Autumn theater in San Diego offers rich harvest of fine productions

San Diego Repertory Theater's "Disgraced" tackles contemporary issues of  race, religion and class in the modern world. The actors are Ronobir Lahiri and Allison Spratt Pearce playing a couple with challenges in an Ayad Akhtar play. 
The play is challenging, thoughtful, well acted and directed. Opening night this week earned a standing ovation.

Something for every taste in a rich new theatrical season in vibrant, play-loving San Diego

Northcoast Repertory Theater's "Laughter on the 23rd Floor" features
veteran talents Phil Johnson, Rep artistic director David Ellenstein, and
 Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper. 

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER
and courtesy theaters' marketing departments

FROM CUTTING edge political drama, to new musicals, satire and time-honored chestnuts, vintage comedy and a Pulitzer prize winning drama, San Diego theater offers a play for every taste.

The state-of-the-art La Jolla Playhouse offers four distinct venues. The
musical "Miss You Like Hell," is on now, a mother-daughter saga.

Cygnet Theatre, which took its name to honor
Shakespeare's Swan, is known for taking
chances, and honoring revered chestnuts.

We see a production or two a week -- four in 10 days recently, and two more this weekend. We're thrilled to call this lively, play-loving mecca home for a few months each year.

North Coast Repertory Theatre north of San Diego in Solana Beach
reflects the rich variety of offerings available in southern California.

What strikes me as unique about San Diego theater is its enormous variety.
THE OFFERINGS are as varied as the venues -- from a quartet of lavish, beautifully outfitted state-of-the-art venues that comprise La Jolla Playhouse to smaller, even more intimate houses of North Coast Repertory Theater in Solana Beach, with 194 seats, and New Village Arts, with only 100-plus ringside seats in Carlsbad. We're also regulars at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town and  San Diego Repertory, which calls Lyceum Theater home in Horton Plaza downtown.
Welk Theater, Intrepid Theatre and the venerable Old Globe add to the rich range of offerings in southern California. It's fun to watch the region's best actors move around from venue to venue, playing the field -- always looking for challenge, change and a good fit.
HERE'S WHAT we've been seeing lately, and what we have to look forward to in San Diego:

The new play at New Village Arts promises to challenge.
Featured are Manny Fernandes, Melissa Fernandes, Jeffrey
 Jones and executive artistic director Kristianne Kurner. 

* La Jolla Playhouse: "Miss You Like Hell," a new musical about a mother-daughter road trip, which opened this week at this elegant venue. A smart, imaginative teenager takes a road trip with her free-spirited Latina mother, meeting a mix of characters who encourage examination of their relationship.  Through Dec. 4. And watch for the brilliant John Leguizamo’s new one-man show, "Latin History for Morons."

The Welk Theater's "Sweet Charity" is a snappy, well acted production. 

* San Diego Repertory Theatre: "Disgraced," is a riveting Pulitzer-prize winner taking a piercing, contemporary look at race, religion and class, experienced through two couples and a nephew in volatile times. Amir Kapoor forsakes his Muslim heritage to live the American Dream – with beautiful wife, New York penthouse and lucrative law career.  The run ends Nov. 13. Then, we can't wait for "The Dybbuk for Hannah and Sam’s Wedding," based on a time honored Yiddish classic, written by Todd Salovey with original music written and performed by Yale Strom. These two gifted artists grace the annual Lipinski Jewish Arts Festival. Catch it at the Lyceum Nov 23-Dec. 18.
* Cygnet Theatre: A beautifully acted pairing of August Wilson plays, "Seven Guitars" and "King Hedley II," recently mesmerized play-goers and featured the same ensemble of gifted actors in both productions.  Its run ended Nov. 6. In rehearsal is Cygnet's hit holiday version of the classic "A Christmas Carol" Nov. 22 through Christmas Eve.

The approach to La Jolla Playhouse on the UCSD campus
is a tree-lined stroll to the lovely Mandell Weiss Theatre.

* North Coast Repertory Theatre: Time for an old, beloved chestnut from the always endearing playwright, Neil Simon. The comedy is a love letter to his early career as a writer for Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows.” Three seasoned actors recount the writing, fighting and wacky antics of early days of live television when Simon cavorted with fellow legends, Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks.
* New Village Arts: "God of Carnage" is on tap through Nov. 13, a one-act domestic comedy exploring parenthood and loyalty. When two New York couples meet to discuss their sons' playground tussle, a civilized evening of pleasantries and small talk erupts in a chaotic explosion of anarchy and vitriol. (Playwright Yasmina Reza wrote it, and "Art" at Intrepid Theatre.)

