9 Awesome Things About Oahu

Quick getaway? Easy. Hawaii. Okay, it's not that quick, but for us west coasters it's only about a five hour flight away to arrive at the land of flip flops and simple pleasures. Has there ever been a more simple and beautiful idea than making necklaces and head adornments out of flowers and leaves? Oahu gets flak because of touristy Waikiki, but it's still a fun place to visit.

Here are my Top 9 Reasons Why Oahu Still Rocks:

1. Beaches

So many beaches, so little time. From Kailua Beach, a gorgeous stretch of white sand with calm waters, to the shores of Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach where monster surf can break during winter months, there's no shortage of beaches for swimming, surfing,  kayaking, para sailing, wind surfing, paddle boarding, snorkling or just watching the day go by. 

Hanama Bay is a great snorkling beach if you arrive early and go beyond the first breakwater. Crowds through the years have diminished the abundance of fish, but there is still an incredible, beautiful variety. 

Waikiki, despite the crowds, is still a kick. The outrigger rides, one of the most fun tourist trappy things to do, are a hoot for only $15. I dare anyone to take a ride and not howl with joy when the outrigger catches a wave. 

2. Manoa Valley Rain Forest

The rain forest wonder of Manoa Valley and the Manoa Falls will quench anyone's thirst for the natural world, and it's not far from the center of Honolulu. Hike the path and be rewarded with a waterfall at the

end of the trail.

Be forewarned about crossing the rope to get to the water though. No one's there to stop you, but signs advise against it because it's a landslide area.    

3. Byodo-in Temple

It's like being in Japan, without the jet lag. The temple is located at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. It's a smaller scale replica of the over 950 year old Byodo-in Temple in Uji, Japan. A peaceful paradise where visitors are welcome to stroll, mediate, or just take in the lush and soothing grounds.  

4. Lunchtime Hula

Where else but Waikiki can you enjoy a lunchtime hula break with locals? Hundreds join in. To make it easy and comfortable for the participants, there's a table where you can dump your purse and bags so your arms will be free to speak the language of hula. 

5. Chinatown 

Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the oldest such districts in the US. The 15 block area is a colorful blend of Southeast Asian cultures and bustles with intrigue and joys for the senses. Wandering the streets, you might find a herbalist, art exhibit, or Buddhist Temple. There's a fascinating variety of merchants and products, including the expected fruit and vegetable stands and inexpensive restaurants.

Plus, it's a great place to buy leis directly from the women who make them. They might even let you sit down and make your own.  

6. Magnificent Diamond Head

Stairs on the Diamond Head trail

Just look at it. 
Not only is it picture perfect beautiful, hiking it is a boot camp experience. The round trip trail to the summit is only about 1-1/2 miles long, but it feels longer. The ascent has many switchbacks and is uneven in sections. The trail includes steep stairs and a lighted 225 foot tunnel. Sometimes there's a ranger at the top handing out "I Hiked Diamond Head!" certificates to those who make it. The view from the top is worth the sweat and fret of getting up there, and during the winter months, if you're lucky, you might see humpback whales passing by. 

7. Ridiculously Amazing Botanical Wonders

Hawaiian tropical flowers are the punk rockers of flowers. They live by their own rules and refuse to be confined to conventional wisdom about the look, feel, and smell of flowers. The island has the largest collection of tropical plants in the United States.

The flowers are everywhere, but if you want a better look, there are several botanical gardens. Some of the best places to go include Foster Botanic Garden, Lyon Aboretum, Wahiawa Botanical Garden, Koko Crater, and Waimea Botanical Garden which is across the way from Waimea Bay beach. 

8. Honolulu 

When you've had enough swimming and lounging, a high rise city filled with arts, culture, shopping, nightlife, and all you desire is right there.

9. The "Other Side" of Oahu

When you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu and Waikiki, or skip it altogether, hop over to the other side of the island and enjoy Hawaii country-style - at least for now. Development proposals are brewing.

7 Things I Will Not Miss About Agency Work

I've worked a few jobs in public relations when the bottom fell out of the news industry, and it's served me well, taught me new skills, and I've met some incredibly talented people. But agency work has its own peculiar trying times. As I get ready to return to news and look back on PR work, here are seven things I won't miss about agency work.

