Southern Sonoma Country Life

Babydoll Southdown Sheep School at Canvas Ranch

If I spent less time at my computer and more time tending the grapevines, I would be up for grazing the rare, heritage breed of sheep that are Babydoll Southdowns. They're of British origin, too, so I'd maybe not be too bad a match as a shepherdess. Alas, I don't think its in my cards, but it might be in yours. How completely SoCo is this? I love it.

Off the Grapevine

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the Autumn tree,"

Emily Bronte

Though this is a leaf from the Rivetti Mountain grape vine, it still signals Fall and the harvest season that is fast upon us. Out grapes are 'hanging in' through the early showers, awaiting harvest some time in the middle of October. 

Heavy and majestic, I must snap some shots to share of these deep purple-berried 2013 vintage beauties, after the clouds clear. 

The Portrait Photographer

"The air is crisp, the light is gorgeous, a perfect time to make portraits. Together we create images with deep emotional connections, ones that trancend time. Together we reach beneath the surface as we create images of beauty and style that become instant family heirlooms, for now and for generations," 

Murray Rockowitz

For readers who don't already know him or instantly recognize his strikingly beautiful, strong and distinctive work, Bay Area 'real people' Portrait and Commercial photographer, Murray Rockowitz, composes most of his classic black and white (and North Light color) moments in unique, personal histories in his loft studio in the heart of historic downtown Petaluma. 

Home to numerous outstanding professional photographers, Petaluma today is buzzing with creative talent. Whatever your favored style of portaiture, there's no need to leave town to find the right match. 

Yet, I've long-since been an admirer of Murray's extraordinary portrait work and his compassion for his subjects never fails to draw breath. After popping in for a quick visit to his studio recently, I was reminded of what a gem we have in our midst. If you're pondering a portrait, of you, your loved one, family and even a four-legged friend or two, check out his web site portfolio, here. 

Lauded among fine art portraiture collectors throughout Northern California and beyond, Murray allows lots of time and just the right, casual atmosphere to compose the sorts of  portraits in which the full range of expression unfolds. 

Awash with natural light, his loft studio is easily accessible, with ample parking, upstairs at 128 Petaluma Boulevard North.

Fine Art Portraits take time to create. "If you want prints for Christmas we need to get started. If you want them for Channukah, have you noticed when it starts?! Book now for a sitting around the holidays, your time, as well as, available sitting appointments are limited," says Murray.

Call 707 765-1972 or email to discuss photographic needs and schedule a sitting with one of the Bay Area's best.

One Summer - America 1927 - A New Book by Bill Bryson Coming Oct 1st

 



In its pre-release marketing blurb, Random House - publishers of the brilliant Bill Bryson's latest upcoming book release (shown above in UK and US covers, respectively) whets our appetite for what promises a captivating romp through a rollicking, short period of of U.S history: "The summer of 1927 began with one of the signature events of the twentieth century: on May 21, 1927, Charles Lindbergh became the first man to cross the Atlantic by plane nonstop, and when he landed in Le Bourget airfield near Paris, he ignited an explosion of worldwide rapture and instantly became the most famous person on the planet. Meanwhile, the titanically talented Babe Ruth was beginning his assault on the home run record, which would culminate on September 30 with his sixtieth blast, one of the most resonant and durable records in sports history.

"In between those dates a Queens housewife named Ruth Snyder and her corset-salesman lover garroted her husband, leading to a murder trial that became a huge tabloid sensation. Alvin “Shipwreck” Kelly sat atop a flagpole in Newark, New Jersey, for twelve days—a new record. The American South was clobbered by unprecedented rain and by flooding of the Mississippi basin, a great human disaster, the relief efforts for which were guided by the uncannily able and insufferably pompous Herbert Hoover."

Bryson's brand of detailed retelling coupled with his trademark humor promise a delicious narrative nonfiction sampler of the stage that set the the world's first talking picture (Al Jolson's The Jazz Singer), political retreat of one-term President Calvin Coolidge, beginning and end of the bloody trail of Al Capone and a secret session of powerful bankers on Long Island that would ultimately led to a devastating stock market crash and the Great Depression. 

USA today describes One Summer, America 1927 as one of the coolest books for fall. Bryson himself says in an interview online that though there was a: "frenetic amount of activity that summer," sometimes: "these things just happen at the same time". 

