The wisteria just outside my front door is blooming, the roses are breaking bud, Carlos is raking up the last of fall’s leaves and the cats are basking in shafts of morning light. But it’s all an illusion. Like a mystery novel or thriller movie, you just know the boogy man will be springing out of the bushed around the next corner—tax time. No matter how much I swear that next year I’ll have things organized when the time comes, for me, the two weeks before the deadline for filing are the most stressful time of the year. For some things I guess we just need to put our heads down and soldier on.

For some reason this year seems to be in a headlong rush to get through. The Avon Breast Cancer Walk on July 10 is approaching faster than I can get in shape. I will be sending out a letter to help me raise funds for this worthy cause. I hope you can help.

In the spirit of getting in shape and enjoying this wonderful weather I noticed an article in the Press Democrat about hiking in the vineyards (Hike in the vines, March 21). Some are guided, some are solo, some have lunch and wine tasting. That sounds sooo much better than riding my stationary bicycle!

My daughter, Emma just had her very first spa treatment at Camille’s Skin Care & Day Spa. She absolutely loved it. She said, “It was so cool.” While a session at Camille’s may seem like a treat—and it is— it is more. The pressure to achieve at school is just another version of what we face daily in our need to pay bills. It is important that we learn to take care of ourselves. Our friends, our families need us. Sometimes they need us to be our best.

Our next engagement at Little Switzerland in Sonoma is not until May 8 with GatorBeat. See you then. —Sheila

One of my favorite places to buy art is at the Fairmont Gallery. The owner, Manette Fairmont is unfailingly insightful and generous with her time and suggestions that fit my requirements, whether for myself or as a gift for a business client or personal friend. I also admire her history of support for local artists that feature a wide range of style and subject matter. I am particularly interested in the upcoming Wine Country Plein Air Invitational Gallery Exhibition set for September 18, 2010. Artists will paint on location in oil, pastel, or watercolor. It is an exhibition I don’t want to miss. The gallery is located on the plaza at 477 First Street.
http://www.707realtor.com/5star.html


Mill Valley 3/2 home with amazing Mt Tam view. Great access from the house to Marin Headlands, beaches, mountain biking and kayaking on the bay. An architect-crafted open flowing floor plan. $995,000 By Appt. Only MLS21006650

When our family decided to put our home on the market, we interviewed a few agents from here in the valley. After meeting with Sheila we knew immediately that our search was over. We found exactly who we needed in Sheila. Our house has now sold and we have to say that it has been a pleasure working with her. We found in Sheila not only an amazing agent, but a friend as well. She is professional, honest and an absolute joy to work with. Her ability to care for every detail made things go smoothly. She is everything you could want in an agent and more!

Knolle family

Contact Sheila Deignan:

707 364-1179
sheila@707realtor.com

http://www.707realtor.com


I SOMETIMES TEACH CLASSES ON WRITING, during which I tell my students every single thing I know about the craft and habit. This takes about 45 minutes. I begin with my core belief—and the foundation of almost all wisdom traditions—that there is nothing you can buy, achieve, own, or rent that can fill up that hunger inside for a sense of fulfillment and wonder. But the good news is that creative expression, whether that means writing, dancing, bird-watching, or cooking, can give a person almost everything that he or she has been searching for: enlivenment, peace, meaning, and the incalculable wealth of time spent quietly in beauty.
Then I bring up the bad news: You have to make time to do this.
Anne writes a couple quick-read, but thoughtfully considered pages in the April issue of Sunset Magazine.
It’s one of the reasons, besides the garden and travel articles, I send a gift subscription to anyone who sends me a real estate referral. It’s a way of saying thank you.