I am always amazed at the striking rock formations and cliffs at Torrey Pines State Reserve and Beach. They are fascinating, colorful, majestic, steep and very old!
I spent some time walking along the beach recently and was in awe of the rock formations…caves…geometric shapes and more…
Here’s a short video to show the magic in the rocks!
I had some free time and took advantage of a wonderful mini-escape to nature!
Here’s a short video to recap my time strolling throughout the mile long, double loop, ADA accessible San Elijo Nature Center Loop Trail (Located off of Interstate #5 a bit West on Manchester Blvd. in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California). There are several benches along the route to sit back, reflect and ‘take it all in’.
There’s a bit of restoration and dredging (thus, disruption of the bird habitats) happening these days, complete with large cranes, so I didn’t spot as many species as usual.
Feel free to read more about the San Elijo Nature Center plus, some info about the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy
Yet another fun afternoon of fun and adventure at the world famous San Diego Zoo – thanks to my Keeper’s Club Pass.
This time I enjoyed the day with my Goddaughter Caroline, and her one of her best friends, Tori!
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!
We passed by Food Truck Friday too!
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!
And here are some photos of our very cool animal friends!
Flamingo
Jaguar – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Polar Bear
Koalas – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Orangutans – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Gorillas – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Giraffes – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Elephant
Meerkat
Capybara
Lion
Pigmy Hippo
It’s that time again in San Diego…The marine layer is proudly beaming lately and we kid about it as ‘May Gray’.
I visited Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma on May 21st and was delighted with such natural beauty there…
Take a gander at these photos.
Not a sunny day, but I still witnessed gorgeous rock formations, caves, wildflowers and waves…
YES: #artinnature, #natureasart!
Susan J. Farese
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It was a beautiful Sunday and as usual I had my camera with me!
Snapped some photos at Liberty Station as well as on Manzanita Trail at Pacific Highlands Ranch (Carmel Valley), San Diego. Feel free to click on each photo for more detail…
This was my view of downtown San Diego looking south from Liberty Station
Loved this Coral Tree at Liberty Station!
I was captivated watching these great blue herons at Liberty Station!
Saw (and definitely HEARD) several airplanes taking off above Liberty Station
And again witnessed the lantana’s #artinnature and #natureasart (Liberty Station)
Loved the color combination here!
Then ventured out for a walk on the Manzanita Trail at Pacific Highlands Ranch
A beautiful white-crowned sparrow (Manzanita Trail, Carmel Valley, San Diego) !
Saw (and heard) this lovely Song Sparrow (Manzanita Trail, Carmel Valley, San Diego) !
Blue Lupine Perennials (Manzanita Trail Carmel Valley San Diego)!
A Black Phoebe – (Manzanita Trail – Carmel Valley, San Diego)
Finally, an Allen’s Hummingbird (Manzanita Trail – Carmel Valley, San Diego)!
All in all, a wonderful day!
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In honor of National Poetry Writing Month (#napowrimo) I have mastered the first few days in previous blog posts and am attempting to keep it going (with and without prompts)!
As I have stated previously, I’ve been a Mentor at San Diego State University in their Aztec Mentor Program since 2016. Mentoring has been an inspirational and enjoyable way to connect with and guide students as a role model, share wisdom and give back to one’s community.
Today, I arrived early and was waiting for my first of two mentees to join me for our biweekly in-person session.
Alas: a Haiku blossomed!
Once I returned home for the day, I walked around our general neighborhood and snapped some photos (which to me depict #artinnature #natureasart). The photos are attached below!
As the season of Spring has sprung and as nature evolves – my burgeoning Mentees have been flourishing as well! May they thrive and prosper! Thus…my tribute to them!
by
Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
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A chilly cloudy day with some cool sightings at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy with a #Haiku.
Photos and Haiku by Susan Farese, SJF Communications
Bird Watching is FUN!
Challenging and exciting
(But pay attention)!
All of a sudden
One might grace with their presence
And poof…they fly past!
Camera in hand
Mastering all the settings
Stay still – just don’t move!