I've heard Bill Bryson read from several of his books over the past decade or so, whenever he has been on book tour here in the Bay Area. I'd imagine (and certainly hope) he'll be making a pit-stop here in the North Bay for One Summer, America 1927.  

 

The Power of One in Ten - Organic Alternatives to Reshape Our World

Infographics are some of my favorite things. In this age of ever-shortening attention spans, the power of persuasion from a well crafted infogram is limitless. 

I came across this one by USDA Organic. Next time I'm hovering over the produce options and find myself hesistating over whether one particular organic option is really all that essential, I'll not be thinking so much of my grocery bill, but more of the bigger picture. 

One organic product in ten. If you're not an all-organic consumer, this is surely do'able. 

Cornerstone Sonoma Presents West Coast Modern - Meet the Author & Take a Garden Tour

Something for all the style and design enthusiasts here in the south county: Cornerstone Sonoma presents an illustrated talk on Thursday October 17th (5.30 pm to 7.30 pm) by author and noted design critic Zahid Sardar based on his recent book West Coast Modern: Architecture, Interiors & Design By Zahid Sardar. Photographs are by Matthew Millman.

Enjoy a panel discussion with art patron Steve Oliver and architect Jim Jennings, who collaborated to create the Geyserville Studios, guest quarters for artists working on site specific sculptures at Oliver Ranch in northern Sonoma County.

Reception & book signing  follows the talk.

Hosted by Artefact Design & Salvage, Dave Allen, proprietor
23570 Arnold Drive (Hwy 121) Sonoma, CA 95476 | 707-933-3010

Arrive Early and enjoy a guided tour of the fabulous Cornerstone Gardens at 4:30 pm

Tickets: $20 per person | Seating is limited | Advance ticket purchase required.  Click here to PURCHASE TICKETS

Architects and designers are breaking new ground in the West, incorporating tested ideas with modern technologies, materials and concepts in thrilling and sustainable designs.  

West Coast Modern showcases 25 inspiring residences by such renowned western architects and interior designers as Ricardo and Victor Legorreta, Tom  Kundig, Jim Jennings, Steven Ehrlich, Leo Marmol, Ron Radziner, Anne Fougeron, Joshua Aidlin, David Darling, Greg Warner, Brooks Walker, Paul Wiseman, Terry Hunziker and Gary Hutton.  These include large and small homes that respond to the expansive deserts, mountains, plains and coastlines of the West.  Designed for a range of climates, the houses allude to Mesoamerican adobe and Spanish Mission courtyard dwellings yet sport a modern western aesthetic. The sculptural forms and elegant interiors are at once both urban and rural, open to the outdoors and always contemporary, comfortable and stylish.

Jim Jennings: In 2008 the American Academy of Arts and Letters honored Jim Jennings’s four decades of practice with the Academy Award for Architecture. Born in 1940 and having received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from University of California at Berkeley in 1966, San Francisco-based Jennings is known for an unwavering design sensibility; one critic described him as “the quintessential Bay Area Modernist” for the coolly sensuous rigor of his work. His projects—institutional, commercial and residential—have been internationally exhibited and featured in more than 150 publications.

Steve Oliver: An avid art collector, Steve and his wife, Nancy, developed the Oliver Ranch in Northern California’s Alexander Valley, a working sheep ranch that is also one of the country’s most ambitious private collections of site-specific art. Today it houses 18 commissioned works by local and national artists including: Terry Allen, Miroslaw Balka, Roger Berry, Ellen Driscoll, Bill Fontana, Kristin Jones / Andrew Ginzel, Andy Goldsworthy,Ann Hamilton, Dennis Leon, Jim Melchert, Bruce Nauman, Martin Puryear, David Rabinowitch, Jim Jennings, Fred Sandback, Richard Serra, Judith Shea, Robert Stackhouse, Ursula Von Rydingsvard

 

Social Media-Era Come Back for A Twitter-Addicted Bridget Jones

How is it possible that 14 years have flown by since British author Helen Fielding's hilarious second Bridget Jones book was released? The books spawned movies that have been on the perennial 'most-watched comedies' and forged a  forever place in our hearts for the 'perpetual singleton' that is apparently, still Bridget.

According to a slew of social media and press reports ramping up in anticipation of an October 10th (Oct 15th in the U.S by Knopf) publication of "Mad About the Boy", Bridget Jones' appreciation society should brace itself for the reappearance of a somewhat more mature single mother of two, diligently keeping on with her infamous dairy while submerged in today's social media mad-making of internet dating, twitter and texts. 

