The Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild Bites the Dust -- Union Bank Forecloses Art Show 

The latest Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild Show titled "Passions" opened this week to record gallery crowds but it didn't go off quite as advertised.

The show was scheduled to run until July 5. However, Union Bank, the Guild's landlord foreclosed on the Guild and the show. They have been evicted from their Paseo Delicias space with two weeks notice and must vacate the premises by the end of the month.

Looks like the Rancho Santa Fe Art  Guild has outs own problems with financial institutions, namely the Union Bank a subject of frequent criticism for its financial practices.

A larger than usual crowd gathered at the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild on Thursday, it turned out because this was the final art show ever after 15 years at the location in the rear of the Union Bank building on Paseo Delicias.

Union Bank officials who were not named told Guild officials last week they had to be off the premises by the end of May. They said they needed to expand the bank facility.

Also evicted with one months warning, the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. 

Guild officials said they had no new location identified or idea how they would find one. However, they said they had several good options they hoped to pursue. Until that time, it was unclear how members or the guild would show work locally.

The new show will be held at a member's house, according to officials.

Union Bank officials could not be reached for comment.

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For more information, visit: http://ranchosantafeartguild.org

The Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild was formed in 1993 for the following purposes;

1. To support and encourage visual artists in our community and county

2. To provide funds for art education and outreach efforts such as scholarships for art majors, programs in schools, art programs, art teaching, education to the public on the benefits of art education and collecting. 

3. To provide talks on how important the arts are to our lives and society.

4. To host field trips to view collections and artist's studios.

5. To support a gallery with art for sale for the purpose of supporting guild activities and outreach programs.

The majority of our Artist Members are residents of Rancho Santa Fe (51%) and the surrounding area. Each member serves on one or more committees, or holds a position on the board of directors, or both.  Committees are organized around guild functions or events, and each committee has a chair who reports to the board.

 The Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild maintains 501 c3 status.

The primary Guild functions and events are as follows;

Hanging and promoting new art exhibits in our main gallery and several satellite galleries every 2 months.

Fund Raising events throughout the year in support of the guild and our charities.

The Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild strives to provide a focus on art in our lives, community, and county. We provide a place where our residents can browse the latest show in our gallery, attend receptions and fundraisers, and purchase art knowing that proceeds support local charities and outreach programs. Please join us and visit our gallery!

Swedish design uses pale colors to lighten rooms...

 In a country that is dark for half of the year, the Swedes have come to cleverly use color to lift their spirits and brighten dark, gloomy spaces.

White and the palest, powdery soft shades of blue are often seen in Swedish design, and bring a lightness to the interiors of this northern European style.

Subject to many influences, Swedish design closely identifies with the Gustavian style, named after King Gustav III. Inspired by French court pieces, Swedish style simplifies the ornateness and busy details of the French influence, as this region has plainer taste.

The Swedes love their simplicity. Pared down versions in furnishings with clean lines, minimal carved detail, gentle curves and legs that are delicate and taper to the floor are common in Swedish homes.

Wood is crucial in Swedish style.  Much of the country is forested and virtually all of the furniture is made of those woods. Through the centuries, the Swedes have developed a talent for painting pieces to make them look sophisticated and refined with soft finishes and subtle backgrounds.

Painted, bleached or stained woods in pale tones of white or gray with distressing retains its elegance that is 18th century Neoclassical design.

Today, reproduction furniture is made by Swedish craftspeople.  Ann Millang, owner of St. Barths Home in Laguna Niquel (formerly Swedish Blonde Furniture Inc. in North Carolina), recently had her home photographed in Laguna Beach by Edie Van Breems who authored a book titled “Swedish Interiors in America.”

“Things are changing in the industry due to competition from China,” Ann said.  “I have tried very hard to remain loyal to my Swedish factories since we have developed most of the designs with them and want them to do well. They are still using Swedish hardwoods and doing hand carved details on all the chairs and our bed finials. We are working with other countries such as Belgium, that still have the Northern influence of light finishes and woods, but with a bit more edge.”

In traditional Swedish interiors, accessories are kept to a minimum, allowing open space and light to take center stage.  Chosen for their usefulness and their virtual appeal, accessories include crystal and painted chandeliers, wood gilt framed mirrors to reflect what light there is, natural raffia or light colored woven textured rugs, soft, pale ceramics and clear glass pieces in simple shapes.

Simple woven and textured  cotton and linen fabrics are commonly used for upholstery, window treatments and bedding in Swedish design. Padded headboards and canopy beds are popular.  

Yards and yards of white fabric mounted on a coronet or attached with ring on the ceiling are often seen. When patterns are used, they are in the form of checks, stripes or delicate florals.

Predominant colors are pale blues and soft grays on a white background. The overall effect is minimalist. There is a lot of harmony with the simplicity of these colors and fabrics that create a serene Scandinavian feel.

Calm interiors, soothing pale color palettes, elegance with a lightness in color and mood, formal but not stuffy with a comfortable, casually aged feel – that is the essence of Swedish style.

AWE Center non-profit foundation holds day camp, offers health and alkaline water plans...

 For more info: http://bheauviewranch.com/home

Arts. Health and wellness. Equestrian education. And more. The AWE Center Foundation at Bheau View Ranch is coming on strong in 2013 with a variety of programs and opportunities fit for fulfilling resolutions, not to mention helping create a better you and yours.

The AWE Center is a non-profit 501.c foundation whose mission is to preserve the balance of nature for  future generations amidst the ever-growing pressure of development.  In association with Bheau View Ranch, it shares the property that has been the home of hundreds of rescued horses.

Ideally situated in the Merriam Mountains on the east side of Twin Oaks, San Marcos in San Diego’s North County, it has the unique feature of high alkaline, high mineral content waters from a 1,000-foot deep well.

 "I came here because Dr. Vaughn Harada, who was treating me, told me about the water and later held a regenerative lifestyle seminar. The only water that tested higher than this water is in Japan. I could really feel the difference. It was like my body just craves it now. The water is smoother and has more texture to it."

-- Merle Morgan-Grainge, M.S. Oriental Medicine, Dipl. Ac, L.Ac.,  a highly regarded Physician of Oriental Medicine, lecturer and Medical Qigong instructor with a private clinical practice in Los Angeles.

