Only in Palm Springs will you be able to find Christmas Tree Ornaments in the likeness of fashion icons such as Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld, music legends like John Lennon, TV idols like Lucille Ball and sex symbols like Marilyn Monroe. And of course other frivolous and fabulous embellishments to adorn your modern day tree.
ornaments available (or were available because believe it or not, they sell out fast) at just fabulous. A one stop shop for all things you never knew you needed but you definitely want.
I’ve been meaning to post something about my talented, beautiful singer/songwriter friend JenniDoyle ever since I first met her in Palm Springs the last time I was there. She and her husband live in Vancouver and also have a home in Palm Springs.
I feel like I’ve known Jenni a lot longer than I have because I’ve heard so much about her through two friends that we’ve both known forever, although these two other friends have never met. Our mutual friend Susanne has written lyrics to some of Jenni’s songs, while our other mutual friend Michael, wrote music for her album “Night Angles.”
Talk about a small world and having something in common aside from our love for dogs and Palm Springs.
Her single “Only One Cook” was filmed at philanthropist Joe Segal’s breathtaking waterfront mansion in Vancouver and directed and edited by Dave Benedict. Jenni’s make-up by Safina Kataria. Photo from her website.
Jenni has been entertaining people since the ripe age of two, when she donned her first pair of tap dancing shoes. After her early years in musical theatre and dance, she was accepted into Canterbury High School for the Arts in Ottawa, which then led her to Vancouver where she studied acting at Vancouver Film School. In the years to follow, Jenni was one of the top 25 finalists out of 4,000 girls, to make it onto the Global T.V. reality show “Popstars.”
This experience propelled her into the music industry, where she worked with producer/songwriter John Dexter (Carly Rae Jepsen, Bif Naked, D-Cru). She recorded two songs on the D-Cru album “Into the Future” which was released in stores across Canada. She went on to sing in a duo called “JeLL” where they performed their “Night Angles” songs and “The Star Spangled Banner” live on ESPN in Los Angeles.
Jenni has also had the honour of singing “OhCanada” and performing her Shania Twain act in front of thousands of people at B.C. Place.
With Gloria Macarenko, longtime host of CBC Vancouver’s supper-hour television newscast at 6:00, and Tina Turner and George Michael lookalike performers. Jenni does a tribute to Shania Twain. That’s her up on the screen.
Jenni also shared a heartwarming story about meeting her cute little Shih Tzu named Bella. This is her second Bella. Her first Bella passed away from cancer at a fairly young age. Jenni loved the dog and was completely heartbroken. About two years after Bella’s passing a friend suggested it was time Jenni get another dog. She wanted another Shih Tzu. When she went to look at a litter of pups one got very excited, ran right up to her and jumped into her arms. The owner said the dog’s name was “Bella.” On her birth certificate was written “Bella Comes Back.” True story!
I just heard this song Feel Good Feelin’ for the first time yesterday. I thought since the title has Feel Good in it, how appropriate for an uplifting Friday note. Hope you enjoy it even if you’re new to country music. Be sure to check out the Kelowna, B.C. scenery (and the tattoo on her arm in the very beginning).
Have a great weekend! The last one before Christmas.
I love unexpected afternoons that end up on a positive note.
Last week we happened upon a dog training farm in Duncan (located in the District of Cowichan Valley) on Vancouver Island complete with sheep, lambs, ducks and one wily border collie.
And, as I happened to have one Shetland sheepdog in the hatchback of my car, I thought it a good idea to see how she would respond to the little lambs that were silently grazing behind a fence. Especially since knowing that the breed (sheltie for short) are herding dogs that originated from Scotland’s remote and rugged Shetland Islands. Known to be easy trainers and world-class competitors in obedience, agility, and herding trials, I was dying to find out how she’d react.
We took Layla out of the car and held her as she watched and sniffed, all the while appearing calm and disinterested.
Anyway, before we drove off we stopped by the farm which goes by the name Ash Farms and has been in the family for generations as we learned from Linda, the owner, who came out and greeted us. As luck would have it, she’s a dog trainer with a specialty in training them to herd sheep and ducks.
A light went off! After chatting with Linda for several minutes I decided to take a trial training run from her to find out if Layla has what it takes. Even though I don’t live on a farm and don’t plan to buy sheep anytime soon.
My imagination led me to believe that Layla would start chasing them around the pen in circles while nipping at their hind legs and I expected that it might get out of control.
So Linda, with the help of her very smart border collie Jock, was more than patient to find out if Layla has a natural instinct. Jock helped to show Layla a few tricks. They showed us that there’s a method – and it starts off slow with an eye to follow the sheep.
