Upgraded Living - July 2013 Issue

UPGRADED LIVING JULY 2013 UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

NORTHERN VALLEY LIFESTYLE

DRUG ADDICT

ALCOHOLIC

IRONMAN BLAKE ANDERSON’S JOURNEY FROM ADDICT

TO ELITE ATHLETE

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SWEET AS SUGAR

BLUE SUGAR CUPCAKES OPENS THEIR DOORS IN PARADISE

PA-POU’S OREGANO THE SUMMERVILLES BRING A TASTE OF GREECE TO CHICO

THE GREAT OUTDOORS THE VERY BEST IN HIKING, FISHING, SWIMMING, CAMPING, AND MORE

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Table of Contents food Features comeback kid: Iron man, Blake Anderson

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Creating Paradise in Paradise

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REAL ESTATE

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New Again Kitchen & Bath makes it good-lookin’ where you’re cookin’!

Tour a number of Butte County’s most sought after properties currently for sale.

Profile 12

From the underground tunnels in DC to wartime radio shows to Magalia, California this Local Legend has seen it all!

Community It’s a grind

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Chico’s newest caffeine buzz.

Waking up in the great recession mormon desert

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Blue Sugar Cupcakes

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Pa-Pou’s oregano

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A difference you can see

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No more being blinded by the light!

How to find the right shades for your lifestyle.

Local writer and photographer describe adventures of desert life.

A local favorite’s sweet new shop.

A taste of Greek oregano right here in Butte County.

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RawBar Scallops

Home & Garden

Nature is calling! Upgraded Living has your summer guide to camping, hiking, fishing and swimming, accompanied by some local tunes.

Rosie Veliquette

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Finally, someone explains how to make shellfish at home.

A local man kicks his addiction and turns to intense athletic training and competition as his anti-drug.

The Great Outdoors

saltimbocca

Angelo’s recipe for meaty, cheesy goodness.

UPGRADED LIVING | JULY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

Arts CHIVAA Art Map

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ARTIST PROFILES

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The ArtAbout heads Uptown

603 Broadway . Downtown Chico . 895.1038 www.NantucketHomeInc.com . www.CuratorsOfLifestyle.com

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History Lived, History Remembered:

An Interview With Rosie Velliquette

It’s not every day I interview a woman who worked for the infamous Alger Hiss, who was sent off to Europe with the personal blessings of Harry Truman, who sat next to Julia Child in a class at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Paris, and who helped introduce the soaring voice of Edith Piaf to American radio listeners. The woman who had these experiences, and a great many others, is now 92 years old. Her name is Rosie Velliquette, and she lives in Magalia.

“I went to Washington, DC. in 1944 to be a bridesmaid at my sister’s wedding, and there was no going back to Iowa,” she told me. Washington was crammed with women who worked in the huge apparatus of government then necessary to coordinate the war effort. “I lived in an apartment with a whole bunch of Iowa girls,” Rosie said, in a wistful voice. “I had roommates who worked nights at the FBI. They’d sleep in the daytime and we’d sleep in their beds at night. I first worked at American Airlines at the ticket counter, but I got a job working at the State Department for that ‘famous Alger Hiss.’ I had a roommate working in the White House and I used to go over there after work through an underground tunnel from the State Deptartment to the White House and swim in the pool wearing Margaret Truman’s bathing suit.”

Margaret Truman was the president’s daughter, and her dad once threatened to punch a music critic who wrote a snarky review of a piano recital Margaret had performed. Alger Hiss, for those who may have skipped the history class in which his tale was told, was a government official accused of spying for the Soviet Union as the Cold War was intensifying. But that was nearly

Frank Rebelo 12

Jamie O’Neill

UPGRADED LIVING | JULY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

a decade after Rosie Velliquette worked for him, an eventful decade in her own life.

“I went to work at WLW, a radio station in Cincinnati,” she said, “and from there I was hired as a reporter for the WINS newsroom in New York. I wrote a story about the Marshall Plan. That led to my taking a position in the Information Office publicizing the work of the Marshall Plan.”

“I was sent to the Netherlands,” she said. “Just before I left, my friends in the White House invited me to come over to say goodbye and they opened a door, and suddenly I was standing there with Harry Truman in the Oval Office. He said the sweetest things to me.”

“I always say goodbye to the chiefs,” Truman told her, “but I never have a chance to say goodbye to an Indian, and we all know the Indians do all the work.” Rosie giggled at the memory. “He was so real,” she said.

But her brushes with history and with famous people were just beginning. She first went to Holland where she wrote hundreds of press releases. One story concerned the Dutch island of Walcheren, a piece of real estate the Germans had wanted as a possible base for launching an invasion of England. To prevent the Germans from gaining that ground, the Dutch evacuated the island in 1944, blew

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Mornings: now less of a grind in North Chico Coffee shops seem to be ubiquitous throughout Northern California, each with their own unique blend of flavors, tenets, and offerings.

From coffee to tea and everything in between, there’s a shop that will fit just about every one of our café needs.

Indeed, there’s no shortage of great coffee locales in Chico, but if you happen to live on the northwest side of town, chances are you’d disagree. That is, until now.

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Marcia met Scott while attending Chico State. Scott was working for UPS at the time and decided to pick up a part time job prepping pizzas when Papa Murphy’s opened it’s first franchise in Chico. Over the next fourteen years, Scott opened four new locations in Butte County for Alex and Marsha Scheeline. Eight years ago, presented with the option to buy all five, Scott and Marcia jumped at the opportunity.

With one hundred local employees between the five flourishing pizza shops last year, the two decided it was time to take on another challenge.

During a trip to Elk Grove, the couple decided to stop into an It’s A Grind coffee house, venturing away from their usual visit to Starbucks. They loved the coffee, but more importantly were impressed with how the product was delivered to them. They investigated the franchise opportunities further and decided it was the ideal business for them. Living on the north end of town for a number of years, they had been tasked with hopping on the freeway simply to get a proper cup of coffee, and having seen success with their Papa Murphy’s store at the corner of Esplanade and Eaton Road, they decided this too would be the perfect location for their new coffee house.

Focused on super fresh premium coffee, the store has only been open for a few weeks and the buzz has already begun to surround it. The coffee beans, purchased from farmers at fair trade rates in South and Central America are imported directly into the United States and roasted in Irvine, California. The proceeds from these purchases build stronger communities where the farmers live, providing them with clean drinking water and the means to build effective local economies. A bonus for both the farmer and the buyer, all drinks at It’s A Grind are espresso based, meaning that regardless of what coffee you choose to buy (blended, iced, or regular), you’re getting pure espresso in every cup.

UPGRADED LIVING | JULY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

Understandably, coffee isn’t for everyone, and the house has plenty of other options including tea and smoothies. Beyond beverages, they also carry pastries from a local Chico bakery, and are looking to soon carry breakfast and lunch items as well.

