Winners and Losers to Catch

If you missed the big night for the 91st Academy Awards, or didn't see many of the movies, I can fill you in on who won and what stood out. At least some of these films are still in theaters and many appear on various smart TV options like On Demand, Netflix, etc.

Green Book, winner in the Best Picture and Original Screenplay categories, was a truly worthy choice but not the blockbuster I expected for Best Picture. It's the historical tale of Don Shirley, a pianist and composer played by Mahershala Ali (Moonlight) who's part of an all-black trio performing in the deep South in the early '60s. Shirley and his white driver, Tony Lip, portrayed by Viggo Mortensen, are polar opposites, the former an accomplished, sophisticated musician with a doctorate, and the latter an Italian bouncer from Brooklyn who needed a job. The pair  begins to bond when the slurs and slights fly like arrows in local venues and towns. Heartfelt portrayals by Ali and Mortensen carry the weight of the story, based on true events and people, for a powerful message about prejudice, and friendship that grows from mutual understanding and respect. The film's title is taken from The Negro Motorist Green Book, published from 1936 to 1967 as a guide for African American travelers who sought a "vacation without aggravation." Ali's exemplary film and TV resume is impressive for a guy with an understated dignity. He picked up the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and will surely be an Emmy nominee for his role in the HBO TV series, True Detective. Check out Green Book. It's a movie you don't want to miss.

The blockbuster I was rooting for is Bohemian Rhapsody, a nominee for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, but winner at the Golden Globes for best Drama Motion Picture. Rami Malek, as lead singer Freddie Mercury in the British rock group Queen, won best Actor in a Leading Role after picking up similar trophies at the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild events. I knew next to nothing about Queen except that Freddie Mercury died of AIDS in the 80's. As Mercury, Malek embodies the performer's effusive style and command of the audience, and with fellow actor musicians recreates the playlist of electric, high-powered songs from Queen's 1985 Live Aid concert. Everyone agreed Queen stole the show. It was completely unexpected at the time since they'd been relatively dormant for several years and were scheduled between two much bigger acts with worldwide fan bases -- U2 and Elton John. While the movie ends with that explosive performance, it's the tangled history of the band and Mercury's own story arc that infuse so much heart and get under your skin. In addition to Malek's Oscar for an over-the-top portrayal of Mercury's troubled life, the film picked up additional Oscars for Film Editing, Sound Mixing, and Sound Editing. It's a must see movie even if you don't know a thing about Queen. You just might recognize some of the songs, like We Will Rock You, I Want to Break Free, Ay-Oh, and Another One Bites the Dust. 

If Beale Street Could Talk did not receive a nomination for Best Picture, unfortunately, but Regina King (Netflix Seven Seconds) took home the Oscar for best Actress in a Supporting Role. The film is based on a novel by James Baldwin and is directed by Barry Jenkins. Gorgeous cinematography casts a spell for an intimate portrayal of two shy black youth in New York's Beale Street neighborhood as they fall head-over-heels in love. The tenderness of the young couple floats off the screen in lush impressionistic images as we get to know their world and families, in which some viewers may find similarities to their own. But love, peace and harmony are disrupted by circumstances and a crooked cop who turns the sweetness sour. As Sharon, the unflinching mother of the girl, King exhibits the same steely determination of her character in Seven Seconds. Beale Street exudes a poignancy that builds slowly in shades of romantic love that may leave you wishing for more.



British actress Olivia Colman (wonderful in Broadchurch BBC America) received the Oscar for best Actress in a Leading Role as a disheveled, childish and mercurial queen unworthy of her crown in The Favourite. The competition was stiff, with Glenn Close (The Wife), Lady Gaga (A Star Is Born), Yalitza Aparicio (Roma), and Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me?) in contention. Colman was flustered yet winsome in accepting the award. She gazed down from the stage at Glenn Close in the front row to apologize: "....you've been my idol for so long, and this is not how I wanted it to be, and I think you're amazing." As for the film, it's a wacky and frequently humorous behind-the-curtain take on the top royal and her pet people who fall in and out of favor on a whim. Sound familiar? Not my cup of British tea, but critics and others loved it to pieces.