Bheau View Ranch hosts its winter camp 2013 for students ages 7 to 17. The daily 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. program continues through Jan. 18. This camp gives children a healthy program of activities with the emphasis on active. This means horse and pony introductory training, grooming and basic vet care. Students learn how to communicate with horses through body language and also learned what horses were trying to communicate through their movements. Camp also includes jewelry making, painting with watercolors, and story writing stories.

New for 2013, the center has been accepting new memberships. These represent valuable savings and help support the community.

Annual $199 Membership $199 

Includes:

--1 Free Gallon of Water a Month ($60 Value)
--1 Free Mud/Water Hole Soak a Year ($55 Value)
--10% Discount off of Spa Services and Water Hole Soak ($10-$50 value)
--10% Discount on Gift Certificates
--Members Only Appreciation Event Once a Year
Referral Rewards: 20 Referral Rewards for each person that a Member refers and purchases 5 Gallons of water or purchases a Spa Service.
-- Members Accumulating 100 Rewards receive 5 Free Gallons of water ($25 value).

To purchase memberships visit: Membership Link

For more information and to make reservations, call 760-877-1055, or visit  http://bheauviewranch.com/home .

The Lemon Twist also rises: From the ashes to fresh strawberries and more...

Once a lonely spot on the wide open road from nowhere to far away, the Lemon Twist Fruit Stand has weathered fires, frost and floods over the last 30-plus years, only to emerge in 2013 with fresh local strawberries and much, much more. 

The legend that is the Del Dios Highway farm stand began in 1981 with two recent college graduates, best friends Katie Shull and Trudy Tunstall. They figured the scenic two-lane road from Escondido to Rancho Santa Fe would be the perfect spot for local fruit and fresh produce.

(Photos: Kaie Shull et al at this used to be the Lemon Twist after the 2007 fire.)

The surrounding area featured significant citrus production, including world class lemons and oranges. The Shull family, as well as the McKrinks on the maternal side, ran significant citrus acreage, later opening packing and growing operations still in business at nearby Vista.

The San Dieguito River Valley that runs alongside the stand has flooded several times. Cold weather, on occasion, has hurt the nearby citrus farms. All that was trivial, however, compared to the 2007 Witch Creek Fire that raced down Del Dios Gorge to Lusardi Preserve utterly devastating the small wood farm stand structure along with anything that stood in its path.

With only a small, fragmented outer gate still standing, Robin Shull, the 30 year old co-owner and manager, and family, set out to rebuild the Lemon Twist, going bigger and better, to the delight of an ever-growing number of highway travelers. The reconstructed stand is several times larger, featuring expanded facilities and offerings.

Since it's strawberry season in North County, dammit, the fresh crop of locally grown berries are going into everything from chocolate confections made with fresh daily fruit to salads, desserts and kitchen tables from hither to yon. The Lemon Twist has created a national name for itself in this regard with chocolate-dipped strawberries, and other fruits and gourmet products shipped from its online store.

Also available: Seasonal organic produce an citrus; gifts, local gourmet items, fruit and gift baskets; flowers, orchid, plans and succulent gardens; local, raw, organic Rancho Santa Fe honey, Talavera pottery, garden art, fountains and statuary.

The Lemon Twist is  at 8175 Del Dios Highway. It's open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. The website features additional information and online orders visit http://lemontwistfruitstand.com/ . The stand can be reached by phone at (858) 756-0826.

it's not all champagne and roses in the skies above Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

 Or: Another day, another hot air balloon crash...

With the second downed hot air balloon in 10 days just after 5 p.m. Thursday, this time at Rancho Diegueno Road, not far from San Dieguito Road at Fairbanks Ranch, it's not all champagne and roses in the skies above Rancho Santa Fe. 

This was the scene on Jan. 8 at Rancho Penasquitos where, according to San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Maurice Luque, a hot air balloon landed in the back of a home on Calle de los Ninos at Avenida De La Cantina shortly after 4:45 p.m.

The balloon operator who emergency landed Thursday scoured the brush topped hills for a landing space before touching down in a rural residential area near Fairbanks Village Plaza shopping center, according to San Diego County sheriff’s Lt. Mario Zermeno who shied away from saying the balloon crashed. No one was injured, Zemeno said. The "landing" site was within shouting distance of Rancho Santa Fe's newest fire station as well as the Helen C. Woodward Animal Center.

The forced landing followed a more eventful tilt at disaster's windmill on Jan. 8 when one person was slightly injured during a forced landing of a balloon carrying a 14-person wedding party at Rancho Penasquitos, about 10 miles southeast of Thursday's crash. The balloon crashed into a suburban home's yard.

Residents have cited numerous instances of balloon companies abusing landing rules, cutting gate locks, trashing areas including damaging environmentally sensitive landscapes, lying about emergency landings and generally disrespecting community norms.

"We have had confrontations with the balloon people calling us all sorts of names when they land on our properties," said Lynn Diamond, a Rancho Santa Fe Covenant resident who retired in 2010 as Carlsbad Police Department spokeswoman.

"They have put up chains, cut locks and put up their own locks on people's property," Diamond said. "Then, they claim they are landing due to an FAA emergency. Homeowners who try to ask them to leave private property are subject to verbal abuse, threats, lies and profanity.

"They are driving around with their trucks dragging equipment and trashing away," Diamond said. "They are also abusing open spaces and endangered habitat. They land wherever they want. It's definitely not what it is portrayed to be. They are a constant problem."

Likewise, Annie Fonte, a property owner and resident in the covenant area just beyond the Zumaque Gate, along the environmentally sensitive San Dieguito Riverbed, said balloon companies on several occasions had trespassed, scared her animals and generally ravaged the landscape.

"I'll be walking with my dogs and horses," Fonte said, "and often see the champagne corks, napkins and clues as to where they landed. You ask these folks who they are and they are elusive. They won't answer questions. It can be dark and you don't know who these people are. 

The end result, God forbid, is they crash into somebody's home. It would be a tragedy."

(Photo: A pumpkin patch in October, this area by Rancho Santa Fe Village shoppng center serves as a take-off and landing spot for hot air balloon operators although it is unclear if they have the property owner's permission)

Balloonists for hire have landed on her property without authorization three times in the last year, according to Fonte, who also has traced balloon skid marks along several parts of the nearby, and environmentally protected, Lusardi Creek Preserve.