With only forty houses in the entire franchise, It’s A Grind is still at a point where feedback can make a big difference, and with Scott and Marcia opening the largest store of the forty right here in Chico, there should be plenty of feedback to explore. The couple is currently experimenting with communal tables perfect for large group meetings built by local woodworker, and friend of the magazine, Royce Peterson of Restoration Company along with a layout that ensures every table has access to an electric outlet, a major oversight at many coffee shops. New specialty drinks are constantly being dreamed up and the two are hard at work finding unique and interactive ways to support the community and the schools within. With their grand opening scheduled for the middle of July, we can’t help but be excited for the store and its eighteen new employees. Stop by for a drink, and we’re confident you will be too. We’ll see you there!

Visit It’s A Grind at 6 West Eaton Road in Chico. Call them at (530) 332-9250 Aveed Khaki Mark Thau Photography

JOIN US AT OUR LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS! ALWAYS FAMILY FRIENDLY Chico Saturday 2nd & Wall Streets

YEAR ROUND, RAIN OR SHINE

Sat 7:30am - 1pm

AND COMING SOON...

Oroville Montgomery & Myers St Sat 7:30am -12pm May 18 – Oct 26

Paradise 6491 Clark Rd Tues 7:30am – 12pm May 21 – Oct 15

Chico North Valley Plaza Pillsbury Road Wed 7:30am - 12pm May 22 – Nov 22

Paradise Community Park Black Olive Dr & Pearson Rd Thurs 5pm - 8pm June 20 – Sept 5

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Sweet as Sugar The cupcake phenomenon has swept the nation over the past few years, and really it should come as no surprise. Bite-sized and delicious, these desserts have a special place in our hearts tied to celebrating classroom birthdays year after year in elementary school. We eagerly watched the birthday calendar in the hopes that our friends’ moms and dads would deliver on that special day, and when they did, nothing could have been better. Now living out our adult years, cupcakes have taken seat as one of our guilty pleasures, providing portion-controlled bits of nostalgia just when we need it most. Luckily for us, one of northern California’s foremost cupcakeries has decided to open its home-baked business to the general public.

Born and raised in Carpinteria, a small town near Santa Barbara, California, Danielle moved to San Francisco to attend the Academy of Art and study film. It was here that she met Tony Fierro, a computer systems analyst for Charles Schwab at his favorite dive bar, The Blue Lamp, which would serve as the location for countless “accidental” run-ins soon after. Those accidental run-ins eventually led to a wedding proposal, and the two have been together since.

While Tony worked during the day, Danielle attended school, and when Tony returned home in the evening, Danielle took off to manage bakeries and restaurants like Bruno’s and Foreign Cinema. The two decided to have their first baby, and with it came a schedule that finally allowed them to actually see each other. Ready to start their new family, they went house hunting, and as a result of the sticker shock of a one bedroom condo in San Francisco, found themselves encouraged to follow Danielle’s parents in moving to Paradise in 2005.

In 2011, Danielle decided to take her (above) Tony and Danielle Fierro in front of their new Paradise store. (below and to the right) Tasty works of art baked by Danielle. love and knowledge of baking into a more mainstream environment. She and Tony had previously discussed opening a restaurant but struck gold when she baked cinnamon rolls for an Easter egg hunt in Paradise. The proceeds of the rolls were to go toward summer programs for children at the Paradise Rec Center, and they sold out immediately. Her skills completely validated, Danielle set her sights on Gold Nugget Days, and with the support of Tony and close friends, created labels, business cards, and other necessary branding materials in one week. She baked three hundred cupcakes as Blue Sugar Cupcakes for the event and again saw instant success.

Danielle’s love for baking had gone from a hobby to a tangible business practically overnight. The couple took plenty of photos to document both the process and the end result, allowing them to quickly launch a website. They began marketing by provid-

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Linda was searching for a country themed kitchen, so Ric replaced the old maple cabinetry with cream colored shaker cabinets made from solid wood and real paint, rather than the thermofoil covering found on most cabinets. They agreed on granite in crystal green that was bullnosed throughout the kitchen, beautifully breaking up the straight lines seen throughout the cabinetry. An eighteen gauge stainless steel sink was fitted deep within the cabinetry, providing ample room for whatever dish washing adventure may arise. Their brick fireplace, visible from

the kitchen, was beautifully complemented Stop by New Again Kitchen & Bath today, by a multicolored slate mosaic tile, and the and see how you too can revive your worn linoleum was changed to match the look of kitchen or bathroom. the new kitchen. Finally, a close friend of theirs, Darrell Duncan of Darrell Duncan Aveed Khaki Custom Sheetmetal created an ornate hood Frank Rebelo for their stove to match their new fixtures and appliances.

In just two weeks the couple was able to clear out nearly a half century’s worth of aging, and replace it with a new kitchen that fit their tastes perfectly. Equally important, they were able to do so at a price they could New Again Kitchen & Bath 2502 Park Ave, Chico be happy with.

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There’s something about Sherry Landis

CA-DRE lic# 01084946

“Sherry Landis is by far the best real estate agent in Chico. She is professional, positive, and has incredible follow through. She helped us navigate our way through the sale of two homes and the purchase of another--all at the same time! She never missed a beat. She made sure we understood the process, and stayed in constant contact with us. Even after all three homes closed, she continued to call, email, and text just to make sure everything was going as planned. We could not have done it without her.“ - Doug and Colette Roberts

(530) 514-4855 | landis4sale@aol.com | www.SherryLandis.com

Beh this and com hom hom

This was the model home and only one owner! There have been many upgrades including travertine tiles, upgraded carpets, granite, oversized lot, built in desk in media room, special color paint throughout, draperies, landscaped beautifully with slate water fall, flowers galore and redwood trees. RV Access on both sides of the house and two master suites make this home a must see!

Bed: 4.0 Bath: 4.0 SqFt: 3,166 Price: $429,000

YIKES!

A terrific Michael Galli floor plan updated and remodeled from head to toe about a year ago. Stainless steel appliances, granite counters, plush carpets, decorator lighting, exterior and interior painting, lush park like yard, sparkling in ground gunite pool, newer 10x10 outdoor shed, wood stove, shows truly like a model home. Open floor plan with so many upgrades!

Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 3,675 Price: $665,000

My homes are selling fast! Call if I can help by listing your home today!

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UPGRADED LIVING JUNE 2013

Ado spot to s bon bon the

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ste at he es ng .“ ts

CONGRATS! A top ten agent in 2012!

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ad to plush yard, stove, ades!

Behind the iron gate on the 15th fairway awaits this captivating residence. Sheltered by majestic oak trees, this custom built home offers exquisite detailing through out the house. Its proportioned rooms, the formal and informal dining rooms, 2 fireplaces, beautiful wood floors, crown moldings, granite counter tops, trash compactor, security system, 5 burner stove, warmer oven drawer are just a few of the many features of this home. This stunning home also offers a library and an exercise room. You’ll love the peaceful ambiance of this home with its seasonal creek where the tensions seem to be washed away.

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 3,415 Price: $890,000 Acres: .64

Adorable Gingerbread House! Charm, character and beauty in the avenues. This spotless home offers living room with fireplace, gorgeous wood floors (according to seller under the carpet in the bedroom is wood flooring also), indoor laundry, bonus room, granite counter tops, fresh paint, shop and a decent-sized lot! The bonus room’s square footage has not been included in the total square footage of the house and this room was added on without permit.