The movie with arguably the highest decibel of hype (full page Netflix ads in newspapers and magazines) was Roma, which received Oscars for best Directing, Cinematography and Foreign Language Film. A charming Alfonso Cuaron wrote and directed the autobiographical story based on his childhood. It's told from the perspective of the live-in housekeeper and nanny, Cleo, played by Yalitza Aparicio, who provides care, affection and support for his family, especially the children. I found the depictions of daily tasks, family dinners, marital disharmony, car trips, and unexpected trauma to be authentic and dialogue spare. With little fanfare, disappointment and chaos descend upon Cleo as the family deals with their own problems. Shot in black and white, the Spanish-language film with subtitles feels like a documentary unfolding layer by layer. While it tugs at the heart, it's never quite clear where the story is headed, perhaps an intentional device that reinforces the situation of the indigenous population in Cuaron's native Mexico. He says they are cast in the shadows, but provide the backbone for so many who rely on their loyalty. The progression of the autobiographical film is so gradual that I may need to view it again to fully appreciate the director's unadorned style which reflects on family, class and culture. The critics embraced it universally as a "masterpiece."

Black Panther, BlacKkKlansman, A Star is Born and Vice were all nominated for Best Picture, but took home awards in other categories.

Costume Design, Original Score and Production Design Oscars went to Black Panther, the first superhero film to showcase an all black cast. I'm not usually the first in line for action movies but I didn't want to miss this one after reading initial reviews. It was a treat from beginning to end with lavish sets reminiscent of yesteryear movies like Ben Hur, Cleopatra and Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit. Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa and Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger deliver earnest portrayals as leads in a strong cast, but it's the tribal territory of Kawanda and its people that capture the imagination. The awards were well deserved. The production is expansive in scope, with technicolor sets, exotic lands and costumes, and a musical score to match.



Spike Lee jumped into the host's arms onstage to accept an Oscar in the category of best Adapted Screenplay for BlacKkKlansman, a true story about Ron Stallworth, the first black policeman in Colorado Springs, portrayed by John David Washington. When Stallworth decides to infiltrate the local Ku Klux Klan with the help of his white colleague, Flip Zimmerman, a Jewish cop played by Adam Driver, the masquerade and tension builds. It's a hoot of a tale with lively action and an unlikely scenario. Lee and some critics expressed dismay that the picture lost the top award to Green Book, making the snub  reminiscent of 1989 when Driving Miss Daisy won and Spike Lee was overlooked for Do the Right Thing, not even a nominee. The New York Times called Klansman Lee's "best non-documentary feature in more than a decade and one of his greatest." It was thoroughly enjoyable, with characters and storyline nearly preposterous, and the journey down memory lane via the Ku Klux Klan next to unbearable.

A Star Is Born, Bradley Cooper's directorial debut in which he plays the lead with co-star Lady Gaga, took the top award for original song, "Shallow." Written by Gaga and collaborators, the soundtrack won a Grammy, Golden Globe and BAFTA in addition to the Oscar. The Academy Awards spotlighted Cooper and Gaga singing a cozy duet at a piano onstage. Their passionate performance hinted at the movie's storyline, a remake of the classic film about a has-been singer who propels an unknown artist to stardom, but can't overcome his own demons. It's a touching story with the same ending we've seen before, but it could be argued the chemistry that ignites between these two takes the remake to a whole new level. Rumor has it Clint Eastwood turned down the directing job because he felt Cooper would be better. I can't disagree given the wallop this movie carries.

Vice landed Christian Bale (The Big Short and The Fighter) a nomination but not the Oscar for best Actor in a Leading Role. However, he claimed the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture. Makeup and Hairstyling was awarded the Oscar for turning Bale into a remarkable resemblance of Dick Cheney and Amy Adams (American Hustle) into a believable Lynne Cheney, perhaps her best role yet. Bale is a fascinating chameleon who always morphs into whatever physical characteristics the role demands, as he did for The Fighter and for the Cheney character, which required substantial weight gain. We witness former Vice President Dick Cheney's career from an undirected college dropout who favors booze over books and works a mediocre job until he meets Lynne, who pushes him for the rest of his life to do better. He follows her lessons and climbs up the ladder of Republican White House staff jobs to eventually land the Vice Presidency with George W. Bush. The offer is depicted in the film as a lighthearted, comical deal between the two men that ultimately leads down the road to abuses of power and morality. Part historical, biopic and farce, Vice is highly entertaining with a strong liberal gut punch.

