I have started and stopped writing this “Retrospect of 2020” blog – a dozen times. Seriously. I started to organize my thoughts into a succinct blog days ago – each time with the intention to write about why we need to be hopeful and positive as we turn the calendar to 2021. I wanted to write about being grateful . I wanted to write how I learned so much by literally staying home. Yet… what I ended up typing (and deleting 12 times) was a potpourri of complaints. My rants ranged from a tirade of how so many people ended the year with unfathomable heartache due to Covid 19 to my disgust with the polarization of our country – largely due to politics. Delete. Delete. Delete… etc.
Finally – on my 13th attempt to write this blog – I found clarity.
2020 was about survival. I don’t have any words of wisdom for 2021. No big resolutions. No grand plans.
So, I end the year with a blog of photos from the year. Hard to believe that 2020 was a year that we saw LA Zoo Lights New Year’s weekend- back when the year held so much promise. Then off to Nevada to see Alan Parsons in concert and hike red rocks! January, February and early March also brought fabulous times including with the cast of THE CUBAN at the PanAm Film Festival followed by the LA Travel and Adventure Show, cheering our favorite films of 2019 the Oscars at a party at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, working on The Salon Digital Series for Emmy consideration, and celebrating Margaret McSweeney’s induction in to the Hall of Fame for the Taste Awards! Then Covid hit and we pressed the pause button. That is when you will see my photos become more of my surroundings -including starting a fairy garden for neighbors to enjoy. I learned to listen to nature and appreciate the simplicity of life. Enjoy my photos and please drop your blog in the comments for me to check out your year in review.
Be well. Be safe. Happy 2021. ~Louise
All photos are the property of Louise Sattler. Snapped with an iPhone 8 or iPhone 11 Max. 2020 All Rights Reserved Louise Sattler
So, you waited until the last minute to shop for the holidays? Don’t worry- I have ideas for the last minute shopper who is looking for a unique gifts
Think Positive! DIY!
Short on time and cash? Here are some gifts that are from the heart and shouldn’t break your wallet.
Make a photo book chronicling the positive aspects of 2020. Send your photos to a one -day/ hour service (such as Walgreens or CVS) and then place the prints in to an inexpensive photo album or create one yourself from materials you can find at home. For bonus fun – write a poem to add to your gift.
Sew from scraps of cloth and fill with beans – your very own bean bags. Use to play games or teach another person how to juggle!
Bake cookies, decorate and place in creative containers.
Not in the creative mood – well then give the gift of TRAVEL!
Eventually, we will be able to satiate our wanderlust! Travel will be back on the calendar and you can make your family and friends smile with travel themed gifts. ( I already talked with my travel agent guru from The Travel Store, Linda Kahn- Ferrell for our next adventure!)
Consider ITALY!! We are! I can’t wait to reunite with the awesome Ana from Selected Tours Italy! I met Ana more than a year ago at the LA Travel and Adventure Show. We stayed in touch and she smartly has pivoted her business to helping travelers who are “stuck at home” enjoy the spirit of travel – virtually! Check out their awesome virtual tours for holiday gifting here. And, surprise your loved one by booking as a gift a customized tour of Italy for a post-Covid future trip!
Zion
Not ready to fly across the ocean? Well here is another travel themed idea. How fun to give the gift of a trip to a National Park! Rent an easy to drive RV and surprise your family with a trip to go visit Yosemite, the Grand Canyon or even Niagra Falls! These parks have been open (more or less) throughout the pandemic and help press our inner “reset” button.
Last but certainly not least – Give the Gift of Paying It Forward!
Let’s face it – you get to a certain age when you have collected more than enough “STUFF”. You don’t need anymore “stuff” because you have no room in drawers, closets or shelves.
That is when you give to others.
Consider giving to your local shelter, domestic violence center or a GoFundMe that helps individuals and families in need across the globe. Donate in honor of others. As I am sure, others you know also don’t need more stuff!
RUFF! RUFF! MEOW! MEOW!
Animals need love, too! While there has been a surge of animal adoptions since the Covid 19 pandemic- there continues to be a huge need for help at our local shelters and organizations that care for animals in fragile situations. This is where you can help by sponsoring an animal, donating or adoption.
