The Art of Gift Giving

Distinguish yourself with a note that bares a commemorative stamp. Last New Year’s Eve; my San Francisco office had a break-in. My door was shattered and things were tossed about. But as it turns out—the cash, cameras and computers were all left behind and only one thing went missing—my commemorative stamps!  Now, mind you, I am not much of a collector and history was never my strongest subject, but I just love the arts and the idea that I am supporting an American tradition by using commemorative stamps when I send a card thrills me somehow. It all started in...

Everyday when Lucy brings the mail she says, "I knew you were here today because I could smell your studio from downstairs."  And then she stands in my doorway for a few minutes to inhale and says, "I always feel so relaxed when I am here." Then she zips off to the next building to deliver the mail. I can hardly smell anything, but I know I feel good when I am here.  I am surrounded by dozens of lavender gifts stacked high on shelves, but I also have lemon, cinnamon, pine & eucalyptus things too. They have created a blended...

If there is only one thing you do for yourself this month, it is to buy a lemon—better yet, buy an entire lemon tree if you can. I know its sounds extreme, especially for those living in the snow belt—but there are so many uses for lemons that it boggles the mind. Besides being a health aide, cleaning agent, beauty enhancer, natural insect repellent and food accent, lemons are possibly the most beautiful fruit on the planet. Google the hundreds of uses and be delighted—l'm only going to mention a few favorites here. 1.  CLEAN A COPPER PAN Of all...

Most people suffer from a slight depressions in January because the days are colder, darker and there is all sorts of bad news on TV—ominous reports about the economy that don't mean much of anything to anybody, endless reruns, and thousands of health ads that suggest an immediate diet or a funeral is in order. And then there is that uncomfortable feeling that credit card bills are coming soon—and reality sets in—you spent too much money on the holidays.  In fact, everything and everybody just stops until Superbowl Sunday—which is in February this year. There is that familiar feeling that Spring is coming,...

There is a tunnel between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, called the Devil's Slide Tunnel, which I love, because as I drive through it, I see nothing but green lights.  I am not sure why there are so many lights in a tunnel because there is no cross-traffic at all. But, I get a thrill because the green lights reflect off the shiny walls so it seems like there are even more lights then there really are, and when I come out of the tunnel, I am met with an extraordinary view of the sea. It is my opinion that this experience should be listed...