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Junior League of Austin : 75 Years

capty99 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:54:49 -0500

After 75 years of service, The Junior League of Austin (JLA) celebrates “the strength of women and the power of community.” Since its inception in 1934, the JLA has been committed to making a direct impact in Austin by promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Through the combined efforts and generous support of the volunteers, partner agencies and donors the JLA is able to strengthen the Austin community. On an annual basis, the League contributes more than $1 million to the Austin community, and its members volunteer more than 100,000 hours to support 24 local nonprofit agencies and eight League programs. In addition to these incredible annual contributions, in 2005 the organization pledged gifts to be paid out over a five year period to two significant community endeavors: the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Beyond the donation of money and time, the JLA takes measures to perpetuate the positive impact of service, placing focus and energy in preparing its members for serving the community outside the League. The training members receive through their volunteer service with the League enables them to become positive agents of change in the community, serving as board and committee members in their businesses, schools and other nonprofit work. “As we take a look at everything The Junior League of Austin has done for the community over the last 75 years, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride,” said JLA President, Melissa Greenwood Morrow. “Taking time to appreciate the tremendous progress we’ve made since our beginning and the countless people and organizations we’ve impacted is profoundly inspiring. I can’t wait to see how this inspiration drives the League for the next 75 years.”

1930’s

February 9, 1934 – The Junior League of Austin was admitted to the Association of the Junior Leagues of America. Under the leadership of the first president, Gladys Greenlee Bowman, 50 members worked to form volunteer bureaus to recruit, train and place much-needed volunteers in the community. 1934 – The JLA selected its first undertaking, the Settlement Home, a facility that housed underprivileged children. Volunteers’ duties ranged from daily errands, to assisting in the clinic, and even serving as Board members. September 6, 1934 – The JLA opened the Thrift Shop, a venture designed to raise funds that supported other projects in the community. Just like today, members donated merchandise and volunteer hours each year.

1940’s:

1941-1945 – Like the rest of the nation, the JLA saw tremendous change when the U.S. entered WWII. War efforts consumed everyone’s volunteer time, but The Junior League of Austin continued to serve 12 civic agencies. 1945 – The successful radio program and award-winning JLA project, “Leather Breeches,” began as a Saturday morning series called “Books of Adventure” and evolved into a listening aid for public school teachers. The program won a National Radio Institute Award.

1950’s

1950-1954 – The fifties saw an increase in arts sponsorship by the JLA, including the Children’s Symphony Concerts, the Austin Symphony Orchestra and UT’s Fine Arts Department. 1954 – The first Charity Ball touted Johnny Long and his orchestra fresh from Meadowbrook, New Jersey, one of the nations top dance spots. Fundraising efforts associated with the ball nurtured local talent and even a future Broadway star: a tall, talented Texas by the name of Tommy Tune.

1960’s

1960 – With a growing membership, the JLA needed a home of its own to hold meetings and conduct business. The Texas Fine Arts Association offered The Gatehouse at Laguna Gloria Art Museum in west Austin. After an extensive renovation the Gatehouse became the JLA’s first headquarters. In the early 60’s the JLA’ s fundraisers netted record dollars. With an excess of funds in its coffers, the JLA created the “Project Funding Committee,” the precursor to today’s Researchers Committee, to look into local agencies and programs that would benefit from additional funding.

1970’s

The 1970’s marked the creation of the Grants Committee, a group of members that hosted training seminars in grant writing for nonprofit agencies – yet one more way to strengthen the community. 1976 – The JLA’s first cookbook, The Collection, was introduced to the public. November 1976 – “A Christmas Affair,” the JLA’s largest annual fundraiser, was first held at the Driskill Hotel. It has become the largest holiday marketplace of its kind in the country.

1980’s

May 16, 1983 – The JLA purchased the Square at Parkcrest as its permanent headquarters. Plans for renovations, leasing and fundraisers immediately ensued. 1984 – For its 50th Anniversary project, the JLA assisted in establishing Austin’s Ronald McDonald House.

1990’s

1991 – Alarmed at the high percentage of Hispanic girls who dropped out of high school, the JLA created the Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program to educate and empower Hispanic girls to complete education and continue on to college. The college preparatory program serves girls in 6th through 12th grades. ***In 2007, the JLA officially launched the Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program and successfully established Con Mi MADRE... Mothers and Daughters Raising Expectations - as an independent nonprofit in order to ensure additional growth to meet the growing needs of our local Hispanic community. 1994 – To commemorate its 60th Anniversary, the JLA committed to support the People’s Clinic, a nonprofit primary heath-care facility that serves low-income families. The JLA provided $250,000 over a three-year period that helped fund the construction of a new building and improved services. 1997 – Coats for Kids was adopted by the JLA when its original sponsoring agency could no longer commit the resources to continue this valuable service. From its inception, Coats for Kids has been an extremely touching and rewarding project for both volunteers and recipients.

