Pure, Unadulterated Joy

Last night was wonderful, but I want to share this short film with you first

By Joy A. Kennelly

Last night we must have had 200 people attend the third South Bay Professional Connection event announcing the Grand Opening of CA Associates and Verch Insurance Services. It was a really special evening. I'll write more about it later because I must run and my camera is jammed preventing me from uploading pix. Just know, it was fantastic!

Right now I want to share this amazing short film with you called The History of a Sign that my good friend Dianne just emailed me. She sends me the best stuff.

This film reminded me why I ran my short film festival for so many years. It's touching, it's beautiful, it's hopeful, and it's an amazing testimony to the power of one person making a difference in the life of someone less fortunate. Film can change the world in the right hands.

Made me realize I was way ahead of my time producing a shorts film festival if Cannes is now doing it online. In any case, so glad to see a short film touching so many people.

Here's the blurb from You Tube regarding it:

"Fourth annual Short Film Online Competition - Cannes 2008. The NFB, in association with the Cannes Short Film Corner and partner YouTube, is proud to announce that the winner of the NFB Online Competition Cannes 2008 is Alonso Alvarez Barreda for his short film Historia de un Letrero (The Story of a Sign) produced in Mexico/U.S.A.

Director : Alonso Alvarez Barreda
Running Time : 04:50
Year : 2007
Country : Mexico/ U.S.A
Category : Short film

With a stroke of the pen, a stranger transforms the afternoon for another man in this emotionally stirring short film by Alonso Alvarez.

Alonso Alvarez Barreda was born in Mexico City in 1984. He met Alejandro Monteverde, who was still in film school, and since then Alejandro became his friend and mentor. Alonso wrote, produced and directed his first short film, called El Algodonero. His second short film, Historia de un Letrero, was named best short film in the Festival Internacional de Cine en Corto and also won the Hispanoamerican jury award in the Short Shorts Film Festival in Mexico City. It has also been an official selection at the San Diego Latino Film Festival, Cine Festival in San Antonio, Texas, Short Shorts Film Festival Monterrey and Morelos, and in the Short Film Corner in Cannes.

Currently, Historia de un Letrero is part of the regular programming on National TV in Mexico. Alonso lives in Los Angeles."

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I cried at the ending - but it was happy tears.

So moving... Please click the link to see what I'm talking about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9eUBVpL0ZU

Positive South Bay Professional Connection news! (repeated on my wordpress blog too...)

By Joy A. Kennelly

Ever since returning from Miami, FL, I have been slammed with work and unable to catch my breath. (Okay, I did enjoy my Memorial Day holiday BBQ down in San Diego with a very good friend, and my lounging by the pool at the Hollywood Roosevelt on Sunday, and my playing with two hilarious dogs in Manhattan Beach, but otherwise - working!)

Really can't spare much time today, but did want to share some great news regarding my next South Bay Professional Connection event occurring tomorrow night over at CA Associates and Verch Insurance Services new office in El Segundo from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Here's some pix to showcase what you're in store for.

Just know, next time you see this space, it's going to be packed with people!

We had a great write-up in The Beach Reporter's Business section last Thursday - Thanks Eric! Also, over 1000 postcard invites have been distributed on top of the 100's of emailed invitations and media relations we've all done to promote this event.

I passed out 40 invites alone last night at a PV mixer with lots of people saying they're planning to come. Should be a great mix of businesses, industries and people since Sonja McColgan, the owner and Career Coach extraordinaire of CA Associates, and Darold Verch, her father and owner of Verch Insurance Services, know so many people having been in business for so many years.

For 20 lucky winners of our "Who's the Best Networker?" contest, guests will receive the following beachy type goody bags courtesy of Globiwest Hospitality Group's Holiday Inn Express Century City and LAX:

944 Magazine
Nice Pen or Computer cleaner from Holiday Inn Express LAX or Century City
Lip Balm from Holiday Inn Express Century City
Scented Candle in container
Complimentary Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express LAX or Century City courtesy of Director of Sales, Lana Leazer.

Apparently, not only will you get to meet some great business and local people if you come by, you will also get to experience the local El Segundo Farmer's Market with a live band and all kinds of great produce and other stuff to buy.

However, as a result, please note you need to park behind the building since Main Street will be full. If you've never been to El Segundo, you're in for a real throwback in time. I call it the Mayberry of the South Bay. Others have called it the last real beach community of the South Bay. It's quaint, quiet, and cute. Lots of great restaurants, services, and local people call El Segundo home.

We had such a great time at our last South Bay Professional Connection, I can't wait to see who shows up for this one. For those of you who missed the last one, here's some highlights and pictures to share with you (I'm editing an original post I wrote for This is Hermosa website.)

Last month's attendees included: Sharkeez Owner, Ron Newman & UPAC Member, Kim McMullan ; Hermosa Beach City Council Member, Michael DiVirgilio; Hermosa Beach Resident, Gary Mallette; Union Cattle Owner, Jed Stanford;

Why Was I Dissed? Founder, Rachel Morton ; the Mackinga clan; Jayme Mackinga's groupies; local icon and Club 705 consultant, John Bowler; Hermosa Beach Writer's Group Representative, Gerry Althas-Vazquez; PV resident, Lane Mayhew; Beach Cities Relay for Life Volunteers, Jill Morales and Susan Cohen; Nutritionist Jayne Justice ; RB resident, Christie and HB Resident Lotus; Strong Project El Segundo Representative, Michael Pochepan; Beach Massage Business Development Representative, Kimberly Blaine; A Fresh Face Skincare Owner, Victoria Coleman; Project Touch Representative, Carol Shakely; and out-of-towners/friends like John Herzberg, Lana Leazer, Damien Carmean, and many others came to mix and mingle. Lisa Bollinger graciously managed the door.

