Occidental Oriented - December 2011
Thanksgiving
My all-time favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. It’s often
beautiful fall weather; it’s often a great family get-together; and usually of
course, the food is fantastic.
I believe gratitude is one of the most under-rated qualities
practiced, even by those spiritually “evolved.” Think how much better our world
would be if everyone practiced gratitude on a more regular basis. We’d all be
counting our blessings, instead of focusing on the relationships and things we
don’t have.
And it’s easy to be thankful, with only the tiniest effort.
Consider this sobering thought: if you’re reading this column--no matter how
unfortunate you might feel at times--you’re way ahead of at least 2 to 3
billion others out there in the world.
Thanksgiving is also one of the more inclusive holidays in
that it’s not based on religious practice, so as a non-majority religion
practitioner, unlike with Christmas, I never felt “less than” with
Thanksgiving. Something else to be thankful for.
I count myself very lucky to live in one of the most
beautiful areas on the planet with my beautiful family, surrounded by some of
the most evolved folks, both mentally and spiritually. So Happy Thanksgiving
from me, as well as Sonoma Fine Wine. May it be your most wonderful ever.
Occidental Crafts Faire
The 26th Annual
Occidental Community Council Holiday Crafts Faire will be held on
Saturday and Sunday, December 10th and 11th at the Occidental Community Center
(located on the corner of Bohemian Highway and Graton Road) in Occidental. The event will be open from
10a.m. – 5p.m. on Saturday and 10a.m. – 4p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.
Occidental’s Annual Holiday Crafts Faire is a longstanding
tradition in the community.
This year there will be more holiday activities for the whole family,
and chances to win special gift packages including art, wine, jewelry and other
handmade crafts throughout the weekend.
In addition to highlighting over 35 local and regional
artists and showcasing their special crafts and holiday pieces, there will be
entertainment, a traditional bucket raffle (where attendees chose the prize
they want to win), wreaths, fabulous food by Aioli Deli and more. And, don’t miss the special treats and
holiday-baked goods provided and hosted by Salmon Creek School students.
All are invited to come and participate in the activities at
the Holiday Crafts Faire, and follow up with a stroll through town to visit the
local merchants and businesses.
Profit from the event benefits the Occidental Community
Council, an all- volunteer, non-profit corporation established in 1986.
Representing a diverse cross-section of the community, OCC meets once a month
to discuss investing and supporting its resources in local programs. Its entire
budget is derived from this wonderful Holiday Crafts Faire.
Teresa Tudury, prominent Sonoma County singer/songwriter,
has joined with Deborah Starks, former Berkeley clothing store owner, to open a
boutique specializing in vintage resale clothing they refer to as “wearable
art.”
The concept, they say, is “glamorous old-time California
cowgirl” for that just-off-the-hacienda look. Pleasantly displayed items, also available for sale, include
antique furniture, jewelry, and small objets d’art. Tudury also envisions the
quaint, out-of-the way studio as a place for musicians to jam, and is planning
a formal music series, beginning with an as yet unannounced Grand Opening.
Tudury wants to spend more time in Occidental, in the
hillside cabin she calls home. After many years on the road, and a history that
includes two years with Beach Blanket Babylon (while holding down a 5 a.m.
waitressing shift at Lefty O’Doul’s), twelve years doing nightclub acts in
Hollywood, and performances at the Fillmore during its heyday, she’s a bit
tired of gigging up and down Highway 5 between major western cities.
Such Fine Things, named after Tudury’s latest album,
promises to add an element of exotic adventure to the Occidental scene. It is
nestled into a grove of redwoods in the southernmost corner of Occidental, and
opened November 18. Store hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10a.m. to 5p.m.
Contact info: 415.515.3361 or on Facebook.
Labels: COMMUNITIES
