Testimonial -Chris and Jamie
What I Love About My Job! (In 60 Seconds or Less) – Dustlight Productions
Movies. I love them. Especially those that capture the “3 Es” (enlighten, educate AND entertain). It naturally follows that one of my favorite genres is the documentary. With a lifelong fascination of the movie making process, I am one of those people who always stays until the end of the movie. And by the END, I mean the REAL end, after all of the credits have stopped, we’ve been assured no animals were harmed in the making of the film, and the popcorn sweepers are storming the theater.
In considering whom I should approach for my next “What I Love About My Job!” 60-second interview, my friend Jeanne Rawlings immediately came to mind. A beautiful, talented filmmaker (who also happens to love and live in Chico), Jeanne’s impressive 30-year background includes being honored with TWO Emmy Awards (nominated for SIX) and working with the likes of National Geographic Society, Discovery, ABC, and the Army National Guard,
Jeanne’s company, Dustlight Productions, also offers commercial production, writing and editing services.
And what does Jeanne love about her job? Take a 51-second listen:
If there is one thing I love more than documentaries, it’s animals. Check out Jeanne’s promotional video for Butte Humane Society’s recent fundraising gala: https://vimeo.com/56798436
Like big tractors and earth-moving-type machines? Check out the interesting story of “Linetrac 1“: https://vimeo.com/31985086
Click here to view Jeanne’s impressive portfolio and here for her contact info.
What I Love About My Job! (In 60 Seconds or Less)
Sometimes (especially these days) it’s nice to stop and reflect on some of the positives in our lives.
While sitting in our local Cal Java coffee shop a while back, I couldn’t help but notice the gentleman roasting the coffee. He just seemed so darned HAPPY to be there, doing what he was doing. Nearly everyone who walked in the door was greeted by this jolly fellow, many by name.
It got me thinking about people who just flat out LOVE what they do, and what a wonderful thing that is. (I recall telling my sons when they were young, “Try to find some kind of work that you really like doing, because you will spend a LOT of your life doing it!”)
Which also reminds me of a recent conversation I had with my husband recently, exchanging stories about our day. When he commented that he had enjoyed the day’s activities, I replied “Good! Because you traded a day of your life for it.”
But I digress. Back to the coffee shop. After watching the aforementioned interactions for a while, and being the shy, retiring person I am, I grabbed my newish iPhone, set it to “video,” and sauntered up to our bubbly, bantering bean roaster and introduced myself, saying “I’m working on…” (yeah right, as of 10 seconds ago!) “…a blog about what people enjoy about their jobs. Can you tell me in 60 seconds or less what you like best about your job?”
Now, I have noticed over the years that oftentimes people will do something for you if you ask nicely, even if it may be a bit out of their comfort zone. I like to believe it is just human nature to want to help others. I’m sure you can think of examples of this from your own experience.
So herewith my first official “What I Love About My Job (in 60 Seconds or Less)“ video. Many thanks to my cheerful and willing “first” subject:
Chico Food Project
It’s that time of year, when we tend to be a bit more aware of (and giving toward) those less fortunate than ourselves. But what if we could easily make a difference year round?
That was a question local Chicoan Wendy Smith asked herself one day, when she read a statistic about the number of people in this country who don’t have enough to eat (many of them children).
According to the “Feeding America” website, in 2011, 50.1 million Americans lived in “food insecure” households (33.5 million adults and 16.7 million children).
Wendy Smith and Francine Kenkel of CHICO FOOD PROJECT
Very troubling indeed. But what can one person do?
Wendy shared a wonderful program with our Soroptimist of Chico club this week. Called simply “Chico Food Project,” it is an amazingly simple concept.
1. The first step is to sign-up on the white card included in The Chico Food Project brochure. The Food Project volunteers will then give you a blue, reusable grocery bag.
2. Whenever you shop, buy one extra non-perishable food item to put in the bag.
3. On the 2nd Saturday of every other month, a volunteer picks up the bag from your front porch and leaves a replacement bag.
4. The food is delivered to LOCAL food pantries, to be distributed to those in need.
That’s it! Such an easy way to help others throughout the year, rather than just during the holiday season. And no worries about how much of your donation is going to some nefarious “fat cat” at the top of some “charitable” organization. All food donations go straight to people truly in need, right here in Chico. And the program is overseen by the awesome North Valley Community Foundation.
For more information about this simple and worthwhile project, please email ChicoFoodProject@gmail.com or call 530-230-7232. While you’re at it, ask for a BLUE BAG!
Wine Time!
The Secret is out! There is a very cool new place to nosh and natter after work, and–lucky me–it is JUST UP THE ROAD from our W. M. Campbell Real Estate office! Wine Time made it to Henri Bourride‘s restaurant review column in today’s Chico News & Review, where it earned a four-star rating. (Based on my several recent visits, I’d give it a FIVE, but hey, I’m pretty easy to please.)
This gem is hard to find but worth the search. Located in a big, ancient refurbished barn at 26 Lost Dutchman Drive (behind Roots Catering at 3221 Esplanade, across the street from Philadelphia Square), it truly is a tucked-away Shangri-La. Owners Gay and Bob James (whom I know from my previous life as a Butte Creek Canyonite) have created a little oasis where art meets gastronomical delight; more Napa-like than your typical Chico eatery, in my opinion.
How great to have another venue for patio dining, complete with pond/stream and colorful umbrellas. The artsy barn interior features Gay’s amazing mosaic and stained glass art, painted concrete flooring, and original hand-hewn beams dating back to the structure’s hog barn days. (During our first visit, I dubbed it “Swine Time,” in honor of its beginnings…don’t think the “pet” name will catch on, though.)
Thus far I have sampled several very nice wines as well as two “small plates”: a mushroom appetizer that was pretty much to die for, and the Greek antipasto plate with a delightful array of olives and cheeses and a generous helping of “ahmonds” with undetermined-but-tasty coating. Apparently the menu is ever changing, with many ingredients from local sources (which is always a big plus in my book!).
During a recent visit, I noticed work being done to the adjacent building and inquired about it. Apparently an art gallery of sorts will be housed there, for local artists to display their work. Looking forward to the opening!
Wine Time is open 3 – 11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. “Like” the Wine Time page on Facebook for fun updates.
