We enjoyed an interesting self-guided Spring hike of two oases at the Thousand Palms Oasis – Coachella Preserve (on the San Andreas Fault, no less) in the Southern California Desert (about 10 miles East of Palm Springs).
Here’s a video with photos that captured some of our day hiking at the Thousand Palms Oasis at Coachella Preserve!
A Hike at Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve – Coachella Valley
Here are some photos from our hike at Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve!
Visitors Center at Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, Coachella Valley Photo by SJF CommunicationsEnormous palm fronds at the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, Coachella Valley Photo by SJF Communications A View of the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, Coachella Valley Photo by SJF Communications McCallum Pond at Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, Coachella Valley Photo by SJF Communications
We started our journey by stopping at the Palm House Visitors Center (the original homestead log cabin, complete with really cool artifacts) and hiking over a few boardwalks (and a bit of sand) on the flat McCallum Trail (round trip 2 miles). The amazingly tall fan palms (Washingtonia filifera – some over 50 feet) are a sight to behold!
Side giggle note: The lengthy fronds resemble ‘Cousin Itt’ from the Addams Family!
In the middle of this desert, there were two magnificent oases, as well as beautiful purple, yellow, blue and white wildflowers, and a few birds.
At the end of the trail was McCallum pond (yes indeed, a pond – with water courtesy of the San Andreas Fault) with an added bonus – the endangered Desert Pup Fish!
Susan of SJF Communications enjoying the flower fields!
Susan’s friend Ninon at the Flower Fields!
It was such a fun morning (into the afternoon) enjoying a wagon ride and strolling through the vividly colorful Tecolote Ranunculus flowers (and more) at the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California.
Here’s a short SJF Communications video to share the delightfully colorful fields that seemed to go on and on!
. Prices range from $9-$18. YES, we did pay the extra $5 for the fun (and a bit bumpy) wagon ride and YES we also treated ourselves to a strawberry shake!
A special unexpected treat was smiling while observing the adorable caged dove exhibit!
A great children’s area will keep the kids happy with fun activities, gold panning plus workshops for school groups!
There were sweet pea & orchid areas, fresh lemonade, ice cream, the ‘Strawberry Shack’ with yummy drinks and sweets and overall a great way to spend time!
It was mesmerizing to see and photograph several hawks up close and personal on January 5th at Hawk Watch Ramona, thanks to the Wildlife Research Institute !
These free Hawk Watches (donations accepted as well) will continue on Saturdays throughout January and February at 10 a.m. (suggested arrival time 9:30 a.m.). The Hawk Watch lasts about 1.5-2 hours. The location is at the private Begent Ranch, 18528 Highland Valley Rd. Ramona, CA 92065.
More suggestions: Bring binoculars, cameras, wear layered clothing, and sturdy shoes. (It could get muddy and wet there)! There are chairs set up outside but you can also bring your own if you prefer. There is free parking.
There were several varieties of hawks to see up close and personal, including the Red-Tailed Hawk(s), as well as a Peregrine Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, White Gyrfalcon and an American Kestrel – plus several exhibitor displays inside the building and demonstrations outside, such as a net trapping and learning how the handlers work with the hawks. Each week will feature different species.
According to the WRI flyer at the event- Here is the upcoming Owl schedule:
February 2nd: Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Western Screech
February 16th: Barn Owl, Western Screech
February 23rd: Barn Owl, Western Screech
Here are some photos from the day!
White Gyrfalcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
White Gyrfalcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
White Gyrfalcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Ferruginous Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Ferruginous Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Ferruginous Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Peregrine Falcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Peregrine Falcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Peregrine Falcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Peregrine Falcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Peregrine Falcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
American Kestrel – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
American Kestrel – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
American Kestrel – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
American Kestrel – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
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We had such a spectacular, fun and educational morning (along with a large group of attendees) at the first 2019 ‘Hawk Watch’ Falconry event including a Q & A with Biologists from the Wildlife Research Institute (WRI).
These free Hawk Watches (donations accepted as well) will continue on Saturdays throughout January and February at 10 a.m. (suggested arrival time 9:30 a.m.). The Hawk Watch lasts about 1.5-2 hours. The location is at the private Begent Ranch, 18528 Highland Valley Rd. Ramona, CA 92065.
