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A goodbye from MoreMarin

2010-11-07T19:02:19-08:00

The time has come for us to say goodbye! As of November 8, 2010, we will no longer be posting stories on this website, as we have moved on to other ventures.

It's been our pleasure to provide our readers the latest and greatest Marin has to offer in news, culture, dining and recreation. We hope you've enjoyed reading MoreMarin as much as we've enjoyed bringing it to you.

Best to you all!

Pam Gould and Bill Scholtz, Co-Founders of MoreMarin

Musings by Dr. Michelle Gannon: Building gratitude

2010-11-05T10:21:00-07:00

Musings by Dr. Michelle Gannon: Psychologist, Wife and Mother

"Gratitude is an attitude and way of life. Gratitude has the power to heal, to energize and change lives." ~Dr Robert Emmons

Studies have found that gratitude can lead to more healthy behaviors, more positive relationships, reduced blood pressure, better sleep, happier mood, and more pro-social behaviors. When people are grateful, they can feel both calm and energetic while recognizing their blessings.

I must say this all sounds good to me, but sometimes I think I could use an elixir of gratitude. Can someone please put a shot in my morning coffee?

Last week I attended a seminar on Building Gratitude with Dr Robert Emmons and Dr Rick Hanson at the Greater Good Science Center in Berkeley. I appreciated Rick Hanson's perspective that we all have the innate capacity to feel good, yet scientists report that the brain has a negativity bias. We tend to have Velcro for negative experiences, but Teflon for positive ones. He suggests that we overcome this negativity bias and "Take in the Good" several times per day because "neurons that fire together, wire together". Apparently the more we take in the good, the more our brain will change for the better.

Hmmm. Interesting perspective. How do we actually do that?

According to Dr Rick Hanson, my friend, colleague and author of Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom, the concept of "Taking in the Good" can be quite simple. Let positive facts become positive experiences. Let yourself feel good if you get something done, if someone is nice to you or if you notice a good quality in yourself. Savor the positive experiences. Really let them in.

Dr. Robert Emmons recommended that we all write in gratitude journals, especially if being grateful does not come naturally. Write down 3-5 things that you are grateful for. He reports that it does not matter if you write in your gratitude journal every morning or 1x per week. You can write your blessings in a pretty journal or on a scrap of paper. Robert Emmons reports that gratitude allows the celebration of the present, blocks toxic emotions, increases resiliency against stress, and improves social ties and self worth. He also shares many research findings that we really can develop gratitude over time. Think of gratitude as an attitude and way of life. I like to think of cultivating gratitude as a new habit to learn. The structure of writing down what we are grateful for seems to help us look through the lens of gratitude more throughout our day.

When couples express gratitude for each other, they feel more loving and accepting. I am reminded of an experience that I had many years ago. My husband and I were presenting at an annual Smart Marriages conference. I met a lovely 70-year-old gentleman who told me that he had been happily married for 50 years. I asked him what was his secret to success? He immediately answered that when he was married for one week, his new wife came to him and asked him, "What are three things that you love about me?" He answered, "You are beautiful, smart and a great cook." The next week, she asked the same question. He gave the same answer. She responded, "You already told me those three things. Tell me three new things". So he did. Week after week. Year after year. He claimed that every week for 50 years he has given her three new compliments or expressions of appreciation and gratitude. I was impressed. My husband jokes that he must have slept with a thesaurus. I think that this couple is a great example of a husband and wife who are practicing gratitude in a committed way. In our family, on birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day and Father's Day we tell each other what we appreciate about the person we are celebrating. Now that Thanksgiving is a month away I thought it would be a good time for us all to think more about gratitude and appreciation.

What are you grateful for?

Does an attitude of gratitude come naturally to you? After my seminar on building gratitude, I have been taking more time to appreciate the little details in my life: Enjoying a rainy afternoon, spending relaxing time with my sons and husband, hiking with my golden retriever, listening to a new song, reading a great book, eating delicious fruit from the Farmer's Market, and of course watching our San Francisco Giants Baseball team WIN the World Series!

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Dr. Michelle Gannon is a Psychologist specializing in Relationships, Wellness and Women's Issues. She has been in private practice in San Francisco for 20 years helping individuals and couples with relationship issues, self esteem, depression, anxiety, family of origin issues, parenthood, career and life transitions. She also specializes in women's issues such as work/life balance, health and wellness, body image, intimacy and sexuality, pregnancy, infertility, transition to motherhood, perimenopause, parenting, friendship, and helping women develop a strong sense of self. Visit her at www.DrMichelleGannon.com and www.MarriagePrep101.com.

