San Clemente SanClementeLifestylePubs.com
DECEMBER 2017
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Lifestyle Letter
Lifestyle Letter DECEMBER 2017
“W
hat lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
PUBLISHER
Gia Luciano | Gia.Luciano@LifestylePubs.com PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
— Henry Stanley Haskins
Rich Saunders | Rich.Saunders@LifestylePubs.com
Our December issue is dedicated to people that have that something special within. They give to others because they care, and they care about others because it's the right thing to do. It seems like the world has been going topsy-turvy lately, but if we look at history, it's always been chaotic, yet there have always been those special people that have put others before themselves, because of what lies within. This month of December is the time of year we celebrate giving to others. We give because it makes us feel better about ourselves, and it’s a way to let others know that we care. Being human, giving is our natural state, just as loving is our natural state. Unfortunately, we suppress our natural state in the name of wanting/attachment. If we can get rid of our attachment to a single thing, we are on the way to liberation. And if we can learn to love just a little bit more, we will make this world a better place to live. Happy December, San Clemente. We love you!
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Lindsay Linegar | Lindsay.Linegar@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lindsay Linegar, Cara Elise Taylor, Rich Saunders, Donna Bond CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Manny Romero, Rich Saunders, Cara Elise Taylor, Mary Scott
CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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| Matthew Perry
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| Sara Minor | Janeane Thompson
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SanClementeLifestylePubs.com JOIN US
ON THE COVER Christmas in San Clemente by
Mary Scott San Clemente resident, MaryScottArt.com 4
San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
TALK TO US
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| Michael O’Connell
| Hanna Park, Scott Lavigne
514 W 26th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 Proverbs 3:5-6 San Clemente Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of San Clemente’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in San Clemente Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
New Year. New Look.
Open Your Present
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Š2017 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for your listing. CalBRE 01332740
December 2017
Departments
16
8
Good Times
10
Local Limelight
12
City Scene
14
Financial Buzz
25
Inspired By
28
Artist’s Palette
30
Culinary Creations
32
Lifestyle Calendar
34
Parting Thoughts
16 The Heart at the End of this Rainbow
The Giving that Keeps Going
21 COA Gives Kids & Parents a Chance to be Drug-Free
The Community that Pulls Together
25 The Groundbreaking Girls Project
How One Woman Found Strength and Healing Through Creativity
30 Baked Stuffed Apples
An All Time Holiday Favorite
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25
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Good Times
PierPride hosts 2nd annual 'Light Up the Pier' fundraising event, held on October 13
The event was held to continue efforts in establishing a trust for maintenance of the San Clemente Pier. PierPride sponsors gathered at Casa Romantica to celebrate the Pier and be recognized for their generosity, with hundreds lining the pier with lit cell phones to symbolize commitment to preserving the pier.
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San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
Local Limelight
San Clemente and Dana Hills High School ARTICLE GINA SIEBERT
W
hen Paula Oblen, Director of Special Spaces Orange County took this role, she knew it would take a “village” to bring her non-profit Chapter’s vision to
life for deserving children facing life-threatening illnesses. When friends and fellow classmates at San Clemente High School battled such illnesses, it really struck the hearts of so many students and ignited their passion to help and do something to impact the lives of their peers dealing with such struggles. In partnership with Oblen and Special Spaces Orange County, San Clemente High School started a club to support the fundraising and volunteer needs for upcoming bedroom makeovers.
1
“When we learned that so many kids at our schools and in our neighborhoods, were dealing with such life-threatening issues, we just had to do something. They can’t help their situation, but as friends, classmates or just kids in their community that care; we can. It doesn’t have to be much but just knowing that other kids understand and show kindness might brighten a hard day,” says Nate Siebert, President of the SCHS Special Spaces Club. With one year under their belt, Oblen and Siebert decided it was time to challenge other local schools to start a new club and join the momentum of sharing kindness and compassion for children and teens in their community. They started with Dana Hills High School. Siebert and the new President of the Dana Hills High School Special Spaces Club, Riley Lloyd, are leading the charge to work collaboratively to
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support Special Spaces Orange County and the very deserving kids that will benefit from future bedroom makeovers. “With this level of support from these young adults, the sky is the limit to what we can accomplish together. It warms my heart to see kids giving back in ways that not only change the lives of the deserving child but truly changes them as a person,” says Oblen. Special Spaces Orange County is a nationally recognized non-profit with the mission to provide dream bedroom makeovers for kids battling life-threatening illnesses. For more information about Special Spaces visit SpecialSpaces.org.