More suggestions: Bring binoculars, cameras, wear layered clothing, and sturdy shoes. (It could get muddy and wet there)! There are chairs set up outside but you can also bring your own if you prefer. There is free parking.
There were several varieties of hawks to see up close and personal, including the Red-Tailed Hawk(s), as well as a Peregrine Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, White Gyrfalcon and an American Kestrel – plus several exhibitor displays inside the building and demonstrations outside, such as a net trapping and learning how the handlers work with the hawks. Each week will feature different species.
According to the WRI flyer at the event- Here is the upcoming Owl schedule:
January 12th: Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Western Screech
February 2nd: Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Western Screech
February 16th: Barn Owl, Western Screech
February 23rd: Barn Owl, Western Screech
Click below for a short video from our day!
Here are a few photos representing the hawks we observed!
Peregrine Falcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
These free Hawk Watches (donations accepted as well) will continue on Saturdays throughout January and February at 10 a.m. (suggested arrival time 9:30 a.m.) The location is at the beautiful picturesque private Begent Ranch, 18528 Highland Valley Rd. Ramona, CA 92065. Coffee and donuts were on hand (donations accepted) and afterwards hot dogs and refreshments were available for purchase.
There were also exhibitors (including reptiles on display) plus hawk related and other goods for sale.
A great day to observe and marvel at the hawks!
White Gyrfalcon – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF CommunicationsAmerican Kestrel – Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
This was a wonderful sold-out event at a beautiful theatre (one of my personal favorite places to see films) with nearly 30 projects (some of my colleagues also presented) shown on the big screen that evening!
So…sit back, relax and enjoy this clip of some of my photography!
Best known for her ability to present complex ideas in a clear and entertaining way, Dr. Schroeter has published in the areas of integrating somatic psychotherapy with other modalities, such as self-psychology, affect (mood) regulation and interpersonal neurobiology. Communication Breakthrough shows how the brain reacts under stress and provides powerful body techniques to easily shift moods for successful communication.
QUOTE from Dr. Schroeter:
“As the 4th of 12 children, I was intrigued by all our different personalities. By age 16, I knew I wanted to be a counselor. Coming from a working class family, I put myself through college and graduate school in order to pursue my dreams.
I had a forty-two year career as a clinical psychotherapist, focusing on body-mind psychology. I have noticed a common theme in my professional as well as personal life, which is how people suffer when they do not know how to communicate well. My current passion is to help people communicate better. My recent studies in neuroscience (mind) along with my long-term work in somatic psychotherapy (body) allow me to provide original and effective communication tools.”
SJF: Tell us about the book Communication Breakthrough – how you came up with the theme, how long it took to write it? Why did you write it? Where did you write it?
VS: I was teaching doctor-patient communication at PCOM (Pacific College of Oriental Medicine), when I decided that a book for the public on improving communication, both better listening and better expression, would be valuable. In my clinical practice as a psychotherapist I witnessed marriages end and families suffer partially because people did not know how to best communicate their needs and wants to each other.
I came up with the theme of combining neuroscience with somatic awareness as a lens to view communication. While there are many communication books, no one has combined these two up-to-date methods that can inform best practices. Since I am schooled in both models, I explain them in clear and accessible ways for the average person to apply in improving expression and listening.
I wrote the book over five years, often in the quiet of the library, as I find the focused stillness conducive to my concentration. I did all the sketches for my book, often in the library also.
SJF: What experiences and/or people (parents, role models etc.) in your life influenced you the most and why?
VS: My parents were both strong, faith-filled, and family-oriented stalwarts of getting along with others. They raised a big family and we were expected to help each other and enjoy our connections as siblings. We worked together in the family business and also played sports together. I think that influenced my interest in exploring how people get along with each other.
SJF: What have been your three most memorable experiences (positive or negative)?
VS: Finding the right person to marry, suffering two ectopic pregnancies, and rising from that tragedy by adopting the most beautiful child in the world.
SJF: Which job have you enjoyed the most and why (and the least and why)?
VS: I have thoroughly enjoyed my career as a psychotherapist, especially in private practice for over forty years. I like exploring with people what their defenses are, what their dreams are, and providing a compassionate ear and assortment of tools to help them reach those dreams.
The job I enjoyed the least was peeling skins off of steamed tomatoes in stultifying heat as they came down a conveyer belt in a cannery. It was the summer of 1968. Our family business had just burned down. My parents and we older siblings had to work in the local cannery to put food on the table. So I did not complain. But the monotony would make my mind wander, I would get dreamy, stare off into space and then I would get yelled at. I couldn’t wait for that summer to end so I could go away to college. Which I did.