Bed: 2.0 Bath: 1.0 SqFt: 896 Price: $195,000

Lovely, well maintained home in a convenient location close to schools and shopping. The large kitchen has light cabinetry, gas stove, built-in microwave and kitchen island. The open floor plan is great for entertaining and all the rooms are spacious.

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,441 Price: $239,900

This home is absolutely beautiful and is situated in a great location!

Offering an open floor plan, high ceilings, laminate wood flooring, family and dining room, living room with fireplace, indoor laundry, and master suite with walk-in closet, this house has everything you could want. In addition, the home also hosts a a beautiful yard and is near the park.

Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,437 Price: $459,000

5,000

Darling Condo in a great location, close to schools and shopping center. Offering open floor plan, newer carpet, fresh paint, tile counters, indoor laundry, central heat and air, small yard/patio, storage area, tile roof and assigned 2 car covered carport.

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,240 Price: $128,000

Expect to be impressed! This home is truly magnificent with soaring ceilings, lavish living room with ample lighting through numerous windows, stunning fireplace, wet bar, formal and informal dining rooms, gourmet kitchen with slab granite counter tops, veggie sink, 2 garbage disposals, top of the line appliances, large pantry, security system, and whole house fan. Master suite features a beautiful 2 sided fireplace that faces in one side to the master bath. Master bath offers dual vanity, jetted tub, and walk-in shower. The YARD....WOW! You will enjoy your breakfast in your private terrace by your pool side. At night, simply relax and enjoy the unobstructed view of the star speckled sky. This is your dream home.

Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 3,064 Price: $799,000 Acres: 1.31

Awesome 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in the country, AND...in the Durham School District! This home shows pride of ownership! Light & bright, warm and cozy! Many upgrades in resent years, include roof, carpeting, 2 water heaters, ceramic tile flooring in several rooms, & pergo style flooring in kitchen,. Professionally painted inside and out. Many large windows looking out to the surrounding orchards, & flower gardens making for a very light and bright home! Plus a large garden window looking out to a beautiful front yard. There is simply too much to list! Call today to see it for yourself!

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 2,558 Price: $278,500

Wonderful Home with Beautiful Canyon Views! This home has it all! A great home for all your entertaining! 5 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath. 2 bedrooms upstairs, 3 bedrooms down stairs. Views of Butte Creek Canyon from most windows, decking from both lower and upper levels! Entrance level features kitchen with granite counters, beautiful canyon view from kitchen window, pantry, office, lg. living room with pellet stove, dining area leading out to decking/view, laundry area, 2 bedrooms, bath rooms. Lower level features a very large den, that would make a great game room. Office/study with pellet stove, bookcasing, and a wet bar, with a slider out to lower level deck/view/yard, & 3 addional bedrooms and baths. Additional features, whole house fan, central vacuum, intercom, vaulted ceiling in the living room. Beautiful front, side and back landscaping! This is an extremely well maintained home!

Bed: 5.0 Bath: 5.0 SqFt: 4,675 Price: $535,000

CA-DRE lic# 1860319

Kathy Kelly

(530) 570-7403 kathykellyc21@gmail.com

A beautiful custom built homehorse property and a year-round creek, all at the same time! What could be better than that? Imagine being able to pull back the curtains and watching your horse graze contently in his own pasture. It’s only a dream for some but it doesn’t have to be for next owner of this beautiful property. Located in Butte Valley, some of the feature in this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home include a lovely living room with a vaulted ceiling and a free standing wood stove, a kitchen with a breakfast nook, and a separate dining room. There is simply too much to list here!

Call today for more information. Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,319 Acres: 3.37 Price: $425,000

Look no further for your perfect mountain home or retreat priced to sell. This one of a kind home is beautiful, spacious, and situated on a 2.5 acre level lot in the pines. The home backs up to the forest, but has been cleared on 3 sides providing a great area for your outdoor living. The main floor features both formal and informal living spaces. The master suite with fabulous bathroom are also on the main floor and kitchen has been updated with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. There’s not one but two bonus rooms upstairs not to mention a great room and formal living spaces on the first floor. The home has a newer 40 year roof and Sears exterior siding with a lifetime warranty (never paint again!) This house is priced to sell and ready for you to make it your home.

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 3,934 Acres: 2.5 Price: $325,000

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UPGRADED LIVING | JULY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

O

Pa-Pou’s

regano

Brought to northern California from Greece nearly one hundred years ago, the unique variety of oregano transplanted by Pa-Pou Stavros Farros has found not only a welcoming home in Chico soil but within the community as well.

The Summerville family.

Originally from a small town in Greece, Stavros moved to America to join his brother who had created a new life for himself in Marysville, California. The two started a cherry orchard together and eventually settled in Stockton where they began to propagate their family’s variety of oregano as well as families of their own. The oregano bush that Stavros brought with him on his original trip from Greece eventually became a family heirloom, with each member of the family being gifted their own as the family grew.

Chico city planner Bob Summerville, a grandson of Stavros, was born in Chico and raised in Georgia where he was bestowed with his own oregano bush. When he returned to Chico, he and his wife Jean decided it was time to share the oregano flavor they had come to love with the community around them. They reached out to family members for a couple extra plants and began to split and propagate the bush themselves, fine tuning and harvesting the aromatic herb along the way. Eventually, the two launched Pa-Pou’s Greek Oregano, using the Greek word for grandfather, “Pa-Pou,” to pay homage to Grandfather Stavros.

Since its initial propagation, the count has grown from four bushes to twenty-four, and one look at the oregano in its current habitat will convince anyone that it is perfectly happy where it’s planted. The abundant yield is further proof of this statement and tangible recognition of the work they’ve done in fine tuning their garden. With a yield of twenty-five gallons this year, twice that of the year before, their oregano has now begun its expansion from their dining room table to restaurant tables across the Northstate. Already a mainstay at five restaurants in Chico, the couple’s unique blend of dried oregano can also be found at fifteen different locations throughout northern California.

Luckily for oregano lovers out there, this is just the beginning for Pa-Pou’s Oregano. Bob and Jean plan to expand the garden in search of a larger yield and are working tirelessly to ensure that all restaurants, and the palates they serve, know the true wonders of Greek oregano. Having experienced it ourselves, it’s difficult to imagine using any other oregano.

We have no doubt you’ll feel the same.

For more information on Pa-Pou’s Oregano, visit Jean’s website at www.DogArtNow.com

Aveed Khaki 33

COMEBACK KID:

ironman

blake anderson

The last place you’d expect to find an Ironman is at the bottom of a bottle of vodka or the end of a line of cocaine. The thought of one begetting the other is not easily consolidated, and yet, perhaps it’s in these oxymoronic combinations that test and measure the true value of a human being. It has been said that it is impossible to know how high one can fly without first learning how far they can fall.

The story and life of Blake Anderson validate that statement.

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UPGRADED LIVING | JULY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

Born and raised in Chico, Blake moved to Sacramento to attend CSU Sacramento in 1995. Upon graduating, wanderlust began to set in, and a lack of extensive travel outside the comfort of Northern California piqued his interest to the world that existed beyond his borders. He returned home to save the necessary funding, sold everything he owned and purchased a one-way ticket to Paris.