1. San Clemente Leaders -Tanlee Gaspar, Nate Siebert, Alex McAlpin, Elena Anthony 2. Dana Hills Leaders -Shea Yamasaki, Kasra Diba, Riley Lloyd, Katie Swanson, Claire Weinhardt, Kayla Mazzotti
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San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
From the Team CALL OUR OFFICE TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION!
V I S I T U S AT A N Y O F O U R T H R E E C O N V E N I E N T L O C AT I O N S : San Clemente • Laguna Niguel • Rancho Santa Margarita 949-495-0600 • gotoBRO.com #BROKNOWSBRACES * *Some restrictions apply, please inquire within. From left to right, Sabina Cresine (RDA), Crystal Barajas (Lead RDA), Lilian McBride (Treatment Coordinator, RDA), Tracy Rimmey (Financial Coordinator), Bill J Redmond DDS, MS
City Scene ARTICLE AMY BEHRENS
CASA ROMANTICA CU LTU R AL CENTER AND GARDENS W I N S AWA R D
T
he 18th Annual ArtsOC Awards took place this Tuesday, October 17 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Casa Romantica Cultural Center
and Gardens was the recipient of the 2017 Achievement Award for Outstanding Arts Organization. All of the Casa Romantica staff and Board of Trustees were in attendance, as well as the Volunteer Advisory Committee.
RECIPIENT OF THE 2017 ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ARTS ORGANIZATION
Executive Director Berenika Schmitz and Board of Trustees President Ruth DeNault accepted the award from ArtsOC Executive Director Rick Stein. Here is an excerpt from her speech: "My late father always told me to be persistent – and today his words ring true.
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San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
We love Casa Romantica – it is one of the most beautiful and special places in the world where people can explore arts and culture. Rick Smetanka & Berenika Schmitz
"The late Judy Swayne loved the Casa, and as Founding Member she helped build the foundation of support necessary to make institutions like the Casa thrive. Her legacy is continued with our Board of Trustees who’s leadership and philanthropy sustain us. "I want to thank our Board, and our Board President and Founding Member Ruth DeNault – Ruth has been there from the beginning and has brought the Casa to where it is today. "I want to thank my team for your persistence, passion, and commitment to excellence! Because of you, the Casa has gone from 90 to 900 members, from 2,000 to 4,000 children served, and from 12,000 visitors to almost 40,000 annual patrons. "Thank you also to the Casa’s 120 volunteers whose smiling, and happy faces greet every visitor. "This Award gives us renewed energy to continue our mission to be South Orange County’s premiere cultural center. Thank you." Casa Romantica has developed a reputation for bringing international talent to San Clemente, with wide-ranging artistic and educational programs that have brought talents such as Grammynominated musicians and Monterey Jazz Festival Headliners Gerald Clayton and Kyle Eastwood, multi-platinum selling lyricist Ann Hampton Callaway, and Broadway's Les Miserables star Ivan Rutherford. It has made several new commissions in theater and dance: the first of their kind in Orange County. Casa Romantica's most recent visual arts commission for the institution, an immersive installation of 8,000 live blooms by the renowned British artist Rebecca Louise Law, received national editorial coverage in Sunset magazine, C magazine, Westways magazine, the Los Angeles Times and San Clemente Lifestyle Magazine, among others. The institution has also received critical praise for the intensive summer music and dance programs for under-served youth that she initiated beginning in 2015. Our 2017 impact report revealed figures such as a staggering increase of 300% in general admissions and a 900% increase in membership over the past four years since Schmitz became Executive Director.
December 2017 | San Clemente Lifestyle
13
Financial Buzz
Children's Christmas Gifts to Help With Their Future INVEST INSTEAD OF CASH GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS ARTICLE ZACHARY SLAVIS
W
ith the holiday season fast approach-
3. EDUCATIONAL SAVINGS PLAN (529 PLAN) –
ing, many parents and grandparents
This is a tax-advantaged plan that can be used
may wonder how best to invest in a child’s
to pay for education-related expenses at most
future, rather than simply to hand over a sum
two- and four-year accredited colleges and
of cash. When I was younger, my father would
universities. Any earnings from the 529 plan
deposit any cash I received over the holidays
are tax-free when used for education-related
into a custodial investment account in my
expenses. While some states allow for income
name which I was unable to withdraw until
tax deductions of 529 contributions, unfortu-
I reached 18 years of age. He did allow me
nately, California does not allow this. The good
to pick my favorite companies, in which he
news is that anyone can contribute to Junior’s
showed me how to invest the money into
529 plan, and anything up to $14,000 from a sin-
shares of their stock. At a young age, I
gle person per year will not incur any gift taxes.