We learned a few things.
For instance, we found out that instinct to herd is largely inherited, not learned.Like ballet or piano, it’s better to start them off young.
Therefore, instinct is a response to stock that no amount of training can create. However, the greatest instincts are not useful without a willingness to work with the handler. Trainability is as important as good instinct, so the greater level of working accomplishments by the parents, the higher the likelihood the offspring will achieve these skills. Without attention to this in breeding, it is all chance.
Ahhh…makes sense now. Her parents never herded farm animals.
So we took a chance. It was worthwhile nonetheless. Layla needs to be more wolf like in her approach so that the sheep are afraid of her. They were not. They kept their eyes on her though.
Layla has potential but seemed distracted and would need more lessons without me hanging around. For now she’ll go back to chasing squirrels and Canada Geese – something she prefers.
Here’s a healthy dose of subtle darkness. The person watering my plants might not find it humorous, but I do.
I just hope to God they’re alive when I get back. No pressure!
Adapted from The Seventh Seal (1957) Directed by Ingmar Bergman.
This Film Noiris about a man seeking answers about life, death, and the existence of God as he plays chess against the Grim Reaper during the Black Plague. The photo is from a movie still, and the text is not the original (as if). The original title was Det sjunde inseglet.
On a lighter note…I had the pleasure of finally meeting country recording artist Jenni Doyle. We have mutual friends who’ve been trying to get us together forever and finally Wednesday night we did manage to meet up. She has a wonderful voice and I have her CD “GratefulHeart.” Among her many accomplishments she’s sang “Oh Canada” in front of thousands of people at Rogers Arena and a Shania Twain tribute. But that don’t impress me much!
I look forward to our next visit. I intend to do a separate blog on only her very soon.
With Jenni Doyle at Palm Canyon Roadhouse in Palm Springs. Then on to Sammy G’s from there for a delicious dinner. Moez, her lovely and handsome husband, accompanied us.
Here goes.…some cool classic, exotic and/or vintage cars (and people) seen over the weekend.
Seeing everything in Red+White. Photos: d. king
With Ramona
With friends Gary & Ramona. Gary buys, re-stores (if need be) and re-sells classic cars.
And the odd bike
Ramona stands by whatever this is. We’ll call it the mean, green road machine. You can say it captured our attention.
Rest of the Weekend:
At a Curated Collection
Candy & Tracy (from Candy’s photos)
There was some fantastic ART for sale Saturday at the official opening of the ART Hotel. These two pieces were my favorite. Cacti is by Zach Fleming & the Abstract is by Gerald Patrick. It was a fun afternoon with live music, wine, art, some collectors + a few new friends.
This is hotelier friend Tracy Turco wearing a vintage dress with Marilyn Monroe all over it and a great pair of heels (deserving of a closeup). The hotel itself is very funky. Tracy outfitted every room in her personal colorful manner – all differently. She put guitars in every room. Some come with turn tables + records. Now OPEN for business. Tiki hotel is in the works.
Then:
MODernism Yard Sale. Not to be outdone by:
Talking with Tom Beatty, one of the co-owners of a new first class lounge that is sure to become a Palm Springs Favorite. More on this later.
Kevin from @psoystersociety was at “Dead or Alive” last night serving up delicious lobster rolls & fresh oysters. He’s originally from Massachusetts. His delicious rolls sell out fast. Wine list is curated by Christine, the owner/sommelier of this great little wine bar. They have a live jazz trio every Friday 8-11 pm. Another hidden gem.
CF Canada 19th Annual 65 Roses Gala took place Saturday night at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.
My sister and I were guests at the Kohse family table. After a champagne cocktail on arrival we then enjoyed a delicious dinner and overflowing wine amongst friends. The overall theme was Parisian, so hence the take on Coco Chanel. When I think of Paris, I think of her. How much layering is over the top? Nothing is too much if done in style.
with Lisa King
my updo from Eli at Fujon Salon.
We had a fun evening where over $250,000 was raised for cystic fibrosis research, advocacy and care. We all hope that one day CF will stand for Cure Found.
Our tables were decked out with eiffel towers, crystal candle holders and of course, roses.
Macarons for tout la monde
Some of the silent auction goodies. I came away with two gift baskets. Yay! All monies donated to CF.
There was some fantastic ART for sale Saturday at the official opening of the 
Lychee martinis to die for (with raspberry purée ) being assembled by our friendly bartender.
A fun evening with friends, great cocktails, delicious food and ambience.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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