Interview with Author Joe Truskot.....part one

Today I have the great pleasure of interviewing Joseph Truskot, author of the Central Coast Rose Manual, and expert on the subject of roses. The book is a must-have for rose gardeners, especially those living on the Central California Coast. Mr. Truskot was executive director of the Monterey Symphony for twenty years, just the tip of the iceberg in a long list of accomplishments. So let’s get to know this gentleman a little better.................

What led you to gardening, and roses in particular?.............................
My father’s parents came from Poland in their twenties. Although my grandfather worked in a steel mill, he farmed a small plot of land as well and my grandmother kept a garden in her backyard where she grew flowers and vegetables. As a little boy, I remember playing in the garden and riding the tractor out in the field. At the same time, back in the 1950's, my mother’s mother showed me how to sprout a bean in a paper cup with a handful of soil and how to start an Arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) in a glass of water. I think descendants of that plant were still growing in my parent’s upstairs bathroom a dozen years ago. I picked hydroponics as my high school science project and grew radishes in January in Ohio. It was a great sense of accomplishment. As part of our household chores, I always helped maintain the yard. I have a vivid memory of my mother’s close friend arriving at our house one summer in tears. She had just sold her house. Her husband had died a few months before and she was moving into an apartment. As she was leaving her house for the last time, this overwhelming sadness came over her. She didn’t want to abandon her beloved plants to strangers so she haphazardly dug them up, threw them in cardboard boxes, and brought them to my mother. I got recruited to find a spot for them in our yard. I remember wondering at the time what could make this elderly lady have such a deep emotional reaction to a bunch of irises, day lillies and heuchera. I know now. My Uncle Charlie, though, was the avid rose grower in our family. He knew how to make cuttings and tend his roses which he grew all of his adult life. I regret now not spending more time with him on this topic.

The other great influence on my growing roses was my parent’s next door neighbor Jean Glowacki. She was born and raised in Cameron, West Virginia and always had a dozen or so roses growing in her front yard. I specifically remember her growing a deep, dark red one named “Oklahoma.” It had a wonderful fragrance. She also grew “Peace” as did most folks back then and probably “Sterling Silver,” “Mister Lincoln,” “Garden Party,” and “Tiffany.” That began my fascination with roses. The main park in Lorain, Ohio, my hometown, had a rose garden of considerable reputation in its heyday. I remember going out of my way to ride through it on my bicycle to and from the beach. Turns out the shore of Lake Erie is a great place to grow roses (and apples, cherries, grapes, etc.) because the heat of the water in the Lake extends the growing season by about two weeks.

Fast forward twenty-five years. I had lived my entire adult life in apartments and condominiums. In 1992, I was looking for a place to live on the Monterey Peninsula. A friend said look in Salinas. On my first day out, I realized that it was quite feasible for me to own a house with a yard. Bang. I bought 350 Chaparral Street in December 1992. Bang. A sudden case of rose fever developed. Bang. I’ve been happy ever since.


Please view these videos:
MBRS Display Garden

Central Coast Rose Manual....available on Amazon

Solow Celebrates Memorial Day

It's Memorial Day, time to remember the people in uniform who died to keep us free. We are free to remember ... or not, free to care ... or not, free to thank the soldiers and sailors for doing the work we would rather not do ........... I thank God for the folks in uniform!


Solow celebrates Memorial Day at the beach, nose to the surf, searching out sand crabs. No crabs? Don't worry, he won't go hungry because the BBQ is fired up and the burgers are just about done. Josephine might even share a toasty marshmallow or two.