SJF: Accomplishments/Recognitions?
VS: Professional: I received a Masters in Psychology and my license to practice at age 25. I went back to graduate school, doing research on infant-mother bonding and received a PhD at age 49. I was the Coordinating Trainer for SCIBA, a post graduate training program in Bioenergetic Analysis for many years, as well as teaching and giving workshops and keynotes on subjects related to somatic psychotherapy internationally. I have published many papers on somatic psychotherapy and some of my art and poetry have also been published. I was chief editor of the IIBA professional journal for ten years.
VS: I do not like this question as it seems to invite comparisons of who I am to who I could have been. It would invite a rejection of any younger version of myself. I have learned from my mistakes, which just makes me a person richer for having swum in those waters. I can search my memory banks when someone feels shame or guilt, to see times when I may have been shackled by the bonds of shame or guilt. It helps me understand and identify with others who are suffering. But I refuse to carry shame or guilt around on a regular basis. They weigh too much. I am happy with my past and present.
SJF: What are you most proud of?
VS: Snagging a loving husband who is my best friend, raising a daughter who is a wonderful person to be around, loving two darling grandsons who own my heart and my close bond with my eleven siblings.
Vincentia Schroeter, Ph.D. and 3 of her 11 siblings!
SJF: Any difficult decisions?
VS: Nothing comes to mind. Once I make up my mind, I just do things, even if (for example having to confront someone when there is a conflict) I know it may cause suffering for me, for them or for both of us.
SJF: What’s the most difficult thing about writing?
VS: Just making the time and committing to getting going. Then maybe over obsessing on edits. I am very slow but like to be thorough on proofreading, so it takes me forever to proof other people’s work as well as my own. I go over it a million times like an ant exploring one blade of grass for a long, long time. That can be time consuming but I can’t seem to go any faster, so I have to just accept the tediousness of it.
SJF: What do you envision for the book, Communication Breakthrough?
VS: Global Dominance. Just kidding. I want it to be lifted by a strong wind and carried across the miles into homes, offices and classrooms and picked up by folks who are lonely or angry or scared or sad and need a little nudge to improve their relationships with others. They read, learn and start practicing tools for better listening and tools for clearer expression, and viola, they feel happier. (Interpersonal happiness is more satisfying than global dominance anyway).
SJF: Any fears? Doubts?
VS: Do I ever feel fear? Yes. Do I have doubts? Sometimes. I may feel anxious before a big presentation and tend to bind my anxiety by being over-prepared. But that is better than being under-prepared, so in these cases, fear is my friend as it can help me be alert to being as ready as possible. Then I usually do some centering, some self-acceptance mantra, breathe and feel the excitement right before going out on that stage!
Fun time strolling at the San Dieguito River Park in Del Mar today despite the heat and humidity in the San Diego area! Shorebirds are thriving there and the water was crystal blue. Two Great White Egrets were in a tizzy, I saw a flock of Kildeer hurrying above yapping away (who knows why), a European Starling (I think) and a few gulls too! Panoramic view of the lagoon, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Viewpoint Brewery , the #5, then West towards the ocean.
When was the last time that you ‘unplugged’ from your devices and appreciated or partook in ‘nature’?
If your answer was today, this week, recently etc. – No worries…but if there’s a gap…there’s definitely hope!
In this interview, you will ‘virtually’ meet SJF Communications’ clients Sebastian Slovin and Sonya Mohamed, Owners of Nature Unplugged in Encinitas, California. We spent some great quality time ‘unplugging’ outdoors together at the beautiful San Dieguito County Park in Rancho Santa Fe for this fun photo shoot, inspiring conversation and of course, connecting with nature!
And now…without further ado..please sit back, relax and enjoy our SJF Communications interview with Sebastian and Sonya, owners of Nature Unplugged!
Sonya Mohamed and Sebastian Slovin, Nature Unplugged
SJF: Welcome Sebastian and Sonya! So nice to chat with you both today. What compelled to create Nature Unplugged together?
