Pure, Unadulterated Joy

My experience speaking at the Rome International Film Festival wrap-up & #Rome, GA sightseeing photo essay

By Joy A. Kennelly

Recently I was invited by North Avenue Post Director of Marketing, Tracie Kriete, to join Georgia Production Partnership's "Plugged in Producing" Panel (say that fast three times:) at the Rome International Film Festival, considered by Moviemaker Magazine as “one of the outstanding film festivals in the southeast” and “one of twenty film festivals worth the submission fee.” 

Now, for those of you who have never heard of Georgia Production Partnership (GPP), it is a "not-for-profit coalition of companies and individuals who are active in the state’s film, video, music, and interactive game industries. (They do) whatever it takes to promote film and television production in Georgia. You might say that the most important achievement to date has been our contribution to the Georgia tax incentives bill.  GPP has worked tirelessly on the formulation and passage of, what is officially called, The Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act of 2008."

Now what does this mean to you as a filmmaker with a budget of $500,000 or more? You are eligible for a transferrable 30% tax credit for qualified production and post-production expenditures if you shoot in the state of Georgia. I don't know all the details, but you can learn more if you click the link above. I do know it has turned Georgia into one of the top five TV and film production locations to shoot however.

Did you know Denzel Washington is coming to Georgia with Director Robert Zemeckis to film Flight? Or that Billy Crystal and Bette Midler are coming here to shoot Us and Them? Also, Cameron Diaz, Chris Rock and JLo have been here shooting What To Expect When You're Expecting.

Pretty fun, eh? But I digress. Back to the Rome International Film Festival and our experience visiting the city of Rome, GA. 

I convinced my CA2GA girlfriends, Brenda and Anne, and my new screenwriter friend, MH Witten,  to join me for the day and this gorgeous building below was our first view of the festival site. There is such history in Georgia we love driving anywhere.

When we arrived in the room where we would be speaking, initially I was worried my friends would comprise the entire audience, but pretty soon people started trickling in and we ended up with a good-sized crowd.

Here's the pictures and bios of our moderator and my fellow panelists in order of our appearance:

Moderator: Tracie Kriete, MSM:Tracie is the Director of Marketing for North Avenue Post.  She has worked in the digital landscape since 1997. Her expertise lies in social media, search, SEM/SEO, video, display, sales strategy/execution, oine marketing, and graphic design to name a few.  Currently she is on the Speaker Series Committee for GPP, MembershipCommittee for AIMA, Membership Committee for DMA, Founder/President of WIIM, and freelances online reputation management for a variety of clients.

L.C. Crowley: L.C. Crowley is a writer, producer and director with a diverse background in music videos, television and lm. In 2006 he produced and directed the feature-length documentary Birds of Eden, which explores therole played by African-American spiritual music in the tiny Alabama hamlet of Gee's Bend. He has also directed commercials for a wide range of brands including Coca-Cola, Toyota, AT&T, and General Electric. 

Crowley now is based out of School of Humans, the bi-coastal entertainment label he founded in 2009. There, Crowley has executive-produced, written and directed myriad projects including Funny By Nature, featuring Sarah Silverman, Janeane Garafalo, and Judah Friedlander in conjunction with General Electric. And Stu You Should Know, a multiplatform series for Discovery Networks starring hit-podcasters Josh and Chuck. Crowley has also directed several music videos, recently helming the critically-acclaimed "Close To You" for popular indie-rock artist Ben Sollee.

David Warren: David is an Atlanta based producer and location scout. He is a Texas lm school grad who did time in LA with Spelling and Hallmark. In the "ATL" he made his bones producing for Cartoon Network. Some highlights were the Adult Swim Launch Campaign, The Star Wars: Clone Wars Launch Campaign, and the doing time in a haunted prison with the Scooby Doo Villains. Currently, he is juggling commercials, features, and television series and developing three original reality series.  

Joy Kennelly Joy A. Kennelly is an Award-Winning Social Media Strategist, Producer, Personal Publicist and Founder of The Joy Writer. Using her expertise in social media on such platforms as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Hootsuite, etc., she has successfully integrated and incorporated over one hundred additional regional online social networking sites into publicity for numerous clients in entertainment, travel, technology, and fashion, as well as, in promoting and supporting numerous political candidates and social causes.

Joy began her publicity career at Sony Pictures Imageworks (SPI) marketing the visual effects team of THE GHOST AND THE DARKNESS starring Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer. At SPI, she founded, produced and began serving as the Executive Director of the Short Pictures International Film Festival (SPIFF) for four years. 

SPIFF began as an internal screening event for SPI employees and quickly grew into an internationally acclaimed film festival. MTV, HBO, and William Morris agents scouted the films she personally helped select and screen. Many films which premiered at SPIFF went on to appear at other prestigious film festivals around the world, including Cannes Film Festival. She also produced an online film festival called ME Fest for Penton Media which drew 100,000 hits in less than three weeks in 1999.

Joy has presented classes and produced seminars on social media at The Musicians Institute, American Cinematheque, and at conferences throughout the US. She currently resides in Atlanta, GA. 

(Since this is my blog I allowed for a little longer bio because some might not know my film background and I am qualified to discuss producing, especially from a publicity standpoint. The others credits stand alone. I think these guys on my panel are about to become huge if you must know...)

What I enjoyed about our panel discussion is we all came at this topic from different perspectives (branded entertainment, TV producing, film) and together we were able to provide a wide spectrum of information many appreciated hearing. 

 Everyone is so talented and humble here in GA I really enjoyed the entire experience. The gentleman speaking to us above is the Film Editor for Paste Magazine. That reminds me, I need to touch base with him!:)

(I will also have some exciting news to share very soon regarding one of the panelists too! Stay tuned.) 

Here's all of us with the Festival Director, Harry Musselwhite, after the panel discussion. Casting Director, Shay Bentley-Griffin, who is a board member of the Rome International Film Festival and GPP, was also in attendance and it was a pleasure to meet her after reading about her involvement in creating GPP in the September issue of Atlanta Magazine. (Click the link for the full story.)

I also enjoyed the interaction that occurred with the audience during our talk. Even MH, my screenwriter friend, had a chance to contribute her insights on participating in a Burbank, CA screenwriting pitch fest. I was surprised to hear how many people who attended her event weren't even in the business, but wealthy people wanting to get involved in film.

Don't they know the risk?:) And where are they now?:)

Very interesting filmmakers in the audience too. One guy (whose email I have misplaced - please email me again if you're reading this!) began making films after his sister died two years ago. He just submitted his first documentary to Sundance. Good luck!

Another was a high school student who had won an award for his film and was heading off to college on a full scholarship. Many others were accomplished and had produced numerous films too.

Award-winning filmmaker, James Kicklighter, was in our audience too. Check out his credits on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2155567/bio Impressive filmmakers coming out of Georgia, I'm telling you!

What I enjoyed about the Rome Int'l Film Festival was there also appeared to be many first time filmmakers whose films were accepted which we watched later on in the day. They may not have been tightly edited or the best produced, but the fact their voice was being seen and heard was cool.

There were also a few very well made films which we especially enjoyed. Click here to download the program for the entire roster. Many zombie films (which, us being girls, skipped.:) and more which looked entertaining if their trailers on the official site are any indication.

Grow! was all about sustainable farming and was very interesting. A wee bit long, but it was a topic I enjoyed learning about. Had no idea it even existed, but apparently it's huge and my new friend from the panel, David Warren of Maglev Media, actually is pitching a very cool reality show concept on it.   Another documentary we enjoyed watching was Fanning the Fire. If you like bluegrass, then you will enjoy this one too! Very well-made. After exploring Rome's main street drag and enjoying dinner at one of their famous chicken wing places, we popped into the Zombie after-party for a few minutes before heading back home.

Now, if you're curious about what Rome, GA looks like, continue on because I'm going to post my pictorial essay from here on. Enjoy! 

This is the three of us CA2GA girls in the lobby of the renovated theatre. It had a distinct smell of smoke due to there being a fire there a few years back apparently. Beautiful old-style theatre. One of the attendants, an older African-American woman, kept saying, You girls are Charlie's Angels. You're Charlie's Angels.:)

Here's MH enjoying the shops. Such quaint stores and restuarants! She and I met at my writing group and since she's pursuing screenwriting I invited her to join us knowing she'd appreciate the opportunity. She drove too which was an added bonus since she knew where to go!:)

 All in all, it was a wonderful time with new and old friends speaking the language of storytelling. 

Welcome to Atlanta! My experiences with @samsung #Summer Splash, #Alon Bakery Market, @Comcastcares, @comcastbill @ATTCustomerCare #OC BBQ Bonanza @louiegiglio @Christomlin @passioncity and more...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Well, well, well. This blog post has been a long time coming now hasn't it? Upon arriving in Atlanta I had nothing but internet and phone troubles and am on my 3rd phone now, a Samsung Galaxy, and still experiencing battery failures, GPS screw-ups, and other hassles, but hey, whatever! (Samsung if you're reading this, hit me up. I hate this fast battery drain and need help!:)

Otherwise, life is grand out here in Hotlanta! I love the Southern hospitality and the weather is growing on me.

I do mean, HOT, HOT, HOT!:) It took me almost a week to acclimate and realize the more time I spent in air conditioning, the less time I will spend passing out or dripping wet.:) Temperatures haven't varied much from the 90's except for the occasional rain storm when the weather drops to around 80, but the balmy nights more than make up for the scorching days.

To break the heat, my friend and I decided to hit Sandy Spring's Summer Splash and inner tube down the Chattahoochee River with the rest of Georgia. I believe I heard rumor about 4000 people went? It's the 4th Annual Summer Splash and was so relaxing and fun.

Click here to see the photo album our local Sandy Springs Patch created: http://sandysprings.patch.com/articles/summer-splash-photo-gallery?upload_started=1312733492#photo-7202964

It was so much fun going down the sporadic rapids and just lazily floating down a river with the most beautiful scenery we have seen in a long time. Nice people along the way too. I would have taken pix, but didn't bring my phone because I was worried about tipping over and losing it.

I caught this one at the end though. Isn't this scenery just gorgeous? LOVE IT! I've added more of my pix to the official Patch site which you can click on above to view.Despite numerous promises by Comcast and AT & T to have switched our service by August 8, we are still without wireless in the house which has required me to camp out at various cafes around town until August 18.

We dislike both companies' customer service and service overall because they keep changing everything constantly and require my roomie Brenda to sit for hours on the phone while they do who knows what behind the scenes to make the switch, but when you live surrounded by trees you're somewhat limited on your choices.

Comcast Bill and ATT Customer Care help us out here! We can't deal with the incompentence of your companies much longer... Seriously!:)

That said, it's been fun to sit in various cafes and observe how people dress, speak, chat and interact while I'm working. My favorite cafes to date are Alon Bakery Market (seen below, but for the full impact, click the link!:) and Caribou Coffee, which is comfy cozy, and there's always Starbucks too.

Weird there is no Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf out here, but lots of interesting cafes still left to explore. Isn't Alon adorable? Reminds of a much bigger Joan's on Third back home.

I have been busy promoting our upcoming OC BBQ Bonanza at the Fountain Valley Sports Complex taking place August 18 - 21 across the internet and inviting foodie bloggers and media to attend our private press event on August 18, 2011 in addition to looking for work and exploring Atlanta. 

Click the link here: http://www.ocbbqbonanza.com/ for more information. We're offering special discounts to military, children and everyone else too. Plus, there's an amazing VIP Rib Village open to the public where you can buy all the ribs, drinks, and sides you want to enjoy in an exclusive area during the festival.

More details here: http://www.ocbbqbonanza.com/rib-village.php

If you fit the media/blogger catetory and are interested in covering this as press, please send an email to: vipribvillage (at) gmail (dot) com with a link to your site, your media outlet, what you cover and we'll send you information if you qualify. 

Other than that, real quick, I am thoroughly enjoying being out here. I was getting so bored in CA having grown up there. Now? Everything is new and fun to explore with my two CA girlfriends, Brenda and Anne, who moved out before me. We call ourselves the CA2GA girls (get it?:) and plot all kinds of fun adventures together.

Here's a pic from our recent excursion to the High Museum of Art which I particularly love because it's like art is imitating life, or is it the other way around? You tell me...:)We're still getting asked why we moved out here, but rather than go into everything here in this particular blog, I'm going to write one specifically addressing it later. For now, just know the men are friendlier and nicer; Atlanta is extremely sophisticated and cosmopolitan contrary to the myopic belief in LA; there's plenty of opportunity to create a new life and find work; I've found a wonderful writing group: http://www.meetup.com/roswell-alpharetta-writersgroup/  lead by a real dynamo with amazing writers and a publishing company attached; the art scene is eclectic and varied; the food is some of the best in the nation; the music scene beats LA hands down; too many quaint towns and homes to see; lots and lots of gorgeous nature; more faith-oriented people than CA by a long shot (19% vs. 38%); there's always something going on and it's the positive change I was needing.

So much happier!:) And with that, I'm off!

Tonight is Passion City Church with Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin and I need a little nappie poo today after my busy week last week.:) Enjoy this song by Chris!

 

My thoughts on @HangoverPartII, Todd Phillips, #Knight and Day, Ed Schultz aka @WeGotEd, Margarita Wrestling in #Hermosa Beach, @CANOW, and #pornography

By Joy A. Kennelly

Have been wanting to write on this subject for quite awhile, but needed to let it simmer and brew before spilling my thoughts here. This weighs heavy on my heart and I feel it needs to be addressed.

I recently saw Hangover II and left the theatre feeling violated and disgusted due to the offensive content and pornographic images displayed throughout - a monkey licking a man's hidden penis, a dismembered finger treated cavalierly, excessive drug use, F-bombs dropped every five seconds, naked "she-men" wandering about with breasts and a penis flopping in the wind, gross sexual situations, and more.

