With the boys

And who says Laguna Woods Village isn't a happenin' place?

Sunday evening we saw the fabulous singers, "Oh, What a Night," at a sold-out concert in Laguna Woods. These men were so talented and entertaining in their tribute to Frank Valli and the Four Seasons. I am wearing a Jersey Boys jacket that I purchased when we saw the Jersey Boys in Las Vegas. The guy on the right left the stage during the concert, walked out into the audience and sat on my lap while singing a song from "Grease." Alan was amused; I loved it. If you are ever in one of the cities where they are entertaining, be sure to go and see them. Here's their web site: http://www.ohwhatanighttribute.com/

Book Launch

On March 3, we launched a new book, "She Writes," an anthology, edited and produced by MaryAnn Easley of Windflower Press. The event was held in Laguna Woods and the evening was filled with wonderful food, books and readings by local poets. One of my stories, "Message from a Stranger" is in the book. I was the emcee. Below is a photo with my friends and sister writers: Nita, left, and Michele, center.

The next David McCullough?

I’m wondering if my son Andrew, the Chief Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors for San Diego County, has traded in his long title for that of a documentary narrator. If you click on http://www.youtube.com/countysandiego#p/a/u/0/YM5CVR6yxo4
you can watch Andrew explaining the art work in the federal building. I have seen the art and it’s beautiful, representing San Diego families at work and play. Always a proud mama – good work Andrew.

More photos

Here are some more photos from our day of celebrating the removal of the state's ban on same-sex marriage. Note the cute kid holding the cool sign, never got his name. You can also hear what the mayor said on the Youtube video.

At the movies

This past week I have seen two really great movies: "Letters from Juliet," and "Sex and the City 2," (much better and way more hilarious than the first one). Don't miss them - fabulous entertainment. You won't believe it when you see the fabulous Liza Minnelli kick up her heels in a song and dance, in the "Sex and the City" movie - wonderful! Warning: These are chick flicks, so you might want to leave the male at home. However, I heard the gays loved it. For movie times and theater, go to http://www.movies.com/.

There's a doctor in the house

Congratulations to our son-in-law, Michael Jason Virata, who graduated on May 23 from San Diego State University and UCSD with a Ph.D. in biology.

“Dr. Mike” as he is now known in the family or as his brother Marc says, “We only need to call him that in public,” also has two master’s degrees. We are so proud of Mike. Now we can say, “Our son married a doctor.”

We are also pleased that Dr. Mike is gainfully employed and has a new car!

Photos of Michael's graduation:

(1) Michael with his parents, brother, niece, aunt and uncle and his husband Andrew

(2) Michael looking cool on stage

(3) Ben, Andrew and I holding what we may never have – a Ph.D. diploma - but then life is uncertain and always an adventure
(4) Michael and Andrew, so happy now that Michael no longer has to study every evening, weekend, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day….

(5) Michael showing his true colors

Upcoming Events

April 24-25: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Admission is free, parking is $9. Located on the UCLA Campus. Two days of being with “people who create books and with those who love to read them.” More than 400 authors will be in attendance to talk about the art of writing and to sign their books. The festival also offers panel discussions. This is where I have met several: Larry King, Julie Andrews, Brooke Shields, Carolyn See, Mitch Albom, way too many to list. This year some top names: Stephen J. Cannell, Mary Higgins Clark, Antwone Fisher, Elizabeth George, Louis Gossett Jr., Bernadette Peters and that’s only to the P’s. For more information go to: http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/general-information/

April 10-24: Stop by the Salvation Army, near the DMV in San Clemente, 2727 Via Cascadita and see what two Saddleback College students have designed with items from the warehouse. They are competing with three other students for a first place win in eco-friendly designs. You can also bid on the items in the showroom as part of a two-week auction. I’ve got to check this out. The money will go to the Salvation Army’s Anaheim Adult Rehabilitation Center. Read the story: http://www.ocregister.com/news/judged-242961-design-turning.html

May 8-9: “A Woman of Independent Means,” starring Lissa Layng. Fremont Center Theatre, 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. 8 p.m. May 8 with brownies and champagne at intermission and 3 p.m. May 9 with a Mother’s Day Tea in the garden at 2 p.m. You won’t want to miss this one woman show. I will be there on May 8 with hubby and friends. To read about the play: http://www.fremontcentretheatre.com/main.html