The New Millennium

2001 – The JLA sponsored its first “Girl Fest,” an event that allowed girls of all ages to learn about programs throughout the community. The half-day event culminated with Space Shuttle astronaut, Mae Jemison, giving an inspirational talk on the infinite opportunities for women today. 2005 – The JLA pledged community gifts over a five year period to two important organizations in Austin: The Dell Children’s Medical Center of Austin and The Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Cattle Baron's Ball Gallery Page 2

capty99 — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:10:50 -0500

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Your Scene :

capty99 — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:16:00 -0500

The 15th Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball went off without a hitch May 31st at the Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch and Pavilion. The oversold fundraiser for the American Cancer Society had nearly 900 in attendance and concluded a whirlwind season of events that raised nearly $300,000 for the central Texas chapter of ACS, enabling the local office to provide patient services, research, education, and government advocacy to those afflicted with cancer and their loved ones. The Austin office provides these services throughout 25 counties in central Texas. To date, the past events have raised nearly $1.6 million providing funds for local services and programs vital to the fight against cancer such as Hope Lodge, Reach to Recovery and Look Good…Feel Better.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Photos taken by Jerry Hughes from Artist Studio 12.

Transitions: The Sounds of Silence

capty99 — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:31:25 -0500

In an early episode of the TV drama, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” a kidnapped woman’s husband grows impatient with investigator Gil Grissom, who has been listening to the ransom message over and over and over again. Why are you sitting here listening to this tape for the 20th time, the frustrated husband asks, when you should be out there looking for my wife?

“Sometimes, if you listen closely,” replies Grissom, the Zen master of forensic scientists, “you can hear a lot.”

When I give keynote speeches on clarity or leadership or living a legendary life, I’m invariably asked the same question in one form or another: “But how do I get clear about (fill in the blank)?”

I can sense the impatience in the questioner, much like the kidnapped woman’s husband, as well as his willfulness. What I’m really being asked is: “What can I do to (fill in the blank)?” But sometimes, as Grissom points out, listening trumps action.

After another run-through of the ransom message, Grissom deduces the location of the kidnapper. The husband admits his amazement, and asks, how did you do that? Grissom just shrugs. “I listened.”

The clarity we are seeking-- whether it’s a career decision or a life transition or something deeper, like a sense of purpose- -simply cannot be obtained by force of will. In fact, the harder we work at figuring it out, the more stuck or uncertain we become. Spinning our car wheels in the mud rarely gets us anywhere but deeper in the muck.

It’s only when we pause to listen that we can hear what we’re trying to say. Because we already know the answer.

You may not “know” it at an intellectual level, but you “know” it in your depths.

Years back, when I began to realize that I needed to slow down if I wanted to connect with that place within myself, I was heartened by a bookmark emblazoned with this quote from Virginia Woolf: “It is in our idleness, in our dreams, that the submerged truth sometimes comes to the top.”

Don’t you love the word, “idleness”? So quaint, so refreshing. Visions of mint juleps on the veranda at dusk.

Unfortunately, our culture has literally been driven to distraction. There is no idleness (excuse me, “downtime”) permitted. No place to unplug. The more cell calls we receive, the more important we are. The more we’re juggling, the more accomplished we are.

Now that the research results on multitasking are in, we know that the opposite is true. In fact, multitasking diminishes our capacity to learn and to achieve. There is no substitute for focused attention.

If you want to get clear about what’s most important to you, then you need to slow down and tune out the world. You need to press “pause” long enough to hear what you have to say.

Even Maria Shriver, first lady of California (Arnold’s wife), has learned this lesson. In her new book, Just Who Will You Be?, she pledges to give herself 10 minutes of silence a day.

In my book, Clarity: How to Accomplish What Matters Most, the first of the five steps I outline is an injunction to do 15 minutes of nothing a day. Of everything I say in that book, these seven words attract the most response. It’s unthinkable to so many people, to devote a mere 15 minutes a day to themselves! Then there is the creative group I love. They try to get special dispensation for a “two-fer.” For example: Does my manicure count? Can I walk the dog, too?

It’s only in this silent space of grace that we can hear what I call our “flutters.” That’s how I knew that I was called to make the move from teaching to coaching. I felt a kind of flutter in my body when I heard about this new kind of helping profession. It was quiet, it didn’t say anything, it was a wave of a flag. “Hey, pay attention to this.”

