Books and Blessings This Sunday

"In Orange County our beaches our more than simple geography, they are the cultural and spiritual center of our community. It is important that we recognize this common element in all our lives, regardless of faith tradition."

- Most Rev. Tod D. Brown, Bishop of Orange

On Sunday, the annual Blessing of the Waves will take place at the Huntington Beach Pier, where surfers, religious leaders and beach lovers will gather to show their appreciation for the ocean and give thanks for what it brings to the planet.

Scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., the annual event will include a prayer service and blessing of the sea, followed by what else? Some much deserved surfing.

For more information and pictures, visit their Facebook page.


Mission Viejo Readers' Festival
Book lovers will want to visit South Orange County for the 4th annual Mission Viejo Readers' Festival. Beginning on Sunday at 12 p.m., attendees will be able to meet with celebrity authors, hear readings, watch cooking demonstrations, and enjoy performances from local dancers and artists, all for free!

Some popular authors will be in attendance, including:

• Baseball player Jim Abbott (Imperfect: An Improbable Life)
• Former prosecutor Marcia Clark (Guilt by Degrees)
• Children's author David Shannon (Jangles: A Big Fish Story) 
• Actress Molly Ringwald (When It Happens to You: A Novel in Stories)
• Young Adult author Lauren Kate (Fallen in Love: A Fallen Novel in Stories)
• Young Adult author Rachel Cohn (Beta (Beta (Hyperion)))
• Chef/Owner, Zov's Bistro, Zov Karamardian (Simply Zov)

Also new this year is the recreation of the Middle Ages on the Village Green. With knights, sword fighting, and crafts, this sounds like a great way to engage kids and get them into a lifelong habit of reading.

You can get directions and find out what other authors are attending by visiting the city's website.