Sebastian: The origin of Nature Unplugged began about 10 years ago, when I started by providing unique outdoor experiences around San Diego. The aim was to get people off of their devices and out into nature by combining movement and mindfulness practices. I offered a variety of outdoor experiences – such as guided hikes, outdoor yoga, surfing, stand up paddling, and snorkeling – based on my expertise and background as a professional bodyboarder (boogieboarder), yoga instructor and nature enthusiast. My time in the ocean and on the mat inspired the services/experiences that Nature Unplugged provided.
A few years later, I met Sonya. While I grew up exploring the beaches and waves of Southern California, Sonya adventured in the woods of Valley Forge National Park near her home outside of Philadelphia. It wasn’t long before we started to explore ways to combine our individual skills and passions and share them with the world. We were fortunate to enroll in the MA of Leadership Studies program at the University of San Diego. It was there that our vision for Nature Unplugged really came together.
While at USD, we began to create curriculum specifically designed to help people cultivate wellness through healthy relationships with technology and a deeper connection to nature. Our focus right now is creating momentum for this movement. We offer workshops, speaking engagements/presentations, and one-on-one coaching. Our vision is to create conscious individuals and thriving communities through healthy relationships with nature and technology.
SJF: That’s awesome! What a way for each of you to live your purpose! Sonya, please describe 3 types/groups of people that would be ideal Nature Unplugged clients
Sonya: Sure, we work with several categories:
New Professionals/Millennials
We work with new professionals and millennials who are seeking work-life balance and want to prevent or manage burnout. This group often works in jobs where tech/screen times are heavy and finding balance is critical for their success in work and happiness beyond their professional roles.
Parents, Caretakers and Educators
We work with parents, caretakers and educators who are raising and developing young people in this digital age. We offer plans/tools/tips on how to teach healthy boundaries with technology and how to reconnect youth to the outdoors and nature.
Students
We work with adolescents (middle school/high school) who may have an imbalance with their tech use/screen time. This could be due to gaming/social media/etc.
Sonya Mohamed and Sebastian Slovin, Nature Unplugged
SJF: What motivates you as entrepreneurs?
Sebastian and Sonya: We are both highly creative and are energized by the process of starting something new. We feel uniquely equipped – with our personal, professional and educational backgrounds – to create and share tools and resources that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and communities.
SJF: Any roadblocks or challenges with Nature Unplugged along the way? Any challenges working together as partners/spouses?
Sebastian:While we’ve had some wonderful successes over the years and built great connections with individuals and communities, we’ve also had some challenges along the way. We work with people of all ages, though our formative work was primarily with adolescents ages 12-17. Often we would connect with parents who were very eager and committed to helping their children become less attached to/dependent on their smartphones, video games, or other devices. As you can imagine, that’s not the same mindset and eagerness the youngsters met us with.
As for working together as partners/spouses, there are sometimes added challenges and conflict with our dual roles. It can be hard to separate our personal and professional boundaries. Purely from a business partner standpoint, we are also quite different people. Sebastian is fueled by the larger abstract thinking and brainstorming where Sonya has more of a task and process orientation. Most often this is a useful balance that produces both the innovative ideas and the ability to implement them and bring them to life. It can also lead to misunderstandings and frustrations, as there’s a natural tension between the two.
That being said, we are grateful and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn a lot about work and leadership dynamics through our MA in Leadership Studies program. We’ve learned (and continue to learn) how we work best individually and as partners. With styles and approaches that are very different, we have learned how to capitalize on our strengths and manage our tension points. The awareness and attention to those differences make for a great partnership.
SJF: Thank you for that incredibly astute explanation! Despite potential challenges you two work very well together!
SJF: How would you talk about Nature Unplugged to your 13 year old self(selves)
Sebastian: Great question! I’d say: “ You know 13 year old Sebastian, when I look back on my my life, do you know what stands out? It’s the relationships I’ve had, the face to face time, and the adventures of mixing it up out in the ocean and in nature. Your time is precious. Do what makes you feel alive”!
Sonya: I would say: “Never lose sight of your wild self. Run a muck outside as often as you can for as long as you can. Find some friends, get out into nature, explore and goof around. Play is not something reserved for children! You’re going to face a lot of pressure to conform and to take yourself more seriously. Stability is valuable, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your happiness. Get in touch with what you want and don’t be afraid to go for it. It will be tempting to fill all your free time with tasks, and TV shows, and social media. Be careful there, you won’t be happier for it.
SJF: Why should we unplug?
