Aha! A Monarch Butterfly Visits Us!

 

Welcome to Our Balcony in San Diego, Sir or Ms. Monarch!*

 

A Magnificent Beauty Arrives!

I had just sat down  looking out at our 2nd floor balcony, when all of a sudden, a beautiful Monarch butterfly visited!

I grabbed my Nikon Coolpix L830 and put it on the “close up” setting and snapped away!

This post will be super short and sweet..

-Just a way to share how gorgeous this colorful butterfly was!

Enjoy these photos, feel free to like, comment and share this post link.

Beauty in nature abounds, we just need to look for it, spot it and savor the beauty of it!

Enjoy!

 

p.s. (*I didn’t get a chance to determine if it was a male (black spot on hind wing) or female (no black spot)!

(Check out http://www.monarchbutterflygarden.net for more info)

 

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Funny thing is, I just bought those two plants a few days ago and haven’t even planted them yet!

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Lucky enough to catch the butterfly in flight, although a bit blurred!

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Hope your day is as delightful as this butterfly’s has been!

Sunset and Moon for Kate, October 25, 2015

For Kate

by

Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Tonight we said goodbye to Kate

So fiercely talented, in the know.

Loving Wife, guiding Mom to her daughters

With pen in hand, her words would flow…

She touched many lives in so many ways

by guiding and writing & teaching

A Theatre Mom supporting the arts

Her essence in life so far reaching.

As we left her Memorial Service

An amazing sight was seen

The most brilliant magnificent sunset

With bright light among hues pristine.

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In the midst of that glorious sunset

A shining light appeared…as if to say

My friends, I’ll be with you in spirit

Think of me as the sun goes away.

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And when we returned home

I peeked at the moon

So bright, full and gleaming with light…

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And I pondered, so thankful

For Kate and her life

Touching ours

Dear Kate, Farewell,

Goodnight.

 

 

Want “The Best of Times”? See San Diego Musical Theatre’s “La Cage Aux Folles” September 25-October 11 at Spreckels Theatre!!

SDMT La Cage Aux Folles and 2016 Season Image
SDMT La Cage Aux Folles and 2016 Season

Get glizty with San Diego Musical Theatre– “The LOCAL way to see Broadway”!!

Award-Winning San Diego Musical Theatre ‘glams it up” for their upcoming production of La Cage Aux Folles  on Friday, September 25 (preview) with Opening Night on Saturday, September 26th and running through Sunday, October 11th, 2015 at the beautiful historic Spreckels Theatre “on Broadway” in the Gaslamp District of Downtown San Diego.

Book by Harvey Fierstein with Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman.

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES SYNOPSIS

The musical that inspired the movie The Birdcage (starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane),  La Cage Aux Folles tells the story of Georges, the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely St. Tropez, and his partner, Albin, who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse, Zaza. When Georges’ son brings home his fiancée’s ultra conservative parents to meet the splashy pair, the bonds of family are put to the test! La Cage is a glittering and fast stepping extravaganza mixed with a touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together, stay fabulous and above all else, stay true to themselves!

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All-Female “Team XX” Makes History at the 2015 San Diego 48 Hour Film Project

 

First things first!

Have you ever heard of the 48 Hour Film Project?

San Diego 48 Hour Film Project

If  your answer is YES, kudos to you!

If not, the best way to describe it is a whirlwind weekend of tight deadlines, a love of the craft of filmmaking, an appetite for team building and bonding and a love for creativity. What more could film aficionados ask for? Oh, there’s also a screening on the “big screen” for each team soon after the weekend of filming!

In 2015, over 130 cities will compete in the Worldwide 48 Hour Film Project from  Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas!

How does it work? A team is formed and over one weekend, a short film (under 8 minutes, including a minute of credits) is written, filmed, edited and submitted within 48 hours! You might be saying “Are you kidding me”? NO, this is really how it works!

What’s the procedure? On Friday evening, in an orderly fashion, each team randomly picks a “genre”, (in San Diego there was a giant “plinko board” that teams took turns at), after which all teams are assigned the same line, character and prop that MUST be included in their film. For this 48 Hour Film Project. We’ll get to Team XX ‘ challenge soon!