What followed was a tour of thirty-three countries throughout Europe and Asia over five-and-one-half years. From France to India and Turkey to Nepal, Blake traveled our planet’s largest swath of land, taking in all that it had to offer, and attempting to satiate his desire to learn more about the world in which he lived. Seeing life as it was lived in different places provided the worldview he was seeking, and the realization that everyone was the same dispelled his previously held beliefs gathered from his time at home.

It was at the start of this journey that Blake found his way into bartending; fervently social since childhood, the job came naturally to him. Best of all, the service was always in need regardless of which country he visited, and the job provided him the lionshare of his money in cash over the weekend, allowing him to further his travels during the week. Truly, a better option could not have been dreamed up for a wayward traveler, and the position not only allowed him to fund his own adventures, but to make lifelong friendships along the way. Unfortunately, it was also the start of a journey that would lead him into uncompromising addiction to both drugs and alcohol.

As the need for exploration began to fade, Blake decided it was time to return home. He grabbed a flight back to California and

invested the money he had saved by opening a bar in Willows.

Bartending and running the business simultaneously, though profitable, was not the bartending lifestyle he had grown accustomed to. Without the opportunity for adventure, he grew tired of the day-to-day grind and decided to sell the bar. He took his earnings and began his search again, landing a position managing the bar at a Club Med resort, the ultimate landing for his addictions and addictive personality. It was here that he met a vacationing bar baron who offered him a ticket to Australia and a job managing his string of bars. Blake made a final move, this time to Melbourne, where he completed his life abroad. He celebrated his thirtieth birthday and decided he was through searching for the grass that was promised to be greener. It was time to go home.

Blake returned to his hometown and the family he had missed, and began working at the Black Crow Grill and Taproom. Bartending, by now, had become a lifestyle for him rather than a means to an end. Control over his life and behavior behind the bar continued to slip, causing him to sink further and further. With the further loss of control came amplification in his uninhibited interest in drugs, often finishing off a half bottle of vodka each night with a few beers and a line or two of cocaine. The spiralling out of control continued, until one night when an event led to the conclusion of a relationship with his longtime girlfriend. Depressed, alone, and at the end of his rope, he realized he had finally hit rock bottom thirteen years after his addiction had begun. He attended his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting the next day.

His time with the group provided the initial support he needed to get back on his feet, and he did so with a vengeance. Taking his rehabilitation upon himself, he committed the time he previously spent partying to getting back in shape. He bought a road bike and with grueling determination set out to better himself day-afterday, cycling thirty to forty miles at a time. The investment in his mental and physical health quickly began to pay off; pounds shed

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with each passing day and the difference was clearly visible. Family and friends commented on his transformation, and it fueled him to go further and faster.

When winter hit, cycling came to a halt, and rather than wait out the winter, he started running. Having crushed his social life while living from one extreme to the next, he took to the internet and met a woman who had competed in the Ironman. They began running and eventually cycling together. He realized that he was usually setting the pace during their time together, and figured he could compete at the same level she had. He entered himself into his first 50 kilometer (31.1 mile) race in Red Bluff, and during preparation for the race, signed up for his first Ironman in Louisville, Kentucky. He completed both challenges.

Rather than revel in his success, he decided to push harder, competing in a fifty mile ultramarathon in the Marin Headlands with ten thousand feet of elevation gain throughout the race. Without formal training, he had no concept of how to run it, but he ran it anyway. The pain he experienced through his lack of experience encouraged him to think otherwise. He signed up for his second Ironman, this time in St. George, Utah, and hired a coach to help him learn proper form.

Again, his investment paid off. In the wake of forty-five mile per hour winds, over twenty-five percent of the competitors dropped out; he placed in the top ten percent.

The forward momentum continued, and he soon signed up for a one hundred mile ultramarathon in Los Angeles, the only urban ultramarathon in the United States. Training his body to stand up to extreme physical and mental exhaustion, he would sleep for one hour at night, wake up, and run thirty miles straight. To further simulate the conditions of exhaustion he would face in the ultramarathon, he would stay up and perform the same defiant run the next day, again, with only one hour of sleep. He took the third day off, and ran through the cycle again, running a total of one hundred and ten miles over a five day period. When the contestants were announced at the race, Blake found he was up against four Guinness World Record holders amongst other notable athletes. A testament to practice making perfect, Blake led the race from mile twenty-three onward, eventually setting the course record. After completing 38

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the race, he grabbed a celebratory breakfast with his girlfriend and later returned to see the end of the race. The second contestant to cross the finish line did so one hour and forty-seven minutes after he had.

The experience proved that anything was possible. Though he fought for it tooth and nail, the one-eighty was nothing short of miraculous, and the results of the journey from helpless addict to elite athlete have only further cemented his resolve.

By testing himself at hurdle after hurdle, he found his own value and decided he would rather overcome his obstacles than be overcome by them. He calls it “strength beyond strength,” or the strength to place mind over matter. His story has earned him a number of captivated audiences throughout California, and a short documentary film about his experience landed him an opportunity to speak at an upcoming TED Talks.

Though his list of achievements are imposing, he maintains that there is always something greater out there; a challenge more daunting to overcome. For him, that challenge is currently the Kona Ironman.

Set to take place on October 12th this year, the Hawaii based Ironman competition is considered the Superbowl of endurance

UPGRADED LIVING | JULY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

races. It is an invite-only event that tests the best of the best and each year a total of six participants who have not yet completed the requisite number of Ironman competitions are provided an invite through a special program called Kona Inspired.

These six competitors are chosen based on popular vote for whose story is most inspirational, and Blake’s is currently one of fifteen finalists. Voting begins on June 29th and concludes on July 8th.

From not being able to ride a bike successfully from La Salles’ to Duffy’s a few short years ago, without crashing into a parked car and breaking his skull in three locations, to competing in the truest test of endurance involving a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run, Blake Anderson has accomplished what many would consider impossible. His story is, at least in our opinion, one of the most inspirational accounts of recovery and transformation. We imagine, you’ll feel the same.

Aveed Khaki Ron Schwager

For Families and Beginners Table Mountain

Driving Time: 35 Minutes

Hike: 1.8 miles up and back Although the wildflowers are mostly gone for the summer, it’s still a great place to take the family for kite flying, frisbee throwing and picnicking.

Yahi Trail

Hide and Seek!

Love to wander around, but not so aimlessly?

Send yourself out on a mission with Geocaching, a real-life outdoor treasure hunt.

It all started when a computer consultant wanted to test the accuracy of new and improved GPS satellites. He hid a bucket of stuff in the woods and posted the coordinates online for someone else to find using only their GPS navigator. The bucket was found, and so began the “take some stuff-leave some stuff” philosophy behind geocaching.

For Challenge-Seekers:

Driving Time: 10 Minutes

Hike: 8.8 Miles there and back Most of us have done a section of the Yahi Trail, but taking on the whole thing is great exercise with plenty of photo ops and swimming holes for cooling off. Start at the parking lot in Upper Park and hike all the way to Brown’s hole and back. If you still have energy, hike up Monkey Face to watch a beautiful summer sunset.