Furthermore, balloon companies said a root cause of local communication problems and complaints stemmed from development in the area depriving them of once available open space landing areas.

Due to the fly-by-sunset nature of the commercial balloon ride for profit industry, it was impossible to determine how many companies offer such services locally. However, those involved in the industry put the number of operators at around nine. About four, or five, operate from San Diego County with the remainder based in the Temecula area
Generally, they offer flights along the Pacific Coast through Carmel Valley and into the Rancho Santa Fe area, starting around dusk and taking place on weekends.

Rides offer champagne or cider, photo opportunities and tours, generally lasting from 30 minutes to several hours. Costs vary but generally are around $80 per person for a half-hour ride to $200, or more, for an hour. A private charter may cost around $650 to $800 for one to two hours.

These businesses typically operate out of homes and meet customers at pre-designated open field areas. Currently, many meet customers near Flower Hill Mall off Via de la Valle or near MiraCosta College off Manchester Road in Olivenhain.

Local operators included Rancho Santa Fe resident Frank Reed and Sunballoon, Connie Von Zweck of Skysurfer from Del Mar, David Bradley of Temecula-based California Dreamin', Panorama Balloon Tours with a Del Mar post office box and apparent home-based location in Carlsbad, Sky's the Limit operated by James Lawson out of Encinitas and Balloon Addicts, location unknown.

Only Reed and Von Zweck agreed to speak on the record about the industry and their activities.

"The balloon companies have not done a good job of promoting themselves," Von Zweck said. "You only hear from people who don't like something. You don't always hear the positive. We need to communicate with the public to educate people and raise public awareness of ballooning."

Reed said, "For the most part, the people in the Rancho Santa Fe area have worked exceptionally well with us. Some people, who have been vocal about us, don't even own the properties. We don't trespass on properly posted property. But landing is an imperfect science."

The Balloon Federation of America is considered the leading voluntary, balloonist membership organization with 3,000 members.

The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, regulates hot air balloonists, according to Ian Gregory, the FAA Western-Pacific Region communications manager. Balloon pilots must pass a variety of written and hands-on flight tests to be commercially rated and allowed to charge people for rides, he said.

The FAA requires any emergency landings to be reported to the agency within 48 hours, but had no record of any in San Diego County from 2002 to 2008, according to the last available sources. There were eight reported balloon accidents in the state and 97 nationwide during that period, Gregor said.

As for liability to property owners would a balloon crash, "Balloonists in such circumstances are trespassers," Gregor said. "When they enter they have no right or privilege, the responsibility is theirs, and they must assume the risk of what they may encounter."

Police sketches released of two suspected of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. home invasion

Authorities asked the public Wednesday for help in identifying two men who forced their way into a Rancho Santa Fe home five days before Christmas, holding a housekeeper at gunpoint while stealing valuables and handcuffing her before fleeing.

The thieves, suntanned white men who appeared to be in their late 20s or early 30s, confronted the victim at the large house in the 5000 block of El Mirlo shortly after noon on Dec. 20, according to sheriff's officials.

A housekeeper was home when two unknown men – one of whom was armed with a handgun – forced their way inside, holding the housekeeper at gunpoint.

The men allegedly handcuffed the woman to something so she couldn’t call for help while they ransacked the home, stealing jewelry, antique clocks and other expensive items, deputies said.

After gathering jewelry and antiques, the bandits handcuffed the maid to a door to keep her from calling 911, then... (more)

Should an artist employ a sales rep? Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild members consider...

It wasn't easy being green for Kermit the Frog and it isn't easy getting greenbacks through selling art, according to Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild members at the group's winter show opening.

Guild members agreed most contemporary artists who haven't established an enormous reputation (i.e. 99.9 percent of artists) generally establish themselves at one, or two, local galleries; or show, and sell, through an art guild or club. Otherwise, it's not like literature or the music business where agents and reps are able to create careers, sometimes even demand.

Longtime art guild officer Cindy Klong had several pieces at the winter show, a valuable opportunity to display and publicize her efforts, she said. She also maintains online galleries and shows at other galleries.

Unfortunately, the chance to connect directly with audiences through galleries is becoming ever rarer, said Barbara Dawson, who owned galleries in La Jolla and Del Mar before returning to full-time curating and creating.

Economic conditions have caused most art collectors to pare down on purchases while rising property values have forced galleries into costly rental situations resulting in cutbacks and closures, Dawson said.

Long story short, unless you're in the $50,000+ per piece sales category, the best way to succeed and sell, for now,  is do it yourself, guild members say, which means aligning with a guild, group and gallery. Then, see if you can take it up a notch from there, fate willing and the Visigoths don't rise.

(Photo left: incoming RSF Art Guild president Kim Doherty)

As for the rest of the story, the new show was OK, the wine was good. They need to do a better job on appetizers and have healthy choices rather than pigs-in-a-blanket mini-hot dog cuisine. In other words, stay classy Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild.

And wait, here's more, straight from the art guild's mouth:

'Impressions of the Soul'

Award winning photographer Manss Aval, as featured artist, unveils his latest collection. 

Join us for a reception Thursday January 10th, 2013 from 5PM-7PM.  Wine & appetizers will be served. 

The show runs through March 2nd.

The gallery is located next to the Union Bank at 6004 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe, California. 

Gallery Location
6004 Paseo Delicias (Faces Avenida de Acacias) Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 759-3545    
Gallery hours
Tuesday 10:30 - 1 Wednesday - Friday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Saturday 11:00-2:00 pm  

Visit: http://ranchosantafeartguild.org/

email: ranchoart@sbcglobal.net

....

The operator of the Del Mar Fairgrounds announced today that it would move forward with renovations after settling a lawsuit over its master plan.

Political leaders of Del Mar and Solana Beach sign the Del Mar Fairgrounds agreement with Adam Day, president of the 22nd District Agricultural Association.

 Political leaders of Del Mar and Solana Beach sign the Del Mar Fairgrounds agreement with Adam Day, president of the 22nd District Agricultural Association.

Political leaders of Del Mar and Solana Beach sign the Del Mar Fairgrounds agreement with Adam Day, president of the 22nd District Agricultural Association

Photo By Alison St John

The 22nd District Agricultural Association, the state agency that runs the fairgrounds, agreed to take several steps to settle the court action filed in May 2011 by the cities of Del Mar and Solana Beach and the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority.

