Anyone visiting the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds this past summer may have noticed a lot of activity going on at the San Dieguito Lagoon, just to the south.  Bulldozers and earth movers have been up to something – but have no fear, it isn’t another development.  To the contrary!  After nearly 2 decades of planning, negotiation, securing permits, and collaboration between private and governmental parties, a plan to restore the lagoon is finally under full sway.

Del Mar Racetrack and San Dieguito Lagoon

The project is being funded by Southern California Edison as part of a mitigation arrangement for damage done by the San Onofre Power Station. It includes opening up the plugged waterway to allow for flushing of the lagoon’s stagnant waters, creation of new tidal and intertidal habitats, and establishment of new nesting sites for numerous endangered species of birds. Fortunately, we lucky enough to live in Del Marand those enjoying a visit here are the beneficiaries. Already, we are seeing a major increase in the numbers and variety of wild and plant life. The lagoon is thriving!

Del Mar Lagoon

By the way, if your looking for a lovely Del Mar home overlooking the flourishing lagoon and just a stone’s throw from the racetrack, give me a call (760-815-1318).  I have the perfect home for you!

[OKAY!  After a two week blogging freeze due to hugely frustrating technical difficulties, I am finally able to resume.  I could go on and on about the bizarre world of blogging - widgets, themes, stylesheets, tags, plugins, code - but I'll reserve venting on that subject to another blog entry!  I apologize to all the people who've been waiting for this promised post.]

If only I had unlimited money and a 10,000 sq ft home with endless wall space – I’d have bought truckloads at Del Mar’s Annual Taste of Del Mar and Art Stroll a couple of weeks ago.  What an amazing collection of artists!  While the various food stations looked wonderful too, with scrumptious looking samples from some of our best restaurants, there were so many gifted artists exhibiting their work there, I got lost feasting my eyes instead.  Here are a few pictures of our fun day in Del Mar.  Click on the photos to view a larger version.   Please remember, I’m not a professional photographer, and I couldn’t come close to capturing these artists’ works.  You’ll have to visit their websites to see why I was so impressed!

Del Mar Art Stroll

Tony et al from RadHatter.com

Rad Hatter and myself

I really enjoyed meeting this artist – a jovial character with creative sculptures made from various metals, some free form, some inspired by nature:

Sculptor Elon Ebanks - www.sdvag.net

Beautiful hand-blown glass artist Bruce Stowell was there – each piece exquisitely unique. www.GlassTriangleStudio.com:

Bruce Stowell at www.GlassTriangleStudio.com

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and chatting with this unique artist, Jorge Fernandez, who described the creative process that leads to his evocative sculptures.  We also had a fun conversation about blogging and the way of the future… Please check out his beautiful work at www.JorgeArt.com.

Jorge Fernandez

The range of artists included this talented portrait photographer out of my neighborhood, Cardiff-by-the-Sea.  This photo doesn’t do justice, so check out his portfolio at www.DouglasFrierott.com.

Photographer Douglas Frierott

I was completely charmed by Marna Schindler’s whimsical work.  As was my 4 year old daughter.  In fact, I ended up buying 4 of her pieces – one for each of my kids and two for me!  Check out her work at www.DoggonitArt.com.

Marna Schindler

More Marna Schindler

I’ve always been particularly drawn to crystalline-glazed porcelain.  Sharon Jackman has mastered the technique and applies it beautifully to her one-of-a-kind pieces.  Nice site too at www.ShajaCeramics.com.

Sharon Jackman

Another extraordinary artist presenting her work at the fair was Nha Vuu.  She creates beautiful paintings of nature reminiscent of traditional Chinese art, but also captivating works that abstractly evoke a hillside village.  Again, it’s truly a treat to visit her website at www.NhaVuu.com.

Nha Vuu

Nha Vuu

One of the more classical “fine” artists there was Toni Williams – beautiful landscapes, seascapes…  Her virtual gallery at www.ToniWilliamsArt.com shows her awesome collection. 

Toni Williams

I was fascinated by Michael Sussna’s mathematical images – he takes fractals generated on the computer and turns them into striking “paintings” on canvas.  Each one is unique and spellbinding. www.Sussna.com

Michael Sussna

Another gifted artist at the fair with his abstract inspirational paintings was Stephen Schubert.  Check out his beautiful website at www.SchubertModern.com.

Stephen Schubert

Here’s another traditional “fine artist”, Jamie Ennen, that was there with her beautiful and serene landscapes.  Again, my picture can’t come close to capturing her work, so be sure to visit her site at www.JamieEnnen.com.

Jamie Ennen

After all this great art, I still have to admit – the highlight of my day was dancing to Semisi and Fulabula with my 2 and 4 year old kids. 

My kids and I dancing to Semisi and Fulabula

This big event is happening tomorrow, here in our quaint downtown Del Mar village center.  Our whole town comes alive with food tasting stands, kid’s crafts stations, music and entertainment, and numerous arts and craft booths.  Fill your belly with scrumptious samples from our finest restaurants and get all your Christmas shopping done, all in one afternoon!  Read more about this annual event, “Taste of Del Mar and Art Stroll” here.

If you do come, do look for me, Eva, and say hello – I’ll be sampling the food heavily (!) and taking lots of photos – especially of the kids at the hands-on craft stations.  And also be sure to check back on this blog where I’ll be posting all the photos.

Powerhouse Park, Del Mar, Courtesy of Will Sooter