Baking Proves good for the Soul

to rant on something. Originally, I had submitted a different story for my column. What I had sent in was an opinion on “zip code snobbery,” which I’m sure none of you are really concerned about.

Sometimes sleeping on it is exactly what everyone needs to do. After reading it the next morning, I decided if someone wants to feel better about their zip code, what’s so terrible about that? You work hard, you slave, and if where you live makes you feel better about tackling this life, by all means indulge in those feelings. What makes more sense to share is what I recently discovered: I love to bake cakes.

When I went home to my sister’s wedding, I baked a whopping 9 cakes in a two week stretch. I blissfully slaved away mixing and frosting cakes for many hours with a smile just plastered across my face. Yes, I know…I’ve thought about it. I may be having an early mid-life crisis. Mine just happens to be in the form of baking.

Last week I even offered to make the cake for a bridal shower for my in-laws. I think my husband’s family seemed surprised that I had volunteered for this most important task. I have, after all been with them for almost three years. Their daughter-in-law by marriage for one year, and never once I have I offered to bake a cake. I think that seemed rather odd to them. I’ve made salads, or brought side dishes or offered to pick up a pie. But never once have I offered to bake something.

With much delight, they said yes to my request. So imagine me baking a double layer white cake with strawberry rhubarb cheesecake filling. I made the decadent butter cream frosting. You might be wondering if I have ever made this recipe before.

No.

Just whipped it up out of thin air, like I had been doing it most of my life. Of course, I did receive a couple of important tips from my sister. She helped me narrow down my idea of how to make the rhubarb strawberry filling. How is it that I have now only discovered my love for making sugary white frosting, beating eggs and decorating cakes in my late thirties?

That’s part of the mystery in our journey. We must unearth those simple pleasures that add meaning to our daily routine. Baking cakes just make me smile. What brings joy to your day? Do yourself a favor. Try to find something new that lights your soul on fire. You might be surprised at how much a new hobby can turn an ordinary day into something that feels magnificent. Life is more about the small pleasures that are within our reach. The trick is to discover what they are along the way.

Around town

On July 28, I was invited to a fabulous event at Fixtures Living. Live entertainment, incredible fresh organic foods were cooked on state of the art appliances, while guests mingled and admired the enormous warehouse of fixtures for modest to luxury homes. Rancho Santa Fe Realtor Tammy Tidmore was kind enough to include me on this guest list. Except for the drive in rush hour traffic to Miramar road, the evening was lovely. SDAR partnered with other professional realtors in the San Diego area to bring this event together. Featured here is Tammy Tidmore, with one of the owners of Fixtures Living, Jeffery Sears.

On July 30, Elaine Gallagher celebrated her birthday with many of her good friends at the luxurious turf club at the Del Mar Racetrack. You may know Elaine as one of the prettiest blondes in town, or from the Gallagher & Gallagher real estate team. I spotted Elaine one day in her gorgeous black Bentley in the Ranch, and she looked like a movie star straight out of Hollywood. Featured here with Elaine at her birthday party are Carmen O’Riordan, Shannon Glascione, Audrey Goldshmidt, Kathy Herington, the birthday girl, Christine, Jen, Christine, Lisa Norton and Kelly Baldwin. Thanks Elaine for sharing your special day with me.

On Aug. 1, Rancho Santa Fe resident Dottie McCrink hosted a bridal shower for her granddaughter Molly McCrink. Molly will be getting married this fall in Cabo San Lucas to Walter Beringer. Molly currently resides in Seattle. She flew in for this special occasion. Natalie Shull helped organize the wonderful shower for her cousin. I was thrilled to bake a white cake with strawberry rhubarb cheesecake filling, glazed in butter cream icing. The day was absolutely splendid. After croissant chicken sandwiches, and other finger delights, the guests of Molly’s shower competed to see who could make the best bridal dress out of one role of toilet paper. I have included three fun photos from Dottie McCrink’s wonderful bridal shower for Molly that day. Dottie’s sister, Caroline Fleischman, is featured with Mina McCrink. Featured also are Natalie and Katie Shull, Dottie McCrink, Mary Murphy McCrink and the bride-to-be, Molly McCrink. Dottie and Ed McCrink have been Ranch residents for over 40 years.