The litigation challenged the plan's environmental impact report. The sprawling park is home to the annual... (more)

Solana Beach-Del Mar-River Park environmental impact lawsuit against Fairgrounds settled

The 22nd District Agricultural Association, the cities of Solana Beach and Del Mar, and the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority have settled litigation over the District’s Master Plan Environmental report.

The cities of Del Mar and Solana Beach and the San Dieguito River Park had sued the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which operates the state-owned Del Mar Fairgrounds regarding the district’s master plan for upgrading its facilities. The lawsuit challenged the adequacy of environmental studies conducted in support of the master plan.

Concerns about the Master Plan impacts were addressed to the satisfaction of both cities and the SD River Park JPA, officials said.

“The settlement over our Master Plan EIR paves the way for the 22nd DAA to work towards the renovation of the Fairgrounds’ old and outdated exhibit facilities, and at the same time implements additional measures beyond what is called out in the EIR,... (more)

Party hardy goes awry on Los Morros with stabbing, fights, underage drinking and arrests

A party in exclusive Rancho Santa Fe attended by more than 200 people late Friday night led to a stabbing, fights and arrests for disorderly conduct and resisting officers, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said.

One person was stabbed, another hit with a sheriff's stun gun, and six people arrested at a raucous house party at 17434 Los Morros. 

Deputies said the stabbing suspect got away in the confusion as they arrived just after midnight to a report of a stabbing at a home on the 17400 block of Los Morros, near the intersection of La Bajada, a crossroads just southeast of Encinitas.

The owner of the property on Los Morros was arrested for violating the county's social host ordinance against allowing underage drinking. Deputies used a Taser to arrest one person on the property. Several people younger than 21 were found drunk.

San Diego Sheriff's Sgt. Joe Passalacqua said arriving deputies... (more)

Back to lobbying: Bilbray (R) concedes to Peters (D) in Cal's 52nd Cong. Dist.

Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) has conceded defeat in his San Diego-area district, handing Democrats another pickup with just two intra-party races yet to be determined.

Bilbray trails San Diego Port Commissioner Scott Peters (D) by 3,877 votes. He called Peters to congratulated him and issued a statement acknowledging Peters’ victory.

Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.). (AP photo)

“While Scott and I differed sharply on how to handle the issues facing our nation, now is the time to put those differences aside and find common ground to address our country’s many challenges,” Bilbray said, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Bilbray has served more than 12 years in Congress, returning to the chamber in 2006 by winning a hotly contested special election to replace jailed Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-Calif.). California’s citizen redistricting commission drew Bilbray a swing district this year.

With the win, Democrats have now gained six House seats in the 2012 election, with the GOP’s House majority reduced to 234-199.

Democrats also lead in the last two undetermined races, with Reps. Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.) and Ron Barber (D-Ariz.) holding small leads.

Reps. Charles Boustany (R-La.) and Jeff Landry (R-La.) will compete in a runoff next month in a merged district, but that race has no implications for the partisan balance of the House.

The Peters campaign released this statement:

“This afternoon, I received a very gracious phone call from Congressman Brian Bilbray. He wished me luck and offered his support. We agreed that while it was a tough, hard-fought campaign, now is the time to put it behind us. I thanked him for his service and look forward to his support as I transition into office.

“I’m in our nation’s capitol this week, working hard, and getting ready to hit the ground running on behalf of the people of the 52^nd District. I am very grateful to the hundreds of people who walked, called, contributed and gave me their support; it was their energy and enthusiasm that put us over the top in this close race.

“There’s much to do.  I’m encouraged by the tremendous group of colleagues I’ve met here so far: freshman members of Congress, because like me, they all heard loud and clear during their campaigns that voters are tired of the partisanship, tired of politicians who put party over people.  I look forward to working with everyone to get things done for San Diego and the American people.”

Peters said in a brief phone interview with the San Diego Free Press that Mr. Bilbray was very gracious when he called to concede.  ”He said something like ‘I’m making that phone call you’ve been working so hard to get.’”  He said that Bilbray suggested that he find a place close to the Capitol to live while in D.C., and offered to assist in any way he can to ease the transition.

Peters said he would “absolutely” carry on the work that Bilbray had touted in the closing days of the campaign on cancer research.  ”Not only is it an important cause, but it’s critical to the San Diego economy.  We need to continue to promote basic scientific research, and hopefully San Diego will be the place that finds a cure for cancer.”

Asked about his experience at the orientation in Washington for newly elected members of Congress and the reception he had received despite not yet having been officially declared the winner, Peters said “I’m just here trying to learn this job so that we can hit the ground running,” adding  ”I can’t wait to get back and visit Ocean Beach.  It’s cold out here!”

Be Wise Organics, gnat flies and San Diego County supervisors reach 'last resort' measure

 A 4-0 vote, with Bill Horn recusing himself from the vote and discussion because he owns an organic farm, gave initial approval with adoption scheduled for Dec. 5. If approved, the ordinance would take effect Jan. 4.

“I think the ordinance we have before us today is an excellent ordinance,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob.

“One of our charges here is to protect the public,” said Supervisor Pam Slater-Price. “We have a lot of people who cannot use their own property.”

Eye gnats, approximately 1/16 of an inch long, feed on protein from body fluids including the eyes, noses, and mouths of humans and animals. They are native to San Diego County and breed in organically-rich soil.

“Eye gnats are a nuisance for which we have no existing authority to address,” said Jack Miller, director of the county’s Department of Environmental Health (DEH).

Approximately 350 organic farms have commercial operations in San Diego County. Complaints... (more)

Want to learn about Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. -- Let the Manions be your guide (VIDEO)

(Editor's note: Who knows more about Rancho Santa Fe living than the Manions, longtime residents involved in all aspects of Ranch life since the word Go...Here's a video from their real estate company that, in the words of the cognoscenti such as nguyen chelinh: "Now, that's what I call a good video!" Enjoy.)

Encinitas fire destroys apartment, send firefighter to the hospital

A fire destroyed the upstairs unit of an Encinitas duplex early Sunday morning and sent one firefighter to the hospital for heat exhaustion, authorities said.