Free Solo beat RBG for best Documentary Feature. Both were captivating but for entirely different reasons. It's fascinating but disturbing to watch champion rock climber Alex Honnold scale the 30,000-foot face of El Capitan in Yosemite, which comes at the end of this enthralling film. First, we watch Honnold undertake painstaking preparations over a period of months for multiple practice climbs, entering detailed notes on each in his journal. He pays close attention to his diet, sleep, clothing and the weather to ensure an optimal chance of reaching his goal -- the top of El Capitan without the aid of ropes and equipment. If it sounds harrowing, it is! Along the winding trail of this dream, he meets a lovely young woman whose heart resides in the wilderness as well. They set up house in Honnold's small RV camper and the relationship flourishes during the lengthy training period. His achievement is exhilarating to witness, yet I couldn't help but wonder why he'd take such a high risk that threatens his life. His mom describes a young boy who had the drive and focus to climb rocks, and others attest to his expert skills, but we're still reminded of the many who failed and met their deaths. In fact, the fear hovers in every climb the camera captures. If you're in the mood for adventure, and admire people who challenge themselves to impossible feats through the sheer power of the human spirit, this is the movie for you. If you're a tamer breed, don't skip it. Just close your eyes when it gets too scary.

RBG was nominated for best Documentary Feature but came up empty-handed. However, it's such a gem, as is the subject of the film, that IMHO it deserves recognition. As you must already know, Ruth Bader Ginsberg is a Supreme Court justice and cultural icon. What you may not know is that her Notorious RBG nickname was inspired by the rapper Biggie Small's Notorious B.I.G. nickname -- read how that happened here. The film is a romp through the life of this petite powerhouse of a woman who blazed the trail for gender equity laws in the United States (On the Basis of Sex tracks that historical triumph with Felicity Jones as a determined Ginsberg). RBG, on the other hand, follows Ginsberg through a five-star legal career and family and personal challenges, including her bouts with cancer over the years and her young husband's battle with cancer when they attended law school and had a baby at home. But it's not the health issues, rather her spunk, accomplishments and common sense talk that infuse the film with sparkle, wit and gravitas. Turning 86 on March 15, Ginsberg is a long-serving liberal on the Court. Appointed by Bill Clinton in 1993, she's gained the respect of her colleagues, especially the conservative Justice Antonin Scalia with whom she shared a close friendship until his death in 2016. Her infamous workouts, dissenting opinions on Court decisions, devotion to family and career, and the birth of RBG T-shirts and buttons make for a delightful film about a cultural icon we can all admire.



 

Summer Entertainment: Plays, Movies and A Concert

 A Thousand Splendid Suns, based on the Khaled Hosseini novel (author of Kite Runner) and produced by San Diego's Old Globe Theater, was one wallop of a drama. When a young girl in war-torn Afghanistan is told that her true love died in battle, she becomes the second wife of an older man who reminds her how lucky she is to have someone who will take care of her. However, her life is anything but lucky. With only a few props, this poignant and wrenching story unravels against

Photo: Old Globe

exquisite backdrops that nearly steal the show. Elaborate cutouts infused with creative colors and lighting tell a story of their own. An early rendering for an outdoor scene depicts the region's rugged mountain range in stark contrast to a later backdrop for a crude hospital setting. Most jarring of all, bright red splashes on a stark white background jolted me during a blood-drenched surgical procedure. Dismal scenes plunk you in the middle of the three-way marriage with wives destined to despise each other, within a country that's lost its way to terrorists who gnaw at the ancient culture and traditions. Symbolic of other chapters unfolding in the region, the play is a tribute to timely drama, wondrous staging and Khaled Hosseini.