Those who attended enjoyed the acoustic guitar of 16 year old Jayme Mackinga who has a voice akin to Corrine Bailey Rae. Everyone loved her music. What impressed me the most was the poise she exhibited while performing for around 100 people who sat in rapt attention while she sang.

During the break, John Bowler entertained the crowd and invited everyone to support the Beach Cities Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society who had a table set up with all their information. What a great cause and great event coming up! Click the link for all the details and join the team.

Although we didn't raise as much money as I had hoped, it was a great start to a partnership that I hope to continue until the summer's event. Although I personally haven't experienced serious cancer, my grandmother died from lung cancer and my family suffers from non-malignant skin cancer every so often. Damn freckles!

John Pieplow gave a rousing concert which everyone enjoyed as well. He was grateful to be sharing his birthday for such a great cause and had a lot of fun visiting our little city. I'm hoping to get him back at a later date. Everyone who stayed received a free CD of his music as a thank you for coming.

Xavier and his wonderful staff served some great seafood appetizers too. A local HB Resident won the Dinner for Two at The Ardmore in our raffle. Thank you X and all your servers for helping make this a special evening at The Ardmore in 705! 

THE SOUTH BAY PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF CA ASSOCIATES & VERCH INSURANCE SERVICES’ EL SEGUNDO OFFICES

The South Bay Professional Connection announces the Grand Opening of CA Associates Employment Specialists’ and Verch Insurance Services’ new El Segundo offices with a night of Networking and Celebration on Thursday, May 29, 2008 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. The new offices are located at 425 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245.

As part of the Grand Opening Celebration, California Associates’ Career Coach, Sonja McColgan, will offer resume critiques, information on industry trends and interview techniques while Verch Insurance Specialists will offer complete insurance analysis. California Associates Employment Specialists focus on placing candidates in Media, Technology, Accounting, Engineering, Human Resources, Fitness, Sales & Marketing, Administration and Entertainment. For more information, refer to: www.caworkingforyou.com. RSVP to CA Associates: 310.416.8797.

“We chose to move to Downtown El Segundo because it has been voted the ‘Most Business Friendly City,’” says Verch Insurance Services Founder/Owner, Darold P. Verch.      Verch Insurance Services is a multi-line, family owned agency with 40 years experience specializing in all types of insurance. For more information: www.verchinsurance.com

Appetizers will be provided by Shark’s Cove Manhattan Beach, CA.  A portion of the proceeds from GoChi Juice drinks will benefit the Brent Verch Memorial Fund which was created to honor Brent Verch and his life’s desire to support his three young niece’s college education. For information, www.brentverch.com

The South Bay Professional Connection’s (TSBPC) mission is to promote the interest of the South Bay as a whole to the media, the public, businesses, and residents. For more information, please contact tsbpc2008(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Memorial Day! Thank you Veterans for your service.

By Joy A. Kennelly

Hermosa Beach, CA has a really beautiful Veterans Memorial statue located on PCH & Pier Ave right above our Downtown area. Here's some pix and information to showcase it.

Isn't it stately? Joy A. Kennelly All reproductions rights reserved. 2008
Back in January I asked some questions about this statue on our This is Hermosa community forum site.

Someone nicknamed Old Crow was generous with his time and information to answer me. According to someone also in the know, "The Memorial was dedicated in 1994. A group of local vets maintain it and (they) usually plan the annual evening Veterans' Day ceremony on November 11th."

Here's Old Crow's information on the Veterans Memorial I bet you didn't know (I did eliminate some original questions that don't relate. Enjoy!):
1. How many veterans are honored on the wall?

Every veteran is honored. Every Service is represented. The memorial is a sundial which symbolizes that "Veterans are Timeless"  the motto on the memorial.

2. Who funded it?

Private donors. TRW (now Northrop Grumman), Raytheon, Learned Lumber, Kiwanis for example.

3. How long has it been around?

1993 (Someone else says 1994. Anyone know for sure?)

5. How many veterans are still living? Who are they?

You'll have to ask the Department of Defense that one. (I had been referring to local South Bay veterans, but no matter.)

6. Are you in contact with the veterans still living?

A few. One of my buddies I was down playing volleyball with at the beach today is leaving for Iraq tomorrow (1/17/2007 Only in Hermosa Beach, CA would you be playing volleyball in January!)

7. Would you be able to gather them together at some point down the road?

Many gather there every Veterans Day since it has been finished.

8. Have we done anything to honor our recent veterans who have been serving overseas lately?

The last Veterans Day, the keynote speaker at the Veterans Day commemoration had just returned from overseas.

Okay, that's all for now.

Happy Memorial Day! Thank you Veterans!    

Joy A. Kennelly
All reproductions rights reserved. 2008

I love it! The Bitch is back with a capital "B"

By Joy A. Kennelly

Honey, I'm back and badder than ever. You just keep going on Googling my name plus bitch because you know it will come up! LOL

I call myself one because I think it's funny and certain times of the month it's so true - like right now! Here's what a girlfriend said when I asked her opinion on these people who are totally cracking me up which I found very insightful:

"I've gotten this before too. It is exactly because it stings and women really don't want to be perceived as bitches. When a man in a business or professional situation is strong or obnoxious, it's expected and maybe he's called a dick. Which just isn't an insult like being called a bitch. I saw an episode of Saturday Night Live-SNL recently and Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were talking about Hillary Clinton.