Residents of the building on Cambridge Avenue told firefighters they woke to a crackling sound and a smoke alarm around 1 a.m. and then found a box near their fireplace completely engulfed in flames, said Encinitas Deputy Chief Mike Daigle.

About 25 firefighters and six units responded to battle the blaze. One unit reported seeing flames from the freeway, Daigle said.

All residents escaped unharmed, however one firefighter was later transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas to be treated for heat exhaustion. He was released about two hours later, said Daigle.

He estimated damage to the building at about a half-million dollars, plus about $50,000 for the contents. The upstairs unit was destroyed and the unit downstairs suffered water damage, said Daigle.

By 5 a.m., the... (more)

Wondering what to do the week of Nov. 4...Here's some community events

 RANCHO SANTA FE

Annual food and wine benefit slated

The Equinox Center will hold its annual benefit at 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe, 18378 Calle Stellina. The event will include an evening of gourmet food and rare vintage wines and help raise awareness and funds for Equinox Center, which works to improve water, energy, jobs, housing, land use, transportation and economic prosperity and preserve quality of life in the San Diego region. Talented chefs and well-known sommeliers will prepare food and wine. Live entertainment and a small private auction will also be featured. Tickets start at $250 through Nov. 5; or $300 thereafter. Register at equinoxcenter.org/donate/event.html.

Solana Beach

Library to hold used book sale

The Friends of the Solana Beach Library will hold a used book sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 17 at the Solana Beach Library, 157 Stevens Ave. Shoppers may fill a grocery bag... (more)

Q&A with Ravi Shankar

Nov 4, 2012. A rare concert. The Ravi Shankar Foundation and the Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego presents An Evening with the Maestro Ravi Shankar, Celebrating His Tenth Decade. Performing with Ravi Shankar will be his daughter, Anoushka Shankar (sitar), Tanmoy Bose (tabla), Ravichandra Kulur (flute), and B.C. Manjunathl (mridangam). Time: 7:30pm, Location: Terrace Theater - Long Beach Convention Center and Entertainment. Ticketmaster or 1(800) 745-3000 for more ticket info.

 (For more: Visit 'The Culture Files' here...)

Acclaimed for bringing Eastern music to the West, Indian musician Ravi Shankar is returning to the stage – and for the first time in five years he’ll be joined by his daughter and disciple, Anoushka. It’s a reunion with special significance since the 92-year-old Encinitas resident recently had a health scare that left him in intensive care. An undisputed sitar virtuoso who taught the likes of George Harrison to play the instrument, Shankar will take the stage of the Long Beach Terrace Theater this Sunday night, November 4. But before then, we caught up with him and his wife, Sukanya Rajan, who chatted about his music, his foundation, and what inspires him.

How do you feel about being back on stage?

SR: He suffered from heart failure and pneumonia. He was in intensive care for two months so this is really a miracle.

RS: This is really a memorable time because of my condition. It’s also special to be performing in my hometown. Since 1956, I performed on my own all over the world and I’ve loved this area so much.

How do you feel about performing with your daughter?

RS: It is the ultimate pleasure. She is like an extension of myself. It’s a tremendous joy to work with her. She’s my best disciple and I’m very proud of her.

SR: She lives in England, so this is rare. It hasn’t happened since 2007. They improvise together. Even though she’s been performing with him all her life, he always surprises her. She’s always caught off-guard, it’s a challenge to accompany him.

How would you describe your style of music to new listeners?

RS: I always improvise and don’t think very much beforehand about what I’m going to play. I will be performing special ragas [melodies] I have not performed before. I love [improvising], it’s my specialty. For any new listener I would say it’s not pop or rock, but we have classical Indian music. We play melodies, ragas -- there are thousands of ragas and we choose three or four of them -- different talas, rhythm cycles. The listener needs to be open-minded, and I can assure them they won’t be disappointed.

What is your inspiration?

RS: I feel strongly the vibration of the people who are there, even if I don’t see them. The love and intensity gets into our music, and I feel connected. My big joy at present is my little grandson Zubin, my daughter Anoushka’s son. He’s such a joy. He’s named after Zubin Mehta, my great friend.

The concert is meant to bring awareness to the Ravi Shankar Foundation.  Could you tell us more about it?

SR: The foundation started in 1997. There is a beautiful center in Delhi, India, where upcoming musicians and dancers come to show their art. We aim to take music more into schools and introduce it to children here in the US.  We have an archive and recording studio there and we have a festival every year. The festival is about three to four days in February. We called it the George Harrison Festival after he passed away.

RS: George was a student, friend, and son. I started teaching him the sitar and he got into studying Indian philosophy and religion. We produced the concert of Bangladesh; it was the one big thing we did together.

Wondering what to do the week of Nov. 1...Here's some arts and entertainment events Part 2

Collie Buddz & New Kingston: Reggae/dance hall music with Los Rakas, Nala Kete and DJ Carlos Culture; 9 p.m. today; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; $23-$25; bellyup.com or (858) 481-8140.

“If You Ever Leave Me … I’m Going With You!”: Longtime married performers Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna co-star in this new 100-minute comedy on the real-life whirlwind ride of their marriage, with anecdotes, film clips and scenes from many of their best-known shows; opens today and runs through Nov. 11; showtimes, 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 6:30 p.m. Sundays; Welk Resorts Theatre, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $44 ($59 with buffet meal); welktheatresandiego.com or (888) 802-7469.

“The Wizard of Oz”: The Classical Academy presents a student production of this stage musical based on the 1939 film version of L. Frank Baum’... (more)

Wondering what to do the week of Nov. 1...Here's some arts and entertainment events

 The Hutchins Consort: Classical violin octet performs neoclassical and romantic Russian works by Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and Balakirev; 7:30 p.m. Friday; Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad; $15-$25; hutchinsconsort.org or (888) 996-2838.

Rome: Lead singer of Sublime With Rome; 9 p.m. Friday; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; bellyup.com or (858) 481-8140.

Palomar Chamber Singers and Palomar Chorale: “There and Back Again”: Choral music from American composers such as Samuel Barber, Alice Parker, Kirke Mechem, Libby Larsen, Leonard Bernstein; 8 p.m. Saturday; Performance Lab (D10), Palomar College, 1140 W. Mission Ave., San Marcos; $12, general; $10, seniors and staff; $8, students; palomarperforms.com or (760) 744-1150, ext. 2453.

