The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for August, 2010
Battling it Out for Charity
A sensitive creature by nature, I’ve never been a fan of fighting, boxing included. But I’ve gotta say, my first taste of amateur boxing wasn’t as sour as I thought it would be. Not to mention, the blood, sweat and bruises were all for charity’s sake.
Sacramento’s Battle of the Badges VII, an annual charity boxing event featuring peace officers and firefighters from all over Northern California, was held Saturday, August 28th at the historic Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. It consisted of 15 boxing matches, ranging in weights from 160 to 270, including 2 female boxers and 3 Corona Girls.
I have to be honest, there was some blood involved (although I tried to look away). What surprised me most, however, was not only the level of enthusiasm generating in the crowd, but the same feelings of excitement also welling up in me. While my tendency to root for the underdog did not waver on this night, what surprised me was how satisfying a really good punch to the noggin can be.
Even more satisfying, Battle of the Badges raises money for multiple charities, including the Firefighters Burn Unit, CHP Widow & Orphans Fund, and the SPCA.
The Mentalist, Pt. II
The Mentalist Wraps His Mind Around Sacramento
Shot around and within the State Capitol, it is amazing to see how long it can take to set up, shoot and wrap up one tiny little scene. What takes so long? Setting up the camera, configuring angle, lighting and sound; arranging the stand-ins (when the stars are off getting beautified), extras and props; rehearsing, shooting and troubleshooting the unforeseen (like a loud motorcycle passing by, fans gathering within camera range, a flock of noisy birds, etc.).
Contrary to what I always thought, the actual “acting” time is much less than the overall production of it all, with crew running around and scrambling to manage a myriad of elements at once. But this allows the rest of us – cast and extras alike – to ease up, fall out of character, stand around and take a breather… Almost like… equals.
Yes, the stars get chairs with their names of them and I’ve seen some kicking back in slippers between scenes. But I’d do the same if I had the chance. And while an extra can feel like a lowly creature with even lower wages waiting around to be herded around the set… ‘Hurry up and wait’ is just the name of the game for most who partake in such endeavors, and you’ve heard it before, but show biz is rarely as glamourous as it seems.
Still, feeling satisfied about a hard day’s work come evening? Priceless, whether you’re a crew member shoveling horse manure from a set location, star signing autographs between takes, or extra in the middle of it all.
Watch for this season of The Mentalist, starting Thursday, September 24th.
Butterfly Kisses
It is beginning to get light outside, revealing a flawless brilliant-blue sky. There is a cool breeze coming in through the window reminding me of fall… Although it is early for this region and this time of year, and so I have memories of being on the east coast, feeling the crisp morning like a literal new beginning.
Weather affects us but does it help transform us, opening us to subtle new realities where growth and opportunity can nest? The colors, luminosity and melodic movement like waves outside touch me ever so slightly, telling me that something is ever so slightly different… It’s like Mother Nature nudging me and then letting go, winking as she orchestrates a billion other miracles at once. But what’s the message and where are the instructions that go with it?
We all know that a hurricane, tornado or lightning storm can change a landscape (and our perspective) in an instant. But what about the subtler stuff?
“All in due time,” I have a feeling the day will say to me as it heats up and returns, momentarily, to summer.
Rominger West’s Rowdy Thursdays
Rominger West Winery
They really couldn’t make it any easier.
1. Go to Rominger West just outside of Davis and off the I-80 freeway Thursdays anytime between 4 and 7PM.
2. Taste their whites and reds for a $5 flat fee
3. And/or buy a glass for about $4.50
4. Grab some free munchies
5. Take a seat in front of the live music or back a little at a high-top
6. Enjoy the wine
7. Enjoy the music
8. Enjoy the munchies
9. Mingle if you’re so inclined
10. Enjoy the artwork
11. Admire the barrels
12. Buy some wine to take home with you
13. And/or come again next week
Just don’t let the location full you. Rominger West is in a peculiar place – It’s almost like a strip mall or office building. But it’s worth the visit. Especially on a Thursday afternoon. Check their events page for more information: http://www.romingerwest.com/romingerwest/news/events.jsp
There is something special about Sacramento; the rich land upon which it was built, the rivers that flow through, the bounty around it and the people who make the Sacramento area their home.
Life is good in California’s Capital City for many reasons, including climate and geography, community and amenities, nature and wildlife, and so much more. It’s hard to imagine a warmer feeling than a sunshine-drenched morning here, an easier feeling than a refreshing post-rain spring day, or a more engaging experience than a night on the town with friends or family.
There’s truly something here for everyone and every mood, for Sacramento is a shifting entity itself, with four distinct but relatively mild seasons, diverse neighborhoods and people, a ripening food and restaurant scene, year-round events and outdoor fun, and daytime and night-time adventures. Its magic is a blend of history and tradition, vision and reinvention. And there’s so much pleasure to be had here – with family and friends, food and wine, adventures and experiences – that they’re likely to create the kind of fond memories that might seem so familiar… but aren’t quite like any other.