American Mariachi was another Globe production with a new take on an old genre of music, The story features the joyful music of Mexico, a national treasure performed throughout the Southwest United States by bands of men in black sombreros and suits dripping with silver embellishments. You can imagine what happens when a group of female musicians decides to go up against the male-dominated industry to form their own band. The theme of gender equality and ownership of the music

Photo: Old Globe

is a driving force front and center, but the underlying thread is one about the impact of the music on the people who've embraced it, specifically a woman whose Alzheimer's has stolen her memory and rendered her half the person she used to be. When she hears  Mariachi music on the stereo, she's immediately transported to a happy time when she was a young girl and fell for the Mariachi musician who would become her husband. A window opens and, for a moment, she stands and dances. A smile brightens her face, aglow with joy. The female musicians are gutsy women (one is the woman's daughter) who persevere against all odds to perform the time-honored classics with triumph and flair.

Newsies at Moonlight Stage in Vista rounded out our summer season of plays with a story about real life newspaper boys who held a strike in 1899 in New York City when publishers increased the price the boys had to pay for their papers. But they didn't stop there. The rabble-rousers invited all of the kids working in underpaid jobs and some in harsh conditions throughout the city to join in the strike, which established a foundation for child labor laws. Steeped in history, this big stage musical featured a show-stopping chorus line, memorable for the newsies who performed the snappy tap dance number. During bows at the end of the show, several pulled hats off to reveal none other than pigtails! I guess the girls wanted to get in on the act too, just like girls throughout history who've disguised themselves as men to fight in wars, write novels, and do whatever they choose.

I'm a big movie fan, always ready to share a few of my favorites. Summer movies were no exception.

Won't You Be My Neighbor? is the movie that most captured my heart. It's a documentary about Fred Rogers, the host of a children's television show in the '70s and '80s. I recall watching it with my kids when they were small, and have to confess I found him a bit mushy, but the kids didn't, which comes across in the depictions of him. We see Fred in a variety of situations over his lifetime, as a gentle soul who could relate to small children, puppets, animals, and even comedians who made fun of him in TV sitcoms. One reason I think this film tops my list is because it's such a welcome contrast to what appears in the daily news and halls of Congress and the White House. So poignant and authentic, it made me weep. So kind and caring. So rare. A must see.

RBG is a close second and also a documentary, this time about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Though she is very slight physically, she stands tall among the DC types who have such loud mouths and unprincipled approaches to governing. She's intelligent, tenacious, kind, clever and whimsical as a key voice on the Court, and she's become something of a pop culture icon, held in high esteem by young people who appreciate her depth, style and pizazz and have produced RBG T-shirts. You might even say she's so authentic that you can't help but like her, regardless of her politics or yours. Honesty and perseverance are hard to beat, especially with a sprinkle of achievement, guts and humor, whch have always served her well. Check it out. You'll feel better afterward. 

For sheer fun, there were three movies in a close race for top place. All were just the right medicine for a Friday night date or girls night out.  

Photo: Oceans 8 Movie

Oceans 8
Sandra Bullock can pull off anything -- floating in space with George Clooney, adopting and raising an overweight black youth from the projects, or going undercover and being crowned Miss Congeniality for it. So how could anyone resist a female version of the guys' movie with Bullock in the lead, and Kate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway as her co-conspirators? May daughter and I saw it together, but she was resistant at first. She later agreed it was a great ride. This film is just as much fun as it sounds. I don't remember the details (they're not really important), but you get the idea if you saw any of the Oceans movies, beginning with Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford, and updated by George Clooney and Matt Damon. The women deliver with panache, style and enough balls to play with the big guys. The story was all that I wanted it to be, with plenty of intrigue and twists from some of my favorite actresses. At least a few are in roles like we've never seen them before, which makes it all the more fun.

Mama Mia Here We Go Again  
This time we return to the Greek island where the party music and performances are amplified a few notches higher than the original movie (2008) starring Meryl Streep as Donna and Amanda Seyfried as Sophie. Now grown up, Sophie invites everyone back to the Hotel Bella Donna for an anniversary celebration (Donna already died). Newcomer Lily James (Downton Abbey) plays the young Donna (Merly Streep character) in a backstory that retraces her youthful visit to the island where she gave birth to her daughter and took over the hotel named for her. While the first movie had everything going for it (three possible dads) and the replay was destined to be a hit, Lily James enters and knocks it out of the ballpark. Rippling with talent, she puts fizz and verve into the role and Abba dance numbers. You can't help but fall in love with her. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard deliver a bit older fatherly good looks with charm and finesse. Cher in a white-and-gold dazzling costume (what else?) enters to perform a show-stopping moment, Meryl Streep returns as a spirit, and Andy Garcia teases throughout, until his long lost love reappears as guess who? 