It wasn't even funny since as Betsy Sharkey, LA Times Film Critic said best:

"Oh, what a headache-inducing, unapologetic money grab we have in "The Hangover Part II." By the time Bradley Cooper's Phil says, "You know the drill," and the guys start emptying their pockets in search of clues to the latest debacle, you'll be more inclined to groan than giggle."

Read the entire review here by clicking the title: Movie review: 'The Hangover Part II' The sequel seems more interested in box-office loot than laughs. (MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY!!)

Bradley Cooper, left, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms star in "The Hangover II (Warner Bros. Pictures) May 26, 2011 By Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times Film Critic

And here's a little highlight from the film you have yet to read or hear about it in the US. 

Stuntman's family 'angry over Hangover 2'

"The family of an Australian stuntman seriously injured while filming The Hangover 2 is angry that the stunt footage has been included in the trailer of the final film.

Last December, Scott McLean — the stunt double for actor Ed Helms — was left in a coma from a brain injury after performing on the set of the movie sequel filmed in Thailand, the Sun Herald reports.

During the scene, Helms' character sticks his head out of the car window during a chase through the streets of Bangkok and is then hit by an oncoming truck.

The car was meant to swerve away from the truck at the last minute but did not.

'To have that scene used in the preview is a real kick in the face to all those who know Scott. It is sickening to watch, as we all know what happens next,' his sister-in-law, Michelle McLean, told the Sun Herald."

Click here for the entire story: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/sickening-stunt-shocks-family-20110528-1f9ha.html

(TODD PHILIPS, WHERE'S YOUR HUMAN DECENCY? THIS IS MORE EVIDENCE OF YOU ONLY SEEKING THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR RATHER THAN BEING HUMAN. Click the title and links to read the awful story. Why is no one covering this over here? Are you all so cowed by the adage, "This is Hollywood and the show must go on" you refuse to be decent? I don't get it.)

I don't normally always agree with the critics since I liked Knight and Day (which I found funny, creative, exciting, entertaining, clean, with beautiful locales... a total escape film which is why I go to the movies in the first place), but on Hangover II?

I agree wholeheartedly with the critics. (Click every Hangover II link I've posted to read a different reviewer's perspective since I was shocked to see how many panned this and thought you might enjoy reading the variety too. If you click the one in this section you will find Movieline's review which I thought was appropriately fitting The 9 Most Scathing Critical Responses to The Hangover Part II)

I read another Hangover II review where the critic said it was nothing more than a rehash of the jokes of the first one which may be why I didn't laugh as much or find this one as charming.

At all.

I especially loved Betsy's last line that she hopes this is the end of the line for such a film unless the accountants have a vote. Exactly. She's not the only critic, myself included, to say this either.

This is not what filmmaking should be about, but in Hollywood it so often is which is why I'm excited to work on the LA Film Fest to actually see art films that have meaning, soul, creativity, originality, and thought, rather than box office goals only.

But I digress.

What the other Hangover II reviewers don't mention, perhaps because they're so jaded they don't see it any more, but what struck me on this film and also in Old School, is the mean spiritedness and cold view of women Todd Phillips takes in every film.

I bet anything he watches tons of porn and as a result is embittered against women and detached from sexual situations that are realistic and humane.

Here's what the UK Independent Film Critic had to say about Hangover II, "The only difference is that The Hangover Part II is set in Bangkok, which is represented as one of the less salubrious Circles of Hell....This time, their ordeal is so grim that the film threatens to stop being a comedy and become a dark thriller with a few genitalia jokes thrown in."

Exactly.

It was so dark in moments it ceased being funny and you wondered why you were even watching and spent money to be subjected to it. I'm sure there are people who will see this film and think nothing of it, but it grieved my spirit to sit in front of teenage boys and realize this is how they will view women as they enter adulthood.

Why does NOW allow women to continually be portrayed as nothing more than hookers, sex objects, throw aways, etc in film? Why aren't they funding films with women directors, women screenwriters, and women actors? Why aren't they speaking out against Hollywood Directors who continue to portray women like this?

Perhaps they are and I don't know of it, but I doubt it. Why do men in Hollywood always dictate how women are portrayed? Why do we as women allow this to continue?

I see the roles and shows that are coming out now and almost every casting call on LA Casting is for sexual situations, sex talk, naked women, etc. When did this become the norm? Where's the real stories of women's experiences? Why are we allowing ourselves to be reduced to only our body parts so easily?

I was so angry leaving the theatre after wasting money on Hangover II I was tempted to begin producing films myself. I thought there has to be better stories out there. There have to be films with human qualities which uplift the human experience, rather than tear it down to it's basest level as this one did.

I know some of you have been reading my blog for awhile and noticed the pictures of certain porn stars I posted which probably has you confused. Let me explain. When I meet someone at a party, I see them as human first, their job second. I may not always agree with their lifestyle choices, but I respect them as human beings and they have value to me as people.

That's why when I met the woman who had been involved with margarita wrestling back when I was campaigning vigorously against it at a party recently, we were able to laugh, hug and accept we held different viewpoints once we figured out how we knew each other, and that was ok.

We're human. We're bound to hold different viewpoints because that's what makes life fun and interesting! What I think is sad are Dems who are so tightly wrapped up in their political identity they can't laugh at themselves and accept others who may hold a different viewpoint than their own.

Very sad commentary on life if you ask me. Life is bigger than politics people. Get over it! It's only politics...

However that said about that, I do not endorse, condone or support pornography at all.

Here's why: 

THE INDIVIDUAL AND PORNOGRAPHY

• Pornography is addictive, and neuroscientists are beginning to map the biological substrate of this addiction.
• Users tend to become desensitized to the type of pornorgraphy they use, become bored with it, and then seek more perverse forms of pornography.
• Men who view pornography regularly have a higher tolerance for abnormal sexuality, including rape, sexual aggression, and sexual promiscuity.
• Prolonged consumption of pornography by men produces stronger notions of women as commodities or as "sex objects."
• Pornography engenders greater sexual permissiveness, which in turn leads to a greater risk of out-of-wedlock births and STDs. These, in turn, lead to still more weaknesses and debilities.
• Child-sex offenders are more likely to view pornography regularly or to be involved in its distribution.

OTHER EFFECTS OF PORNOGRAPHY

• Many adolescents who view pornography initially feel shame, diminished self-confidence, and sexual uncertainty, but these feelings quickly shift to unadulterated enjoyment with regular viewing.

Want more reasons? Read this analysis by clicking the title:

THE EFFECTS OF PORNOGRAPHY ON INDIVIDUALS, MARRIAGE, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY By Patrick F. Fagan, Ph.D.

to fully understand what your pornography usage is doing to you and society as a whole as a result.

Did I say you? If the shoe fits...

You know who I'm talking to.

What I would love to see happen, but doubt it will ever happen in my lifetime, is to see more females involved in more aspects of filmmaking - creative development, pre-production, production and editing. We have a unique sensibility and ability to see when men have crossed the line many don't see because they're so far over it they don't even realize it exists any more. 

But it does. And it has. Todd Phillips is fooling himself if he really believes he knows when he's crossed a line because that line is so far crossed in Hangover II even all the critics are discussing it.

Don't believe me? Click on all the Hangover Part II links I've added since each one reflects a different reviewer's opinion.

That's why I am speaking out in hopes others will too. That's why I spoke out against margarita wrestling in Hermosa Beach when I learned they were filming it illegally without paying the city any taxes and exposing them to huge liabilities.

It's why I speak out against NOW for being only political, not really gender based equality any more when they allow people like Ed from MSNBC to get away with calling a conservative woman vile things with no recourse from them.

MSNBC's double standard on Ed Schultz's 'slut' disgrace MSNBC acts righteous at the sexist slur against Laura Ingraham, but the liberal network is a repeat enabler of casual misogyny

Where's the gender equality in that? Total BS. I wouldn't join such a biased organization as NOW if you paid me. When you defend all women equally, not only those who support a certain political viewpoint, then maybe.

But now? NEVER!

I believe it's an outdated organization that needs to be revamped and rehauled to reflect who they really are, an arm of the Democrat party only. Rather than NOW, they should rename themselves NOD - National Organization of Democrats. It's more accurate and reflects their base and core values because they sure as hell aren't reflecting mine or all women.

I'll never forget how brave I thought the former President of NOW, Shelly Mandel, was to speak on the same platform as Sarah Palin when she first came out on the political arena. I wondered if she knew she was committing political suicide in that organization to stand with someone who reflected gender equality, yet didn't reflect their politics.

Made me smile and proud of her for being bold and standing up for what was right and ground-breaking for all women, a woman running for the highest office of the land.

Don't believe it really happened? Read this article: 

LA NOW Prez on Palin: 'America, This is What a Feminist Looks Like'

"Shelly Mandel, the president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization for Women introduced Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin over the weekend in California, speaking not on behalf of NOW but 'as an individual, as a woman's rights activist for 30 years who has worked for all those years to see this day.'

Going through her feminist bona fides -- the International Women's Year, the Equal Rights Amendment, Geraldine Ferraro -- Mandell said she is 'proud to support Sarah Palin, a woman who will fight for women's rights ... a woman who will, Lord knows, shake things up.'

'Make no mistake,' Mandell said. 'I'm a life-long Democrat ... I don't agree with Gov. Palin on several issues.' And yet, she said, 'I know Sarah Palin cares about women’s rights, she cares about equality, she cares about equal pay, and as Vice President she will fight for it. She cares about our children and she cares about women's lives. She's an athlete and she knows what Title Nine did for girls like her.'"

It didn't take CA NOW long to denounce her though: NOW PAC Supports Obama/Biden Ticket, Not Palin I've always wondered if Shelly Mandel is still with the organization any more. If you know let me know. Very curious.:)

That's all I really wanted to say. It's time for women to speak up and take back our "image" on the big screen, the media and politics. It's time for more women to be willing to speak out against pornography and gender bias in all aspects of life, not just those that fit neatly in a group think situation.

Don't just complain among your friends if you don't like something.

Write letters to the editor of your local papers. Call your congressmen and senators to complain. Boycott films like Hangover II. Make your voice heard.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)  Click the quote to read  an interesting article on the subject.

Your voice can make a difference. Speak now, or forever live with the consequences. 

My news, #Shopzilla, #The Joule, and touring Dallas, TX - Part II

By Joy A. Kennelly

Quick Update

It's been a crazy few weeks. Had to find and buy a car, find and move into a new place, and started teaching Social Media & Fan Management at the Musicians Institute.

Whew! All good though. Very happy with all the positive changes in my life. Now I'm prepping to attend BlogWorld if all goes well.

Social Media Optimization Summits continued

Finally have a moment to write more about my experience in Dallas and Los Angeles surrounding Social Media conferences I spoke during and attended. Here's a link back to Part 1 in case you've forgotten what I wrote before: http://bit.ly/aGqhaT

I spoke during Family Pro's Social Media Optimization Summits   and taught: Beyond Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn: Introducing, Combining, and Leveraging New Opportunities to Boost Your Brand.

I'm currently working on another  fun foodie/holiday festival launch for John Forrester & Associates utilizing these tools and tactics and if all goes well, you should be seeing O Entertainment's Annual Long Beach Oktoberfest in the top ten searches of Google soon.  

Wait! It's already there.:) Well, what do you know....Trust me, this strategy works. It's extremely time consuming, but definitely worth it.

Shopzilla Plug

Oh, before I get too much into everything, here's a fun video of the tech company I worked for during the summer called Shopzilla. Know it?

Cool group of people and brilliant tech business. Here's the employees and management as you've probably never seen them before. lol I enjoyed seeing all the people/friends I made goofing around in this.

Everyone really is that fun to be around too. My former boss, Robin, is the rocker chick and my buddy, Britton, is rocking out with her around 1 minute in. He's part of the talented band Red Circle Underground so this "acting" came naturally.:)

Here's just one of the fun monthly company-wide activities I worked on while I was there. All the children of employees in the company were given art supplies to create Shopzilla posters. Other times I worked on a huge Mexican Fiesta, a Carnival complete with a live camel and a beach party.

I love tech companies.:) Always have, always will.

Here's a few examples of the kid's design creativity of Shopzilla's logo, and what they received as a gift for participating.

Adorable, eh? I wish I could have stayed on, but they needed someone with Human Resources experience which I don't have, nor ever want to learn. LOL

Great company though... One I admire and wish well!
 

The Joule in Dallas, TX

I had the privilege of staying at The Joule, in the heart of Downtown Dallas, as their guest during the Social Media Optimization Summits which was absolutely delightful.  I highly recommend this hip, boutique hotel as a central location for anyone doing business in Dallas, looking for an excellent restaurant to entertain guests, host an event poolside or inside privately, or attend a hip nightclub to dance and socialize.

Here's a quick peek into why I enjoyed my stay so much:

My beautifully appointed room.

The Joule's beautiful poule high up in the city offers great views. A very popular happy hour venue too.

These two professional pictures were provided by The Joule. The others are mine. Please don't use without permission.

 

Meeting rooms.

Wine shop on-site in the entryway to the delicious Charlie Palmer restuarant. Click their name to see some of the cuisine, learn about the chef and the venue.

  My dessert was delicious and just the right size.




 

Here's some professional shots of the Joule Penthouse & PM Nightlife Lounge. For more information and to review even more images, please click on the links. 

They're both so opulent and you'll love what you see! I was very impressed with my experience there and give it a 4.5 star rating.:)

My Quick Dallas Tour

Every time I travel to a conference or Food & Wine Festival, I like to take in some of the local sites to gain a better idea of what the city is about above and beyond the event I'm attending. This trip was no  different. Every moment I had free, I walked, rode the metro, or explored because I love traveling and having new experiences.