Read more about the San Diego 48 Hour Film Project, which took place July 24-26, 2015. The event is Produced by Duane Trammell and Robyn Sarvis, and the website includes information about the Project, the film “Premiere” Screenings August 10-13, the “Best Of” Screenings and the wrap party August 22nd.

Producer/Director Sue Vicory, of Heartland Films (www.suevicory.comSue Vicory, IMDB Link) formed, Executive Produced and Directed the first “all-female” 27 member “Team, XX” film titled “Down Stage” for the 2015 San Diego 48 Hour Film Project.

Executive Producer/Director of Team XX film “Down Stage”- Sue Vicory

“Down Stage”, a Holiday Film, will screen with 12 other film entries in Group A at 6:30 p.m.,  plus about 13 films in Group B at 9:00 p.m. at Reading Cinemas Gaslamp 15 on 701 5th Ave. in the Downtown Gaslamp District of San Diego (92101) on Monday, August 10, 2015. Tickets are $15 for the “Premiere” Screenings and $20 for the “Best Of” screenings. Tickets

Like Team XX on Facebook, Follow Team XX on Twitter (@teamxxsd) and Instagram (@teamxxsd)

 

Team XX Poster for “Down Stage” Design by Holly Rone

 

Team XX
Team XX at the Horton Grand Theatre. Photo by Nannette DeRobertis

 

Vicory had several “bonding” meetings  with most of the 27 members of the cast and crew (mostly from Southern California) a few weeks before the actual filming weekend. One such meeting had the 10 actresses, performing in a “mock talent show” audition which featured a variety of techniques, such as monologues, singing, dancing and improv.

With  Vicory and a few Team XX’ers present, Team XX Assistant Director Jen Allen drew the genre “Holiday Film” for Team XX  at the “kickoff” event at Liberty Station on Friday evening, August 24. The designated line for all teams was “Sometimes that’s (or that is) all you need”, the prop to be used was a “flashlight” and the character was to be either “Alan or Alice Downing, a Coach”.

Team XX writers included Sariann Monaco, Talia Pauletti and Holly Rone. The multigenerational writing team  cranked out the “Down Stage”  script about Mother’s Day within a few hours from Friday evening into Saturday early morning at Vicory’s seaside condo.

Down Stage WRiting Team Left to right: Talia, Holly Rone, Sariann MOnaco
Down Stage Writing Team Left to right: Talia Pauletti,, Holly Rone, Sariann Monaco Photo by SJF Communications

The script was sent digitally to the cast.

Actresses included:  Jess Antrobus, Isabel Canzoneri, Jody Catlin, Nancy DeMarsEmmy FareseSusan FareseCat Forrest, Lori  JonesSariann Monaco, and Holly Rone. Feel free to click on each name and photo.

 

The crew included: Sue Vicory: Executive Producer/Director; Lori Jones: Producer, Jen McCleary: Assistant Director; Maidy Morhous: Production Assistant. Amanda Niles: Sound; Angela Wong: Director of Photography; Kymberrly Scott: 2nd A.D.;   Krystin Cline: 2nd Camera; Tamara Ilich: Gaffer;  Cara Myers: Editor; Natalie Lauer: Production Assistant; Danni Michele: Animation;  Nannette DeRobertis: Photographer; Sariann Monaco: Writer; Talia Pauletti: Writer;  Holly Rone: Writer; Corrinne Smith: Communications; Pamela Weigelt:  Massuese;  Miranda Muse:  Massuese;  Lisa Wintersdorff: Makeup; Crystle Orantez: Hair; Susan Farese: Public Relations.  Special Thanks to SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and Derek Johnston at the Horton Grand Theatre.

Team XX filmed Down Stage at the Horton Grand Theatre throughout Saturday, August 25th. In the meantime, editor Cara  Myers began the editing process from her hotel suite at the Horton Grand Hotel as soon as Saturday’s footage became available and into Sunday with only one “pickup” of a voiceover on Sunday morning.  Serendipitously, the “7 minute 29 second” completed film, “Down Stage” was turned in to the 48 Hour Film Project at 7:29 p.m.