Crazy Rich Asians
If I could award only one movie for most entertaining it would be this one. Casting, story (romantic comedy), sets and originality, this movie had everything going for it in the world class city of Singapore. The producers took full advantage of the modern architecture and landscape in the urban center, with unique light shows, water features, outrageous gardens, river setting, underground food courts, and ethnic neighborhoods. Lavish mansion showplaces provided the gamut of styles from sophisticated to garish. Characters were drawn in full technicolor, from the brightest to the dullest, the most crass to the most stern, and the most proper to the most flawed. This was the story of true love winning the day, despite the expectations of class, culture and wealth displayed as only Hollywood can. And for someone who's traveled to Singapore to witness the natural and man-made beauty of this Asian nation, I felt the movie was a love letter to the city -- sealed with a kiss. 

The Jackson Brown Concert 
I saved the best for last. This concert at the Greek Theater in LA was an unexpected delight.

Photo: YouTube.com

I was staying with friends in LA who'd gotten tickets to the concert and invited me to come along. I was embarrassed to admit I didn't know his music, but was told I probably knew the songs, but didn't know the name of the guy writing and singing all those hits. And of course that was true. The playlist that night was 24 songs long...from You Love the Thunder, Lives in the Balance, and These Days, to Somebody's Baby (he played this one for his shrink, who told him it was a hit, but Jackson didn't believe him), The Pretender, Running on Empty and Take It Easy (Eagles cover).

There was a strong vibe in the air, like a soothing balm that permeated the audience, for the hometown boy who shared stories about his songs and growing up in Southern California. The music is hard to deny...sometimes sad, sometimes happy, upbeat or nostalgic. But it's more than the music. What makes the artist Jackson Brown so human and so likable is his underlying compassion and concern for people and our planet. Follow the link to his website and learn about the awards he's received for his commitment to critical causes. See the concerts that are performed for people in Haiti, refugees, and others suffering globally. "Music Heals" says it all.

After seeing Bob Dylan perform a couple of years ago at the Greek in Berkeley, I was struck by the difference in these two artists' performance styles. Brown has an amazing connection with his audience. Dylan never says a word, not even when I saw him in 1967 in Louisville. Brown gave the sense he was having a good time, and he wanted us to enjoy the evening with him. He dropped a few comments about politics and other topics, as well. The audience loved it!

This generous entertainer with a "take it easy" style, delivered a near perfect performance in the charming hillside venue, a hidden gem in LA. Thank you, Jackson Brown, for hanging around so long and for giving all that you give.

Summertime: Horses, Novels and Hikes

The summer slipped past so fast that I must note a few highlights before they fade away, too. Click on the links for more information. 

DERBY DAY

Our summer usually starts early, with the Kentucky Derby the first Saturday in May. Since the annual event was so much a part of my childhood in Louisville, we sometimes throw a party to celebrate with a few dozen friends, which is exactly what we did this year. We called it a "party with a purpose" because we co-hosted the day's festivities with my spirited fellow board members from Vista Community Clinic. The purpose was to "friend raise" for our favorite charity, which provides affordable medical care to 65,000 patients in Southern California. In addition to our guests, board members invited guests, too.

About 65 partygoers in a variety of fanciful hats and colorful outfits paraded through the house and outdoor areas. The mint juleps flowed, as did the greenbacks, thanks to a new setup courtesy of board member Mark who wheeled in a giant screen and his laptop to track the bets, bettors and horses. Fabulous new signs, one for CHURCHILL DOWNS at the front entry to the house, and another for CLUBHOUSE at the entry to the backyard where most of the action took place, were courtesy of a board member's husband, Pete, who cut and painted wood plaques to resemble the twin spires of Churchill Downs. A hat contest, quiz, couple photos, and ice-breaker name tags (famous Kentuckians) energized the crowd. Several left for home with winnings in their pockets.  