Try PetFinder.com to find your local organizations in need and pets looking for homes. And remember, before you shop – look to adopt! There are many “pure breed” animals looking for their fur-ever families.
This past holiday season I sponsored five dogs in shelters. Each dog was sponsored in the name of a family member or friend. The sponsor fee helped pay for food and care for the dogs. I heard a lot of “aws” and “how cute” when the envelopes with photos of these pups were opened. I opted to sponsor via RUFFStartRescue.org and they sent a lovely thank you.
Just look at these faces (and by the way – they all have been adopted since we started to sponsor them – except for Minnetonka (with the red collar on the left). How sweet is this little pup!Learn more here
And, as the calendar turns to 2021 – know that I have appreciated each of those who have read this blog. Happy Holidays!
Life during COVID 19 is hard. It is more than a minor challenge for parents, now turned teachers. It is a crisis for restaurant, hospitality and beauty shop owners and their employees. And, for those who are creative talents – such as performing and visual artists – COVID 19 has made their livelihoods null and void. The result – many artists have opted to pivot.
So, my mission for this blog is to introduce you to some artists who use their creativity to make our homes and offices beautiful and are worth checking out this holiday season. Plus, I added two textile creators that recently caught my eye (and credit card).
This is the second of my holiday gift recommendations and I hope you enjoy it! Read the first one here.
I was invited to meet Steffi Pecarich when her family members asked Hubby and I to attend her 2019 art opening. I love art and always want to support my friends projects of their kids, but I was not prepared on how much I would enjoy the artistic talent of this young lady! Steffi is featured on ETSY and very much an artist you should take time to learn more about and support by simply pressing > “click here to meet Steffi”.
My take… Her art seems simplistic until you really look closely. And please do. How this talent melds her colors together and embeds symbols in each of her paintings is quite intriguing. I think this one might be my favorite (click).
Plus, ArtFactory69 (Steffi’s company’s name) is priced for the average person’s budget with many pieces under $40. Here is an interview of Steffi from a YouTube’s show: On The Trend with Elliott Desai
My repertoire of artistic talent can be summed up with a few puffy paint shirts and stick figure drawings. Not so with my niece, Elissa Masin Blumstein. She always was a master with the art brush. Now, with her husband, Ryan Blumstein, they have expanded from their successful special event signage and decor company – SURFACE GROOVES with the fun and functional – SURFACE GOODS. This new venture came at the right time! Their customer base is the consumer who now find themselves staying at home in lieu of spending their annual vacation bucks. SURFACE GOODS brings to home and hearth beautiful and customizable decor. So much to love (and, that truly is my “unbiased” opinion!). PLUS… they have created CHANUKAH decorations that aren’t your store bought cookie cutter offerings. I am sooo tired of the same old Chanukah decorations that are usually ugly and BORING (or expensive). I was thrilled to see their variety of signage including one that has a very clever play on words – HAPPY CHALLAH DAY! (See below)
Each year I write a post with my list of ideas for holiday gifting. I try to skew to gifts that give back to charity or are educational. I also like to list gifts that are provide “random fun”. This year I am writing three blogs – three lists full of holiday gift ideas. The first one is dedicated to educational toys and games. AND… there is a GIVEAWAY. Simply comment below to be entered to win the Griddly Games 5 STONES game by midnight Pacific Time December 13, 2020. See rules below.
Two things you need to know…
First, if I recommend a product or charity I do so without any payment from the company or organization. A few companies sent samples and they will be donated to families who are struggling due to Covid 19 or teachers.
Secondly, I welcome your suggestions. Simply add your holiday gift ideas in the comment section below.
From Griddly Games comes a very unique ensemble of ” just add…” products and others that use word and numerical reasoning. I must admit, as an educator, they had me at their descriptions of being products focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). All of these kits are user friendly (younger children will require supervision, as can be expected).