learned the magic of investing and receiving compounding returns. Zachary Slavis, Slavis Capital Advisors
Depending on the circumstances, these accounts may or may not apply to your individual
So, what’s the best way for Grandma to
case. However, if you can contribute to any of
give Junior a $500 check this year? Here is
these accounts then I highly encourage to start
a short breakdown of good ways to invest in
as early as possible. Even a small contribution
Junior’s future:
each year can add up to huge sum after compounding growth. Furthermore, these plans are
1. CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT (UTMA/UGMA) –
not exclusive – participating in one plan does not
This type of account, used in my example above,
preclude participation in the others. Please keep
is in the child’s name, but is managed by a cus-
in mind that there are many more intricate details
todian (usually the parent) until the child reaches
and rules than discussed, so please consult a
the age of majority (18 in California, however,
financial advisor or tax professional for more
there are other details to this which won’t be
details. SlavisCapital.com 949.431.2000 x 100
discussed here for brevity). There are no limits to the amount gifted to the child (however, any amount gifted to a child above $14,000 from any one person may incur a gift tax). Keep in mind that any gains in the minor’s account are taxable.
Disclosure: Information presented in this article is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of any subjects discussed. A professional advisor should be consulted before any investment decisions are
2. ROTH IRA – If the child has earned income
this year, a Roth IRA may be a great choice. This type of account grows tax-free, and all qualified distributions are tax-free. Let’s say Junior worked at a pizza store over summer break –
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San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
made. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author on the date of post and are subject to change. · The content of this article should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Furthermore, the information in this article is not intended to serve as per-
you may contribute up to the amount earned
sonalized investment advice or as an offer to buy or sell or a
into his Roth IRA (up to a maximum of $5,500).
solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any securities.
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San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
C
reating Rainbow Sandals, Inc. was Jay “Sparky” Longley’s first great act of altruism. He began making the sandals in
a garage in Laguna back in the early ’70s, out of what he saw as a necessity for a sturdy and environmentally conscious sandal for surfers like himself. He didn’t want to continue seeing the beaches lined with broken sandals or landfills brimming with sandals that could’ve had a longer life.
I figured…I’m gonna make something that lasts,” Sparky recalls.
THE HEART AT THE END OF THIS RAINBOW The Giving That Keeps Going ARTICLE CARA ELISE TAYLOR
These days he receives letters from people who have had their sandals for 30-40 years, some having traversed much of the world in them. The first Rainbows—before they were known by that name— were sold at the Sawdust Festival in 1974, where Sparky set up shop in the parking lot. At the time he was making about 20 pairs of sandals per day. Popularity ensued, and soon the festival’s administrators were kicking him out due to the attention he was diverting from them. That pushed him south, to San Clemente, where he was able to rent property and hire a small staff to help make the sandals. Within that first year, Sparky convinced Dick Metz at Hobie Surf Shop in Dana Point to sell his sandals on consignment. Dick thought they looked ridiculous, but went out on what he thought was a limb anyway. “They were ugly,” Sparky remembers, chuckling at the memory, “but I swear people would buy them.” Word spread of comfort and durability, and by ’75 the first Rainbow Sandals retail store was cranking out about 50 pairs per day in San Clemente. Now, they sell to 8,000 retailers and produce millions of shoes per year. To this day, Sparky is diligent about keeping Rainbow Sandals as low-impact as possible. He says he tries to figure out what to do with all the waste Rainbow uses, and that it’s kind of a fun thing to figure out. He’s spent a great deal of his life outside, surfing and skiing, making it evident that he’s motivated by a deep appreciation for nature. He believes that if everybody made a reusable product then there would be no dump. And If there was no dump, there would be less pollution. The effort to create a less polluted world often works in conjunction with his philanthropy, which has remained truly epic under the guise of Herman Brown, a beloved friend of Sparky’s.