Some members of Team XX at tour of the Horton Grand Hotel
Some members of Team XX at tour of the Horton Grand Hotel

 

"That's a Wrap"- Team XX after filming at the Horton Grand Theatre (with Derek Johnston)
“That’s a Wrap”- Team XX after filming at the Horton Grand Theatre (with Derek Johnston)

 

 

I asked Sue Vicory about her experience with Team XX and the 48 Hour Film Project.  Vicory  stated  “The passion within this group was palpable. We each brought our A Game to the production. Collaboration is a natural strength for women and it shows up clearly on the screen of our first film, “Down Stage”.

Down Stage will have a Premiere Screening with over 20 other films on Monday, August 10th at starting at 6:30 at the Reading Cinemas Gaslamp 15, 701 5th Ave. San Diego, 92121. Here is the Ticket Link. Note: You must purchase tickets online, there will be no ticket purchases at the theatre.

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Osprey Perched at Torrey Pines State Beach- August 4, 2015

Somehow, during the past few years, I have become an avid bird watcher,

particularly at Torrey Pines State Beach.

I am always amazed at seeing Ospreys.

I’ve seen them perched high and also on the beach with prey.

I ‘m not sure how many are at Torrey Pines State Beach, but I have seen this one lately.

Today it was perched above “Flat Rock” and it flew towards other rocks.

Take a gander at this beautiful osprey.

Snapped with my Nikon Coolpix L830 and edited in Picasa.

 

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Osprey. Photo by SJF Communications http://www.sjfcommunications.com 8.4.2015

 

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Osprey. Photo by SJF Communications http://www.sjfcommunications.com 8.4.2015

 

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Osprey. Photo by SJF Communications http://www.sjfcommunications.com 8.4.2015

 

Here are a few more photos from today! Feel free to click on each one to see it larger.

 

Thanks for reading this post and viewing the photos. Please feel free to subscribe, like, comment and share (No spam please).

 

 

 

Ahoy ! My Solo Trip Adventure to Catalina Island!

My Mom,  (who recently turned  80 years “young”),  always said…”Nothing in life is free”. Well, Mom, you were “almost” completely right!

For my birthday this year I did something really out of the ordinary:  I traveled solo to and from the beautiful Mediterranean picturesque Santa Catalina Island, population just over 3000 (I will be referring to it as Catalina Island ) on my “free” round trip boat ride, courtesy of Catalina Express  http://catalinaexpress.com/birthday_promo.html  and enjoyed a few other free or discounted goodies thrown in!

You’re probably thinking…”Huh?”…”You’re kidding..” or “What a risk” or “How idiotic”, right?

Nope! Best trip ever! I am still smiling inside!

Although I’m originally from  New Jersey, I’ve lived in several cities, states and a few countries. California is especially dear to me because overall,  I’ve lived here a total of 18 years. Despite so many years here, I was yet to experience a trip to Catalina.

So, this past April, on my birthday, my husband would be working, my daughter was in school and I didn’t want to “obligate”  friend(s) to pay for the round trip boat ride. Plus, and this was a big bonus: I absolutely love photography, and I’d be able to snap away where, what and when I wanted! So….

I drove bright and early from San Diego to Long Beach, grabbed some breakfast, checked in with proof of my actual birthday, received and donned that  cool “It’s my birthday” ribbon and boarded the boat! I sat outside and bundled up for the ride!

Aboard the boat to Catalina!
Aboard the boat to Catalina!

Oh…I did take some children’s strength medicine for potential motion “challenges” which turned out to be a real plus! Did I say a real plus???? Yep, some queasiness hit me a tiny bit, but I survived!

I’m happy to share some photos and tidbits from my trip.

We left the harbor and suddenly it was extremely windy !

Leaving the Long Beach Harbor
Leaving the Long Beach Harbor

We passed by the Queen Mary on the way to Catalina, another place I’d like to visit sometime soon!

Passing by The Queen Mary Docked in Long Beach
Passing by The Queen Mary Docked in Long Beach

Also saw the “China Shipping Line” En Route!

Passing by Cargo Ship
Passing by Cargo Ship

Aha! Our first view of Catalina Island in the distance!

First sight of Catalina Island!
First sight of Catalina Island!

How cool is this? A parasailer welcoming us!