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SCBWI

After all the hoopla, it was time to turn my attention to professional pursuits. The San Diego chapter of SCBWI (Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) hosted an agents day called Mayfest which featured workshops, panels and critiques by local and national book agents and editors. As a member of SCBWI with three books in the works, I teamed up with critique partner Julie to offer elevator pitches for my Middle Grade novels. Success! Three agents asked for written pitches, the first step in finding an agent to represent a book to publishers. My pitches:

1. Abandoned is the story of 13-year-old Olivia, a troubled girl who spends the summer in Kentucky working with abused horses and begins to heal from the grief and guilt over her brother's death. 

2. Wilson in Yellowstone is about 12-year-old Wilson who is searching for his mother's killer, but spends the summer in Yellowstone where he encounters a life or death situation and  learns he's stronger than he thought and can face life without his mother.  

Lowry signs her memoir, Looking Back:A Book of Memories

SCBWI is a wonderful organization for anyone interested in writing for kids of any age, from infancy through high school. The market is huge, including a wide range of books, i.e. picture books like Goodnight Moon and The Day the Crayons Quit, Middle Grade books like Wonder and A Wrinkle In Time, and YA books like The Fault In Our Stars and The Giver. 

Stephanie Garber poses with her novel, Caraval

The FAB SCBWI Summer Conference LA is held in early August. I attended that as well, with my friend, Joyce, whose Pasadena home has a lovely French garden served up with primo wines. Perfect for our end-of-day chill.

The gathering at the downtown LA Staples Center/Marriott numbered more than a thousand writers, agents, editors, publishers, etc. Many of the talks were poignant and heartfelt (writers tend to be that way), delivered by celebrated authors and illustrators, including Lois Lowry (The Giver), and Andrea and Brian Pinkney (Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Songs). 

So inspired, I promised myself I'd practice a morning meditation and write every day when I returned home. That lasted three days. I do have a life beyond the laptop, so my creative work is inspired by the weekly critique group deadline. It keeps me at the keyboard up to several days a week, thanks to Val and Julie! 

Portland, Oregon

In June I spent some time in the Portland area with Betsy and Jeff as my tour guides. What a delightful, diverse city. I recommend a visit if you haven't encountered this artsy funky metropolis and foodie hot spot. Most days started with a walk to one of the local coffee shops in their St. John's neighborhood which acquired it's name from the beautiful antique patina bridge that stretches across the Willamette River blocks from their condo. A great walking neighborhood to explore if you're in the area. The streets are populated with a ton of unique shops and venues. Hairlandia, Arbor Lodge Coffee, the Community Cycling Center, and St. John's Theater & Pub are a few of the popular ones.

My daughter wasted no time introducing me to locations beyond her hood as well. We made a respectable haul at Sierra Trading Post, a big box must-see store for discounted outdoor wear. Other memorable stops included an Asian fusion dinner in Alberta, with pastries afterward at Petite Provence. We drove to Kenton for coffee at Posies before we jumped on the MAX and headed downtown to the Saturday Market. On my last day, we took in the five-block enclave of Mississippi Street for boutique shopping and dinner.

But, alas, this trip wasn't just about eating  and shopping, right? Two days of hiking tested my New Balance walking shoes and less balanced feet (hiking boots didn't make it to the suitcase). The NB 990's passed the test. Feet recovered. 

The first trek started at the Lower Macleay Park Trailhead in the city of Portland and wound its way under an old bridge, past a small stone house, up to the Pittock Mansion, surrounded by lush rose gardens. A friendly Asian girl recommended the pink roses for the finest perfume scent. After a few sniffs of vibrant varieties, we agreed. The panoramic view of the city and Mount Hood was awesome from the outdoor lawn where hikers sprawled on the grass to rest and take in the scene before hoofing back down the trail.

The second hike, to Moulton and Yacolt Falls along the East Fork Lewis River in Washington, was especially scenic. In less than an hour's drive from Portland, we set out along a well trodden dirt path, hiking three across, and reached the falls an hour or so later. Picnickers who left their cars in a lot nearby dotted the rocky landscape with blankets and baskets. Several jumped off high cliffs into the icy river below. Betsy and I passed on that e-ticket while Jeff snorkeled the river for fish. 

The bridge is a popular pedestrian destination, forming a lovely archway over the river for picturesque photo ops. 

On the drive home, dark clouds moved in and threatened a downpour, but we took our chances and stopped for a happy hour overlooking the Columbia River. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day and trip to Oregon!