Actors Jason Heil, Jacob Bruce and Daren Scott play
 in "Art," which promises fast-paced wit and humor. 

*Welk Resort Theater: The production of  "Sweet Charity" features delightful staging, winning acting and the classic Bob Fosse minimalist choreography.  Snappy dialogue tells the story of the girl who wants to be loved so much that she has lost sight of who she is. It's a sophisticated, smart show (the movie made Shirley MacLaine famous) and runs through Nov. 20.
* San Diego Musical Theatre: This venue in the venerable Spreckels Theatre staged a fun production of the Mel Brooks hit, "The Producers," based on the earlier film, and promises "White Christmas" always a sell-out for Nov. 25-Dec. 4 run. Coming up: "9 to 5," Damn Yankees" and "Billy Elliot."
*Intrepid Theatre Company. This small, welcoming downtown San Diego space features cutting edge work ranging from "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" to the current run, "Art," in which three erudite friends debate the merits of a single, white canvas painting. It's a brilliantly conceived piece. This will be my fourth foray into the "Art" arena, so much do I love this clever, engaging play.

Jimmy Buffett and an array of devoted Parrot Heads filled Humphrey's
By the Bay for a night of oldies but goodies. Buffett is one of a half-dozen
aging, but still rockin' performers to appear in southern California this month.

UP NEXT: We're aging rock 'n' rollers, enjoying an autumnal glut of riches! In less than three weeks, we've seen on stage the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Jimmy Buffett and more. We'll top off our nostalgic run with our fourth Tony Bennett concert in two years.      Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekends for a look at artful, nature driven travel and arts pieces with a twist. Please tell other intelligent life about whereiscookie!

Vancouver covers the waterfront with beauty, variety, excitement for fit, friendly, big-city feel

Stunning sunset over Vancouver from the Blue Horizon Hotel, which offers small, enticing balconies with splendid views.

TOURISTS CAN HIKE, BOAT, WHALE WATCH, DINE, HOP A TROLLEY, SAIL, STROLL, RELAX, ROW A BOAT! 

Vancouver's night skyline is beautiful in the water's reflection.
Harbour Cruises offers a splendid sunset dinner cruise with this view.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

Cookie and Keller enjoy Harbour Cruises'
 sunset dinner cruise, which offers a lovely 
meal, fine live music and spectacular views. 

VANCOUVER IS a city of contrasts, cultures and contentment. People from around the world call this vibrant North American city home. Tourists from an exciting melting pot flock to British Columbia's largest city to enjoy classy cuisine, gorgeous weather, world-class parks, museums and art.

Vancouver is an attractive city, both fit and fun.  Here, 
rowers navigate the waters on a relaxing Sunday morning.  

Vancouver combines a refined, civilized feel with a vibrant, fit world view.

Stanley Park is a proud part of Vancouver's history, with lovely
boulevards for strolling, a nine-kilometer seawall , fine close dining,
aquarium and playground. It is one of Canada's best loves parks.  

Trolleys, parks, bike paths, restaurants, galleries, fruit and flower stands welcome the visitor, and we took it all in during our five-day stay.  We actually extended our airline tickets from three days to five, so taken were we with this lively, worldly city.

Granville Island is a treasure trove of shops, galleries, 
eateries and a splendid, popular market with fresh everything.

Blue Horizon Hotel is central to the action. Its blue 
tiles are its trademark, but a pink roof glows at night.

Stanley Park boasts many wonders. This Ontario
 tourist poses within a huge, time-honored redwood.

WE WERE BASED at Blue Horizon Hotel, which epitomizes the old adage: "location, location, location."  The downtown hotel takes its name from striking blue Italian-mosaic tiles which drape it. Its handsome, angular top is lit up, pretty in pink at night.We had a lovely corner room in the classic high rise.
www.bluehorizonhotel.com
We loved the location for its proximity to Harbour Green Park on the waterfront, with its highly rated Harbour Cruises, which offers a splendid sunset dinner cruise. We recommend the tasty, reasonably priced buffet with terrific music, best we've heard on a ship in 200 cruises worldwide. Try the holiday cruise with festive buffet and live carolers. www.boatcruises.com

Cactus Club Cafes are sprinkled around Vancouver.

