Tableau Magazine Sept/Oct 2020

TABLEAU

SE P T/ OC T I S S U E

F R O M K I TC H E N TA B L E M A R K E T I N G

GIVE BACK SHOP SMALL BY DESIGN

WHAT’S H A U T E ON THE COAST Photo by Kate Houlihan

THIS FALL

Huntington Beach sunset photo by Larry Tenney

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L E TTER F ROM T HE EDI TOR I’ve been a huge fan of magazines for as long as I can remember, starting with Seventeen and Tiger Beat and then “growing into” the pages of Interview, The New Yorker and Vogue.

I love local magazines the most, though, and have been fortunate enough to work with, and write for, some of the best over the decades — Blue Door, Coast, Coast Kids, Newport Beach Magazine, Orange Coast, Riviera. These magazines have given us, and continue to give us, such a great sense of community and place.

When one ceases to print, it leaves a void that is important to try to fill, even in a small way.

This new online magazine, Tableau, is somewhat of a hybrid. It allows our intrepid team at Kitchen Table Marketing — in collaboration with some of the best local journalists and writers — to tell stories about the exceptional people and businesses we work with on a daily basis.

It also gives us an opportunity to share with you other things we love, and that we think you’ll appreciate. Tableau does not take the place of any other local journalistic enterprise, be it in print, online, broadcast or podcast. Consider it part of a larger conversation. Another voice at a long table of friends sharing what life in and around OC is like at this moment in time.

Thanks for reading — and please continue to support our local media. Our community is enriched by each and every one of their voices. We are thankful for them and proud to be among them.

Carrie Freitas

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[ CONTENTS ]

SEPT/OCT

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06

T h e Te am

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To Or de r

08

Take N o t e

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Of Inte r e s t

12

D o Go o d

26

Shop Sm a l l

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B y D e s ig n

30

Gi v e Ba ck

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F o r S ale

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Fi r s t Pe r s o n

Photos courtesy of Miracles for Kids, Fork in the Road Catering, Amorcito and Working Woman's Food

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M E E T THE STAF F Miki Akil After working as a publicist in Hollywood, Miki found her calling in consumer/lifestyle PR. She is a Houston native (who you’ll always find watching the Astros or Texans) with a proven track record of developing powerful marketing communications campaigns.

After moving to the West Coast more than 10 years ago, she now calls OC home and lives with her husband and two kitties, Gatsby and Fitzgerald.

Carrie Freitas Carrie hails from a newspaper/journalism family on her mother’s side, and a marketing/ printing family on her father’s — which explains why she is both a published writer and founder of Kitchen Table Marketing. She lives in Newport Beach with her husband and is a proud mom of two, and stepmom of three. Carrie is passionate about giving back to her community and supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

Jordan Kruk Jordan has had a love of writing from a young age, leading her to pursue a career in PR. She started off in B2B marketing in the commercial real estate industry before joining the Kitchen Table team where she quickly discovered her passion for the restaurant and nonprofit industries. Jordan is an OC native and currently resides in Huntington Beach with her boyfriend and their pug, Franklin.

Becca Stonebraker Becca’s background and education have revolved around how to tell a good story, something she leverages in the work she does for KTM’s clients. On a daily basis, she taps into her passions for food and philanthropy to serve a variety of businesses in the hospitality and nonprofit industries. Becca is a SoCal native who loves a good meal, the great outdoors, and traveling to new places.

Madelyn Sutherland Madi found her love for public relations and social media while studying Communications at California State University, Fullerton. After pursuing her degree, she worked for a digital marketing agency overseeing clients in the tech space before finding herself at the Kitchen Table. Born and raised in Orange County, Madi supports a range of locally (and a few national) based food, design, nonprofit and real estate clients for KTM.

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CON T RI BUTO RS Elisabeth Abrahamson Orange County native Elisabeth Abrahamson loves writing about her beloved hometown. When she’s not creating content, she spends her time traveling (when it’s safe to do so), wine tasting, and watching reruns of The Office with her fiance, Doug.

Wendy Bowman Wendy Bowman is a San Clemente-based freelance journalist with 30-plus years of experience creating content for magazines, newspapers, websites and more.

When she’s not busy writing, Wendy enjoys practicing yoga and taking care of her English Bulldog, Rhyis.

Kristen Cagatao Born and raised in Southern California, Kristen is responsible for the beautiful look of Tableau. In addition to being a talented, full-time graphic designer, she enjoys dancing with her Polynesian Group, Nonosina, and traveling.

Sara Hall Sara has nearly 14 years of experience at several daily and weekly newspapers, including The Record Searchlight in Redding, The Daily Advocate in Greenville, Ohio, and most recently at the Newport Beach Independent. Her work has included photography, writing, design and layout. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling and spending time with her husband and pets.

Kate Houlihan Kate Houlihan, whose fabulous lifeguard tower photo graces our cover this month, is a noted commercial, family and fine art photographer who also has published several books of fine art and lifestyle photography, including Finding Laguna Beach and Finding Newport Beach.

Kate’s love of photography began when her grandmother presented her with a Kodak Pocket Instamatic camera one Christmas. She is based in Newport Beach where she lives with her husband and children. www.katehoulihan. com Euni Lee Euni Lee is a born and raised Southern Californian. She is currently studying English and Ethnicity and Race Studies at Columbia University. Her favorite places in Orange County are Table Rock Beach and local Korean markets.

Karlin Meehan Karlin Meehan — whose breathtaking art graces our back cover this month — is a commissioned based abstract painter from Newport Beach, California. She began her studio in 2009 and has since founded Meehan Studios LLC, an artist collective which provides affordable work space to emerging artists. In addition to art, Meehan is a huge Pit Bull rescue advocate, and enjoys cooking Italian dishes in her free time. www. karlinmeehanstudios.com Kim Newett Kim Newett is a toy expert and writer whose greatest accomplishment has been raising two strong, brilliant daughters who teach her new things about the world all the time. During the pandemic, she’s been thankful to spend time with her family -- the loves of her life. She lives in Santa Ana with her husband and dog and is looking forward to the time when she can see old friends and resume her quest to find new offbeat venues for food and drinks.

Amy Senk Amy is a longtime Corona del Mar resident and a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism.