CONTINUED >
December 2017 | San Clemente Lifestyle
17
AT THE END OF THIS RAINBOW (CON TI N U ED)
Jay Longley and Herman
The pair met seven years ago at a charity event for marines. “Somebody said you’ve gotta meet this Herman guy. All he does all day is feed homeless people and put people in shelters that need it,” Sparky remembers. A while back in his life, Herman said to himself: “Okay God, there has to be more to life than this.” Since then, he has been a constant example of a good samaritan—the kind that spends more of his waking hours giving to others than to himself. Sparky praised Herman repeatedly by acknowledging how he serves others all day, every day, seven days a week. It’s true that Herman goes out daily and gives whatever he can to charities, shelters, etc. in Southern California. He hands out Rainbows, food, and other essentials on Skid Row and in other areas densely populated with groups in need of aid. In an effort to further boast about his friend, Sparky says, “I’m just the sandal guy…I help out where I can.” He does give sandals wherever it’s deemed necessary, but it’s clear that the work Sparky does is beyond sandal-giving. Recently, they’ve done a lot to contribute to hurricane relief in Houston and Puerto Rico. They were able to get a 40-foot refrigerated truck (donated with a driver included, by Sysco) filled with thousands of pounds of lemons, boxes of cereal, juice, and other food items. They’ve also been sending sandals to Puerto Rico in waves of hundreds of sandals per shipment, with the intention of sending more. Some might look at the success of Rainbow Sandals and assume that they can’t possibly help people in the ways that a lucrative retail business can. However, Sparky and his friends, family, and staff aren’t just throwing money at these issues; they’re tackling them with their own hands on their own time, because it’s the right thing to do.
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San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
We also do this so other people know they can make a difference,” Herman says of the day-to-day work.
That’s one of the reasons why Rainbow lets people bring their sandals back, in exchange for 10% off their next pair. Customers can bring in their worn-out sandals called “seconds”. Rainbow then washes and sanitizes them of any harmful bacteria, before sending them around the world to charitable NGOs and communities in need. Sparky recognizes this is not the answer to the problem, but he believes it helps. However slight, a difference is being made in the lives of the people they’re helping, and for them, that’s one of the most important aspects of it all. Herman’s behavior has helped set a standard of giving for Sparky, who now volunteers at countless charities that Herman introduced him to. This includes Showers of Blessings, Orange County Rescue, Village of Hope, and Mary’s Kitchen— a place they couldn’t stop finding good words for—which provides meals, hygienic care, and more to hundreds of people per day in Orange, CA. Collecting newly repaired freezers, washing dishes, cooking, donating soap —this activity by Sparky, his wife Chanya, Herman, and anyone else volunteering at Mary’s Kitchen and other charities, is the stuff of altruism. It’s behavior that deserves a spotlight, so that anyone who isn’t sure what to do with all of the theft of security and joy in the world, can see that around every corner exists an opportunity to give a bit of it back.
December 2017 | San Clemente Lifestyle
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C 20
San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
COA
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY CARA ELISE TAYLOR
Pondo Vleisides, COA Founder
GIVES KIDS & PARENTS A CHANCE TO BE UNABASHEDLY DRUG-FREE
T
in preventing drug abuse and addiction. Nearly four years later, COA is something that coats Pondo’s face in a joyful awe whenever he speaks about it. The facilities are spacious, and maintain a sense of comfort, which is also achieved in the warmth of the volunteer staff. They all seem to be
he Community Outreach Alliance (COA) is a local non-profit dedicated
proud of what COA’s become—a place that offers
to encouraging the brightest possible futures for San Clemente’s youth. It
outstretched arms to the distraught, the idle, and
began as a reaction to a rising problem with heroin, which was claiming the
anyone else who enters the space.
lives of several high school students. Pondo Vleisides couldn’t stand it. At
Parents/Guardians can attend BILY (Because
the time, the San Clemente native was running Talega Life Church, where he was the
I Love You, Tuesdays @7pm), which offers “par-
Senior Pastor for 10 years. A few years ago, he was being frequently called to speak at
ent-to-parent support and equips parents with
funerals for high school students. After catching wind of this increase in teen fatalities,
tools to create a peaceful home.” There’s also grief
and having one death hit incredibly close to home, Pondo’s magnanimity and decades
counseling (co-led by Pondo and Nicole Brown-
of working with young people led him to start COA.
Simpson), Narcotics Anonymous, and the Get Well
“There’s a lot of boredom in life at a young age around here. I had a vision of starting
Group of Heroin Anonymous. Equally as impres-
something with activities, but also educating parents and having seminars and sym-
sive is the complete gamut of activities that COA
posiums on drug addiction, body image, and depression,” he says.
hosts. They include Music Lessons (piano and
He began hosting free activity nights on Fridays, in an effort to provide a free,
guitar), Biking, Tennis Lessons, Fishing, Arts (open
fun, and sober night for young locals. The response was energizing. He had one
mic nights, jam nights, improv comedy), Running/
hundred people every week for a month.