A Timely Quote from .....the "Father of our Country"

National Debt, avoid when possible, repay when incurred. As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible, avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear.----from George Washington's Farewell Address.....1796

Like a Rose, let them bloom........another article I want to share with you

CLINICAL REPORT

The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds
Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, MSEd and the Committee on Communications and the Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health

Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development.It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them. Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practicing adult roles, sometimes in conjunction with other children or adult caregivers. As they master their world, play helps children develop new competencies that lead to enhanced confidence and the resiliency they will need to face future challenges. Undirected play allows children to learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts, and to learn self-advocacy skills. When play is allowed to be child driven, children practice decision-making skills, move at their own pace, discover their own areas of interest, and ultimately engage fully in the passions they wish to pursue. Ideally, much of play involves adults, but when play is controlled by adults, children acquiesce to adult rules and concerns and lose some of the benefits play offers them, particularly in developing creativity, leadership, and group skills. In contrast to passive entertainment, play builds active, healthy bodies. In fact, it has been suggested that encouraging unstructured play may be an exceptional way to increase physical activity levels in children, which is one important strategy in the resolution of the obesity epidemic. Perhaps above all, play is a simple joy that is a cherished part of childhood.

Children’s developmental trajectory is critically mediated by appropriate, affective relationships with loving and consistent caregivers as they relate to children through play. When parents observe their children in play or join with them in child-driven play, they are given a unique opportunity to see the world from their child’s vantage point as the child navigates a world perfectly created just to fit his or her needs. (The word "parent" is used in this report to represent the wide range of adult caregivers who raise children.) The interactions that occur through play tell children that parents are fully paying attention to them and help to build enduring relationships. Parents who have the opportunity to glimpse into their children’s world learn to communicate more effectively with their children and are given another setting to offer gentle, nurturing guidance. Less verbal children may be able to express their views, experiences, and even frustrations through play, allowing their parents an opportunity to gain a fuller understanding of their perspective. Quite simply, play offers parents a wonderful opportunity to engage fully with their children.

Play is integral to the academic environment. It ensures that the school setting attends to the social and emotional development of children as well as their cognitive development. It has been shown to help children adjust to the school setting and even to enhance children’s learning readiness, learning behaviors, and problem-solving skills. Social-emotional learning is best integrated with academic learning; it is concerning if some of the forces that enhance children’s ability to learn are elevated at the expense of others. Play and unscheduled time that allow for peer interactions are important components of social-emotional learning

Just had to share this letter

Hi Joyce, My name is Laurie and I went to your book signing at the Brewery and am very thankful I did.... I have lived in Boulder Creek for 29 years and know the area quite well. I bought your book, Secure the Ranch, and even though I am only three quarters through, I have loved every word. I am relating to everything you are writing. I drove down Bear Creek and found myself looking for the road to the Munger mansion and found myself giggling. You are a very good writer and find the book to be an "easy read". I find your book a hard one to put down. You told me to enjoy the ride and boy oh boy am I. Just wanted to take a few minutes to tell you how much I am enjoying your book..... KEEP THEM COMING.

Muraling....Part Five

Muraling…...Part Five

Part of the creative process is problem solving, such as incorporating the niche, mail slot, light switch, vent, thermostat or faucet into your design. Remember to take into account the condition of the wall. Allow extra time to plaster holes, prime and paint.
Never paint your mural directly over primer. The total area should be flawless and painted with acrylic eggshell or semi-gloss house paint for easier maintenance...........
Some people have bathrooms or kitchens already painted with oil-base paint. In that case, your mural must be painted with oil-base paint. Remember to have good ventilation with any type of paint you use.
……….. ….Supplies you will need for an average 10ft x 12ft mural……………….
1. …….Acrylic (water-base) paint….usually 6 to 12 oz size bottles for each color and quart size for white. (more paint for very large murals)
2. …….A variety of brushes made for acrylic paint in sizes 00 up to two or three inches wide. You don’t need every size in between. You might try sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 (which tend to be expensive) plus a two-inch natural bristle brush. ( 2 dollars or less at the hardware store)
3. ……..Tarps, masking tape, sandpaper and a two-foot measuring level.
4. ……..Clean recycled food containers and lids. (yogurt, baby food, tv dinner trays, deli containers, peanut butter jars, etc.)
5. ……..Newspaper, pencils or colored chalk.
6. ……..Cotton rags, paper towels, a bottle of rubbing alcohol and some Goof-off in case of spilled paint.
7. ……..Camera for before and after pictures.
8. a sketch or picture of your project






.

Excerpt from Read My Lipstick...

