November 2009 Archives
ABC’s Jake The Bachelor 1st commercial out on the airwaves
Okay, call me crazy. However, I am afterall, going to cover the next Bachelor. Calll me a sucker for Reality TV, but I am looking forward to this launching of the next Bachelor season. Looks like there should be some pretty good drama ahead for the pilot that was awarded his wings with ABC, let’s just hope that there are some decent girls like Jillian, Molly or Melissa. Cheers to cheesy television and all of you that can’t wait for the first episode just like me. If you want info, keep checking back to my page for the latest gossip ABC’s The Bachelor. Machel Penn
Continue reading ABC’s Jake The Bachelor 1st commercial out on the airwaves
“Machel’s Ranch” Rancho Santa Fe News Nov. 20th column
I don’t know what I want to tell you this issue. Sometimes I am brimming with ideas. I have these fantastic stories I love to share with you. Some are personal and others are more of my perspectives on life.
For this issue, I thought I would just tell you the many events that have triggered deep emotions in my heart recently. As a mother, the tragic loss of the teenage students in car accidents here in Rancho Santa Fe has left me bereft, along with the rest of the community.
One of my closest friends — Jill Sorge — has two teenagers that attend Santa Fe Christian High School. Within seven days of covering the Homecoming football game, tragedy struck when they lost a classmate. Jill’s daughter Lauren is a cheerleader at Santa Fe Christian.
The week the accident happened, I listened to my friend recount the ways of how she could help the squad by making all of the buttons for the cheerleaders to wear for the following football game. The buttons had William Wardrip’s picture on it, in which he is wearing his Santa Fe Christian Jersey. That day my friend Jill drove to a few of the crafty stores like Michael’s in Encinitas and then on to a Wal-Mart near Mission Valley.
Her goal was to find the best quality button, in honor of the student Santa Fe Christian had lost. I remember thinking about Jill that afternoon. I thought about all of her driving back and forth for this one important element of remembrance that was more than just a button on a cheerleader’s uniform. This detail became larger than any regular duty for her daughter. It carried the weight of loss of another family’s tragedy that touched her children’s lives, too.
As her friend, I felt so moved by her efforts. My deepest sympathy also goes out to the families involved that lost a loved one recently. This very same week, I learned that one of my friends has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. My friend is under the age of 40.
As I drive to work and witness the sun shining across the ocean, my mind is perplexed and saddened by all of the recent news. And, that one question we all ask comes to mind — why? How can one ever understand such things? My heart searches for meanings and a purpose. Yet, when we lose those we love, sometimes there can just be a time to grieve without understanding. We can grieve and there are no answers to why circumstances like these happen.
This life is so precious. As I am thinking of each story from the last month, I hesitate to celebrate my life. Yet, therein lies the answer. Celebrate life. Yes, we must cherish the moments and the goodness of all those we love. This is the key to overcoming such tragedies when there are no other answers to find.
We must lift up the memory of our loved ones, like my friend Jill did with her goal of finding the perfect button for all of the cheerleaders at Santa Fe Christian in remembrance of their beloved classmate. Jill understood the importance of honoring those we love. Sometimes finding meaning in the minor details can help mend broken hearts.
Be thankful for each moment, each friend, and each loved one that has touched your spirit. Let us remember this Thanksgiving the families that have lost a loved one recently in our thoughts and prayers. Let us remember those that have touched our hearts.
Around town
On Oct. 28, I stopped by Dr. Sherman’s office in Del Mar. Have you heard of Dr. Sherman? He has been in the San Diego area since 1981 and is the creator of the “natural look.” With recent trends to look younger and younger, it’s good to know the dos and don’ts when considering cosmetic changes to your body. If you are looking for a nonsurgical facelift that won’t break your wallet or keep you hidden during the holidays, please read this exciting information the Del Mar Medical Center shared with me:
“Maurice P. Sherman, M.D., F.A.C.S., is now offering Sculptra®Aesthetic (injectable poly-L-lactic acid), a cosmetic facial injectable that works gradually, resulting in a more youthful looking appearance that can last up to two years. SculptraAesthetic is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment indicated for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold (smile lines) contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles which are treated with the appropriate injection technique in healthy people. “I am very excited to offer SculptraAesthetic to patients who want to achieve natural-looking results from a cosmetic injectable that is long-lasting,” Dr. Sherman said. “SculptraAesthetic works gradually to achieve results over time, so no one will notice you had work done.” Wrinkles and folds associated with aging become apparent, primarily through the breakdown of collagen. SculptraAesthetic helps the body replace lost collagen to provide a more youthful looking appearance.