Another
Another “first glance” of Catalina Island

A view of the beautiful Catalina Island Casino!

The Famous Catalina Island Casino
The Famous Catalina Island Casino

The beautiful Carnival Cruise was in port! Passengers took smaller boats to get onto the island.

When I arrived Avalon was very busy with many cruise passengers for the day. Then at around 4 p.m., they all left, and Avalon felt like a ghost town!

Look! A Carnival Cruise in Port!
Look! A Carnival Cruise in Port!

Another colorful view of Catalina Island!

Catalina Harbor
Catalina Harbor

Once we happily  “disembarked”I was eager to explore Avalon on Catalina Island. What a delightful way to spend the day! I decided not to rent a golf cart (the golf carts are all over the place, since they only allow so many cars on the island and there is a 14 year wait for a car permit)! and strolled at my own pace. Here’s a look at some of the shops and tourist spots I snapped. Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!

After wandering a bit, I decided to enjoy a delicious lunch and a Margarita at Maggies Blue Rose. I was having such a great time, that I thought…why not stay overnight??? I knew it was completely out of the ordinary for me…but nonetheless decided to do a quick search of hotels but also asked my server what she recommended. Serendipitously, I decided to stay upstairs from Maggies at the  Hotel Vista Del Mar. They also had some fun birthday freebies, including a bottle of wine or champagne (I chose the bottle of wine and brought it home), and a celebratory balloon ! I bought a few essentials for staying overnight and relaxed for the rest of my solo journey! Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!

Hotel Vista Del Mar Sign
Hotel Vista Del Mar Sign
Fish Tank at Hotel Vista Del Mar
Fish Tank at Hotel Vista Del Mar

The Hotel Vista Del Mar has a great fish tank in the lobby filled with colorful fish and coral decor ! It was very relaxing to peek at the tank while relaxing on the lobby which overlooks the water.

Once I checked into the hotel, I decided to take the very interesting  Catalina Scenic Tour. The bus driver a.k.a. narrator was terrific spokeperson for the Avalon and island of Catalina.

Here are some of the sights from that trip:

Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!

After the bus tour, I strolled around Avalon some more. I thoroughly enjoyed a great dinner at Steve’s Steakhouse!

Of course, I then had to sample some ice cream and candy from this place!

Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!

I noticed the beautiful tiled fountain on Crescent Street, which is made of clay from Catalina Island.

The tiled fountain at Crescent Street, Avalon
The tiled fountain at Crescent Street, Avalon

Afterwards, I decided to walk towards the famous Catalina Casino and these are the sights seen on my way! Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!

That was it for my day in Catalina. Then it was time to get some rest at the hotel! They had some cool DVD’s that I borrowed. I  didn’t drink the wine, brought the bottle home, but enjoyed looking at that balloon! Had a great night’s sleep too!

Time to get some rest at the hotel!
Time to get some rest at the hotel!

The next morning I decided to venture out a bit more to the casino area, the Museum and then and Descanso Beach Club. Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!

It was soon time to say goodbye to Catalina Island! Here are some photos from my final minutes of solo joy!

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Avalon Veterans Memorial Park
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Catalina Veterans Memorial Park
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Goodbye Catalina Island!!!

Even though I could have traveled free roundtrip, on the way back to Long Beach, I decided to take advantage of the Commodore Lounge on the Catalina Express for $15 and go back in style!

We were served a drink and a snack, and had very comfy seats!

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All aboard inside the Catalina Express Commodore Lounge!

We arrived back in Long Beach and I happily drove back to San Diego! This was a quick, fun, safe getaway and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Avalon on Catalina Island!

Feel free to like and share this post. Subscribe to my blog.

And now to finish with a Haiku:

Overnight in Catalina Island

1.

Traveling alone

Seeing sights, snapping photos

I embraced it all!

2.

A gorgeous island

So perfect for sightseeing

And relaxing too

3.

Yes I will be back

I will bring my family

We shall all have fun!

 

Tap Dancing in the Rain in San Diego? Award-Winning San Diego Musical Theatre Presents “SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN” May 22- June 7, 2015

Bring your umbrellas- Its going to rain in San Diego!

San Diego Musical Theatre – “The LOCAL way to see Broadway”

Presents

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN”

May 22- June 7, 2015

at the Spreckels Theatre!

