My love for the race track began when I was just a little girl with curly hair. Afternoons spent amongst the crowds of Hollywood Park is one of my favorite childhood memories . “And there they gooooo!” brought such thrill and excitement to my soul, still does.
I learned quickly how to read the racing form which lead to great conversations with my papa. In my Vegas life, Thursday afternoons were spent with the old timers in the back row. The stories that were shared amongst the good ole boys and myself, I truly treasure. My bets were small and Shirley Temples on the refill. Watching the races trackside is a big treat for me.
I was ecstatic when I heard the news that an off track race horse had moved into the Willow Creek barn. I couldn’t wait to meet him, watch him with my own eyes be wild and free . I made more frequent visits to the barn in hopes to learn more about this insanely beautiful creature.
One afternoon a friendly couple approached Charlie’s stall, I quickly introduced myself. It was then that I met the owners, William and Nancy Gregory, it was perfect timing. Oh did Nancy love to talk horses, races and her experience as a race horse owner. I was in awe of William’s training wisdom and stories.
I was lucky enough to spend some time with Charlie and my barn friends. Watching Charlie work out gave me such goosebumps. This majestic animal’s track name is Charlie’sboywins. He took 1st place at Hollywood park in July 2013, 2nd place at Hollywood park in June 2013, and 3rd place at Santa Anita park in January 2015. I’m not sure if Charlie will ever race again, but if he does I’ll make sure to be rooting for him alongside the track!
For your viewing pleasure of The Bishop Creek Project, please visit the YouTube link below.
Mamunia
The Bishop Creek Project
This past summer I had decided to take my daughter, Isabella, on a camping adventure to my favorite spot, Bishop Creek. It was the first time she and I would camp alone for a few nights, bears and all! The magic started to unfold as we laid together under the shining stars and the beaming moon. It was as if Mother Nature had set up the perfect scene for two girls with curly hair who would be camping amongst nature.
Nature Girl
When adventuring outdoors we often leave the luxurious of technology behind…well at least that is what I thought. “I have a great idea mama!” is what she had said to me with the biggest grin on her face. You see, while adventuring through the forest she found a very “spooky” creek trail. A trail that she said was full of magic. As I looked around at the scenery she was describing, the sensation of “spooky and magical” hit me like a bolt of lightning. In that very moment I knew something amazing was going to arise out of her little imagination. And so, this is how this tale begins…
As we sat by the campfire Isabella whispered to the sky, “Can we make a spooky movie Mother Nature?” It was the perfect camping spot to film and I of course couldn’t wait to see what was about to unfold. I quickly grabbed my journal as Isabella started to explain the movie plot to me.
The spooky film’s plot from Isabella’s perspective is just this…
Once upon a time there was a girl with curly hair named Mamunia. She and her baby Snow White, went camping in the magical forest of Bishop Creek. The townspeople of Bishop Creek had warned her about the wild animals, the forest witch but most importantly about the myths of The Bishop Creek man. Mamunia sings a lullaby to her baby as she puts her down for a nap. Prudence senses that the baby is in danger and decides to rescue Snow White. The baby is safely being watched over by the friendly forest ghosts. While Mamunia is on a hike, the Bishop Creek man is on the loose. The dramatic creek trail chase is underway and the witch is now determined to rescue the nature girl. The Bishop Creek man is outsmarted by the girls with curly hair. Prudence and Mamunia are reunited with Snow White and are forever grateful to be alive. The Bishop Creek Man still exists and wanders the forest of the Sierra Mountains. The end, that’s all.
My father, papa John, would be joining us over the weekend to go fishing. When he had arrived Isabella couldn’t wait to tell him about the film. With such excitement she asked, “Papa, do you want to be in my spooky movie?” Papa quickly glanced at me as I nodded yes, and he then replied, “A spooky film, absolutely.” It had just so happened that we all had packed outfits that would be turned into the official wardrobe for “The Bishop Creek Project.”
The high Sierra Mountains are notorious for late afternoon thunder storms. The dark gray cotton ball clouds had started to roll in quickly producing large rain drops and loud thunder. We decided to pack up the fishing gear and head back to camp. Isabella knew that it was the perfect time to film. She quickly grabbed my Iphone and began filming the thunder clouds. Mother Nature had provided us with the perfect scene to start filming the spooky movie. The Bishop Creek Project had officially started production! The entire production was filmed using an Iphone 5. All film editing was done using Imovie on an Ipad.
My promise to Isabella since she was a very small baby was to always foster and nurture her passions, imagination and dreams. I had often whispered these words in her ear as I rocked her to sleep, “Always have a passion for life, run free with your imagination and never give up on your dreams.” I will continue to honor my promise to my darling daughter, Isabella Gwen. Papa John has already plotted the next upcoming film…Johnson’s return in the North Pole!
As one very proud mother all I can say is…Watch out Steven Spielberg you might have just met your match!
Enjoy some of the captured moments Isabella and I had on our Underwoods Family Farm adventure!
The beautiful song featured in this film is by our favorite, Elizabeth Mitchell. Visit her website at: http://youaremyflower.org/. She is such a breath of fresh air and inspires us daily!
In the beautiful city of Moorpark, CA lives one of the greatest farms I have ever been to, Underwood Family Farms. With acres and acres of “Pick-Your-Own” seasonal crops, incredibly fresh farm stand, and adorable furry farm animals that you can pet and feed, is an all-around amazing family fun experience.
Sara Jane and I.
I had the pleasure of visiting with Sara Jane, farm owner, about how magical and inviting her property is to us all. I found myself charmed by her passion and adoration for the farm and harvest festival. Being that Sara Jane is typically the first one to arrive at the farm, she loves the early morning’s natural serenity while listening to the chickens and roosters cluck and crow. As an early riser myself, I couldn’t help but feel the peacefulness of the farm she was describing. The crisp air and sunshine of Mother Nature at its best! Her husband Craig is a fifth generation farmer and all I can say about that is, “You’re doing it right!”
Lil B taking a tractor for a joyride!
My daughter Isabella and I have been regular farm visitors for the past five years. In fact, she has been picking vegetables in the fields of Underwood’s since she was just 7 months old. We would arrive in the early morning to watch and enjoy the farm animals routine activities. Feeding carrots to the Billy goats was by far her favorite thing to do. For small children this is a great foundation for early teachings of Mother Nature, animals and healthy eating habits.
Amazing varieties of squash.
The Harvest Fall Festival typically begins the last weekend of September and goes until October 31st. Prices for admission is very reasonable considering the amount of entertainment, food and photo opportunities they have to offer. Isabella and I spent six hours at the farm and really could have stayed to watch the sunset!!! The tractor-drawn wagon ride, free with admission, is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty and charm of the farm. The music we heard today was fabulous!!! Teresa Russell and the Acadiana rocked the stage with songs that had people groovin’ away, including me! It melts my heart to see mothers, fathers, children and grandparents singing and dancing to melodies that make them smile. It was such a treat to hear Teresa play the stage again, as it has been many moons since I’ve seen her amazing and phenomenal guitar skills live. Don’t miss out on the hysterical pig races that always have the crowd shouting and rooting for the lil piggies!!! I will admit, it’s one of my favorite events of the festival! To obtain more information on Underwood Family Farms please visit their website at: http://www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com/.
The Underwood Family Farm fed our soul with joy, laughter and pure magic! Our adventures at the farm will be cherished in our memories forever. We are so thankful and grateful to the friendly and courteous staff members and a special thank you to the farm owners for welcoming us to their harvest festival.
In the quaint little town of Ojai lives one of the greatest Farmers’ Market’s. The beautiful scenic drive on route 33 makes this road trip so worth it!
Fresh garden herbs!
I was very impressed with the selection of produce booths they had to offer. The knowledge from the booth owners was extremely informative. When I didn’t recognize a variety of a particular item, they went above and beyond with explanations and even gave examples of how to cook the produce.
I was even more fascinated with the gentlemen who offered “Free Hugs.” I of course gave him so many hugs and was given even bigger hugs in return. Even though we had never met before, I couldn’t help but feel loved. He made me smile Big Time!!!
Love One Another Always!
As I leisurely walked the market, making sure not to miss anything special, my eye was quickly drawn to the “Range Free Eggs” booth. The simplicity and folk like décor is something my eyes couldn’t resist. The handcrafted signs, which I later learned were made by the booth owner’s grandfather, stole my heart. So amazing! I ended up purchasing a few dozen eggs and used them for various recipes. The flavor and fluffiness from these eggs were incredible!
Fresh Range Free Eggs
I’m a huge fan of lavender and had to treat myself to a small bouquet. The lavender smell made me feel so calm, so peaceful and brought huge comfort to my soul. I couldn’t help but fall in love with all the small gifts they had to offer. I promised to visit again soon to purchase some holiday gifts for my family and friends.
My love for lavender!
While admiring some spectacular heirloom tomatoes, I was being admired by an extremely handsome gentlemen. Who knew that a Farmers’ Market is a single girl’s paradise! A perfect place to find healthy, handsome and courteous fellas. As the two of us engaged in a friendly conversation, I unfortunately become very bashful and politely excused myself. As I walked away I thought to myself, “I’m definitely going to become a regular Sunday market shopper!” I was on assignment and didn’t want to lose focus on my work however, I thought about his adorable face the rest of my day!!!
Breathtaking!
The Ojai Farmers’ Market is open (rain or shine) every Sunday from 9am-1pm, located behind the Arcade and one street over from downtown Ojai. I highly recommend that one brings cash as most of the vendors only accepted that form of payment. The energy I felt was full of love, laughter and wellness. I drove home that afternoon feeling alive and thankful to Mother Nature for sharing her beauty with me. I was also very grateful for how friendly and down-to-earth the townspeople of Ojai were and how lucky I am to live so close to this little piece of heaven!!!
Charlie’sBoyWins
Gina Misty and Isabella Gwen 