For more information, visit www.drsherman.com where you can view before and after pictures from Sculptra patients.
Thank you Dr. Sherman and to your team for sharing this personal photo at your office. Pictured are Vanessa Vargas with Dr. Sherman, Ronnie Berger, and Carol Parr-Garcia. To make an appointment for a free consultation please call (858) 350-8400 and ask to speak with Ronnie Berger.
On Oct. 29, I headed downtown for an event that I just loved: “Cultures & Cocktails” held every other month at SDMA. Imagine walking into this fabulous museum with a rockin’ party taking place on all levels, with “Chains of Love” by the band Erasure from the 8’0s echoing through the art galleries. I ran into some of the local crowd from Rancho Santa Fe. Who knew that we were so cultured in San Diego? I spotted Rosemary Rae with a good friend and Bill Fox out on the scene. Rosemary is head of design and marketing for the Community Center and Bill Fox is famous for the parties he throws every year in La Jolla. What fun to run into a few familiar faces off my normal circuit scene. If you love art and are looking for an evening that hopes to feel slightly like New York, this is the ticket. Check out www.sdmart.org.
On Nov. 7, I was able to sneak in the front doors of the fabulous Crystal Ball Gala held at the Fairbanks Country Club. At minimum $300 a ticket, there were no signs of a recession at this lavish Rancho Santa Fe gala. Lou and Judy Ferrero were saluted by all of their friends and loved ones for their gallant efforts they have contributed toward Casa de Amparo. The Ferroros were “delighted to be recognized as this year’s honorary chairs,” and said they “hope each and every Casa Kid will have the chance to create the bright future they deserve.” Judy Keys and Karen Kogut were co-chairs. ProFlowers was the title partner. Casa de Amparo was founded in 1978 with the mission to help prevent child abuse. I ran into the editor of Fine Magazine, Laurie Nelson, with her husband John. They were sweet enough to pose for a portrait of excellence that captured the evening. Cheers to everyone involved that made this night a success for this wonderful charity. For more information please check out www.casadeamparo.org.
On Nov. 10, I was delighted to be invited to the Santa Fe Christian’s Veteran’s Day Remembrance Day celebration. Commander Jon Paul Labuzzo was the guest speaker that led this touching ceremony. He urged the audience to “be courageous and to challenge everyone to be involved in selfless service to the community.” He quoted our first President George Washington, “The fate of unborn millions will depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army.” Commander Labuzzo also used President Washington as an example of a man that served selflessly for the greater cause for humanity. “Unlike Caesar or Napoleon he appeared before congress as a citizen and not as a dictator.” His speech inspired the audience and touched the hearts of those in the auditorium that day. Later, the veterans that attended were honored by the choir and audience. A slideshow captured each time period of Veteran’s service in the military. What touched my spirit the most was the sight of Yvonne Paczulla — pictured with Richard Farwell — and how she stood up holding her wheelchair with the perfect salute during each song. I was lucky enough to chat with her after the celebration was over. Ms. Paczulla told me how made she managed to escape death when other of her friends were not so fortunate. I was so touched by her story. Thanks to women like Yvonne, we live in a free country. I also ran into Dick Van Allen with his granddaughter Tabitha Bell. Mr. Allen flew in from Utah to be with his family and attend this patriotic ceremony that left me missing my own father. Afterward, I called my dad to say thank you for serving our country in the military. My gratitude overflows for the brave men and women that serve and have served to protect our freedom.