You remember the plot. You love the characters. You know “the song.” It’s no less than the stage adaptation of one of the most celebrated and beloved films of all time. Each unforgettable scene, song and dance, is accounted for, including the show-stopping title number, complete with an onstage rainstorm! 1920′s Hollywood is the setting for this zany, light-hearted romantic comedy about the early days of sound film, when many a movie studio found itself scrambling to salvage the career of its chipmunk-voiced silent picture star.

SDMT  joins the water conservation effort and will be using recycled water for the RAIN!

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN PRODUCTION TEAM:

 Director: Todd Nielsen: Choreographer Jill Gorrie: Musical Director: Don LeMaster

 

 

 Production Team also includes:

Lighting Design: Matt Novotny

 Sound Design: Kevin Anthenill

 Costume Coordinator: Janet Pitcher

Stage Manager: Amy Duffy* 

Production Manager: Bret Young

(*Equity ; ** Stage Directors and Choreographers)

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN CAST – FEATURING:

Brandon Davidson

Brandon Davidson* as Don Lockwood

Brittany Rose Hammond

Brittany Rose Hammond* as Kathy Seldon

Cameron Lewis

Cameron Lewis* as Cosmo Brown

Andi Davis

Andi Davis as Lina Lamont

*Member of Actors Equity Association

 

ADDITIONAL CAST: Beverly Baker, Bryan Banville, Katie Whalley Banville, Amy Beth Batchelor , Bradley Behrmann, Jordi Bertran, Laura Bueno, Lance Carter, Jean Luc Cavnar, Deborah Fauerbach, Karla Franko, Kyle Hawk, Ed Hollingsworth, Keenon Hooks, Artur Ivanov, Katey Konderik, Andrew J. Koslow, Gabriel Navarro, Joy Newbegin, Janissa Saracino, Tara Shoemaker, Claire Sorlie, Matthew Thurmund, Michael Van Allen, and John Wescott.

 

Here are some video highlights from SDMT’s “Singin’ in the Rain”

Cast of SDMT’s “Singin’ in the Rain” 

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Here’s some rehearsal video footage of SDMT’s “Singin’ in the Rain”

Don and Lina (Brandon Davidson and Andi Davis) in SDMT's Singin' in the Rain
Don and Lina (Brandon Davidson and Andi Davis) in SDMT’s Singin’ in the Rain

 

 

YOU GIVE, WE GIVE: Throughout their  2015 season, San Diego Musical Theatre is partnering with a different local nonprofit organization for each individual production. The Production’s Partner will be featured in the lobby during the run of that show as a way to raise awareness for the great work being done by San Diego nonprofits. Ten percent of the funds raised for SDMT during the run of each production will be given to that specific production’s partner organization. SDMT announces “Voices for Children” as our “You Give, We Give” fundraising campaign partner during SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN. Here is the link for Voices for Children: http://www.speakupnow.org/

TICKET INFORMATION:
Single tickets for SDMT’s production of SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN are $35.00, $45.00, $55.00 and $65.00. Children 16 and under save $10. There are discounts for Seniors and Students. Equity and Actor’s Alliance may purchase up to 2 tickets at half price. Group discounts for parties of 12 or more are available by calling the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. For individual tickets contact the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740 or visit SDMT online at http://www.sdmt.org.

SCHEDULE: SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN show times are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: The Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. There is parking in the Spreckels garage and the NBC Building. Both are accessed via Broadway Circle.
For more information and tickets call San Diego Musical Theatre’s Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. The San Diego Musical Theatre Administrative Office is located at 4652 Mercury Street, San Diego, CA 92111. Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. Tickets purchased through the Spreckels Box Office are through Ticket Master.

2014 SDMT Sizzle Reel

“Like” SDMT on Facebook – San Diego Musical Theatre; https://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Diego-Musical-Theatre/112606775435990

“Follow” SDMT on Twitter @SDMTMusicals: https://twitter.com/SDMTmusicals

San Diego Musical Theatre: The Local Way to See Broadway!