Similar to LA's Downtown, Dallas streets were rather empty of people walking around, but I never felt unsafe. I only wish I had more time since there's a few museums and art galleries I would have liked to see.

But that's for another trip. Enjoy my visual essay. I will write up the Social Media Optimization Summits Conference next because I took notes and want to share now that I finally have the time.

Thanks for reviewing!

 

Bye Dallas. I may be back!:)

Scottsdale Culinary Festival, Scottsdale Mondrian, Downtown tour

By Joy A. Kennelly

Recently I had the pleasure of traveling back to Scottsdale, AZ to attend the 31st Annual Culinary Festival with Chef David Linville and his colleague, Chef Jake. I say back because I was there a year ago this past September for another conference in Phoenix.

A very kind friend had taken the time to show me Scottsdale's art galleries during a conference break at that time which helped me gain my bearings this time around. Thanks Dharma! Here's a sampling of some of the art galleries I visited this go round. Love their work, don't you? This one is called The Signature Gallery and Charles Pabst's work really spoke to me.

His collection is called Peace. Can you see why? Click on the link for more close-up images.
This gallery's artists were a little more whimsical and I enjoyed their work too. Isn't it fun? This gallery is called Leslie Levy Fine Art, Inc. 
  I also visited LeKAE Gallery which I especially liked due to the variety of blown glass art and fine art. Turns out a publicist friend of mine had represented them years back. I have good taste in art if I do say so myself.
This is one of my favorite flowers, isn't it gorgeous as a painting?

This trip to Arizona I knew a little bit better what to expect and packed lots of allergy medicine. If you're allergic to dust like I am, be warned that it's very prevalent out there because you're in the desert.

Chef David Linville was participating in the Cooks & Corks event that Saturday which meant since we arrived on Friday, we were free to enjoy the Eat, Drink, Be Pretty party happening that evening --a great way to start the weekend.

Here's a Cooks & Cork promo to whet your appetite. If you look closely, you'll see Chef Dave in the corner near the pretty blonde lady.

Due to my previous writing experience for the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau, I had met representatives from the Scottsdale Convention & Visitor's Bureau a few years ago who had been emailing me interesting information on Scottsdale for months.

It felt good to finally take advantage of what this western town had to offer. And I do mean Western. They have horse drawn carriages giving tours of Downtown Scottsdale, numerous western art galleries and all kinds of western statues, memorabilia and museums. I didn't have time to check them all out, but here's a few pictorial highlights.

There is also a trolley service that runs daily until about 6pm, but I didn't take any pix - just imagine an old-fashioned San Francisco trolley and you've imagined correctly. Here's their routing. I wish the City of Hermosa Beach would do something like this because it's a nice way to get around town quickly and easily.

Now this is a community who supports their Downtown business district!Three hour free parking, free trolley service, and lots of cute shops, art galleries in addition to the bars and restaurants. Even caught a Farmer's Market while we were there.

Very balanced Downtown experience which was very pleasant and fun to explore.

In talking to people who had traveled to Scottsdale before I knew that Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa was a place I wanted to visit. However, I was way too busy to go and also had received a wonderful invitation to experience the Mondrian Scottsdale which I couldn't refuse.

Having enjoyed the hip stylish ambiance of the Mondrian Los Angeles numerous times and the DelAno Miami this past Spring, I knew it was a perfect place to enjoy Scottsdale's Sexy Single's Scene. Say that fast three times.

According to the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau's press release and I quote, "Hollywood “It” girls like Jessica Alba, Kristin Cavallari and Vanessa Minnillo have relaxed and partied alongside celebrity hunks Nick Lachey and Brody Jenner at Mondrian Scottsdale.

The hotel also played host to Vice President Al Gore, who celebrated his win of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on global warming awareness at the urban resort. (You really must click the link to Al Gore's visit for a fun recap of that event.)

After staying there, I can see why it's so popular! What a lovely, lovely, lovely relaxing place to stay. I was hoping to have some official pix to share with you, but since I don't, enjoy the ones I took here ok?

My room, thank you very much. Isn't it to die for?:) I love modern contemporary spaces like this. Crisp and clean. Minimal, just like I like my men. HA HA!

Not one, but two flat screen TV's - and don't you just love the sitting room area? So relaxing, I can't begin to tell you.

The bed was so comfortable I felt like I was sleeping on a cloud. Forgetting I was allergic to down, I have to admit I did wake up rather congested, but that's my own fault.

And to be honest, worth every dream filled delicious moments of sleep. I haven't slept that well in ages! Feather top mattresses make you feel like you're weightless they're so comfortable.

When I arrived there was vibey music playing loudly for guests enjoying the pool which was right outside my room making me wonder if it would be playing all night. Be warned, there is a party element due to the sophisticated stylish space geared towards young hipsters, but the hotel is always very accommodating which makes it fine.

When my room service arrived, the sweet girl assured me the music would end when the pool closed at dusk. Room service is one of those special treats I never get tired of. Especially when the person delivering your food is courteous, timely and professional like she was. My food was delivered hot and was very delicious.

She was right about the music ending soon. I was able to catch a quick catnap before getting ready for our evening out with a quick bath in this amazingly long tub. I'm tall for a woman - 5'10" to be exact and this was the first time I felt I could stretch all the way out and really relax in a tub. Amazing!

I liked the tile work and floral trim pattern which was repeated throughout the hotel in pathways and elsewhere. There was also a shower, another sink and mirror and toilet in an entirely separate adjacent area which was nice because if I'd been sharing it would have been easy for both of us to get ready.

As it was, I was solo on this trip. The chefs were staying off premise, but did enjoy the club and private bar with me afterwards before continuing their nightlife excursions long after I went to bed. Allergies always wipe me out and I need my rest.

Here we are in the hotel lobby that night.
Both of these guys have been Hollywood insiders for years and appreciated the sexy vibe and atmosphere of this property as much as I did.

Chef David Linville worked for the Standard Hotel in Hollywood which has been described as a "Chic Mecca" by Vanity Fair, while Chef Jake throws amazing private parties with models as live food decorations up in Santa Barbara, CA, in addition to cooking for a variety of celebrity clients who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent.
I know, crazy to be wearing a jacket, but again, allergies kicking my butt make me cold. Plus, it does get a little chilly at night in Scottsdale.

I'm wearing what Project Runway Style Guru, Tim Gunn, refers to as a faux fur chubby coat in his book,
Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style (Tim Gunn's Guide to Style) if I remember correctly. Read it and let me know if I got that one right.

In any case, here's some highlights from the actual Scottsdale Culinary Festival Eat, Drink, Be Pretty event we also attended earlier that night. What an amazing event. Scottsdale truly has some of the most beautiful people I've seen in a long time and they know how to party!:)
Our first stop, the Absolut Vodka bar, what can we say? Gotta love an Absolut pear vodka and soda. I really don't drink that much, but when I do, I enjoy a nice sweet drink.
Fruits & Passions Bodycare Fragrances Home was passing out products and these cute bags which were all the rage that night. Perfect for the beach or pool. Bliss Spa had wonderful spa items to share too. The oxygen mask is so soothing and refreshing.

 
Sexy devil, isn't he ladies? Whoops, did I just say that? I am his publicist after all. Guess I'm supposed to say that, but glad I mean it.
Lots of fashion shows going on inside and outside on the premises which was fun to watch.
And of course, wine tasting and dining. I liked this "New Age" wine the best because it was sweet and carbonated - an adult pop. My mom's from Ohio, can you tell?
Upon arrival you were given this plastic plate with attached cutlery and this cute souvenir wine glass you used throughout the evening while marking off the biz card with the amount of wine you had enjoyed.

These two women were the most unflappable organizers I've ever met. Kudos to you two for pulling off such a wonderful event with such gracious smiles and spirt.

On the way out we all received a beautiful red rose and program. Here's a close up for your viewing pleasure.

Here's some highlights from the next day too. This was the calm before the storm. Imagine it packed with people later on all wining and dining and you will be right.


Chef David Linville prepared CA Style Gazpacho. This weekend, he will be appearing at Grand Food & Wine Affair in Houston, TX. I make sure he keeps a busy schedule!

Back to the Scottsdale Mondrian. The next day I woke up early and decided to start my day by taking advantage of the Olympic size pool. Isn't this wonderful? I basically had it all to myself except for two business men discussing stocks in the hot tub and we mutually ignored each other.

Too early to schmooze and it's understood you want privacy when you stay at a place like this which is why I enjoyed my experience there so much.
This cabana space beats any I've seen at any of the luxury hotels I've visited in Hollywood hands down. Fireplace, flat screen TV anyone?
Later on in the day, I'm sure this would have been packed with guests, but for that moment in time, it was all mine. Pure relaxation and so peaceful. I loved it.
After swimming a few laps, showering and packing up, I went down to enjoy breakfast at the restaurant on site.
Here's a little tour to the restaurant.
Care for a ride? Numerous sports cars were lined up last night because this was the place to be after the Eat, Drink and Be Pretty event. We saw quite a few people from that event had wandered over as we were leaving.
Just outside the front lobby. Isn't that inviting? I enjoyed the pink and Western accents throughout the lobby too.


I loved how this room glowed with a soft pink light. So welcoming and sexy!
And for a completely different motif, check out the restaurant. I believe it's Asia de Cuba, but am afraid I forget which one I visited. Isn't it fun?
I didn't see anyone famous while staying there, but that wasn't the reason I chose to stay here. I appreciate quality, excellence and exquisite surroundings which this property definitely offers. The food was delicious and the ambiance perfect.

I would wager to say, almost more than my local LA version, but having never stayed there, only attended private parties, I can't say for sure.

Maybe that will be my next visit....

Here's some highlights of our drive home. The scenery is visually stunning, although have to admit after awhile it begins to all look the same. That said, I thought some of you who have never driven this route might appreciate seeing this great land through my eyes.

  We didn't have time to stop and visit, but there is a General George S. Patton Museum out in the middle of nowhere you might want to catch. Apparently, the cafe next door is where Chef Anthony Bourdain stopped during one of his road trip shows.

Could be a fun rest stop. We wouldn't know, although we did share some food there.
There are windmills as far as the eye can see in certain sections of the freeway. If you can believe it, I took these pix while driving because we were only going 20 mph since Coachella was happening that weekend nearby too. Everyone was driving home at the same time. We made pretty good time considering the amount of people who attend that music festival each year.

Finally, we arrived in Los Angeles and were greeted by the most amazing sunset. (For the record, I did not take these pix. lol) I love LA. No matter where I travel and live, I will always call California home.

Questionable Politicians, taxation problems and all.:) That's all.

I hope you've enjoyed my tour of Scottsdale, AZ and have been enticed to visit this fascinating desert community. It's a quick getaway from Los Angeles and worth at least vacationing there once in your lifetime.

Have a good evening everyone. Thanks for stopping by. If you do stay at the Mondrian, tell 'em Joy sent you.:)

Highlights from DC Trip for the Inauguration - in no particular order

By Joy A. Kennelly

First art I saw in DC by Artist, GA Gardner.

That one painting of Obama reminded me of a cross between Bill Cosby and Obama.:)

 

More to come soon. Have a good one.

It's good to get out of the Hood! (Hermosa Beach hood that is...)

By Joy A. Kennelly

My back has been out of commission for so long I haven't been able to leave Hermosa Beach or the South Bay for weeks. Never realized how important the escape was until this past week.

Ventured down to the Santa Monica Pier to catch their free concerts on the pier, but just wasn't feeling the music. Some Italian woman was singing soulful, sad sounding songs by the time we got there. We enjoyed the rasta band playing in Rusty's Surf Ranch on the Pier so much more!

Even the armless guy playing guitar with his toes begging for money on the sidewalk was better in our minds. Sad, but true.

I had grabbed a friend for company and we ended up taking quite a nice little tour of Santa Monica Pier. Here's me on the beach.
It had been so long since I'd been to the pier, I didn't even know there was a Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant there!

That was fun to check out. I bought a t-shirt for my son (who lives with his adoptive parents in DC) and then we flitted in and out of a couple places to check out the scene. Loved the bathroom mosaic tilework at Shutters Hotel on the Beach.

Here's us goofing around inside. What's the guys bathroom like? 

Also, the decorations at Casa Del Mar - two of my absolute favorite places in Santa Monica to hang out, meet people for drinks, enjoy a nice meal and conversation, or just read. 

 
 

I love nice hotels even when I don't stay there, but just visit. We really felt like we were on vacation because we'd both been cooped up for a bit - her with a cold and me with my back.

Good to get out is all I have to say.

Then my friend/client, Arlene, was very sweet and treated me to high tea at my favorite Beverly Hills hotel - The Four Seasons on Doheny. Recognize these stars? lol We did see an actor there, but everyone's famous in BH, so who cares right? Just kidding. I don't know what it is about that place, but it's my favorite hang. Plus, their high tea is really, really wonderful. We had a great time catching up and she was busting a gut at some of my recent pix which made me happy.

Isn't the elevator tilework pretty? I'm a sucker for good artistry.

Popped over to visit my married Cougar friend Shana afterwards for a quick minute who informed me this morning after going out last night with her friends some 27 year old is after her now. We crack each other up with our young guy tales. She's very happily married and I just like to have fun with the whole concept.

My friend Adrienne keeps telling me I should pitch a cougar reality show, but I figure if I'm that interesting, people will find me. Plus, do I really want superficial, sex-driven, go nowhere relationships showcased on TV? Not really. I just like goofing around and being silly. Helps break up the stress of real life. LOL I'm ready for my close-up Mr. DeMille!
Okay, that's all the fun recap for now.

