Carrie Keyes

Pause in Paradise

2011-08-31T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. You may have noticed I've been silent, and for good reason.

I have decided to walk away from the paradise newsdesk for awhile in order to take care of personal matters. I'm busy using my dorky jokes to help a family member recover from being hit--hard--by a car. I'm also planning to use the time wisely to explore exciting professional opportunities both within the writing world and beyond. Blogging has a way of connecting one with many.

Whether you are reading from a scorching hot military base in the Middle East, on the windswept beach in Coronado, or in the glittering skyscrapers of Hong Kong, your loyalty is much appreciated.

I'll see you soon. Until then, please know you are valued.

Reflection is in order!
Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes

'The Help': Black and White Make Oscar Gold

2011-08-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

I'm published over at Patch today, where I explain why I think Tate Taylor and the talented ladies who played in 'The Help' could be headed for Oscar gold. Read the review (click below) for my thoughts on this terrific film. I'll gladly cheer for this cast and crew on Oscar night over a slice of pizza. But please, no Terrible Awful chocolate pie...EW!

'The Help': Black and White Make Oscar Gold
http://patch.com/A-ldgj

Cowboys & Aliens and Chunky Bracelets

2011-07-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

Headed out on horseback or in your UFO to see Cowboys & Aliens? Consider this movie review as you plot your wardrobe.

'Cowboys & Aliens' and Chunky Bracelets
by Carrie Keyes
http://patch.com/A-kDTq

John Burnham Schwartz's 'Northwest Corner' a Literary Land You Must Visit

2011-07-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

I recently reviewed John Burnham Schwartz's poignant novel 'Northwest Corner.' You may remember Schwartz for his former work Reservation Road starring Jennifer Connelly.

Visit Quench Book Blog or click on the link below to read why 'Northwest Corner' is a literary land you must visit.

'Northwest Corner' a Startling Exploration of American Misery
by Carrie Keyes

'Captain America' Will Grow on You

2011-07-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

Headed to Coronado's gorgeous Village Theater this weekend? Holy mother of muscles. Captain America's ripped!

'Captain America' Will Grow on You
Likeable wimp becomes mega-soldier with surprising motivation.
by Carrie Keyes
http://patch.com/A-k2j0

Root 75 Design Shop Plants Itself on Orange Avenue

2011-07-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

I had a great time talking with local women Kristy Pierre and Katherine Farley, owners of Root 75, a new design shop "taking root" in Coronado. Root 75 offers unique home accents and modern vintage floral arrangements.

The women are also planning to hold flower arranging classes for both children and adults, and will provide a slight discount for customers who pre-pay for regularly scheduled deliveries.

Root 75 Design Shop Plants Itself on Orange

The new floral and home décor specialist is the brainchild of Coronadans who have been friends since grade school.

by Carrie Keyes

http://coronado.patch.com/articles/root-75-design-shop-plants-itself-on-orange

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

2011-07-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hello there, Muggles. I'm published over at Coronado Patch today about the 10 reasons why I believe 'Deathly Hallows, Part 2' is a wicked good time. You might not be able to teleport yourself there, so break out your wand and give it a click on the link below.

Why 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2' is a Wicked Good Time
by Carrie Keyes
http://patch.com/A-ktDn

Shopping Local in Coronado

2011-07-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

As many of you already know, I cover arts related news and reviews for AOL owned Coronado Patch. Now, I'm collaborating with Patch to support local business. Patch has asked me to canvass the neighborhood in search of the hottest new merchandise, services, and more. Therefore, I'm starting a brief tri-weekly "shop local" column concept called Patch Picks, intended to promote Coronado's eclectic businesses. This gig provides me a fabulous excuse to swipe my smoking hot credit card around town. I'm spending more that I'm earning writing the articles, but it's so fun.

This week, a new twist on snail mail at Fuzziwigs, a healthy chip that's poppin' up at Boney's, and a bright idea for sunscreen at our local Rite-Aid.

