Suzanne Thorniley tells us how disappointment in election results first resulted in a lot of grumbling among friends but ultimately led to fulfilling and effective local action that lifted everyone's spirits and improved lives and opportunities. Everyone wants to live in a vibrant community. Joining and working together on non-partisan projects benefits both contributors and beneficiaries.
The leaves are changing colors and falling from vines, from trees, on hedges and in the hills. The air is crisp and clear and morning mist rises to meet the sunrise. Enjoy the Napa Valley as she shifts from the green leaves and deep blue grapes of harvest to the golds, reds and browns of autumn.
Napa Valley's fame was crafted by the forward-thinking vintners and farmers of the 1960s who dedicated themselves to greatness by helping each newcomer and each other rise to individual and collective excellence. This is a powerful lesson we can all emulate no matter what our area of focus.
Come along and join the excitement of our Bonny's Vineyard 2022 Cabernet Harvest! See the behind-the-scene preparations and systems that make it all possible then feel the energy as the grape picking crew moves quickly through the vineyard harvesting each and every cluster at its peak of perfection.
Join me as I take in the sights and sounds of the unique southwestern city of Santa Fe. I visit three centuries-old churches and the wonderful Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Just walking the streets and peering into the many shops is like being in an art museum. Invoke the smell of roasting chiles as you enjoy these images and you will experience the full flavor of Santa Fe.
My grandson Justin and I head off to Monterey for his scuba diver training and certification. There were moments of struggle but he and his dive partner prevailed in the end. A day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium was a great way to end our ocean adventure.
My sister Terri and I continue to explore the Empire mine, the machine shop, and the forge. We then move on to walk the community demonstration garden and cruise the twin cities of Grass Valley and Nevada City. All in all, it was a delightful introduction to this area where gold turned from dust and pine forest into quaint Sierra Foothill towns.
Join me and my sister, Terri in her new hometown, Grass Valley. There we enjoyed a watermelon cooler while planning our trip to the Empire Mine founded in 1850, the year California became a state and 49ers were rushing to find gold. After touring the mine museum, we toured the owner's cottage and surrounding gardens. Gold fueled a population surge, new towns, huge fortunes, city and country estates, and now familiar businesses like PG&E and Levi Strauss.
Meet Rob Barteletti who spends the better part of his day composing music using GarageBand on his Mac computer. Living with Parkinson's Disease for over 20 years meant that he could no longer play his piano and guitar but he found a way to create by stitching together loops and samples of digital music. Feel his enthusiasm for composing and enjoy his first ever music video - Serengeti.
Anything goes in the annual Calistoga 4th of July Parade; a truly fun and funky hometown production. It is heartwarming to see friends and neighbors willing to strut their stuff having a goofy good time doing it. This video is a tribute to small-town America everywhere where everyone applauds and cheers everyone.
Join me in the park as the residents of the Sausalito houseboat community share their dance-inspiring music, delicious food and impressive art with a little magic thrown in. Sometimes you never know about the hidden talents of the girl or guy next door until the invitation goes out and the table is set for fun!
Join Cindy, Kelly and I as Cindy teaches us how to make Ti Leaf Lei. Ti Leaf Lei are often given to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of friends and family. Cindy shows us how to easily make these lei at home. The leaves are harvested and pre-frozen to imbue maximum flexibility, making it possible for us to tie and twist the leaves into this classic rope-style lei.
Sarah McCrum offers expansive and extraordinary insight into the energy and benevolent nature of Money. Her consistent message invites us to realize that Money wants us to thrive individually and collectively and to support us as we engage in creative activities we love and exchange with each other. Transform your relationship with money.
Join me and whale videographer Everett Peacock as we stroll into the gentle shallows of Baby Beach to collect pure ocean water. Baking-dishes filled with this flavor-rich water will bake in Everett's DIY backyard solar oven. Within 10 days time, this pristine water will leave behind a gourmet treasure of the most delicious local sea salt effortlessly made by harnessing the Lahaina sun.
Join me and Jeff as we head out for a whale watch. We will see a baby playing and breaching over and over again and adults surfacing near our raft. Lastly, we will be treated to spectacular aerial footage from "Whale Dance" generously shared with us by Everett Peacock, TheFlyingHawaiian.com.
Hawaii is just as stunning from the air as it is from the beach. Come with me as we fly above Hawaii to visit my friend Dr. Ira Zunin on Oahu. We will fly by serene Molokai on our way there and back with her deep lava flow mountain gorges that look like Pele's long wavy tresses. The highlights of my time are a tour of Hawaii Kai in Ira's Boston Whaler and a visit to his integrative health clinic, Manakai O Malama. The flight back was a thrilling and beautiful end to a wonderful day.
What better way to celebrate being in Hawaii than going to a luau! At the Feast of Lele we journeyed through the South Pacific Islands of Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Samoa on the wings of unique but related languages, foods and dance. The similarities of these island cultures make it clear they share a common heritage.
Join Cindy and me as we explore Kapalua wedding venues for Jackie, her daughter Caitlin's best friend. Jackie was wanting to get married where she and Caitlin grew up together. Cindy and I had great fun scoping out these familiar places and looking at them with the new perspective that Jackie’s wedding offered us.
Come along as I learn how to operate our new Boston Whaler and ultimately venture from Sausalito’s Richardson Bay Marina out under the Golden Gate Bridge into the open ocean. Having been a sailor all my life this was a new and thrilling experience!
Celia demonstrates how to make her simple, healing Tortilla Soup. It is perfect for a winter’s day or anytime you are looking for chicken soup to feed body and soul. I always ask her to make her Tortilla Soup when I have a bad cold or just need a little TLC. So here it is, with love from Celia’s abuela in Michoacán to your kitchen.