SDMT 2015 SEASON at the historic SPRECKELS THEATRE on Broadway

Singin’ In The Rain – May 22-June 7; Director Todd Nielsen

La Cage Aux Folles – September 25-October 11; Director Larry Raben

White Christmas – November 27-December 6; Director Todd Nielsen

San Diego Musical Theatre’s mission is to passionately produce and provide professional musical theatre that ignites the human spirit. San Diego Musical Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

San Diego Zoo Animals on an April Morning!

Thoroughly enjoyed a great visit to the world famous San Diego Zoo yesterday morning!

Here are some photos.  Feel free to click on them individually!

 

Just couldn’t resist this camel’s expression!

 

 

 The koala exhibit is an amazing natural habitat

 

 

Check out this condors wings!

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 A condor in deep thought??

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 Fun spotting this “Secretary Bird”. Love those colorful eye shadows!

 

 Captured a view of this “contemplating” orangutan 

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This colorful lone dragonfly landed on a perch!

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 Gorillas in our midst!

 

 

 

 Caught some glimpses of this Tasmanian Devil!

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The pelicans greet visitors to the zoo!

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Merely Meerkats!

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And a few more animals we visited!

Tell me, is there anything cuter than a mama duck and her little one?

 

 

And finally here are a few of the gorgeous flowers at the zoo!

Such a fun way to spend time with friends or family, get some exercise walking, and observe the animals!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Proposal Atop a Cliff at Torrey Pines State Reserve and Beach!

 

You never know what you’ll find or stumble upon at Torrey Pines State Beach!

Today was no exception.

What a joy it was to spot some cool “raked” writing in the sand and discover it was a marriage proposal…in POLISH!

(What a joy it always is to have my camera in hand as well)!

It took a small village to plan and make today happen.

I asked the two guys on the beach (Gino and Dan) who had just finished “raking” the proposal for their friend/co-workers Nathan and his soon to be fiance, Catherine (who is Polish).

It said (in Polish), “Catherine, will you marry me?” in the sand.

Here’s a quick video!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/vrLdWVyAO8M” target=”_blank”>

And a photo of the Proposal!

Nathan's Proposal for Catherine in Polish  in the sand
Nathan’s Proposal for Catherine in Polish in the sand

 

Plus an extra added bonus, they made a giant heart  in the sand as well. I couldn’t resist taking this photo of the heart!

Heart in  the  Sand
Heart in the Sand

 

 I was so captivated by the soon-to-be joyous (hopefully) occasion, that I offered to help keep beach strollers away from the masterpiece and photograph the “event” from below.

I told passersby why we were “diverting” them. It was really cool. The excitement was building. Everyone was smiling Where was the couple??

They were  going to be atop a cliff up above from where the proposal was etched!

The Proposal Cliff!
The Proposal Cliff!

The guys said that their friend, Nathan who was proposing to Catherine, had planned the exact spot up top and on the beach below.

Another friend, Scott, was waiting up above, concealed by the bushes. He was going to snap photos of the magic moment. Hopefully we’ll get a few later from Scott and I can add them to this post!

I took a few more pics of the cliff above.

We waited for about 15-20 minutes.

And then…We spotted Nathan and Catherine! Like little “ants”!

Another view of the Cliff
Another view of the Cliff with Nathan and Catherine  atop the cliff!

 

I zoomed it from the beach!  Here’s Nathan Proposing to Catherine! Soon we were all cheering and clapping!

Nathan Proposing to Catherine!
Nathan Proposing to Catherine!

 

 One more photo of Nathan and Catherine from the beach!

Nathan Proposing to Catherine! ! Photo by SJF Communications
Nathan Proposing to Catherine!

 

 

 And here are Dan and Gino, celebrating the success of the proposal writing mission!

Dan and Gino: Beach Mission Accomplished!
Dan and Gino: Beach Mission Accomplished! Photo by SJF Communications

 UPDATE! 4/28/15 7:36 p.m.

I just heard from Scott Mahoney, who took some great photos of the couple from above at the cliff!

Here they are! (Click on each photo to make it larger)!

Incidentally, you can find more of Scott’s Photos on his Instagram Account  (@srmphotography)

 

Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography
Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography

 

 

Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography
Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography

 

 

Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography
Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography

 

Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography
Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography

 

Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography
Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography

 

Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography
Photo by Scott Mahoney, SRM Photography

 

  Congrats to Nathan and Catherine for many happy years ahead together!

