Living Creatively: Be at peace
Barbara Basia Koenig
January 4, 2020
We have within us a kind of spiritual anchor, an innate inner peace or presence of mind that is always accessible to us if we learn to cultivate it, as we do a sense of humor. Our presence of mind can withstand any adversity if we understand our place in the scheme of things. We can contribute to the chaos around us, or we can be an island of peace within it, somewhat like being in the eye of the storm. We can attain this inner tranquility through practice of presence.
Living Creatively: Find your personal space, and a ‘third place’
Barbara Basia Koenig
February 17, 2019
One way to live more peacefully and creatively is to set personal boundaries. We can view a personal boundary as a field of energy around us that we set through intention. We intentionally set a standard we intend to live by, and choose what influences we will allow, and not allow, to influence us. These influences affect our peace of mind and attainment of goals.
Living Creatively: Find your sanctuary within
Barbara Basia Koenig
June 28, 2016
Often we get so busy or feel so trapped by all the things that need to be done, we forget that we need to take care of ourselves, as well, and deserve the same attention and care we reserve for important projects, duties, obligations and chores. Some of us, however, are limited by circumstances that do not allow for time away to experience a connection with nature that we long for and need.
Point of View: Call ‘85/15’ what it is, and let Carlsbad vote on it
Roman S. Koenig
September 6, 2015
There is no such thing as a shopping mall in harmony with nature. No matter what slick pseudo-campaign advertising tells you, such development is not in harmony with its environment. Yet that’s what the proponents of Carlsbad’s so-called “85/15 Plan” for the Agua Hedionda Lagoon area want you to ...
Point of View: Housing mandate could doom Encinitas by design
Roman S. Koenig
February 8, 2015
“Community character” is a phrase that’s been batted about for months as Encinitas debates the shape of its state-mandated Housing Element, a plan that requires an accounting of how the city is going to accommodate population growth, affordable housing and environmental stewardship. The Enc...
Point of View: Bad crops growing at the ‘like farm’
Roman S. Koenig
November 28, 2014
I’ve never been one for popularity contests. I learned to be suspicious of them long ago in high school when I saw what kind of twits could be elected to student office. But I never really questioned whether I was naive about them. Until now. Late in October, I took part in the Four Points Fi...
Point of View: Principals, principles and politics
Roman S. Koenig
November 7, 2014
This season’s election netted some interesting results, from the campaign for Encinitas’ first elected mayor to the unseating of a longtime high school board trustee. Are these contests — the mayor’s seat and the San Dieguito Union High School District board — a sign of what’s to come in...
Point of View: Locals in spotlight to revive film commission
Roman S. Koenig
October 3, 2014
Our region is in need of a film commission, and thanks to the efforts of some key players on the North Coast, we just might see it go from script to screen. County Supervisor Dave Roberts (a former Solana Beach city councilman) and Encinitas arts Commissioner Francine Filsinger (who serves on the board of directors of San Diego Filmmakers) have joined a growing chorus calling for a sequel to the region’s now-shuttered film commissi...
Point of View: Encinitas and the snob effect
Roman S. Koenig
August 1, 2014
To anyone who has lived in Encinitas more than 20 years, it’s very likely they’ve observed a remarkable change in the culture and attitude of the city. Impatient drivers on El Camino Real who try to replicate the racing moves they see in the commercials for their priceless new car. Local shoppers ...
Point of View: Urban farm tiff has quite a plot
Roman S. Koenig
June 13, 2014
Encinitas’ long, rich history of agriculture has lost out to crops of so-called “McMansions” over the years, but patches of that past tradition continue to hold ground in the city’s urbanized environment. A new movement in urban agriculture stands to revitalize that tradition. Standing in the ...
Point of View: School’s in session this political season
Roman S. Koenig
April 11, 2014
Rocks, sand and a glass container. Encinitas City Councilwoman Kristin Gaspar brought teaching tools and a lesson plan for her portion of the State of the City address on April 4 at the Community Center. With a volunteer from the audience, Gaspar used the rocks, sand and glass to illustrate the i...
Preserved Home: No need to pucker over sauerkraut
Laura Woolfrey-Macklem
March 28, 2014
I grew up on canned sauerkraut, but homemade is just much better, and a lot less expensive. You can add caraway seeds to the cabbage during fermentation, afterwards, or not at all. Homemade sauerkraut is a great pantry staple, and it’s easy to make. For every 5 pounds of cabbage, you will need 3...