Break out the greenbacks!

http://coronado.patch.com/articles/patch-picks-shop-local-at-boneys
http://coronado.patch.com/articles/patch-picks-aloe-gator
http://coronado.patch.com/articles/patch-picks-ani-mails#photo-6887959

Marilyn Monroe's "Hot" Influence at the Hotel del Coronado

2011-07-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

I'm channeling my inner blonde today, reporting for AOL owned Patch about Marilyn Monroe and her connection to the Hotel del Coronado. Click the link below to read ten key facts about Monroe and the time she spent filming Some Like it Hot at the world class resort.

Ten Facts About Marilyn Monroe, the Hotel del Coronado and the 'Some Like it Hot' Shoot
by Carrie Keyes
http://patch.com/A-kglj

Book Review: The Man in the Rockefeller Suit

2011-07-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

Looking for a summer book club read? Please visit my book blog to read why The Man in the Rockefeller Suit is a terrific selection.

'The Man in the Rockefeller Suit': Big Work of Art About Fascinating Con-Man
by Carrie Keyes
http://www.quenchbookblog.com/2011/07/man-in-rockefeller-suit-big-work-of-art.html

Save the Date: 'To Be Sung Underwater' Author Tom McNeal Book Signing

2011-07-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

You may remember my interview of Coronado author Tom McNeal and accompanying review of his acclaimed novel To Be Sung Underwater, a poignant story that follows one woman's reevaluation of her life path. Now you can meet the author at an exclusive book signing.

'Underwater' an Absorbing Read

Please come learn more about Tom and his moving novel at Bay Books on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.

Tom is an excellent writer, and meeting him gives rich context to his story. I hope to see you there.

* To read my interview with Tom McNeal, click here.

*To read my review of To Be Sung Underwater, click here.

*Like hearing about the latest good reads? Visit my book blog Quench and subscribe by email.

Coronado's Junior Sailors and SEALs: Independence Day, Part One

2011-07-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

While many youth sailing classes teach youngsters to sail, none offer a sense of independence like the Coronado Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program. Why? Besides their nationally acclaimed reputation and their journeys underneath the bridge to the ferry landing for pizza, the juniors learn to maneuver their vessels around SEALs, the super-human amphibious frogmen who secure our freedom. Both the SEALs and the juniors share a watery training ground in Glorietta Bay.

Junior Sailor Contemplates Independence
(Awesomely amateur iPhone photo: Carrie Keyes)

As the 4th of July approaches, I can't help but enjoy the way both the junior sailors and the SEALS practice independence on the bay, navigating their wind-swept freedom.

I'll be back next week with Independence Day, Part Two: a few photos of an island swathed in stars and stripes. Until then, celebrate!

'Transformers' Too Long, Too Weird

2011-07-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

I recently reviewed 'Transformers' for AOL/Time Warner owned Patch. Click on the link below to read ten reasons why spot-on special effects can't transform the film's overarching problems.

'Transformers' Too Long, Too Weird
by Carrie Keyes
http://patch.com/A-jRxm

Help Coronado's Steve Wampler Nab an ESPY Award

2011-06-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

Last year, Coronado resident Steve Wampler became the first person with Cerebral Palsy to scale the daunting 3,000 foot vertical face of El Capitan at Yosemite National Park. You may remember the national news coverage pertaining to Steve's courageous climb to raise awareness for Cerebral Palsy and his nonprofit organization for disabled children.

Photo: Wampler Foundation

Now Steve is nominated for an ESPY award. If you would like to vote for Steve, click here. You'll be rerouted to eCoronado, where Steve has posted a personal message and instructions for voting.

I voted and it took a few seconds of my time. It's well worth the effort to honor a true hero.

Good luck, Steve!

'Cars 2' Fun for Kids Despite Plot's Curves

2011-06-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

Rev up the engines! I'm reviewing movies at the newly renovated Village Theater for Patch. Click on the link if you'd like to read the review...