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Extra, Extra!

It’s a RUFF life: Ugly Dog Contest…(Not Just for Ugly Dogs) 4/19/15 at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club!

We (my daughter Emmy, her friend Sydney and I), enjoyed a great afternoon on April 19th, 2015 at the 20th Annual “Ugly Dog Contest” at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club! We arrived about 30 minutes after it started, but still caught most of the contest!

The San Diego Coastal Chamber of Commerce and Del Mar Kiwanis were hosts. Sheila McDonnell, who passed away three years ago but was founder of the contest, was recognized and honored. Sheila’s wish was “for the event to continue to take place and to continue raising money for organizations that benefit animals and children”.

There were many 4-legged contestants, their owners/handlers, an MC (Greg Vicino- Associate Curator, San Diego Zoo Global), vendor booths, raffle prizes and snacks, and of course spectators.

According to the program, Judges were Brandi Williams (KUSI), Christy Manry (Elam’s Hallmark), Anna Orlando (Kilroy Properties), Sara Ingrande (Torrey Pines Bank) and Kelly Baldieri (Del Mar Hilton).  Vendors were: Camp Run-a-Mutt, Welk Resorts, RDSI Designs, Easy Turf, Real Blue Proerties, The 4 Foundation, CruiseOne Dream Vacations, Keane Studios, Kahoots Pet Store, Total Thermal Imaging of San Diego, Built Green California, The San Diego Humane Society and Reality Changers (which received a portion of the proceeds).Product donations were provided by Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs, Whole Foods, Mary’s Tack & Feed, RDSI, Dirty Dogs, Dexter’s Deli, Keane Studios and the Del Mar Hilton.

The categories were “Cutest puppy/dog”, “Most unusual markings”, “Dog that looks like owner”, “Best trick”, “Best costume Adult & Dog and Child & Dog”, “Cutest Mutt”, “Most beautiful male and female” and finally “THE UGLIEST DOG”! The winner of the UGLY DOG contest: RASCAL!

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Rascal, the winner of the Ugly Dog Contest with his owner Dane Andrew and the MC Greg Vicino (Associate Curator San Diego Zoo GLobal)

Here below are the top three finalists of the Ugly Dog Contest: Snack , Puddin’ and Rascal!

Winners of the Ugly Dog Contest
Winners of the Ugly Dog Contest

Here’s a video of Rascal and his Owner, (Dane Andrew) by Animal Planet!

http://www.animalplanet.com/video/meet-rascal/

And here is Rascals’ WEBSITE LINK: http://www.theworldsugliestdog.com/index.html

 Here’s a peek at  the contestants and a few other images of the day!  Click on each photo for a larger view.

We don’t have all the names, so leave a comment if you can provide names of the pooches)

Photos by SJF Communications. http://www.sjfcommunications.com

San Diego or SAND Diego??? Catching up in Del Mar with JT and Tony of San Diego Sand Castles!

What a fun surprise! While power walking today on Del Mar Beach with my friend, (yep, we powered on for 7000+ steps), we serendipitously saw something really creative and cool!

First we saw these buckets…and wondered what was going on!

Sand Castle Gear

 

Then we met JT and Tony from San Diego Sand Castles who were coaching their prospective clients of the afternoon how to build their own masterpieces! San Diego Sand Castles has many terrific reviews on Trip Advisor too! Here’s their Facebook Page LInk

First we met Sand Sculptor Tony Leib who was working with local resident,  Catherine. It was Catherine’s  first private lesson and she was excited to spend three hours learning a bit of the craft.

 

Then we walked a few hundred feet and met the owner of San Diego Sand Castles, JT Estrela (in the hat) with a cool Father (Chris) and Son (Trey) from Seattle, who were celebrating Trey’s Spring Break. Great Father-Son bonding in the sunshine!

We left the beach and saw the cutest bunny near a unique tree, a few interesting palms and a train passing by at Seagrove Park in Del Mar. Couldn’t resist snapping away!