An early review by Mademoiselle says: “Bridget Jones is a joy and comfort, and Helen Fielding is bloody great.” 

And, according to Newsweek: “Life is full of guilty pleasures, and reading Bridget Jones’s diary is one of them.... Being Bridget’s soulmate is also to possess a sixth sense for the zeitgeist, a clutch of faithful friends and bags of Panglossian optimism.... Like that other gifted commentator Woody Allen, [Fielding] makes modern urban neuroses, if not art, then at least very, very funny.” 

The author has confirmed that bad boy Daniel Cleaver as well as the dashing Mark Darcy, Bridget’s long-time suitors (portrayed by Hugh Grant and Colin Firth in the film versions), will pop up again for our reading pleasure, so to speak!

Fifty-four-year-old Fielding decamped from the UK for the Southern Californian lifestyle, following her global success with Bridget Jones. Having always denied the likeness between herself and her hit character, she and then partner, Simpson's show Executive, Kevin Curran raised their two children together in Los Angeles until a separation two years ago brought the Yorkshire, Northern-England-raised author and her kids back to London. 

It makes sense that she would pen a new chapter in the life of Bridget Jones. One that has, by all accounts, less focus on the size of her thighs and units of alcohol consummed per day and more on the perils and pitfalls of dating as a single mom in the digital age. 

Seventeen thousand fans on Facebook voted for the UK cover for the new book:

 

 Here's how it will look in its American incarnation:

 

Best of British - Buckland Cottage, The Cotswolds

Here's what happened when a globe-trotting commercial photographer from Northern California took a more-than overdue time-out with her family to holiday in a cottage hideaway near the traditional English Cotswold village of Broadway, in Worcestershire, this summer. 

Thank-you, Stephanie Rausser for graciously sharing your candid, family shots with us on Southern Sonoma Country Life. It's not often that my readers get an inside-glimpse on family travels across the Pond, that don't revolve around my own rural ramblings.

I followed the Rausser/Cowell clan's trip via social media and even though I'd had my share of the Great British summer-time pie just a month earlier, I found myself longing once-more for the green grass of my birthland and those beautiful, billowy, cloudy skies.

Once Steph and the gang arrived at the tiny hamlet that is home to characterful, historic Buckland Cottage, I was practically ready to re-pack and hop on a plane. 

Hidden away along a quiet lane in a no-through-traffic village, this picture-postcard perfect vacation home is equidistant from Cheltenham and Stratford-upon-Avon in what is some of Britain's most spectacular countryside.

This is the sort of place you'd pick if you were looking to take the road less traveled on a trip to England. For although the Cotswolds are teeming with visitors during the summer months, Buckland Cottage provides a respite from the tourist route, with its peaceful, private, garden-setting and lots of lovely things to do nearby. 

There are several genteel market towns in the Worcestershire/Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire region, dating back to the 17th and 18th Centuries within easy reach for exploration, each with its traditional high street, market day and range of shops, pubs and eateries. Closest to Buckland are Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold. 

Host to the turn-of-the-century Arts & Crafts movement in the UK, when it moved from London's East End in 1902, is Chipping Campden, with its grand town houses and bustling high street featuring top-notch greengrocers and butchers. A few miles more, heading towards Oxford, several high profile residents known as the 'Chipping Norton Set' have brought a degree of infamy to this otherwise bucolic, little market town, over the past few years. (For American readers, the Chipping Norton Set, if you haven't heard of it, is a modern-day media, political and showbusiness who's who of a social circle, rather unceremoniously under the international spotlight since the controversial News International phone hacking scandal of recent years made world news).

Gorgeous Jacobean Stanway House and Fountain is just a 10 minute drive from the cottage. Visitors are invited to tour the mellow Cotswold stone house, gardens and fully restored water mill during the summer months. And also close by, the National Trust's Snowshill Manor is packed with eclectic treasures and arts and crafts inspired gardens. 

Steph and family thoroughly recommend a visit to Stately Home Sudeley Castle - best known for being the home of Queen Katherine Parr and garrison headquarters of Prince Rupert during the Civil War. The castle houses an impressive collection of furniture and paintings, has award winning gardens and medieval ruins.

Other outstanding homes and gardens to visit in the area include Hidcote arts and crafts Gardens, Chastleton Jacobean manor House and one of the country's great Tudor homes, Coughton Court.  