Tina said, 'Why do people have a problem with bitches?? Bitches get things done!!!' (AMEN SISTER!)

Couldn't have said it better myself! Take back the term, if you know it was said because you were resourceful or clever or did your job, then somehow let others know you were doing exactly that. Don't stoop to engage the name caller in giving the word any power."

Then she reminded me of this book called Why Men Love Bitches and what the acronym stands for:

Babe
In
Total
Control of
Herself

B.I.T.C.H.

She also reminded me, "It isn't really a book about being a bitch, it is setting boundaries and not letting a man walk all over your sweetness. Or anybody who crosses your boundaries, whatever they may be." Guess that applies to me!:)

I totally admit to feeling bitchy though and am drinking my GoChi Juice as quick as I can to get my hormones back under control, but until then... sorry, you'll just have to deal with it. If it bothers you, then don't read this blog. Simple solution. Why torture your little brain?

Oh, and rather than telling my angry neighbor to grow up or have a drink, I should have just said - Use your words. Communication is key. If you don't like something then say it. Glaring and stomping around really doesn't convey anything other than immaturity and the inability to communicate verbally. Right?

Ooohhh dear. Was that bitchy? Sorry about that. See? I just can't help myself! OY! LOL

Oh well, I'm giving my neighbors a break and letting them party hardy this Memorial Day while I escape to San Diego. If I could just keep traveling I would! I'm thinking of going back to work with the airlines I love getting away so much. We'll see.

For now...

Happy Memorial Day!

Don't drink and drive!

Please!

And whoever keeps parking in my spot - move it, or lose it. I mean it.

The Planning Commission did right for our community - AMEN!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Tonight was a little unsettling because as I expected, the entire room was stuffed with Dragon supporters, workers, owners, and their attorney. Oh, for a look at the place in question check out this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PqePDT2SRA&feature=related - very attractive crowd eh? Good vibey music too.

However, doesn't look much like a restaurant does it? That was the bottom line of tonight's Planning Commission meeting. As a result, they will have their hours cut back to midnight, they must serve 50/50 food and alcohol and no more dancing. Plus, they will have their TV's reduced to 4 (when they've had 13 - what restaurant do you know with that many?)

My prayers, and the prayers of the over 20 Christians & Pastors I asked to pray regarding this issue of our out-of-control nightlife, have been answered. We, the residents of Hermosa Beach, are taking back our community and it feels good.

This is the first bar up for review. The rest are up for review in the upcoming months. This is going to be a very interesting summer to say the least. I'm sure those expecting to go out dancing and vibing at Dragon from now on are going to be quite surprised.

When a business says they're going to be one thing and then flagrantly, repeatedly and deliberately violates their agreed to terms of doing business then it's time they pay the piper so to speak.

If the owners decide to appeal, then this will go before our City Council for consideration. It's going to be very interesting to see what happens now. That's all I got to say. However, I'll be there to voice my opinion when necessary.

Oh, and if you're interested, I'll be posting the link to the proceedings to allow you to see me lose my temper on camera. I wasn't planning to, but this issue has been bubbling up in me for months and tonight was the night to let it out if any. I was extremely emotional to say the least.

I also swore so if profanity offends you, my apologies in advance. I never said I was a lady when I'm politicking. I was just shocked that the Dragon's attorney would use such a lame excuse and then say a thinly veiled threat to sue if things didn't go their way which infuriated me.

When I heard the Neighborhood Watch guy share that during a drive-along with a cop he was surprised at how many felons they came across in one night in Downtown Hermosa Beach, I think the Planning Commission has done the right thing by forcing Dragon to be a restaurant for once, not a bar.

Thank you to those who prayed who have been following this with me on here. The bars belong to Hermosa, Hermosa doesn't belong to the bars!

And with that, Good Night. (It's been a big night and I'm still a bit jet lagged. However, just had to share because this will have major ramifications on the entire Pier Plaza once everyone hears about the judgment! Glad I'm not in Hermosa for another little bit!:))

Showdown at the OK Corral - aka Hermosa Beach Planning Commission Meeting

By Joy A. Kennelly

Just got back from a glorious trip to Miami's South Beach in Florida and just loved it. So much so, I'm going to look for some work there. We shall see!

In the meantime, returned home to a pivotal Planning Commission meeting tonight re: the future of a bar called Dragon here in Hermosa Beach. Here's the report on Dragon detailing all their violations of their Conditional Use Permit that's been submitted for tonight. This has been going on way too long.
 
A bunch of us are going to speak in favor of the changes under consideration. We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it any more!

To be honest, ever since visiting Miami I just see Hermosa Beach with different eyes. I'm angry again how my hometown has been hijacked to be nothing more than a place for drunks and losers to party uncontrollably.

Now however, I feel if the Planning Commission does what's right and pulls the Dragon's hours back to midnight then maybe we have hope for the future of this community. There's got to be something else we become known for than as a place to come and get wasted! I hate that image and will do everything in my power to change it.

So, this has been a little rant since I've been off my GoChi Juice for a week (forgot to pack it on my trip and man, what a difference! I need the mellowness it brings me.) But I think I need this fire because I'm sure there's going to be plenty of Dragon supporters there as well which doesn't make this any fun.

Just what you want - a bunch of angry alcoholics fighting to have their bar stay open so they can get wasted a little longer. OY! I think I need a drink. JUST KIDDING.