“Oh my G…!” I screamed. Alberto laughed as he closed my window and made a tight left turn that lasted until we were headed east, back to Pajaro. I looked over my shoulder. The KPUT copter was following the paper trail. If one of the empty cardboard boxes hit the mayor on the head, KPUT would be there to show it to the world.
I was so much happier with the door closed. I took a deep breath and thanked God for getting me through a really tough moment. I even took an interest in the landscape again. Finally, we landed next door to El Milagro. Steve ducked down, not that he needed to, and ran to the copter. He opened my door and caught me as my legs wobbled like Jello.
“You look a little unsteady, Josephine,” he said, as if he could do better.
“Too bad you missed the sights, Steve. It was fantastic.”
“Thanks, Al. We owe you,” Steve yelled. Alberto waved and took off. I was happy to see him go, but I would never let Steve know that.
Sarah sat in the VW bus keeping warm. Steve offered me a lift and I accepted.
“How did you like the ride?” Sarah asked, as I crawled into the backseat.
“Nothing like it in the world. By the way, was I supposed to let the papers out over Civic Center?”
“Sure, I just hope no one saw you,” Steve said. Sarah laughed and I groaned...

Another Book Signing!.....by Joyce Oroz

Last Call for Last Book Signing for a while...that's right, I'm taking a break so if you like homemade cookies, books and conversation, come on down to Watsonville this Saturday afternoon, May 21st. I'll be signing copies of SECURE THE RANCH from 1:00 to 3:00 at the CROSSROADS book store on Main Street. I would love to meet you and discuss Josephine's adventures. Ask me about the next book in the series, READ MY LIPSTICK.

Unstructured Play Time Disappearing.......from Scribbles & Strays

This article is floating around on the internet. I want to share it with you because I believe there is so much truth in it, things we all need to remember as we rush through our lives and our children hurry to keep up.

From......Scribbles & Strays...................
The care and feeding of creativity.....................
Unstructured Play Time Disappearing, and It’s Making Us Sick....................
February 26, 2009 in Natural laws of creativity, Play, Uncategorized | Tags: NYT, pediatrics, peds, Play, unstructured.................................
A recent pediatrics study reports that 30 percent of kids get little or no daily recess breaks. Another report cited in a New York Times article today, from a children’s advocacy group, ”found that 40 percent of schools surveyed had cut back at least one daily recess period.”
...........................The article goes on to compare test scores between kids who do get recess, and those who don’t. A few days ago, I included in a blog here results from other studies that indicate that without unstructured play time, kids’ brains develop at a rate of two to three years behind what was the norm in the 1940s. What’s more, they grow up to have mental health issues, indicated by a surge in requests for mental health services on college campuses............................
Stop and consider. As our population has increased, open areas for random play have decreased. As communication and media have become more readily available, knowledge of danger, or perceived danger to kids playing outdoors, has increased. The response has been to keep kids indoors, or completely supervised, at all times. Getting out to play soccer isn’t enough. The studies are saying that kids need UNDIRECTED play time. Time to make up their OWN scenarios. Time to fall off of a bike and pick themselves up again, time to negotiate the social structure of their games of tag and so on, whatever they make up, on their own.
And if kids need it, I’ll go out on a limb and say that adults need it too. Give yourself a break. Unplug. Go play.

A New Day by Joyce Riley

Awake I behold a day freshly brewed.
I am refreshed. I am renewed.
First light has brought another new dawn.
First bird has taught a familiar new song.
Saying a “thank you,” I rise and begin
To live life anew all over again.