'Cars 2' Fun for Kids Despite Plot's Curves
This time, Lightning McQueen takes a backseat and Tow Mater drives the story.
by Carrie Keyes
http://patch.com/A-jDrh

Village Theater: a Precious Part of Coronado's Tapestry

2011-06-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

I'm published over at AOL/Time Warner owned Patch today. Click on the link below to learn more about why I believe the theater is worth much more than the price of admission. I'd love it if you could recommend the article to others in San Diego and beyond. It's a gorgeous theater!

Village Theater: a Precious Part of Coronado's Tapestry

by Carrie Keyes

http://patch.com/A-jBr3

Coronado Art Forum Draws Large Audience

2011-06-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

From beach chairs to art galleries, you can read the latest on the future of arts in Coronado in my latest article on Patch, an AOL/Time Warner company. Click the link below and feel free to drop me a comment!

Coronado Arts Forum Draws Large Audience

Forum leaders and participants explore possible formation of a civic cultural arts commission.

by Carrie Keyes

http://patch.com/A-j49l

The Ultimate Escape from Alcatraz: The Prison Library

2011-06-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

Many people associate the fascinating island prison Alcatraz with its sensational and clever escape attempts. Several books and movies explore the subject.

Alcatraz Island
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

For me, the ultimate escape from Alcatraz is the prison library. The infamous "Birdman" Robert Franklin Stroud might agree. Unlike most parts of the former penitentiary, the natural light yet glows through the windows. On a good day, if the winds prevail favorably, you might hear the muffled sounds of the city across the choppy San Francisco Bay. But the true escape, perhaps, was an inmate's mental ability to scale a wall and swim through the pages of a good book. Books transcend confinement.

The Ultimate Escape from Alcatraz: The Prison Library
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

During our recent tour, we learned that some prisoners would read 75 books per year. The books helped them escape Alcatraz, if only in their minds.

While the Alcatraz bookshelves have since been emptied, the movies made, and the penitentiary converted to a fascinating museum operated by the National Park Service, for me, the library seems the most profound "Escape from Alcatraz."

Plan your own escape. How many books will you read this year? No one can stop you...

* Headed to San Francisco? Tickets to Alcatraz should be purchased in advance. Yes, the former maximum security penitentiary is surprisingly family friendly.

International Orange Through the Fog of San Francisco

2011-06-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from an extended trip to San Francisco, where my rain boots and slicker served me well in early June. Despite the fog, I managed to find my way through it thanks to the city's trademark color--orange.

I'm heading this photo journal post with the Golden Gate Bridge, the official color of which is called International Orange. Then I'll show you more photo evidence of this bright color in the city. Finally, I'll tell you how to obtain the precise color used on the bridge. You just might want to paint the spirit of San Francisco in your heart.

Golden Gate Bridge-- International Orange
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

Orange is Lively in Chinatown
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

A Pile of Orange-Legged Crabs at Fisherman's Wharf
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

A Riot of California Poppies
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

Orange-Tailed Mer-Horse at Pier 39
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

Are you inspired by the color of the Golden Gate? Head to your local hardware store and ask for International Orange paint. According to the official site of the Golden Gate Bridge, the PMS code is 173, and/or the CMYK colors are: C (Cyan): 0%, M (Magenta): 69%, Y (Yellow): 100%, K (Black): 6%.

I may have left my heart in San Francisco's chowdery fog, but I'm taking the orange home with me.

* Next time: The ultimate "Escape from Alcatraz"--the prison library.

Local Author Tom McNeal Prepares for Book Launch

2011-05-26T21:59:00.000-07:00

Many of you recall my interview and book review of Dark Water author Laura McNeal, a National Book Award finalist.