La Jolla Symphony & Chorus: “Hero/Anti-Hero”: Season-opening program features Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica&... (more)

Local Obama supporters help get out the vote in battleground states

Organizing for America (OFA) is betting on get out the vote (GOTV) efforts to make the difference in November’s presidential election. To help secure a win for President Barack Obama, OFA is organizing North San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County volunteers to phone voters in battleground states and encourage them to cast their votes for Obama.

 OFA, a grassroots organizing campaign operating under the auspices of the Democratic National committee, is launching three call centers — in Oceanside, San Marcos and Temecula. OFA is running traditional GOTV phone banks beginning this weekend and running every weekend until Election Day, staffed by volunteers. The goal remains of all three centers to make over 75000 calls on November 6, and many in weekends before. 

Joe Comella of Fallbrook, a retired teacher and former Army reservist, is OFA’s local deputy regional field director. He believes volunteer efforts are the heart of Obama’s campaign. 

Comella said, “President Obama was put in office by a hopeful electorate in 2008. The last four years have been tough, primarily because of gridlock in Congress. But people remain hopeful, and the level of volunteerism we’re seeing is proof of that. We have staging directors, data entry coordinators, and folks to train other volunteers on how to make calls. Early voting has begun, and we welcome all volunteers who want to join the effort at any of our three phone center locations.”

Volunteers are working three-hour shifts from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. People interested in lending their time to the effort can writevolunteersyeswecan@gmail.com or contact the following location coordinators:

Oceanside: Show Palace, 1527 Mission Avenue

Contact French Prescott at 760-215-4157 or Joe Comella at 760-468-0800

San Marcos: Autumn Terrace Apartments Community Room, 251 Autumn Drive

Contact Rolf vom Dorp at 760-978-0965

Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club hosting military care package drive

Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club

Collection bins are located in various spots around the Village, including two at the garden club, 17025 Avenida De Acacias, and two at the library, 17040 Avenida De Acacias. Bins are also located at the community center, 5970 La Sendita; the pharmacy, 6056 El Tordo; the village market, 16950 Via De Santa Fe; and the offices of James Jan, 16921 Via De Santa Fe.

Needed items include granola or protein bars; beef jerky; unscented hygiene products like soap, shampoo, deodorants and lotions; chapstick; disposable razors; wipes; foot powder; and bug repellant.

Monetary donations, to help cover the cost of shipping, are also welcome.

The community is invited to help pack up the boxes at 11 a.m. Nov. 9 at the Garden Club.

Last year, 107 boxes were shipped to three different units of Marines in Afghanistan. Each box included a personal note, most written from kids from the community center. The kids also decorated the outside of the boxes with messages like ‘Please come home safe’.

I'M OUTTA MONEY...BUT MY BEST FRIEND'S STILL HUNGRY

by John Van Zante for Rancho Coastal Humane Society

Seniors living on fixed incomes, the working poor, people with disabilities or terminal illnesses, and the homeless will benefit when Rancho Coastal Humane Society expands the services of its Community Pet Food Bank starting Saturday, Nov. 3. Homeless and financially disadvantaged pet owners are invited to pick up free pet food and other supplies during the Grand Opening from 9:00 to 11:00 Saturday morning at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas.

"These are people who have so little, yet share everything they have with their pets," says RCHS Community Liaison, Nick Winfrey. "RCHS has been providing pet food for needy people for quite some time. Now it's time to increase our efforts." 

RCHS spokesman John Van Zante relates the story of a homeless girl who was asked why she didn't give up her dog. "She said she had been homeless four months, and that her dog was her only source of support and stability. She said she would 'lose it' if it wasn't for her dog."

Winfrey adds, "Pets give unconditional love and a sense of normalcy for someone living on the streets, on a fixed income, or the working poor. Homeless shelters are not equipped to take pets so their owners stay on the street, share their meals, or go without food so their pets can eat." 

The National Coalition for the Homeless says many homeless pet owners avoid veterinary care because they're afraid they won't get their pets back. The Drake Center for Veterinary Care in Encinitas will join the Community Pet Food Bank at RCHS to offer free examinations and vaccinations for the dogs and cats of clients during the grand opening. 

Winfrey explains, "We'll have leashes and collars, blankets, flea treatment, and more. RCHS has received lots of donations, but this problem is not going away anytime soon. We're asking people to give until if feels good."  

The Community Pet Food Bank at RCHS will be open two Saturdays per month from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas. Donations to the Community Pet Food Bank can be made any time. For more information visit RCHS, log on to www.sdpets.org, or call Nick Winfrey at 760-753-6413 x 104. 

The Country Friends 57th Annual Art of Fashion Show transforms Rancho Santa Fe into center of fall/winter fashion on Thursday, Sept. 20... 

Something very happening catwalks Rancho Santa Fe way on Thursday, Sept. 20, across a plain public green magically transformed into one of the largest outdoor fashion shows in the nation.

The Country Friends, in partnership with trendsetting South Coast Plaza, and The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, stages the ultimate in outdoor fashion events, the 57th Annual Art of Fashion runway show. 

It's a must-attend event for fashionistas, usually featuring creations from the world's leading designers and front-line, center-stage fall/winter collections. Upwards of 550 people generally make the day's activities.

The amazing festivities begins at 10:30 a.m. with boutique shopping on the lawn at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe followed by lunch at 11 a.m. The ultimate in outdoor runway shows kicks its heels "PROMPTLY" at 1:30 p.m. Then, an Apres' Affair Wine Tasting hosted, by Falkner Winery, Lemon Twist and Allure Chocolates, back at The Inn toasts off around 2:30 p.m as boutique shopping continues until credit cards are maxxed.

 The show highlights fashions from the 2012 fall/winter collections of renowned international designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Valentino, Celine, Donna Karan, Roberto Cavalli, as well as clothes from Saks Fifth Avenue and Gucci. It's garnished with jewelry from such as  David Yurman and Black, Starr & Frost.

The Country Friends was founded in 1954 with 167 members. It has grown to more than 1,200 members and has distributed more than $12 million to San Diego County charities.