Please pray for my friend Deborah's dad who's in surgery today from 12-5pm. It's extremely serious and he could die. Sorry for the downer, but sometimes life interrupts and requires a quiet moment, or two. Thanks for your prayers. She's very scared for him. Me too.

Now this really is good day.

Enjoy yourselves! And pray for Deborah's dad!

Joy Kennelly's Surfrider Fdn promotion & Miami photo blog coverage for your review.

This is an old blog post I wrote in June '08, and in reading it again I realized it is a showcase of what I have done in the past to promote clients through blogging and provide photo essay examples of my travel coverage as well.

I've edited out other information to make this focused on topics I support and love- i.e. Surfrider Foundation and art in Miami.

Enjoy the read.

By Joy A. Kennelly

Ever since returning from Miami I've been going through something of a life/career transition. While vacationing I had the epiphany that although I will always love art and am still open to representing artists, it's not what I want to focus my entire business on any more.

With the economy the way it is...

Here's a quote from a recent NY Times article entitled: Gatekeepers to the Art World, "As contemporary art’s Armory Show in New York concludes this weekend and the auctions unfold later this spring, many are watching to see what impact the sliding economy will have on the art market.

Mary Parr, a director at Cheim & Read in Chelsea, noted that if real estate slows noticeably, the art market follows suit about six months later. High-end collectors, she said, 'don’t get affected as quickly.'

A springtime thaw in prices may well trickle down to the gallery’s front desk. When the public, perhaps of necessity transformed into eligible customers, pushes open those chilly opaque doors, will gallerinas finally look up and smile?"

Click the link here for the entire article. VEERRRRRYYYY Interesting.

That's all I'll say about that. Plus, the other reason to go back to a more diverse client roster is I miss the variety I've always enjoyed. There's something to be said for being a generalist or jack of all trades. I still love artists though! Art rules!

Oh, and since you've been so patient, here's some of my architecture and art pictures from my vacation in Miami, FL.

I've been very busy with producing another event for my South Bay Professional Connection starring Hermosa Beach's own amazing Chef David Linville of The Shore Restaurant, and TVLand's She's Got the Look Finalist, Melissa Todd, a native of Redondo Beach, CA (she's the tall blonde sitting down wearing a black dress to the left of Kim Alexis.) which will benefit Surfrider Foundation. More details soon.

Now here's Miami and South Beach... I recommend hitting the Jewish Holocaust Memorial, Bass Museum of Art, Ocean Drive (of course! I especially loved visiting Ritz Carlton and the Delano), the Miami Design District and the Lincoln Road art and cafe scene. Very cool.

Enjoy!

Hermosa Beach - Fun and Food

By Joy A. Kennelly

You know what I love best about Hermosa Beach? The ocean.

I love that I can go down to the surf and walk along with the crashing waves while dodging piles of seaweed and the incoming tide. I love seeing the sandpipers digging in the foamy water that glides across the sand in rhythmic motion.

I also love being alone with my thoughts except for the occasional jogger or walker who also wants to get away from the crowds on the strand and thus ignores me, as I do them. I love being able to look out over the expanse of the ocean and feel like it never ends. And how small I feel.

I love the smell of the sea, the feel of the cold water covering my body as I inch myself out to catch a wave willing myself to not be cold and adjust to the temperature to allow me to dive under the next big one that threatens to crash on top of me.

I love sitting on empty, closed lifeguard stations just watching the waves crash while the sun sets and thinking about my life and what's next.

I love that during the winter it's like it's only my beach and only locals enjoy it with me. I love that there's always a pick up volleyball happening somewhere with people sitting around enjoying the day as I pass by doing the same.

I love that people express themselves in different ways and it's all good.

I love the variety of homes you see as you look back on the strand to find out where you are, or how far you've come or have to go.

I love that along the strand there are no tract homes, only unique, individualistic expressions of the home owners. I love that wood shingle houses are still around since that's what I grew up living in when we lived on the strand as a child in Manhattan Beach.


I also love all the beach cottages, mansions, and interesting stone homes you find as you walk along.

   
See what I mean? Recognize any? :)

                                                                                          

I also love the little cute restaurants we have that people probably don't even know about. 

Let me introduce you to some that have great food and really are restaurants, not bars - since we do have places that serve food with their alcohol or smoothies.:)

In no particular order... All price ranges, all types of food, all styles of dining from casual to cafes to vegetarian to Italian to American to very nice (some even have 5 star rating!) all over Hermosa Beach. Have you been? Aren't some of them adorable? And Yummy!   

That's all for now. Next, Hermosa Beach's Fashion and Fitness and more fun...

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

Pix from GenArt, Fashion Week, Cambria & Big Sur - Finally!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Finally uploaded all my pix and have them ready to be seen. Just know, this is a new camera, I haven't read the owner's manual and as a result, some of the pix aren't the best quality, but others are wonderful (if I d say so myself. LOL) Enjoy my picture diary!

Okay, here's a bad one, but at least now you know what I meant by the stationary fashion show at GenArt's recent event. I had taken a bunch of other pics, but ended up deleting them to accommodate my scenery shots up north.

This girl totally reminded me of Kate Bosworth, doesn't she? These was real rain droplets and I thought it was such a clever display.

One of my good friends, Lana, and her brother, Erwin I believe, joined us at the GenArt event which was a lot of fun. I always have a great time with both of them!

 
My good friends, Lana and Melinda, joined me at the GenArt event. Oy vey! I look so pregnant and I'm so not, but boy do I feel comfortable wearing this top. Got to buy a belt.

Lana has some crazy pants just like me. Now my pants have someone to go out with on the town! LOL

Here's one of the shows I caught during LA Fashion Week by Joseph Domingo. I always love to see what the hair stylists will create to go with the clothes as much as I enjoy the fashion.

Is this wild hair or what? This is what the runway looks like at the end. This show had some really pretty dresses with unusual adornments and piping which I liked.

Sorry, had more, but again, deleted them to find space for my vacation pix since I forgot to buy a larger memory card. My bad!

This was the first place I walked to in Cambria because it sounded so unusual... Nitt Witt Ridge. Don't you agree? Of course, it didn't open till 10am and I was there much earlier. Next time I'll take a tour.

This trip, it was Hearst Castle tours instead.

This is the view from the top of Hearst Castle. Again, wish I had a telephoto lens, but I think you grasp a little of the splendor of the view right?

This is one of the side entrances to the castle. Can you believe it? How grand!

This is the first pool you come to and it's called Neptune's Pool. Once a year all the staff get to enjoy a huge pool party where they can invite their friends up to enjoy spending time with them.

A lot of the surrounding statues were especially created for Mr. Hearst and shipped in from Italy and all over the world. See the man standing in the top? Apparently, when this statue arrived it was too big so they chopped off his feet to fit it inside that area! Isn't that funny.

Also, if I'm remembering correctly, Mr. Getty copied a lot of what Mr. Hearst did with his smaller museum over in Malibu. Oh, those rich people. Always trying to keep up with one another.:)

Wouldn't you just love to swim here? Absolutely stunning.

Here's another shot of the same pool, but looking back up towards the castle itself. So regal, I just loved it! The stark white of the statues contrasts so beautifully with the clear water and blue tiles of the pool.

This is just one of the many gardens Mr. Hearst had planted. The building you see behind was one of the guest houses he built for guests that weren't invited to stay in the "big house," but enjoyed a beautiful setting nonetheless.

What I found fascinating is that every plant and trees were brought into this area and weren't here normally. What an undertaking and how beautiful now.

This the main Hearst Castle entrance. I thought my shot of this was unique, but as I look up the information, it's so not. Oh well, I tried.:)

It's nice though, right?

Here's another one straight on...

Isn't the color of the sky incredible? I did not digitally enhance it either. Just naturally beautiful. The balcony is where Mr. Hearst would watch his guests having fun. What I thought was so funny is that he was really against unmarried couples shacking up together, but personally kept a mistress for 34 years.

Her name was Marion Davies and they had adjoining rooms on the third floor where no one else was allowed to enter. I enjoyed my Tour #2 because then we toured that area also. Lots of small, winding staircases with small rooms and lots of beautiful furnishings.

Click here for some of the amazing statistics and an overview of the entire Castle property.

Here's some examples of the furnishings and his extensive art collection. Sorry this one is blurry, but you weren't allowed to use a flash. The ceilings and wall coverings were over the top too!

Isn't this just so delicate and feminine? If I could have taken t with me, I would have.:) I love pink.

This is the master dining room where everyone ate together. Again, sorry it's so blurry. According to our fast talking gay tour guide (why do they love this job so much? Just kidding. It's a gay man's dream! LOL), the longer that you stayed at Hearst Castle, the farther you would be seated away from Mr. Hearst who sat in the middle across from Marion.

One of the famous old time stars, either Carey Grant or someone else who I've forgotten, said if he was sat any further away he'd be sitting outside! One of those stars was invited back 40 times. Others were never invited back.

Oh, another interesting character twist of Mr. Hearst is that he hated his guests to get drunk. Sound familiar? HA!

He would lock up the liquor cabinet until the evening to make sure he kept things under control. Isn't that funny? I bet some  old time alcoholics weren't too happy about having their booze controlled once they realized they'd have to wait to imbibe. LOL Maybe some began packing their own just in case...:)

Tour number 1 takes you to Mr. Hearst's huge private theatre. Just like one of the grand theatres you would see Downtown LA today. Very ornate and gaudy.

This statue is one of many that graced the walls to help with acoustics I believe. We were able to enjoy home movies playing on the big screen in this room.

Mr. Hearst, because he owned so many newspapers, was always receiving films ahead of the general public and began throwing his lavish parties to entice people to drive the four hours up from LA to sit and review them with him.

Oftentimes many of the actors, actresses, directors and writers of the films were included. There was a whole mezzanine floor with shared bedrooms set up just for starlets to stay in so the gentlemen would have pleasant female  company while visiting. What that life must have been like back then. Can you imagine?

Actress Katherine Hepburn has been quoted as saying her one regret is that she didn't take up Mr. Hearst's offer to come visit his "little ranch." Now do you see why?

Both tours I took ended up in this amazing Roman style inside covered pool room. Now according to my outspoken first tour guide, oftentimes midnight love trysts occurred in the steam room. A note slipped into a pocket, a furtive glance and the next thing you know...

The bottom of the pool, although flat, creates an optical illusion and looks curved when you look straight into it. Just directly above the lamp in the foreground is a ledge where people could dive into the 10 foot deep part of the pool.

What I loved about the National Geographic movie, Hearst Castle Building the Dream which is part of Tour 1 is that it follows one starlets experience staying there and you see the place come alive with action.

You also follow little Hearst as he travels with his mother when he's only 10 years old all over Europe where art first captures his heart. Apparently, he wanted his Dad to buy the Louvre after visiting France. His mother had a great deal of influence over him and when his father died, he left his entire estate to his wife since he knew young William would squander his fortune.

Thus, when William wanted to buy something, he would have to ask his mother's permission and she would use that opportunity to make him stop dating some undesirable woman, or give up something in exchange.

Some tour guides surmise that Marion Davies played a mother figure to him. She was an amazing lady all on her own - Actress, Real Estate Investor etc etc! What I loved learning about William Randolph Hearst is that he loved and appreciated strong, career-minded females.

His architect who worked with him almost day and night to build his vision, was a female residential architect named Julia Morgan. She was also another extraordinary woman of that time and in addition to creating Hearst Castle, created and oversaw over 800 other projects in California and Hawaii. She worked nearly 28 years on Hearst Castle and numerous other residences for both Mr. Hearst and Ms. Davies.

A very humble Victorian woman, she requested all her private papers be burned upon her death, but fortunately for us, her relative refused and that's why we know what we know today. Click on her name if you want to learn more about her. Quite an extraordinary woman.

Here's a picture of the small studio she used when she would come to stay and oversee the project. Isn't this amazing? Such a small location for such a grand scale project, but I guess she was out in the field for a large part of this.

Notice the old timey phone too on the desk.

This is the back courtyard where she would cross to go to her "office." The backside of Hearst Castle isn't as finished as the front and the tape on the tour bus taking you back down to the bottom of the hill lets you know that if you'd like to donate you can donate to the Friends of Hearst Castle foundation.

They host some amazing special events at the Castle and if you want to enjoy some with other philanthropic minded individuals, click here for more details. Really sounds like fun. I wouldn't mind going to a few myself? Anyone care to join me?

 

There is only one kitchen in the entire Castle and this is it. I took these pix for my chef friends.:) I can only imagine how many people were responsible to make the wonderful meals for all the guests and workers who came to the hill.

Isn't the attention to detail adorable?

This is the pantry. I ended up touring with a family of five on this tour because I mistakenly joined them and when I figured out I was in the wrong place it was too late. They were nice about it and it was great to have the entire castle to ourselves while touring, rather than the huge group I would have been with otherwise.

You can take private tours for about $600 if I remember correctly and you're allowed to invite up to six guests with you which is actually fairly reasonable since it covers the entire castle tours on a private basis.

Click here for information on all the tours available.

I can't remember which room this is (they all blur together after awhile, but maybe it's the library. I think that's right.) William was kicked out of Harvard is one of the stories told.

This is the "Gold Room" where the infamous gossip columnist, Hedda Hopper, used to stay as a guest. It's up in the top spier of the castle (is that what the towers are called? Well, that's what I'm trying to say.) and is very small, but really pretty with the sun shining through.

Click here for a list of some of the other important people who stayed here.

This is an example of the ornate ceilings Hearst was fond of. This is also the chandelier that hangs in the Gold Room. Everything is so ornate and gaudy and so of the time, I just loved it. Not to my taste for my own personal space, but definitely something admirable in this setting.