1.  The Diva Client. Divas in any industry are so old school. No need to be a jerk to get a job done. Just because you're holding the purse strings doesn't make it okay. In fact, it makes it more egregious. We're all in this big wide world together and more or less want the same thing at the end of the day. To those who cannot control their tempers, those who find it necessary to be condescending, those who are rude or arrogant, get over yourself. You're not that big a deal.

2.  No Lead Time. Really? Oh, okay, no worries, I'll just drop this assignment I'm working on for someone I enjoy working for and who has the decency to give a little bit of lead time, for you, the Due Yesterday Queen.

3.  "I'll take an article in the LA Times, with a side of fries."  An odd bird comes along every now and then who thinks you can order up an article if you pay a for a press release. A good PR person will work hard to get you exposure, but there are no guarantees. These same clueless people invariably also don't understand the concept of timing. I can make a story out of almost anything and I'll write it up and send it out, but there are times to pitch a story and there are times not to pitch a story. Pitching a lame ass story to news editors on a big ass news day - like during a massive brushfire, or a natural disaster, or a school shooting, or Election Day - is not the way to endear news editors to your story.

4.  The Adjective Hog. Why do people think news editors can be tricked into thinking something is a great story by filling a press release with a bunch of stunning, spectacular, breathtaking, outstanding, prestigious, dynamic, sizzling, fluffy adjectives? Believe me, it is what it is and no amount of adjectives can make a non news story, a good news story.

5.  Tracking Hours & Reports. I get it! Clients are charged based on how much time you spend on the account every month, and they want to see what their money spent has produced for them, but keeping track of every minute you spend on this or that for a client and creating reports is tedious and    takes time away from doing the actual work that can get results.

6.  Fashionable, Every Damn Day. It's a kick really, to dress up and be all high heeled fashionista, but every damn day? Maybe it was my SoCal upbringing in cut offs and sandals, but when it comes to every single day, kicking the light fantastic with stilettos while trying to achieve work that is stunning, spectacular, breathtaking, outstanding, prestigious, dynamic, and sizzling, is expensive and exhausting. There's something to be said for being behind the scenes.

7.  The Client Always Knows Best. Uh... no, they don't .

7 Things I Will Miss About My Agency Job

1. My Work Space. Before I tell you about my work space, I should tell you the entire Cord office is decorated with a fun point of view - definitely not your grandpa's boring office. So I was beside myself when I was given a work area beyond the stylish front offices. Then I discovered the privacy and freedom of being away from the stressy main area, and I was a happy camper in my own nirvana. Then, it got even better. A co-worker moved some of his fab furniture into the space, and it became a mod, mod, mod world. 

2.  My Partner in Crime. I didn't do the college dorm thing, but I can certainly IMAGINE the horror of a crummy assigned roommate who doesn't get you. When my office mate was hired, I wondered how our shared office situation would work out and luckily, we were two peas in a pod. We plotted, ployed, produced solid work, and managed to have fun too amidst crushing deadlines in our North Wing. We'll always have Halloween when we ate donuts and arrested everyone in our path, Chris!  

3. The Co-Workers. What an incredible group of talented and creative folks. And good looking. Damn! Really. Not being sarcastic. There's not a weak link in the bunch. And the long list of talent at the agency keeps getting longer and longer as the company's expansion continues. If I was going to spend money on advertising and marketing, I would seek them out stat!

4a. My Initials in Lights Everyday.
It's a nice coincidence when the company you work for has the same initials, AND they like to do fun things like put a big C and big M on the wall. It was like a secret shout out to myself everyday.
4b. The Sweet Sweets. Now that I'm leaving, I wish I took advantage of it more. Why don't all offices have candy bars? It's a no brainer. Give 'em sugar and let the hyper creative game ensue. Even though I didn't eat the stuff all the time, it was nice knowing a candy bar was there for me in all its sugar splendor. Oh, almost forgot, the bar bar. Cheers to that! True Mad Men style.                     .