Have a good one! Come on down if you're as pissed off as I am and speak now or forever hold your peace. I'll share about Miami later - right now this is too much on my mind.

I really should be packing, but...more Hermosa Beach pix

By Joy A. Kennelly

It's official. Mom can't travel because of her pneumonia. I was so upset when she told me I started to cry because we travel real well together and always have a great time. This was going to be in honor of Mother's Day and now...

I was also a little freaked about going alone, but now I've adjusted to the idea. Plus, I've invited a friend to come out and that may happen. We'll see. I haven't traveled alone in awhile and should be interesting! Say a prayer that I don't get too wild now that Mom isn't around. LOL!

Here's more Hermosa Beach pix because I need to let my mind calm down in order to pack properly. Isn't our current entryway to Hermosa Beach off PCH the ugliest sign you've ever seen? OY! But we're still working on raising money to switch it out with a Hermosa Beach Surf Legends Memorial Fountain. There's a great fundraiser planned for June 29 - all the details in the link above. Sounds real fun.
 

I sure hope they raise enough money, but would like to suggest putting something else up temporarily because raising $400k plus may take awhile. This sign is just way too ugly to wait!:) Especially when next to this really cute one from Luna G!                                                                                                                              

If you're curious, we do have a Hermosa Beach Museum which is only open on the weekends which showcases our 100 year history.

It's just kind of hidden behind the community center.

Look for the ugly sign on the corner of PCH & Pier -it's in that complex on the corner. Here's more pix to guide you.

I teased and said the reason I'm taking all these pix is to preserve our current beach history because if the developers have their way, pretty soon our 100 year beach culture will be no more.

It's not funny  when you actually see how many cool old buildings we have that are ready to be sold and turned into who knows what.

At least there's more awareness now.
 
On a happier note, we have some amazing plays come through this community center and the theater is apparently state-of-the-art.

I'm not big on plays so can't speak from personal experience, but those in the know told me.

We also have a very stately, beautiful Veteran's Memorial statue that is also a little hidden, but on the Community Center grounds. Perhaps you will see it up close and personal when you come down for our Hermosa Beach Art Walk on June 21 ok?
                                                                                                                                                       We also have a sweet little library (with a book sale coming up 5/17!), a cute fire department and responsive police department. I think the Firemen are hosting a pancake breakfast if I'm not mistaken. I'm telling you, firemen really know how to cook!

Oh, and completely off topic, but totally hilarious...

Check out Cougar Appreciation Night up in Los Feliz. Oy! Too funny!
Some young OC guy added me on meetup as a friend and one of his groups he's part of is Older Women, Younger Men. Totally made me LOL! I guess if the shoe fits...

Alright, now I really must pack. Be good and don't be jealous while I enjoy 90 degree weather and hot latin men. Did I say that? Just kidding!:)

Or not...

THE SOUTH BAY PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF CA ASSOCIATES & VERCH INSURANCE SERVICES’ NEW EL SEGUNDO OFFICES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information: Joy A. Kennelly

310.714.2077

thejoywriterpublicity(at) gmail (dot) com

 

THE SOUTH BAY PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF CA ASSOCIATES & VERCH INSURANCE SERVICES’ NEW EL SEGUNDO OFFICES

With a Networking Celebration on Thursday, May 29, 2008 5:30pm – 7:00pm

South Bay, CA… The South Bay Professional Connection announces the Grand Opening of CA Associates Employment Specialists’ and Verch Insurance Services’ new El Segundo offices with a night of Networking and Celebration on Thursday, May 29, 2008 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm.

As part of the Grand Opening Celebration, California Associates‘ Career Coach, Sonja McColgan, will offer resume critiques, information on industry trends and interview techniques while Verch Insurance Specialists will offer complete insurance analysis. Appetizers will be provided by Shark’s Cove Hermosa Beach, CA. A portion of the proceeds from GoChi Juice shots poured will benefit the Brent Verch Memorial Fund. The new El Segundo offices are located at 425 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245. RSVP to CA Associates: 310.416.8797.

“We chose to move to Downtown El Segundo because it has been voted the ‘Most Business Friendly,’” says Verch Insurance Services Founder/Owner, Darold P. Verch. Verch Insurance Services is a multi-line, family owned agency with 40 years experience specializing in all types of insurance. For more information, please review: www.verchinsurance.com or call 310 322-1626.

California Associates Employment Specialists focus on placing candidates in Media, Technology, Accounting, Engineering, Human Resources, Fitness, Sales & Marketing, Administration and Entertainment. For more information, refer to: www.caworkingforyou.com or call 310.416.8797.

The Brent Verch Memorial Fund was created to honor Brent Verch and his life’s desire to support his three young niece’s college education. For more information, please refer to: www.brentverch.com

The South Bay Professional Connection’s (TSBPC) mission is to promote the interest of the South Bay as a whole to the media, the public, businesses, and residents. For more information, please contact Joy A. Kennelly via 310 714-2077 or tsbpc2008 (at) gmail (dot) com.

#END#

Nasa & the Bible - very interesting!

My mom sent me this and I think it bears sharing. Enjoy!

NASA & THE BIBLE

I think one of the most amazing things that God has done for us today happened recently to our astronauts and space scientists at Green Belt, Maryland.  Thought this was pretty amazing and interesting!!

For all the scientists out there, and for all the students who have a hard   time convincing these people regarding the truth of the Bible, here's something that shows God's awesome creation, and that He is still in control.
 
