringing so many lovely choices for the residents. One of my favorite items at
his Sandwich Shop is his freshly made chicken salad. I must add, it’s “divine”
as my sister would say.
Save the Dates On April 28, my favorite writer — New York Times best selling
author Luanne Rice will be here locally at Warwick’s Book Store, located at 7812
Girard Avenue in La Jolla at 7:30 p.m. Luanne Rice will be in town promoting her
newest novel, “Silver Boat,” which is published by Penguin. If you are an avid
book lover or loyal fan of Luanne’s, this will be a night you must attend.
Luanne Rice has written 29 novels and many of her books have been made into
films. The New York Times Book Review has referred to her writing as “Exciting,
emotional, and terrific.” I couldn’t agree more. I have also featured a photo of
Luanne Rice here in my column. For more information on this event, visit to
warwicks.com, listed under upcoming events.
author Luanne Rice will be here locally at Warwick’s Book Store, located at 7812
Girard Avenue in La Jolla at 7:30 p.m. Luanne Rice will be in town promoting her
newest novel, “Silver Boat,” which is published by Penguin. If you are an avid
book lover or loyal fan of Luanne’s, this will be a night you must attend.
Luanne Rice has written 29 novels and many of her books have been made into
films. The New York Times Book Review has referred to her writing as “Exciting,
emotional, and terrific.” I couldn’t agree more. I have also featured a photo of
Luanne Rice here in my column. For more information on this event, visit to
warwicks.com, listed under upcoming events.
New York Times Best Selling Author, Luanne Rice coming to La Lolla
Meeting My favorite American Author-Luanne Rice, in “Machel’s Ranch.”
Sometimes life takes time to heal. There could even be a few moments when it feels like
the gray clouds won’t break. But when we least expect it, a ray of sunlight will
find us and remind us that this world is still a beautiful place. Dreams can
come true.
the gray clouds won’t break. But when we least expect it, a ray of sunlight will
find us and remind us that this world is still a beautiful place. Dreams can
come true.
Columnist-Machel Penn Shull meets her favorite American author-Luanne Rice
Of course, I am speaking from my own personal experiences recently. I
am speaking of loss from last year and how circumstances can change our outlook
when weren’t prepared for the change.
This week in my column I feel so
lucky to share with you a dream-come-true moment for me. How this day brought
the hope back to my eyes and showed me passages and chapters in my own journey.
How what we cannot change will change us forever but there are gifts in unseen
circumstances that can teach us beautiful life lessons. Don’t forget to keep
believing in your fondest desires. When you least expect it, your shining moment
could unfold for you, too.
lucky to share with you a dream-come-true moment for me. How this day brought
the hope back to my eyes and showed me passages and chapters in my own journey.
How what we cannot change will change us forever but there are gifts in unseen
circumstances that can teach us beautiful life lessons. Don’t forget to keep
believing in your fondest desires. When you least expect it, your shining moment
could unfold for you, too.
Around town
On Jan. 7,
Mille Fleurs’ bartender Jill Drouin invited my husband and I over for dinner.
Can you say gourmet cook and should enter one of those cooking reality shows?
Jill made us a delicious exotic salad with European cheeses, candied pecans on
top of mixed wild greens. Sounds simple but so mouth wateringly delicious. The
main course was a risotto with candied pumpkin squash in a white sauce. Then
boyfriend Paul Savage, Robin and I enjoyed a fun game of Scrabble and discussed
things like the Droid verses the iPhone. I have included a gorgeous shot of Jill
and Paul for my column. I might add that Jill and I bonded two years back when
we went skydiving together. You could say an experience like that could make
anyone become fast friends!
Mille Fleurs’ bartender Jill Drouin invited my husband and I over for dinner.
Can you say gourmet cook and should enter one of those cooking reality shows?
Jill made us a delicious exotic salad with European cheeses, candied pecans on
top of mixed wild greens. Sounds simple but so mouth wateringly delicious. The
main course was a risotto with candied pumpkin squash in a white sauce. Then
boyfriend Paul Savage, Robin and I enjoyed a fun game of Scrabble and discussed
things like the Droid verses the iPhone. I have included a gorgeous shot of Jill
and Paul for my column. I might add that Jill and I bonded two years back when
we went skydiving together. You could say an experience like that could make
anyone become fast friends!
On Jan. 10, I had the incredible privilege to meet my favorite author walking this planet,
New York Times Bestseller, Luanne Rice.
New York Times Best Selling author, Luanne Rice
If you haven’t discovered her trademark fiction novels yet, she has
written 30 novels and is promoting her next novel, “Silver Boat,” which comes
out in April 2011. The back story on this meeting is quite contemporary really.
We became friends on Facebook five years ago, becoming pen pals via the
Internet. So imagine me this month finally meeting my mentor in the writing
world as I walked across the San Diego Convention Center in the midst of the
Library Conference coming face to face with Luanne. I am sharing with you my ray
of light moment that reminded me that little dreams do come true on occasion.
Coincidentally, 12 years ago when I started reading Luanne’s novels, I had no
idea we would become friends through a social networking. Luanne in is even more lovely in person.
written 30 novels and is promoting her next novel, “Silver Boat,” which comes
out in April 2011. The back story on this meeting is quite contemporary really.
We became friends on Facebook five years ago, becoming pen pals via the
Internet. So imagine me this month finally meeting my mentor in the writing
world as I walked across the San Diego Convention Center in the midst of the
Library Conference coming face to face with Luanne. I am sharing with you my ray
of light moment that reminded me that little dreams do come true on occasion.
Coincidentally, 12 years ago when I started reading Luanne’s novels, I had no
idea we would become friends through a social networking. Luanne in is even more lovely in person.