Save the date

Helen Woodward is holding its first ever rummage sale, Wags to Riches, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 28. Take advantage of a variety of items from clothing to pet items, new books, to fitness clothing, as well as a variety of tack to benefit their Therapeutic Riding program, which helps enrich the lives of disabled children. They are looking for gently used items, which you can donate every day that week from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All items for the rummage sale must be dropped off by Aug. 24. If you donate anything for this event you will receive a receipt and donations are tax deductable. For more information, check out www.animalcenter.org.

Featured here are Georgia Pace and Jane Mezzino from the NCL Del Norte Chapter. According to Reness Resko, “This chapter of NCL has been instrumental in organizing in helping with this event. They will also be working the day of the sale.” How marvelous these young girls are donating their time to such a wonderful charity.
For more information on Machel’s Ranch, check out www.coastnewsgroup.com under columns.

Thanks for reading. Machel Penn Shull

Ali and Roberto-no longer in hiding

Ali even states to Chris, “He loves me so much,” with such pride it almost broke the cameras. The question is, does Ali just like being adored, or is there really true love behind her eyes, too? Only time will tell.

As a San Diego resident, it was shocking to hear that they were moving here to reside in this city. I guess you can’t blame the would be displaced couple. With Ali leaving Facebook and Roberto still aiming for the pros in baseball, San Diego has just what they are looking for: a drive accessible to Los Angeles for their many celebrity appearances in the next six months.

There are even rumors now that they will be one of the dancing couples on Dancing with the Stars, which will be announce on ABC’s newest reality show, Bachelor Pad on the fourth episode. Will Roberto with his salsa moves make the perfect dance partner for Ali? We will have wait and see…

With a quick recap of last night’s show, the most touching moment of the two hour finale was not watching Ali accept her proposal to Roberto . No. The scene that won over this San Diego resident’s heart was the rainbow that appeared right after Chris L got the boot from Ali. With good intentions at heart, Ali rambled off, “I’m in love with another man.” She then explained to him that she did not want him to go the rose ceremony, because she cares so much about his feelings. Then Ali exited the hut as fast as she could. Of course, she did need one more hug just so she could run off and fluff her dress for her big proposal.

As jilted Chris was left alone to understand how it was possible he would be unlucky in love…Then he looked up and saw the most perfect rainbow stretched out across the emerald green waters of Bora Bora. “It was a sign from my mom that everything would be okay,” (His mother had recently died).

That touching scene stole the thunder right out of Ali’s “I do.” Let’s just hope that Chris considers finding love as ABC’s next Bachelor, that is if he accepts an offer.

He might be just a touch too classy to reveal anymore of his soul to reality television. However, if he does, ABC can count on some big ratings from Chris L..

Ali is Engaged to Roberto!

The best news for the viewers is Ali does choose someone in tonight’s finale. Ali won’t be leaving Bora Bora alone, and Frank will be regretting his decision for a very long time.

AFTR ceremony should prove interesting with all of the leaked information wrong this season. Fans will be waiting with baited breath to see Ali finally ‘happy with her man’.

On a side note, do you remember that episode where Ali tells Chris Harrison regarding the whole Frank debacle on the sand, and Chris seemed surprised by the whole mess? Unless ABC chose to keep the host in the dark, just know that most reality contestants are sequestered and cannot leave the show unless given permission.

It’s obvious that ABC knew in advance about Frank’s ‘would be girlfriend’ and used this as a rating ploy toward the end. Luckily for them, Ali kept handing him the final rose.

Will where Ali live? Will they actually get married? Maybe we shall all find out tonight on the “AFTR” final ceremony.

