Don't Burp in the Board Room ........Rosalinda Randall

Today I want to share Rosalinda's blog with you, not because I'm lazy (well, maybe) but because she has such good advice. Don't mess with Rosalinda, just read her answers to life's predicaments.  Her new book, "Don't Burp in the Board Room" is excellent! Here is Rosalinda: April 2015 Weddings, Work & Wine Weddings: Q: My fiancé and I are getting married this year. Since we've been living together for a few years, we don't want gifts; we'd prefer cash. How can we make that clear to our guests without actually printing it on our invitations? A: First of all, I'm glad to hear that you won't be including "cash only" on the invitations. If you've established a wedding website, there are understated ways of making that suggestion. Keep in mind that in the minds of many, even suggesting a "cash gift" is considered tacky. With that said, it would soften the cash request if you also included a registry of desired gifts. By the way, a guest can choose to ignore all requests and give you a gift from the heart. Q: We don't want children at our wedding. I've been told that we should not include that in the invitation. How will people be informed? A: The way to let your guests know who is invited and who is not, is how you address the envelope. Only the names of those you want present should appear. If parents submit the RSVP writing in little Tommy and little Lily's names, a calm and gracious phone call or email if it is your preference, will be necessary. Simply explain that the venue does not accommodate children. They'll have to decide whether to attend or not. Work: Q: I was in the lunchroom, when I overheard a confidential conversation which included disturbing information; there will be lay-offs next month. I was seated around the corner where my boss and CEO apparently did not see me. Since I overheard it, is it okay for me to ask my boss if my name is on the lay-off list? A: Oh my. When you hear a confidential-sounding conversation that you are not supposed to be a part of, immediately clear your throat, drop something, stand up; anything to call attention to your presence and stop the conversation! However, if you did not think to take that course, you must not circulate or scandalize what you overheard. It was not meant for you to know. Now, if you have an uncontrollable urge to share it, clarify or discuss the matter, go to the source. Apologize for overhearing it (yes, even if it wasn't your fault) and assure them that you will maintain confidentiality (aka: integrity). They may or may not wish to discuss it with you. Wine: Q: I enjoy trying new wines, however, not the usual ones that most people seem to buy, prefer, and rave about. I like the sweet wines; the fruity, less expensive brands. From time to time, a comment about my preference and lack of discernment is tossed my way. How should I respond without being rude? A: You couldn't be any more rude than those commenting about your preference. Options: With a smile and a nod, you can choose to ignore it. Or, you can charmingly reply, "It's a good thing there's something for everyone."; "Cheers, anyway."; "It's just what I prefer. Cheers."; "Don't knock it until you've tried it." Something along these lines. Remember to keep it civil, say it tactfully and infuse a splash of humor. Let's chat on social media. Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook. ETIQUETTE IS AN ATTITUDE. Best regards, Rosalinda Randall Etiquette and Civility Consultant, Author E: rosalinda@rosalindarandall.com T: 650.871.6200

Stanley                        Thank you Rosalinda!

Garden Tour 2015........by Joyce Oroz

                                 Annual Aromas Garden Tour 2015

Saturday, May 9th, the day before Mother’s Day 10:00 am to 4:00 pm is a very special day for gardeners, garden lovers and artists. The Aromas Hills Artisans have put together a fantastic Garden Tour this year—ten stops on the map, ten lovely and unique adventures. AHA members invite you to roam the beautiful green countryside of Aromas, discovering the amazing gardens chosen for this year’s tour. Most gardens will have artists in them, showing off their work, ready to answer questions. 

The Aromas Hills Artisans invite you and your friends and family to join us at the Aromas Grange, corner of Rose Ave. and Bardue Ave., where tickets are just a $10.00 donation, (tax-deductable) per person. You will be given a booklet and map of the gardens.  The tour just might be the perfect Mother’s Day gift for Mom or Grandma.

Your self-guided tour might begin with garden #2 or it might begin with #10. It’s up to you. You will be able to read about each garden in your booklet and decide which ones interest you the most. Some gardens emphasize flowers, color and design. Some are big on drought tolerant plants. Some are great examples of raising vegetables and fruit trees.

Among the flowers, trees, ponds etc. you will discover AHA artisans showcasing their work. Be on the lookout for pearl jewelry by Lesley Holtway, three-dimensional cards by Christine West, Woodcarvings by Barbara Scoles, embroidered children’s clothing by Ann Grell, prints by Kathryn Stutz-Taylor, paintings by Aila Outrey, felt and fiber art by Susan Shirley, ink drawings by Bill McQuery, prints and graphic design by Andrea McCann, ceramics by Jane Rekedal, beaded jewelry by Diedra Kmetovic and collage by Kelly Anderson. You might even run into local authors Debra Smith and Joyce Oroz signing copies of their latest books. Actually, I will have all six of my books plus, signed copies of Okinawa Moon by Arthur Oroz.  

4-H will be on hand at the Aromas Community Grange to sell plants and boxed lunches. Representatives from the Aromas Water District will answer questions and offer a list of the best plants for water-wise planting. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions and give advice.

Those who participate in the garden tour will come away with gardening ideas, tips and information and a day well spent. See you there! And don't forget to stop by the park for a look at the giant fish sculpture.

A Fish--Really? ..........Joyce Oroz

Tina Baine speaks about her newest project

Inspired by a large fish mosaic hanging on a wall in Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea, we here in Aromas, California now have our own big fish. Constructed from 350 small wooden fish painted by residents and friends, the Aromas big fish is 31-feet-long and "swims" in our downtown park.