Nothing like photos
Displaying what you’ve captured
I LOVE BIRD WATCHING!
Here are some photos – feel free to click on each one!
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It’s always a breath of fresh air (at an altitude of 4226 ft of glorious elevation) for a visit to Julian, California, including a stop at this time at the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve!
Then – a stop at the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve
Until Next Time!
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Note from Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications: Delaney Heil is my Mentee in the Aztec Mentor Program at San Diego State University (SDSU). An Honors Program Student, Delaney is studying Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communication and is Minoring in Biology. This interview was part of Delaney’s PR assignment and as her Mentor I wanted to give Delaney an opportunity to be published, thus, her guest interview post! Many thanks, Delaney!
SAN DIEGO – Most public relations practitioners begin their careers by studying the subject in school. But Susan Farese of SJF Communications had a very different introduction into PR.
Instead of Susan obtaining a degree in PR she began in Nursing and Musical Theater.
“I received my bachelors and then masters degrees in Nursing and was a military nurse for 12 years. Since 1990 (after leaving the military) I have been a consultant, with several geographical moves in between. Fast forward to circa 2005, 2006…when my daughter was involved in professional and community productions I wrote a press release for the kids that were featured among the adults,” she said.
As the years went by, through her daughter’s participation in theater, Farese volunteered to write promotional announcements for the productions.
“In 2011, the director of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ in San Diego was impressed with my promoting the production and recommended me to join the board for the San Diego Musical Theatre,” said Farese.
Farese created the position of Marketing/ PR on the board, which turned into a consulting and staff position. After 5 years, it prompted her to begin freelance PR services with her business SJF Communications. She specializes in PR marketing and doubles as a social media coach, blogger and mentor.
Her specialty is in entertainment PR, linking back to her theater background.
“Somehow because I worked theater PR for five years, I cultivated so many contacts. I just feel comfortable in this industry. Additionally, I have been providing PR for musicians as well.”
Becoming established in San Diego wasn’t easy for Farese. “I had to compile and/or edit a list of media contacts, build a database, provide ongoing media relations, write and submit press releases, provide email marketing, online calendar submissions and social media posts, create a business website/blog and attend many productions and events as well as other duties. I joined organizations and networked. “It’s a challenge, but I like it. Actually, I love it! I’m still establishing my brand.”
Farese assured that despite the challenges, there are many benefits to being a PR practitioner, such as exciting interpersonal challenges and events. “Connecting with people excites me. I enjoy getting the word out, mass communication, everything involved with it,” said Farese.
Farese believes that the most important thing for future practitioners to remember is “to be assertive and confident in themselves. And to have a positive attitude…No matter what!”
Many thanks Delaney!
I spent a delightful afternoon wandering about by bird watching and enjoying nature’s foliage, views and more at the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy – a Southern California nonprofit land trust which is part of the nearly 1000-acre San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, bordered by the northern San Diego areas of Solana Beach, Encinitas and Rancho Santa Fe.
I began my solo stroll at the ‘green’ San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center (2710 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007). The volunteers and rangers were very helpful with information. I gave a donation and visited the interactive exhibits. The Nature Center sells limited items such as maps, books, snacks/drinks etc.
I embarked on my journey by following the beautiful trail. Here are some photos from the day!
Feel free to hover over/click on each photo to see the name and enlarge it.
I visited during low tide and was able to see a variety of shore birds at the mud flats. The trail is quite easy to navigate (it also includes ADA accessible boardwalk). There are natural-looking overlooks and benches for those who’d like a rest, or just sit and observe!
Feel free to hover over/click on each photo to see the name and enlarge it.
Feel free to hover over/click on each photo to see the name and enlarge it.
I also enjoyed admiring the foliage and surroundings. Here’s a peek at what I saw that day…Spring has sprung indeed!
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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!
Browse the Bird List!
Check out photos of the Wildlife!
Find out more about the Park!,
Perhaps go Fishing!,
Stay overnight in the Cabins, or in their Campground!
Or: Plan your Events!