My forehead crinkles with a look that is sure to send me in for the latest Botox injection, except then I remember I don’t believe in botulism being anywhere within the confines of my skin. I try to explain to him with my eyebrows arched to avoid the inevitable onslaught of wrinkles the importance of actually feeling the book in your hand. I plead my case. You know the texture, the beautiful cover and all of those wonderful words in-between. There is something to be said regarding the way a book just feels in your hands. I tell him I know I will never experience that by focusing on some small digital screen to read my favorite author’s latest novel. We end the conversation with his words of reassuring facts, “Like it or not, that’s where the future his headed.”

Well. That’s a sure way to exhume my wonderful mood for the weekend. I stare out my bedroom window trying to imagine the future without paper-filled books. Then I wonder, “Could I live in a world without books?” The thought of that makes my stomach churn. There is something to be said about lounging in bed with your favorite book as the world carries on outside without you, which leads me to a must-share novel for summer for you to read.

“Recipes for the Perfect Marriage,” by Morag Prunty (also goes by Kate Kerrigan). The novel is set in New York City and is about 39-year-old food critic Tressa Nolan. You find out that Tressa is recently married and is beginning to wonder, “Who is the man sleeping next to me in my bed?” You find out through the first person narrative that the main character is quickly having second thoughts and wonders what possessed her into this union of marriage? Was it age? Desperation, or could it be that she is actually in love?

The parallel story in the novel is the love story of her grandmother, whose marriage Tressa thinks is perfect. As you read the current love story set in New York and the flashback love story of Tressa’s grandparents, you as the reader will discover what true love is really all about. Through the author’s examples of trials and problems in each relationship, Morag Prunty deftly depicts why marriage is still a wonderful institution in the millennium. With much wit and enthusiasm, Morag tells one of the best love stories I have read in awhile. Now in my top 10 books, it is a must-read for every woman on the planet that still believes in those two lovely words, “I do.”

Maybe marriage and books are becoming a thing from the past. But take it from an old fashioned romantic: Keep reading paperback books and believe in the possibility that technology can’t take the place of everything this life has to offer, including a real body lying next to you in bed.

Around Town

On July 8, I was invited to the Nicole Miller/Mister B Fashion Show held at Mille Fleurs by Denise Hug. How wonderful to receive the invite. The event included a sit-down luncheon, while models wore the latest women’s and men’s apparel in Southern California. The newest jewelry designer to move into Rancho Santa Fe was also there, Martin Katz. I captured two lovely photos that day of Denise Hug with Corky Miser, owner of Corky’s Pest Control. He just happens to good friends with Bertrand Hug, Denise’s husband. Also featured here is Julien Hug with Maggie Bobileff. Julien was one of the male models in the fashion show. Thank you, Denise for the invitation. I wish I could have stayed for the entire event, but paper duties never end.

On July 17, I was thrilled to attend Karian Forsyth’s birthday party with my husband, which was hosted by her husband Tom Forsyth. The valets parked the car, and the cocktail waitress brought the wine and the appetizers to all of the guests sipping wine under the stars. Denise Hug and Bertrand Hug, Jennifer Bell and singer Sacha Boutros were some of the guests on the private guest list.

I wore a baby doll-Goldie Hawn looking dress, which reminded me of that show “Laugh-In” from the 1960s. My husband had bought a pair of beautiful stiletto heels that made me at least 6-feet-two-inches tall that night. Luckily, I didn’t trip that evening like I have been known to do on occasion. Featured here in the photo are two friends of Karian’s from Los Angeles, Johnny and Dawn. They made the special trip just for their good friend Karian. Karian was wearing svelte black velvety dress with a sexy zipper in the back. Tom was a wonderful host and the evening was just splendid. I always love going to their parties!