She has worked at the Kansas City Times, Kansas City Star, Contra Costa Times, Coast Kids and Coast magazines, published the online news site Corona del Mar Today and currently is a regular contributor to StuNews Newport. A recent empty nester, she spends her free time hanging out with her husband and planning elaborate imaginary vacations.

Larry Tenney Rooted in politics, public affairs and crisis communications, Larry Tenney is an award-winning communications leader who believes in the power of storytelling and visuals. On sabbatical in the Virgin Islands, he developed a love and passion for photography. His images have been published by more than 100 top brands and appear in major print and on broadcast news outlets. Larry’s sunset photo serves as a stunning backdrop to our Letter to the Editor this month.

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TA K E N OT E

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Get the Goods

By Elisabeth Abrahamson The newest (and tastiest!) spot to dot Lido Marina Village’s grounds is woman-owned bakery, Rye Goods. Sara Lezama, who created and runs the company, uses only farm fresh ingredients and encourages others to eat seasonally. She bakes just about everything your heart (and stomach) desire.

We crave her sourdough loaf, jalapeno cheddar sesame loaf, caramelized onion poppy seed bagels, almond croissants, savory caramelized onion herb scones, chocolate chip cookies, peach hand pies, pizza dough, dumplings, and so much more.

Rye Goods can also be found at other SoCal locations including Costa Mesa’s Coffee Dose. ryegoods.com.

Photo credit courtesy of Kailee Walters - Rye Goods, Beachably and Lido Village Books

Next-Level Glamping

Beachy Must-Have We’ve all been there: struggling to keep drinks upright and snacks sand-free when sitting on a lumpy beach blanket. Ditch the struggle with Beachably’s chic yet durable beach tables. The hip brand, started

by Laguna Beach resident Tanya Spence-Spangler, offers beachgoers a stylish way to enjoy food and drinks at the beach (or park!) without hassle. Choose from three styles: The Murray, The Goulburn, and The Esplanade, each with different features and wood stain options (naturally sun-kissed and beach blonde).

The tables can be customized to include your family’s name, a special design, or a beach house address.

With the holidays coming up, a Beachably table is the perfect gift for friends and family. Tables start at $89.99. (949) 391-3233; beachably.com.

Sensational Shrubs In 2014, recent UC Santa Barbara grad Lucas Ryden took a bartending job and while working, he learned about shrubs and how to incorporate them into the cocktail menu. Making shrubs piqued his interest, and six years later he founded Cool Hand Co., a San Diego company specializing in fresh shrubs. Current flavors include blackberry cacao nib orange peel (pair with gin or mezcal or drizzle over vanilla bean ice cream, yogurt, or add to soda water); pineapple turmeric ginger (pair with gin or rum, or use as a base for salad dressings and marinades); strawberry casacara ginger (rum, tequila, and whiskey); and strawberry hibiscus jalapeno (perfect for margaritas, mix with agave spirits or gin or white rum). Shop for Cool Hand Co.’s shrubs at The Mixing Glass located inside The Mix at SOCO in Costa Mesa. coolhandco.com.

Elevate your next camping trip with a stay at Camp Ribbonwood in Warner Springs (San Diego county).

Surrounded by Ribbonwood trees, this luxury campsite lets folks soak up SoCal’s incredible fall weather and enjoy picturesque views from an incredible safari tent. It sleeps two and includes a queen-sized bed, heated mattress pad, barbecue, private hot tub, kitchen, bathroom (complete with a clawfoot tub - hello IG selfies!) and much more. What’s neat? Furnishings are made from recycled materials, including native incense cedar trees, which were burned in the Cedar Fire of 2003. What we love? The pizza oven attachment for homemade pizza nights.

Guests are welcome to use fresh herbs grown on-site to cook or top their pizzas with. Wi-Fi is provided, but we suggest turning your phone off for the ultimate relaxation and escape. Rates start at $200 a night.

(619) 818-9343; hipcamp.com.

Book (and more) in a Box Charming Lido Village Books, located in the heart of Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach, offers a new, special quarterly book box that combines your favorite reads with fun goodies. The box is available for purchase the third month of every quarter and varies in price (average is around $60). Last quarter’s box included a hardback (Elena Ferrante’s Lying Life of Adults), a tasting glass, lavender and lemon sugar cubes, small-batch wildflower honey shortbread cookies, and a recipe for a champagne cocktail or mocktail. The boxes are currently being offered for pick up only. 3424 Via Oporto #102, Newport Beach.

(949) 220-7632; lidovillagebooks.com.

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TA K E N OTE

By Elisabeth Abrahamason

Produce Perfection What’s better than fresh produce? Fresh produce—from Tamai Family Farm in Oxnard— delivered right to your doorstep. Two Chicks and a Hoe, run by Megan and Brooke BradfordFlynn, offer fresh produce and other fun goodies that can be delivered to your home or office.

The company is based out of Costa Mesa and delivers to Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. Shoppers also can pick up orders from Two Chicks and a Hoe’s other Costa Mesa business, Hydrant Pet Hotel, on Saturdays. Stock up on fresh veggies, herbs, eggs, honey, fruits, breads, pastries, and seasonal items such as peach vanilla bean jam. The produce offered online not only touches less hands, which helps to minimize the spread of germs, but also supports a local Oxnard farm. (949) 514-4479; twochicksandahoe.com.

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Photo credit courtesy of Two Chicks and a Hoe, California Sunshines, Statement Home and Kindness Goes Viral (KGV)

This Tray’s The Thing Newport Beach native Abby Michaelsen founded Statement Home, a chic decor brand that recently launched its first product this past summer: The Interchangeable Tray. Michaelsen was inspired to create this versatile acrylic serving tray after living in New York City with no storage space for home decor.

The tray fits various inserts (think holiday imagery, fresh summer lemons, and chic animal prints) and comes in bamboo and porcelain styles for holding food and beverages. The tray can also be used to jazz up your coffee table ( just add a candle and book!) or your bathroom vanity. Best feature? The inserts stack for easy storage. statementhome.com.

Beach Picnics To Order Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night or a fun day out with the girls (or guys!), California Sunshines has you covered. The company, based in Newport Beach, provides the ultimate beach picnic service. Each picnic setup includes an insulated picnic basket, beach blanket, charcuterie board, pallet table, pillows, glassware, cloth napkins, and water. Thinking of proposing to your significant other?

Upgrade your spread with a custom bouquet and bottle of champagne. Cheers! californiasunshines.co.