Dr. Gannon lives in San Rafael with her husband, two sons, dog and cat.

Marin News Roundup

2010-11-05T06:30:00-07:00

	Marin real estate job losses continued into this year, data show: Scott Wilmore of Mill Valley opened his own real estate brokerage in 2007, just as the subprime mortgage crisis was brewing into what would become a national recession. The business never took off. (Read more)
	Moratorium Extended on Medical Marijuana Facilities: Fairfax extends temporary moratorium six months. (Read more)
	nsured home deliveries of medical marijuana in Marin begin next week: The Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana in Fairfax will begin making pot deliveries to members of its collective next week now that insurance concerns have been resolved, organizers said. (Read more)
	Dead Man Walking: Marty plays chess with Alina the Pawn and survives another round. (Read more)
	Ross council postpones hearing on homeless shelter: A Ross Town Council hearing over a controversial homeless shelter at a Ross church was postponed Thursday at the church's request. (Read more)
	North Bay rail line faces $345 million shortfall: The rail line planned for the North Bay is facing major financial problems that could cut the project in half. (Read more)
	Workers sift through mountain of Marin ballots: The election has come and gone, but the tally has just begun at the Marin County Elections Office. (Read more)
	Lib at Large: 15-year-old Mill Valley rock star in training (Read more)

Eye on Image: Camel, the color of the season (plus gift ideas!)

2010-11-04T10:00:00-07:00

Eye On Image with Michèle Benza-

Stretchy slim/legging type pants
+ black turtleneck
+ camel coat
+ pair of boots or booties
= Your look for this winter!

Change your closet quickly...

Unless you live in a cloistered monastery, you're likely seeing already the color camel -- the strongest color trend of this season. More than a color, the camel is a nuance: but beware! Too light, camel becomes beige; too dark, camel becomes tobacco. It is fair to say that camel is in-between.

With this sweet seventies revival, the color camel is turning into a neo-bourgeois trend. An attitude that dares you to be as glamorous as a Chloe ad.

No need to 'camel' from head to toe. Only one garment or accessory suffices. And should camel not be your best color (near the face), not to worry -- any camel accessory will be a 'trendy' addition to your holiday wish list.

Now make your pick... will it be a

Coat - Against blizzards and frosts opt for a coat that will keep you warm while interpreting the trend perfectly.
Boots – Ankle high or way high, I love them with a passion. With skinny jeans, pants or skirts and tights, a pair of boots is your best investment to keep you protected for the intempéries (bad weather).
Jacket – Scream freedom by adopting a masculine-feminine camel cloak over pants.
Skirt - Wear it with boots or heels, the important thing is the feminine style.
Shirt - What's better than red to match the camel trend?
Belt – If your figure is close to an hourglass, let yourself be seduced by a belt. Make note, this year narrow belts are leading the trend.
Gloves - Against chills, nothing beats a pair of gloves. Camel gloves will make a delicious complement to your coats, cashmere and wool jacket.
Dress - Perfect for showing off to work, a little dress in camel makes us in the trend. Perfect for strolling through this winter (and maybe even the one after). A dress is an outfit that will push you into the firmament of the queens of fashion.
Cardigan -This is the part you need. To change from week to weekend over trousers, skirts or dresses. They are easy to find at all prices, don’t be afraid to take it with you wherever you go.
Bag - Get inspired. Opt for a bag that is functional in camel leather for you to compose a trendy look.
Pumps - Look great in camel leather pumps!

As the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season is just around the corner, I know that finding the time to fulfill all your many gift giving needs can be a challenge. It would be my pleasure to offer you a private holiday shopping appointment including:

Image Consulting
Personal Wardrobe Consultation
Gift-Giving Assistance and Corporate Gift Services
Gift-wrapping

Whether you are searching for the perfect holiday outfit, buying for the person who has everything, or if you are simply short on time; my exclusive shopping experience is the perfect choice.

Please contact me to schedule an appointment. If your schedule is already full, I am more than happy to accommodate your needs via phone and/or email.

A bientôt,

Michèle
Your Image Coach

--------------------------------------------------------------

Belgium native Michèle Benza has worn many hats. She has owned a Parfumerie, been a Vice President of Marketing and Sales for an upscale Belgian chocolate company, managed a real estate investment trust company and is a certified Pilates instructor. Michèle decided to combine her expertise in posture and alignment with image consulting, gaining certification from one of the most prestigious organizations in Europe.