CALLING ALL TEACHERS AND HOME EDUCATORS – CHECK OUT VERY FUN STEAM ACTIVITY KITS FOR THE HOLIDAYS FROM GRIDDLY GAMES.
just add EGG.(ages 5 and up, parent/ teach guidance required) – Comprised of more than 10 interactive activities with “egg-speriments” included in this very fun egg shaped box. This game is filled with everything from molding clay, crayons, glue and even corn syrup! Lots of hours of fun are to be expected and all need is a child, their imagination, a parent or teacher to supervise and EGGS!
Like science AND art? Then check out just add BAKING SODA! You can make at least 20 different projects – including your very own bath bombs, volcano or holiday ornaments with this very visually fun and interactive kit! I like that this kit uses a lot of visual motor perceptual skills and helps to build fine motor skills.
Children’s Products) If you enjoy trivia games – then you will LOVE Wise Alec(TM). Meant for family night or classroom game time – WISE ALEC incorporates mind games such as brain teasers and tongue twisters with physical activity. Over 1000 questions are included in the game box. The game is geared reinforce elementary school curricula covering the subjects of History, Science and Spelling!
Need easy questions for your first grader – no problem. Want to challenge your fifth grader? With Wise Alec you can do that, too! And when you pick a STUDY BREAK card get ready to MOVE (and earn points for doing so!) Excellent game and great for those who need support with literacy skills, too! Supper fun and creative. I give Wise Alec a solid A++
SHOW ME THE KWAN!
When I first saw this game in the box I started hooting and hollering! A WORD game!! Plus it was very reminiscent of Scrabble® and Boggle®. SHOW ME THE KWAN also had many components of categorizing games such as Scattergories®. This game is Intended to be played with a large group (you can have up to ten players). I envision this game as great for classroom use, “Covid 19” education pod groups (home education) and parties with tweens and teens.
“KWAN” takes a bit of a learning curve to get the rules down – but once you do – watch out! This is a fast paced game for letter/wordsmiths! Small enough to bring along to family and friend gatherings.
PUZZLES! PUZZLES PUZZLES!
There are several reasons for parents to buy puzzles this holiday season. How many gifts can teach history, art, geography and much more for a fraction of the price of an electronic gaming system? Plus, kids can learn foundational literacy skills.
First, when you assemble a puzzle you need organizational and visual discrimination skills. Some people like to separate pieces by color, or by shape. Others are very focused on the cover picture and organize their puzzle pieces section by section (frame vs. inside, for example).
Did you know that when you assemble a puzzle you also are training your eyes to see how “parts become a whole”? Puzzles, believe it or not, can help teach children how letters become words and words become a paragraph?!
Endless Gamesis a company that you can access online or by driving to your nearest Kohl’s. If you are a lover of puzzles AND Broadway you will FREAK at their PLAYBILL Presents puzzle! Hours of fun for under $15!
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PEACE ON EARTH
This is a beautiful 1000 piece puzzle spotlighting the artistic talent of Malcom Watson. Your whole family can linger over the dining room table as you complete this puzzle that measures almost 20″ by 26″ when finished.
Master Pieces – beautiful quality puzzles.
I received this CATOLOGY puzzle. While not a huge fan of cats (more of a dog lover) – this puzzle was simply lovely and the poster inside was a nice bonus feature!
More Favorite Puzzles with Educational Value
White Mountain Puzzles. Their Nostalgic / Vintage Collection are my favorites. These puzzles are great for multi-generational play. Grandparents and parents can educate children and young adults about life before the new Millennium! The pieces are thick and that is good for young and old fingers, alike. White Mountain Puzzles are POPULAR – so be sure to check back if ones on your wish list are out of stock. Website and Amazon.
Uncommon Goods offers novelty puzzles with political and historical themes. This VOTES FOR WOMENis a circular pattern.
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
GIVEAWAY- the Griddly Games new edition: 5 STONES! Open to all United States residents who are 18 years of age or older. Must comment on this post on or before Sunday, December 13, 2020, 11:59pm Pacific time. No employees or family member associated with Griddly Games nor LouiseSattler.com may enter. One winner. Will be announced here on the blog AND via email. No substitutions.
Coming up in the next blog: Giving with a Purpose!
