Lela Hankins, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI

Last Friday we had the privilege of attending "A Night of 1000 Stars" held at the historic Star Theatre in Oceanside, California. It was the first time I had been to this theatre. In fact, I'm almost embarrased to say, I didn't even know the theatre existed prior to this event. It's always a pleasure to learn something new and delightful about the area where you live. This theatre was originally built in 1956 as a movie theatre. One of the Realtors, Bill Ims, who is a strong supporter of Women's Council of Realtors, had a starring role in the evening, and we wanted to be sure to watch Bill in one of his finest hours! Just 10 years ago the theatre was substantially renovated and it now has a 33' x 40' performing stage so that it can host both live and film performances.

The event was a benefit concert to raise funds for the productions held at the theatre. One of the next productions will be a huge hit during the holiday season -- Beauty and the Best will play November 29 and 30 and again December 5-7.

Bill Ims was a phenomenal emcee. Previously I'd only seen Bill's talents as an auctioneer at some of our charity auctions to benefit Becky's House. This night, I was delighted to see even another side of Bill! He kept the show moving, had appropriate segways from one featured performer to the next. Some notable highlights included Bill's opening number singing "Only You" to selected members of the audience and Roy Woyshner's performance of a medley of Gerschwinn tunes. Mr. Woyshner's ability to "tickle the ivories" was truly amazing. His accomplishments as a soloist, accompanist, music director, arranger, and composer were well documented in the program. We were blown away by the talent of young Ziming Li, a high school student at La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad. He amazed us at his skill both as an accompanist and as a singer/performer.

The show was directed by a vibrant Kirsti McCleary who had a lively performance toward the end of the show singing the Pharoah Story from the musical "Joseph." We also enjoyed the playful rendition of If I Were A Rich Man from "Fiddler on the Roof" by vetrinarian Chris Hoolihan.

There were so many highlights to the show! We also were delighted to hear the violin playing of Amy Cook (of THE Osmond family). She began playing a more traditional style with the theme from the show Schindler's List then switched to the livelier style of "fiddling" in Orange Blossom Special.

It was a delightful evening. Whenever you are in Oceanside and want to enjoy a wonderful evening in a historic setting, be sure to visit the Star Theatre at 402 North Coast Highway.

Southern California is known for its infrequent thunderstorms. After spending several years in the Midwest, I do sometimes miss a good, loud, and vibrant storm. Nothing clears out the dust quite as well as a good roaring storm. Recently, I awoke to a sound I'd almost forgotten I knew -- THUNDER!! Here just a couple of photos of our quick, brief, crackling loud sunrise thunderstorm! Yes, it is so rare, it is a photo opportunity!

Although clearly, I am afraid of spiders, I do admire their ability to create wonderfully beautiful and symmetrical webs. I often joke with my buyers when we tour homes that have been long vacant, that the existing spiders and webs are provided at no extra charge. Of course, it was NOT funny when our smoke alarm kept going off in the middle of the night. Recently my husband disassembled the smoke alarm (after the ENTIRE system of smoke alarms in the house started to sing shrilly together), and a gloating spider jumped out at him hoping to be rewarded for his excellent work. Despite all of that, here is one spider's work......

Although, it's easy to think of Hawaii when you see a beautiful yellow hibiscus in bloom, we are lucky enough to have them in the San Diego area as well. Today we have another day over ninety degrees which has once again necessitated turning the air conditioner back on. We've had some wonderfully cool and crisp nights, but just a handful --- becauset this is San Diego after all!

When I lived in North LA County in the area known as Valencia, I often enjoyed their Bella Via festival in which spectacular chalk artists created replicas of masterpieces on the pavement. Unfortunately, outdoor these works of art lasted for just a few days. The closest thing I've seen to that here in San Diego County is the Carlsbad Art Splash. The setting is in a beautiful spot -- overlooking the Pacific Ocean. As soon as you walk in the entrance, a Starbucks booth is set up to give you a free cup of robust coffee. The sky was that wonderful blue that we so often see in Southern California. There were squares drawn on the pavement available for purchase for your favorite kids to use to create their own work of art. Some of the "larger square" artists were outstanding -- some, well, they were better than I would be. Here's a sampling of some of my favorites. Notice how translucent the wine glasses appear -- and yet they are drawn on black pavement! And of course, what art festival would be complete without a couple of sassy looking cats?

There were also some amazing sand sculptures.....