Gifts from the Heart

The second Sunday in May is a very special day dating back to the 1870’s, yes that is right, Mother’s Day is here again and why not let that wow sentiment be the theme of this holiday.  May 9 is a day which we pay tribute to mothers, grandmothers, mothers-to-be, mother-in-laws, step mothers, and mothers of the heart.

Held on Sunday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., we have nine showcase gardens (eight private, one public) scattered throughout Santa Clarita Valley.  The gardens will range from the most incredible architectural design to the most humble cottage gardens.  This is a self-guided tour where your donation is a freewill offering. 

Mother’s Day will be a little different for us this year.  Sadly, we lost Randy’s mom a little over a year ago.  Fortunately we still have my mom with us, but recently had to make the very difficult decision to move her into an assisted living facility.  It was heart wrenching for me because I knew how much she loved her home and enjoyed all of her things. 

May 2012 marks 10 months since the City of Santa Clarita took over the ownership and operation of our three local libraries, and I thought this might be a good time to share with you what has been happening.
As you may know, the City of Santa Clarita took over the local libraries last July.  During the first week of operation of the three branches, the City infused $1 million in new books and media, extended the operating hours by 19 percent, and increased the annual purchase of materials by 67 percent annually.  In addition, City property owners no longer pay a $28 a year special library tax.
Here a few of the highlights to date:

As I stated in last month’s column, I would announce any winners of our essay applicants and, sorry to report, none were placed.  But again, would like to thank them for their entry and, as the saying goes, “There is always next year.”
In keeping up with our scholarship program, we had our club oratorical contest at La Mesa and the winner for the girls was, Paulina Cedillo , and for the boys, Matthew Chang.  Both of these fine youngsters compete in the next phase of the contest on April 21, and could go on to Bakersfield where the final competition will be held. 

The art of picture framing design is like no other.  It involves many levels of artistic sense and the coordination of multiple elements to create a single artistic statement.  A great design will play off of the artwork’s color spectrum, textural qualities and emotional statement and will serve to embellish and re-enforce the artwork.  Ultimately, the framing and the artwork will blend together into a single visual experience that is greater than the combination of the elements.

My question to you... “Do you know who Ansel Adams is?”  I found out that many people in Santa Clarita know who Ansel Adams is, as they came on Saturday, February 25 to the lecture about his photography.  The lecture was held in the Century Room of City Hall.  People came to see his photographs and hear about his life as a photographer.

A Tribute to the Plains People and New Limited Edition Release and DVD Set. Greenwich Workshop has published a stunning hardcover book about Master Western artist, Howard Terpning with 184 pages and 126 illustrations of Howard’s Artwork.
The book, A Tribute to the Plains People, will also be available as a signed and numbered collector’s edition along with the new release Masterwork Canvas of Traders Among the Crow and a DVD on Howard’s life and the painting of Traders Among the Crow.

Zonta’s monthly LifeForward workshops will be held at Desert Streams Church, 26873 Reuther Avenue, Canyon Country, and will begin at 10 a.m. concluding at 1 p.m.  “Finding the Right Job” is scheduled for Saturday, April 28 and “Resume Writing” is scheduled for Saturday, May 19.  Other topics will cover “Interviewing Skills” and “Workplace Success.” 

In celebration of the Santa Clarita’s 25th year of cityhood, new web pages have been added to the City’s website at www.santa-clarita.com/25.  
The 25th anniversary pages include messages from the Santa Clarita City Council and City Manager, a historical look at the area, as well as a birthday quiz about the City. 

My fourth grade teacher walked around our classroom one day with an old, burgundy velvet bag.  “Reach in and choose something”, she said.  We all were very curious, then proceeded to write our stories about the small, mysterious object that we each had selected.  I can still remember the excitement and intrigue of that writing project.  The magic of it was that it was a free, adventurous, “who knew where it would end up” creative experience.

Mirrors can make the greatest change of all.  There is nothing that can date a home more than the look of an older bathroom or kitchen.  Yet if you’re anything like us, the thought of remodeling any part of the house is a frightening and disruptive process.  When we moved into our home here in Santa Clarita over 18 years ago, all of the new homes had those large, flat mirrors over the bathroom vanity.  You know the ones we’re talking about. 

We all know that unwanted noise can raise your stress level, whether it’s barking dogs, screaming kids or loud music.  But your home is supposed to be your haven, a place of peace and at Ma Maison we always strive to give you tips to create that sanctuary.  You can easily transform your home into an oasis of tranquility and harmony by following some simple sound-reducing tips:

Most people are familiar with the art of Thomas Kinkade, and his beautiful light filled scenes, but his original paintings are very rare.
We have one of them available called “Christmas Tree Cottage”--a classic Kinkade painting and a wonderful acquisition.

Santa Clarita residents will be able to celebrate this spring with the area’s first Celtic-themed pub and sports bar chain.
Tilted Kilt is located in the Valencia Town Center off McBean and Town Center Drive in the 8,600 square foot space at 24300 Town Center Drive, Suite 110 in Valencia.

The months are flying and everyone is hurrying to get income taxes filed hoping there will be a return from the federal government.  In the last few months I have written about the need for the city of Santa Clarita to create an Art Center or a Art Museum, either one would be appreciated. 

Thru my travels, there is a woman who I run into every once in a while.  This is not just any woman; she is an 11, on a scale of one to 10, the kind of woman that made me stutter, when I talked to her.  Well, one day I got the courage up to ask her out, and no, I did not stutter.  To my surprise she said yes.  We went out and had a great time, so we decided to go on a second date.  I took her out to a very nice place for dinner, no not McDonalds.  The date went great, we talked for hours, but when it was time to say goodnight, I had the feeling that she was not into me, as I was in her.  So I decided not to pursue her anymore.

He is a beautiful and bright little four-year-old boy, waiting for a home.  Born abroad, “Carlton” (who’s real name cannot be revealed due to the law in his home country prohibiting it) is considered “disabled” and has some issues with his legs and cannot walk just yet.  Currently, he is in a hospital in Russia, recovering from surgery and awaiting his transfer to the “mental institution.”  “There is nothing psychologically wrong with him,” states Laura Bailey.  “It’s an unfortunate truth that the disabled orphans in his country are left in institutions with little care provided to them when they have come of age…a tender age, I might add.”