5.  The Juke Box. When the depths of creative despair strike, boom! music echoes down the hallway, breathing life back into the process. Just the sight of the juke box is kind of cool. Check out the selections. No musak! Need a dose of Led Zeppelin or Arcade Fire to get you inspired? No problem.
                                                               


6.  The Games People Play. Working at play. Playing at work. Any place of business that has a Pajama Day, can't be all bad. If that same place of business also has regular cupcake breaks, birthday lunches, a disco ball, cocktail hours, and a luxe penthouse... jackpot!

7.  Finally... Boss Bosses. I'm not saying perfect. I'm saying boss. And that's plenty good. 

  (Next up: 7 Things I Will NOT Miss About Agency Work. Yeah, it's gonna get real.)

Mid-Century Modern Delights

It was time for a thoroughly modern morning in Palm Springs as Modernism Week continued under picture perfect blue desert skies. No stuffy lectures here, as participants gathered outside to join a bike tour through a couple of the swankiest neighborhoods in town.

Hot Purple Energy, a solar energy company headed up by a couple of rock and roll hipster-type guys, set up the free bike tour. Nate and David are seen a lot around town with their mobile solar "trash can" bringing free power to events. 

There's no question these guys are in business to make a buck, but they tend to give a lot away too. When I asked how much the t-shirts were stacked in a pile at the registration table, I got a smirk in response. As if! "They're free," said Nate, one of the co-owners. "It's not all about money." Alrighty then, point taken!

So off we went, some of us in our free t-shirts, led by Nate and David, peddling through the quiet back streets in the areas of Smoketree Village, Murray Canyon Drive, Canyon Estates, Twin Palms, and Sagebrush. 

The neighborhoods are filled with delightful examples of mid century modern designs showcasing elegantly simple architecture with low pitched and arched roofs, floor to ceiling glass windows, many brightly colored doors adding a splash of color to the exterior clean lines and earth tones, and perfectly sculptured lawns and trees with every potted plant a statement in itself. 

I also saw one particular home with drought friendly landscaping of colored rocks forming mosaic like designs. Clever and beautiful! 

              

I was bringing up the rear, so I missed out on any of Nate or David's knowledge of the area, but I'm pretty sure we saw a Richard Neutra house, and probably a couple Donald Wexler's.                                                                                               About halfway through the ride, we got off our bikes for an exterior tour of a fabulous example of a renovated home evoking true mid century modern design.                                                                                                                                             Aside from the de rigeur clean architectural lines, the home is exquisitely decorated with every single item a piece that adds to the modern motif.                      

The only thing missing were martinis and Frank Sinatra.                                                                     

Adding to the chic charm of the modest compound, was one of the cutest casitas I've ever seen.  

The bike tour was a great way to tour the neighborhoods, and really feel the essence of the design. Of course, now I'm going to have to go back in my car - to get all the photos I didn't stop to take for fear of losing the group. There's something to be said for being at the head of the pack. 

Celebrating Joyful Sculptures

Artist Gesso Cocteau is a vision herself, before even getting to her art. I first met her a few years ago when I was producing a story for a CBS affiliate. 

We had a lovely afternoon strolling her garden filled with her sculptures, and then later watching her work in her studio. Her work is curiously compelling, and evokes the emotional intensity of the human spirit in a minimalist, pure form. 

For the past 20 years she’s been working primarily with bronze. Joy, jubilation, love, desire, grief and despair are all present in her work.

An Indian Wells resident, she’s has been showing in galleries since the late seventies, with her work evolving from drawings in pen and ink, to painting, to fabricated steel sculptures. In 1990 she began focusing on casting in bronze, evolving toward a celebration of the human form. 

“I want my sculptures to be a language that becomes the tangible expression of thought, to reflect my own life’s journey,” says Cocteau. “The truth that lives in the posture of the body is what becomes evident, a truth that reflects the condition of the human spirit.”

Her monumental works include a 51-ft. cast bronze, Endless Celebration, the tallest standing cast bronze sculpture in America, installed in Bellevue, Washington, and a 20 ft. cast bronze Dragon commissioned by Don Brownstein and installed in Los Angeles, California. 