Later that evening, I attended Linda Sansone’s special fundraising event at Plume in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe. This event had the first true signs that the holidays are definitely upon us. Ten percent of the proceeds were donated to California Bipolar Foundation. Guests that attended enjoyed early holiday shopping. Chic designers dresses hung on racks under the stars next to fabulous hand bags and jewelry, while guests mingled with friends and co-workers. Owner Daniel B of the Pantry personally catered the event. The teriyaki beef skewers were my personal favorite. Owner Courtney MacDonald posed for a candid shot with host and Realtor Linda Sansone. That night my husband said, “I’ve never seen so many women in one place.” Like I’ve said before, if you go downtown in the Ranch great things are bound to happen. A shot that captures the essence of that statement. Pictured are Lisa Odenweller, Sally LaRocca, Heather Hunter, Courtney MacDonald and Kelly Conley. Thank you so much for the invite. The evening felt like my first holiday party. For more information on bipolar disorder, please check out www.californiabipolarfoundation.org.
Stay tuned for my next column to find out which restaurant will receive a personal profile and what holiday parties will make it into the next “Machel’s Ranch.” If you have an event you would like Machel Penn to cover, please contact her at mpenn@coastnewsgroup.com.
Continue reading “Machel’s Ranch” Rancho Santa Fe News Nov. 20th column
Machel’s Ranch-Rancho Santa Fe News November 6, 2009 Column
Southern Californian Columnist-Machel Penn
My son woke up last night and climbed in bed with me because he had a scary dream about a spider. He dreamt the spider had fallen from the ceiling onto his chest as he was lying in bed. Frightened, he ran into my room seeking comfort. However, what had bothered him the most was he couldn’t remember if the spider had bitten him before the nightmare had ended.
I allowed him to climb in bed — just like I’m sure other mothers would — and we tried to ward off this terrible evil in his dream. As I turned on the light, I remembered some references in a dream interpretation book. A spider represents a good omen and is synonymous with the number eight, which is supposedly linked to success. With my son still visibly upset, I knew I must begin to spin my own story about the spider right before Halloween.
“Jackson, the dream was not a nightmare. The spider represented the power of eight in your life and your birthday — April 8. And the spider did not bite you. Rather you were able to stop the accident before it occurred.”
In the middle of the night, I laid out an analogy of the nasty dream. As I spun my own web of positive perception, my son listened and then peacefully fell asleep.
The next day on the way to school he recanted the dream like he was Spiderman and how he conquered the spider in his dream in some fabulous way. He had forgotten the terror of his original nightmare. He sat smiling on the way to school with confidence that he had overcome and won some imaginary battle.
This little incident stuck with me for the rest of the day. I kept thinking about how our thoughts and what we perceive is so powerful. “Life is what we perceive.” I’m sure you’ve heard that quote before, I have. If this is true, even if the facts are skewed, think magically and fantastically. Imagine the circumstances in your life, and how you wish them to be. Forget the book “The Secret.” Read Norman Vincent Peale. I know, I have referenced him before. But some things are worth repeating. This man changed my perception and instilled in me a foundation to overcome any circumstance that threatens me, so I can address issues positively. I still grapple with this one.
Have you ever heard of the “The way of the peaceful warrior?” by Dan Millman? Well, one time I went to his seminars and he made a reference that sounded patronizing to Norman V. Peale. I called him out on it in front of 200 savvy individuals in Los Angeles who all were looking “for the way to peace in their own lives” at some Learning Annex in Santa Monica.
After the seminar was over we exchanged numbers for some reason. He actually called me a week later on my home phone to still slate his views. I never called Mr. Millman back. I refuse to read any of his books now. I am just thankful for his first breakthrough book, which lead me to this discovery: Even famous authors we admire can be fallible.
Back to that ghastly spider and Halloween. After I dropped Jackson off at school, I pondered my own fears. I thought about the impact of our thoughts, and how mom and son conquered his fear together. I learned a lesson, too. I shall remember anything negative has a positive attribute lying underneath. If we look, we can discover that light will indeed always shine through the darkness. Don’t forget that this spooky Halloween season.
Around town
On Oct. 13, ABC’s “The Bachelor” choice was unveiled on “Dancing with the Stars.” Unfortunately for local residents such as me who were rooting for local “Bachelorette” contestant Kiptyn Locke, we were all sadly disappointed to hear Jake Whatshisname was nominated as the next “The Bachelor.” This might be a reason to drop this show altogether. I’m not even sure if I should watch it this season. However, I have it on good authority that Mr. Locke may have already found the lucky lady he has been looking for, so there is no need for him to be famous anymore. We wish him well. Maybe, I will nab a personal interview with the help of my insiders at the paper.