Oftentimes we signal our deepest desires not in thoughts or even in emotions, but in physical sensations like the “flutters.” It takes 15 minutes of nothing a day to train ourselves to connect with those fleeting messages and to gently, kindly, and compassionately observe what they mean, without judgment. Once we’re used to attuning to our sensations, feelings, and thoughts during this 15-minute training interval, we can better attune to them in the rest of our everyday life. We can understand immediately that we really don’t want to say “yes” to that invitation, or that your recent job offer isn’t a good fit. If you listen closely, you can hear a lot.

Ann Daly PhD is a life coach, speaker and author of Clarity : How to Accomplish What Matters Most. She helps women in transition get clear about what they want and how to get it. Write to Dr. Daly at transitions@anndaly.com

Building an Oasis with Beau Theriot

capty99 — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:00:29 -0500

When Beau Theriot decided to build his home, he found one of the prettiest pieces of Texas hill country on which to lay a foundation. Sometimes referred to by locals as “Beau’s Mountain,” the 500-acre ranch he purchased in the late 1970’s has been nurtured and developed over the years into so much more than a personal retreat for Beau and his family.With the renowned Oasis restaurant, the newly established Villa Montaña community, and soon-to-be OASIS, TX shopping village, the Lake Travis hilltop is one of Central Texas’s chief destinations, not to mention one of the biggest labors of love one man can share. Perched 450 feet above Lake Travis, Beau’s home is perfectly positioned to take in what he calls “the best show in town” – the spectacular sunset over the rolling hills and ever-changing lake waters. To fully take advantage of the nature’s grandeur, Beau built a long, narrow house with expansive windows, affording all of the bedrooms, living areas and even bathrooms with beautiful views.

“I’m not an architect, so I can do what my whims tell me to do,” Beau teased when he described his design and building process. Unrestricted by convention, he drafted his initial vision of the villa on a cocktail napkin, which holds a staggering likeness to the final result.

He named it “Villa del Sol” because it faces due west and is in its glory as the sun heads toward the horizon, but its meaning runs deeper still. “When I was a little boy, my father called me ‘Sunshine’ because of my particular love of the outdoors,” explained Beau. “Every time I say the name, I think of my father and my relationship with him. So, it is very meaningful to me because he was so much to admire.”

Upon arrival, Beau’s guests are welcomed by an immense façade detailed with intricate stonework by his favorite artisans, including stone sunbursts etched around windows to remind everyone what makes the home so special. Distinctive touches like antique stained glass, gargoyles, statues and fountains are tucked into every corner, giving visitors new delights to discover at every turn.

If that hasn't left you completely overwhelmed, just take a step inside where Beau's incomparable collection of antiques, fine furnishings and master artworks (far too vast to be fully absorbed in one visit) is surely enough to leave you breathless. Harmoniously blending influences from all of his favorite places around the world, Beau included eye-popping touches in Mediterranean, French Provincial, English, Moroccan and Mexican Colonial styles.

The impeccable combination of different styles lends itself to individuality, something in which Beau takes great pride. “It just works better for me to design and create something that is off the cuff and a little bit different than anybody else’s.”

It is important to note that the design choices are more than merely beautiful. Many are deeply sentimental. “My mom cut down an old pecan tree on the property in East Texas where she was born, and that’s what I used for the floors. It’s those things that really touch me and add a great bit of warmth to the house.” It is that warmth that allows Beau to maintain comforting and relaxing ambiance while being surrounded by so many fine, elegant things that could easily belong in the worlds finest museums and galleries.

Beyond the lakeside floor-to-ceiling windows is the sprawling, 73-foot terrace from which the best views are captured. A colonnade frames the terrace, which is a masterpiece of stone, marble and ironwork that comfortably seats more than 100 people. The railings were thoughtfully crafted with iron-rimmed glass panels to ensure unobscured views whether seated or standing. This irresistible setting borders on hypnotic as the lake air caresses your skin and serene clouds float slowly by.With this kind of treasure in his hands, Beau felt compelled to share his enchanting vista with others. The guesthouse, a three-story tower called “the wine house,” and sometimes, “Rapunzel’s castle,” has a romantic, Old World charm. A wine tasting room, which is often used for intimate dinner parties, comprises the first floor. Boutique guest suites make up the second and third floors, each one specially decorated by Beau.

A sincerely genuine person to the core, Beau wanted to share his hilltop with people beyond his friends and family. “I’ve always traveled a lot. I hadn’t found many places that were much more enchanting than this one. Fortunately, I was able to open The Oasis and create the ultimate getaway for folks who don’t have a lake house.”

“I just wanted a little place on the hill so people could come out and enjoy this beautiful view. Before I opened it in 1983, there was only Hippie Hollow and a few other parks, but there were no comfortable vantage points to sit and really absorb and relax and enjoy the breezes, the clouds, the sunsets and the moon glows.”