Did you know that the space program is busy proving that what has been called "myth" in the Bible is true?
 
Mr. Harold Hill, President of the Curtis Engine Company in  Baltimore, Maryland, and a consultant in the space program, relates the following development.

They were checking out where the positions of the sun, moon, and planets would be 100 years and 1,000 years from now. We have to know this so we won't send up a satellite and have it bump into something later on in its orbits.
 
We have to lay out the orbits in terms of the life of the satellite and where the planets will be so the whole thing will not bog down.
 
They ran the computer measurement back and forth over the centuries, and it came to a halt. The computer stopped and put up a red signal, which meant that there was something wrong   with either the information fed into it or with the results as compared to the standards.
 
They called in the service department to check it out, and they said, 'What's wrong?' Well, they found there is a day missing in space in elapsed time.
 
They scratched their heads and tore their hair out.. There was no answer.
 
Finally a Christian man on the team said, 'You know, one time I was in Sunday School, and they talked about the sun standing still.' While they didn't believe him, they didn't have an answer either, so they said, 'Show us. '
 
He got a Bible and went to the book of Joshua where they found a pretty ridiculous statement for any one with 'common sense.'
 
There they found the Lord saying to Joshua,
 
'Fear them not, I have delivered them into thy hand; there shall not a man of them stand before Thee.'
 
Joshua was concerned because he was surrounded by the enemy! And if darkness fell, they would overpower them. So Joshua asked the Lord to make the sun stand still! That's right... 'The sun   stood still and the moon stayed and lasted not to go down about a whole day!'
(Joshua 10:12-13)
 
The astronauts and scientists said, There is the missing day! They checked the computers going back into the time it was written and found it was close, but not close enough. The elapsed time that was missing back in Joshua's day was 23 hours and 20 minutes, not a whole day.
 
They read the Bible, and there it was about [approximately] a day. These little words in the Bible are important, but they were still in trouble because if you cannot account for 40 minutes, you'll still be in trouble 1000 years from now.
 
Forty minutes had to be found because   it can be multiplied many times over in orbits. As the Christian employee   thought about it, he remembered somewhere in the Bible where it said the sun went BACKWARDS.
 
The scientists told him he was out ofhis mind, but they got out the Book and read these words in 2 Kings that told   of the following story: Hezekiah, on his death bed, was visited by the prophet   Isaiah who told him that he was not going to die. Hezekiah asked for a sign   as proof. Isaiah said 'Do you want the sun to go ahead 10 degrees?'

Hezekiah said, 'It is nothing for the   sun to go ahead 10 degrees, but let the shadow return backward 10 degrees.'   Isaiah spoke to the Lord, and the Lord brought the shadow ten degrees   BACKWARD! Ten degrees is exactly 40 minutes!

Twenty-three hours and 20 minutes in Joshua, plus 40 minutes in Second Kings   make the missing day in the universe! Isn't it amazing?
 
  References: Joshua 10:8 and 12,13 and   2 Kings 20:9-11.

Joshua 10:8, 12, 13
⁸ The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you."
    ¹² On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: "O sun, stand still over Gibeon,
       O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."

   ¹³ So the sun stood still,
       and the moon stopped,
       till the nation avenged itself on ^[a] its enemies,
      as it is written in the Book of Jashar.
      The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.

2 Kings 20:9-11

    ⁹ Isaiah answered, "This is the LORD's sign to you that the LORD will do what he has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?"

    ¹⁰ "It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps," said Hezekiah. "Rather, have it go back ten steps."

    ¹¹ Then the prophet Isaiah called upon the LORD, and the LORD made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.

If God could do this then, how   much more can he do for us today. If we only believe in his word.    

Happy Mother's Day! Made of Honor and more Hermosa pix for your viewing pleasure

By Joy A. Kennelly

Just watched Made of Honor which actually had some surprises not revealed in the trailer which was a nice change of pace. The scenery in Scotland is stunning, Patrick Dempsey is adorable, and it's every woman's fantasy to have someone sweep her off her feet like her Scottish hero did. I won't ruin the ending, but I really enjoyed the flick. Two bouquets!

I'm actually doing ok this Mother's Day and was only teary once which is great. I love my friend Shana because she's so nurturing and knows exactly what to say to help me feel better about my open adoption. I am so glad we're friends.

Enough of that though, I feel like sharing more pix of Hermosa Beach. We really have a great fashion collection of stores that I didn't acknowledge before and I admit that was wrong of me. Pier Ave is littered with all kinds of cute, eclectic shops filled with unique clothes, surf related items and boards, tourist gifts and t-shirts and other stuff.

Some of them kind of crack me up because it looks like they've been around forever and are from a completely different hippy era - like the Birkenstock store, Greeko's Sandals, the hippie dress store, and the store with the gone surfing sign in the window.

Only in Hermosa Beach...:)

Here's some pix of a few to let you see what I mean. I've mixed in a few from other categories that I missed before too. Buy Mylar balloons from Hermosa Celebrations because if the Government has its way they're going to put an end to them according to Sandy, the store owner. She has great balloon bouquets and really cares about her customers.

I've changed my mind about free copying of my pix. Please don't. I have spent hours shooting, editing and uploading them and would prefer you pay for the privilege of using them if you're interested. Thanks.

Enjoy!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Walking on Water documentary - great surfing film!

By Joy A. Kennelly

I grew up in the South Bay surrounded by surfers and those are the kinds of guys I love - laid back, cool, athletic, adventurous and hot looking. So when I read in the paper that Rolling Hills Covenant was screening Walking on Water documentary and it had that girl Bethany Hamilton whose arm was bitten off by a shark I knew I really wanted to see it.