My most sincere thanks go to the Aromas Eagles, Aromas Hills Artisans, and the Aromas Community Grange for their support; to Leslie, Linda, John, Michael, Miles and Wallace, for their time, energy and faith in my project idea; and to all the talented members of our little community who joined in and painted a fish.

My question is, why do we need a big fish in our park? A park is a park is a park. We have lovely trees, a pretty stone wall and plenty of grass. Maybe we have the giant fish sculpture because we are big fish in a little pond, because we don’t mind swimming up-stream for a good cause, because we are a notch above having an ordinary park, because we are creative people who appreciate beauty and talent, because we love new ideas and grand inventions, because we love our town and want it to shine. Would that also account for the chicken-box?

I happened to observe the individual fish being painted by youngsters, oldsters and every age in between. The painters took their job seriously and completed some very original and beautiful fish. But the big fish in all of this is Tina Baine, who took her paint to every local activity, function, meeting, festival—you name it, until she had 350 painted fish. Putting them together to make the big fish was an incredible task, but being the “Maker Gal” that she is, we now have a stunningly beautiful fish swimming its way through our lovely park. Thank you, Tina!

Author Joyce Oroz: 2015 Woman of the Year........Gayle Sleznick

Author Joyce Oroz: 2015 Woman of the Year........Gayle Sleznick:   Today I want to introduce you to a friend of mine, a great lady, wonderful artist, Gayle Sleznick. Here are a few of the hundreds of ...

2015 Woman of the Year........Gayle Sleznick

 Today I want to introduce you to a friend of mine, a great lady, wonderful artist, Gayle Sleznick. Here are a few of the hundreds of paintings she has given the world so far. Not to mention the paintings produced by her students. Congratulations Gayle!

Gayle Sleznick named 

2015 Woman of the Year

By Gayle Sleznick

The San Benito County

Chamber of Commerce held its 94th Annual Awards Dinner at

San Juan Oaks Golf Club, Saturday evening, January 24. 

I have received many awards for my artwork over the years, but being named as the Woman of the Year 2015 

brought me to tears.

The fact, David Huboi was the Man of the Year was

even sweeter. Two artists, very different in

what they do, but in total agreement of what

they accomplish were recognized. 

When Anthony Botelho handed me the Certificate

of Recognition from the County Board of Supervisors,

hugged me and thanked me for representin San Juan Bautista, 

I realized, YES, I am thrilled San Juan Bautista gets recognition from this Award as well. 

I am receiving this honor BECAUSE of San Juan Bautista.

Along with history, Gerald and Mary McCullough and James and Gayle Sleznick are the only two married couples who have

received the honors. Not during the same years, but obviously worked together as a team within their communities. 

Jim was Man of the Year 2006. 

Just took me a bit longer to catch up. _

                                                                                        

Roku Wahoo!.........by Joyce Oroz

Oh the times we live in. As a mature oldster, I try to keep up with the times. Today hubby brought home a Roku. A purple blug-in.

“A what?” I say.

“A little purple plug-in for the TV,” he says, busily reading the box it came in.

“The TV needs this? What’s its name again?”

“Roku, that’s it, one name.” He’s reading the instruction pamphlet.

I guess I look puzzled. He tells me it will give us movies. He reads more instructions.

I leave the room, write two pages for my newest book, come back and find him reading instructions.

“What if we just plugged this in?” I say, holding up the little purple plug-in-box. 

I think about what Josephine would do in a case like this. Actually, she hasn’t come up against this little purple problem. She stays away from electronics, except when she dusts off the old computer to look at emails. Even her phone system is antiquated. No I-phone, I-pad, I-vac, I-car, I-plane….what next? I-vacation satellite?

Now he’s playing with the new remote that runs the Roku. Just what we need, nineteen remotes. Actually, I wouldn’t mind having one more remote if it cleaned house and cooked a good meal!

Gotta go. My I-hoot alarm went off.

Annie Houdini Oroz........Joyce Oroz

Facts of life, the east coast has hurricanes, west coast has earthquakes. East coast has snow, west coast has parched earth. East coast has tradition, west coast has Annie and she lives at my house as of yesterday. Yesterday started out like any other quiet day, contemplating a day in the basement tapping out dialogue for my next mystery novel. Hubby says he found the perfect dog for us. We need to drive a hundred miles by 11:00 am or someone else will adopt the dog. 

I rub the sleep out of my eyes, shower and trade pajamas for street clothes. We skip breakfast and skid to a stop in front of the Dog Rescue Building at 11:05. Turns out there are no other prospective dog lovers to compete with. We are in a small town a million miles from anything—not even a McDonalds in this town. Patti leads us to the kennels where our hearts break for all the dogs we did not adopt. We spot Annie and she starts to bounce. She loves us—we can tell by the number of bounces per minute. We begin to bounce as we take turns walking her around the grounds. Nine months old. Can we handle a young lab? We have already decided we can’t live without her. 

Patti gives us the paperwork, we give her money.

Annie rides quietly in the back seat. We stop for a fast food lunch. She doesn’t say a word. No begging, just loving eyes. We talk about doggy incidentals such as a bed, a crate, food and toys. We have been dogless for seven months and we are starting over from scratch—less than scratch. Luckily Patti gave us a sample sack of kibble to tide us over. Tomi comes to the rescue with a collapsible wire crate. Annie sleeps in it like a baby all night. We are thrilled.

Today is another day—another universe. Annie Houdini Oroz can find her way out of any fence, even the superior chain-link fence in out back yard. She practiced escaping while we practiced fence mending and patience. Stay tuned to see who wins this game.