Gifts from the Heart

Dave Joseph has surrounded himself with beauty and together with his wife, Barbara; he has shared some of that beauty to assist the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer through a donation of almost $100,000 worth of artwork.  Dave and Barbara Joseph, owners of the B&R Gallery on Sierra Highway, have been avid supporters of the foundation since 2001, attending fundraising events and donating items for auction.  “It’s a nice organization that helps families,” Dave commented when asked why they became involved.  “You have to serve some purpose in life other than making money.  You have to reach out to people who are going through hard times.”

With the days getting warmer, a popular alternative to scented candles are the fast growing reed diffuser category.  What is a reed diffuser?  First and foremost, you don’t light it like a candle!  Reed diffusers are a method of distributing scented oil throughout an environment, either home, office or wherever fragrance is desired, which is almost everywhere!

Viewing good art could be compared to reading a good book. It is very entertaining and it can immerse you in something very interesting and fun.  Finding an art gallery that can provide that fun and interest is important to someone who would like to learn more about different artists and styles of art.  A good way to discover what galleries are in your general area is to do a Google search on the Internet and put in the search engine, “Art Gallery” and “Santa Clarita” or whatever the name of your town is.

The business of photographing women in their sensual form has historically been controversial.  What is it that muddies the waters and fogs our understanding of the beauty of being sensual and flirtatious?  It has been suggested that between cultural and familial messages compounded with media and social exploitation stereotypes of the female form expressing one’s sensual beauty through boudoir photography is taboo.  However, consider the art of flirtation.  We must not underestimate the positive impact that the skillful use of flirtation may have on our relationships.  Think back at women in history who mastered the art of flirtation, Cleopatra, Delilah, Mae West, Marilyn, Sophia and the great women in our lives such as our moms.

If you were looking for our article in last month’s publication and couldn’t find it, I apologize, but I had just gotten home from the hospital and was recuperating.  I want to thank the many people out there, Optimists and non-Optimists who called, sent cards and flowers; it was very thoughtful and very much appreciated.  Once again, as I have done in the past I ask everyone out there to keep my husband Mike in your prayers, as his cancer has returned and he is undergoing Chemo.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Consciously or unconsciously, every one of us does render some service or other.  If we cultivate the habit of doing this service deliberately, our desire for service will steadily grow stronger, and will make not only for our own happiness, but that of the world at large.”

Zontian Judy Penman received the 2008 Woman of the Year award at the yearly Santa Clarita Man and Woman of the Year event held at the Hyatt on May 2.  In addition to recognition as “the Boys and Girls Club outstanding 2007 volunteer of the year”, Judy is committed to the following organizations and causes: the American Association of University Women, American Heart Association, Circle of Hope, City of Santa Clarita, COC Performing Arts Center, Domestic Violence Center, and Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital (HMNMH). 

With June right around the corner, more and more people take advantage of the warm weather to hold their dream wedding.  While the stress of ensuring that everything from the dress to the cake to the honeymoon is perfect, you can still find the time to create your own wedding creations to personalize your special day.

On April 16 of this year, proud parents Christopher and Elise Ingram, along with big sister Taylor Ashlee, welcomed a gorgeous little boy into the world. 

Father’s Day is coming up.  Do you have that perfect gift for the creative man in your life?  Timbuktu Studios is here to make some suggestions that might make shopping a little easier for you ladies this year.

For all you racing enthusiasts, there’s a new local hobby shop that carries all your RC hobby needs.  Conveniently located in Saugus, RTR Hobby has it all.  From boats to helicopters, their prices are affordable, and with Father’s Day just around the corner, what better way to spoil dad than with a new “toy”?

William J. Johnston ca. 1850, aka “Willie the Drummer Boy”

Willie was born in 1850, and during the Civil War in 1861, left home to be by his father’s side and serve as a musician in Vermont’s third Infantry, Company D.  At the tender young age of 13, Willie was the seventh person and still the youngest ever, to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.  Willie’s citation read in part: “It was during a disastrous retreat after seven days of fighting, when strong men threw away their equipment and ran — Willie held onto his drum to lead the troops on another day.”  He was the only one to do so.

It’s teatime again at the William S. Hart Museum and Park and you won’t want to miss this truly eventful tea party on Saturday May 17.  Located in the Hart Hall, the friends of Hart Park have arranged their second annual Mary Ellen’s Tea Party. 

A fully loaded 1969 Dodge Charger that replicates the infamous General Lee has been cruising on the streets of Santa Clarita, there’s just one problem – it’s not jumping the rural dirt roads in Hazzard to speed away from persevering cops hot on the General’s trail. 

Are you a stay-at-home mom looking for creative ways to get you and your little darlings out of the house?  Do you crave social interaction for you and your child?  Well, you aren’t alone.  The Moms Club of Canyon Country North just might be the answer you’ve been looking for.  The Moms Club (Mothers Offering Mothers Support) local chapter will be hosting a free open house on Friday May 16 at Begonias Lane Park in Canyon Country from 10 a.m. to noon.  There will be free child fingerprinting, games, snacks, a food drive and raffle, and a book reading, plus the Sheriff’s Department will be on hand with a radio car.

Three beautiful babies!!

Well with the recent temperatures I am sure that we all can agree that spring has officially sprung!  The flowers are blooming and all of this energy gives us a chance to start with our spring-cleaning.  This year however, I decided that it was time to take a different approach and clean up and organize my new Mac!  I recently upgraded my Mac laptop and in doing so realized that I faced some issues.

It’s spring and the crafting buzz is buzzing!  If you’re not a crafter, it’s time to become one with a little help by Beverly’s fabrics and craft as your idea store!  Need some inspiration or some fresh ideas for your home or any craft project?  Our quality staff is ready to assist!  Ask any one of our friendly associates for ideas or directions to help make your dream projects a reality.  Come see our custom floral designs and home décor ideas by Allyson Suber, our on-staff floral designer.