Naturally, The Oasis, recognized as “the sunset capital of Texas,” became a local favorite and draws visitors from all over the world. It, too, has Beau’s artful design touch that adds to the dining experience. Newly re-vamped after a devastating fire in 2005, The Oasis is even bigger and better, with the familiar cascading decks and live music areas, plus new additions that can accommodate parties of up to 1,200.

As if building a restaurant wasn’t enough, Beau invited outsiders to actually make part of his land their home when he developed his first residential neighborhood jewel -- Villa Montaña, a gated community that reflects a quiet ambiance of serenity, offering only 98 lots and custom homes with spectacular lake and sunset views, lush canyon vistas and uniquely intimate garden style villas. “I love this setting because it’s like an island nestled in the midst of all this green,” said Beau. “You look out and see all green forever, but at the same time, it is the closest gated community on the lake to downtown Austin, so the city is there if you want it.”

Taking every measure to create an enchanting community, Beau dotted the property with delightful features like bronze statues around unique planting and walking paths, koi fishponds and a grape arbor upon a scenic overlook where people can gather and visit with their neighbors. “I wanted to bring it above and beyond the ordinary.”

Beau’s next project in the works is a European inspired shopping village called OASIS, TX. Built alongside the Oasis on the cliff top, the village offers outdoor sculpture gardens created by native artists, waterfalls, grottos and scenic outlooks nestled among winding walkways with 30 one-of-a-kind local shops. Plans are in place to break ground this fall with construction to be completed in one year. “It will be a lot of fun to create it and see it come to life, just like it’s been wonderful to see the Oasis finally come back to life after the fire.”

And Beau’s visions don’t show signs of slowing down. Pouring his whole heart and soul into each project he takes on, Beau continues to improve and develop his lakeside ranch. “What could be more wonderful than this part of the world? I just decided that I want this hilltop to be a really special place that everyone can enjoy, so I want to spend the rest of my life making it neater and neater.” “

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Transitions : Get Clear & Get Going - Truly Texan Issue

capty99 — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:25:52 -0500

Like the bumper sticker says, I’m not a native Texan, but I got here as fast I could. Of all things truly Texan (barbeque, live oaks, Friday night lights, to name a small sample), my favorite is the Texas Woman. You know who I mean--that strong, good ol’ girl with the sly wit, broad smile, and big hair

As a Yankee, I’ve learned a lot from the Texas Woman over the past two decades. When I arrived here, my New-Yorker’s-eye-view of a Southern woman was an over-refined, over-domesticated belle. Imagine my surprise at the gutsy, ballsy, larger-than-life women I encountered here.

Ann Richards, of course, was hard to miss. And not just because of her white helmet coiffure and Harley hog. Her famous quip at the 1988 Democratic National Convention about that infamous silver foot revealed to me that the Texan Woman’s tongue may be slow, but her wit is quick.

Closer to home, the first neighbor I met in my first house, in south Austin, was a retiree named Melba. I remember when she came over to introduce herself. I was on my hands and knees in the front yard, pulling up the runners of my St. Augustine lawn because it looked like the weed we northerners call crabgrass. She invited me to come see her “meta,” and for as many times as I asked her to repeat the word (cautious about what I was being drawn into), she finally spelled it out for me: m-e-a-d-o-w.

Melba was gentle-spirited, but she also spoke her mind plainly. Shall we say bluntly. She picked up the trash on our block on her morning walks. But time had taken its toll, and she insisted that intruders were getting into her sock drawer. She decided that hooligans were stashing their weapons in the 10-foot fountain grass in my next door neighbor’s front yard. It was a tribute to the affection we all felt for Melba that Julie cut down that magnificent plant, to ease Melba’s fears.

The thing about a Texas Woman is, she surprises you. I was used to Melba’s sturdy, forthright manner, so I was delighted (and touched) to see her at the book signing for my first book. She was decked out in a soft, flowing dress and a spectacle of a hat. The stack of books she purchased reflected a sophisticated aesthetic that I had not suspected.

Here are a few of the qualities I admire about the Texas Woman:

Humor

Sometimes the best way to make an unpopular point is with down-home humor, impeccably delivered. It may be a less direct tactic, but it’s more devastating, and harder to attack.

Grit

Don’t let that smile fool you. The Texas Woman is in it for the long haul. She
doesn’t let any little thing like sexism
get in her way.

Passion

Because her actions are driven by
her passion, she is unstoppable.

Big Hair

As often as this is literally true,
big hair is, more importantly, a
symbol for the way that the Texas
Woman brands herself for maximum visibility. She’s no shrinking violet, and she refuses to be invisible.

Public Spirit

Not only is the hair big. So
is the vision. The history of Texas
is filled with women like Lady Bird
Johnson who worked tirelessly to
improve the lives of all citizens.