Feather Falls Semi-loop Driving Time: 1 Hour

Hike: 8.8 Miles

Bille Park Nature Trail

The waterfall is an amazing 415 feet high and stays flowing through all seasons. A beautiful hike with picturesque scenery and a mist from the waterfall to cool you off when you reach the top.

Hike: 1 Mile there and back

Bald Rock Canyon

Drive: ½ Hour

Only a few steep places on this well maintained trail make it a great little walk for the whole family. It’s a perfect way to conclude a picnic lunch in the park and catch some beautiful views of Butte Creek Canyon.

Drive: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

Hike: 4.4 Miles down and back A steep and challenging hike with beautiful scenery and the satisfying reward of sitting by a hard-to-get-to rushing river. The staircase down to the river is much-needed, time to face your fear of heights! Don’t forget to rest by the river to re-energize for the trek back up.

Lassen Peak

Drive: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

Hike: 5 Miles up and back Hiking up this 2,000 foot beauty is a must-do for anyone living in the area. The trail is moderately steep in some places, but well maintained. There’s not a lot of shade, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and food! The views from the summit are amazing and it’s a great place to organize a full moon hike as well.

Brokeoff Mountain Drive: 1 ½ Hours

Hike: 7.8 Miles up and back

Amy Brown 40

UPGRADED LIVING | JULY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

The view from Brokeoff Mountain is extraordinary! By far the best way to look at Lassen Peak and an amazing climb that is challenging, but not too intimidating. The hike takes you to creeks, drinkable spring water, and spectacular viewpoints. A well-maintained trail makes it accessible to most hikers.

Want to play? Sign up for free online, then enter the zipcode where you’ll be hiking and search to see geocaches in the area.

Your GPS will get you close to the box, but you might have to look up, down, under and over. If you take something from the box, be sure you leave something. Post your findings, photos and stories online and connect with others in the geocaching community!

For more details and to sign up for free, visit http://www.geocaching.com/

If you grew up in the area, you probably spent many summer days running up hot rocks with bare feet then plunking them into the creek water with a desperate splash and swirl of silt, siblings close behind on your trail of evaporating footprints from dunk spot to dunk spot. Although you might opt for shoes now, it’s great that we still have easy access to so many well-maintained trails for exploring our region of northern California. Whether you’re looking for a simple hike for the whole family or a challenge with summits and vistas as pay-offs, it’s time to grab your hiking stick, strap on your camera, and get to know the land that holds you.

Briana Lindstrom

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Lake Oroville

Thermalito Afterbay

Thermalito Forebay

Driving Time: 45 Minutes

Driving Time: 30 Minutes

Driving Time: 30 Minutes

Fish: Catfish, Coho Salmon, Sturgeon, Crappie, Bluegill, Mackinaw, Largemouth Bass, Sacramento Pikeminnow, Sturgeon, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Redeye Bass, and Black Bass.

Fish: Steelhead, Bass, Catfish

Fish: Rainbow Trout, Escaped Coho Salmon (from Lake Oroville) possible, but must be catch & release.

Type of fisherman: Beginner to Pro Notes: Pros should take advantage by boat. Shore fishing is also good (primarily catfish in the evening with chicken liver).

It’s one of the best Bass lakes in California and hosts several Bass tournaments.

Aquatic Park, Paradise

Type of fisherman: Beginner to Pro Notes: Stocked with 10,000 Steelhead in February. Anglers have been catching 4-5 pound Steelhead from the shore, however trolling will yield best results. Electric and gas boats are ok.

Paradise Lake

Driving Time: 25 Minutes

Driving Time: 30 Minutes

Fish: Trout

Fish: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Crappie, Bluegill, Catfish, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Type of fisherman: Kids only (15 and under)

Philbrook Reservoir

Notes: Closed Wednesdays. Most recent plant - Trout (5/12/13). No gas motors.

Very beautiful scenery!

Butte Creek

Type of fisherman: Beginner to Pro Notes: No electric or gas boats. Canoe, kayak, paddle boats and inflatables are ok.

Rentals are available.

Lake De Sabla Driving Time: 45 Minutes

Fish: Planted Rainbow, Native Brown Type of fisherman: Kid-Friendly, Beginner, Fly Fisherman

Deer Creek

Driving Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Driving Time: 10 Minutes or more (Depending on where you go)

Fish: Largemouth, Smallmouth, White Bass, Striped & Spotted Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Catfish, Rainbow and Brown Trout

Fish: Chinook Salmon (seasonal), Steelhead (seasonal), Planted Trout

Fish: Trout (native & planted), Salmon (seasonal),

Type of fisherman: Fly Fisherman, Stream fishing

Type of fisherman: Fly Fisherman, Stream fishing

Notes: Off road capable vehicle is advised for access

Notes: Most recent plant (5/12/13 - trout)

Notes: Great action around Elam Campground where trout are stocked. Native trout located below Deer Creek Falls (catch and release with barbless hooks).

Horseshoe Lake

Type of fisherman: Beginner to Pro

Driving Time: 1 Hour

Feather River

Driving Time: 1 Hour or more (depending on where you go)

Sacramento River

Driving Time: 5 Minutes

Fish: Catfish

Fish: Steelhead, Salmon, Striper, Shad, Chinook (seasonal), Striped Bass,

Fish: Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Striper, Striped bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Shad, White Sturgeon, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Channel & Bullhead Catfish, Crappie, Blue Gill

Type of fisherman: Kid friendly, Beginner Notes: Recently stocked with 8,000 pounds of catfish

Type of Fisherman: Pro, Fly Fisherman Notes: Shad fishing is really hot right now! Try Shanghai Bend in Yuba City.

Driving Time: 10 Minutes or more (Depending on where you go)

Type of Fisherman: Pro, Fly Fisherman Notes: Boat is required for best luck

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UPGRADED LIVING | JULY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

It’s going to be one-hundred-and-WHAT this weekend?! No amount of acclimatizing can make it ok, so we do what we summer people do best; we pack a few things, opt for swimsuits as undergarments, pile into the car with family and friends and head out to the closest swimming hole. Vacant swimming holes are like gold, so we can’t give all our secrets away, but we can guide you loosely to some of the best areas to swim and it’s up to you to discover your own favorite new spot! Within an hour’s drive, you can find some of the State’s most beautiful places to cool off, and with a soundtrack of local artist’s best summer music, the ride will be a breeze!

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Kyle Burns

Briana Lindstrom

UPGRADED LIVING | JULY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

(Honey Run Covered Bridge) Driving Time: 30 Minutes

(Dead end of Dean Road in Paradise) Driving Time: 40 Minutes

The Flumes

Kimshew Falls

There are several places along Butte Creek to swim and float. From fast waters to shallow dipping spots, you can find what you’re looking for if you hike along the creek. Be respectful to property owners and obey “No Trespassing” signs.

The walk never seems too long when you’re surrounded by trees and water is rushing under your feet as you make your way down the aluminum pathway. The Nose is a popular spot, but you can also explore to find your favorite hole. The walk down to the water can be steep, so step wisely.