  
WE DINED three times at nearby Cactus Club Cafe, not because it was our only choice in this foodie town but because its appetizers are fabulous. We enjoyed the tuna stack with a citrus touch, flavorful calamari, succulent mini burgers, crunchy edamame, spicy szechuan chicken wraps, delightful desserts, reasonably priced wines by the glass and even a nice non-alcoholic beer.

Several nature hikes bridges and explorations await at the
engaging and nature driven Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

There are several Cactus Club venues in Vancouver, each distinctive. A great find for us, this class act place with friendly service and delicious fare. We'll be back in spring.
 www.cactusclubcafe.com 

YOU won't want to leave this exercise-friendly city with hiking paths and thousands of bikers, until you've tried these other Vancouver experiences:
*The Vancouver Trolley with its delightful "Hop-On, Hop-Off City Attractions Tour" which we used to explore Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown and Granville Island. All 10 drivers offered live commentary and fun stories about the city they love. It picked us up each day right at our Blue Horizon Hotel. www.vancouvertrolley.com

* Granville Island and Stanley Park --- both worthy of at least a half day for the fun and attractions, shopping, dining, enjoying. www.granvilleisland.com

Cookie's bridge-climb smile.

*False Creek Ferry, which gets you from downtown to Granville Island in charming 12-passenger boats which encourage relaxation.granvilleislandferries.bc.ca

*Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, like no other park we've explored anywhere. We climbed the famous 1889 Capilano Suspension Bridge and found the view breathtaking and the bridge  "reassuringly wobbly" as promised. We took two of the entertaining nature tours, too! www.capbridge.com
*Finally, for transit between Victoria and Vancouver, consider a relaxing trip on BC Ferries, which offers pretty trips in the Vancouver Island area, and along the picturesque Sunshine Coast. We loved our efficient trip from Victoria to Vancouver -- a quick bus ride just blocks from our hotel, to the harbour, with the same bus whisking us efficiently to within a couple blocks of our Vancouver Hotel. Four hours from door to door, a beautiful boat ride on a pretty ferry.  

Old Town Theatre is one of several
 exciting San Diego area venues
serving challenging work,
 recently August Wilson.

Paul McCartney gave a generous nearly three-hour concert
days ago at Coachella Festival in southern California. 

UP NEXT: A glut of riches awaits if you happen to live in southern California and love theater and rock 'n' roll.  If you are a fan of vintage R&R, you've been on a roll with Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Jimmy Buffett and more.
 Even if you don't live here, you'll enjoy the rich variety of offerings available for theater and music lovers. Tony Bennett's playing a sold out gig Nov. 5, and from cutting edge drama, to time honored chestnuts and vintage comedy, San Diego's your place to be for theater.  Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekends for a lively take on travel, nature and the arts. Please tell your smart friends about us.




 

Butchart Gardens delights, amazes, with fabulous flowers, theme plantings, artful global collections

The majesty and magic of Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., have captivated millions since Jennie Butchart had an idea.

GARDENS BORN OF AN EXHAUSTED QUARRY DRAW INTERNATIONAL CROWDS TO A BEAUTY THAT SPEAKS ITS OWN LANGUAGE

Keller and Cookie near the end of a "bonny Butchart day."

A staff of 50 gardeners maintains Butchart
Gardens.  Here one of their rakes. (30 work
the grounds and 20 staff the greenhouse.)

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

THE GREAT Samuel Johnson's line about London applies to the world's most beautiful garden, too.
Johnson said, "When one tires of London, one tires of life."
And when one tires of the spectacular Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., one should probably tidy up his affairs.

You don't have to be a gardener yourself to appreciate
  beautifully placed flowers and beauty at Butchart Gardens.

In a half-dozen visits to these gorgeously planted and immaculately tended gardens, I've never been disappointed. Butchart Gardens lifts the spirits, buoys the soul, delights the eye.

Hanging begonias were in their glory.

I've seen magnificent azalea gardens in Maine, gorgeous desert gardens in Arizona, spectacular fields of perfectly poised marigolds in Brazil.

The Japanese Garden at Butchart has, by tradition, lots of trees and
meticulously manicured plantings  shrubs.

Singapore has beautiful botanical gardens and Shangai and Kyoto have breathtaking gardens of native plants and shrubs.
WHAT MAKES Butchart Gardens special is that it incorporates gardening techniques and planting themes from all over the world. It brings this global bouquet into one magical 55-acre spread.

Visitors pose for photos as a way to remember the beauty at Butchart.

