Happy Fall Equinox friends – as we head into this gorgeous time of year, the activities are glorious! Women gathering for great food and a fabulous meet and greet with author Sarah Bamford Seidelmaan, Swimming with Elephants – put it on the calendar! Amy Schumer  – fav funny gal, returns to the bay next month in Oakland – laughs abound. Fall fashion collections have arrived, see where many originated at the new exhibit at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, “veiled meanings: Fashioning Jewish Dress.” Mother/Daughter Flamenco duo entertains in North Beach – fiery and fabulous!

Oct. 7. Women Who Lunch

Tomato author Sarah Bamford Seidelmann is coming to Los Gatos October 7th at 11:30 a.m. for a lunch and workshop focusing on her life belief that we should follow our feel good.  She is the author of Swimming with Elephants, her memoir detailing her unexpected pilgrimage from physician to healer. Sarah was living a nature-starved, hectic lifestyle until a walrus entered her life and changed everything! Guess we have to read the book to find out how.

After 13 years as a practicing physician, and Mom of 4, she took a three-month sabbatical to search for a way to feel good again. She witnessed so much suffering and longed for a way to address more than just the physical needs of her patients. Enter life coaching to help her with her path. Shortly thereafter she became a certified Martha Beck life coach herself. She sounds like an extraordinary tomato who wants to help the rest of us have an absurdly fantastic life. Mary Welty-Dapkus, herself a Martha Beck coach, hosts the yearly book luncheon where Sarah will be speaking.

At the conclusion of the always healthy, incredibly delicious catered lunch, Sarah will be leading a 2-hour workshop titled “Finding your FEEL GOOD on the Hero’s Journey”. So many of us are constantly searching for what moves us forward – this should help. I’ll see you there. Get the details.

Ballet Flamenco

Maybe all of your pals are heading to Spain this fall and you are staycationing. Don’t fret, you you can pretend you are visiting when you head to North Beach for Ballet Flamenco. You will experience a sultry Spanish night when the floor burns with pulsating sounds of footwork, song, castanets, syncopated hand clapping and guitar for a riveting display of this true Spanish art form.

Mother & daughter duo, Carolina’s y Carole’s, high energy and passion defines a new dimension in Spanish dance traditions in the heart of North Beach, Pachamama is a small colorful nightclub, full of charm and known for its tapas (many healthy options!)  Once a famous Speakeasy, and popular Italian restaurant, the landmark location oozes with history. One of the best spots in the city for Latin music and entertainment. This really is a hidden gem with a speakeasy vibe, cozy fireplace and Coit tower views. Ole – www. pachamamacenter.org

Oct. 21. Amy Schumer at the Paramount

She may be a bit controversial, but there is no doubt that she is one funny gal. Irreverent – yes, raunchy – yes, hilarious – of course. She brings all new material to the Paramount in Oakland next month on October 21^st. She is truly one of the entertainment industry’s leading forces as a stand-up comedian, actress, writer, producer and director.

Her no-holds-barred takes on sex, relationships, femininity and race relations have made her Comedy Central show, Inside Amy Schumer, a huge hit. Her comedic turns in Trainwreck that she wrote as well, garnered critical success. Snatched and I Feel Pretty were fan favs as well. However she got her start in stand-up and live shows and this is where she really shines. See for yourself! http://paramounttheatre.com

Fashioning Jewish Dress

Fall fashion season has arrived, and as we know, being tomatoes, everything old is new again. Trends come and go but most are rooted in history. The new exhibit at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, Veiled Garments: Fashioning Jewish Dress, from the collection of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, gives us a glimpse into fashion “trends” from the 19th and 20th centuries but includes information on so much more. Veiled Meanings focuses on how clothes balance the personal with the social and how dress traditions distinguish different Jewish communities. Over 100-curated garments are thematically divided.

You will discover an elaborate tulle-wedding garment from Egypt alongside an embroidered face veil from Afghanistan. The exhibition is centered on communities of the Sephardic origin, in which Jews were frequently found living in Muslim majorities. Along with portraying cross-cultural influences, the garments tell the story of Jews’ social status. The exhibit also partially addresses the topic of modest fashion, which has been enjoying resurgence over the past few years. As tomatoes, we may enjoy covering up a wee bit more than we did in our 20’s – so this is good news! The exhibit will be with us through January. 736 Mission Street. http://thecjm.org