Dux in Tux

the perfect guy theme of “Knights in Armor.” That led to thoughts of Bowers by day and its Tangata Restaurant, where I formerly met friends for lunch. Not so easy, with a midday challenge of the Orange Crush freeway interchange.

Then there were remembrances of seasons past at South Coast Repertory, where some of my standouts were the premiere of “Wit” by Margaret Edson and the magical, musical versions of “The Fantastics” and “The Tempest.” How could I give up the excitement of a new season at South Coast Rep? We’d been subscribers since the 1990s—second Saturday evening, second row center.

That was my world, my county … my former county.

WHAT HIT ME HARDEST WAS A recent email reminding me to renew my membership in Sea and Sage Audubon. The O.C. chapter meets monthly on the 300-acre site of the serenely beautiful

I WAS DETERMINED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH MY LIFE, YET THREE DECADES OF FAMILIARITY SEEMED TO HOLD ME BACK.

San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, with its public trails and ponds and islands. It’s across from UC Irvine, near where San Diego Creek enters Upper Newport Bay. My favorite blue-sky photo of the site, capturing a view across one of its islands to Saddleback, still serves as my LinkedIn background photo, and I have no intention of giving it up.

It wasn’t just about chapter meetings, now far less convenient to attend. For years, this sanctuary was a favorite place for my husband and me to take long walks together. It became a place for me to come alone and heal from the loss.

I thought about the resident pair of ospreys, sea eagles that make their nest in the wildlife sanctuary. They return every year. They can often be seen high up in their reed-woven platform nest surveying their Kingdom of the County. I recalled being there, standing on a trail, inhaling the sweet scent of sage and other natural foliage, and this set other thoughts in motion.

Is it realistic to cling—at least in part—to my old routine? Is the San Joaquin Marsh simply too far to drive? Am I being impractical … or is practicality overrated?

I was determined to move forward with my life, yet three decades of familiarity seemed to hold me back. Epiphanies don’t come easy, but sometimes they cut through confusion and mine was this: I am not trying to get over it. I want to embrace my life as an honorary resident. I want O.C. to keep its hold on me.

PROMOTION

O.C. Scene PEOPLE | PARTIES | EVENTS | OPENINGS

21ST ANNUAL DUX IN TUX PRESENTED BY HONDA

The Anaheim Ducks hosted its 21st annual Dux in Tux presented by Honda on the ice at Honda Center. Dedicated to raising funds for the Anaheim Ducks Foundation, Ducks players will hang up their skates and serve as celebrity waiters for a day of delicious food and one-of-akind meals curated by a select group of Orange County’s finest chefs such as Chef Joseph “Jo-Jo” Doyle, Chef Richard Crespin, Chef Greg Daniels, Chef Brianne Clancy, Chef Pedro Garcia, Chef Carla Arce to name a few. As part of the dinner program, a silent auction featuring Anaheim Ducks Player’s Favorite Things Baskets as well as other one-of-a-kind items.

Photo Credit: Tyler Pistoia and Deb Robinson