Grassroots Know-How

It’s not just a network, it’s a mafia. When Texas women get together to advocate for social change, they know how to leverage the power of ordinary people.

Personally, I’m still a work-in-progress. There are some things Yankee that I’ll never let go of. But I must admit, I did recently buy some hairspray.

(For further reading about Texas women, pick up a copy of PJ Pierce’s Texas Wisewomen Speak, available from The University of Texas Press.)

Texas Hill Country Wine

capty99 — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:04:16 -0500

We love the Texas Hill Country for its outdoor attractions: spring-fed swimming holes and waterfalls, wildflowers and caverns, and Texas-sized sunsets. But lately there’s been one natural beauty that has been turning heads nation-wide--Hill Country vineyards.
After a few centuries of established wine culture in Texas, the time has finally come for the rest of the world to celebrate the pairing of Zinfandel with BBQ, Pinot Grigio with Tex-Mex, and to raise a glass to native concoctions such as peach and jalapeno wines. While Texas has only more recently received attention and praise as the fifth-largest grape and wine producer in the country, the first winery in Texas, Val Verde Winery in Del Rio, was established in 1883 and continues to operate today. Admittedly, it has taken some time for the Texan wine industry to rise to the top. That may be due in part to some setbacks that have occurred over the years: prohibition, dry counties, and legal restrictions against shipping wine out of state. So, Texas wine may not be as world renowned as the grape empires of Italy or France, yet. But, when parasites began to destroy vineyards across Europe in the 19th century, it was Thomas Volney Munson, a brilliant viticulturist of Denison, Texas, who saved the European grape and wine industry with his expertise. Furthermore, Munson set the standards for grape growers in the United States when he published Foundations of American Grape Culture in 1909, which is still referenced to this day. As we fast-forward to the current wine culture in Texas with its couple hundred family-owned vineyards, annual festivals and competitions, and not to mention over a $1 billion boost to the state’s economy, we should never forget to take pride in the pioneers who made it all possible.
The Texas Hill Country is the leading wine making region in the state with five million visitors pouring in each year. We’re also surprising some folks with the fact that the Hill Country has been ranked the second hottest wine destination in the country. The next Napa? That’s exactly what some are predicting. Even the city that never sleeps has taken a few cues from the rising popularity of the Hill Country’s food and drink specialties. In the summer of 2007, Hill Country Barbecue and Market opened its doors in New York City. Inspired by the legendary Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Texas, this barbecue newcomer has already received much praise for its Hill Country classics and even features a wine list consisting exclusively of Texas wines.
Although the Hill Country’s gastronomy and wine culture’s influence is spreading far and wide, here on the home front Hill Country wine is just a grocery trip away, and vineyards, only a day trip away. You can find many varieties of local wine at Central Market, Whole Foods, and HEB in addition to specialty liquor stores like Grapevine Market and Spec’s. For a more personal and adventurous experience, you may want to visit some of the vineyards and wineries within the Texas Hill Country, each with their individual charms, special events, and of course, wine tasting. There are many wonderful Texas vineyard and winery destinations, but just to name a few close to home:

Becker Vineyards: (830) 644-2681, 464 Becker Farms Rd, Stonewall, TX 78671 Hours: Mon-Thu 10-5; Fri-Sat 10-6; Sun 12-6, www.beckervineyards.com
Comfort Cellars Winery: (830) 995-3274, 723 Front Street, Comfort, TX 78013 Hours: Thu-Sat 11-6 Sun-Mon 12-5 Tues-Wed 12-6, www.comfortcellars.com
Fall Creek Vineyards: (325) 379-5361, 1820 CR 222, Tow, TX 78672 Hours: Mon-Fri 11-4; Sat 11-5; Sun 12-4, www.fcv.com
Fredericksburg Winery: (830) 990-8747, 247 West Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-5:30; Fri-Sat 10-7:30; Sun 12-5:30, www.fpgwinery.com
Lost Creek Vineyard: (325) 388-3753, 1129 RR 2233, Sunrise Beach, TX 78643 Hours: Mon-Sat. 10-5; Sun 12-5, www.lostcreekvineyard.com
Texas Hills Vineyard: (830) 868-2321, 878 RR 2766, Johnson City, TX 78636 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5; Sun 12-5, www.texashillsvineyard.com