Walking, Gaming, Hiking, Yoga Classes, and
Realizing the impact COA could have if he put everything into it, Pondo left the
Camping. These things are almost entirely made
pulpit, eventually closed the church, and began his mission to get the entire commu-
possible by in-kind donations from the community.
nity (regardless of religious and cultural differences) to lock arms and charge forward
CONTINUED >
December 2017 | San Clemente Lifestyle
21
COA (CON TI N UED)
“It has just been blessed,” Pondo remarks, graciously. He noticed an uptick in community involvement after he presented COA at a number of Town Hall meetings, expressing his belief that it could really work. The initial popularity of COA demanded more help from the community—more volunteers, a wider variety of things to do for the kids who were showing up, and more resources. Julie Ragenovich of Sonny’s Restaurant was one of the first to step up and support.
I LOVE SAN CLEMENTE, SO I JUST WANT TO MAKE IT BETTER,” SAYS RAGENOVICH, WHO ALSO GIVES TO FISH FOR LIFE, YOUNG LIFE, LAURA’S HOUSE, SC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, AND RELAY FOR LIFE. 22
San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
Julie Ragenovich supporting COA golf fundraising.
A few years ago she added “COA Sponsor” to the myriad of other ways she gives back to the town she loves. She says Pondo is a good friend, and she really believes in what he’s doing for the community. She has consistently donated food for the boat trips the kids went on and continues to raise awareness about COA to the community at-large. Because it’s tackling an issue (addiction) that she finds incredibly pertinent. “It has created an awareness of the problem and brought it to light. A lot of people didn’t know what to do, and [COA] is doing something about it," says Ragenovich. Thankfully, the benevolence doesn’t stop with Ragenovich; others like her have shown their appreciation for San Clemente through in-kind donations. The boat trips Ragenovich mentioned were a donation from Donna Kalez of Dana Wharf, who gives the 60 passenger vessel, bait, and a captain to COA for free every year. Kalez stepped up and told Pondo she wanted
to do something. There’s the local superintendent, who has supported the appearance of the COA club at
Terri Steele, Executive Director of Programs (left) and her son, a volunteer.
SCHS. Additionally, the SCHS principle allows them to use the tennis courts every Wednesday night, with four professional coaches giving lessons for free. A friend from Pondo’s high school youth group once hosted a bike race, raised $8,000, and promptly took the money to Fullerton Bikes to buy a fleet of bicycles for COA. Fullerton followed the biker’s example and gave him a massive discount on the bikes. Even the Guitar Center on El Toro gave 15 guitars (cases and strings included) for just $2,000. Every year, he sees involvement and sponsorship go up as a result of friends and strangers coming together and rallying behind COA. “I’ve seen the awareness jump up to where everyone’s teaching their kids…and sharing the things that are happening,” says Pondo. The name Community Outreach Alliance is apt because it lists the tools that are crucial to giving. Tools that seem to exist in every crevice of this town. The community’s ability to show up, the diligence COA reserves for reaching out and offering a safe and nourishing space, the incredible in-kind gifts donated by community members — all are beautiful manifestations of Pondo’s vision. It fuels him to continue fighting against the sorrow that induced the vision.
EVERYBODY’S BEEN TOUCHED BY THIS— EVERYBODY—SOMEWHERE, SOMEONE'S A USER, SOMEONE'S DEPRESSED, SOMEONE'S BULLIED. SO IT’S INVALUABLE TO HAVE PEOPLE STEP UP. Improv comedy class, Mondays 6:30-8PM
Robert Burns (left), coaches improv comedy on Monday nights.