Pioneers Robert and Jenny Butchart came to the place in 1904, attracted by rich limestone deposits he planned to quarry for Portland Cement. The enterprise made him a millionaire many times over. But Jenny's idea was equally lofty.  A gardener and chemist with a fondness for plants, Jenny wanted to beautify her husband's exhausted quarry. She received his blessing and plied her unending curiosity about what would grow best where to establish a series of theme gardens which now attract millions of visitors worldwide.

When her husband's quarry was exhausted, Jenny Butchart had a eureka
moment, about which Cookie, far right, and millions, approve!

THE FIRST of her gorgeous gardens was a "sunken garden," devised to pretty up the quarry after the limestone had been removed. Enterprising and determined, Jenny brought in tons of topsoil by horse and cart. Robert, pleased and proud of his wife's creativity, encouraged the project's expansion.  The Italian garden followed -- supplanting a tennis court -- then a Japanese garden on the seaside, and breathtaking rose garden, with favorite varieties from around the world. As the Butcharts traveled the world, they brought back plants and ideas: a piazza with a waterwheel, artful Mediterranean garden and more themes evolved.
The Butcharts named their estate "Benvenuto" -- Italian for "welcome"; today Butchart honors its name as it has done since Jenny had her idea in 1904. Part of the family still resides on the property -- which now boasts restaurants and an array of sculptures.

Fountains, lilies and poppies, marigolds, petunias and more grace the Italian Gardens.

Through the years, a concert pavilion, carousel, fireworks area and fountains were added. Unique gifts grace the place, including a stunning Dragon Fountain from the People's Republic of China and Victoria's sister-city, Suzhou.
WE FLEW in to the gardens on our fist night in Victoria, a treat aboard Harbour Air, which the latest generation of Royals just flew. Towards sunset, we 10 passengers landed in Butchart Cove, a pretty walk away from the dining room where half of our group stayed for a leisurely dinner after deplaning Harbour Air. It was exciting to see these gorgeous gardens from the air by dusk, then to drive to Butchart the next sunny day.
A SUNSET dinner cruise package includes the plane ride and Butchart dinner, through Harbour Air. A fun blend of seaplane adventure and gardening charms, worth the $100.
Butchart is Victoria's number one tourist destination -- and you'll see why.

Vancouver's skyline is framed by a spectacular British Columbia sunset.

UP NEXT: While we're in B.C., we have a look at a new favorite hotel in Vancouver, as we highlight this exciting west-coast port city, which rivals Seattle and San Francisco for spectacular scenery, parks and museums and plenty of entertainment for the tourist.  We also take a spectacular dinner cruise, for sunset over the skyline of Vancouver.  Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekends for a look at artful, nature driven travel and arts pieces with a twist. Tell other intelligent life about whereiscookie!

*Glass wizard Dale Chihuly's 'Garden and Glass' is magical offering of Seattle master's talents

Chihuly's "Glasshouse" is a 40-foot tall glass and steel structure holding the exhibit, which includes this homage
to sea life -- complete with coral, ferns and the underwater life one might see on a scuba dive or snorkel adventure.

FAMED GLASS ARTIST'S SHOW ENCHANTS, ENGAGES, ENTERTAINS GLOBAL ADMIRERS

Chihuly's glasswork is both inside and out in Seattle; here flamingo-like
shapes seem to preen and sunbathe amongst well-coordinated flowers.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

I FIRST DISCOVERED the magic of Dale Chihuly's glass creations at the Desert Botanial Garden during my Phoenix, Arizona, years.

His freeblown and functional glass work delights and intrigues, celebrating color, honoring life.

Some of his lush shapes seem to spill out, encouraging touch.
(It is not allowed, understandably, to do so.)

So we couldn't spend nearly a week in Seattle without visiting this Tacoma hometown boy's "Chihuly Garden and Glass."

WE HAD our favorite CityPASS ticket booklets, a great way to see a great city, saving both time and money.  We were delighted to move quickly into the gallery.

Cookie takes in Chihuly's magic.

Dale Chihuly's "Glasshouse" presents
his magnificent artwork in Seattle Center.

The exciting exhibition, in the shadow of Seattle's iconic Space Needle, is a wondrous collection of a few of his finest indoor and outdoor works.  Staged in the booming Seattle Center, inside and surrounding a towering glass and steel building, Chihuly's show enchants with its lovely play of light and color, his sense of whimsy and the voluptuous nature of his compositions.

Keller photographs this glass "flower."