This is a year like no other. One that I believe will be remembered as the year “to forget”. Too many horrible events to count from a microscopic terrorist known as Covid 19 to the deaths of innocents worldwide from crimes that are unfathomable. Yet, among the disasters have been glimmers of hope, joy and humor. Where, you ask? Try YouTube! I would like to highlight two of my favorite channels that are very different but equally fun to watch!
Recently, I have found myself watching YouTube videos of happy people just living life as if the world wasn’t falling apart around us. My favorite is the Scott family from the wonderful town of St. George, Utah. I love this family (and the area where they reside). They are most known for their family of 9 – mom, dad, two sons who are a tween and teen and then a set of quintuplets- two boys and three girls. I must tell you that watching this family negotiate the regular trials and tribulations of family life puts a smile on my face on a regular basis. The quints are as adorable as any two – year olds can be. Together they are hysterically funny and give me hope that the world won’t burst in to flames any time soon. They show how simple and innocent life could be – should be. Logan, Lincoln, Violet, Daisy, and Lily are healthy and happy cherubs. Lots of people share my love of this YouTube channel – with over 350,000 subscribers and each video garnering thousands and even millions of views!
Side note: The media strategist in me also knows that this family is brand endorsement gold! One cute baby wearing your clothing line or playing with your toy is great – five kids with “personality plus” is a jackpot for any company! Watch Five Two Love – The Scotts Family here on YouTube
Another YouTube channel that makes me smile is TwinsthenewTrend. Two brothers listen, comment and review music they never heard or don’t recognize. The music is largely a walk through my “vinyl”collection from my youth (or even tunes of earlier generations ). They start the music and stop it throughout with discussion about the song. Their reactions and feedback are really sincere and also very insightful. I love watching their expressions as they hear Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody for the first time or Dolly Parton signing her epic son – Jolene. After 57 MILLION views on their YouTube channel – these guys are bringing their talents to so many who are looking for great fun and entertainment. Bravo to them for being positive and shining stars in 2020!
Do you have any YouTube suggestions that make you smile? Use the comment section below to share with others.
How can it not be a dream? After all, the year started off in January with an impeachment hearing and a horrific mystery virus that brought death to thousands in Asia and Europe. That is not a good start.
Next, February rolled in and it proved to be just as awful as there was the horrific helicopter crash in Los Angeles that took the lives of many people, including basketball great Kobie Bryant and his daughter. And, more died from this “Corona” virus. But, we remained optimistic.
March came in like a lion and then seemed to stay with the fury of a pack of wild animals. Just when you thought this CORONA VIRUS was going to “get under control” it became OUR greatest fear here in North America. Oh, how naive some of us were to think that “oceans” would keep germs away from our loved ones. By mid- March we got smacked in the face with a huge dose of reality – 2020 was going down in history as the year our world was forced to press a giant PAUSE button! We had no choice. COVID 19, as the virus was now called, was our enemy – a microscopic terrorist that arrived on to our shores and in to thousands of our homes.
The pandemic not only captured our health and the lives of nearly 200 thousand people to date in the US and millions worldwide, but also our spirit. We closed businesses, schools and places of worship. We had to endure major disruptions to our lives. There were no options. We were in survival mode. Even toilet paper, sanitizers, and canned goods became treasured commodities.
Many took to social media to vent. However, for all the good that comes from social media there has been a growing undercurrent of people who just wanted to use this media medium to post their agendas, engage in ongoing arguments , or disseminate (mis)information. . Some disagreements have become wildly out of control, especially on Facebook. There has been a lot of finger pointing and blame over political allegiances or if you believed in science vs. “theory”. Some folks just liked to post nonsense as they seemed to enjoy being a catalyst for volatile discourse. Plus, I never knew that a request to wear a mask could cause significant rifts among friends, let alone communities.
What has been so tragic to watch is how neighborhoods, families, and friendships have been destroyed. How did it happen that ordinarily decent people morphed and became so disrespectful and mean -spirited? Their words propelled through the social media spheres like verbal knives directed to hurt or disrupt a person or a group of people.
Why?
I think many have stopped thinking with their brains. Out of boredom, sadness, anxiety or despair due to economic pressures perhaps, some people have allowed logical thinking to be replaced with emotions on overdrive.