To see a full list of COA events (dates and times included) visit communityoutreachalliance.com December 2017 | San Clemente Lifestyle
23
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San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
Inspired By
HOW ONE WOMAN FOUND STRENGTH AND HEALING THROUGH CREATIVITY
Allison Adams
ARTICLE LINDSAY LINEGAR | PHOTOGRAPHY MANNY ROMERO
CONTINUED >
December 2017 | San Clemente Lifestyle
25
Inspired By
(CON TI N U ED)
Harriet Tubman
A
t the beginning of 2017, Allison Adams no longer recognized the world. She had lost her husband, Vernon, or Vernon Version .02 as she calls him, two and a half years after he had been in a terrible accident. In May 2014, Vernon Version
.01 was driving home on his Vespa in south San Clemente when he was hit by a truck. He went into a coma, where he stayed for three months, and never ended up going home again. He awoke from the coma with severe brain injury, broken bones and short-term memory loss. Allison, along with her two children, friends and family, spent her life during those two and a half years by Vernon’s side in the hospital. After Vernon died, in the throes of grief, Allison found herself on a quest to gain inspiration, strength and perspective from some of the world’s most influential women. At the time, a friend was inspired by and writing a screenplay about Eleanor Roosevelt. Allison was so excited by her friend’s passion she decided to paint Roosevelt. She thought maybe she could find a little inspiration, too. As she went through the process, she also learned more about Roosevelt and then thought about painting somebody else. The idea to do a series came to her. She realized it would be a good way to educate other girls, including her own daughter, and remind them of their power. Particularly to her daughter, whom had just lost her father, Allison wanted to send a message: “This is our world, too, still.” This was the beginning of Allison’s Groundbreaking Girls project. Since conception, she has painted more than 100 women. She keeps a blog on the Groundbreaking Girls website (GroundbreakingGirls.com) where she posts images of the women, accompanied by information and a quote that resonates with her. Allison has been an artist for a long
26
San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
Helen Keller
something broken and reimagine it into something else, like a different world. Out of his broken bones, she created beauty. Allison is passionate about living creatively, and going through this tragedy reminded her of something she believes to be true. “Creativity is a powerful source to help one work through hard times,” she says. She says while she was going through the process, people would tell her how strong she was, but from her perspective, she just didn’t want to have her life swept away from her, along with her husband. Exercising her creative gifts has empowered her to rise above the victim narrative and turn the experience into something else, and lead her kids in the same way. As she’s painted, and as she’s healed, she’s grown into her new life with strength, and become a Groundbreaking Girl herself. My Prism World
time but says this project has gotten enough attention to nudge her into becoming a better business woman as well. The images are striking a chord, and selling. She is also scheduled to put on a solo exhibit at a local, San Clemente art gallery, showcasing some of her Groundbreaking Girls. Allison is thrilled the project is reaching others in this way, partly because the journey has been profoundly personal. For example, Allison was inspired by how Harriet Tubman managed to free 1,000 slaves in her lifetime, even though she suffered from brain injury, and was a slave herself. Allison laughingly recounts moments when she felt insecure about something trivial, and she would hear Tubman’s voice saying, “Whatcha talkin’ about? Gain some perspective!” With women like Helen Keller, she was able to gain more perspective around expression and creativity. She was inspired by how Keller lived in darkness, yet learned how to communicate with her teacher. Not only did she learn to communicate, but went on to fight for civil rights, women’s rights and the rights of the handicapped. Keller, and the other Groundbreaking Girls acted as a sort of guide for Allison anytime she needed perspective or encouragement. After a family trip to Norway, Allison also got serious about abstract painting. She initially had an agenda for the trip but says she ended up just sitting and resting in the beauty of the place. When she returned home, she felt abstract painting was the only way she could keep the sense of space, light and peace she felt while she was in Norway. With Vernon in mind, she would start the abstract paintings by looking at his x-rays. Using the
Rose Colored Soul
colors and light she picked up in Norway, she would start with
December 2017 | San Clemente Lifestyle
27
Artist’s Palette
7. 6.
1.
2.
How to Make a Ribbon Wreath
3.
ARTICLE CATHY BARNHARDT
T
his is a great way to repurpose ribbons from past Christmases, making an elegant deco-
ration for your holiday celebration. Coordinate
colors with your Christmas theme or with your home’s interior design to create a festive and stylish seasonal design. Have fun and be creative!
5.
4.
YOU WILL NEED: • A 14” straw or Styrofoam wreath form found at floral and craft stores • Around 12 yards each of 4 different but coordinating ribbons of varying widths and textures • A chenille stem to make the hanger, found at craft stores (looks like a pipe cleaner) • About 50 to 75 fern pins, found at floral and craft stores (looks like a long staple or hairpin)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Next, twist the chenille stem around the wreath to form a hanger (Fig. 3). Now, create several bows of various ribbons, with the loops being about the same size. Leave the tie ends as single “tails” and cut the loose ends into a swallow tail. You may also create single loops and tails to fill in between bows (Fig. 4). Pin the bows and loops and tails onto the covered wreath form with the fern pins, pushing the pins through the center point of the bow or end of the loop and tail (Fig. 5).