Spread the Love Newport Beach local Jack Elliott was at home with his family discussing how they could help as COVID-19 was ravaging other countries. They came up with Kindness Goes Viral (KGV), a platform to amplify movements such as BLM, climate change, LGBTQIA+, and more. KGV offers T-shirts, crop tops, and sweats, with all proceeds going to Doctors Without Borders and Feed the Children. Elliott says he wants KGV to promote hope and positivity during this very divisive time. You can find posts on KGV’s Instagram, @ kindnessgoesviral, that celebrate acts of kindness and people who inspire others to do good. We love the post on Amy Purdy, a double amputee who advocates for people with disabilities and inspires disabled and non-disabled people everywhere. kindnessgoesviral.com.

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DO GO OD Girls Inc. OC Adapts to COVID-19, Enhances Programming

By Sara Hall The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a number of businesses and organizations to adapt, and one local group has used creativity and innovation to not only continue their work, but enhance it.

Lucy Santana, CEO Girls Inc. OC

Girls Inc. of Orange County, a nonprofit that aims to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold through a variety of outreach programs, has adjusted quickly during this unusual time.

“We felt, in our internal world, that we are essential,” and many families view the organization as a support system for the girls’ mental and physical health, Lucy Santana, CEO of Girls Inc. of OC, said in a phone interview in August.

COVID-19 has highlighted the strength, resilience, and quick-thinking skills in her team, as well as the need for the Girls Inc. services and programming, Santana said.

They also discovered the passion of their cadre of donors and supporters, as well as how to fundraise in creative ways, she added.

Most importantly during this time of social distancing and isolation, they needed to stay in the girls’ lives.

They made regular phone and video calls to check in with the girls, ensuring they were getting what they needed and finding out how they could help.

“Even when things are so disconcerting, we’re still there for girls,” Santana said.

Girls Inc. staff also got creative with how they provided services and programs. They started a YouTube channel and began creating and uploading videos so girls could watch from home. Videos covered a range of topics, most were relevant to the current situation, like how to manage stress or how to keep busy in positive ways.

The Girls Inc. team also virtually continued most of their usual programming. Team members hosted online literacy workshops, family story time and successfully launched five summer camps, serving about 225 girls just in July.

“We teach our girls to be resilient, so as an organization we have to be resilient and think on our feet,” she said. “People respond differently to stress and chaos and (through efficient teamwork) we’ve been able to overcome.”

Programs (in summer and some new this fall) included: Custom activities, teaching girls how to be their own SHE-roes, Smart-Ups Shark Tank business simulation, Eureka! a STEM program in a modern virtual setting, BoldBots Summer Camp sponsored

by Boeing, and more.

They had to be nimble and flexible, she explained.

There were a few key elements that helped them pivot to the new process, chiefly her team’s dedication, thoughtfulness, and astuteness.

Although they are still working remotely — and will continue until it’s safe for all involved — they’ve found that they can accomplish more and reach more girls using modern technology.

“We had to make prudent business decisions quickly,” including some cost-cutting measures, she said. “We needed to use the resources had in the best way possible.”

“Our organization is at a critical standpoint,” Santana said. “We have to live our mission statement … to be strong, smart, and bold. We want to be around for many more years.”

For more information, visit www.girlsinc-oc.org

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Collaborative Court Gives Young Men a Second Chance

By Sara Hall Abraham (last name withheld) was charged with a felony when he was 19. He pleaded guilty and spent six months in jail. On June 26, he became the program’s first graduate and his record was wiped clean. He hasn’t been re-arrested, has his own apartment, and is working on getting a new job.

This program is a step forward for criminal justice reform, commented Youth Support Specialist at Orangewood Resource Center, Francisco Martinez, who serves as case manager for all 30 young men in YAC.

An innovative pilot program is giving young men charged with an eligible felony a second chance at life.

The “Young Adult Court” program is a collaboration between agencies within the Orange County Superior Court system and local organizations, like the Orangewood Foundation.

“I am a believer in second chances,” said Orangewood Director of Youth Transition Services, Alicia Daddio.

“The justice system unfortunately is not equipped to take a deeper dive into exploring why a young person might have committed this particular crime and justice is a typically a ‘one shoe, fits all’ type of mentality.”

YAC allows them to better understand the youth and customize a course of action for each individual, she added.

The aim of YAC is to support the participants’ personal and professional goals, thereby reducing their likelihood of committing subsequent crimes. The big picture is that the community is safer and the young men can become productive members of society.

Elizabeth Cauffman, Ph.D., a professor of psychological science at University of California, Irvine, helped launch the program in 2018 and is studying the efficacy of the randomized control trial.

“A felony can unfold a perpetual cycle of limited opportunities such as employment and housing barriers,” Martinez said.

An adolescent, whose brain is still developing (including decision-making skills), may make poor choices that result in a criminal record with a felony, Cauffman explained.

“Think of the life trajectory of that person, it’s like wearing a scarlet letter for the rest of your life,” she said.

But they will still be held accountable through YAC. Participants must arrive on time for court hearings, follow the judge’s recommendations, follow an action plan, and practice and develop accountable behaviors. They also have to meet with probation officers and undergo mental health, employment and education counseling.

“It’s two years of hard work,” Cauffman said.

If they successfully complete the program, they will be rewarded with an opportunity to have their felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor or dismissed.

At UCI, Cauffman leads a team in a comparative study evaluating what works and what doesn’t, and how it can improve.

The voluntary program is a unique way to treat 18 to 23-year-olds in the justice system, Cauffman said during a recent phone interview.

Orangewood serves as the social service provider, offering personalized, one-on-one case management for the young men which can include assistance and resources to secure employment and housing, earn a GED, and develop life skills.

“When science meets the courtroom that’s pretty exciting,” Cauffman said.

“The dedication and support from Orangewood have made this court possible,” Cauffman said.

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BY D E SIG N

A Cinematic Twist — Backyard Theaters

By Wendy Bowman

Missing those days of indoor movies on the silver screen?

Us, too. For a different cinematic twist, we recommend taking your film experience alfresco this fall. Check out our list of accessories you can use to create the ultimate outdoor movie retreat right in the comfort and privacy of your backyard.

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Photo credit courtesy of GooDee, Bang & Olufsen, Brown Jordan, BoConcept, Room & Board, Local Fare, Rejuvenation and Statement Home

1. Projector You can’t have a backyard theater without a projector, and you’ll love this compact version from GooDee. It’s compatible with several streaming services, making it easy to log into Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube and more. $199. Available at Amazon.com.

