'I Believe in Pink'

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles." —Audrey Hepburn

Order 'French Heart' today~

'Lively writing.' ‘A cast of vivid, appealing, characters that come alive on the page.’ ‘ The culture, rhythm of life and food in France are captured with authority and grace.’ ‘A wicked sense of humor.' A captivating novel, and excellent read.’

Beautiful, blond 30-something, Alexa, flees betrayal in Manhattan for her best friend Sabine's winery in Aix-en-Provence and winds up at the center of an International intrigue...and mouthwatering French food. Order today on secure PayPal in the right-hand column. Tax, shipping and handling are included for delivery in February.

Our word ‘courage’ comes from the French word for ‘heart’ hence it's the title of my novel and business, too, which will include 'French Heart' brand charm bracelets, illustrated 'French Heart' Provencal cookbook, and 'French Heart' organic cotton spa wear.

French Heart was based on the proverb: 'À cœur vaillant rien d'impossible.' In our Transitional Age of upheaval with a global need for a virtual army of French Hearts--I seek social media savvy, entrepreneurial business partners with a drive to help empower humanity. If that's you—please email me at the address above the French flag to the right. Mille mercis!

World Class Entrepreneur Orders French Heart

I was surprised when one of the world's 200 richest people --ordered a copy of my novel.

Ty Warner is the creator of the iconic Beanie Babies brand, and also owns global resorts including the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara and San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito. I mention these because a scene in 'French Heart' is set at San Ysidro Ranch. And I chaired many fundraisers at The Biltmore when I lived in Santa Barbara.

Writing 'French Heart' after my life-altering accident and just prior to the my brother's tragic death, was a labor of love about hope and transformation. Ty Warner was a 'regular guy' who made it doing what he loves and affirms that in America entrepreneurial dreams still come true. A big part of my dream is the dedication of my book in my brother's honor, and using a portion of sales to 'pay it forward' also in his name. So to Ty and everyone who has supported my dream--an immense thank you.

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Aix-en-Provence

My favorite two towns are Carmel-by-the-Sea and Aix-en-Provence. I was introduced to the lively university center and city of fountains when my son was an exchange student there, and when in turn I hosted exchange students from Provence. I set the start of my novel 'French Heart' in Aix.

Both are at the heart of wine producing and agricultural regions, and strongly associated with the arts and tourism. I enjoy their Farmer's Markets, foodie cultures, proximity to the sea, and to smart urban centers. Carmel is about two hours by car up the coast to San Francisco and Paris is three hours from Aix via the high-speed TGV. Both cultures were Latin based--Carmel with it's early Spanish and then Mexican governments, and Aix was founded by the Romans. Both have long been magnets to artists and celebrities. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are the most famous recent residents living just outside of Aix. And while Aix is about fourteen times the population of Carmel, they are unhurried, vitalizing places that share a sense of beauty and a love for the things of the soul. Like the Frank Sinatra and Charles Aznavour duet, Carmel and Aix: 'You Make Me Feel So Young.' [please use your back arrow to return to this page].

Jan de Luz in Carmel Valley

Jan de Luz is an author and importer of French architectural antiques dealer with locations in Carmel Valley, Saint Helena and Los Angeles to provide things with the 'patina of time and substance of history' that bring dimension to living and spaces. He founded the first éco-musée in France to honor regional crafts and culture, and revived Basque-style weaving. He counts family, history, culture, beauty, quality, and individuality as everything.

The Best of Monterey Peninsula 2009

Each year the local 'Carmel Pine Cone' newspaper stages a Reader's Poll to select the 'Best of the Monterey Bay' in a wide range of categories. Above is Casanova's Restaurant selected as the 'Best Romantic Restaurant.'

Caramelized-Onion and Gorgonzola Grilled Pizza

• Ingredients:
• 
  
• 6 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 1/4 poundz onions (2 large), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 14 to 16 ounce pizza dough, thawed if frozen
• 1/4 pound Gorgonzola dolce, crumbled (1 cup)
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley.
• 
  
• Preparation:
• 
  
• Heat 1/4 cup oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-low heat until it shimmers, then cook onions with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper, covered, stirring occasionally, until golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and keep warm, covered.
• 
  
• -Prepare a grill for direct-heat cooking over low charcoal (medium heat for gas).
• -Stretch dough into a roughly 12- by 10-inch rectangle on a large baking sheet and brush with 1 Tbsp oil.
• -Bring dough, onions, cheese, nuts, parsley, and remaining Tbsp oil to grill area.
• -Oil grill rack, then put dough, oiled side down, on grill and brush top with remaining Tbsp oil. Grill, covered, until underside is golden brown, 1 1/2 to 3 minutes.
• -Using tongs, return crust to baking sheet, turning crust over (grilled side up). Sprinkle evenly with onions, cheese, nuts, and parsley. Slide pizza from sheet onto grill and grill, covered, until underside is golden brown and cheese is partially melted, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into pieces.

Forge in the Forest~Carmel

The quintessential Carmel eatery--'Forge in the Forest' has been selected every year since 1992 in the 'Best of' for outdoor dining ' in the Carmel Pine Cone's reader poll.

Like Clint Eastwood's 'Hog's Breathe Inn' artists and writers have gathered here for drinks and conversation since luminaries Henry Miller, John Steinbeck and Francis Whitaker first arrived. The Forge dates back to pre-WWII days, but in 2001 face closing its doors for good. Then employees pooled their resources to purchase the company and to save a unique and beloved slice of Carmel 's history. It remains one of the most popular spots in Carmel.