But wait, I thought the the message of 2020 was for us to STOP and put ourselves on hiatus?
Please note that I am a lifelong student and I will admit I still have much to learn in our world. HOWEVER… this I know with 100% certainty – we need to stop hurting each other. The “recipe” to survive this pandemic and these awful troubled times of unrest isn’t easy – but it is “do-able”.
First, we need to work together. To help each other, especially the people who need food, shelter or a job. Pick up the phone to check on your elderly neighbor. Send food to the single mom who is out of work. Mend fences with the people who you may have offended.
We need to collectively be supportive of each other and show the best of humanity. We absolutely must stop with the verbal daggers and replace them with genuine acts of kindness.
I know we all can be bright lights in a year that has seen so much heartache because I have faith that kindness and compassion do exist aplenty and will prevail.
I am confident we will wake up from this bad dream. We will survive. Eventually, we will thrive.
Here is our reality… we in California, where I reside, are coming up towards our FOURTH month of being socially distant from our loved ones, places of work, schools and more. I know many of you reading share my experience.
Now I am no scientist. But, I trust those who have a huge amount of time invested in the study of infectious diseases, viruses and pandemics. So, when these experts tell me to wear a mask, stay away from large groups and practice distancing myself from others for my health and theirs – I do it.
Why am I writing the obvious? Well, it appears that these recommendations are not that obvious, after all. Some people scream it is their RIGHT to not wear a mask. Or they just won’t do it because this Covid 19 is a scam created by conspiracy theorists to sway elections, our school system, our economy and on and on.
I am going to digress for a brief history lesson. I am pretty sure that our forefathers did not have a Covid 19 pandemic on their minds as they formulated the Declaration of Independence and all the prior and subsequent ancillary documents needed to lead a country. Additionally, no where in any of the documents in the National Archive, that I know of, does it say you will lose your American-ism if you don a cloth over your mouth to stay healthy from a virus. If I am wrong- please comment below.
What?!? COVID 19 isn’t man-made? It isn’t a creation to bring the world to a giant halt? What is it?
Folks, I hate to break it to you. But, COVID 19 was caused by a bad chain of events that resulted in a virus that we can’t get a handle on – yet. Nothing more. Nothing less. It is a lethal virus. No one created it. No one formulated it in a lab to use as a way to sway anyone or anything. It is a virus. Sadly, it is a virus that seems to have longevity and is outsmarting us – for now. This Johns Hopkins Video is very insightful:
“It is a new kind of corona virus we haven’t seen before”
What did happen was that 9.8 million people worldwide have contracted this insidious disease. Hundreds of thousands have died. Would a mask have made a positive difference and saved lives? Maybe. But, I am willing to bet that not wearing a mask has made a negative difference.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
As humans we have great reasoning skills and that helps us to make informed rationale choices. Want to help flatten or get rid of the curve for COVID 19? Start by using your brain – literally- and wear a mask.
Now I understand that masks are cumbersome, hard to breathe in warm weather, etc. Some people are concerned that they may “die” if they wear a mask due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The Cleveland Clinic answered many questions about wearing a mask in this brief article.
Lastly, I did some investigating on fashionable, fun and functional masks. Here are some of my favorites and how to order them.
Back in the 1980’s I watched a very fun film that starred some of my favorites – Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer. Written and directed by Carl Reiner, this mockumentary, This is Spinal Tap, chronicled a band and the film became a “cult classic”. I never in my wildest dreams would have predicted in those years that down the road I would work with one of the stars of this film in a series about a hair salon.
But, I did. And, I am.
A year ago, Roxanne Messina Captor enlisted me to help her “frame” an idea- a sequel to her 10 year old, Oscar qualified film – A Couple of White Chicks at the Hairdresser. After a few months of her storyboarding, writing and honing her script- THE SALON a digital series – was born!
Louise with (L-R) Roxanne Messina Captor, Anthony Nex and Lori Glasgow
THE SALONis a new digital series that has a diverse and abundantly talented cast, including the very demure and zen, Harry Shearer.