2. Portable Wireless Speaker The cone-shaped BeoSound 1 wireless speaker can be easily transported outdoors, and then connected to Google Cast, AirPlay, DNLA and Bluetooth. One charge delivers up to 12 hours of playtime. Starting at $1,750. Available at Bang & Olufsen SOCO / www.bang-olufsen.com/en / 714 617 5817

3. Seating Once you have the technical pieces in place, you’ll need some extra seating options to supplement your outdoor furniture. This modern Parkway Curvilinear 90-degree ottoman is just the ticket, and it can even be personalized with 100-plus Sunbrella fabric colors and patterns. Price upon request.

Available at Brown Jordan SOCO / www.brownjordan.com / 949 760 6900

4. Fire Table Step up the warmth factor with the Adara Outdoor Fire Table. Designed to be the focal point of your backyard, it includes decorative lava rocks, fire glass and a weatherresistant canvas cover. $3,499.

Available at Room & Board SOCO / www.roomandboard.com / 714 549 5995

5. Tables Keep food and drinks conveniently at hand with BoConcept’s classic, stylish and functional glass-top Rome coffee table. Pair it with other Rome tables for a complete look. $439.

Available at BoConcept SOCO / www.boconcept.com / 657 267 0100

6. Lighting Create the ideal ambiance with coastal-inspired Harborside Lanterns. Crafted from beautiful light blue glass with a woven jute rope trim, these lanterns provide a lovely candlelit touch to your outdoor theater space. Starting at $18 (small version) or $92 for the set. Available at Local Fare located inside The OC Mix at SOCO / www.oclocalfare.com / 714 455 9878

7. Blanket You won’t have to worry about those chilly nights when you’re cuddling underneath this cozy Marta throw. The best part? It’s handcrafted using recycled materials that repel dirt, spilled drinks and just about everything else. $149. Available at Rejuvenation SOCO / www.rejuvenation.com / 714 241 1450

8. Trays You’ll need something to serve snacks on, and that’s where this handsome acrylic tray comes in handy.

The versatile piece can even be changed up with a reversible coastal/tropical insert. Tray, $45; insert $22. Available at Statement Home / www.statementhome.com / @shopstatementhome

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BY DESI GN COLOR G O E S P O P !

By Wendy Bowman

Pa n d e m i c g o t y o u d o w n ?

Try boosting your mood with vibrantly colored home décor that’s sure to bring a smile to your face — and good energy to your space. Here, we’ve compiled a collection of cheerful rainbowinspired accessories drenched with fun pops of color that can definitely brighten anyone’s day.

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Photo credit courtesy of Farrow & Ball, Ligne Roset, Roche Bobois, Stark Carpet, Design Within Reach and HAY

Transform your home with Farrow & Ball’s exclusive new palette of paints developed in collaboration with the Natural History Museum in London. Inspired by the true colors of nature, the new Colour by Nature palette of 16 hues includes vibrant and jewel-like oranges and reds, natural and opulent greens and blues, as well as soft neutrals. Pricing upon request.

Available at Farrow & Ball SOCO / www. farrow-ball.com / 714 438 2448

This whimsical Hang It All by Eames will welcome every guest with positive energy.

Armed with a striking array of wooden gumballs, it’s perfect for hanging it all — from raincoats to umbrellas and more. $295. Available at Design Within Reach SOCO / www.dwr.com / 714 427 0628

Your living room will never be boring with this cozy Elysée Armchair by French designer Pierre Paulin.

Artsy and dazzling, it was originally crafted for the renovation of the Elysée Palace in Paris. $2,720.

Available at Ligne Roset SOCO / www.ligne-roset.com / 657 900 2225

Discarding the waste can even be a playful pursuit when it comes to this dark green and blue Paper Paper Bin made from recycled paper.

Sculptural in style, the colorful container also is attractive enough to be used for storage. $21.25. Available at HAY / us.hay.com / 714 462 4055

Envisioned by French designer René Bouchara, this all-glass Diapo End Table delights with its abstract style. It even comes in different combinations of eye-catching colors, reflections and transparencies. $ 1,675.

Available at Roche Bobois SOCO / www.roche-bobois. com/en-US / 714 557 1422

Jazz up your surroundings with this radiant steel-framed Chroma Table Lamp boasting hues of blue, green, and yellow.

Then sit back and enjoy the magic of ancient stained-glass windows. $1,180. Available at Roche Bobois SOCO / www.roche-bobois.com/en-US / 714 557 1422

It’s easy to transform your living space with this silk Tanzia Mulberry Area Rug handknotted in Nepal. Price upon request.

Available at Stark Carpet SOCO / www.starkcarpet.com / 714 434 0630

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FOR SALE Palatial Perfection 5 Avalon Vista, Newport Coast $19,998,000 This is the height of luxury on the West Coast, gracing a premier front row lot in Pelican Crest, an exclusive, 24hour guard gated community elevated above all of Newport Coast and Newport Beach. The site is a rare, flat +/ 3/4-acre lot allowing for two levels of on-grade living with views stretching from Newport Harbor to Palos Verdes and beyond. Info + photos at www.caingroup.com

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Photo credit courtesy of CAIN Group

Land’s End Laguna 8 N La Senda, Laguna Beach $31,900,000 There are only a handful of truly priceless oceanfront sites in Southern California. This is one of them. More than 1/3 acre at land’s end in Laguna, with an incomparable home perched above a cove with a natural pool that fills with the tide. Ocean, coastline and sunsets as far as the eye can see. Info + photos at www.caingroup.com

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TO ORD ER J UST D E SSE RTS

By Elisabeth Abrahamson

October is National Dessert Month and we’ve rounded up our favorite must-try desserts right now. Dig in!

What better way to celebrate than with a sweet treat from LIT Cafe in Anaheim. LIT Cafe serves a large selection of baked-in-house treats—made fresh every morning—including burnt cheesecake, croissants (butter, pain au chocolat, almond), sea salt butter coffee brioche, honey crisp apple galette, molasses spice cookie, walnut coffee cake, carrot cake cheesecake, lemon meringue tart, tiramisu, cream puff, chocolate éclair, and more. Pair your tasty dessert with a flavored latte or cup of tea. 1071 N. Tustin Avenue #100, Anaheim. (657) 208-3485; litcafeoc.com.