HIS ELABORATE installations seem to be alive.  They climb up walls, float from the ceiling, flow onto the floors and surround the viewer with the artist's sense of wonder and gratitude.

It's obvious that Chihuly enjoys his life, appreciates the wonders of nature and celebrates his presence on the planet with every piece he creates. His installations are a marvel to behold.

Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Chihuly studied in Wisconsin and received an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. He lived on a kibbutz in Israel for a time and nurtured a fondness for Italy -- known for its magnificent glass creations. His work is influenced by his time there, studying renowned glassblowers, taking workshops.  Back in the U.S. in 1971, he founded the famed Pilchuck Glass School. Living in primitive conditions, with two other teachers and 16 students, the artful commune built glass furnaces and began blowing glass.

THE BEAUTY and grace of Chihuly's work is influenced by his time in Florence and Venice, where he studied with the masters of the famed Burano glass.

No, this is NOT a Chihuly piece. We included it because
this creation is in Burano, Italy, where he studied.

Artist Dale Chihuly is known for his graceful glass sculpture.
Here, he inspects his own showing in Seattle

In 1976, while visiting England, Chihuly was involved in a head-on car accident and flew through the windshield. His was blinded in his left eye but, after recovering, continued to blow glass until he dislocated his right shoulder in a 1979 bodysurfing accident.

He is still at the center of the action, with a studio on the water in Seattle, and his work displayed from the British Isles to South America and Australia.  Most major U.S. cities have hosted a Chihuly exhibit -- usually in a botanical garden.  I've seen his work in Toronto and Oklahoma City, and in my home of Scottsdale, Ariz., where -- as in Seattle -- we heard kudos for the master in multiple languages.

Boston, Atlanta and many other cities around the globe have borrowed his masterworks to entertain audiences, sharing Chihuly's daring and invention worldwide. His fondness for the desert has brought him and his work back to Phoenix several times.

His chandeliers often sell for six figures, and he is valued now at about $10 million -- not bad for spending nearly a half-century doing something he clearly loves.

 If you're in Seattle, don't miss it. https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/about/exhibition

At night, the place lights up for an extra dimension of wonderment. Consider CityPass, which gets you here and to many other venues on and off the water, at bargain prices:  Click here to book CityPASS

The beloved Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., welcome then enchant
visitors from all over the world.  Here, a zennia and dahlia garden delights.

NEXT UP:  Another garden, this one in Victoria, B.C., awaits.  This time, the flowers are real, though. Butchart Gardens welcomes us -- and you -- with 50 acres of floral finery and spectacularly kept displays.  Japanese, Italian and English gardens are all beautifully maintained by a staff of 50 greenhouse and grounds

workers, and a full-time administrative staff. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each weekend, when we move around the globe in search of nature-and-arts driven travel.

Jazzercise jam on San Diego's Midway, raises thousands to fight cancer

Jazzercisers hit the Midway stage in San Diego Saturday, raising voices and big bucks in the fight against breast cancer.

GLOBAL EXERCISE PROGRAM COMBINES FUN, FITNESS, GIVES BIG BUCKS TO CANCER RESEARCH

Above, writer Christene "Cookie" Meyers (whereiscookie.com) and Jazzercise
 founder Judi Missett, chat Saturday after Missett presented a check for $91,000.

  

"Girl, look at that body --
I work out!"
 -- from "Sexy and I Know It" by the American duo LMFAO

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

JAZZERCISE BUFFS from southern California and many other states gathered Saturday to jazz it up in the fight to defeat breast cancer.
More than 1,500 enthusiastic women "Jazzercisers" -- and 100 or so stalwart men -- came aboard San Diego's massive aircraft carrier Midway to jump, jive, dance and raise $91,000 for the cause.

 

Jazzercise has a constantly updated and changing range of tunes,
featuring popular artists.  Saturday's dancers were in the groove.
 

Enthusiasm was the code of the morning, as dancers and fitness fans gathered as early at 7 a.m. for the 8 to 10 a.m. event, officially "Jazzercise Dance for Life - Rockin' The Midway."
VOLUNTEERS worked efficiently to register hundreds who paid $35 each through their Jazzercise groups to join the fun, help a cause, work out with friends and get a snazzy pink t-shirt. Sponsors donated thousands to make the event work, and $5 raffle tickets (I actually won a lovely quilt!) pumped up the cancer research ante.
It was a perfect event, on a perfect southern California day.  A paramedic rested in the cargo bay of a troop transport helicopter -- playing with his Smart phone instead of tending to the injured. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

A Jazzercise welcome from the stage set the tone for a spirited morning.