There are a few upcoming celebrations of wine and food in the Texas Hill Country that no wine enthusiast or aspiring aficionado would want to miss:
2008 Wine and Wildflower Trail: (Apr. 4-6, 11-13) This springtime visit to the Hill Country is free of charge and invites you to bring along a picnic basket and some of your closest wine-loving friends.
2008 Hill Country Food and Wine Festival: (Apr.9-13) Wine seminars, cooking classes, winemaker dinners, special guests, and tons of Texas wineries. Visit www.texaswineandfood.org for many more details.
2008 Austin Food and Wine Festival: (May 24-26) If it’s anything like last year’s grape-stomping good time, there will be wine sampling, live music and arts and crafts vendors. Visit www.austinwinefestival.com for more information.
2008 Harvest Wine Trail: (August 1-3, 8-10) As the grape harvest begins in the Hill Country, all are invited to take self-guided tours of twenty-two different vineyards. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to stomp some grapes.
So, before planning a trip to the Mediterranean, you may want to experience the sights, tastes, and history of the wine culture in your backyard. And although our Texas Hill Country is becoming all the rage, there will be no lack of friendly faces and that southern hospitality awaiting your visit. BY ASHLEY CARKER

Brandin' a Cause, Ropin' a Cure

capty99 — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:53:23 -0500

As co-chairs of this year’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, Linda and Frank Ginac are hosting the affair of the season, raising money that will allow the American Cancer Society to provide patient services, research, education and government advocacy to those afflicted with cancer and their loved ones. Both ideally embody the soul of hospitality, ensuring that this year’s event will be unforgettable. Your Address Magazine benefited from their supreme graciousness when the Ginac’s invited us into their home to share their sense of home, family and community.
Beyond welcoming, Frank and Linda opened the doors of their impeccable home to our crew, offering a complete and impressive spread of food and beverages, which perfectly reflected their ideals of home.
“We want anyone who comes here, whether it is family or friends, to feel like it’s their home,” said Linda.
Pursuing a style they have termed “Mediterranean comfort,” the Ginac’s have successfully struck the perfect balance between elegance and ease. While their furnishings, from John Williams Interiors for the most part, are luxurious, they remain comfortable and inviting, having been chosen with family in mind.
With the help of interior designers, Susie Johnson and Kelly Scully, Linda and Frank chose classic pieces in a monochromatic palate for the downstairs, making it ideal for entertaining. But it is the upstairs portion of their home that is infused with the vibrancy of their personalities.
Each room upstairs is a different color and was lovingly painted by Linda’s own hand. For the great room, she chose a rustic orange, Venetian plaster that warmly envelops the family as they gather for a meal or watch movies together. Each son was given choice of his room color. Andrew, 12 naturally selected a vibrant blue for his skateboard themed room, while Vaughn, 4 went Texan all the way with his rawhide brown, cowboy room.
The charming guest bedroom in cool blues and greens, is reminiscent of a Hill Country bed and breakfast. Frank’s mother, who stays in the room when she visits the family, was the inspiration for the cozy getaway motif.
Perhaps Linda’s most ambitious (and triumphant!) project is the Castle dungeon themed toy room, with walls featuring meticulously detailed aged, textured bricks. It is any child’s dream space and something Linda loved watching develop.
“I love that it’s the unknown, almost like an artist painting a canvas,” Linda said. “I don’t know what it’s going to end up being, but it’s going to be something that reflects us. It makes it ours.” Frank, too, takes a hand in personalizing their home. He has always loved working with wood, and gets great satisfaction out of seeing it all come together.
“For a house to be at all homey and inviting, you have to connect with it,” said Frank. “If you are putting your own hands to work on it, you do.”
That level of hard work and care is not something the Ginac’s reserve for their own home and family. They are equally committed to making their community their own as well, and actively do all they can to support local philanthropic efforts. After touring the facilities benefited by the American Cancer Society, Linda and Frank were moved to become involved.
“We became very interested when we saw with our own eyes exactly what the organization is doing for people,” said Linda. “It just really hit me that I don’t think the community knows enough about the level and the depth and the breadth of services that the American Cancer Society provides. Getting involved in the Cattle Baron’s ball, something that’s fun and addresses cancer in a hopeful way, really captured our attention.”
Frank, whose sister is a cancer survivor, is motivated by the brilliant, cutting edge advances the American Cancer Society is responsible for each year.
“The American Cancer Society has invested in research that most of the bigger companies and other organizations have turned away from –more risky, leading edge, promising research,” said Frank. “Over the last 60 years, they’ve invested in scientists doing research that couldn’t get funding anywhere else, and who ended up becoming Nobel Prize laureates!”
With so much at stake and such potential to make a difference, Linda and Frank have gone above and beyond the call of duty this year, coordinating not only the ball, but a series events with which everyone in the family can get involved – even a Lil’ Buckaroo’s party.
“We planned a season of events this year because we wanted to start building up momentum and energy for the ball. We also wanted different events that would appeal to people of all ages.”
Every detail, from the menu, to the live music, has been thoughtfully planned to ensure a great party, worthy our inner cowboy. Guests of the event, titled “Brandin’ a Cause; Ropin’ a Cure”, will enjoy a unique, western-style event complete with live entertainment, Texan-style cuisine, fabulous music, dancing, gaming, auctions and other special attractions. Bust out those Stetsons, dust off your boots (or slip into those Stilettos), put on your best attire and join the Ginacs for a rustic and rowdy good ‘ole time on May 31st at the TDS Exotic Ranch and Pavilion in Austin, Texas. The Ball promises to be an evening embracing the elegance of an era gone by as you stroll under the Texas stars, embark on a night of dancing and talking with your friends and gaze at the magnificent animals surrounding this one-of-a-kind ranch.
“We want everyone to leave saying, ‘that was a great experience -- something we want to come back to again and again!’” For more information about this year’s Cattle Baron’s Ball and other scheduled events, please visit: www.youraddressmagazine.com.