First wrap the entire wreath form with a wider and simpler length of
Continue adding bows and loops and tails until all but the back
ribbon. Attach one end of the ribbon to the back of the form with two
surface of the wreath form is covered. The closer the bows, the fuller
of the fern pins pushed at a slight angle through the ribbon and into
and fluffier the wreath will appear, but don’t crowd them so much that
the form to secure (Fig. 1). Then tightly spiral the ribbon, overlapping
the wreath looks stiff and tight (Fig. 6).
slightly, and continue to wrap the form to cover, attaching the end with two more of the fern pins, securing tightly (Fig. 2). 28
San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
Be sure to hang your wreath indoors unless you have used weatherproof ribbons (Fig. 7).
December 2017 | San Clemente Lifestyle
29
d e ff u t S d e k Ba
Culinary Creations
s e l pp A
E
njoy as a healthy breakfast in the morning or a delicious treat later in the day. INGREDIENTS 5 medium-sized gala apples 5 1/8Â cups granola 2 tablespoons melted butter 5 teaspoons maple syrup Ice cream or whipped cream for serving (if making for desser
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Cut a layer off the top of the apples with a knife. With a melon baller tool or a measuring teaspoon, remove the core and seeds from each apple. 2. Pack 1/8 cup granola into each apple, and place into the slow cooker. 3. Drizzle the apples evenly with the melted butter, and add a teaspoon of maple syrup to each apple. 4. Cover, and cook on high for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until tender, but not falling apart.
Recipe from TheMagicalSlowCooker.com.
30
San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
5. Serve as is, or add ice cream or whipped cream.
Enjoy!
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Lifestyle Calendar
December decorated Casa Romantica, live music, choral groups, Santa, a talking tree, kids crafts, décor and refreshments. Christmas at the Casa is held in partnership with the City of San Clemente’s Santa’s Village by the Sea. Purchase Tickets
DECEMBER 5 HOLIDAY DINNER COOKING CLASS AT ANTOINES ANTOINE’S CAFÉ Kabocha Squash and Fennel Soup with Smoked Paprika and Candied Pecans Herbed Beef Tenderloin with Cranberry-Port Wine Sauce Potato-Leek Squares Haricot Vert with Chestnuts and Bacon Individual Chocolate and Brandy Souffle Tarts
DECEMBER 2
The price is $60 plus taxes, include's recipes, a glass of wine and a full
SANTA'S VILLAGE BY THE SEA
dinner. This will be my last one, I'm going back to France
COMMUNITY CENTER
AntoinesCafe.com
The event begins with the annual tree lighting ceremony to usher in the spirit of the season with Christmas at the Casa, Snow at the Com-
DECEMBER 8
munity Center, and the Del Mar Glitz. Take a picture with Santa and
LIL' ELVES WORKSHOP SANTA'S HELPERS INVITED,
delight in a night filled with holiday fun, carolers, cookie decorating,
AGE 3-5 YEARS OLD
and activities for the whole family to enjoy!
COMMUNITY CENTER
Recreation (949) 429-8797
The Community Center is transforming into the Santa's Workshop!
It’s about time...
San Clemente is an artful city, and it deserves a real art gallery...
Fine art for all.
Children will enjoy special guest appearances from Santa's helpers,
DECEMBER 2 CHRISTMAS AT THE CASA: HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Whether you’re decorating make gifts for family and friends, decorate holiday your home or cookies, office, participate collecting art, or buying a Lil’ gift...Elves is in holiday carnival games, and more fun holiday cheer!
Services • Events CASA ROMANTICA CULTURAL CENTER & GARDENSales • Rentals •open to children ages 3-5 years old for $15 per child. Pre-registration
Casa Romantica’s annual holiday open house features a festively
is encouraged and parents are welcome.
A wide variety of: It’s about time... Modern • Abstract • Pop • Sculpture It’s about time...
Sales • Rentals • Services • Events
Sales • Rentals • Services • Events Sales • Rentals • Services • Events
about time... SanIt’s Clemente is an artful city, Street Art •isPhotography San Clemente an artful city, Clemente is art angallery... artful city, andSan it deserves a real and it deserves a real art gallery... art from theart most gifted andOriginal it deserves a real gallery... Fine art for artists from theall. OC, plus an Fine art for all. Whether you’re decorating inventory of blue-chip prints and Fine art for all. Whether you’re decorating your home or office, paintings by famous artists. Whether you’re decorating your or office, collecting art,home or buying a gift... your home or office, collecting buying a gift... Come seeart, theor Andy Warhol Room! collecting art, or buying a gift...
This unique and beautiful space is available to rent for corporate and private events. Over 3,000 square feet with patio.