A bit of a drive, but a beautiful place to spend the day. There is a large swimming hole at the bottom of the falls with plenty of rocks to dry off on.

Butte Creek

Grizzly Creek

Driving Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

(Hwy 70, 1 mile past Arch Rock campground) Driving Time: 1 Hour

(Hwy 70, 1 mile past Cresta Dam) Driving Time: 1 Hour

Rock Creek

North Fork of the Feather River

An adventurous walk through tunnels, in creek water and over boulders will bring you to swimming holes that are well worth it. Plenty of rocks to climb and coves to discover make it a perfect place for the creek hiking adventurer.

Hiking along the creek will lead you to a small waterfall, big rocks to jump off, natural water slides, and lots of small swimming holes scattered along the way.

Along with Grizzly and Rock Creek, there are plenty of places to swim along the Feather River. Usually if you see cars parked on the side of the road, or people walking in their summer best, you know you’re close to a good spot. Don’t crowd others at a swimming hole, the river is long so you should be able to find your own little area.

(Continue on Hwy 70 past Oroville) Driving Time: 40 minutes or more (depending on where you go)

Don’t Forget the music!

We love discovering new places to swim and instead of an inconvenience, we consider the drive to be part of the adventure. Some of the best memories are made with the windows down, music blasting and friends laughing in the wind on summer drives.

Chico is bursting with incredible musicians to accompany you on your drive with a variety of sounds.

Here’s a list of downloadable tracks by local artists to add to your summer soundtrack: Aubrey Debauchery & The Puke Boots: Whiskey Breath: iTunes

Robin Bacior: Man Before Me: robinbacior.bandcamp. com/album/man-beforeme-7

Surrogate: Lovers: soundcloud. com/surrogatemusic/ lovers

Deedee Vest: Sending Out A Message: reverbnation. com/deedeevest

Lisa Valentine: Thief: reverbnation.com/ LisaValentine

Cold Blue Mountain: Lone Pine: soundcloud. com/cold-blue-mountain/lone-pine

West By Swan: Indespensable: soundcloud.com/westbyswan/ indispensable

Kyle Williams: When You Go: ilovekylewilliams.bandcamp.com/

The Railflowers: Eucalyptus Tree: iTunes

Low Flying Birds: Dark Side Mine: reverbnation.com/lowflyingbirds

Katie Drake: Ready for the Ride: iTunes

The Pushers: Gone and Gone: facebook.com/chicopushers/ app_178091127385

Brass Hysteria!: Ska Billy Betty: brasshysteriamusic.com/fr_home.cfm

The Hambones: Only Want You: soundcloud.com/thehambones/hamboneslive-from-the-stork-1

The Shankers: I Do It For You: theshankers.bandcamp.com/ track/i-do-it-for-you

Health benefits of swimming

by Scott Amick

Use of many active muscle groups Non impact Hydrodynamic pressure good for joints and muscles High oxygen consumption 47

That’s the Spirit! Address your Summer Ailments

Veteran’s Benefits for the Elderly – Is it Really Worth it?

by Kafele T. Hodari, MD, FAAD

By Nicole R. Plottel, Attorney at Law Harris & Plottel, LLP Estate & Long Term Care Planning Center The Veteran’s Administration Non-Service Connected Pension with Aid & Attendance provides benefits for eligible veterans and/ or their surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another to assist in activities of daily living. Aid and Attendance is for applicants who need financial help for in–home, Assisted Living, or Skilled Nursing care. Similar to Medi-Cal, this VA program requires the applicant to demonstrate limited assets and income.

The maximum benefit can be quite sizeable:

$24,652/ year for a married vet

$20,795/year for a single vet

$13,362/year for a surviving spouse

Obtaining this benefit can, however, come at a hidden cost. Shifting assets in order to qualify for VA benefits can have costly and sometimes irreversible effects. Further, transferring assets of an incompetent person can impose severe liability on all involved. The Aid and Attendance benefit can be a valuable component in an expertly devised Long Term Care plan, but it is just one component. This benefit may certainly be “worth it,” but only after obtaining

expert legal counsel on how it may fit into your family’s care and financial plans, along with a comprehensive analysis of complex tax ramifications, Medi-Cal penalties, and other liabilities.

In real estate, it’s all about “location, location, location,” a simple adage with great meaning. When it comes to the prevention of skin cancer and photoaging remember, “sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen.”

The acquisition of brown spots, deep wrinkles, and, in particular, blotchy red skin, can be reduced with the use of a proper sunscreen. This blotchy red skin, typically around the nose and central cheeks, is so common that many people don’t recognize it as a distinct medical condition called rosacea.

Rosacea exemplifies the classic “nature vs. nurture” observation that certain medical conditions are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Rosacea occurs most commonly in people of Northern European ancestry. Intense ultraviolet light, in the form of sun exposure, is universally the most common trigger. It can also be triggered by physical or emotional stress, extremes in temperature, certain foods and alcohol consumption.

While we can’t change our genes, we can adjust our lifestyle to reduce the influence that environmental factors, especially sun exposure, play in causing facial redness by wearing a daily sunscreen.

When reducing your triggers and wearing sunscreen is not enough, consider calling your dermatologist to discuss medical options for treating your rosacea.

InThere are a number of proven prescription strength medications, and some exciting new therapies on the horizon, to address this common and often unsettling condition.

Dr. Hodari is a board certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.

530.893.2882 www.HarrisPlottel.com Both Nicole and her partner Neil A. Harris, CELA, are accredited by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs to represent and present veterans’ claims

Dr. Kafele T Hodari, MD, FAAD North Valley Dermatology 251 Cohasset Road, Chico 530.342.3686

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Ask Our

Experts!

Dear Kim, I have my hair highlighted every 4 weeks, it feels dry and it’s getting very expensive, please advise?

– Pam R.

Chemical Peels; The Ultimate Exfoliator

by Dr. Vimali Paul

One of the most common cosmetic procedures in the U.S., chemical peels are used to improve the texture of skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and treat fine lines and wrinkles.

Chemical peels are categorized as superficial, medium, and deep. When combined with laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion, the results can vastly improve the color and texture of the skin, giving a more youthful appearance with little discomfort or down-time.

We carry a wide variety of chemical peels to address specific skin conditions such as acne, pigmentation, fine lines, and overall skin rejuvenation.

Peels can also stimulate collagen synthesis and fibroblast proliferation to strengthen the skin’s support structure.

Peels contain different types of acids (glycolic, salicylic, mandelic, and resorcinol, to name a few) to remove the outer layer and stimulate the transition of cells from the bottom of the epidermal layer to the skin’s surface.

All of our peels are customized for your skin’s needs, and a facial is included pre-peel!

Dear Pam, Think of highlighting as a serious color commitment. I explain it to my clients this way:

A “Top” highlight (foiling just on the Mohawk section) 12 week commitment.

A “Partial Highlight (foil on the top & sides) 6-8 week commitment.

A “Full Highlight” ( foiling the whole head) 4-6 week commitment.

An alternative to highlighting, is balayage. As a full-time colorist, I’m finding myself using balayage or color blocking more & more behind the chair.