One of the most fun, but challenging parts of working as a co-producer in the role of media marketing strategist, was helping to find locations and casting ten roles or more. Plus let the worldwide audience know through media updates.
Diversity and tackling contemporary issues in this series were key elements that Roxanne was laser focused on weaving in to THE SALON. As she unfolded the story, I could vision it in my head – and counted down the day to actually see it all come together for filming.
But first you need a cast and a crew!
Early in the casting was Kate Linder – who joined her Couple of White Chicks co-star Harry Shearer to reprise her role as Marsha Flagg.
Sam Rubin from KTLA agreed to join the cast, playing a cameo role. (And, bringing much humor to the set.)
Luis Jose Lopez and I met during the San Pedro Film Festival. He was part of a short film called Life Interrupted (Written and Directed by Steve Wishnoff, cast photo below). For The Salon Luis was cast as one of the leads, Ricardo, the new salon owner and boyfriend to Eddie (played by the very popular Deaf actor, Eddie Buck).
Candy Washington and I had met through the Celebrity Connected Gifting Suites. After several years of hanging out together at these events, we became friends. I recommended she meet Roxanne. Candy as “Nicole” proved to be a solid actress. (Pictured below)
The women in this cast all are very dynamic with great delivery of the script by the “GOSSIP LADIES”- played by Jeanette O’Connor, Jennifer Lee Weaver and Gail Bearden. They are very, very funny and are included in some of my favorite scenes.
On the left- Jeanette O’Connor with Candy Washington.
Chala Savino and Vanessa Garcia (below) are two very gifted actors who gave performances that brought me to tears. (Oops – should have said spoiler alert first.) One of the strongest themes involves their relationship and unlikely friendship.
Of all the roles, the hardest for Roxanne to fill was for the salon’s resident make-up artist, Abimbola. Akende Munalula was the perfect person casted for this part. Teamed with Derek Warburton in many scenes – the two of them ping-pong between the comedic and the dramatic throughout the series.
Lastly, the ingenue was played by Mason Grammer in her debut film role. She was perfect as Judy – the receptionist and Mason has a bright future in acting. Derek, Mason and Akende are pictured above from a photo taken on the set.
After a few months of assembling a cast, finding a perfect location (thank you to Anthony Nex Studios), and asking more than one favor from friends to help as crew – THE SALON was filmed and on time. The bonus came when the series’ music was set to the amazing tunes of Judith Owen. She is incredible!
What a year it has been!
Now it is a year later from when Roxanne “birthed” THE SALON proposal. Much has transpired – including a world that is topsy-turvey. Despite a Covid 19 pandemic, social unrest and much heartbreak – THE SALON’s team managed to finish with post – production and preview to audiences. Collectively all of us associated with this grassroots series have hoped to bring a bit of levity to a world that so needs to find a reason to laugh.
And guess what? – The series is on the track to the world of the Emmy® with step one done – being submitted for consideration! Working as the media producer for the film, I find myself on a very steep, albeit exciting, learning curve.
So, I invite you to enjoy getting to know THE SALON by watching the trailer below or if you are a television academy member viewing it on their For Your Consideration (FYC) site.as OUTSTANDING SHORT FORM SERIES COMEDY OR DRAMA – CATEGORY 93
A short blog to introduce you to a little project I have been involved with since last Spring 2019 – The Salon Digital Series. Written, directed and produced by my friend, Roxanne Messina Captor. Executive producers include Kelsey Grammer (Frasier, Cheers) and Tom Russo (Blackish). Plus, we have the bonus of Harry Shearer, Kate Linder, Sam Rubin and many other talented actors.
I must admit that having this film project to keep me busy has helped pass the time during the Covid 19 pandemic. And, I wasn’t the only one – as much of the post-production (and the trailer below) was accomplished with the thanks of fancy cyber – technology. (What did we do before ZOOM?)
As with any film project, you hope that people will actually watch. So, here is how you can view and share with others.
ALL six of the short episodes (for a total of 48 minutes) can be found as a preview until MAY 24, 2020 on YouTube. The link is: YouTube.com/c/MessinaCaptorFilms