Sebastian: Simply put: it feels better when we do. There is a growing body of research supporting the benefits – mentally, emotionally and physically – of getting off our devices and outside.
Sonya Mohamed and Sebastian Slovin Nature Unplugged
SJF: Pricing points?
Sebastian: For more information about Nature Unplugged presentations, workshops and coaching plans and pricing email: sebastian@natureunplugged.com or call: 858-775-6486
SJF:What is yourMotto/Tagline and how it evolved for Nature Unplugged?
Sebastian: Our mission/motto: Cultivating consciousness in the digital age
SJF: Describe your awesome, simplistic (yet extremely effective) Nature Unplugged Logo Design
Sonya: I designed and created the logo, using the ‘N’ from Nature and ‘U’ from Unplugged to create something beautiful and relevant to our work.
SJF: Who are Role Models in the entrepreneurial, fitness, academic etc world for you both?
Terri Monroe
Zachary Green
Brene Brown
Fred Kaufman
Jack Kornfield
Michael Phelps
Jon Kabat Zinn
Byron Katie
Michael Gervais
Jim Carrey
Paulo Coelho
Thich Nhatt Hanh
Jose Stevens
David Whyte
Dr. Seuss
SJF: Wow, such a great list. We’ll need to follow up and see any connections that might ensue!If you had to do it over again, (starting a business)….
Sebastian: We would have done it sooner! It’s scary (we still feel that fear a bit) and it’s taken us some time to lean into the discomfort and just go for it.
SJF: But…if you didn’t ‘go for it’ we wouldn’t be working together! So glad you leaned in!
SJF: Describe a workshop/presentation for Nature Unplugged
Sebastian and Sonya:
TITLE: “Nature Unplugged: How to Cultivate Consciousness in the Digital Age”
Presentation:
This interactive and dynamic presentation is all about thewhat and the why.What are we filling our time with and why? The focus is on why balance between time we spend/spent with technology and out in nature is important, and then practically speaking, how to find balance when we’re constantly being pulled and lured into imbalance. We explore the latest research on increased tech use and the benefits of nature, sharing our own personal stories in search of balance. Also included are tools and practices offered as takeaways to inspire attendees to take action and create meaningful change in their daily lives.
SJF: How much time are the presentations?
Sebastian and Sonya:
Typically 1 hour but can range 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
SJF: Where do you teach/provide the presentations?
Sebastian and Sonya:
We’ve presented in a wide variety of locations such as: schools (5th – 12th grade), universities, and businesses.
SJF: How about the Workshops:
Sebastian and Sonya:
Workshops are highly interactive and are a combination of content, small group work, and personal reflection and practice. More than simply delivering information, we provide opportunities for reflection, guide practices and offer tools to make immediate and impactful change.
SJF: How much time is spent in your workshops?
Sebastian and Sonya:
We offer half-day (4 hour) and full-day (8 hour) workshops.
SJF: Where do you teach/provide the presentations?
Sebastian and Sonya:
We hold workshops on site at schools (5th – 12th grade), universities, and businesses. Workshops out in nature (parks, reserves, etc.) are also available.
SJF: What are some of your Workshop Learning Outcomes?
Sebastian and Sonya:
Discover (or rediscover) the beauty and benefits of nature
Regain control of the tech/media in your life by setting healthy boundaries
Live more intentionally by developing or deepening your mindfulness practice
Reclaim a spirit of playfulness and reinsert free time into your day
Try new things, learn to lean into discomfort and push the edges of your comfort zone
Understand your values, how they inform your behaviors and attitudes, and learn how to align your goals to them
Build capacity for self-reflection and self-awareness
SJF: Anything else you’d like to mention?
Sebastian and Sonya: Thanks so much for your time Susan and SJF Communications. We really appreciate it. The only thing we’d like to share with your readers is:
“We’d love to hear from you and continue the conversation. What obstacles are you facing? What do you want to know more about? What about Nature Unplugged resonates with you? Don’t hesitate to reach out!”
SJF: Please let us know how to find Nature Unplugged
This time I enjoyed the day with my Goddaughter Caroline, and her one of her best friends, Tori!
Susan and Caroline. Photo by Tori Trexel
Tori and Caroline; Photo by SJF Communications
We spent several hours enjoying the weather, scenery, botanical treasures and of course phenomenal animal exhibits! Plus: an added bonus of walking (and strolling) at least our 10,000 steps (& beyond)!