I kind of figured I'd be one of the older ones in the crowd since it seemed geared towards young people since the two main guys were 12 and 14 years old. I missed the Friday screening because there was a mis-connect regarding where it was screening and I arrived way late. I drove home swearing because I'd really wanted to see it and was bummed that now my Friday night plans seemed screwed.

I should have known God had other plans. As I drove down from Rolling Hills I received a message from my mom that she was in the emergency room with a pain in her ribs. Since I didn't have any plans I thought why not go and sit with her to keep her company. Dad had gone to a music concert with some other friends and Mom was all alone.

Now I've gone to emergency and sat by myself for hours before and know how awful it can be to do that. Mom has never offered to come keep me company, but I knew it would make her night if I did. I'm glad I did.

Turns out she has pneumonia and we wouldn't have found that out if she hadn't had a chest x-ray. Since I was sick before too I asked the doc to check my lungs because the other night at my Bible Study everyone kept telling me horror stories of people who had walked around undiagnosed with pneumonia and died! Oy!

Fortunately, I'm still on antibiotics and my lungs sound clear. Good thing! Praise God!:) It's bad enough my little mom isn't feeling well. However, after a shot to her bum, off we went. She sounds better today, but apparently still doesn't feel well.

We're going to Miami together and I was teasing her that this time (I've already postponed it once), I'm going without her! We'll see what her regular doc has to say on Monday. However, I don't trust his judgment because he didn't seem to take her sickness as seriously as I think he should have last time she went in. Now that she's older when she's sick I get more concerned. Only natural I guess.

Enough about that though - on with the movie! Tonight I opted to catch Walking on Water at El Segundo High School auditorium. This was just as crowded and there were all ages reflected. I kind of felt like I was with my people because there were so many surfers.

I loved all the vernacular being tossed around and learned a new slang term for me - Groms... Ever heard it? Means Grommets like younger kids before they become teen-agers. The movie is about a couple of groms who travel the world surfing the best waves and how their lives are touched by all the people they meet. At least that's what I walked away with.

The skill of the surfers was really amazing. What was even more amazing was to see all the different countries and what it's like to surf there. Really made me want to learn. This surfer guy take these kids to Hawaii, Australia, Indonesia, Peru, South Africa and probably somewhere else I'm forgetting. The scenery is really cool and the people are heart warming. Apparently these are some of the top surfing spots around the world too. Very cool to see.

My favorite scenes were the wild animal parks in South Africa and the close encounter with the lions, the surfing in Hawaii, and the fact that a lot of these major world-champion surfers are Christians! Too cool! Who knew? I sure didn't.

Tom Curren, three-time world champion, opened the evening playing with his band The Noahs. I thought they were just some garage band because the riffs got a little repetitious, but it was cool to see that it was really his band. He's so humble and almost shy it was very cute to see.

The two kids in the film were absolutely adorable and so in love with surfing it was very fun to watch. You'd think it would get old watching wave after wave after wave, but it really was fascinating. I thought the scene where Matt Beacham sneaks along to Indonesia was very funny. He seems like a really cool guy.

This is definitely a guy's guy film. The camaraderie and brotherhood that develops among the three travelers and all the cool accomplished surfers they meet along the way was very sweet to watch. I love it when men love each other like that in an uncomplicated brotherly fashion.

It was also very cool to see how open they were about their relationship with God and how much they trust and depend on Him for their lives. I love a Godly man. Especially ones that look as hot as these guys did. Sorry, but it's true.:)

I learned there's some surfer churches in the area that I'm thinking of checking out. My church, although I really, really love the people, just doesn't have a lot of singles for me to hang with and I'm beginning to crave friendships with Christians who aren't married. I will always love my married friends, but it's time for me to meet more people I could actually connect and hang with. I get so lonely living here and I'm tired of it.

I even miss my noisy neighbor since he's been staying at his girlfriend's more. How silly is that? At least I knew there was another human being living and breathing in my building. Sometimes it's like a ghost town. But when I do see people they're very nice which is cool.

So, that's all for now. Just had to share. I really had a nice evening. Met some people at the ice cream/hamburger social after the movie who were friendly and nice. Then met the wife of the guy who had turned me away last night and had a great chat with her. She's a surfer and maybe I'll get my guts up to learn with her if she's open.

Watching this film made me think surfing must be such a rush. I love swimming in the ocean as it is and think this might be the summer to push past my limitations and try something new. We'll see!

Have a good one. See that Walking on Water if you can. It's a film not to miss!

Hermosa is all about fitness and sports too...

By Joy A. Kennelly

What surprised me walking around Hermosa Beach is how many little personalized gyms and equipment stores we have, but I should have known that an area that is predominantly beach driven would have lots of outdoor sports opportunities, and indoor gym facilities. Here's a quick tour in no particular order.

I'm especially proud of the surfer skateboarding past Becker's Surf Shop carrying his board to the beach pic because to me it's quintessential Hermosa Beach. Oh, and by the way, don't the sidewalks look plenty wide to you too?:)       The built guy play boxing just made me laugh... Gotta run - going to catch an inspirational surf movie. Enjoy the pix, but if you copy them, please give me credit.
                                                    

Whew...wrapped up a bunch of work - here's more Hermosa Beach pix as I unwind

By Joy A. Kennelly

I thought I was going out of town on Friday and as a result have been working real hard to catch up all my loose ends. Now that I'm not leaving till next week I have a little more breathing room, but am still pounding away because I want everything finished before I leave.

