Interesting People
Survival Story
East Sacramento resident Ellen Cochrane is publishing her first book, “Follow the Water,” a true story about a young woman’s survival in Peru’s Amazon rainforest after a plane crash.
Cochrane’s book is designed for middle-grade readers, but it’s a fast, compelling read for adults also. Woven throughout are sidebars on topics such as the science of plane crashes and rainforest flora and fauna.
“It’s so critical to train kids in science and in critical thinking so they’ll be able to navigate today’s environment,” says Cochrane, a veteran middle school teacher of English, English-language learners, Spanish and Russian.
Growth Mindset
Agustín Arteaga, new head of the Crocker Art Museum, and I share something in common.
We both worked at the Dallas Museum of Art. I helped organize the Arts & Letters Live literary performance program. Arteaga ran the museum.
Now we cross paths again, this time in Sacramento.
Arteaga became the Crocker’s new Mort and Marcy Friedman director and CEO last July. He calls it “perhaps the best thing to happen to me, to come over here and be at the head of such a great institution.”
The Visitor
Michelle Callaghan writes biographical stories, but she doesn’t call them biographies.
Her books are more like intimate vignettes. They allow her clients to revisit and retell personal moments. Her little books zoom in, not out.
Callaghan calls her writing service The Visitor. She came up with the idea about four years ago, identifying a niche market in storytelling. The goal is to help families preserve histories of loved ones that might otherwise be forgotten and lost.
Earthly Delights
In a world where technology reigns, there’s something wonderfully natural about Kifumi Keppler’s work.
As owner and creative force behind Exotic Plants Ltd., Keppler has spent more than five decades creating a philosophy of making living spaces lush, mindful environments.
Her latest venture into moss‐art blurs the line between horticulture and art.
Life Lessons
After 35 years in public relations, Mia McDaniel knows how to grab attention. That’s why she titled her book “My Father’s Burning in Hell.”
“I was scared because I knew the title was really negative,” McDaniel says. “You’re either going to say, ‘Wow, I’ve got to get this book’ or ‘I never will read this.’ But I figured if you’re buying this book, you really want to see what this is about.”
The memoir isn’t built around a traumatic childhood. Rather, the Carmichael resident exposes family secrets and discusses the impact of having two narcissistic parents, one who’s a predator. But it’s not a sob story. It’s a well-told tale of how truth can set you free.
Mystic Mission
The Altar Room is open to the public only on Saturdays. Arriving at the nondescript storefront off 65th Street for the first time, a visitor might think it’s never open.
Tucked away in an industrial building, the lone indicator of the historical occult curiosities shop is a small sign that welcomes the curious.
Shasta Smith owns and curates The Altar Room. Along with its weekend retail sales, the site is a museum of oddities, an educational workshop for the witchy and an event space showcasing the city’s eclectic side.