Since 2003, she has owned Michèle Benza Image Consulting and Posture happily coaching clients on how to dress appropriately for their age, life style and body type and attain their ideal posture. Michèle works face-to-face with local clients and remotely with her clients that live far away. Michèle is a monthly columnist for www.50fabulous.com, and for www.sfwj.com.

Michèle lives with her family in Tiburon.

Video of the Day - Animated Election Results!!

2010-11-04T08:28:00-07:00

Another animated video favorite from our Taiwanese friends!

Marin News Roundup

2010-11-04T06:30:00-07:00

	San Rafael burglary inquiry widens: The arrest of a burglary suspect in San Rafael last week has ballooned into an investigation involving at least seven cases in three counties and thousands of pieces of property, police said. (Read more)
	Marin Desalination Plans Can Move Forward: Measure S trumped competing initiative that would have stalled project (Read more)
	The 2010 Election: A Disaster, Not a Catastrophe: Will the new Congress prove beyond a doubt that mindlessly balanced budgets equal another Double- Dip Recession? (Read more)
	Marin sues state over San Quentin death row plan: The Board of Supervisors agreed in a closed session Tuesday to file a lawsuit challenging the gubernatorial budget veto, County Counsel Patrick Faulkner said. (Read more)
	Climate Watch: The EV solution: “For the first time in my life, I’m excited about the American automobile industry." (Read more)
	Then & Now: Blithedale Avenue: Blithedale Avenue inherited its name from a hotel took its moniker from a romance novel from Nathaniel Hawthorne. (Read more)
	SMART details options for rail construction timeline: Larkspur would not be linked initially with the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit Agency's passenger rail line based on six construction options detailed in a staff report, which also estimated the entire project could cost another $155 million. (Read more)
	West Marin farm hand charged in attempted murder: Alfredo Sanchez of Tomales went before a Marin County Superior Court judge Nov. 1, said Deputy District Attorney Chuck Cacciatore, who heads the county’s domestic violence unit. (Read more)
	Novato playgrounds still closed as schools replace equipment: Novato's new elementary school playgrounds remain closed as school officials struggle to replace equipment they worry could be inappropriate -- or even dangerous -- for small children. (Read more)
	It takes a Sausalito village: Big turnout at launch for group to help elders age at home (Read more)
	Stock market losses kill Marin pension bonus bid: Retirees in the Marin pension program won't get a bonus this year after all in light of severe stock market losses that torpedoed investments. (Read more)

Real Estate, Real Info: Highs and lows for October

2010-11-03T08:51:45-07:00

Real Estate/Real Info by Wes Mayne

Most elections are accompanied by optimism and hope for the future. But this election cycle was filled with negative campaign ads, and it makes me wonder how much change we can actually hope for from our local, state, and federal governments.

However, I do know that interest rates are still amazingly low, and home prices are down, which makes for some wonderful opportunities for home buyers this fall and winter.

I remember an agent telling me a story, about 10 years ago, that he was the first realtor in Marin County that he knew of, who had ever received a $1,000,000 price reduction on a listing. Well last week, there was a $5,000,000 reduction on a home in Belvedere. How's that for a buying opportunity.

Another agent just told me a story about his mom, who is trying to sell her 1,800 square-foot home outside of Chicago, in a nice, residential neighborhood. They just got an offer for a bit less than she paid for it 19 years ago.

We also had a speaker come into our office last month who told us that about 30% of the homes in Phoenix, AZ, are vacant! So our market is still looking pretty good compared to some others. There are 113 condos in escrow in Marin County right now. Ten of the 16 homes on the market, below $300,000, are in escrow. As you increase the price point, the activity level slows down some.

$300,000 - $600,000      151 available, 88 in contract

$600,000 - $900,000      257 available, 102 in contract

$900,000 - $1,200,000   125 available, 26 in contract

Here are the highs and lows for the month of October 2010-

Two homes sold below $300,000. One in Fairfax for $285,000, and one in Woodacre for $273,500.
There was a closing over $5,000,000, and that was in Belvedere for $7,140,000.

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Realtor Wes Mayne, affiliated with Coldwell-Banker Real Estate, has been helping people buy and sell property here in Marin County since 1984. He specializes in properties all over the county from Muir Beach to Mill Valley all the way north to Novato. His website, Great Homes of Marin, offers comprehensive information about Marin communities and also has a property search database.

Wes lives with his family in San Rafael.