 The group funds more than two dozen charitable agencies each year, through events such as the Art of Fashion, and also proceeds from its consignment shop at Rancho Santa Fe, specializing in exquisite furniture, antiques, rugs, silver, china and objets d’art. Its mission is “helping people to help themselves.”

The event usually is sold out, so tickets probably are not available. However, it never hurts to check even at this late date. 

Valet parking is available at the event entrance. Tickets cost $225 for the fashion show and lunch, or $125 for the fashion show alone. They are available online at www.thecountryfriends.org or by calling (858) 756-1192, ext. 4.

Crush On Orange - A Daring Pick For Fall

 The color orange punches up a room like no other color.  Orange's bright hues and sunny disposition add zest and surprise to any style interior.  Wake up any room in your home with bold spashes of orange accents.  Use it sparingly or get drenched in it.

Orange glows with warmth and positive energy.  Without a doubt, orange is the happiest color in the spectrum.  Its uplifting and ivigorating qualities makes using orange in a room up-to-date, exciting, daring and very stylish.

Introduce orange into a room in a variety of ways from paint to fabric, to an infinite number of decorative details such as window treatments, furniture, art, and collections.  For example, the new dining room wall color this season instead of classic red, is orange.  This great, unexpected color adds a sense of warmth and fun while bringing a room to life.  Try using just a touch of bold, brave, outgoing orange on a fabric, or a funiture piece, would be all it takes to perk up and add a radiant surprise to a room.

In small rooms, choosing orange as the overall coloration can be dramatic.  All of the contrasting accent pieces - lamps, pillows, throws, etc. gain greater impact in small spaces that may not otherwise have great architectural interest.  

You can also layer this citrusy color by choosing a similar intensitiy in fabrics and textiles.  Mixing and matching patterns and solids adds to the fun in accenting a room.

Today, you can use a bright orange along with hot pink and a bold yellow, and it's not considered garish anymore!  It's important to keep this modernized combination to no more than three colors.  The key is to ensure that all the elements work well together in a pleasing way when using this fresh picked color scheme.

Why is orange considered the warmest hue?  Because it incorprates two different hot colors, red and yellow.  Add a little yellow to red and you get a wonderful shade of pumpkin.  This sumptuous fall shade enhances a space in an intimate way and shows off neutral furnishings.  Black or beige solid pieces are striking in a room enveloped in pumpkin.

If you're ready to paint on the orange, but not daring enough for the bright version, try toning it down in small doses of an amber or tangerine shade.

A designer friend of mine just finished a dining room project for his client.  The natural lighting in the room was fantastic, with great windows offering wonderful views.  He opted to paint the walls in a delicious shade of orange, a mango color.  He used white on the moldings, trim and windows.  It may have seemed daring at first for his client, but the end result could not have been more stunning.

In a kitchen, orange stimulates the appetite and imitates the glow of a fire.  Orange is also associated with high-tech culinary gadgets  Mixed with popular stainless steel appliances, this bold color is a great way to bring the space to life.  Brighten other kitchen areas with modern light fixtures with orange accents, artwork and natural floral/fruitful arrangements.  There are some amazing new dyes and stains for wood cabinetry in great orange palettes from mandarin to peach.  They're unique and very modern.

Orange can be timeless and classic in a traditional room.  An orange toile-patterened fabric is fabulous in any room of a home.  A powder room with upholstered walls in an orange document toile fabric is always perfect.  Bronzy sconces with accented antiqued silvered mirrors, sisal rugs and spice scented candles colored in amber hues create warmth, texture and an elegant feel.

Orange provides a modern, bright element when used in a contemporary space.  For a fresh point of view, balance a space with a subdued neutral or off-white palette to create a striking contrast.  In a contemporary, sophisticated bedroom, use neutral linens, walls, and flooring tones.  Add a pair of bold, daring orange chairs upholstered in a chenille, and a pair of architectural lamps with crystal bases and platinum brushed details to bedazzle and lift the spirits of anyone who enters the room.

What comes to mind when I think of orange are the changing colors of nature.  There are several mature, large liquid amber trees in my yard in Rancho Santa Fe, which I planted over 20 years ago.  Every fall, they burst into spectacular shades of oranges and reds.  It's magical to see my lawn turn into a "sea of orange" as I've been told.  While shopping for a few cheerful doses of orange to add to my home's seasonal decor, I bring along several of the leaves in various shades for a perfect match for fabrics or artful accents.  After all, every well-decorated room should begin with an inspiration.  Mine is the changing colors of autumn, highlighted in shades of orange.  As fall approaches, consider adding a burst or two of brave, vibrant and exciting orange.  

Quest for hats: A hat is a hat is a hat, but not actually, especially come Del Mar racing

                           Could that be designer Claudia Hapeman sporting veil, mask, and, possiby, hat?

Come opening day at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club; hats, hats and more hats are the madcap sidebar to the main story of the moment, namely the excitement of racing's return.

Thus begins the big fat hat dilemma for otherwise fashionable and well-appointed ladies.

Many women say they love hats, but never have occasion to wear them. Others complain a top hat, design-wise, is hard to find.

"Hat Day is opening Day," said Karen Moller, an official in the Country Friends. It's one of Rancho Santa Fe's leading charitable groups, with 1,100 members and a history of donating more than $12 million to local social service organizations since its inception in 1954. the ladies also have held a very impressive hat contest during their annual Day at the Races event, traditionally the second day of the meet, for 50 years.

"We have a hat parade and contest," Moller said. "It's just fun for women to find that perfect hat for the perfect outfit, but there are not many opportunities for women to wear hats.

"Hats are hard to find," Moller continued. "Nordstrom has a ton of them and boutiques in Del Mar Plaza, but that's about it."

Or consider the perspective of Ara Shamlyan, owner of the now defunct Scalini Restaurant, a longtime former fixture mere minutes from the Del Mar track.

Also a racing enthusiast, Shamlyan knows Royal Ascot at York, the premiere English thoroughbred racing event where hats have been the main course for hundreds of years. He has had is photo taken in the winner's circle at the Kentucky Derby with victorious Rancho Santa Fe horse breeders, and owners, such as Bob and Beverly Lewis.

"I've been going to the races here for many years," Shamlyan said. "Wearing hats is the perfect thing to do here.