On July 19, many things happened. First, I interviewed well-known author Doris Lee McCoy regarding her new book, “The Magic of Gross National Happiness.” I have met Doris in person. She truly has the face of an angel. Sweet and sincere, her positivity glows from within. “Did you know happiness can be measured?” This is the opening line on her website. I wanted to get to the bottom of what exactly that means. Doris explained to me that she went to the Himalayas to do extensive research on a small village, Bhutan, to see how exactly it was possible that they could be ranked No. 8 in the world in happiness when the average villager only made less than $1,200 a year. With 76 percent of the village surrounded in trees, Doris thought this factor also contributed to their natural happiness factor. Also, the village itself is concerned more for the well-being of its residents than just what’s in their bank account (if they have bank accounts in Bhutan!). Doris found the “simplicity” to their way of life contributed significantly to their well-being. Featured here is author Doris Lee McCoy with Bhutan Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. If you would like to buy one of her books, visit www.dorisleemccoy.com to find out more about her fascinating discoveries. She will be having a book signing soon in Rancho Santa Fe. Go to her website to find out more details.

Later that afternoon, I attended the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary meeting with Krista Lafferty. Who knew, but the legendary Chubby Checker was the featured speaker for that day? Wow. I was so excited. Mr. Checker was in town to help Irene with her charity event later that evening at the Valenti estate. Everyone was sitting on the edge of their chair as Mr. Checker reminisced about his career. He informed the packed room how his mother had a prophetic dream regarding his music career and how Dick Clark coined “Chubby as Chubby Checker” and that’s how he received his name. After the meeting, I snapped a few photos of this legendary rock star, and he asked me to jump in for one of the pictures. As you can see, I look like a giddy schoolgirl that knew she was in the company of greatness. Thanks so much for the great photo Chubby, Irene and Patrick. I felt so lucky all day.

That evening, one of my best friends Meredith MacDonald came over to watch ABC’s “The Bachelorette.” She had heard that I had been baking, so she asked me to make her a cake for that evening. But of course, anything for my friends. Featured here is Meredith holding the cake from that evening. If you are wondering, it was a butter cream spice cake with a secret ingredient that cuts out many carbs and cholesterol. I will soon be selling these goodies on the weekends at my husband’s Lemon Twist, which is located near the Crosby in Rancho Santa Fe. I will fill you in later on that wonderful new detail developing in my life.

Summer Hat Feature

Deana Carter looks elegant in her Opening Day hat, which she modeled for me for this photograph. I ran into Deana and her husband John at some of the after party festivities in the Ranch. Thanks Deana for letting me feature you for this week summer hat feature.

Read more: Coast News Group – Paperback books and the institution of marriage

I don’t have anything to write this week. It’s a first. I am sitting here staring at a blank page with nothing materializing. That’s rare when that happens. Usually, I’m brimming with ideas, stories that my heart seems it must reveal in my next column. This week? Nothing is coming to me, except just to be honest with my readers.

I was thinking about a few things while I was relaxing on a two-week vacation. Some ideas that seemed rather important to share, or rather lessons I am still learning myself.

I’ve been thinking that there are many signs in this world. I don’t think most us pay attention to the immediate ones, and we miss obvious moments that are ours to create. I’m not talking about road signs. I’m talking about signs from up above that validate our journey, or rather give us direction when we need it.

Another thing I’ve been thinking about is have you ever noticed the more favors you give the more others expect from you in return? What is up with that? I am learning to be more sparing with my favors. I have learned to say “No.” If you can’t be there, just say no and don’t overextend yourself. I’m sure your calendar is already full. Take this advice from someone who usually commits herself with too many stories. Choose sparingly. Don’t become overwhelmed with a schedule when life is really meant to be simplified (do think Forrest Gump here).

Drink tea instead of espresso.

I’ve also been thinking how much I just absolutely love life, and how blessed I am to be here with all of my friends and loved ones. I just have been so grateful lately for what I have instead of hoping for more. Guess what? I find there is less to complain about. We sometimes miss out on great moments because we are busy wanting more. “Be grateful for less and you won’t miss the rest.” I just coined that phrase even if it sounded a bit cliché.