Video of the Day - Boehner barely keeps from crying

2010-11-03T08:00:00-07:00

But we're all weeping here...and not in a good way

Marin News Roundup

2010-11-03T06:30:00-07:00

GENERAL ELECTION : Unofficial results (Read more)

Woolsey wins 10th term in Congress despite setbacks for Democrats nationally: Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Petaluma, demonstrated Tuesday that Tea Party issues don't exactly resonate in the 6th congressional district, which consists of Marin and most of Sonoma County. (Read more)

Marin approves auto registration tax to pay for transit programs: Marin voters approved a $10 increase in vehicle registration fees Tuesday, a move that will provide more than $2 million a year for a variety of transportation programs. (Read more)

San Rafael to explore plastic bag regulations: The San Rafael City Council has instructed city staffers to work with other Marin County municipalities on possible plastic bag regulations. (Read more)

What Matters Most This Election Day?: Voters at polling places around the county weigh in on their key issues. (Read more)

Marin bails out child care dropped by state: Marin County will provide $84,000 to help low-income mothers whose child care subsidies were sliced from the state budget -- after a court lifts a restraining order temporarily blocking the budget cuts. (Read more)

Green candidate will avoid charges for crashing Dominican debate: Laura Wells, the Green Party candidate for California governor, will face no legal consequences for attempting to attend the debate between Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman at Dominican University last month using someone else's ticket. (Read more)

Marin's Measure N fire tax falling short of passage: Measure N, a tax increase for fire services in West Marin and several unincorporated pockets of the county, appeared to be headed for defeat Tuesday. (Read more)

Ross Valley approves $41 million school bond: Ross Valley voters were approving a $41 million ballot measure to provide more classrooms for the district's elementary and middle schools, according to late election returns. (Read more)

Leone, Weiner re-elected to Sausalito council: Sausalito voters appeared to re-elect Herb Weiner and Jonathan Leone to second terms on the City Council on Tuesday, rejecting challenger Joan Cox after a contentious campaign in the city of 7,300. (Read more)

Stinson Beach spending measure passes; Kentfield measure leads: Stinson Beach voters passed a measure to raise the appropriation limit in their water district Tuesday, while a similar measure was leading in the Kentfield Fire Protection District. (Read more)

Measure S leads Measure T as voters weigh in on desalination: Marin Municipal Water District's plan for how to proceed with desalination proved popular with voters, appearing to beat out a rival measure that sought to tie up planning for the technology. (Read more)

Marin Registrar of Voters Election Results (refresh for latest results)

2010-11-02T22:07:44-07:00
Pam Gould

	GENERAL ELECTION : Unofficial results (Read more)
	Woolsey wins 10th term in Congress despite setbacks for Democrats nationally: Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Petaluma, demonstrated Tuesday that Tea Party issues don't exactly resonate in the 6th congressional district, which consists of Marin and most of Sonoma County. (Read more)
	Marin approves auto registration tax to pay for transit programs: Marin voters approved a $10 increase in vehicle registration fees Tuesday, a move that will provide more than $2 million a year for a variety of transportation programs. (Read more)
	San Rafael to explore plastic bag regulations: The San Rafael City Council has instructed city staffers to work with other Marin County municipalities on possible plastic bag regulations. (Read more)
	What Matters Most This Election Day?: Voters at polling places around the county weigh in on their key issues. (Read more)
	Marin bails out child care dropped by state: Marin County will provide $84,000 to help low-income mothers whose child care subsidies were sliced from the state budget -- after a court lifts a restraining order temporarily blocking the budget cuts. (Read more)
	Green candidate will avoid charges for crashing Dominican debate: Laura Wells, the Green Party candidate for California governor, will face no legal consequences for attempting to attend the debate between Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman at Dominican University last month using someone else's ticket. (Read more)
	Marin's Measure N fire tax falling short of passage: Measure N, a tax increase for fire services in West Marin and several unincorporated pockets of the county, appeared to be headed for defeat Tuesday. (Read more)
	Ross Valley approves $41 million school bond: Ross Valley voters were approving a $41 million ballot measure to provide more classrooms for the district's elementary and middle schools, according to late election returns. (Read more)
	Leone, Weiner re-elected to Sausalito council: Sausalito voters appeared to re-elect Herb Weiner and Jonathan Leone to second terms on the City Council on Tuesday, rejecting challenger Joan Cox after a contentious campaign in the city of 7,300. (Read more)
	Stinson Beach spending measure passes; Kentfield measure leads: Stinson Beach voters passed a measure to raise the appropriation limit in their water district Tuesday, while a similar measure was leading in the Kentfield Fire Protection District. (Read more)
	Measure S leads Measure T as voters weigh in on desalination: Marin Municipal Water District's plan for how to proceed with desalination proved popular with voters, appearing to beat out a rival measure that sought to tie up planning for the technology. (Read more)