Tour 2 ends in the same pool house just from a different viewpoint. Click here for some Behind the Scenes info on the beautiful details involved in this room and all the others.

Now do you see why this was so refreshing and just what I needed? I love art and visionary men. When the two come together... It's a beautiful thing.

The other fun thing to do while visiting Cambria and Hearst Castle is to check out all the Elephant Seals that love to laze around in the sun along the coastline. It's just a few miles past Hearst Castle and the turn-off is clearly marked. There are walking trails to allow you to walk and view closer.

There are hundreds of seals like this and they make the funniest sounds. They also seem to do the Michael Jackson moon walk as they push themselves across the sand to get back into the water.

Certain areas were quite stinky perhaps from a dead one, but otherwise, it's very pleasant although when I was there it was bitter cold and windy. These next few shots are blurry because it was too cold to stand and get a good shot!

Isn't it rugged? Just love the different seascapes Northern CA offers.

This could be further up, or in Cambria, I don't remember.

The next day I drove up to Big Sur. I had been told it was only 25 miles away, but it was actually more like 100. However, it was well worth the drive.

Stunning vistas like this all up and down the Northern coast. You really must see it for yourself because I'm not doing this half the justice.

 

This is my final shot heading home from Big Sur and thus ends our tour. I hope you've enjoyed your visit and make plans to come back and see me again real soon.

We'll leave a light on for you...:)

Have I convinced you now to make the trip? I'll even go back up with you! Only this time I might suggest staying at the Cambria Pines Lodge based on the referral of another friend, Jaimi Blakely who just hosted a writer's retreat there.

According to Jaimi, Cambria Pines Lodge has "24 acresthat you can hike and a free drink at their bar and a free breakfast buffet every morning. There's an organic garden on the property where they grow a lot of their own produce.

When you call Cambria Pines Lodge, say that you want their current special.Usually, the specials are from $69-$89 depending on the season. (Such a deal!) Also, if you register to receive the weekly email from TravelZoo.com, then you will see frequent specials listed that are in that area (from San Luis Obispo to Monterey).

"Jaimi" loves Black Cat Bistro and Robin's for dinner and Indigo Moon for lunch or a casual dinner. "She" heard that the Thai place is great, too, but hasn't been yet."

Okay, that's really all. Cambria isn't that big so you can find the perfect place for you just by walking through the town once. I did it in 30 minutes or so from where I was staying. It's that small. Totally reminds me of what Hermosa Beach was like so long, long, long ago...:) I'm not that old, but I can imagine.

Enjoy your Sunday. I need to get outside now.

Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn, Cambria, Hearst Castle, ya da ya da

By Joy A. Kennelly

Remind me not to drink a 24oz iced coffee from McDonald's again without asking for decaf. OY! Although I'm very tired, I can't sleep because of the caffeine coursing through my veins. Hopefully by writing, my brain will calm down and I can get some sleep. Busy week ahead.

If you've never been to Cambria, or Big Sur, you must put those locations on your must see places in California before you die. I was referred to the Bridge Street Inn Youth Hostel there years back by a good friend and always thought I'd make it up there one of these years.

Well, 2008 was the year. I was planning to hit a fam trip to Mexico, but certain things prevented me from taking full advantage of the week long escape. As a result, I opted for a shorter, yet just as satisfying, quick getaway which I so desperately needed.

Only four hours away from Los Angeles in time, but light years away in style and tempo I fell in love with the quaint small town of Cambria upon arriving. My youth hostel was a former church parsonage complete with bunkbeds, international guests, and children.

I wasn't expecting children for some reason and normally wouldn't have minded except for the fact the little boy who was only a room away woke up frequently throughout the night, first from a nightmare and then with a coughing fit which went on for quite a bit. Needless to say, I didn't get much rest.

My German bunk mate however, was smart and used ear plugs. I haven't traveled in so long that I forgot I even had them, or that I should consider using them. She, on the other hand, had been traveling for the past few weeks in much noisier places than this and was quite prepared. She is very cool and is going to hook me up with some art galleries in Munich. Thanks Jessica if you're reading this!

I also enjoyed meeting a very entertaining English chap and spontaneously had asked to go to dinner with him upon returning from touring Hearst Castle because I was so excited to share my day with someone after being alone within a group for so long.

I never invite men I don't know to dinner and didn't really know what to expect, but we had a very nice meal together. I'm very clueless on picking up clues that a man might be interested in me unless they hit me over the head with a shovel (actually a kiss normally is my first realization that there's even an attraction!), and didn't realize that might be the case when he invited me back to the hostel for a glass of wine which I should have accepted.

My loss. All because I really wanted to find a coffee house to see what the nightlife was like in Cambria. I should have just gone back with him because there 'aint no nightlife in Cambria. This small town's streets roll up about 9, 9:30pm! And I thought the South Bay was dead at night! Totally cracked me up.

What I loved about Cambria is that on my way home I popped into one of the quaint, naughty gift stores called "Dirty Laundry" run by two gay business partners and had a very entertaining chat with one of the gays, I mean guys. (Joseph, if you're reading this you know I love you man.:)

In any case, Joseph explained that similar to Hermosa Beach, there really wasn't a lot of stuff going on so people were very political up there too. Apparently there's a very strong conservative Christian contingency and at the other end of the spectrum, a very strong lesbian contingency. Needless to say, I'm not moving up there any time soon. LOL!

He explained too that SLO - (pronounced SLOW and the abbreviation of San Luis Obispo over 1/2 hour away) had a great entertaining Farmer's Market complete with live music and lots of socializing every Thursday evening which was basically the only "nightlife" apart from college bars in the area.

Again, not moving up there any time soon. It really is quaint and beautiful though. I think next time I might upgrade my lodging to the local B & B because although I really enjoyed meeting everyone who stayed there and it's very reasonable, I think I've outgrown the hostel environment.

Plus, this particular place was a little too eco-conscious for me - no paper towels, no paper napkins, bathroom sinks using recycled water from the clean water in the back of the toilet tank, and lots of recycling (it boggles the mind how many ways trash can be sorted!)

Plus, I just want to be able to sleep at night in the privacy of my own space while enjoying the company of others at breakfast or in the evenings. However, it's very popular and I recommend it if you're on a tight budget and can sleep well anywhere.

I just didn't know what to expect and it came so highly recommended I thought it might be a little more plush than it was. A youth hostel though - what did I really expect? Great for the serious traveler! Not the weekend wannabe traveler like I was this past weekend.

I've become spoiled and need basic creature comforts like heat in my room, peace and quiet, and no children waking me up in the middle of the night (unless they are mine and right now I don't have one-- at least not living with me.)

What cracked me up is the hours all the stores and galleries kept too up there. 10:30am open and 4:00pm or 5:00pm closing, or in the case of one place, whenever she felt like it! I caught the West end of the village the first day before racing off to take two tours of Hearst Castle and see the 45 minute movie.

I was really glad I saw both tours with the movie because it really put all the pieces together nicely. If you have the time and have never gone, I highly recommend Tour 1 and 3 together with time in between to sit and catch the film. That way you are introduced to the basic overview, get a deeper insight and then see more of the castle in perspective.

I was so disappointed my dinner companion, Roger, didn't want to see my pix, but hey, English bluntness being as it may, I appreciated his honesty. Once I have them downloaded, I'll share them with you. What cracked me up is that he had offered to give me his extra memory card for my camera, but when I didn't return for a glass of wine, the offer was withdrawn. I am so clueless sometimes. OY!

The last day I drove up to Big Sur to re-visit all the places I had stayed nine years ago while pregnant with my son. It was up there that I had made my decision to pursue having an open adoption and as a result, this place has special memories and feelings for me.

I wasn't sure it would be like what I remembered or not and drove the winding road up not knowing what to expect. I felt like I was on a pilgrimage of sorts because I had fallen in love with the magic of the redwoods and beautiful locations and wondered what might have changed in nine years time.

Although there had been threats of rain, instead I drove up the winding single lane highway for most of the way in a deep fog. It was so thick you couldn't see over the cliffs to the gorgeous scenery below. I wondered if I had imagined it being as gorgeous because I couldn't see anything.

Soon I burst into bright sunshine and there ahead of me was a beautiful, breathtaking expanse of the greenest blue water I'd ever seen with ragged rocks jutting out all over the ocean and coastline. It was absolutely stunning. My little camera can't capture half the beauty, but hopefully you'll see it in person one day.

There was the coolest old timey bridge too in the far distance around one of the windy curves and I really wished I could have taken a picture to show you. However, since my memory card was full, it was either delete more, or just commit it to my personal memory which I chose instead.

As I got closer and closer to Big Sur it all came flooding back. I had made this same trip nine years ago for a long Thanksgiving weekend getaway with my good friend and fellow birthmother, Emily. She had inherited some money and opted to treat me to a weekend I will never forget as a special treat for being pregnant.

She is/was one of the main reasons I chose adoption because she shared her very personal and oftentimes, painful story of her own open adoption. She helped me to see it could be done and really was the best choice for me and my child at the time painful though it was.

She had booked two different locations for us to experience. I'm really glad because the first was very basic and not really to our liking at all. It was the State Park accommodations and when I visited this trip, it was still going strong. Nice gift store and cafe too.

We then had moved over to Post Ranch Inn and to this day that is my favorite of all places I have stayed  before or since. I was dying to go back and see if my memories were true. We had the best time there. Everyone got to know us since we stayed so long. Plus, I was 5 months pregnant and Emily was a real character which made us stand out from other guests.

It also helped that we were the youngest ones staying there since it was, if I remember correctly, about $400 a night back then and up towards $1500 a night for certain rooms now. Pure, pure, pure luxury. If you are looking for the ultimate place to run away and hide for rest and relaxation away from everything, then look no further.

Post Ranch Inn is small, intimate, eco-friendly and very well-suited to the quality of life that is Big Sur. It's easy to miss if you're not looking because it's set far away from the road with a sign that isn't easily visible in certain directions. The long, winding road up to the main area is open and inviting with a small pond and beautiful meadows. We saw deer one morning grazing.

When we were staying there a Los Angeles Magazine writer was covering the Post Ranch Inn for the first time and often looked at us like what the hell are they doing here since we were so out of place among all the rich and famous.

If I remember properly we were there while Jon Favreau was there. We didn't want to bug him, but it was fun to see that we were enjoying the type of life that a celebrity would too.

I kind of secretly hoped some of the same staff would still be there and remember me, but that was a dream. However, everything else was just as I remembered. You can't just enter the property to look, but you can go to dine in their well-appointed restaurant with amazing cliff views of the entire ocean through the floor to ceiling glass enclosed dining area. STUNNING! And the food is delicious too.

I chose to enjoy my lunch there and everything came rushing back while I was sitting eating. I almost remembered what I had been wearing the memories were so strong. I distinctly remembered wavering on what to do with my unborn child because I wasn't ready to parent, but also wasn't prepared to never see him again.

It was at Post Ranch Inn that I had the time to sort out all my thoughts and feelings once and for all to make the decision I felt was best for my son at the time. He may never visit Big Sur, but I hope one day he does if only to appreciate the tremendous beauty and peace this area gives to those who visit.

I remembered going to the infinity pool and meeting some fun couple we promised to stay in touch with, but never did. I remembered the gorgeous slate covered bathrooms and comfortable, yet stylish room with beautiful furnishings. Hearing satellite radio for the first time. Having the best massages by their trained staff.

Eating the best meals there and all over Big Sur. We had visited Ventana Inn for dinner one night and bumped into one of my old classmates, Judy Holstein. She used to beat me up and I blurted that out when she introduced herself because she recognized me. We both laughed and she apologized for years past. She of course is totally different and we really enjoyed seeing each other again.

She was up visiting on her honeymoon with her new husband. We caught up and spent a great time reminiscing old times. For all I know, she still lives here in the South Bay, but we never stayed in touch after that random visit.

When I visited the Ventana Inn this time the reception staff were extremely gracious and gave me all kinds of materials and information. Turns out if you're a CA resident you get a special discount during the off-season and it's only $275 a night. Apparently April is generally quite booked as a result since it's the last month before high-season.

I love this place too because it's so pretty, but in a totally different way. Whereas Post is small, spread out and extremely private; Ventana is more like a standard luxury hotel that is more compact, but with only 20 more rooms.

They have a wonderful day spa on site called The Spa whichy was very popular as I was walking in to reception. Everyone, men and women were walking by just wearing robes like this was normal attire while on vacation. I guess it is!

I enjoyed visiting one of the art galleries on my way in to town too. It's called Coast Galleries and is one of four this owner owns throughout the country. However, he's ready to retire and all 27 acres are currently on the market. Know anyone with money to burn, but a true eco heart? Send them his way.

I hope whoever buys it keeps the gallery going at least because this owner has the best art collection. Many interesting pieces and it would be so sad to lose it. However, may the best bid win. I would love to see my artists represented in there!

Back in Cambria there is another wonderful gallery that has very wonderful art on display with the most helpful, informative, kind woman manning the upstairs gallery named Lili. If you go, tell her I sent you and say hello. She knows everything there is to know about the artists and their fascinating backgrounds and work. Sorry, I don't know where her card is right now and will have to tell you later.

I can't wait to share all the details with my artists! If you want to know too, either call her, or hire me!:)
I think the caffeine is finely out of my blood and I'm tired, or else my brain has stopped wanting to write any more, so I think I will bid you adieu and write more later.

Have a great Monday morning and seriously consider making a trip to Big Sur and Cambria. Trust me, you'll be so happy you did! I am a new woman after this brief respite.

Ready for my next trip! Where to go, where to go? It's in my blood now. Gotta start hitting more places from my travel Bucket List.:)

Have a good one. TTFN.