The Oaks at Ojai

Ojai is a special place in Southern California with an earthy, artsy, authentic vibe. So it only fits that The Oaks at Ojai should reflect the same image as a spa destination. Which it does. If you're looking for upscale modern with austere and ultra luxury appointments, skip The Oaks. This place is down to earth, earnest, and honest in its goals to help you achieve yours. A taste of Old California only adds to the charm.

My daughters took me for a weekend retreat in August to celebrate a big birthday with healthy meals, workout classes, hikes, and mother-daughter bonding. From the moment we pulled off the highway, cruised onto the covered driveway, and walked through the double door entry, the ambience of Old California greeted us in the nostalgic style of Spanish stucco architecture. 

Inside, the lobby spreads across a wide expanse of carpet where cushioned couches and a wood-framed upholstered chair perch aside a dark coffee table straight from the pages of Ramona. Flower arrangements decorate smaller tables, and a generous stucco and stone fireplace trimmed in Spanish tile complete the cozy sitting area. Off to the right, an antique-inspired wood counter serves as the check-in desk while a gift shop called The Nest with an arch-tiled entryway beckons on the left. Hallways with mission inspired arches lead to a gallery of stone sculptures and wall paintings straight ahead and to spa services and a comfy relaxation room behind the shop. An office and health center off the main lobby offer easy access for guests to approach staff ready to monitor blood pressure and weight during your stay.

From the side hallway off the lobby, we climbed stairs to reach our second floor corner room awash in light. The spacious location was a plus. The bathroom tile in black and white hexagons trimmed in 50's garish green reminded me of an early 70s apartment in Chicago. A small deck overlooking a side street of town gave us a view of locals. Paned windows on the front overlooked the main street where dozens of shop and gallery windows greeted us on an early morning walk. Two double beds and a rollaway bed fit with room to spare. The older bathroom design with a bathtub/shower combo, but only enough counter space for two sets of toiletries, sufficed since Betsy's cosmetic bag with its handy hook was perfect for hanging. 

We found all the food quite good, sans salt and sugar, but with substitutes that worked well enough, except when it came to popcorn. There is no sufficient replacement for real butter and salt to satisfy the crunchy taste of well seasoned popcorn! Regardless, I somehow ate a whole bag during bingo, which awarded two of the three of us with winning games and prizes -- lotion and soap, plus two gift certificates for the shop. Note: The Oaks at Ojai offers recipes for their nutritional cuisine under the Blog item on their website menu: Recipes at The Oaks at Ojai.

Through the gallery hallway, we ventured into the Libbey room where we ate casual breakfasts, lunches and snacks, the gym area with a wide assortment of equipment and access to the pool and spa, and the gymnasium where a variety of classes was held. We took advantage of an ample selection of offerings and particularly enjoyed the morning hike (6:30 am) to hidden succulent gardens, pool cardio with noodle maneuvers and a soothing circle exercise, the gym cardio class with hula hoops-plus, and relaxation yoga. 

 The spa was particularly charming with an elaborately arched tile entry and similar decor throughout, particularly in the locker room and jacuzzi/fountain area. Spa services were the best. I gave my deep tissue massage an 11. Betsy felt her facial was just as delightful and relaxing. 

At the end of the day, what I found most enjoyable was the relaxing time I spent with Betsy and Amy. But the friendly people we met were absolutely delightful, too. The staff were fabulous, with a shout out to Sherry who keeps the Libbey room running smoothly for meals and the bingo hopping along with Hollywood trivia questions between games! The mostly women guests were equally friendly and engaging. We met repeat customers from the Los Angeles area, new people from Portland, Seattle and Kansas City, and  a mother with her eighteen-year-old daughter on their way to a college campus for the daughter's first year of college. 

I highly recommend The Oaks at Ojai for anyone who wants to experience a spa in Southern California with healthy food, numerous options for physical activity, and friendly staff and patrons, with the added bonus of early Spanish architecture in a gorgeous valley surrounded by mountains. 

Horses and Healing

When I did research for a novel about a San Diego teen who spends the summer on a Kentucky horse farm, I was amazed to learn about the powerful effects horses have on humans. For example, would you ever guess troubled teens, autistic children, and prison inmates have something in common? People in each of these groups are forming unique relationships with horses that allow each to heal. The bond is unlike anything achieved from counseling, medication, medical interventions and living behind bars.