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I am spoiled! Living so close to the beach is one thing, but even better is the fact that we’re near Torrey Pines State Beach!
Torrey Pines State Beach 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.
As I have stated before, #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 images from my most recent March, 2018 visit…I also saw a whale spouting, but it was so fast I couldn’t capture it quickly enough with a photo!
Wouldn’t you know…I glanced up and saw a pelican, dolphin and helicopter in the distance!
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(San Diego, California, March 6, 2018). There was an ‘Act of Kindness’ in San Diego on Thursday, March 1st from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Halo Cinematic, benefiting Rachel’s Women’s Center (a Drop-In Day Center at Catholic Charities for homeless and low income women in East Village). This fifth Act of Kindness in San Diego was sponsored and led by Sue Vicory, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, humanitarian and the CEO of the global brand “My Power of One”.
According to Ms. Vicory and My Power of One, ‘March 1st was our 5th Act of Kindness in San Diego. We gathered for a photo shoot with photographer Aram Khachaturyan on a movie set at Halo Cinematic and gathered up supplies to deliver to a day center for women. Five carloads were delivered.’
Here is a photo montage video courtesy of Sue Vicory:
“The mission of ‘My Power of One’ is as simple as understanding how significant we each are within humanity with our every word and every action making a difference. These words and actions are our legacy and fingerprint within humanity. We pride ourselves in doing intentional and sometimes anonymous random acts of kindness. Be the Miracle is our catch phrase.” – Sue Vicory
Sue Vicory, recently was an Indie Film Showcase’ panelist at the Sundance Film Festival and will be an upcoming panelist representing Women Filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival in May, 2018. More information about Sue Vicory can be found at her Website, her YouTube Channel and in a 2016 Interview.
Social Media Hashtags for the March 1st event: #MPO1 #ThinkOne #ActofKindness.
For more information email susanvicory@gmail.com or visit http://mypowerofone.com/
Media Contact: SJF Communications; 408-398-5940 sjfcommunications@gmail.com.
Photos courtesy of Aram Khachaturyan and Sue Vicory, My Power of One.
(San Diego, California, February 24, 2018). There will be a special ‘Act of Kindness’ in San Diego on Thursday, March 1st from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Halo Cinematic, benefiting Rachel’s Women’s Center (a Drop-In Day Center at Catholic Charities for homeless and low income women in East Village). This fifth Act of Kindness in San Diego is sponsored and led by Sue Vicory, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, humanitarian and the CEO of the global brand “My Power of One”.
This unique day of celebration will include collecting, organizing and ultimately distributing a variety of donations to Rachel’s Women’s Center. There will also be a star-studded photo shoot of local celebrities with photographer Aram Khachaturyan from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. as well as entertainment on a film set at Halo Cinematic in Mira Mesa (7620 Miramar Rd Ste 41 San Diego, CA 92126). There is very limited space available with a maximum of 30 individuals at any given time throughout the four-hour event. Caterer Simply Fresh will be providing food for the event.
“The mission of ‘My Power of One’ is as simple as understanding how significant we each are within humanity with our every word and every action making a difference. These words and actions are our legacy and fingerprint within humanity. We pride ourselves in doing intentional and sometimes anonymous random acts of kindness. Be the Miracle is our catch phrase.” – Sue Vicory
Sue Vicory, recently was an Indie Film Showcase’ panelist at the Sundance Film Festival and will be an upcoming panelist representing Women Filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival in May, 2018. More information about Sue Vicory can be found at her Website, her YouTube Channel and in a 2016 Interview.
Social Media Hashtags for the March 1st event: #MPO1 #ThinkOne #ActofKindness.
To contribute monetary donations, or drop off suggested items, or for more information please or email susanvicory@gmail.com or visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/157447744879686/.
Media Contact: SJF Communications; 408-398-5940 sjfcommunications@gmail.com.
Photos courtesy of Sue Vicory, My Power of One.
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We had a lovely day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park !
Here’s a video snippet…Enjoy!
(Feel free to make the video larger – click on the lower right corner)!
By Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
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