Now, Laura's husband, local author Tom McNeal is enjoying early praise for his novel To Be Sung Underwater (Little, Brown & Company). Underwater floats into bookstores on June 2, 2011. In case you are wondering, McNeal's prior literary novel Goodnight, Nebraska won both the California Book Award and the James Michener Prize, so he knows a thing or two about writing. Um, yes.

This awesomely amateur blogger had the pleasure of both interviewing Tom and reading an advance copy of To Be Sung Underwater, Tom's gorgeous novel about young lovers who pursue divergent paths, only to reconnect twenty-seven years later.

Tom McNeal
(Photo credit: Jeff Lucia)

The articles were first published as A Conversation with Tom McNeal, Author of To Be Sung Underwater and Book Review: To Be Sung Underwater by Tom McNeal on Technorati's Blogcritics.

The review and interview may also be viewed at http://www.quenchbookblog.com/. Quench is my latest cyberspace endeavor devoted to promoting West Coast books and authors. I'd appreciate your support. Give it a click-er-oo right here, read about great books and authors, and subscribe if you wish.

I hope you enjoy Tom's novel as much as I did.

Meeting Ray Bradbury: My Dandelion Wish Come True

2011-05-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

While riding my beach cruiser around town today, I saw this patch of feathery dandelions growing wild on an abandoned lot. The raw beauty of this rampant and colorless field caught my attention. Look at the seedy dandelions' prolific and resilient nature.

Wild Field of Wishes
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

What do you wish for?

The iconic Ray Bradbury once penned a novel called 'Dandelion Wine', a National Book Award winner and semi-autobiographical account of his bygone summer days spent in a small Midwestern town. I met Mr. Bradbury a few years ago at a book signing. He ordered a grilled cheese sandwich and a glass of red wine and spoke, quite charmingly, of his literary beginnings typing in the basement of a building at UCLA. Later, Mr. Bradbury signed a copy of 'Fahrenheit 451' for me. I told him I wanted to write a novel of my own, and that he had inspired me to do so. He inscribed my book as follows:

"Valiant is the word for Carrie."

He was referring to a novel by the same title published in the 1930s, but he encouraged this Carrie to be valiant in pursuit of dreams. A news reporter from Ventura County Life and Style magazine took my photo with Mr. Bradbury and printed it in their magazine. I bought the photograph, and I keep it here on my desk. I like to be close to a literary dream. I am so fortunate to have met the iconic American author.

Meeting Ray Bradbury: A Wish Come True
(Photo credit: VC Life & Style Magazine)

Here's my wish for you: find inspiration in another. I think (perhaps) Mr. Bradbury would agree that we must be valiant in our pursuit of wishes. You can't sit back and wait for your dream to come to fruition. You must chase it as it floats on the wind.

Find a white-puffed dandelion. Send the feathery seeds floating on the wispy breeze. If you can be patient, and if you are valiant, your wish may come true, and the seed will spawn a new rustic garden of wild dreams for others to wish upon.

That's what Mr. Bradbury did for me.

Bloggers.com Penciled in Paradise!

2011-05-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

A huge thank you to the editors at bloggers.com for selecting Pencil in Paradise as the featured blog of the day. I'm humbled and honored, and I look forward to sharing more thoughts on living in paradise with the international blogging community and its supportive readers/fellow bloggers.

I strongly encourage writers to sign up at bloggers.com. There are many cyberspace friends to be made and lessons to be learned.

I'll be back soon to tell you about dandelions and my visit with literary giant Ray Bradbury. In the meantime, back to the beach chair...

Ice Plant Sand Dunes Color Coronado Beach
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

On Writing a Watery Sun

2011-05-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. I'm sorry I'm tardy. Here's my excellent excuse: a fabulous editor at a desirable publishing imprint has requested my complete manuscript. Needless to say, I am busy pounding on the keyboard. I've come close many times in this business, scraping the literary sidewalks of New York City and Hollywood studios with my stories. Nothing is certain in publishing, but I'm working hard to place my carefully chosen words in a bookstore.