Though contemporary in its amenities and suitably, modern, luxury-eclectic in its stylish English country decor, Buckland Cottage is an old property and guests do get to enjoy all the quintessential quirks of a period home. Entrance is via a stone-flagged hall with an impressive mid room for shedding the rain boots during wet winter (and sometimes summer) visits. 

An open plan kitchen and dining area is equipped with a wood burning stove and stocked with a welcome basket of Cotswold treats from one of Britain's very best holiday cottage rental company hosts, Sheepskin Life. 

Think sumptuous leather and velvet sofas, beams and piles of cookbooks to browse. An inglenook fireplace in the living room, a romantic backdrop for evenings in and a warm and inviting spot for family board games and stories.

Bedrooms with original wooden flooring and contemporary wallpapers are furnished with the best of British beds, complete with white, fluffy duvets and sheets.

The Rausser/Cowell family were fortunate to have picked a remarkably balmy British summer for their visit and were able to take advantage of the cottage's al-fresco dining area in its wrap-around garden, with views of the village church.  A stay in June or September is ideal for most temperate weather, avoiding the busy peak season of an English summer, in July and August. 

Buckland Manor Hotel is within walking distance of the cottage. Dating back to the 13th century, its restaurant is open daily for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Traditional in its smart dress code (pack a shirt & tie), the nearby Lygon Arms on the High Street in Broadway has been welcoming guests since the 16th Century. Broadway, with its honey colored limestone buildings, is often described as the 'jewel of the Cotwolds' and the 'show village' of England.

No visit to anywhere in the UK is complete without a proper fish and chip supper. Broadway's Russells Fish and Chips offers a posh take on the traditional, with outdoor seating, with optional Pimms Cup or a bottle of wine!

For unpretentious pub grub with flair, The Swan overlooks the village green in Broadway, with its brasserie style atmosphere and cosy fireplace.

It's all about the traditional pubs when in the UK. The closest two to Buckland Cottage are The Horse & Hound and The Crown & Trumpet (also a bed and breakfast). 

On my list when next in the Cotswolds is a visit to The Mount Inn at Stanton, with its panoramic views across the Vale of Evesham towards the Malvern Hills and the Black Welsh Mountains beyond. On a summer's eve its said to be the ideal spot in which to see the sunset and enjoy a pint or two of Donnington Brewery's traditional ale. 

Another top-rated proudly traditional pub in the region is The Snowshill Arms. Family friendly, great ales, simple, tasty food. Sign me up!

Two miles from the cottage, The Broadway Deli overlooks the village green and at first glance, gives an impression of an old-fashioned grocery store. Step inside and its packed to the rafters with gourmet cheeses, cured meats and fish, olives, fresh salad fixings, ready-made lasagne, cakes...  

Also for the foodie-away-from-home is The Cotswold Food Store, a must for local food lovers and it has a cafe, too. Kate Moss's local, Daylesford Organic is a big name in the area, not only for its clientelle, but its organic produce. Not only does it boast a cafe, but an on-site spa, too. As we Brits like to say: "In for a Penny, in for a Pound." Or maybe, in for a penny, off with a pound in this case.

The Cotswold Falconry Center's well worth a visit, too. Flying demonstrations take place daily at 11.30 am, 1.30 pm, 3 and 4.30 pm from Feb through December. Home to 150 birds of prey, this is a haven for wildlife, offering dawn chorus bird walks, moth and bat walks to boot! Likewise, The Cotswolds Wildlife Park, on over 160 acres in the Bradwell Grove Estate is home to over 250 species and the Cotswold Farm Park also make for a fun family day out.

For those who like to ramble, footpaths weave their way for miles through this scenic countryside. I also like the sound of  pit-stops at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway and Cirencester's Corinium Museum. 

Getting There:  

A vacation to fully appreciate the Cotswolds does require a car. From London take the M40 north towards Oxford and exit at junction 8 on to the A40 following signs for Oxford and Cheltenham A40 (W). At the third roundabout (Wolvercote) with BP gas station in front, take the 4th exit to A44, Woodstock, Chipping Norton and Moreton in Marsh. 

Continue on the A44 through Woodstock, Chipping Norton and Moreton in Marsh. Keep going on the A44 towards Evesham and about 10 miles from Moreton, you'll arrive at Broadway.  