The main thing is, take some time out of your life to watch “Seinfeld.” Yes, that’s right. Or your favorite comedy that just makes you belt out a really deep laugh. I hear that sort of laughter fights off cancer. I hear it heals just about everything. So make sure you take some time to laugh.

Loosen up a bit and stop taking everything so seriously. The world will survive if you do happen to make a mistake. Everything is not resting upon your shoulders. Be at one place at a time. Dare to inspect the beauty in a single blade of grass while you are in a rush to your next appointment.

Stop spending so much time on your cell phone. Learn to be with yourself alone and your idle thoughts in the car instead. Then listen to some amazing music that inspires your mood. We don’t always have to be hooked to our iPhone. Have the courage to be without the latest gadget.

And, I shall end with this: Don’t make yourself too available. Don’t always say yes. Learn to be quiet. Learn to smile. Learn to be nice. Learn to say the words, “I love you more,” and don’t forget to tell your parents they are the greatest in the world. After all, they did give you life. It’s nice to be back under the eucalyptus trees. I missed you, Rancho Santa Fe.

Out of town

(Please note, for the last two weeks I have been gone from Rancho Santa Fe and this Around Town is featured in Spirit Lake, Iowa).

On June 23, My husband, Jackson and I drove to the Amtrak station to catch my 6:45 a.m. train to Los Angeles. The night before, I suddenly wondered if it were actually possible to make the train, the shuttle to LAX and board the plane all on in one day. Then I realized, yes, trains are always on time. So you can just see my expression when another passenger informed me that there had been a homicide on the train tracks only a few hours earlier. What a bad omen, I thought (I’m a little superstitious). I asked him, “You’re kidding right?” I envisioned a crew like the “CSI: Miami: forensic team somewhere down the tracks completing their investigation, while hundreds of travelers were stranded at the train stations. What ended up happening was I took Robin home, then jumped on the freeway, and drove to the airport. Later, it was determined that a man was just hit by a train and the homicide theory was ruled out.

If you are wondering, we did make the plane. An odd sense of relief came over me as I held my son’s hand, while we ascended and disappeared into the white clouds.

On June 24, I woke up at my parents’ house feeling quite pleased to be on vacation. I hadn’t been back to the Midwest during the summer in almost five years. Let me set the record straight on Iowa because I know what you are thinking. You are thinking miles of corn and how boring. Yes, normally that would be right, except where my family lives. Spirit Lake and Lake Okoboji is sort of like the “Aspen of Iowa,” but in reverse. Just like Aspen in the wintertime, Spirit Lake has more than 250,000 tourists a year visit its breathtaking natural lakes during the summer. After being a native Californian (Ha!) for 21 years, I still am proud to be from the Midwest. It’s quite pleasant to see natural green grass grow without the need of irrigation or a pack of gardeners attending to manicured lawns. It’s wonderful to breathe in fresh air, and enjoy natural beauty outside of a semi-arid desert. Think “Norman Rockwell” here. Spirit Lake has this pristine quality that leads you to believe maybe you don’t have a care in the world. I snapped a cute photo of my brother Billy and Jessica with their youngest son, Henry, on my first day. I love my brother!

On June 25, I attended my sister’s bachelorette party with my niece Lauren Chapman and my soon-to-be-step-niece Mia Howard. We all went to Barefoot Bar to meet my sister with her other close friends to help celebrate her betrothal to J.D. Howard. Before we left, I captured a photo of the bachelor party guys, Steven and J.D. Howard, with my uncle Timothy and my brother Billy Penn. We had so much fun that evening. However, while my sister unwrapped her lingerie and naught presents, something wicked was brewing up just on the other side of the lake. Can you say tornado? After leaving the Midwest at the age of 18, I still have a tremendous fear of those deadly twisters. This truly had my heart racing. We had to relocate to a Mexican restaurant because the dark front was moving fast across the lake with bolts of lightening flashing across the sky. Once I was with tequila in hand, I felt somewhat more relaxed. That was, until the lights went out there, too. OK, I have to admit, I did scream out loud in the brief moment of terror. After huddling inside the restroom, the party resumed. Let’s just say when the hail and the wind and lightening subsided, we rushed home as fast as we could. Well, I had them take me home, and their party continued on, without me.