Dancers at the California event ranged in age from junior high into their 80s, united by the belief that fitness can be fun -- and for a cause.
 More about Jazzercise and its fans in San Diego, Arizona and Montana
I'VE DANCED and worked out with this remarkable program since its first decade.  Founded in 1969, it's the brainchild of Judi Sheppard Missett, who started the revolution as a student at Northwestern University in Chicago.  The forward thinking dancer devised the idea to attract students when she saw class ranks dwindling.  It took off --  and today Missett heads the worldwide company as CEO.

Jazzercise wants you! So go get 'em.
Saturday's stage was Jazzercise heaven.

As a travel writer with a global range, I've "Jazzed" all over the world -- including Japan.  Lucky for me, Jazzercise is thriving in 32 countries and every U.S. state. I've danced in 15 or 20. Saturday, I bumped into (not literally) Jazzercise friends from Arizona, Colorado and all over California. I've also danced in New York, Massachusetts, Georgia, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and my native Montana. Go to the website www.jazzercise.com/ and find a class near you. Easy as shake, rattle and roll.

Jazzercisers from southern California and beyond had a fun, fit morning
raising money for the Susan G. Komen fund to cure breast cancer.
(Here Judi Missett, right in black, is interviewed Dave Scott, KUSI TV.)

Saturday's Jazzercise benefit on the USS Midway was a huge success. 

JAZZERCISE BOASTS over a million participants a year, with 8,300-plus franchisees teaching more than 35,000 classes a week. I've written about Jazzercise for airline magazines, travel publications and my own blog, www.whereiscookie.com (which you are reading now!) I was delighted to connect with Judi Saturday -- it had been decades since I interviewed her via phone in 1979 -- to tell her how much the program means to me.  I've worn out  DVDs and even vintage 8-track tapes, featuring Judi and her daughter, Shanna Missett Nelson, now Jazzercise president.  Both mother and daughter continue to teach -- in the Carlsbad, Calif., headquarters, and at my Montana ranch, their well loved tapes and DVDs engage a coterie of summer people on the West Fork of the Stillwater River.  We meet
Jazzercise is way of life for nearly 95-year-old dancer 
in the fire hall to catch up and shape up with Jazzercise and a mix of other workout programs, counteracting an excess of summer wine, cheese and dessert and enjoying one another's company. As I told Judi, Jazzercise enhances my entire being on mental, physical and emotional levels. It's helped me survive huge losses. Its spirited choreography has kept me laughing, socializing, arising each morning, torching calories.
 SATURDAY'S GATHERING was, for me, further proof that I choose the right program -- and I'm sticking with it. Jazzercise is as important to me as my beloved theater, as critical as eating well and indulging moderately in life's other pleasures. As essential as family and love.

Pretty in pink: Cookie caps a fabulous morning with her raffle prize
-- an artful handmade quilt -- and one of her many beloved Jazzercise coaches,
 Sharon Ticho, of Sorrento Valley Jazzercise: Del Mar Ballet.
 

 AS MISSETT stepped gracefully on the stage, to huge applause, the coastal fog dissipated and the sun was shining. Everyone was smiling, for Jazzercise engenders happiness and keeps us current -- I amused my 20-and 30-something nieces and nephews a few years ago when I performed a Jazzercise workout to "Sexy and I Know It." They were impressed that Jazzercise employs fusion, core, strength and dance -- with singers as diverse as Madonna and Blake Shelton.

Mesmerizing glasswork awaits at Dale Chihuly's Seattle museum.

SATURDAY'S WORKOUT featured groups of Jazzerciser coaches taking the stage Saturday to lead the ranks to that upbeat mix of tunes. To keep fresh and varied, Jazzercise uses music by Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkson, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Paul McCartney and my favorite Tony Bennett. We tango, cha-cha and shake it off, baby!
This "Jazzercise gypsy" loves it!

To paraphrase a Jazzercise lyric, We have "passion in our pants" -- and we aren't afraid to show it! 

UP NEXT: Enchanting Chihuly -- We visit the master glassblower's museum in Seattle where Dale Chihuly's visionary and seductive "Garden and Glass" artwork is displayed. The famed Northwesterner's creativity shines through in gorgeous glass exhibits both indoor and outdoors -- in the shadow of Seattle's landmark Space Needle. Remember to explore, learn and live and visit us weekends for more artful, nature-driven travel adventures. Tell other smart people about whereiscookie.com