I just need to unwind right now and thought I'd share more pix from my walking journey around my cute little hometown of Hermosa Beach, CA. Here's a little of this and a little of that. Enjoy!

Ken Klade, the owner of the Ken Klade Gallery, is on the committee for the Hermosa Beach Art Walk taking place this summer on the lawn of our community center. Here's a link in case you want to submit some art for consideration. I don't think it's too late, but check out the details online because I don't know having been too sick and too busy to check it out further: http://www.hbartwalk.com/ I think it's going to be a really nice event though and invite you all to mark your calendars for 6/21/08 from 10am - 6pm. Then, at night, plan to attend my client Arlene Bogna's opening at the sister gallery to LAAA South here in Hermosa - Gallery 825 located at 825 La Cienega Hollywood, CA 90069 from 6pm - 9pm.

If you're around over the Memorial Day Weekend, consider attending Artist Beverly Bigwood's art exhibit during the 11th Annual Avenues of Art & Design in West Hollywood at Carlisle Open House Studio on May 31, 2008 from 4pm - 8pm.

Carlisle Design Center Open House is located at 405 N. Robertson, West Hollywood, CA 90048. For more information, call 866-595-9663.








Now for some Hermosa Beach pooches and a pretty vet building (with one MB bulldog and one MB poodle thrown in because they're so cute. And yes, my friend Jayne is single if anyone is asking.)
Mike & Tucker are Hermosa Beach icons in town which is why I had to include them in this dog review.
Contrary to popular belief, we do have a couple churches and a building that people consider church too.
Long live AA.
Here's a local car washing favorite. If you go on the right day you might even bump into our local Mayor, J.R.

And if you're in the market for a new Land Rover - go here!
What's funny is that just on the corner is the entryway to Redondo Beach and their harbor. Look at the pretty flowers and then look what's directly behind. Pretty ugly, eh? And right across the street from  Body Glove's Hermosa Beach Headquarters.

Hermosa, surprisingly, has numerous beauty treatment spots. My local favorite is Maximus because the owner, Ed, is so warm and funny. He has a very creative idea to run Beauty & Brains seminars in his salon which I'm excited to help with, along with a bunch of other cool women.
As they say, hair salon's are the gossip houses of a community, right? That's why we're thinking of creating City Chatter -to help people keep up-to-date on city politics without having to sit through the boring, uncomfortable seating of a city council meeting. Should be fun! I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, check out these great places and book your next appointment today! Just think, escape to the beach for a treatment and then enjoy the sunset and a nice dinner afterwards. That's my idea of heaven.
Glen Ivy Day Spa is here in Hermosa! Right above the new beautiful wine bar/restaurant, Brix1601. You could really have a nice experience and never leave the building actually. Treat your mom to a special day away from it all and take her to Hermosa Beach.
Here's more of our local spa/beauty/manly grooming places you're sure to find a great special inside. Also, our local chiropractor place who will probably end up ousted by the plans to widen sidewalks. Oh well, he had a good run is what the city council seems to think.
However, it's not over till it's over, right? Notice that Diva is getting the hell out of dodge while the getting is good because they see the writing on the wall with the Upper Pier Avenue beautification project ramping up. Okay, that's all. I've got to get ready to go to a 944 Magazine party at the W Hotel. See ya! Have a good one.                                                                                                                     

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More Hermosa Beach images

By Joy A. Kennelly

I'm sure there's other restaurants on PCH I'm missing, but here's a few more restaurants, markets, hotels, and homes I have pix of. The Alta Dena Dairy has been sold and now there's talk of tearing it down to build more office space and a high end restaurant.

I hope it doesn't happen, but if the developers, Realtors and city council continue like they have been, soon there will be nothing left of our 100 year beach heritage which is the reason I'm documenting everything. Where else in Southern California can you find buildings and properties like these?                                    
Some, I think they're ok to go, but not everything! I've thrown in a couple new places too.

Isn't the Mermaid just on its last legs? That whole block of property sold for $33 million I believe. We're all waiting to see what's going to go in there. Should be interesting.

By the way, I have no control on how the pix end up. They just kind of pop up wherever they feel like it!

Recognize the 90210 beach house? Right here in Hermosa Beach...

By the way, the blue Sea Sprite Motel towards the end is for sale to the highest bidder. Last I heard it was going for $20 million.
That's a nice pocketful of change, eh? Isn't it pretty and bright? I never realized how colorful Hermosa Beach was until I started looking at all my pictures.

I've thrown in some random miscellaneous shots because this is my mish mosh pictorial essay of my Hermosa Beach.

More laters, but for now...

Enjoy!

 

   

More Hermosa Beach places to eat...

By Joy A. Kennelly   

For such a small town, (Hermosa Beach is only 1 mile big), there sure are a lot of restaurants! I know I've probably missed some (some on purpose because they're more bar than restaurant, some by accident - if you see some that are missing let me know!), but this will give you a good idea of the variety of cuisine offered here. What I love is the quaint charm of so many of these establishments.

We really do have great Saturday morning breakfast spots so consider driving down for the day or visiting us for the weekend. What's fun is that for the most part, they're all within walking distance which makes it easy to wander till you find just the right place.

We also have really nice dinner spots with a wide variety of prices and cuisine if you're looking for somewhere new to visit some weekend with someone you love, or are trying to impress. If you're curious about their rating, or what they serve, just Google the name of the place, or leave me a comment and if I know, I'll tell you ok?

Okay, that's all. Gotta run. Thanks for popping by!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Whoops! Also, fundraiser some reading might appreciate

Just realized that some of my restaurant pix didn't come through. When I added them I think certain ones got deleted. I'll add more I promise. Just not now.

In the meantime, if this event is something you like, then support a good cause and attend!

On behalf of myself, Dr. Kevin Brown, and the Urban Health Institute, we would like to 
invite you to Party at the Playboy Mansion on May 17, 2008.

This year’s event promises to be a blast for all that attend with VIP  cabanas, casino 
lounge area, playmates, open bar, tours of the property, and much more!

Hosted by Khloe Kardashian and Jamie Gold w/ DJ Spindarella keeping it funky on the 
dance floor.

Tickets are on sale now. Visit www.uhievents.org or call 323-734-1222 ask for Lisa

$1,500 to play in the poker tournament (includes general admission) w/ a chance to win 
A SEAT in the WSOP Main Event and lots more

$ 500 for General Admission for those who aren’t up to playing in the tournament you 
can still try your hand in our Casino Lounge tables ( blackjack, craps, texas hold 'em) 
with a chance to win a trip for 2 to Bermuda ( air and hotel included) for 4 nights 
5 days and many more prizes!!

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Urban Health Institute www.uhinstitute.org – 
your general admission and tournament entry fee donations are tax deductible

Party for A Cause – Join us at the Playboy Mansion – May 17, 2008.

If you are unable to make it but would still like to send a donation to UHI please call
Lisa Palma at 323-734-1222 or visit www.uhinstitute.org to make an online donation

Tell a Friend – Spread the Word

Thanks!

Kevin Brown, MD

 

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...

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

Sharkeez MB - very fun, unexpected experience

By Joy A. Kennelly

You know what's funny about growing up going to church, traveling a lot and not going to bars when you're younger? You really don't understand how it all works when you're older. What's even funnier about being in one when you're older is when you're surrounded by college kids!

Man, if that doesn't make you feel like a Cougar I don't know what will! LOL I had no idea that Sharkeez MB was holding their Hottest College Night promotions the same time as I was hosting my GoChi Happy Hour and it was quite hilarious to see a busload of LMU college students unload into the bar.

Then to watch the faces of the adults I had invited when they walked in not knowing either. I felt bad because I totally wasn't expecting this to happen and really thought I would be hosting a networking event, but... Every time you do an event you learn what works and what needs tweaking. It's just the nature of event planning.

I thought we would have an interesting mix at the least, but I think some professionals just don't see the humor of networking amongst loud music and excited college kids. I had no idea myself, or I would never have billed my event as such.

I also wasn't expecting multiple 2 for 1 drink specials going on which directly competed with ours, but whatever they want to do is fine by me. Not my bar, not my business, not my clientèle. They know what works so just have to trust that fact. Wish it was otherwise, but it wasn't so it is what it is.

When I do this again, which I want to because Sharkeez MB makes the best GoChi cocktails and has the best food, I think it's more appropriate for a weekend when people are going out to just have fun. Makes more sense all the way around.

On another note, was interesting to see someone I haven't seen in ages attend last night and to really see him for who he is for the first time. Sad too, and a cold wake-up call. Can't build your life on past memories or desires I guess. Just kind of mind numbing that that really is his m.o. I had this other vision of who he was which is so wrong!

What was even sadder, was that someone I considered a friend and knew of my feelings for this guy totally disregarded that and went along with his attentions. OY! Oh well, better to know now than later. Just not anyone I want close to me any more. Too painful.

All in all though, it was a really fun evening. Jayne was out there promoting like a crazy woman and we had some people trying GoChi which was great. I think for some it was the first time they'd ever heard of the juice and they were very intrigued.

Sharkeez MB really makes the best GoChi cocktails! They were so good - I'm telling you! I had three - have to be honest. And this is from someone who rarely drinks because I get acid reflux. Not last night! Thanks guys!

Believe it or not, I am really a shy person (especially when I'm not feeling well) and as a result last night was a little overwhelmed by everything. I wasn't as out there as I normally would have been because I was a little sad too, but it will be different next time. Certain people won't be invited which will help.

One young guy came up to me and said if GoChi Juice really helps people avoid hangovers and all the other 19 health benefits, he was going to help me turn my company into a billion dollar business. Pretty exciting, eh?

What cracked me up is when he said he didn't want to pay for the juice - he wanted me to give him a bottle to test it. Sorry buddy, everyone tests it the same way - by showing me the money! He's going to email me so we'll see. You never know with people and could be interesting!

Enjoyed meeting Trey, the guy who hosts the Thursday night meetup at Sharkeez MB. Next time, we partner up with him. Apparently he never received my email requesting that we work together before and now that we know each other it will be better.

Some of the people I had invited showed up and hung out almost the entire time. Others I was expecting were no shows for whatever reason. Damien - you better come next time Big D! I missed you!

My new artist client, Arlene Bogna, who is an extremely gifted, award-winning film director and also photographer (which is why we're working together - she has a solo art show in June which I'm helping her promote) joined us and enjoyed her conversation with my author/speaker friend, Ken Unger.

More on her upcoming exhibit soon!

Today it's all about the Beverly. Beverly Bigwood that is.

Got to wrap up promoting her reception this Sunday and see who all is planning to come out. It's really going to be a delightful afternoon and I hope a lot of art collectors, editors, interior designers and others join us.

We shall see! Better get to work!