Sharing my garden with you.....Joyce Oroz

exerpt from Read My Lipstick by Joyce Oroz.......now available on Kindle

“I could help you … you know … to stop the slimy land grabbers,” Sarah said sweetly, not losing the smile for a second. “I know I’m supposed to leave Sunday, but I would be willing to stay with you a few days and organize things. What do you think?”
“What about your cats?”
“My sister takes care of them. A few more days won’t hurt.” The smile started to fade as I took my time answering.
“I think that might work.” I felt like such a coward. “Are you sure it won’t inconvenience you?” I asked, looking into my mug for help. I never liked having houseguests, but at least she wouldn’t be staying at David’s.
“I’m so excited!” Sarah jumped up from her chair, put both hands over her red cheeks like a dramatic teenager and rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “I just remembered someone who can help us. He’s the cutest little man, but wild when it comes to a cause. He owns ABC Paints in ….”
“Watsonville, on Freedom Boulevard,” I said, propping my chin up with two palms.
“Oh, you know Steve?”
“Sure. I buy some of my paint supplies there, and you’re right, Steve’s a pistol. Sarah, I hate to break this up. It’s almost eleven and I’m exhausted. It’s been a long day.” She circled the table and put a hand on my shoulder.
“I should have realized how tired you are. We’ll talk about everything later, and in the meantime I’ll get busy organizing.” Sarah walked me to the door.
“So I guess I’m not taking you to the airport Sunday?”
“Of course not, I’ll be helping you from now on. Goodnight, Josephine.”
“Night, Sarah. Dinner was lovely.” I wondered how I could have been so easily trapped into having a houseguest. Maybe that was how she trapped David into marriage twenty-eight years ago.

An interview with Paul Fleischman by Joyce Oroz

Today I would like to introduce you to an incredible story-teller, Paul Fleischman, who has written many wonderful novels and books of poetry. You’ll be tempted to read his words aloud because they sound so good……………….. Welcome, Paul. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you became a writer………………………………

I grew up hearing my father, Sid Fleischman, read his books aloud chapter by chapter as they were written--a huge part of my eductation. Without that, I'm not sure the idea of writing or writing for children would have entered my head……………………………….



Paul, how many books have you written and which one is up for the prestigious Han Christian Andersen Award? This is a very great honor...................................

I'm up to 35 books. I started young, while still in college, and many of them are picture books with slim texts. The Hans Christian Andersen Award is given for a body of work……………………………………

What other titles do you recommend?......................................................

Joyful Noise for poetry, Weslandia for picture books, Breakout for novel, Zap for play, and Dateline: Troy for nonfiction would make a good sampler……………………………………

Do you write with a certain age group in mind?.........................................................

I write for all ages, including adults. Variety is one of writing's many benefits…………………………………..

I read The Borning Room. Loved it! The story was great and the words flowed like a poem. Where does your writing style come from?..............................................................

Writers are usually self-taught. The books they've read are their teachers. My style is a blend of all of those influences and is always evolving. …………………………………………

Paul, do you work long hours, or just when you are inspired?..............................................

I've never heard the word "inspiration" come from the mouths of any of my writer friends. Writing is exciting, challenging, serendipitous, but work. I typically write 10 hours a day, five or six days a week. I'm a slow writer. That's what it takes for me to get books written. ………………………………………..

Please tell us where you live and what do you do in your spare time?................................................

I live in Aromas. In my spare time I travel and dabble in music and art……………………………..

Are there any new titles coming soon?....................................................

The next book due out is The Matchbox Diary, a tale of immigration as well as a hymn to boxes, collections, and diary-keeping. It's being illustrated by the very brilliant Bagram Ibatoulline and should be out next year. ……………………………………….Thank you, Sid Fleischman, for sharing your time, information and insight with us.


Paul Fleischman grew up in Santa Monica, California, the son of children's book author and screenwriter, Sid Fleischman. Drawing on history, music, art, and theater, his books have often experimented with multiple viewpoints and performance. He received the Newbery Medal in 1989 for Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices and a Newbery Honor Award for Graven Images. Bull Run, his account of the Civil War battle told from sixteen points of view, received the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. Breakout, inspired by an all-day traffic jam in Los Angeles, was a finalist for the National Book Award. He spent five years sifting newspapers for present-day articles paralleling the events in the Iliad for the book Dateline: Troy. Seedfolks, his collection of monologues recounting the first year of a community garden in Cleveland, has been used in community reads across the country. For the stage, he's written Mind's Eye, Zap, and Logomaniacs. He lives in Aromas, California. For more information, visit paulfleischman.net.

Peacock in the hood? photos taken by Carla Fairey