It’s a softer look and it also allows my clients more time in-between color appointments. My advice, Pam, is try something different. Get out of that boring old highlight and bring some color into that ‘do!

Kimberlee Klein, Owner of Poison Apple Salon

Poison Apple Salon | 313 Walnut St. Ste 100, Chico | (530) 899-7875

One thing I don’t need to tell any of you “Chicoans” is that it is HOT! Here is a list of some summer beauty essential must haves to help you look gorgeous in these extreme temperatures.

Lip gloss: Nobody wants to be seen rockin’ dry, cracked lips at the next pool party.

Waterproof mascara: If you don’t want to look like a rerun of The Swamp Thing, put it on before you jump in.

Travel size body spray or perfume: My advice is to bring both! Keep it fresh ladies.

Most importantly, WEAR SUNSCREEN! Yes your mother was right, you’ll wish you protected your skin from the sun later in life, so just do it!

Call the DermBar to schedule an appointment with our licensed skin care professional!

85 Declaration Drive #100, Chico 530.342.2672 | thedermbar.com 54

Before your next summer social extravaganza, make sure your essentials are in your purse.

Rocio Jauregui, Manager of Poison Apple Salon Have a beauty question for our experts? Email it to: beauty@upgradedliving.com. If we choose your question for the next issue, you’ll win a Label M Dry Shampoo and Youngblood Lipgloss from Poison Apple Salon in Chico!

UPGRADED LIVING | JULY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

Which Toothpaste Do I Use?

by Dr. Eltzroth, DDS Shopping for toothpaste can be very confusing. Whitening toothpastes, tartar control, gum health, desensitizing, – which is best?

Tartar Control: Tartar is calcified plaque which naturally forms and can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums.

While tartar control toothpaste has been shown to reduce the formation of new deposits, it can’t remove current ones and does nothing to prevent these formations where they are the most dangerous – underneath the gum line.

Desensitizing: These pastes contain ingredients which block the small tubelike channels that connect to the nerve tissue inside of your teeth. If you have exposed roots due to gum recession or teeth that are generally sensitive to hot and cold, this may be a good solution for you. Be patient – it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the “magic” to kick in.

Whitening: The abrasiveness of these products may reduce surface stains, but they do little to treat the actual yellowing of teeth from the inside. Most teeth can be whitened with the right treatment. Be sure to ask us what the best method is for you.

Gum Care: Studies have shown these to be questionable and less effective than standard toothpastes in preventing cavities.

Expensive or bargain brand?: Price doesn’t seem to be related to effectiveness when choosing a toothpaste. As a matter of fact, Consumer Reports magazine recently rated an expensive paste near the bottom of their list with a bargain brand near the top in several categories!

Your best bet is to use a brand that contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association seal of approval. The most important thing is to brush morning, night-time, and after every meal, use a soft brush, try to reach every surface of every tooth, and spend two minutes doing so.

Philadelphia Square Dental Care 140 Independence Cir, Ste. A 530.895.1999 chicofamilydentistry.com

Posture Perfect

by Dr. Michelle Anderson Have you ever thought about the message you’re sending with your posture?

Posture tells a lot about an individual: the person who’s slumped over looking at the ground as they walk appears depressed; the person who’s standing tall walking with shoulders back, looking ahead, and moving at a good clip appears determined and confident. Those are just two examples of what your posture could be telling other people.

The breadth of information that can be inferred by one’s posture can range from the person’s emotional state to his/her level of physical health.

Today’s challenge: Watch 2-3 people as they walk and sit, and see whether they’re interacting with others. Are these people happy? Mellow? Angry?

Shy? Friendly? Hostile? Fearful? Strong?

Relaxed? Confident? How about their physical health? Do they make time for themselves? Is their health a priority?

Do they have poor or excellent physical health?

After your evaluation of these other people, take a few minutes to evaluate your own posture – sitting, walking, standing, interacting with others. What does your posture say about your emotional state and your physical health? Is that the image you want to send?

Posture is a more critical piece to your daily life than most people realize.

If your posture is not portraying an accurate image of you, contact us at Chico Spine & Wellness. We focus on improving posture from the inside out, helping you look better and feel better.

Let us help you send the right message with your posture!

Chico Spine & Wellness. Life Changing Care through Chiropractic.

Chico Spine & Wellness 1350 East 9th Street, Ste.190 530.456.1457 55

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UPGRADED LIVING | JULY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

57

Artist Profile

Cevin & Niki Cox Briana Lindstrom Michelle Camy

Once upon a time in Utah, Cevin gave Niki a job at the Blimpie restaurant he managed, even though they weren’t hiring.

A series of events that mirrored The Notebook followed and now these two are living happily ever after with three adorable kids and a family art studio. It wasn’t always so picture-perfect though. When Cevin lost his job, the couple had a yard sale to make a little cash and that’s when the two self-taught artists realized they had everything they needed right in front of their eyes. Their paintings were the top seller at the yard sale and soon became the livelihood of the family.

UL: What do you like about Chico?

NC: I like the community and the diversity among the people here. I also like that there’s a heart for art here.

UL: How did you learn to paint?

NC: We are both self taught. My grandfather is an artist and he introduced sketching and pencil to me when I was little. I have a memory when I was 6 he sat me outside in his backyard in the freezing cold and pointed out a knot in a tree limb. He told me I couldn’t come back inside until he approved my drawing of the knot.

CC: I had an ADD problem so my mom bought me a ginormous box of oil paints.

I would spend anywhere from 8-12 hours in our basement painting; it was the only thing that would calm me down.

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UL: What do you get from your art?

NC: There’s a peace and sense of satisfaction when a painting’s complete. You look at it and it’s the physical expression of what’s going on in your head.

UL: What advice do you have for young artists?

CC: Do art every single day.

NC: Don’t be afraid. There are a lot of things that require taking risks. Don’t be afraid to sell, don’t be afraid to try a big canvas.

UL: What inspires you in the world?

CC: Boring things. I love color and I like to find things that need to be colored up.

Even the Statue of Liberty is rusted copper, so I like to apply my “colorist” style.

NC: Intricate things that take a long time to paint, but when you’re finished there’s a masterpiece.

UL: What are 3 words you describe each other with?

NC: He is an expressionist, free spirit and risk taker.

CC: She is patient, detailed and immaculate...I’ll say, you’ve been out here for 6 hours, what did you do? She’ll say “his eyes.” She’ll ask me what I did in 6 hours and I’ll be like “Four paintings!”

UL: What do you want your art to provide to the world?

NC: My true answer is to glorify God. I don’t do any religious art, but I’ll do things that have a meaning. I’ll paint a miracle that God did in my life but it will be abstract.

UPGRADED LIVING | JULY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

CC: I want a reaction when someone sees it.

Positive or negative, just a reaction. That’s what I like about the colors. It doesn’t matter what the subject is but people are like “Woah!

That’s a lot of color!”

UL: What’s your favorite color?

NC: Teal.

CC: Lime green. I use it in all of my paintings, even if it doesn’t go I’ll still put it in there.

UL: What is your favorite quote?