Seagrove Park in Del Mar
Seagrove Park in Del Mar

 

Rabbit at Seagrove Park, Del Mar
Bunny  at Seagrove Park, Del Mar
Rabbit at Seagrove Park, Del Mar
Bunny at Seagrove Park, Del Mar
Palm Trees Del Mar
Palm Trees Del Mar

 

Train Passing Through Del Mar
Train Passing Through Del Mar

 

 Lesson for the day: You never know  what you’ll discover each day, so have your camera handy!

 

Torrey Pines State Beach and Los Penasquitos Salt Marsh

A Few More Snapshots from Torrey Pines State Beach and Los Penasquitos Salt Marsh, March,  2015

♦ Three colorful airplanes flying past us

Three Colorful Airplanes
Three Colorful Airplanes at Torrey Pines State Beach

♦ A Sandcastle

Sandcastle at Torrey Pines State Beach
Sandcastle at Torrey Pines State Beach

♦ Sneakers in a Cave!

Sneakers in a Little Cave in a Rock at Torrey Pines State Beach
Sneakers in a Little Cave in a Rock at Torrey Pines State Beach

♦ Colorful Umbrellas

Colorful Umbrellas at Torrey Pines State Beach
Colorful Umbrellas at Torrey Pines State Beach

♦ A Hanglider Passing By

Hanglider at Torrey Pines State Beach
Hanglider at Torrey Pines State Beach

 

♦ Artists Carole and Linda Painting at Torrey Pines State Beach

Artists Carol & Linda Painting at Torrey Pines State Beach
Artists Carol & Linda Painting at Torrey Pines State Beach

 

♦ A few birds at the Los Penasquios Salt Marsh

A Peregrine Falcon & Art in Nature at Torrey Pines State Beach, San Diego

I Spied a Peregrine Falcon!

I love living in the San Diego area. Every time I visit Torrey Pines State Beach I discover something different and magical!

Couldn’t believe my luck today when I saw a fellow photographer ahead of me, with his camera and large lens, looking up at the rock formations.

He told me about seeing two peregrine falcons. We spotted one of them perched high up, atop a rock formation. 

I zoomed in and snapped several photos for your viewing!

 

 

Peregrine Falcon at Torrey Pines State Beach
Peregrine Falcon at Torrey Pines State Beach

 

 

Peregrine Falcon at Torrey Pines State Beach
Peregrine Falcon at Torrey Pines State Beach

Peregrine Falcon at Torrey Pines State Beach
Peregrine Falcon at Torrey Pines State Beach

I also marveled at how much beauty and “art” there is in nature. Here are a few photos that demonstrate patterns, colors, textures, etc. in today’s ‘beach finds”

 Finally, here are a few more photos from today. A group of college students from Vermont were enjoying Spring Break at Torrey Pines State Beach near Flat Rock .

Here are some photos!

Spring Break at Torrey Pines State Beach
Spring Break at Torrey Pines State Beach
Rock Formation at Torrey Pines State Beach
Rock Formation at Torrey Pines State Beach
Rock Formation at Torrey Pines State Beach
Rock Formation at Torrey Pines State Beach

Spring has Sprung! Cormorants Perched at Torrey Pines State Beach (San Diego County) Plus a Few Flowers to Enjoy!

I can’t get enough of the natural beauty at Torrey Pines State Beach!

Simply sharing with you a few glimpses from my “low tide” TPSB stroll where I spotted two cormorants perched atop a rock.

Besides viewing the cormorants, enjoy these snapshots of gorgeous spring flowers (seen  on the neighborhood), a cool rock formation and a “heat map” of hangliders!

Have a fantastic week and try to do something creative each day!

A Few Favorite “Finds” on Torrey Pines State Beach 3.17.15

A few “finds” from our walk today on Torrey Pines State Beach. Left to right, top to bottom: The majestic rock and clouds, a “beached” seal (that we reported to the ranger), several dolphins enjoying the Pacific Ocean, a round rock atop a rock, a couple of seagulls not talking to each other anymore, and a rock that resembled a “heart”.  Spectacular! Plus my friend and I walked about 6000 steps! Photos (snapped w/Nikon Coolpix L830 & edited in Picasa) by Susan Farese, SJF Communications

 

Collage at Torrey Pines State Beach  3.17.15
Collage at Torrey Pines State Beach 3.17.15