On June 26, I woke up and realized today my sister is getting married … and I must wear a salmon-colored dress. Yes, that’s right, salmon, but sort of rosy salmon. I must say the color was better than I thought. And, quite honestly, I would wear a gunny-sack for Tracy. She rocks. First thing my sister and I did was make the floral arrangements. I helped her in the restroom downstairs strip all of the thorns from the roses. Two

sisters together, what fun! We tied them together with beautiful ribbon, and made the most beautiful bouquets. A few hours later, I drove to the most beautiful B&B. There we relaxed together in her big suite as we waited for time to trickle away. At 5:35 p.m., my sister Tracy married J.D. Howard on the Lake of Okoboj. And, luckily for all of us, there were clear skies. I have included a few photos from that day here.

Later that evening, the reception took place at my parents’ home. For awhile, the weather felt wonderful. Tracy and J.D. danced. The in-laws did, too. Everything was going smoothly until, yes, you guessed it, another tornado was spotted only five miles away. Everyone took cover in the basement. Luckily, it’s a tri-level house where the basement is really quite luxurious. So imagine everyone in comfort. Think carpet, not concrete floors. I ended up rushing upstairs with my camera to document these wild new developments on the front porch. How could I resist? The video captured the ominous dark clouds passing over the lake. No worries, the storm moved over Spirit Lake. And, the reception turned into a night to remember for all of us. I have included a gorgeous photo of Micky Kay and William Ray Penn (my parents). They graciously hosted the reception and were just beaming with pride for their eldest daughter that day. There is also a photo here of myself with my two siblings with their significant others just after the storm had passed.

On June 28, I baked my first cake! I have made cookies, and other sweet breads and brownies and pies, too. But never in my life have I baked a cake. It’s funny how you can learn new things on vacation. I discovered I love to bake. I ended up baking seven cakes, plus my sister’s birthday cake later that week, too. Let’s just say it was a week of celebrating of my sister, which she truly deserved. Later, I will write a feature on some wonderful substitutes I discovered, to help reduce the fat and calories.

On July 3, I returned home. I boarded my plane, said goodbye to my family. My mother stood at the security checkout and waved goodbye, while Jackson and I disappeared as we headed to our gate, back into our regular lives in California. Did I mention yet that I love my family? Thanks for reading my “Around Town” that just happened to be out of town for just one issue.

Jillan with that Ed, that has obviously been paid off by the producers

Jillian and Ed have been together over one year, so their relationship did stand the test of time, with relocations to Chicago, and all of that behind the scene gossip with Ed in the beginning. I’m sure each will plunge back into their own identies and make it just fine.
However, as a viewer of that one special season, I find myself feeling like an ‘era has ended’ in reality t.v. somehow with the demise of this couple. Classy and sophisticated, these two looked like a match and I kept waiting for the wedding on ABC. Call me a sap, call me what you want, but I really thought Jillian was top noch, and next to Ed they sort of rocked it as a ‘hot couple.’
Now there are these stories about her having to return the ring. If it’s not bad enough they must endure a public split, people are making fun of that part of the equation, too. I’m not sticking up for reality t.v. I am however asking those viewers that sit there so ardently and judge as a view to remember they are just normal couple with feelings, too. Good luck to both parties. If I had to choose a side (I haven’t really dug into why the broke up, but my imagination can pretty much fill in the details), but of course, it would be Jillian Harris. The best bachelorette I’ve seen ever on ABC. Good luck Jillian. Machel Penn Shull

Here is a link for more details on this show: http://www.realitytea.com/2010/05/31/photos-meet-the-cast-of-abcs-true-beauty-season-2/#more-13529