NC: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Franklin D. Roosevelt CC: A critic once asked Picasso why he used red and blue where it should have been a different color and he said he ran out of the other colors so he used what he had.

Visit the Cox Family on Facebook: facebook.com/CoxFamilyGallery

Artist Profile

Nancy Goddard Briana Lindstrom Michelle Camy When a woman named Esther Barnes called to tell me about local artist, Nancy Goddard, she was laugh-yelling with excitement and raving about Nancy as a person and portraitist. A few days later I found myself at Prestige Assisted Living to meet the 94 year old artist I’d heard so much about. Nancy is a true animal lover, which was obvious in her first few words to me.

“How anybody could do anything but love a dog, I don’t know. I’m just an animal person.

I lived alone for 40 years, taking care of myself and the yard. I had no interest in women’s lunches or what the girls were doing, I could care less. So I’m a character too, I guess, along with the dogs.” Her love of animals and empathy for those who have lost precious pets is where she finds her talent and niche in the art world. Doing portraits of pets is her specialty and she approaches each portrait with fine attention to detail and understanding of the animal’s disposition in order to create a lifelike lasting image for its owners.

UL: Where are you from?

NG: I was born in Oregon near the mouth of the Columbia River at a little army post and lived there for 3 days.

Then my dad left and went to France for World War I. As the child of an army officer, I lived all over the US. UL: Have you always been interested in art?

NG: Yes, I remember drawing for my grandmother. She was always talking about stuff I’m not interested in like Greek mythology. There was a picture at her house of some Greeks wandering around a courtyard and I remember drawing one of them with a long dress.

I was about 9 years old.

UL: How did you develop your style?

NG: I started doing watercolor roses.

When I was in art school I had to take life drawing. I was 17 years old and standing there in front of me was a naked man and I said “Oh no, this is not for me!” And they said anyone who goes to art school needs to take life drawing. What if you are going to illustrate for a department store or clothing company or something? You have to take it because you have to know what it looks like under the clothes.

UL: How do you begin a piece?

NG: It’s all from photos. I do nothing from the imagination. I am not an impressionist and I can’t stand modern art.

UL: What media do you use?

NG: I exclusively work in pastel.

UL: What do you want people to get from your art?

NG: It’s mostly for people who lost their precious little pet and they want to have a nice picture to remember the animal by. That’s why I try very hard to make my drawing exactly like their favorite picture. To me a drawing has more feeling of a third dimension as opposed to a photograph that comes out flat. That’s my observation. The drawing sort of makes it feel like their pet is more alive to them.

UL: What advice do you have for young artists?

NG: You gotta like what you do or you’re not gonna do it well. I don’t

think you can learn anything about art, actually from going to art school. You can learn about perspective, dimension, that kind of thing. As far as actually drawing a picture, no. It’s either in you or it’s not.

UL: What are 3 words you describe yourself with?

NG: You better watch out because I’m gonna tell you the truth. I speak my mind.

UL: Have you learned anything about yourself, or the world through your own artistic process?

NG: The creator did an awfully good job with the animals and the country, that’s about all I can tell you.

UL: What’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?

NG: It has something to do with dogs and horses, I’m sure. Maybe some of the rescue work that the dogs are doing. It’s inspiring.

UL: What is your favorite quote?

NG: My mother said “Love many and trust a few and always paddle your own canoe.”

Contact Upgraded Living for more information about Nancy Goddard 530.894.8091

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UPGRADED LIVING Calendar of Events July 2

July 10

July 24

Farmers’ Market North Valley Plaza, Chico 7:30 AM-12:00 PM

Farmers’ Market North Valley Plaza, Chico 7:30 AM-12:00 PM

july 3

July 11

July 25

Larry Carlton Sierra Nevada Big Room, Chico 7:30 PM

Farmers’ Market North Valley Plaza, Chico 7:30 AM-12:00 PM

Thursday Night Market Downtown Chico 6:00 PM-9:00 PM

July 4

July 12

Chico’s 47th Annual 4th of July Celebration One Mile Dam Recreation Area in Bidwell Park, Chico 7:30 AM-2:30 PM Thursday Night Market Downtown Chico 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Sprint Car Races and Fireworks Silver Dollar Speedway, Chico Moksha Sierra Nevada Big Room, Chico 7:00pm

July 5

Slice of Chico Downtown Chico 9:00 AM

ArtAbout Uptown, Chico 5:00 PM-8:00 PM

July 31

July 13

Second Saturday at the Mill Lucero Olive Oil Mill, Corning 6:30 PM-9:30 PM

Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards Open Tasting Room 3363 Hegan Lane, Chico 12:00 PM-5:00 PM

July 17

July 6

July 18

July 7

Artists’ Reception Orland Art Center Gallery: Artists’ Reception 732 4th St, Orland 3:00 PM-7:00 PM

July 8

Albert Lee Sierra Nevada Big Room, Chico 7:30 PM

Friday Night Concert: Stranger Downtown City Plaza, Chico 7:00 PM-8:30 PM

July 27

Farmers’ Market Wall Street & 2nd Street, Chico 7:30 AM-1:00 PM

Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards Open Tasting Room 3363 Hegan Lane, Chico 12:00 PM-5:00 PM

July 26

Friday Night Concert: Dylans Dharma Downtown City Plaza, Chico 7:00 PM-8:30 PM

Friday Night Concert: Chico Community Band Downtown City Plaza, Chico 7:00 PM-8:30 PM

Farmers’ Market Wall Street & 2nd Street, Chico 7:30 AM–1:00 PM

Thursday Night Market Downtown Chico 6:00 PM-9:00 PM

Wall Street & 2nd Street, Chico 7:30 AM-1:00 PM

Farmers’ Market North Valley Plaza, Chico 7:30 AM-12:00 PM

Farmers’ Market North Valley Plaza, Chico 7:30 AM-12:00 PM

Thursday Night Market Downtown, Chico 6:00 PM-9:00 PM

July 19

Friday Night Concert: Los Papi Chulos Downtown City Plaza, Chico 7:00 PM-8:30 PM Ebony & Ivory: Sultry Soul The Chico Women’s Club 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

July 20

Movie in the Park: Hugo Sycamore Field in Bidwell Park, Chico 15 Minutes after sunset Farmers’ Market Wall Street & 2nd Street, Chico 7:30 AM-1:00 PM

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Places within a short drive of the Northern Valley Getaways

Getaways

Bucks Lake, California

Google Map Search Term: “Bucks lake, ca�

BY BRIANA LINDSTROM

Sandy beaches, scenic shoreline and fresh mountain air are all you need to free your mind from work and worries for the weekend and truly relax. Less than 2 hours away, Bucks Lake offers hiking, camping, swimming, boating and fishing on pristine blue water surrounded by tall pines. Boat rentals, lakeview cabins, resorts and bed & breakfasts are all within reach in this natural paradise.

Family Practice • Well-Woman Care • Pediatrics • Gynecologic Care • Lifestyle Management •

Skyway Primary Care & Wellness Center 111 Raley Blvd. Suite #140, Chico

Call to schedule your appointment today!

530-342-5776