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Photo credit courtesy of LIT Cafe, Paragon Cafe and Popbar

Sweets on a Stick Almost too pretty to eat, Popbar’s handmade, frozen desserts on a stick are the ultimate endless summer treat. With more than 50 flavors, and in options varying from gelato to sorbetto to yogurt, there’s a treat for everyone. All Popbars can be dipped into various chocolate flavors (think mint chocolate, vanilla white chocolate, chocolate caramel, and more) and topped with almonds, pistachios, coconut shavings, and rainbow sprinkles. Our go-to Popbar?

The Paragon of Breakfast Treats Paragon Cafe is one of the newer restaurants to open at SOCO and The OC Mix in Costa Mesa.

Located inside Shuck Oyster Bar, Paragon Cafe is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday – Thursday and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday – Sunday. This is the place to be when you’re craving dessert for breakfast. Start with the puff pastry stuffed with cheesecake and topped with strawberry flambé before moving onto one of the main treats: French toast dipped in custard and topped with strawberry flambé, banana, cheesecake drizzle, and toasted coconut, and the Paragon Belgian waffle served with buttermilk fried chicken on top of a sweet potato puree, and topped with honey glazed pecans and a sweet maple cinnamon butter. 3313 Hyland Avenue, Suite A1, Costa Mesa.

(949) 420-0478; paragoncafeoc.com.

Ice Cream Dream With more than 75 years in the ice cream making business, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream knows what they’re doing when it comes to this icy treat.

The creamery offers traditional flavors year-round such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and mint chocolate chip, but also offers rotating flavors by season, including options like fresh peach, apple, and cinnamon roll. Handel’s also serves specialty sundaes, banana splits, milkshakes, and Hurricanes, a blend of vanilla ice cream and your choice of candy or chocolate. Grab a cone, snag a spot outside at The Hangar, located at Long Beach Exchange, and enjoy!

4201 McGowen St. Suite 200, Long Beach. (562) 4219000; handelsicecream.com.

Birthday Cake gelato and Passion Fruit sorbetto.

Flavors vary by location, so be sure to check the website before heading out. 4150 McGowen St., Unit 12, Long Beach. (562) 420-5180; popbar-lbx.business.site.

A Toast to Dessert Can’t decide what treat you’re craving? No problem!

Toast Kitchen + Bakery, located in Costa Mesa,offers an large selection of delectable desserts including a sweet strawberry lavender snickerdoodle, a red wine fig pop tart, a mixed berry goat cheese cheesecake, and mini pies in flavors like black sesame Thai, sakura honeydew, and strawberry rhubarb. Looking for a lighter, more refreshing option? Try one of Toast’s slushie boba pints in flavors such as blood orange, mandarin, taro blueberry, mango lychee, and Thai tea. 1767 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa. (949) 8735057; toastkitchenbakery.com.

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WH AT TO E AT + DRI N K I N O C N OW

By Elisabeth Abrahamson

We Heart Amorcito

The Tiki Gods are Smiling Can’t go to Hawaii right now? No problem. Stowaway Tiki, located inside Union Market at The District in Tustin, brings the island vibes to you. Show up with your friends and share the coconut shrimp, served with a sweet chili sauce, the deep-fried spam musubi (an absolute must-order!), and the Stowaway fries topped with bacon gravy, rum-braised pork, and a fried egg. Pair the shared bites with a classic tiki sipper such as the Painkiller, made with Mt. Gay Black Barrel rum, pineapple, orange, and nutmeg or the Scorched Pina Colada made with spiced rum and topped with a grilled pineapple. 2493 Park Avenue, Suite #23, Tustin. (657) 208-2088; stowawaytiki.com.

Amorcito, located inside The Hangar at the Long Beach Exchange, serves up casual Mexican food.

Start with the French fries topped with al pastor, guacamole, salsa, queso, sour cream, pico de gallo, cilantro, and pickled jalapenos. Entrée options include taco salad with all of the fix ins, and two street tacos: carnitas topped with salsa verde, cotija, and chicharrones, and pollo asado topped with salsa verde, chile lime peanuts, red onion, picked red jalapenos, spicy slaw, and queso fresco.

Feeling hangry? The birria beef short rib burrito with rice, beans, green chile aioli, salsa, and queso is your go-to. Finish with homemade churros served with a side of cajeta. 4150 McGowen Street, Long Beach.

(562) 420-5005; instagram.com/amorcitolb.

Flavorful Folks

The Best New Brewery

Located inside The Camp in Costa Mesa, Folks Restaurant serves up Italian fare in a relaxed environment. Choose from classic margherita pizza, spicy fennel sausage pizza, or mushroom pizza topped with roasted garlic, oregano, and fontina cheese. Be sure to order a few sides to share. We love the fried chicken wings; meatballs with gravy; pappardelle with chanterelle mushrooms, crème fraiche, thyme, parsley, and pecorino Romano; and wild arugula salad with avocado, shaved radish, and lemon. 2937 Bristol Street a102, Costa Mesa.

(714) 617-4888; folkshospitality.com.

Stanton’s first brewery, Bearded Tang Brewery, recently opened in September at Rodeo 39 Public Market. The brewery and team, led by Brandon Smith, brew various beers, including ales, blondes, IPAs, and lagers, on-site at the market. Order a cold one from the ever-evolving tap list, sink into a plush chair (or sit at the bar if that’s more your vibe) and enjoy the scene. Bonus: Don’t leave without playing one (or five) arcade games, all located inside Rodeo 39 Public Market. 12885 Beach Boulevard #23, Stanton. beardedtang.com.

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Photo credit courtesy of Stowaway Tiki, Bearded Tang Brewery, Three Birds Hard Seltzer & Playa Mesa

Can-Do Mixology Creating a cocktail requires time, skill, and quality ingredients. But what to do when you’re short on time? Or don’t have the right ingredients? Pick up a can of Beagans 1806, a ready-to-drink cocktail that uses fresh and delicious ingredients. Beverage flavors include Coffee and Cream, Bloody Mary, Old Fashioned, Mai Tai, Margarita, Gin and Tonic, Allies Mule, Mojito, Vodka Soda, Long Island Tea, Manhattan, Whiskey Cola, Cranberry Vodka, and Cosmo. Crack open a cold one and pour over ice and finish with your choice of garnish. Available at Drizzly, Total Wine and More, and Hi-Time Wine Cellars. beagans1806.com.