Teens who exhibit risky behavior such as bullying, fighting, taking or selling drugs, stealing or joining a gang are at risk for dropping out of  school, or worse, going to jail. Some come from broken homes with absentee parents and some have experienced abuse, been victims of bullying, or have an untreated disability. Many turn to drugs to numb the pain and confusion and to fit in with peers. 

Photo: 24 hour Addiction Helpline

When a troubled teen works with and forms a relationship with a horse, they feel accepted for who they are. Since animals don't judge, challenge or accuse, and they have no knowledge of a person's background, the relationship is genuine, allowing the troubled young person to let down his defenses and get in touch with his humanity. Self-esteem improves and the teen begins to open up and release some of the anger that motivates him to act out. The horse's non-judgmental approach can also serve as a positive model for the teen who's reeling against authority and his situation.

Teens who have lost a family member may feel guilty or depressed and want to avoid family and friends, which can place them at risk for social, emotional and medical problems. Their response to the death is to shut off feelings and avoid anyone who might trigger them. 

When working with a horse, a young person can find solace and peace that may not be as easy to attain with other people. The horse's nonverbal communication allows space for acceptance and validation of whatever feelings the teen brings to the relationship. In time, they can work through the grief and gain confidence to open up emotionally, accept the death and even forgive themselves for any lingering guilt.   

The Spring Reins of Life program is one of many that incorporates Equine Assisted Psychoterapy (EAP) into working with troubled teens: 

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) for At-Risk and Disadvantaged Youth

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) for Childhood Bereavement and Grief Counseling

Children with autism face a variety of challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. Other areas of mental and social development may be affected as well, depending on the severity of illness. A 2015 study conducted by researchers in Colorado and North Carolina demonstrates the effects of therapeutic horse riding on children with autism, when compared to children with autism who only learned about horses, but didn't interact with them over the same period. The riders had better scores on language and social interaction, and greater improvement with hyperactivity and irritability. The results on irritability were "about half" the effect one might expect from medication. 

Since horses respond to the nonverbal body language of the rider and adjust accordingly, the child with autism can experience a sense of balance and kinship to put him at ease. The researchers believe the learning and calming effect of riding a horse can enhance self-esteem and communication in everyday life. One parent whose 11-year-old child with autism is also deaf put her son on a horse when he was three years old. The mother feels the riding has helped him to improve his core strength and senses of sight, smell and touch. 

See: The Interactive Autism Network and  Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center Inc.

Prison inmates represent a unique group benefiting from equine assisted therapy thanks to the efforts of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF). This is an organization that funds 24 facilities, some with prisoners, and many more individuals to care for thousands of horses retiring from the track. 

The reality is that horses are expensive animals and many owners are not able to maintain them after their career has ended. Unfortunately, the TRF reports 10,000 American racehorses are shipped to slaughter in Canada and Mexico each year, and TRF "is determined to change that." 

Photo: Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

Nine state prisons around the country participate in the TRF Second Chances Program which is a partnership effort allowing TRF to access state land and prison volunteers to create horse sanctuaries. Most of the horses suffered injuries that ended their careers. With the supervised care they receive from prisoners, they can recover and experience second lives as pets, in equine competition, as police mounts and in equine-assisted therapy programs. 

Inmates from a wide range of backgrounds learn about horse anatomy, caring for injuries, equine nutrition and stable management. They receive a certificate upon completion of the rigorous program and some secure jobs as farriers, vet assistants and caretakers. But not surprising, the prisoners gain much more because of the trust and love they experience with a horse. They build confidence and a sense of empathy that can turn their lives around. Studies have also documented a reduction in recidivism rates at the facilities that host the program. 

News Story on Indiana Second Chances Prison Program

A few years ago, I visited Montpelier, the James Madison estate in Virginia which is a TRF farm with 40-50 thoroughbreds. Some are rescue horses and others come straight from the track with injuries. All are quite beautiful in the pristine setting. I'm attaching a few pictures here. If you're inclined, the TRF depends upon grants and donations to run their farms and Second Chances Program:  Make A Gift to TRF