At the roundabout, turn left on to Leamington Road and at the next roundabout, turn right onto the High Street. Take the second turning to your left on to the B4362 to Cheltenham. The first left hand tunr is to Snowshill, continue on and take the second left signposted to Buckland Village and the Buckland Manor Hotel.

 Other Sheepskin Life Holiday Cottages

Whether it's a Shepherd's Hut in Yorkshire, a luxury Red Kite Tree Tent in Wales, or maybe more of a Cornish cottage you have in mind for a blissful stay in the UK, check out Sheepskin's inspired collection.

First Annual Because I'm A Girl Event Teaches Young Women to be Compassionate, Fearless and Strong

Back in December of 2012, The (Petaluma -based) Fabulous Women awarded the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin and Southern Sonoma Counties a grant in the amount of $5000 to assist in funding the on-going implementation of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s SMART Girls program at the Lucchesi Park Facility and their Clubs in affordable housing in Petaluma. 

The SMART Girls program was developed to offer age specific experiences that enhance girls’ physical and emotional health. It is a small group program that utilizes a combination of informational and experiential learning activities to help female Boys & Girls Club members develop the knowledge and skills necessary to practice healthy lifestyle choices.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America has designed two age appropriate modules of SMART Girls for implementation with girls ages 8-12 and 13-17. The program design features interactive and experiential methods and approaches, including the use of anecdotes, role play, field trips, guest speakers and mentors. The program’s sessions are tailored to meet the unique needs of different groups of girls.

In keeping with the mission and priority of The Fabulous Women, to serve the local community and youth, by helping young women become successful adults in life, the group in partnership with the BGCMSSC will be hosting its First Annual “Because I’m a Girl” Event, on Saturday October 12th, 2013.  

Registration opened up on Monday, September 15th and will close as soon as sign ups reach 200 young women.

This event will implement components of the SMART GIRLS program as well as engage the girls in important topics that they are faced with every day. The main focus will be on Safety, Service & Self Esteem.  This is an interactive conference will allow experienced members of our community to participate with these young women in an informative, yet fun, environment. 

 This dynamic event takes place at the Boys & Girls Clubs Lucchesi Park Clubhouse in Petaluma and is open to all girls ages 13-18. 

Click here to view the impressive line-up of keynote speakers for the day.

For more information on The Fabulous Women, please visit their websitewww.thefabulouswomen.com

For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin and Southern Sonoma Counties visitwww.petaluma-marinbgc.org

TEAM TEDDY Sonoma County Fundraiser in the Works

Early this year, my precious little nephew, Teddy, lost his battle for life. He fought unbelievably hard to stay with us and made a massive impression in the hearts of hundreds, if not thousands around the world during his brief, beautiful physical presence on this planet.

Teddy's spirit lives on. In fact, it thrives. Our grass roots, international TEAM TEDDY memorial efforts to fundraise for many more children in his name have reached the $26,000 mark in just a year.

My sister, Kerry, Teddy's devoted Mum, has donated sleeper chairs for the Sydney Children's Hospital that was Teddy's primary medical center during the early months of his struggle. His parents had slept by his side, on upright chairs for endless nights and were comforted to know that other mums and dads in their position are now able to better rest their heads for a brief respite. 

Dozens of Teddy's favorite bunnies have been delivered into the arms of critically ill children, ipads have brightened the hours and eased the chronic fears of older kids awaiting life saving operations. Grocery vouchers for families, via Heart Kids, cushions, linens and other practical items have brought comfort to those who live with the prospect of losing a child.

Teddy's parents stayed six weeks in a Ronald McDonald family House next door to the hospital in which he valiantly underwent two major heart surgeries. Our family will be forever grateful for these lifeline accommodations in which parents (and siblings) are given a roof over their heads, beds to sleep in, bright and clean kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities in which to function during the worst nightmare imaginable.

It is Teddy's parents goal to sponsor a room in Teddy's name for three years. If TEAM TEDDY is able to raise a final $4,000 by the end of 2013, this $15,000 sponsorship amount will be met. Over a period of three years, a great many families will benefit from this essential care. 

This Fall, I plan to host a TEAM TEDDY Sonoma County gathering. I'm going to be hitting up all my creative/maker/baker friends & readers to donate items for a silent auction during this intimate fundraiser, so watch this space. Life brings unbearable sorrows, but afterwards, a deeply compassionate heart and the gradual healing that we hope for.