Here's my Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau case study

By Joy A. Kennelly

This past summer I was hired by the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau (LA Inc) to coordinate hotel getaway promotions for Ralphs' large-scale summer promotion.

This will give you an idea of the scope of the promotion:

"LA INC. will be launching a new website May 2007. The address for this website is www.seemyLA.com. A new feature of the website will be a section called Gateway LA which offers themed vacation packages centered on some of LA’s most popular attractions and activities.

From June 2007 to September 2007, approximately 16 weeks, LA INC. will be conducting an integrated consumer advertising campaign targeting mainly residents of the greater San Diego metropolitan area to take advantage of quick getaway vacation to LA. This multi-tiered campaign will drive visitation to our new website and will encompass the following marketing channels: television advertising, on-line advertising, radio advertising and print advertising.

TV / Cable Broadcast Advertising

June - July 2007

                                    San Diego County

2,455 Target Rating Points

87.8% Reach

28 x Frequency

30.9 Million Impressions

On-Line Advertising

June - September 2007

                                     San Diego County, Orange County,
                                     San Bernardino/Riverside County, Oxnard/Ventura

Search

Display

Contextual

Email

                                    21 Million Impressions

                                     Radio Advertising

                                     June - July 2007

San Diego County

13 Million Impressions

 AAA Publication Westways

June 2007

                                    Southern California

3.7 Million Circulation

4 Page LA Special Insert

                                    Ralphs Overview: 

                                    392 Stores

                                    5   Million Weekly Customers

                                 Timing:

                                    July 4, 2007 (Wednesday) – July 24, 2007 (Tuesday)

                                    3 Weeks

                             Audience: 

                                    General

                                    Female 35 Years and Above

Strategy:    Promote www.seemyLA.com.

Promote the Getaway LA vacation packages.

Promote diversity of LA visitor experience.

 Call to Action: Visit www.seemyLA.com to plan your Getaway LA vacation.

So here's my part in this wonderful promotion. I was hired to contact 100 hotels and collect and coordinate their summer getaway packages for display on the LA Inc website and accomplished this goal within a month.

Here's the pitch letter I sent out via email to announce my part in this promotion which received a great response:

Hello,  

I'm a freelance travel writer hired by LA Inc to describe the summer promotions you are offering at your location. I've worked in the travel industry before and understand how busy you can be which is why I've   put together this introduction with all the details I need from you to hopefully make it easy for both of us to help each other.

From June 2007 to September 2007, approximately 16 weeks, LA INC. will be conducting an integrated consumer advertising campaign targeting residents of the greater San Diego metropolitan area to take advantage of quick getaway vacations to LA. 

This multi-tiered campaign will drive business and will encompass the following marketing channels:  television advertising, on-line advertising, radio advertising and print advertising.

Some of the current information we need from you to include your involvement in our Web site promotion are the following:

Hotel Package Details - Are you planning any special getaway packages for the summer? Suggestions include: Culture/Live Performances/Museums, Family, Attractions, Gourmet, Casual Fashion, Dining, Relaxation, Romantic, Dining & Entertainment, Pet Friendly, Environmental friendly, Celebrity Insider, Adventure, Body Beautiful/Spa

Hotel Package Price - what is the price?

Hotel Package Disclaimers - any black-out dates, or special issues?

Hotel Photos - any or all would be great of the following:
       Interior
       Exterior
       Room
       Pool
       Spa
       Restaurant
       Bar
       Other

I will be calling you to follow up as well. I look forward to communicating with you and helping you bring business to your location!

Here's a list of every hotel I sent that pitch letter to and the promotions I coordinated. Not every hotel participated for various reasons, but we had an above average response rate:

WICKED

Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn Universal Studios Ask for special AAA rate. Located in the heart of North Hollywood, next to Universal Studios Hollywood/Citywalk and only a metro stop over to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tula's California Cafe and The Coffee Room Splash Bar. Free wireless Internet available in all areas of the hotel. Free shuttle service to Universal Studios Hollywood/CityWalk. Outdoor swimming pool, sauna, tennis court and kid's playground.

Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills $185 Includes continental breakfast. Ideally located half way between Venice and the Pantages Theater, our hotel is also walking distance to Rodeo Drive and a great array of restaurants — from fancy to family friendly.

Fairmont Miramar Hotel Santa Monica From $359. Play in LA, but stay in the beachside city of Santa Monica. The "Westside WICKED" package at The Fairmont Miramar Hotel includes a full American breakfast for two, overnight parking, two exclusive tickets to the show and a limited-edition WICKED chocolate box amenity.

Hilton Los Angeles Airport WICKED Packages: $250 (without limo service) $600 (with limo service). Includes 16th-floor junior suite; access to the Executive Towers Lounge, which offers an evening reception and morning continental breakfast; VIP access to ticket reservations for WICKED; and transportation courtesy of Broomstick Limousine to and from the show with champagne and WICKED-covered strawberries.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel – A Thompson Hotel Starting at $209. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, just blocks away from the Pantages Theatre, has captured the essence of original Hollywood elegance and fused it with the desires of LA's modern-day scene makers. Two highly acclaimed restaurants, a pair of exclusive nightspots and an intimate spa garden with a heated Olympic-size swimming pool, make the hotel a perfect destination for your WICKED getaway.

Los Angeles Airport Marriott $119. Includes breakfast for two and free parking for one night.

Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills $625 (plus tax). Night of show. Includes accomodation in our preferred luxury room; private town car transportation to and from the show; and breakfast for two.

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel $306. Special package price per room, per night. Includes deluxe accomodations for two at the Reniassance Hollywood Hotel; full breakfast buffet for two at Twist, the hotel's restaurant; discount card from Hollywood & Highland Center; overnight valet parking; and shuttle pass to Pantages Theatre for two.

Sheraton Universal $199 regular room. $299 executive room. Rooms include breakfast and hors d'oeuvres in the club lounge. Overlooking Universal Studios Hollywood, our 20-story tower offers fantastic views of the studios and the San Fernando Valley. Three-story poolside wing offers room with balconies or direct pool access.

Sofitel Los Angeles $455 package price (plus tax). One night's stay in a superior room for two; overnight valet parking; continental breakfast for two at Simon LA; VIP access to ticket reservations for WICKED; WICKED amenity delivered to room upon check-in.

Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel Starting at $149. Minutes to WICKED at the Pantages Theatre, Beverly Hills and all major attractions. Free shuttle to Universal Studios Hollywood. Free hotel parking. Heated olympic pool. 200 remodeled rooms.

Wilshire Grand Los Angeles $169. Includes executive-level room, tax, parking and deluxe continental breakfast for two in the executive lounge. Located in the "heart of downtown Los Angeles" with door-to-door subway access to Hollywood Blvd., Universal Studios Hollywood, the Pantages Theatre and WICKED!

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Cultural

Millennium Biltmore Hotel Includes classic-room accommodations and two tickets to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Complimentary roundtrip transportation to the museum in our luxurious towncar is available to guests booking this package.

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Attractions & Entertainment

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel Two nights of deluxe accommodations for two at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel; (2) one-day admission tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood SM; breakfast for two daily at Twist, the hotel's restaurant; overnight self parking with in-and-out privileges for two days; discount card from Hollywood & Highland Center, adjacent to the hotel; and Universal CityWalk® savings booklet.

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel Deluxe accommodations for two at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel; breakfast buffet for two at Twist, the hotel's California-eclectic restaurant; discount card from Hollywood & Highland Center; and overnight valet parking. Package does not include tickets. For ticket purchase information, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 213-480-3232. For information on upcoming shows at the Kodak Theatre, visit www.kodaktheatre.com or call 213-480-3232.

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel Traditional room, internet, buffet breakfast and Metro Day pass (for each day the package is purchased). This package starts at $185.

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel Deluxe room accommodations (larger corner room) and two adult tickets to Universal Studios (tickets include come back next day for free) and complimentary hotel parking for $235.00.

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel You're cast for an action-packed getaway starting from just $235. It's sure to be a memorable motion picture with two adults tickets to Universal Studios. For a limited time, visit the park on the second day FREE. Package includes: * Deluxe Accommodations * Two Days Admission for Two to Universal Studios Hollywood * Complimentary Hotel Parking

Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel The price is $259 + tax per day. The package includes Overnight Poolview accomodations, 2 tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood, Kids Goody Bag & 1 free kid's meal for each purchased adult meal daily. Additional tickets to Universal Studios can be purchased at the Hotel Front Desk.

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Family Fun

Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center Marriott wants to help families this summer carve out time for family fun. So when you book a big, comfortable room at a small, comfortable rate, the pizza, sodas, movies and internet are all on us. This weekend, or next weekend. Any weekend from now on until the kids go back to school. So families can have their pie (and eat it, too). Summer for Families Special from $164 - $194

California Health & Longevity Institute This summer, let Four Seasons help plan a special family vacation that will allow your family to reconnect and share memories to last a lifetime. The hotel's Kids and Teens for all Seasons program will keep the children entertained and enchanted while the adults are enjoying a leisurely swim in our heated indoor serenity pool or a rejuvenating treatment at the Spa. Includes luxurious accommodations; in-room welcome amenity appropriate for children; complimentary access to kids and teens for all seasons (open Saturday, Sunday and selected holidays); one complimentary in-room children’s movie per each paid night. The Hotel's Kids and Teens For All Seasons program will keep the children entertained and enchanted while the adults are enjoying a leisurely swim in our heated indoor serenity pool or a rejuvenating treatment at the Spa. Includes: Luxurious accommodations In-room welcome amenity, appropriate for children's ages Complimentary access to Kids and Teens For All Seasons (open Saturday, Sunday and selected holidays) One complimentary in-room children's movie per each paid night.

Le Merigot A Jw Marriott Beach Hotel And Spa $1,250 per night Celebrate the joining of blended families with quality time for all! The package includes: welcome family amenity, two adjoining superior accommodations (based on availability), “Four hours of freedom” (babysitting for four hours, up to three children), couples massage, $60 credit toward cocktails and/or appetizers, in-room movie, gourmet popcorn and a guided family activity.

Manhattan Beach Marriott $149.00 Includes: "fun bucket" with toys and treats for children, one in-room moview and parking.

Millennium Biltmore Hotel Includes one-night classic-room accommodations (suitable for up to two adults and two children); American Girl amenities in-room, including use of an American Girl doll bed with turndown service, lip gloss, book and hand gel; complimentary valet parking; complimentary hotel transportation in our luxurious town car to the new American Girl Place store at the Grove; and breakfast for the kids at Smeraldi's Restaurant. Plus, guests booking this package can enter our quarterly drawing to win American Girl's 2007 Doll of the Year, Nicki!

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel Two nights of deluxe accommodations for two at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel; (2) one-day admission tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood SM; breakfast for two daily at Twist, the hotel's restaurant; overnight self parking with in-and-out privileges for two days; discount card from Hollywood & Highland Center, adjacent to the hotel; and Universal CityWalk® savings booklet.

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel Deluxe room accommodations (larger corner room) and two adult tickets to Universal Studios (tickets include come back next day for free) and complimentary hotel parking for $235.00.

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel You're cast for an action-packed getaway starting from just $235. It's sure to be a memorable motion picture with two adults tickets to Universal Studios. For a limited time, visit the park on the second day FREE. Package includes: * Deluxe Accommodations * Two Days Admission for Two to Universal Studios Hollywood * Complimentary Hotel Parking

Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel The price is $259 + tax per day. The package includes Overnight Poolview accomodations, 2 tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood, Kids Goody Bag & 1 free kid's meal for each purchased adult meal daily. Additional tickets to Universal Studios can be purchased at the Hotel Front Desk.

Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites Children under 12 eat free. One complimentary Childs meal available from the children's menu in exclusively in Lakeview Bistro Restaurant. One Childs meal for each full adult meal purchased for up to 2 children. Lakeview Bistro is open for Breakfast or Lunch. Plus includes one complimentary movie per night.

Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites Special discount rates open for graduation weekends.  Includes guest room and overnight valet parking.

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Romance

Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel Come to the Riviera Redondo Beach and we will take you on a romantic adventure. Experience the prestigious Crowne Plaza Hotel with panoramic ocean views of Catalina Island and Malibu, sunset dinner specials and a memorable “gondola amore” tour through the bella enchanting Redondo and Portofino marinas. This package is popular for any special occasion, such as anniversaries and proposals, with rates beginning at $294. Inquire about package upgrades, including the ultimate luxury rendezvous ($1,450) with his and her spa massage, Jacuzzi suite and limo cruise of the spectacular Palos Verdes coastline ending with brunch at the fabulous Trump National Golf Club.

Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles At Beverly Hills An exceptional spa experience awaits you at Four Seasons Hotel at Beverly Hills. Relax and restore your mind, body and soul in our world-class Spa, where?? treatment rooms and your choice of rejuvenating treatments await. Includes: Luxurious accommodations, Choice of one of the following 50-minute massages or facials per room, per day (excluding gratuity): • Swedish massage • Therapist's choice massage • Men's rescue facial • Pure results facial

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel Upgraded accommodations for two (executive bedroom); complimentary breakfast for two at Twist; chilled bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival; late check-out (based on availability).