What I love about Luanne Rice’s books is her ability to place emotion, heart and soul in her characters and the plots of her stories. As an avid fiction reader, Luanne tops my list of writers. Take my advice, don’t miss
out on Luanne’s newest novel, “Silver Boat.” There is indeed a silver lining
inside this beautiful novel. I had the privilege of reading the unedited version
last year. Here is a link to her website: http://luannerice.net/2011/01/book-lovers/
out on Luanne’s newest novel, “Silver Boat.” There is indeed a silver lining
inside this beautiful novel. I had the privilege of reading the unedited version
last year. Here is a link to her website: http://luannerice.net/2011/01/book-lovers/
"The Silver Boat" by Luanne Rice
On Jan. 13, the assistant advertising manager and my good
friend Krista Lafferty attended the grand opening event of Massage Heights in
Encinitas. Ranch residents, this is an amazingly short drive to this new
wonderful business that caters to relaxation at its finest. Heavy thread count
sheets are just one of the perks you might miss at other locations. I met owner
Dean Goldschmidt and Retreat Director Brenda Videnoff that night. Krista and I
received a private tour of all of the rooms and then enjoyed fabulous
finger-foods with other invited guests. I have included two photos from this
event.
friend Krista Lafferty attended the grand opening event of Massage Heights in
Encinitas. Ranch residents, this is an amazingly short drive to this new
wonderful business that caters to relaxation at its finest. Heavy thread count
sheets are just one of the perks you might miss at other locations. I met owner
Dean Goldschmidt and Retreat Director Brenda Videnoff that night. Krista and I
received a private tour of all of the rooms and then enjoyed fabulous
finger-foods with other invited guests. I have included two photos from this
event.
On Jan. 14, the fifth-grade class at R. Roger Rowe Elementary
participated in The Walk Through the American Revolution. I was thrilled to
watch the three competing classes re-enact this monumental moment in U.S.
history. Each classmate was asked to memorize certain vocabulary words, plus act
out what character they were assigned. I’ve never seen more enthusiastic
children that actually seemed to care and love being in school that
afternoon.
participated in The Walk Through the American Revolution. I was thrilled to
watch the three competing classes re-enact this monumental moment in U.S.
history. Each classmate was asked to memorize certain vocabulary words, plus act
out what character they were assigned. I’ve never seen more enthusiastic
children that actually seemed to care and love being in school that
afternoon.
I have included a photo from that day. Congratulations to the
R. Roger Rowe fifth grade class members and to your exuberant spirits. I walked
away inspired.
R. Roger Rowe fifth grade class members and to your exuberant spirits. I walked
away inspired.
Later that evening, my husband I and joined previous ad
manager Denny Fallon in celebrating the purchase of his new beautiful condo in
Old Towne San Diego. Denny is a fabulous host. He made a delicious fish with
pasta, and fresh Dungeness crabmeat with homemade cocktail sauce for his guests.
Charlene Done and Johnny Nipkur were also there celebrating the start to a
wonderful year to Mr. Denny Fallon. I have included one photograph from that
evening.
manager Denny Fallon in celebrating the purchase of his new beautiful condo in
Old Towne San Diego. Denny is a fabulous host. He made a delicious fish with
pasta, and fresh Dungeness crabmeat with homemade cocktail sauce for his guests.
Charlene Done and Johnny Nipkur were also there celebrating the start to a
wonderful year to Mr. Denny Fallon. I have included one photograph from that
evening.
On Jan. 16, I drove to Fairbanks to pick up my son from a
sleepover he had in the Ranch. Tony and Jill Sorge have been Ranch residents for
years. Their son Matthew is one of Jackson’s closest friends. Tony is actively
involved in The Rancho Santa Fe Little League, and had a championship under his
belt from 2006. He will definitely be assisting this year again. I have included
this photo of Tony with my husband Robin from that beautiful sunny day in the
Ranch. Tony had just shown us his own personal batting cage he had built that
even had a radar detector for pitching! Now that’s what I call first class
practice for any lucky boy.
sleepover he had in the Ranch. Tony and Jill Sorge have been Ranch residents for
years. Their son Matthew is one of Jackson’s closest friends. Tony is actively
involved in The Rancho Santa Fe Little League, and had a championship under his
belt from 2006. He will definitely be assisting this year again. I have included
this photo of Tony with my husband Robin from that beautiful sunny day in the
Ranch. Tony had just shown us his own personal batting cage he had built that
even had a radar detector for pitching! Now that’s what I call first class
practice for any lucky boy.
Thanks so much for letting me share that day
with the readers Tony, and good luck this season.
with the readers Tony, and good luck this season.
Denny Fallon-A wonderful person and great friend~
On Jan. 16, I drove to Fairbanks to pick up my son from a
sleepover he had in the Ranch. Tony and Jill Sorge have been Ranch residents for
years. Their son Matthew is one of Jackson’s closest friends. Tony is actively
involved in The Rancho Santa Fe Little League, and had a championship under his
belt from 2006. He will definitely be assisting this year again. I have included
this photo of Tony with my husband Robin from that beautiful sunny day in the
Ranch. Tony had just shown us his own personal batting cage he had built that
even had a radar detector for pitching! Now that’s what I call first class
practice for any lucky boy.
sleepover he had in the Ranch. Tony and Jill Sorge have been Ranch residents for
years. Their son Matthew is one of Jackson’s closest friends. Tony is actively
involved in The Rancho Santa Fe Little League, and had a championship under his
belt from 2006. He will definitely be assisting this year again. I have included
this photo of Tony with my husband Robin from that beautiful sunny day in the
Ranch. Tony had just shown us his own personal batting cage he had built that
even had a radar detector for pitching! Now that’s what I call first class
practice for any lucky boy.
Thanks so much for letting me share that day
with the readers Tony, and good luck this season.
with the readers Tony, and good luck this season.