Come Together at Reunion Hard Seltzer Perfection Seltzers are hot this year, but with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which brands actually taste good. Enter Three Birds Hard Seltzer.

The gluten-free, no sugar added drinks are refreshing with a smooth and clean flavor. The seltzers are made with the perfect combination of natural juice and fizz.

Three Birds’ current flavors include raspberry, mango, lime, and cucumber. You can find a 12-pack for $12.99 at Total Wine and More.

More info at threebirdsseltzer.com.

With locations in Anaheim Hills and Laguna Beach, Reunion Kitchen + Drink boasts an extensive menu of appetizing starters, entrées, desserts, cocktails, and more. Start with the cheese potato cakes topped with green onions and a side of chipotle ranch dipping sauce before digging into Rosemary’s Chicken and Biscuits—slathered in sausage gravy—or the Prime Rib Dip served with a spicy horseradish aioli. End the night with an order of warm butter cake topped with vanilla bean ice cream, fresh raspberry pureé, and whipped cream. Share or don’t share, it’s your call. reunionkitchen.net.

Beyond Taco Tuesday Costa Mesa’s Playa Mesa is one of Orange County’s most happening spots. Come for the lively atmosphere, but stay for the mouthwatering Mexican dishes, drinks, and desserts. Our favorites include freshly made guacamole topped with cotija and pepitas, squash blossoms, Enchilada Suiza con Pollo, birria tacos, shrimp ceviche, and spicy cucumber margaritas. Did you know that The Orange County Register named Playa Mesa as OC’s Best Margarita in 2019. Can’t make it for Taco Tuesday or Happy Hour? Make a reservation for weekend brunch and choose from menu items such as chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, chorizo con papas, breakfast burritos, and more. And don’t forget to add a mimosa or margarita because Sunday Funday. 428 E. 17th Street, Costa Mesa. (949) 287-5292; playamesa.com.

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OF I NTEREST T RANSFO RMI N G C O O K I N G D R E AD TO BRE A K I N G BRE A D Patricia Gamboa, founder of Working Woman’s Food

By Amy Senk

A table, a jug of wine, some bread, some cheese. Friends and family, gathered close, of course.

To lifelong foodie Patricia (Patty) Gamboa, a family meal means companionship, sharing an experience, bonding and relaxing with loved ones, feeding the soul while feeding the appetite. And with her newest business venture, Working Woman’s Food, Gamboa hopes to bring a sense of satisfaction and harmony to home cooks everywhere.

“

It doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be simple, it ought to be simple. What matters is you gather people together, to your table,” she says.

The goal of Working Woman’s Food is to take the stress and monotony out of home cooking by helping organize and simplify meal planning and food shopping. Gamboa has created a system with weekly menus and shopping lists that are linked to Amazon Fresh and InstaCart. More than 2,000 clients have signed up, and they can choose from menus that include vegan options, protein-forward meals, Instantpot recipes and more. Gourmet food boxes with all the ingredients you need to prepare a dinner or a week of meals from the menu plan, delivered to your doorstep (within OC), will be coming soon, as well.

Gamboa, who currently lives in Irvine, was born in the Philippines and grew up in a busy home with four younger brothers. As a child, she quickly learned that food makes people happy -- and also could make her some cash. By sixth grade, she was making brownies to sell to her classmates at recess. Later, she moved to England for A-Levels at Bellerbys College, then returned home to study at the Center for Culinary Arts in Manila.

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Photos courtesy of Working Woman's Food

“I boarded up the company and made the announcement on social media,” she says.

“I wasn’t sure what the next thing for me would be, and I wondered if Working Woman’s Food was still viable.”

She hadn’t been on the website for five years, she says, but she logged in, and to her amazement, the audience had grown from a few hundred to 2,200 in her absence. And while quarantine wasn’t great for a party planner, it created an audience hungry for easy gourmet recipes and shopping guides.

From there, she moved to Los Angeles and worked as a junior pastry chef at Morton’s in West Hollywood.

“A year after I worked at Morton’s, I opened my own event planning firm, Patrician Company,” she said. “I started from my ex-fiancé’s guest bedroom with $700 to my name and a borrowed laptop. I grew Patrician Company to an annual revenue of $2.5 million while delivering flawless events across the country.”

While working as an event planner, Gamboa created a blog as a side project. “Part hobby, part therapy,” she says now, seven years later. “It came on the heels of me going through my divorce. I found myself having dinner by myself and missing having people at my dining room table. I was dealing with grief and healing, and out of that, I turned to cooking and to writing.”

These days, the Working Woman’s Food audience is broader than when it began. Fathers, moms, singles – anyone who loves to cook and entertain and others who aren’t so comfortable in the kitchen -- all will find options. Weekly menus are designed for four people, with the exception of dinners, which are designed for six so that there are likely leftovers for lunch the next day. Pantry and kitchen guides are also part of the plan.

The goal is to make the planning and shopping easy so home chefs and focus on the companionship of a shared meal.

“It’s as old as humankind,” Gamboa says. “Our biology looks for something to eat. And when we’re not burned out and frenzied, there is no better way, no more nurturing way, than a family meal.”

For more information and inspiration, visit WorkingWomansFood.com

The blog included menu ideas, and friends who read it would ask for recipes, which she would send out.

Her audience grew, and Gamboa found that it was not just a hobby or passion project, but something that improved her mental health as it grew more and more popular.

After a few years, however, she realized the blog needed full-time attention that she didn’t have to time to give. She put Working Woman’s Food on the back burner and continued planning elaborate events. Then COVID-19 quarantine quashed party plans everywhere, from corporate events to weddings, and Gamboa realized she needed to change with the times.

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SH OP SMALL B IG LOVE FO R S MA L L BUS I N E SS

By Euni Lee

Don’t get us wrong, we love businesses of all sizes! But, when it comes to curated shopping (and dining) experiences, we like to give the “Davids” just as much consideration as the “Goliaths” (err…Amazons?). Here are a few of our favorite smallbut-mighty local enterprises to support this fall.