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel Upgraded accommodations for two (Executive Bedroom) • Complimentary breakfast for two at Twist • Chilled bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival • Late check-out (based on availability)

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel Quality time is invited. A special rate starting from $179 makes it easy to reconnect. Make room in the heart of Downtown LA and fall in love all over again. * Bottle of Wine and Cheese Plate * Daily Full American Breakfast for Two * 4 p.m. Late Checkout

Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites Includes full American breakfast for 2 daily via room service or restaurant, champagne & strawberries, 4pm late check out

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Shopping

Millennium Biltmore Hotel Includes one-night classic-room accommodations (suitable for up to two adults and two children); American Girl amenities in-room, including use of an American Girl doll bed with turndown service, lip gloss, book and hand gel; complimentary valet parking; complimentary hotel transportation in our luxurious town car to the new American Girl Place store at the Grove; and breakfast for the kids at Smeraldi's Restaurant. Plus, guests booking this package can enter our quarterly drawing to win American Girl's 2007 Doll of the Year, Nicki!

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Dining

Le Merigot A Jw Marriott Beach Hotel And Spa $600 per night/double occupancy Who said Malibu is just for surfers? Wine aficionados will be glad to learn about Malibu’s burgeoning wine industry. Rosenthal Estate Wines recently began offering tours and tastings and Le Merigot sends its guests off in typical SoCal style. The package includes: 2006 Range Rover, superior guest room, a picnic basket with baguette and artisanal cheeses, a map to the Rosenthal Estate Wines’ tasting room and 4 p.m. check out. This package represents 25 percent cost savings.

Le Merigot A Jw Marriott Beach Hotel And Spa $840 per night/double occupancy This girlfriend getaway is designed for the gourmet-in-her. The package includes in-room wine amenity, superior guest room with two double beds, massage for two, gourmet dinner in Cezanne with wine pairings, map to Malibu’s Rosenthal Estate Wines Tasting Room, a chick flick and gourmet popcorn.

Manhattan Beach Marriott $179.00 Includes: Breakfast for two, parking and $25.00 gas card.

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Relaxation

Avalon Hotel The Los Angeles lifestyle has long been synonymous with poolside lingering and the joy of driving. Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills will help you do both in high style. Soak up the SoCal sun in the retro charm of Avalon’s mid-century-modern pool terrace, then tool around the trendsetter’s playground of Beverly Hills in a swank Mercedes Benz. Enjoy a memorable meal in the see-and-be-seen milieu of Avalon's Blue on Blue restaurant. Overnight premium room accommodations; poolside snow cone cocktails for two, E-class Mercedes Benz rental and sun kit; dinner for two with entreé wine pairing. Rates from $569

California Health & Longevity Institute An exceptional spa experience awaits you at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. Relax and restore your mind, body and soul in our world-class spa, where 28 treatment rooms and your choice of rejuvenating treatments await. Includes luxurious accommodations; choice of one of the following 50-minute massages or facials per room, per day (excluding gratuity): Swedish massage, therapist's choice massage, men's rescue facial or pure results facial.

Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles At Beverly Hills An exceptional spa experience awaits you at Four Seasons Hotel at Beverly Hills. Relax and restore your mind, body and soul in our world-class Spa, where?? treatment rooms and your choice of rejuvenating treatments await. Includes: Luxurious accommodations, Choice of one of the following 50-minute massages or facials per room, per day (excluding gratuity): • Swedish massage • Therapist's choice massage • Men's rescue facial • Pure results facial

Le Merigot A Jw Marriott Beach Hotel And Spa This package includes Superior Guestroom accommodations and a Back, Shoulders, Ears and Chest Wax followed by a full-session Deep Tissue Massage. Spa Gratuity Included starts at $610.00 per Night

Le Merigot A Jw Marriott Beach Hotel And Spa $840 per night/double occupancy This girlfriend getaway is designed for the gourmet-in-her. The package includes in-room wine amenity, superior guest room with two double beds, massage for two, gourmet dinner in Cezanne with wine pairings, map to Malibu’s Rosenthal Estate Wines Tasting Room, a chick flick and gourmet popcorn.

Maison 140 Beverly Hills "Los Angeles lifestyle has long been synonymous with poolside lingering and the joys of driving. Maison 140 in Beverly Hills will help you do both in high style. Soak up the SoCal sun in the retro-charm of Avalon's mid -century-modern pool terrace, then tool around the trendsetter's playground of Beverly Hills in a swank Mercedes Benz. A memorable meal in the Mandarin-French mystique of Maison 140 will seal the deal. Overnight Accommadation In A Mandarin Room Poolside Kit: Includes Sunscreen, Magazines, Water, Lip Balm And After-Sun Care, Poolside Snow Cone Cocktails For Two At Avalon Hotel E-Class Mercedes Benz Rental With Airport Pick-Up And Drop-Off Breakfast For Two Early Check In 1pm Late Check Out 3pm

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Just For Fun

Avalon Hotel The Los Angeles lifestyle has long been synonymous with poolside lingering and the joy of driving. Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills will help you do both in high style. Soak up the SoCal sun in the retro charm of Avalon’s mid-century-modern pool terrace, then tool around the trendsetter’s playground of Beverly Hills in a swank Mercedes Benz. Enjoy a memorable meal in the see-and-be-seen milieu of Avalon's Blue on Blue restaurant. Overnight premium room accommodations; poolside snow cone cocktails for two, E-class Mercedes Benz rental and sun kit; dinner for two with entreé wine pairing. Rates from $569

Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn Universal Studios Make reservation for the package and get additional PC points on top of all the additional amenities that comes with being a Priority Club Member.

Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Airport Avoid the hassle of traffic getting to the airport for that early flight by making use of our park and fly package, which includes a standard room for one night and parking for up to seven days. Additional nights of self parking at $12/night. Complimentary airport shuttle is also available. Rates starting from $139 plus tax.

Le Merigot A Jw Marriott Beach Hotel And Spa This package includes our Superior Guestroom accommodations and your choice of a Mercedes Benz C class or a 3 series BMW Rental Car or a Mercedes R350 (seats 6) no class guarantee except for SUV. Starts at $389.00 per night.

Le Merigot A Jw Marriott Beach Hotel And Spa This package includes our Superior Guestroom accommodations and your choice of a convertible Porsche Boxster or a BMW Z4 Roadster Rental Car for the ultimate L.A. adventure. $429.00 per night

Le Merigot A Jw Marriott Beach Hotel And Spa This package includes Superior Guestroom accommodations and a Toyota Prius Hybrid Synergy Rental Car. Starts at $359.00 per Night

Le Merigot A Jw Marriott Beach Hotel And Spa This package includes our Superior Guestroom accommodations, a full-session Swedish massage, a two hour Professional Surfing Lesson, and one Blue Crush graduation cocktail. Starts at $479.00 per night

Le Merigot A Jw Marriott Beach Hotel And Spa $600 per night/double occupancy Who said Malibu is just for surfers? Wine aficionados will be glad to learn about Malibu’s burgeoning wine industry. Rosenthal Estate Wines recently began offering tours and tastings and Le Merigot sends its guests off in typical SoCal style. The package includes: 2006 Range Rover, superior guest room, a picnic basket with baguette and artisanal cheeses, a map to the Rosenthal Estate Wines’ tasting room and 4 p.m. check out. This package represents 25 percent cost savings.

Le Merigot A Jw Marriott Beach Hotel And Spa $840 per night/double occupancy This girlfriend getaway is designed for the gourmet-in-her. The package includes in-room wine amenity, superior guest room with two double beds, massage for two, gourmet dinner in Cezanne with wine pairings, map to Malibu’s Rosenthal Estate Wines Tasting Room, a chick flick and gourmet popcorn.

Maison 140 Beverly Hills "Los Angeles lifestyle has long been synonymous with poolside lingering and the joys of driving. Maison 140 in Beverly Hills will help you do both in high style. Soak up the SoCal sun in the retro-charm of Avalon's mid -century-modern pool terrace, then tool around the trendsetter's playground of Beverly Hills in a swank Mercedes Benz. A memorable meal in the Mandarin-French mystique of Maison 140 will seal the deal. Overnight Accommadation In A Mandarin Room Poolside Kit: Includes Sunscreen, Magazines, Water, Lip Balm And After-Sun Care, Poolside Snow Cone Cocktails For Two At Avalon Hotel E-Class Mercedes Benz Rental With Airport Pick-Up And Drop-Off Breakfast For Two Early Check In 1pm Late Check Out 3pm

Manhattan Beach Marriott $159.00    Includes:  2 rounds of golf with pull cart and clubs, breakfast, parking and accommodations in a golf view room.

Millennium Biltmore Hotel Includes one-night classic-room accommodations (suitable for up to two adults and two children); American Girl amenities in-room, including use of an American Girl doll bed with turndown service, lip gloss, book and hand gel; complimentary valet parking; complimentary hotel transportation in our luxurious town car to the new American Girl Place store at the Grove; and breakfast for the kids at Smeraldi's Restaurant. Plus, guests booking this package can enter our quarterly drawing to win American Girl's 2007 Doll of the Year, Nicki!

Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills A Mercedes sports Sedan or Mini Cooper S and a room at the Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills. Complimentary airport pick up with your car from LAX or Burbank. Rates start at $400 for a Luxury Room,$420 for a Preferred Luxury or $650 for a One Bedroom Suite.

Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills Package includes limo transfer to and from LAX, a bottle of Dom Perignon and gourmet chocolates upon arrival, dinner reservations at the top restaurants in town. Breakfast for two daily and of course an Aston Martin Vantage to drive. We'll also include a debit card for $500.00 to help with expenses. The package will require a two night minimum and include our one bedroom suite for $1,700 per night based on double occupancy.

Omni Los Angeles Hotel Ladies can get their glam on through their senses with a complimentary women’s sensation bar, which includes a “chick-flick” DVD, wine and chocolates, lip masque and glosses and a girlfriend’s tarot card kit. The “Get Your Glam On” package also offers an advance concierge call to arrange additional services such as: in-room hair/makeup team for styling before hitting the town; limo ride to local hot spots; shopping recommendations; and spa treatments.

Omni Los Angeles Hotel Guys can get their game on and enliven their senses with a complimentary men’s Sensation Bar, which includes a sports-focused DVD, a rock ’n’ roll CD, the “art of shaving” travel kit and a local micro-brewed beer with gourmet chips. An advance call from the concierge enables guys to customize their stay at an additional cost, providing items such as: poker cards, chips and dice; bar with private bartender/mixologist; limo ride to local hot spots; tickets to a local sporting venue; and reservations for tee-times at local golf courses.

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel Triple the fun and feel good about where you are and who you’re with. The Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel extends a special AAA rate starting from $135 and a $20 credit. Ease into the comfort and enjoy a sense of satisfaction. * $20 credit per stay. * Complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability. * 2:00 PM late checkout, subject to availability. * Special AAA room rates starting from $135.

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel High fives are invited. Stay with us after your favorite sporting events Downtown. Catch some ZZZs on our Sweet Sleeper Bed and be on the receiving end for free parking, breakfast and bar appetizers. Fans can’t get enough of this four-pack. * Breakfast for Two * $20 Team LA Card * Complimentary Bar Appetizer * Complimentary Parking

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Room & Breakfast

Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center Marriott wants to help families this summer carve out time for family fun. So when you book a big, comfortable room at a small, comfortable rate, the pizza, sodas, movies and internet are all on us. This weekend, or next weekend. Any weekend from now on until the kids go back to school. So families can have their pie (and eat it, too). Summer for Families Special from $164 - $194

Manhattan Beach Marriott $159.00    Includes:  2 rounds of golf with pull cart and clubs, breakfast, parking and accommodations in a golf view room.

Millennium Biltmore Hotel Includes classic-room accommodations; breakfast for two at Smeraldi's Restaurant and complimentary valet parking.

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel Upgraded accommodations for two (Executive Bedroom) • Complimentary breakfast for two at Twist • Chilled bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival • Late check-out (based on availability)

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel Deluxe accommodations for two at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel; breakfast buffet for two at Twist, the hotel's California-eclectic restaurant; discount card from Hollywood & Highland Center; and overnight valet parking. Package does not include tickets. For ticket purchase information, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 213-480-3232. For information on upcoming shows at the Kodak Theatre, visit www.kodaktheatre.com or call 213-480-3232.

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel Two nights of deluxe accommodations for two at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel; (2) one-day admission tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood SM; breakfast for two daily at Twist, the hotel's restaurant; overnight self parking with in-and-out privileges for two days; discount card from Hollywood & Highland Center, adjacent to the hotel; and Universal CityWalk® savings booklet.

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel High fives are invited. Stay with us after your favorite sporting events Downtown. Catch some ZZZs on our Sweet Sleeper Bed and be on the receiving end for free parking, breakfast and bar appetizers. Fans can’t get enough of this four-pack. * Breakfast for Two * $20 Team LA Card * Complimentary Bar Appetizer * Complimentary Parking

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel Waves of relaxation are invited. Make the most of your weekend with rates starting from $149. You deserve a break with this exclusive Sheraton Weekend Getaway * Full American Breakfast for Two in our Restaurant * 4 p.m. Late Checkout, Based on Availability

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel Quality time is invited. A special rate starting from $179 makes it easy to reconnect. Make room in the heart of Downtown LA and fall in love all over again. * Bottle of Wine and Cheese Plate * Daily Full American Breakfast for Two * 4 p.m. Late Checkout

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel Breakfast on the house lets you share the morning and plan the perfect day. Treat yourself to a good night's rest and an eye-opening buffet breakfast. Package includes: * One Night of Accommodations * Breakfast Buffet for Two Each Morning

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel Traditional room, internet, buffet breakfast and Metro Day pass (for each day the package is purchased). This package starts at $185.

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel Finger snappin’ and toe tappin’ invited. Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown is in sync with the special shows coming up in the Downtown Sports Arena area. Breakfast, appetizers, and parking are on the house. Keep the fun going just a little longer and get into the groove with a major hit package. * Breakfast for Two * $20 iTunes Card * Complimentary Bar Appetizer * Complimentary Parking

Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites Includes full American breakfast for 2 daily via room service or restaurant, champagne & strawberries, 4pm late check out

Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites Children under 12 eat free. One complimentary Childs meal available from the children's menu in exclusively in Lakeview Bistro Restaurant. One Childs meal for each full adult meal purchased for up to 2 children. Lakeview Bistro is open for Breakfast or Lunch. Plus includes one complimentary movie per night.

Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites Full breakfast in Lakeview Bistro for 2 daily, newspaper delivery each morning.

Here's the other promotional information I helped coordinate with Sales Directors, publicists, and others:

Pet-Friendly Hotels

Looking for a place to stay where pets are treated just like all the other paying customers? The following hotels welcome guests traveling with four-legged friends. For more information about each hotel’s specific policy, check out the following links.

Downtown

• Omni Los Angeles Hotel
• Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel
• The Standard Downtown LA
• Vagabond Inn Figueroa
• The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites

Hollywood

• Best Western Hollywood Hills Hotel

Westside

• Avalon Hotel
• Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows
• Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel
• Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel
• Chamberlain Hotel
• Four Points By Sheraton, Culver City
• Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
• Grafton on Sunset
• Hotel Bel-Air
• Hyatt Regency Century Plaza
• Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills
• The Orlando
• Radisson Hotel Los Angeles Westside
• Ramada Plaza Hotel & Suites – West Hollywood
• Residence Inn By Marriott, Beverly Hills
• Sofitel Los Angeles
• W Los Angeles – Westwood

Beach Cities

• Embassy Suites Hotel Los Angeles International Airport – South
• The Fairmont Miramar Hotel Santa Monica
• The Georgian Hotel
• Hilton Los Angeles Airport
• Le Merigot A JW Marriott Beach Hotel and Spa
• Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
• The Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Rey
• Sheraton Delfina Hotel
• Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Airport Hotel
• Viceroy Santa Monica
• The Westin Los Angeles Airport

San Fernando Valley

• Hilton Woodland Hills
• Sheraton Universal
• Warner Center Marriott Hotel

San Gabriel Valley

• Hilton Pasadena
• Pacific Palms Conference Resort
• The Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa
• Sheraton Pasadena Hotel
• The Westin Pasadena

I feel confident in my abilities to accomplish any client's goals whether great or small. I work quickly, professionally and with a sense of humor. I look forward to working together with you soon.

For additional information, please review my professional web site: www.thejoywriter.com

Some fun Hawaii info

If you're going to Hawaii anytime soon...Here's some fun information for you to consider that I've "borrowed" from my online female networking group called Ladies Who Brunch. Thanks Singnshout whoever you are! Some of it I did and some of it I skipped. Like the bike riding of the volcano - not my thing, but others seem to love getting up at 4am. I was carsick all the way up and all the way down! So much for that tip, but keep reading... Everything else sounds wonderful and makes me want to go back and visit Lisa!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Maui
Going to the Haleakala Volcano for the sunrise. Over 10,000 feet up. Either Biking down Haleakala Volcano. Or you can drive up and drive yourself down. Absolutely breathtaking and a must do on Maui. Go for the sunrise, its way worth it to get up that early.

horseback riding through the pineapple plantation
Adventures on Horseback (808) 572-6211
Auntie Aloha Productions, Inc. (808) 661-3424
Crater Bound (808) 878-1743
Ironwood Ranch (808) 669-4991
Makena Stables (808) 879-0244
Mendes Ranch And Trail Rides (808) 871-5222
Molokai Mule Ride, Inc. (808) 567-6088
Pony Express Tours (808) 878-6698
Thompson Ranch (808) 878-1910
Tom Barefoot's Cashback Tours (808) 661-8889

Or, I did a horseback riding journey through the beautiful valley of Kipahulu. Its actually past the road to Hana but so worth it. If you want to do something a bit different than the plantation to a place thats not easily accessible other than by horse. It was with the Maui Stables and their number is:808-248-7799. www.mauistables. com

Taking a boating/snorkeling excursion to Molokai
Maui-Molokai Sea Cruises
Experience one of Maui's finest luxury yachts, the Prince Kuhio,
where customer service comes first. Snorkel in an ancient volcanic
crater teeming with colorful reef creatures. Special packages
available using our Book Online Feature!
Contact: Reservations
PO Box 516, Kahului, HI 96733-7016
Toll Free: (800) 468-1287 Fax: (808) 244-5890

Definitely drive the Hana Highway and stop at the little "town" for yummy food- then head off and jump into the 7 waterfalls. Get the CD for the hana highway and do it all. Its worth the entire day.

Iao Valley

Lahaina - shopping - walk Front Street

Pa'ai - lots of cute stores - on the way to Hana and the Volvano as well.

Kauai
A cruise up the Napali Coast which you can only see via a boat or helicopter. And you MUST do a helicopter ride. Its a bit more expensive than most things you can do on the islands but I promise you will never regret it. I took the one out of Princeville with Pilot Joe that leaves from the Heli Port there. Sooooooo amazing to see the Napoli Coast that way, from the inside, so to speak.

Also, hiking the Na Pali Coast. Basically you hop in a car, then head northeast past Princeville til the hwy ends. Park and hike! It's slippery and rocky but worth it!! Then swoop back down south and west to Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon" of Hawaii, and drive up to the amazing lookout! Keep going west til you get to the end of the hwy on the other side of the Na Pali coast and check out the Barking Sands beach. So remote!!

Kilauea Lighthouse - beautiful views from the lighthouse area. 

Dinner at the Princeville Hotel Drinks and jazz at Stevenson Library at the Grand Hyatt Poipu. Get the blue guide book by Andrew Doughty (Kauai Revealed, I think) -- guy's a genius.

COFFEE: http://www.kalaheo. com Kalaheo is just north of Poipu.

Buddhist temple with one of the biggest crystals in the world. They have services the public can attend. Ask a local about it.

Dinner at Roy's. Yes, it's a chain but they suggested the one at Poipu Beach.

On the North Shore-- go to Queen's Bath (still pool in lava)-- it's a pretty easy hike down and well worth it and hideaways beach. The Princeville Hotel for romantic dinner at Sunset is breathtaking (but $$)-- for both you should get the Ultimate Guidebooks:
http://www.amazon. com/Ultimate- Kauai-Guidebook- Revealed/ dp/0963942980

Kapa'a - lots of shopping - great place for breakfast across from the abc store - forgot the name but it's upstairs on the 2nd floor and it's across the street from that store. Ask anyone, they'll know it. Great breakfast.

Hanalei Bay 

Luai in Kauai - Smith's Family Luai is the most show.  The food was awesome and it was a great night.

Having a wonderful Christmas time

Hey there, Thanks for checking in. It's been awhile - have you missed me? I've missed writing! I've been having a really wonderful trip and haven't had access to the computer for any period of time until today. Like the sermon on Zachariah losing his voice due to lack of faith, I lost my voice Christmas day and haven't been able to talk properly since. So to have no voice and no computer access it's been driving me crazy, but also good because I've been praying a lot more and listening a lot more.

I had the best time visiting my good friend Linda and her family from high school for the first few days of my trip. There's just something about finding old friends and remembering fun times together. I forgot how much fun high school was with all my church friends. We looked at old photos, shared memories that I'd forgotten and just really enjoyed spending time together. She and her husband have been married for almost 20 years and have five children which she home-schools. I have so much admiration for her. Not something I have the patience, or desire to do, but her children are really special.

I had gone back there not knowing what to expect since I really haven't spent any time with her since my last year's visit of a few hours and was totally welcomed with love. There is just something about Christian friendships that can be so pure and love filled it's hard to explain.What's so interesting about back east (she lives in VA), is that there is a real emphasis on science and teaching children that in specialized schools. I also noticed a ton more navity scenes on lawns which I didn't see in CA.

We shopped, went to see The Pursuit of Happyness, went to see her daughter's ballet practice (very weird to see little children wearing so much makeup!), hung out at the house, and just caught up. She and her husband are really wonderful people and I cried when I left.

I had rented a car and drove from Linda's home to see my son about an hour away. He has allergies too and after his mom's basketball practice where I met up with them, we drove to the allergist's office for him to get two shots. You haven't heard such crying! You'd have thought he was having teeth pulled. He's getting so tall it's hard to believe he's still only seven. He's very smart and very precious. It was great to see him, but by this time my allergies were in high gear and I was really feeling miserable - coughing, blowing my nose, and not sleeping through the night.

Because they live so far out from the city once we're there we're there which can drive me a little crazy, but it's fun when we play games and walk around the property. He's very competitive. He received the most amazing Christmas gifts - a robot that walks and throws things upon his command, a cool zoo computer game called Zoo Tycoon where he runs the zoo which he just loves, a telescope, and other cool toys. I was glad I came out and the adoptive couple seemed the most relaxed around me I've seen in a long time. Maybe they're reading my blog and realize they have nothing to fear with me now.

The present I had sent was misdelivered and I didn't get to see if he liked it before I left. I can only assume he will because it's a computer game too. He has so many games though I wonder. In any case, really loved seeing him again. I received Christmas gifts at every stop which was a lot of fun and totally unexpected. My son got me, with his own allowance money, a beautiful beaded necklace and cute little charm bracelet. He's got great taste and I was very touched he remembered me like that. My cup overflows with love.

Due to the snowstorm in Denver, I opted to still fly to Pittsburgh and risk getting stuck there rather than fly through Dallas because there were so many more flights out of Pittsburgh and my friend lived there. Amy was great and picked me up to stay at her parent's house overnight. They have a beautiful home out in the country (at least it seemed like the country to me!) and it was fun to see where she lived and what Pittsburgh is like. Now I can say I've been there done that. Just kidding. I was probably there all of 7 hours.

We stayed up talking late and then woke up early to drive back to the airport and I was going to wait until the 4pm flight I was now scheduled to take. My earlier connecting flight had been canceled, but when I got there I asked if I could go standby rather than wait until 4pm. I figured I'd rather sit at the Denver airport and wait for my sister to pick me up than sit all day in the Pittsburgh airport and not even fly out. It was a good decision because they were able to rebook me on an US Airways flight leaving in an hour!

I called my sister, but due to the mountain reception she didn't get my message until I'd landed and I ended up waiting a few hours for them to drive down from Breckenridge to pick me up. It was fine though because the Denver airport has an area where they play movies so I got to watch Ice Age as I waited.

Her husband, Dwayne, picked me up and we made the long trek back up the mountain to their new cabin. It's totally different than their other one they've just rented out full-time, but it's cool in it's own style. My neices loved seeing me and we all opened presents that they'd received in the mail from me (when I thought I wouldn't be coming.) My littlest niece just loved the little stuffed penguin I got her. The other s loved their gifts too which made me feel good. Glori & Dwayne liked theirs too. I liked mine too which is unusual, but fun.

I was still really miserable and the next day Glori took me to the emergency room for treatment. Three hours and $500 later (OY VEY! I'm getting health insurance this year if it's the last thing I do.) I had a diagnosis and medication which has steadily been helping me sleep through the night and not cough as much.

Yesterday my sister had a fun day all planned out for my birthday, but then the roofer couldn't find a babysitter and asked if we'd mind watching his 11-month old baby, named Fancy Beth, and his 2 year old son named Kyle while he worked on their roof. Glori agreed and we teased that he was the ed step child she always wanted. I'm going to upload their pictures later because these kids were so adorable.

Kyle couldn't talk, but he had the best disposition. His dad is a total mountain man complete with the ugly buck teeth you associate with backwoods kinds of people, but very nice. Fancy Beth, yes, that was her real name, had the cutest head of dark curls with blue eyes. We all enjoyed them and I didn't miss the other activities.

I took Kyle sledding with me down the hill next to my sister's cabin along with my neices just before he had to go and he was absolutely covered head to toe in snow that blew up off the sled. He started crying when he realized he was leaving, but otherwise was just the best little boy. Made me wish I had one of my own, but I have to tell you, after visiting everyone with all the kids that I have this week, I realize that I'm very happy being single!

I also realize that although being a stay-at-home mom has always been something I thought I'd want, now I realize that's not really me at all! I really do want to get married, but now realize that I would want to continue working which is something that wasn't clear to me before. I am not the stay-at-home type mom and at this point wonder if I really want the responsiblility of children at all! It's a huge commitment and a huge lifestyle adjustment. Who knows. My thoughts on things change and have changed before, they will again!

I realized that when I said I would never date someone who was 50 I probably had and just didn't know it! Age is just a number and if the person is fun and kind... Anyway, this has been a great week of catching up with old friends, family, and myself if that makes sense. I realize that I love being around people and really need to look into either renting a room somewhere, or buy a condo right away. Living in Torrance in that empty house is just not me! Things will be definitely be different when I return.

I really had a nice birthday/new years this year. Last year I was running around in New York to about five different New Year's Eve parties trying to meet men with my friend Judi, and this year it was all about just enjoying the moment. My brother-in-law stayed home while we went into Breckenridge to shop, watch their huge fireworks display over the ski slopes, enjoy a drink at the bar and a free ice-cream sundae to celebrate my bday before going home to go to bed. It just felt right and I loved every minute of it. Glori is a really wonderful sister and we love each other a lot. We look alike too and took a fun picture under a store sign called Two Wild Sisters.

Last year's new year was really fun, but I think I'm outgrowing that need to search out men especially now that I'm not hanging out with Judi any more since that's her main focus. Now, I just want good friends and family. That's why I'm excited to go home and start the new year in LA. My client was very sweet and remembered me on Christmas and New Years, but without a voice, all I could do was text him back. I hope this medicine kicks in sooner than later, but I'm feeling good and like I said earlier, my cup runneth over with love.

I hope all of you have experienced a similar Christmas and New Years too! Lots of love and good wishes to you! Thanks again for stopping by.