capty99 — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 20:53:35 -0600

He is the Horatio Alger of the beauty business -- the son of immigrants who bankrolled $700, most of it borrowed, into Paul Mitchell Systems, a beauty empire with annual retail sales of approximately $800 million. She is the strikingly beautiful company spokes model who has returned to her Texas roots. Together they run one of the most successful, family owned conglomerates. John Paul and Eloise DeJoria graciously opened their home to Your Address Magazine to give an inspiring glimpse into their home, lifestyle and plans for the holidays.

“My home is my zen center,” says John Paul, “Since my life is a continuation of my home, I am able to bring my Zen Center with me wherever I go.” Eloise ads, “We are very centered at the home. A serene environment helps as we prepare for entertaining, for work, for life.” The DeJoria’s home is very serene. Neutral walls, high ceilings and plenty of windows give the house a feeling of refined softness. The decor of romantic-shabby-chic-meets modern-influence is beautifully displayed by the overstuffed furniture with pastel pink chintz accents and white marble and glass details. The dining room, where the DeJoria family have a sit down dinner every night, features a white ceramic table covered in pink ceramic and crystal candle holders, delicate, floral English China and crystal and glass pieces that were a gift from Candy Williams, Eloise’s favorite junior high teacher and current family friend.

They put on no airs. Eloise is in sweats, note pad in hand, having prepared for the interview, asking if she is giving us everything we need. John Paul, or JP as he is called by loved ones, wants to make us espresso before we get started. “We have an espresso machine,” he insists. Having toured their gourmet kitchen, complete with marble countertops, custom cabinetry and stainless steel Viking appliances, we have no doubt that he has an espresso machine.

Their home reflects their love of Austin and the Austin lifestyle, from their musical instrument collection, to the one-of-kind wall sculpture of Stevie Ray Vaughn. They work with local designers and prefer to buy their furniture on 6th Street in the heart of the city. They support the Austin art scene by hanging local artists on their walls next to watercolors done by Eloise’s mother, who happens to be an artist. They love the live music scene and have brought it into their home. Their lake front backyard features a full-sized bandstand and is put to good use during the DeJoria’s parties. Neighbors and guests have been known to park their boats on the river and listen to the sounds of local blues and rock musicians playing the night away. It is no wonder that even though the DeJoria’s have a 20,000 square-foot home in Malibu, as well as homes in Maui, Las Vegas and Manhattan, that their roots are firmly planted in Austin soil. “There is a sweetness to the people in Austin that you just don’t find anywhere else,” says Eloise, “People look you in the eye. They truly connect with you as neighbor, friend, family.” John Paul adds, “We have houses elsewhere, but the entire city of Austin feels like home. It is much more than the house we live in.”

When asked about family holiday traditions, the conversation inevitably turns to how they regularly go all out to entertain employees and their families. The line between the two are blurred as JP says, “We take it with us.” The blending of home life starts from the most basic level. The company’s main office is a small room minimally decorated with a desk smaller than the oversized, pink floral chairs. The “Zen center” of the Dejoria’s multi-million dollar, international business is filled with remote control airplanes and Xbox games, and since the only visible office equipment is a fax machine, the space is more high-traffic than high-tech.

Their holiday parties are legendary. The DeJoria’s largest bash hosts the staff and families of both Paul Mitchell Systems and The Patron Spirits companies at their estate in Malibu. More than 60 tons of snow is brought down from the mountains in trucks, providing the more than 400 attendees the wondrous opportunity to sled while gazing at the beaches along Pacific Coast Highway. The party also boasts a nativity scene, to-die-for food and a visit from Santa Claus himself, of course. Live music keeps the crowd full of holiday cheer well into the night. The actual DeJoria family celebration takes place in their Austin home, before jet setting off to California. The décor is a mix of the traditional with modern touches. A linear Christmas tree to fill a room with ceilings more than 30 feet high is decorated with flowers and sentimental family ornaments. A simple family gathering to open presents, reflect on the year and delight in the comforts of children and grandchildren is that moment of Zen-centeredness before their flashier events of the season.