Writing is a mental marathon, one which requires courage, skill, and intense determination. Perhaps the greatest obstacle many writers have is finding silence. Quiet hours in which to concentrate.

I've been using both my parents' home and my husband's parents' home this week, stealing moments to lock the door and write in the folds of silence. I'm appreciative of their help. Most importantly, Number One deserves much credit for playing many scenes right out of Mr. Mom.

I chose to work on a particularly challenging section of the novel in a house nestled in the eucalyptus canyons of San Diego. As I looked out the window to clear my head, this decorative glass art on the patio caught my eye. I like the way this sapphire sun resists paraphrase.

This Hot Sun is Cool
(Awesomely amateur iPhone photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

If you find yourself stalling, whether on the written page or in achieving your own milestone objective, allow your mind to defy convention. Think the way this glass artist did. Paint your world in an unconventional hue, and watch your life story shine brilliantly.

Go forth and find your watery sun.

The View from a Boat: Glorietta Bay

2011-04-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

My Littles are home for Spring Break, so excuse me while I apply the sunscreen on their befreckled faces. There. Grab your deck shoes. We're going sailing on Glorietta Bay.

Look at the back of the Hotel Del Coronado as viewed from the water.

The View of the Hotel Del and the Boathouse from Glorietta Bay
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

My Littles' squeals were as vibrant as the lifevests that contained them. Ahead, an oasis where you can jump overboard and swim with the stingrays.

Coronado Golf Course: Now That's a Rad Sand Trap
(Awesomely amatuer photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

The sweeping arc of the blue ribbon bridge towers over the mouth of San Diego Bay.

Bridge to Paradise
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

I like the view from a boat, especially when shared with the people I love. Now if only I had remembered to apply sunscreen to my knees and the tops of my tootsies. I'm radiating enough heat to supply energy to the entire island.

Have a wonderful week with your Littles.

* Me like-a da throwback songs. Here's Harry Belafonte's Island in the Sun.
* Yes, you should play golf here. Now. Really.

Thirsty for a Good Read from the American West? Introducing Quench Book Blog

2011-04-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

Quench Book Blog:
Satisfying Your Thirst for West Coast Literature
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: The Quench Wench Carrie Keyes)

Sometimes life offers you a seed. If you plant it--nourish it--it might develop and bear fruit. Last year, eCoronado offered me a fantastic opportunity--to interview and review Laura McNeal's young adult novel Dark Water, a moving story about a young girl's love for a migrant worker. The locally relevant story/author was nominated for a National Book Award.

Since that time, I've received inquiries from a few publicists, asking whether I might be interested in reviewing their clients' books in advance of the official publishing date. A true honor.

As a result, I've just launched Quench Book Blog, designed to satisfy your thirst for the hottest books and authors in the American West. Quench strives to help promote "left coast" literary talent with reviews, interviews, and more.

Now, I'm immersed in former California Book Award winner Tom McNeal's highly anticipated To Be Sung Underwater, available in June of 2011. Tom is also a former O.Henry Prize winner, and I'm honored to read his work. My review of Tom's novel will be featured on Quench soon.

Quench Book Blog
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: The Quench Wench Carrie Keyes)

If you like to keep up to date with upcoming titles inspired by and/or written in the American West, visit Quench Book Blog. There, you can subscribe by email or feed, follow it on Google, or whatever, um... whets your whistle.

Pencil in Paradise will continue to offer light and quirky lifestyle content. I'll also continue to write freelance articles for Coronado Patch, sandiego.com, and the Coronado Yacht Club. Soon, I'll also be uploading reviews onto Amazon, Library Thing, and possibly Technorati Blog Critics (Books).

Thank you, loyal readers, eCoronado and the McNeals, for helping me plant a literary seed. Reading and responding to literature will surely inspire me to grow my own juicy novel someday.

Now, back to the beach chair. I've got a lot of reading to do!