Then we ventured out to Balboa Park for a lovely lunch at the Prado, complete with a pitcher of sangria before our delicious steak and chicken tacos (and fries) were delivered!
Tori, Susan and Caroline at the Prado Restaurant in balboa Park. Photo by a very kind member of the Prado Wait Staff!
Caroline and Tori at Food Truck Friday at Balboa Park; Photo by SJF Communications
Caroline and Susan at Food Truck Friday at Balboa Park; Photo by Tori Trexel
Here are some more photos from our splendid day!
Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
First of all, my Mentee this past year in the San Diego State University’s Aztec Mentor Program, Senior Delaney Heil, (class of 2019) is thrilled to be interning this summer at the San Diego Zoo! She was our bus tour guide! Weren’t we the lucky ones! Besides driving that huge bus (oh my…I could NEVER), she was brilliantly humorous as she narrated along the way!
Delaney Heil; Photo by SJF Communications
Susan and Delaney; Photo by Caroline Brigham
And here are some photos of our very cool animal friends!
Flamingo
Flamingo; Photo by SJF Communications
Jaguar – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Jaguar; Photo by SJF Communications
Jaguar; Photo by SJF Communications
Polar Bear
Polar Bear; Photo by SJF Communications
Koalas – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Koala Bear; Photo by SJF Communications
Koala Bear; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutans – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Gorillas – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Gorilla; Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Gorillas; Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Gorilla; Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Giraffes – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
My husband and I recently thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon at Santee Lakes. We walked around several of the lakes for fitness and I did some incredible bird watching!
A place that never ceases to amaze me is Torrey Pines State Beach! It is located between La Jolla and Del Mar, California and approximately 1.5 miles West of Interstate 5 at Carmel Valley Road in San Diego. Here is a cool visitors guide for Torrey Pines State Beach including parking rate information from the San Diego Tourism Authority as well as information about the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Daily rates: $10-15 Monday-Thursday; $12-20 Friday-Sunday and Holidays.Click for info on Annual Passes.
#TorreyPinesStateBeach is my ‘go to’ place to walk for fitness, stroll, socialize, observe the #artinnature and #natureasart. I like to visually capture interesting images.
Here are a few of my photos from yesterday’s walk.
Beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach! Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Sandstone Cave-Like Area! Torrey Pines State Beach Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Amazing Sandstone Rocks! Torrey Pines State Beach Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
A very lovely shell amidst the rocks! Torrey Pines State Beach Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Heart Rock Torrey Pines State Beach Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
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A NEW YEARS ‘Gift’ from SJF Communications to Celebrate San Diego Area Theater!
Besides enjoying the heck out of consulting for and working with theatre company clients as a public relations professional/publicist, (and as an actor), I am an avid theatre-goer and attend many San Diego theater productions throughout the year!
$$$$$$! 🙂
Our extensive collection of Playbills and programs (and bill statements) confirm it!
Also, our daughter is majoring in theatre arts performance/acting & musical theatre, so I have been attending university shows and recitals, adding to my mix. Plus, I’m an adjudicator for high school musical theatre production awards.
Don’t forget about San Diego Theatre Week February 15 – February 25, 2018! Great deals and discounts! Dozens of arts organizations are participating!
I have always wanted to write a post listing all the wonderful theater productions in the San Diego area. SO…….
There’s an abundance of productions this quarter between January and March. This list is my NEW YEARS present to our San Diego Community! Why? Because I wanted to know what the upcoming shows were PLUS I believe in SHARING and GETTING THE WORD OUT! So take a gander!
I’ve listed (alphabetically) the Theatre/Production Company, Title of Show(s), Dates of Shows and Website links. It’s quite comprehensive! Let us know if there are any additions, corrections etc. We aim to please!
What more could you ask for???
Well, I can ask for something in return:
(Please subscribe to my website, comment, like, and share the link away on social media, via emails, however YOU get the word out)!
Here we go!
Happy New Year from SJF Communications!