On Oct. 21, I attended my chiropractor’s health seminar on “Ten ways to boost your immune system and prevent the flu shot.” Some of the key points were “decreasing the amount of sugar and caffeine in a person’s diet to help eliminated bichemical stress and maintaining a healthy spine and nervous system through chiropractic care.” As a personal recommendation, I go in each week for more weekly adjustment from Dr. Sartin. I received a full exam and X-rays that enlighted me on why keeping your spine aligned is the key to staying healthier and feeling better. Ever since I became an avid runner again, my lower back began to cause me some unbearable pain. With my appointments with Dr. Sartin, my back pain is gone. Best of all, I feel fantastic again during my late night run in my neighborhood. Their office is located just around the corner in Solana Beach, right off of Lomas Santa Fe. To take advantage of their free consultation, call (858) 259-4130 for more information. My advice, skip the flu shot and learn how to take better care of your body.
On Oct. 22, two years had exactly passed since the Witch Creek Fire in 2007. That particular day will be one I shall never forget. And, like many of us, that week seems like a distant memory, except for all of those that lost their homes and businesses during the fire. Lemon Twist — the only business to burn down inRancho Santa Fe
— is finally being resurrected on Del Dios street across from Cielo. Katie Shull started this famous landmark flower shop/fruit-stand in the early 1980s. Lemon Twist will finally be reopened in spring of 2010. I know some incredibly happy people that will be celebrating on that momentous day. Look for the return of chocolate-dipped strawberries and a wider smile on this columnist’s face (this is my husband’s family’s business) when this landmark reopens in the spring.
Later that day, I had discovered some big ABC’s “The Bachelor” news. Molly Malaney and Jason Mesnick are officially engaged. If you recall at the beginning of the year, almost 16 million viewers tuned in on Monday night to watch Jason hand Melissa Rycroft the final rose. However, that moment became a fleeting memory as viewers watched Mr. Mesnick retract on his engagement to Ms. Rycroft, and then ask Molly for a second chance for love. It looks like love does need a bit more time to blossom than off of the airwaves of a reality show. After nine months of dating the two are headed for matrimony. When is the date? Stay tuned for more details on one of my favorite shows to gossip about on television.
On Oct. 23, my husband and I headed out on a Friday night to hang out with some of our friends at Mille Fleurs. I’m sure you’ve read before that this is one of my favorite spots in Rancho Santa Fe. Can you say, “the best looking wait staff in town, besides delicious food, fun friends and fabulous music?” I ran into a lovely couple there that night, Nancy and Carm Santoro, good friends of the Hug family. Nancy and I shared stories that night of fun trips and fabulous voyages that she has taken with Denise and Bertrand. All of the trips sounded so marvelous. This is one of the many reasons I like to go out in the Ranch, you meet the nicest people. Thanks Nancy, Carm and Julien for letting take a candid, cute photo that captured enthusiastic mood that evening.
On Oct. 24, Robin and I joined his family at the Gorwitz’s home in San Diego. This Halloween party rocked. With a private band out by the pool, the guests danced the evening away in festive Hhalloween costumes. Someone snapped a cute photo of our group from that evening. Pictured here are Ken, Katie, Juliette, Natalie, myself and Robn Shull from that fun evening. There is another photo here of Natalie Shull with her boyfriend Adam Levins. What a gorgeous couple! Thank you to Linda Gorwitz’s family for extending an invitation to the newlyweds. This is the first year I have dressed up in years for this holiday!
Save the date
Don’t forget to help raise money to fight breast cancer by donating to those that are walking in the Nov. 20 to Nov. 22 event in San Diego. Local Realtor Tammy Tidmore has been actively spending her extra time to raise money to stop this deadly disease. If you would like to help contribute, please check out her site at http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/SanDiegoEvent2009?px=3217153&pg=personal&fr_id=1298. Yes, that’s the right address!
Star on the rise
Also, local resident Alyssa Jacey releases her new single on Nov. 10! Support this local star by visiting alyssajacey.com. Congrats to a wonderful new artist on the rise in San Diego.
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Continue reading Machel’s Ranch-Rancho Santa Fe News November 6, 2009 Column