Fork in the Road Catering Founded by husband-and-wife duo Kyle and Marisa Powers, Fork in the Road is a Black-owned business that’s been catering special occasions in Southern California for more than 10 years. No pre-set menus here—every event catered by the Powers has a custom menu to match the special occasion. Fork in the Road’s meals are always made with the intention of creating long lasting memories through food. Try their new Fork On the Go meal delivery service and have delicious dishes like shrimp fajitas, creamy macaroni and cheese, and blueberry lavender pie delivered to your front door. Fork on the Go menus are rotated every two weeks to keep loyal customers anticipating the next meal. All meals are prepared with the highest food safety measures to ensure clients stay healthy and happy. forkintheroadcatering.com / @forkintheroadcatering / 562 252 6923

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Photo credit courtesy of Fork in the Road, Laguna Candles, Blooms Dunn Right & Daydream Surf Shop

Blooms Dunn Right

Laguna Candles Add a locally crafted Laguna Candle to your home and feel the stresses of your day melt away. Founded

by Sharie Hendricks in 2003, Laguna Candles is a Black-owned business renowned for its high-quality materials, sustainable and artisanal craftsmanship, and lush range of fragrances. Prioritize your wellness by lighting a hand-poured Heirloom Artisan Candle, or place an Essential Oil Diffuser in your home workspace for all-day serenity and intentionality. If you’re searching for the perfect scent before making a fullsize purchase, try the 4 Plus Kit and sample the elegant fragrances Laguna Candles offers. Shop online or pick up your new candles curbside. 821-A Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 / lagunacandles.com / @ lagunacandles / 949 510 2943

If you’re missing someone right now due to the pandemic, consider sending them a gorgeous bouquet or flower arrangement from Blooms Dunn Right. Working out of Anaheim, husband-and-wife pair Billiann and Jeffrey Dunn have specialized in wedding floral arrangements since 2018. Since COVID-19 has put traditional weddings on hold, the Dunns’ new mission is to spread joy throughout Orange County with their intentionally wild bouquets.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply sending a pick-me-up present, Blooms Dunn Right will design an abundant floral arrangement in vibrant color palettes and unique shapes, complete with rustic embellishments. These arrangements— overflowing with tree peonies, peachy roses, and accenting greenery—are sure to bring joy to your friends, family, or even to that special someone in your life. bloomsdunnright.com / @bloomsdunnright / 559 618 7177

Daydream Surf Shop Combining high-quality coffee and handcrafted surfboards, Daydream Surf Shop has been adding positive energy to Orange County for the past four years. Owned and operated

by Becca Mantei and Kyle Kennelly, this Newport Beach staple focuses on providing excellent products to its patrons and promoting intentional and ethical shopping. Many of the items found at Daydream Surf Shop are exclusively available through their storefront, making every purchase here that much more special. The Shop also works to positively impact the community at large; in June alone, Daydream Surf Shop donated almost $8,000 from iced coffee sales to racial justice reform and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Shop their curated vintage collection and unique coffee roasts instore or online, or pick up a cold brew or sparkling lavender lemonade in person. 1588 Monrovia Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663 / daydreamsurfshop.com / @daydreamsurfshop / 949 612 7175

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Kembali Collective Seagrass beach bags, linen throw blankets, handwoven leather sandals—these are just a few of the items that will instantly catch your eye while browsing Kembali Collective’s website. Inspired by the craftsmanship and talent of the Indonesian people, co-founders Melissa Butcher and Erin O’Brien created the Collective with the core value of kembali —or giving back—in mind. A portion of each Kembali Collective sale is donated to Bali Wise, a non-profit organization that empowers marginalized Indonesian women through skill development. Sustainable, artisanal, and elegant, Kembali Collective’s items are the perfect additions to your summer wardrobe and décor. Shop at Kembali Collective to empower women of color and support Balinese artisans. kembalihome.com / @kembalicollective

Local Fare Celebrating a special occasion soon? Find the perfect gift at Local Fare, a Costa Mesa boutique offering unique home goods and décor sourced from local brands. Curated by founder Sheri Metzler, Local Fare’s selection of coastal-inspired glassware, vibrant throw pillows, uplifting inspirational signs and other artisanal goods can be found online or in-person at SOCO’s OC Mix. If you’re looking to enhance your home décor instead, pick up a set of Harborside Glass Lanterns or Sealife Hanging Planters to brighten up your backyard. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, you’re sure to find a memorable and cherished gift at Local Fare. 3313 N Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 / oclocalfare.com / @local_fare / 714 455 9878

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Photo credit courtesy of Kembali Collective, Local Fare, The Collection by Casa Teresa & Tribute Coffee House

The Collection by Casa Teresa Looking for an alternative to fast fashion? Visit Old Towne Orange and shop for a cause at The Collection by Casa Teresa. Established in 1976, Neill and Sally Sullivan created Casa Teresa to provide outreach programs and valuable resources for pregnant women in crisis. The Collection

by Casa Teresa is one part of a much larger system designed to support women and children throughout Orange County. The Collection is staffed by volunteers and current Casa Teresa residents gaining valuable customer service and work experience. Shop gently used donated clothing, shoes, and accessories inside a renovated 20th-century bungalow. You’ll find a selection of brand name items at great prices here—even better, all sales go towards supporting Casa Teresa’s numerous outreach and residential programs. You can also support Casa Teresa by placing orders through their Poshmark account from the comforts of your home. casateresa.org/shop-our-store / @thecollectionbycasateresa / 714 633 1938

Tribute Coffee House Visit Tribute Coffee House in Garden Grove, a Black-owned coffee shop owned and operated by Uduma Ikpa.

Established in 2017, Tribute Coffee House is known throughout OC for excellent customer service, mouth-watering breakfast sandwiches, and their signature Kyoto cold brew. The Coffee House has rave reviews and loyal customers who return for the inviting atmosphere and delicious variety of pastries, coffee, and desserts. Craving something sweet? Stop by their drive-through and pick up an order of warm Banana Nutella Waffles, or cool down with a refreshing blended coffee. Follow Tribute Coffee House’s social media to stay current on their exclusive promotions for the best deal on your next drink. 13960 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92843 / tributecoffeehouse.com / @tributecoffeehouse / 714 852 3005

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G IVE BACK

WHEN A TODDLER’S CANCER DIAGNOSIS LAUNCHED A FAMILY INTO CHAOS,

M I RACLES FO R KI D S STEPPED IN

By Amy Senk

The first thing that saved Leonel and his family was the doctor who told them, “Get back to the United States for treatment – it’s your son’s best chance for survival.” The second thing that saved them was connecting with the Miracles for Kids organization.