"But buying hats in San Diego is difficult," Shamlyan quickly added. "There are no hat shops. It's not like the Kentucky Derby where the hotels set up hat boutiques for the women so they can match their hats to their dresses."

Claudia Hapeman models one of her designer hats.

 It is not enough to have just any hat, people say. those in the fashionable know must have a great hat, a hat with character and panache, a hat that stands up and out, over, and above the crowd of ordinary, more pedestrian, walking around hats.

Enter artist/designer Claudia Hapeman, best known locally for her ornate carnival masks. Seeing the need for high quality, exquisite and distinctive hats., and realizing the Del Mar racing crowd was counting down the days to the big show of hats at the track, Hapeman sprang into action.

Hats to her left, hats to her right, hats morning, noon and night. Hapeman spent the last few weeks buried at her studio on a quest for hats. She designed and personally constructed about 30 hats -- chic, stylish, smart, cool, hot, coolly coolly hot, in vogue, hip and smashing hats.

And now, the fruits of Hapeman's hat designs, part of her Modern Millinery collection and dot.com, are ready for their close-ups.

"Variety and variation, combination and customization," Hapeman said. "The sky is the limit for these hats. They are wearable, comfortable, well-balanced. They can be conversation pieces, works of art, decorated and highly individualized."

Another Hapeman in hat, hat.

 Hapeman's hats are priced from $65 to $500 depending on materials and complexity. She constructs them as one would a story or work of art. There's a background, middle ground and foreground providing a layered, and structurally sound look. Simpler hats may take a few off-and-on hours. Ornate, potential hat contest winners may take two or three days.

Most importantly, while a store such as Nordstrom has quality hats to be sure, they also are available to the many, not the only. Hapeman's collection is unique in offering one-of-a-kind hats nobody else will wear.

Hapeman grew up in Dutchess County, New York, horse country in the Hudson River Valley, about 90 miles north of New York City. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

An artist specializing in 3-D imagery and sculpture among other disciplines, Hapeman lived around Rancho Santa Fe for more than 10 years before recently relocating back to Dutchess County. She has been a longtime horse trainer and professional show jumper rider, winning numerous awards and competitions.

Hats may be commissioned, or obtained, through SoCal Venetian Masks at www.SoCalDesignCo.com .

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Hats aside, Claudia Hapeman has been busy this year. She is well known as a master mask-maker with Venetian carnival, and decorative designer masks featured at numerous A-List events throughout the nation. Her SoCal Design Company also has lines of capes and accessories such as mask sticks and stands, and yes, who doesn't need one -- feather boas.

Hapeman appeared in June on the season premiere of Gene Simmons' "Family Jewels" when she worked with the family on designs for daughter Sophie's Sweet 16 party.

Hapeman also designed masks for the Touchstone movie "You Again",  from Disney Pictures, and directed by Andy Fickman. The movie featured Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Kristin Chenowith and Betty White.

More than 100 of Hapeman's high-end, designer masks are featured by the Gilt Groupe, an invitation-only luxury shopping web site. She also has a relationship with high-end costume designer Frankie Stein. And not least, but last, she has created several masks for a super A-List personality whose name can not be publicly revealed due to contractual obligations.

Could that be designer Claudia Hapeman sporting veil, mask, and, possiby, hat?

Be my guest

Spring seems to turn to summer in a moment.  The spirit of entertaining is reborn as we're inspired by the warm air, long days, and a host of other reasons to bring family and friends together.

Whatever the occasion, or season, we're all going to have the pleasure of houseguests.  The not-so-often used bedroom now becomes the most important room in the house.

Anyone who has stayed at a luxurious hotel knows how addictive all the amenities are, and how difficult it can be to leave them behind.  Hosting visitors in a comfy 5-Star luxurious guest space is a fun and exciting challenge.  Guest bedrooms, decorated with carefully chosen furnishings, fabrics, and bedding are the rooms that can truly pamper your guests in an intimate, private retreat, and make them feel welcome.

When designing your guest bedroom, a good place to begin is with the bed.  A high quality mattress with sink-in comfort, dressed to the nines in sumptuous linens, that take their cue from boutique hotels, is an important element that will ensure a relaxed night's rest.  

A fluffy featherbed or mattress topper, such as memory foam or other natural alternatives make a bed luxurious.  High thread count sheets, lots of soft sleeping pillows, and a cozy down or down-alternative comforter can make a bed feel like you're diving into a cloud.  The options are endless.

I recently spoke with the assistant manager, Peggy Watson, at Between The Sheets in Flower Hill Promenade.  She stated, "We are seeing some specific trends in duvets and sheets in our area.  All the hues of Aqua and Ocean colors are trending, as well as Gray - from Pearl with silver thread enhancement to deep Charcoals.  Patterns in Gold and Taupe remain very strong, and there are requests for Purples and Lavenders.  We are also very excited about our Equestrian themed bedding from one of the fine Italian producers that we import."

Recently, I completed a guest bedroom in a gorgeous Rancho Santa Fe home.  I used a beautiful silk fabric in a distinctive buffalo check in bold blends of plum and purple hues.  My client was a little surprised at first at the lively colors in the fabric.  You can get away with more daring combinations of colors and designs in a guest bedroom.  

I combined the fabric to canopy antique iron twin beds, dressed in traditional mattelasses, then continued the fabric on the window treatments for the drapery and cornice.  At the foot of the beds, I had upholstered benches repeating the fabric.  The final look was daringly bold, yet sophisticated.  My client was thrilled at how striking the guest bedroom had transformed.  "I love the surprise factor," she happily said.

In creating a cozy sanctuary for weary travelers with all the comforts of home, close the door and let the pampering begin.  A reading spot with a comfortable chair and pleasing lighting makes a guest feel relaxed to enjoy a little downtime alone.  A bench at the foot of the bed for ease in unpacking a suitcase, and a table with a workspace for a computer would ensure your guest a blissful getaway intended for enjoying peaceful solitude.  Add thoughtful touches such as a bouquet of fresh flowers, assorted bottled waters, homemade munchies, soft pillows and extra blankets and throws, a daily newspaper, current magazines, and scented candles.

Kudos should go to the hosts and hostesses who thoughtfully plan rooms with their guests needs in mind.  With welcoming spaces that beckon the tired traveler in such an inviting ambiance, even homeowners may be tempted to check into their own grand guest getaway.