The DeJoria’s are caring humanitarians who believe that it is everyone’s responsibility every day to make the world a better place in which to live. Their motto of “Success unshared is failure,” combined with the pair’s larger-than-life magnetism, makes them perfectly suited to raising awareness on such diverse causes as education, environmental protection, medical research and the arts. Paul Mitchell Systems has made multi-million dollar contributions to such organizations as Habitat for Humanity, Waterkeeper Alliance, Mineseeker Foundation, Young Musicians Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs and many others. Further bringing philanthropy home, the DeJoria’s rejected many profitable offers on 400 acres of prime property in Malibu that borders national parklands, preferring instead to donate the land as a wilderness refuge, “to all the children and adults of the world to enjoy forever.”

Perhaps what is most appealing about the DeJoria’s home is its many layers – a bit of soul mixed with a bit of patina and some wear and tear thrown in for good measure. Their home is well lived in and well loved. They epitomize stylish people living well in a home that mirrors their seamless blend of work, family, community and philanthropy.

Home for the Holidays : Why Austin Keeps Me Coming Back

capty99 — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:06:59 -0600

I love Austin. In fact, Robert Duvall calls me “The Mayor of Austin”. I’ve been lucky enough to work with him in two different films. “The Apostle”, which he wrote and directed and, more recently, “Broken Trail” for AMC, which just won many Emmy Awards. When he was here filming once, I was in Austin at the time and I made sure he and his partners had the red carpet tour. I have sent a lot of people to Austin. Most of them fell in love with it, reporting back that two things were true, (1) the women were beautiful, and (2) the people were friendly.

There are so many reasons I return to Texas and to Austin in particular. My family is there. I am a fourth generation Austinite, and a fifth generation Texan. Growing up, we had a ranch in the Hill Country. I had to part with that ranch after my father died, and wasn’t sure if I would ever get back there with any kind of regularity. As fate would have it, I married a San Antonio girl named Daralyn Grammer whose parents live on a ranch near Blanco that is 10 or 15 miles from the one I grew up on.

I love Texas women, although I do seem to be surrounded by beautiful women regardless of where I am. Daralyn, my daughter Mackenzie, my stepdaughter, Avery, and our 18-month old, Shelby, are all beautiful.

We take Shelby to Texas as much as possible so she feels those Texas roots. I don’t want her to grow up and think that LA is all there is, I want her to step in cow dung and drive a tractor and swim in the river and catch fireflies and do all those things that kids in LA typically don’t get to do.

I am a diehard Texas Longhorn fan, which I come by naturally since the University and I go way back. Both of my parents graduated from Texas.
My Austin roots grow even deeper than that. My great grandfather worked in the Littlefield Bank on Congress Ave. in the 1920’s. My grandmother was a Bluebonnet Belle while at Texas and prior to that attended Austin High School. My grandfather was somewhat of a legend at Texas in the late 20’s. My mother, from what I can gather, ran the entire social schedule for the Tri-Delts at Texas in the early 1950’s.

My dad, Potsy Allen, graduated from Texas, went on to fly jets in the Navy and was very well known in business circles in Austin. That makes me feel very connected to Austin and to my roots there.

My friends from O Henry and Austin High are still my good friends today. I’m lucky that way. I’ve been in LA for twenty years, but my Austin friends have never wavered in their support. I have counted on my friends from home a lot over the years. Hollywood can get you all turned around, especially if you have any kind of success, and a lot of folks don’t have anybody in their corner intervening in their life in any positive way. You have to keep your head screwed on straight and remember where you came from, and you can generally be fine. I’ve been able to do that with the help of my fellow Texans.

Some of my favorite things in Austin are the restaurants, the downtown nightlife and, of course, Lake Austin. I really like how the people of Austin can rally for any particular event, whether it’s Eeyore’s Birthday, or a Frisbee tournament, or Trail of Lights or a football game. It doesn’t matter. Austin is a very social place. I also love the historical aspects of the city and preservation of old buildings and the fact that it is the political center of Texas.

The family aspects of the city mean a lot to me. People are involved in their kid’s lives there. I was lucky enough to grow up in old west Austin, in Pemberton, where there was a very family-oriented, neighborhood feel. I’ve tried as hard as I can to create that for my kids here in LA.
For reasons I can’t really explain, I always feel grounded and very much at home when I look up Congress Avenue and see the Capitol Building. I joke to my wife that it might be my office some day. I think she lives in fear that I might actually be serious.