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Photos courtesy of Miracles for Kids

“They offered us a beautiful three-bedroom apartment at Miracle Manor, where they cover our utility bills, internet, laundry, and even give us food and therapy,” Ana said. “They also give us cooked meals, fruits and vegetables and a box every month with items that our family really needs like PPE, toilet paper, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. Apart from all that, they also have given us Christmas presents when we couldn’t afford to do that for our children.”

Leonel was 10 months old when his family was traveling in Guadalajara, Mexico. During that trip, the normally calm and chubby baby began to cry a lot and stopped sleeping through the night. “He was looking very pale, with a lot of red dots on his skin, bruises all over his body,” his mother, Ana, said.

Ana was petrified that she was away from home – and that her son may not survive. “The doctor told us that if we had the possibility to go back to the U.S. to not think twice and do it,” she said. “I will forever be grateful to this doctor that helped us save my child’s life.”

While the family now has a place to call home, COVID-19 has caused some stress. Just one parent can be with Leonel in the hospital, which means his father, Luis, needs to stay home with the other kids and miss work so they can attend school virtually.

On top of this, Leonel’s treatments are painful and he’s had several surgeries. He was in remission for nine months – but the cancer returned. Now, at age two, he is waiting for a bone marrow transplant. But Leonel is a fighter, Diana says, describing him as an active boy who loves cars and dogs and running around and eating rice.

Ultimately, Leonel was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. “I thought he will inevitably die, and I was in a shock,” Ana said. “Our oldest daughter, Diana, was very sad for her baby brother and would ask, ‘Mommy, is he going to die?’”

Back home, Leonel was hospitalized for four months and began intensive chemotherapy. Ana stayed by his side the entire time. Brother Oliver, 5, began acting out. Diana became fearful and nervous. Her family was struggling to make ends meet and were living in a converted garage. Then a hospital social worker connected them with Miracles for Kids.

The organization, which helps hundreds of families with children with life-threatening illnesses, immediately stepped in to help. A monthly Bill Pay program covered insurance, food and other necessities. They moved into Miracle Manor, a housing program for families at risk for homelessness, which is near CHOC Children’s hospital in Orange, where Leonel receives treatment.

Miracles for Kids Co-Founder & CEO Autumn Strier said that easing some of the financial and logistical worries that families face can help a child relax and, as a result, respond better to treatment. “They can feel it,” she said. “When there’s food on the table, when there are smiles, that just resonates throughout the home. It’s incredible.”

Ana agreed. “They counter-attack sadness and help families when they are at the worst moment,” she said. “Miracles for Kids has brought hope to our family in very critical times.” www.miraclesforkids.org

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FIRST PERSO N TH E PAND E M I C S HUF F L E , 20 / 20

By Kim Newett

I know the exact day I realized the virus was going to change everything.

I just didn’t understand how thorough it would be. I was driving home from my second of back to back tradeshows in New York and Vegas, catching up with news podcasts as I hightailed it through the desert. It was March 11th.

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By March 13th, I had absorbed crazy headlines that questioned whether or not state and national borders were going to be shut, toilet paper shortages had begun (how did we never have a wine shortage?), universities were shutting down, cruise lines were being denied from docking at scheduled stops. With one daughter in college and the other having just begun a third contract with on a cruise ship, our life was changing by the hour.

By March 15th, my youngest had skipped out on Spring Break plans and was home for what we thought was going to be four weeks, and my oldest’s cruise contract had been suspended. She would fly home two weeks later, on a last-minute ticket from Miami to LAX that cost $18.

When April began, school was online, summer internships were cancelled, cruise itineraries pushed to at least August. Conversations with my parents at that time consisted of them desperately pushing me to find a silver lining. I refused,calling it what it was: UNFAIR. However, our depression became boring so we moved on – my oldest started creating art, my youngest began baking.We played games and found comfort in trashy Hulu series. Finals came and went, my youngest started a virtual job. My oldest’s cruise suspensions continued to extend.

Somehow the silver lining we had tried to keep at bay pushed its way through. We got to spend five unexpected months with our adult children. We shared news articles, discussed social justice, argued politics, created family jokes. We screened in our back porch and enjoyed weekend movies outside.

My husband bought a pasta maker – and we made pasta! My kids learned to cook which was something I was always remiss at not spending more time on when they were in high school. We taught the dog to play hide-n go-seek and to high five. They weren’t all good days. Honestly, some days were rough. Really rough, with moods that flared and uncertainty that got the best of each one of us. But we unwittingly took this time to get to know each other in this surreal setting.

Hopefully, this foundation of time spent together

during a pandemic when we relied on each others’ strengths, humor, and character will carry forward.

Recently my daughter’s university called it – fall semester will be online. Her senior year was supposed to commence with a trip to the east coast to celebrate her 21st birthday and to conclude with a large family gathering to celebrate her graduation.

There will be no trip for her 21st. She will celebrate it with a few of her tribe and that is enough for her right now. I have no idea if travel in May for graduation will make sense for anyone, but mostly for my elder parents who so want to be there for her. Whether we will get to dress in school colors and take cap and gown pictures in front of the school sign is questionable. Yet, she will graduate from college in nine months and we will be so proud, whether or not there are grandiose festivities.

My oldest, upon receiving notice that cruise travel would be suspended through at least the end of the year, decided it was time to choose a different path and stop living a suspended life. She took a friend up on a room with COVID-reduced rent, packed up 150 pounds of life and boarded a plane for New York where she will spend at least a year as a Manhattanite.

Her plans are uncertain, but really, whose aren’t right now? She has a few friends there, a script she is working on, a degree to work in film when film starts happening again, and experience as a nanny to fall back on if need be. While I am not sure what this will look like, I am certain she will be fine.

Perhaps that is the real gift from this virus, learning to master the art of the pivot. While our kids have had wildly profound blows during the last five months, their resilience has grown in abundance. It has been made permanently clear that sometimes things being “ok” is enough. That change is scary but doable.

That solitude and presence creates clarity.

Granting one’s self and our children grace amid disappointment while continuing to push forward in possibly unplanned directions will be the lesson we cherish well past this pandemic and the year we call 20/20.

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L AST LOO K

Ocean Layers 36x48� oil, acrylic and house paint on canvas by Karlin Meehan, 2020 karlinmeehanstudios.com