Fifi Flowers & French Heart

The mission to sell 6-million copies of 'French Heart' is like being in training each second to run in a marathon.

I am thrilled that artist, Fifi Flowers, accepted the commission to provide the book art for French Heart from my concept. Above is an example of her charming creations. It reminds me of the 12,000+ hours spent on my laptop at my desk writing and re-writing my novel, and also working on UCLA Writing Program assignments. To see more of Fifi's work click HERE.

"French Heart" protagonist Alexa & her kind of style

A Golden Christmas Eve this December

Oscar and Emmy are two Golden Retrievers with tiny parts in 'French Heart' but a major role in my heart. With their high-intelligence, desire to please, and gentle demeanor--Goldens make optimal sight, aid, therapy, and companion dogs. They aid in search and rescue, sniff out drugs, bombs and even early pest infestations on California wineries, which helps to save millions in loss of our state's top agricultural crop and also greatly reduces the use of pesticides.

Across the U.S. Golden Retriever Rescue organizations help place Goldens in new loving 'forever' homes. I look forward to soon having a couple rescue Goldens of my own. If you'd like to find out more about Golden rescue, click HERE.

Aix-en-Provence

The above Aix-en-Provence images are from the gorgeous Eur0 Antique Market Blogspot. Aix was founded in 123 B.C. by the Romans and is famed for its fountains, weather, Farmer's Markets, wines, universities, arts, culture and for its scenic main boulevard the Cours Mirabeau. One of Aix's most famous citizens was Good King Rene--an artist and poet himself, and a leading figure of the Renaissance. Aix-en-Provence is where my son received his introduction to the French education system, and is also the setting for some main scenes of my novel, French Heart.

Cezanne in Aix-en-Provence

Above is a representative lavender field that is to Provence what orange groves are to California. The center reflecting pool is from Cezanne's elegant family home--Jas de Bouffan--built of local golden stone in 1730. The lower photo is of nearby Mont Sainte Victoire...so often a subject of his paintings. Cezanne was born in Aix and spent much of his life walking the narrow twisting roads beneath the chestnut trees, and climbing the hills. Click for more information: Here

Did You Get What You Wanted From This Life?

The Rodney Smith photographs above depict strong femininity~~and what Jackie knew~~that charm is power. Jackie was the heroine of her own life, intent on her own life quality, accomplishment, fitness, and winning. She was a force of will, a fierce competitor, refusing to be defeated and conscious of what diminished or enhanced life. She had clear purpose, a clear course, was self-possessed, self-confident, and held belief in helpful transcendent realities.

Days spent in avoidance are lost...if you want to do things you must be the 'She who will not be denied.' Life demands big hearts, big actions, and death-defying mega-guts. Love the adventure of the challenge, have your eye laser-focused on victories, play hard and all the way out, and wear lipstick while you're at it. Add to the romance of your own life. Live it like a heroic fairy tale. Get what you want from this life. Why not?

Joan of Arc & French Heart

Nothing was impossible to Saint Joan of Arc. My novel 'French Heart' entertains while invoking her spirit to spark the inherent hero in everyone. The story structure harnesses the identical archetype used for classics from Homer's Odyssey to Disney's Lion King. When you go along on an edge-of-your seat adventure and cheer a heroic character, you also cheer on the hero inside you. If I achieve that for readers--it would be the best kind of miracle to me.

You might stay here~~

Villa Gallici 18 bis ave de la Violette, 04.42.23.29.23. www.villagallici.com pictured above is a luxury Relais & Chateaux property nestled in a lush hillside setting.

Agence Augustins www.agence-augustins.com features homes for sale as well as long-term and holiday rentals.

Hôtel Cardinal 24 rue Cardinal, 04.42.38.32.30. www.hotel-cardinal-aix.com is a small, cozy 18^th century gem.

In a Silver Light

Once outside the Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill in San Francisco~~across from where I lived near the small Huntington Park, I saw JFK, Jr. and CBK. They were dressed casually, as above, and getting into a rented red convertible to drive to Big Sur. So said the doorman who I often chatted with while awaiting a taxi or the California Cable car. He said they were very polite, low-key, friendly and wouldn't let any staff carry their bags. I love that she nearly always wore solids. So chic and architecturally clean.

My Marathon Beach Walks

There is plenty to observe on my daily walks along the Monterey Coast. Seagulls are especially fascinating. They are very intelligent and can live up to 50-years. In mythology they are messengers between the physical and spiritual world. They are also plenty crafty.

One day, I'd just sat down at a picnic table at a beach shack when a handsome large gull landed on the table, close to my paper plate of fish and chips. He eyed it and me. I said...'I'll give you a tidbit in a moment, amigo.' In one sudden, possibly well-practiced move, he snatched the plate, pulled it to him and woofed down the contents. He then flew down to water's edge and washed his beak in the sea. He'll not live his possible 50 years by swiping fried food on a daily basis. Cheeky fellow!

Scenes from Aix-en-Provence

Typical scenes from Aix-en-Provence that make me smile as I can see my characters passing through downtown, heads together, heels clicking over the cobblestones, in rapt conversation while completing errands and stopping for lunch...all the while providing clues and advancing the plot.