Some of her many commissions, aside from major private collectors, include Hard Rock Cafes in Rome, Berlin, Niagara Falls, Boston, Cleveland,  and Orlando. When I was in Rome this past year, it was cool to see her work in the Café windows.  

Her show, “20 Years of Bronze,” is currently at Classic Art Gallery, 73-399 El Paseo in Palm Desert. 

Check out her website at www.gessococteau.com.

Day Tripping in a Sea of Orchids

Wondering what to do this summer and looking for something new and different? How about free? Tucked away in the high desert town of Landers is a treasure trove of beauty at Gubler Orchids.

They offer free personal tours of the facility - 3 massive green houses filled with thousands and thousands of orchids.

The Gubler family has been growing the exquisite flower for three generations, originally in Switzerland back in 1918.

A son moved the operation to California to chase the American Dream and in 1954 started selling orchids out  of his station wagon. They've come a long way from that station wagon!
Today Chris, grandson of Heir Gubler, continues the legacy, along with his sister, Heidi. Their expertise from three generations of growing orchids is evident as you wander the aisles of the greenhouses in Landers filled with beautiful, phenomenal hybrids.

The family has the Landers location, and farms and greenhouses in other California locations totaling over 155,000 square feet of greenhouses in production. The Landers site is open to the public and free to visit.

 

If you're into growing orchids yourself, the facility has a complete line of orchid essentials, such as orchid food and mixes at bargain prices. Plus, lots of excellent, free advice.



Gubler's also has an Orchid Festival every year. This year it's happening Saturday and Sunday, October 5th & 6th from 10am -5pm each day. You can find out more about Gubler's and directions at www.gublerorchids.com.

Studio 55 Opens in Palm Desert

Joe Graziano is living his dream. After three and half decades in the agricultural business in Oregon, he is now a working artist. Earlier this year he opened Studio 55 on El Paseo in Palm Desert where he creates and exhibits his acrylic paintings and glass work.  

“My wife thought I was insane and that it was a wild, crazy idea,” says Graziano, “but having been an entrepreneur for thirty plus years, she was used to me coming up with ideas and dreams.”

Graziano and his wife, Hannah, moved full time to the Coachella Valley about a year ago, after snow birding for three years. At the time he wasn’t thinking of opening a gallery, but when he was moving his paintings from one storage space to another, he started thinking about his new neighborhood including El Paseo, one of the premier art gallery locations. His entrepreneur stripes kicked in and he decided instead of putting his paintings in storage, he would open a studio where he could share his art with the public.

Graziano says he’s not the type to analyze ideas to death. His philosophy in life has been to “go and do it rather than dwell on it, study it and wear it out until you don’t want to do it anymore.” So it wasn’t long before he found a storefront and his idea became a reality.

Situated in a plum spot adjacent to The Gardens, on the southeast corner of El Paseo and Larkspur, Studio 55 offers visitors more than an exhibition gallery. The space is Graziano’s main studio and where he can be found most days working on his next creation.

“People can come and talk to me,” he says. “It’s a win win for me because if it’s quiet, I’m in my own wonderful world just creating my art and loving it and having a ball. And if people come in and want to engage in conversation and give me feedback, I’m all ears. So it’s a wonderful exchange.”

A self-taught artist, Graziano developed an appreciation for contemporary abstract art after years of visiting museums and galleries around the world. He first picked up a paintbrush in 1996 and created his first painting, “Pallet,” which now hangs in Studio 55.

Graziano works with acrylics, and glass, separately and together, and has also recently starting making fountain pens out of exotic wood. He enjoys the diversity of his work. “For me it’s about having different vocabularies. Some people speak different languages, and that’s kind of how I feel about my art. It’s multi-lingual.”

“For me, it’s hard to be an artist and live in a vacuum. I can live in my own world and think everything I do is wonderful, but to have somebody else appreciate and be excited about my work energizes me and turns the wheels in my head about the things I want to create.”

Studio 55 is at 73-655 El Paseo, Suite E, Palm Desert. 760-565-8267. Hours: Monday thru Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 10:00 am – 7:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.