A wide variety of: Modern • Abstract • Pop • Sculpture A wide variety of: A Street wide of: Artvariety • Photography
Modern • Abstract • Pop • Sculpture Modern • Abstract • Pop • Sculpture Street Art • Photography Original from the most gifted Streetart Art • Photography artists from the OC, plus an Original art from the most gifted inventory blue-chip printsgifted and Original artof from the most artists from the OC, plus an paintings by famous artists. artists from the OC, plus an
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Come see the Warhol Room! paintings byAndy famous artists.
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inventory of blue-chip prints and inventory of blue-chip prints and paintings by famous artists.
Come see the Andy Warhol Room!
32Come San Clemente Lifestyle December 2017 see the Andy| Warhol Room!
This unique and beautiful space is available to rent for
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Parting Thoughts Things that capture our appreciation are all around us.
ARTICLE DONNA BOND
USING
W
ith every thought we have, an emotional response will follow. Thoughts ALWAYS precede emotions. So, every
TO CREATE A JOYFUL LIFE
thought impacts our emotional state. Moment by moment we choose which thoughts to entertain and invest energy in – and
BEING THANKFUL
predictable emotions always follow. The psychiatrist, physician and researcher, Dr. David Hawkins,
TRY THIS.
measured through kinesiology that every emotion vibrates at a cer-
Create a list of “My Appreciation” and write at least one thing every
tain frequency. Emotions at the higher end of the scale, such as love,
morning for 30 days. My husband and I taped a piece of paper to the
peace and joy, are what we are all seeking. When we’re in love and
bathroom mirror. Every day we write something we’re appreciating.
playful joy, we feel lighter, uplifted, filled with clarity and inspiration.
For me sometimes it was high thread count, a butterfly going by, my
Things go our way. New opportunities and possibilities arise. We’re
amazing clients and the fact that they chose me, my kitty cats, the
in the flow. In what Abraham calls “The Vortex.” And all that you
silver in my hair and the money I am learning how to make in a new
desire to be, do and have resides in this vortex.
way as a solopreneur. For my husband it’s our garden, great surf, a
One of the quickest, most powerful ways to raise into the higher
good hair day, listening to music and creating in his art studio.
emotional realms is through appreciation. It is different than gratitude, which usually has a feeling of having overcome something negative
WHAT IS IT FOR YOU?
associated with it. Appreciation is a higher vibration and is being
Wherever there is something good, notice it. Look at your money,
thankful for something as it is. It is pure. Appreciation is on the same
relationships, health, family, career, beloved pets, your surroundings
level as love. Appreciation is everywhere we want to be.
– notice all of the good. Be thankful for all of the many blessings that
It’s not always easy to maintain a sustained level of love and joy, but we can ALWAYS find things to appreciate in our lives.
surround you. They are everywhere. You just need to slightly shift your attention to notice them.
Appreciation is intentionally guiding thoughts to raise our emotional vibration. Lifting us to where love, joy and peace also reside.
Ponder and savor what you place on your list. Revel in the many
Practicing appreciation daily places us in the stream of goodness.
wonderful things you have going on around you at any moment.
The more time we spend appreciating, the more we’ll experience
Slow down. Take a deep breath and appreciate. This simple prac-
those positive emotions and experiences that go along with it.
tice can transform your life. Joy is all around, hidden in the things
We always choose which thoughts to entertain and invest
we are appreciating and thankful for.
energy in. When we observe a negative thought, we can choose
As a professional life and business coach, spiritual advisor
to interrupt it. In doing so we can bypass the resulting negative
and inspirational speaker, Donna Bond’s work centers on serving
emotion and the potential physical experience. By momentarily
individual transformation of consciousness. Assisting individuals
stopping and appreciation something, anything, in that moment it
and businesses to live into the full potential of their lives, from
can be an effective tool to shift negative thinking.
the inside out. Donna offers inspiring workshops and transfor-
By accessing more of these higher emotions, we also leverage
mative in-depth coaching programs to assist clients across the
the law of attraction, which like the law of gravity is always at work. It
globe achieve new heights of meaningful success, personal ful-
operates equally with both negative and positive emotions. The law of
fillment and Spiritual aliveness using the principles and practices
attraction states that like attracts like. Therefore, if we want to attract
of Spiritual Psychology. Donna Bond, M.A. is a graduate of the
love, joy, happiness and peace we need to be in or near those emo-
University of Santa Monica where she earned her master’s degree
tional states. Whatever emotional state is most dominant becomes a
in Spiritual Psychology with an emphasis in Consciousness,
beacon for bringing forth those things that reflect that state.
Health and Healing. For more information visit DonnaBond.com.
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San Clemente Lifestyle | December 2017
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