San Diego Area Theatre Productions January Through March, 2018
Broadway San Diego (P) Hamilton January 6 – January 28; Dirty Dancing February 9 – February 11; Stomp March 2 – March 4; The Magic of Adam Trent March 24; http://www.broadwaysd.com/
Coronado Playhouse (C) The Addams FamilyJanuary 19 – February 25; King Charles III March 23 – April 22; Songs for a New year: An Evening of the Works of Jason Robert Brown March 2 – March 3; http://coronadoplayhouse.com/
Cygnet Theatre (P)The Last Wife Jan 17 – Feb 11; Musical Monday: Bacchanal Jan 29; A Little Night Music Mar 7 – Apr 22; http://www.cygnettheatre.com/
Different Stages (C) Building the Wall (Co-Produced with Point Loma Playhouse) January 13 – January 21;
Diversionary Theatre (P): The Cardboard Piano January 25-February 25 The Happiest Place on Earth March 15-April 15; http://diversionary.org/season32/
La Jolla Playhouse (P): Mike Birbiglia: The New One January 9 – 14; The Cake February 6 – March 4; POP Tour Home of the Brave Public Performances at the Playhouse March 10 & 11; La Jolla Playhouse’s Gala March 17; http://www.lajollaplayhouse.org/tickets-and-subscriptions/buy-tickets
La Jolla Theatre Ensemble (Staged Readings) (C) Kim Cromwell’s one-act, CATFISH; a pair of ten-minute plays, one by Jeanette Farr called “Gray Matter” and the second, “A Lease on Life” by Liz Coley; and Werner Hashagen’s “Yes! January 28, January 30; https://www.facebook.com/ljtheatreensemble/posts/878064212371334
Lamb’s Players (P) (Coronado) Smoke on the Mountain January 11-28; Freedom Riders January 15; Sunday Night Sing, January 21; Lambs Cabaret: Songs of Love and Laughter February 11; Camping With Henry and Tom: February 16 – March 25; http://www.lambsplayers.org/index.php
Lamplighters Community Theatre (C) Agatha Christie’s The MousetrapJanuary 12 – February 4; Dead Man’s Cell Phone(Staged Reading) January 14; Judith Merel’s One-Woman Show The Cantor’sDaughter January 28; Night, Mother March 2 – March 25; https://www.lamplighterslamesa.com/
Moonlight Stage Productions (P): Bets Malone at Club M(with Elan McMahan Musical Director and Pianist)January 13 Lucie Arnaz at Club MFebruary 10; Daebreon Poiema with Lyndon Pugeda, Musical Director and Pianist March 3; Rebels, Raiders and Supermen: The Music of John Williams March 24; http://www.moonlightstage.com/
Moxie Theatre (P): BLISS (or Emily Post is Dead ) January 28 – February 25 / Opening Night: February 3; http://www.moxietheatre.com/shows/
North Coast Rep (P) Around the World in Eighty Days January 10 – February 4; Seeger January 29; The Year of Magical ThinkingJanuary 22 – 23; This Random World February 21 – March 18; An Evening with Robert Dubac February 26 & 27https://northcoastrep.org/
Ocean Beach Playhouse (C) (OB Playhouse): Comedy HypnotistJanuary 26 – January 27; I Love You BecauseFebruary 2 – February 25; Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert Dates Pending http://www.obtheatrecompany.com/
Oceanside Theatre Company (C): Outside Mullingar (with Scripps Ranch Theatre) February 23 – March 11 http://www.oceansidetheatre.org/
Onstage Playhouse(C)As Bees in Honey Drown January 12 – February 10; Spike Heels March 9 – April 7; https://www.onstageplayhouse.org/
Patio Playhouse (C) Pygmalion January 5- January 28; I Ought To Be in Pictures February 16-March 11; Sweeney Todd March 23-April 8; http://www.patioplayhouse.com/wp/
San Diego Musical Theatre (P) (SDMT) The Full Monty January 25 – February 26, sdmt.org
San Diego Repertory Theatre (P): Vietgone January 25 – February 18 http://www.sdrep.org/
Scripps Ranch Theatre (C): Outside Mullingar (with Oceanside Theatre) January 19 – February 18; Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery March 23 to April 22 http://www.scrippsranchtheatre.org/
The Barn Stage Company Little Women January 11 January 21; The Music of Cole Porter January 28; Till There Was You (Cabaret) February 25; The Secret Gardenin Concert March 1 – March 4; Motown (Cabaret) March 25; http://thebarnstagecompany.com/js_events/little-women/
The Old Globe (P): The Importance of Being Earnest January 27 – March 24; Uncle Vanya February 10 – March 11; https://www.theoldglobe.org/
