The boutique will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The location is 2698 Greenway Drive in Buckingham Park.

For more information call Leah Adams at 707-279-0642.

LAKEPORT – Just in time for National Shelter Dog Month, "Darby's Story: The Life of an Adopted Dog" (published by AuthorHouse), the colorful new children's book by Martha Steward, shares the story of Darby, an adorable dog that only wants to find a loving home to take him in.

Based on the true story of an adopted dog who finally found his home, "Darby's Story" is a heartwarming family tale for readers and listeners alike.

For Christmas one year, a single mother and her 5-year-old son decide to visit a local pet store chain to see whether any rescued dogs would be the right choice for them to adopt. Upon arrival, they saw many dogs in need of a good home and lots of love, but they were looking for that one special dog that would be perfect for them. Upon seeing Darby, they knew he was the right one.

Steward writes: “The other dogs were nice and friendly, but there was a special connection between Darby, Drew, and myself. I was seeking a specific temperament – a combination of a certain kind of personality and behavior. For our household, a relaxed temperament was ideal. The looks of the dog or the special breed did not matter. After many licks, Darby just brushed up against me, as if he were giving me a hug. Drew, almost the same height as Darby, gave Darby a hug. In return, Darby gave a very wet lick up the side of Drew's face. Those watching laughed at the surprise on Drew's face and at the warm connection we seemed to share with the dog. We knew he was the dog to bring home.”

Once settled into his new home as a part of the family, Darby's family discovers his many likes and dislikes, including his love of Swiss cheese and frozen grapes and his dislike of leaving his family unprotected. Join Darby on his many adventures in "Darby's Story: The Life of an Adopted Dog," a wonderful story about the joys that an adopted dog can bring to any family.

Martha Steward lives in Lakeport with her adopted cats Bear, Mim, Goober, and Widdle One and her horse Picabo. She enjoys writing her children's book series, which follows her adopted pets. She has a passion and love for unwanted animals, and throughout her stories she encourages her readers to be aware these animals need love and a home.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.authorhouse.com .

The governor successfully proposed and pushed for the Film and Television Incentive as part of a package of economic stimulus measures, which was passed by the state legislature in February 2009. Aimed at curbing runaway film and television production, a total of 50 projects have been approved for the program to date.

"I'm thrilled by the early success of our program – it's having an immediate impact," said Schwarzenegger. "Productions that were slated to film outside the state have shifted gears and are now shooting in California because of our film and television incentive. This is not only great news for our production workers, but for the thousands of small businesses that support film and television production in California and our state's economy as a whole."

The California Film Commission, which administers the incentive program, reports that among the 50 approved projects 50 percent are for independent feature films, 22 percent are for non-independent (studio) features, 8 percent are for direct-to-DVD films, 14 percent are for movies of the week and 6 percent are for TV series. Fourteen projects have already begun filming, and 22 more will begin before the end of the year. The remainder will begin filming in early 2010.

Notably, Sony Pictures Television's new series for FX, "Lawman," about a U.S. Marshal, will begin production in late October in Santa Clarita. The show is set in Kentucky and the pilot episode was photographed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

"Thanks to the production incentive and with assistance from the guilds and unions, we were able to prevent this show from leaving California," said Ed Lammi, Executive Vice President of Production for Sony Pictures Television. "We are extremely grateful that this new program allows us to keep the series here."

While many of the productions are slated to film in the Los Angeles area, other regions around the state will also benefit from an increase in production activity. Several productions are set to film scenes in Fresno, Kern, San Francisco, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Other approved projects slated to begin production this quarter include “Burlesque,” “Beginners,” “Social Network,” “The Raise,” “Answers to Nothing,” “Dinner for Schmucks” and “Max Rose.”

"Our members are starting to see results and are getting calls from productions that have qualified for the program," said Steve Dayan, Business Agent for Teamsters Local 399. "I am happy to see tangible jobs being created so quickly. This is great news for my members and our industry."

"Every week we learn of another production slated to film out of state that have instead chosen to stay in California," said Amy Lemisch, Executive Director of the California Film Commission. "The program is performing exactly as it was designed to, leveling the playing field and keeping us competitive."

Please visit www.film.ca.gov for details on the California Film and Television Incentive Program.

Vampire High by Douglas Rees.

(NY: Delacorte Press, 2003. 226 pp. $6.95, ISBN 0—385-73117-5)

Ages 12 and up

“You mean the pilgrims were vampires?”

Cody Elliot’s life has just been turned upside down in more ways than one and nothing he thought he knew can compete with what he’s learning.

He was happy living in California, but because of his dad’s job, the family has been forced to move to Massachusetts.

Cody does not like Massachusetts.

Nor does Cody like his new school. Back in California he was pulling in decent grades but now he has managed to get an “F” in every subject, including homeroom.

He thought the kids at his even newer school were weird, now he’s discovering that they’re not weird – they are vampires. The vampires don’t like to be called that, they prefer “jenti.” The jenti don’t like Cody Elliot.

From parents who have students they fear are failing to students who have parents who fail to understand the trials of high school, this book about being different, being friends and what it means to be a human being is sure to earn and A+.

Paranormal fans will enjoy the original take on vampire culture, and those who have steadfastly refused to get sucked into to the vampire craze will find one book worth sinking their teeth into.

When you’ve finished reading “Vampire High” you will feel like you’ve feasted on wit, satire and plain good humor, but it may leave you longing for a second helping.

Geri Williams is a local book fancier.

COBB MOUNTAIN – Plan to do some holiday shopping at the Holiday in the Pines Galleria, presented by the Cobb Mountain Artists at the Haute Spot, located in Meadow Springs Village in Hardester’s Shopping Center in Cobb.

The Holiday in the Pines Galleria will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and from noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays from Nov. 7 through Nov. 15.

Both visiting and local artists and craftspeople will offer beautiful, original handmade fine art and gift items in an attractive gallery boutique setting.

The nonprofit benefits local elementary school art programs. Visit the Holiday in the Pines Galleria for the art of it!

For more information about this unique holiday shopping extravaganza, please contact Alana at 707-928-8565 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .